So, Sonic Frontiers just came out today, so I would like to tell the story of how I first found out about Sonic.

The year was 2010. I was 2 at the time, and I was at the grocery store with my mom. She asked me if I wanted to rent a movie from Redbox, in which I happily nodded my head. As I ran over to see what was new, I saw a picture of a blue hedgehog surrounded by aliens of all different colors at the bottom corner of the screen. I asked my mom, pointing at the picture, what it said. “Sonic Colors, it says it a video game for Wii,” she answered, while smiling at me. Now, up until then, the only video game I knew of was Super Mario, I would have a lot of fun playing with my 2 older sisters. I then begged her to rent it for me, as I thought this Sonic guy looked cooler than the fat plumber I knew of. She said yes and rented it, in which I was jumping with excitement. As soon as the clear disc case popped out of the dispenser, I immediately snatched it, and ran out of the store to our car.

I was so excited that as soon as I opened the door, I darted toward the basement stairs, not even thinking about greeting my family, as I usually did. I went down the carpeted staircase to the basement so fast, I almost tripped. Once I regained my balance, I darted toward my shiny, white Nintendo Wii, and as I looked at the blue disc for one last time, I slid it into the disc drive. I plopped down on the couch, grabbed a Wii Remote, and clicked on the large “Start” button, readying myself for what this game was. And what I saw, I will NEVER forget.

The intro started, and as soon as it did, I. Was. HOOKED! Sonic and Tails ran through the many different planets, with Yacker right beside them, destroying badniks and grinding on rails. It was pure eye candy, and I was loving every minute of it. I soon booted up the first level: Tropical Resort. As I moved forward, I noticed that Sonic started off slow, but then got faster over time, but at the time I didn’t know that it was momentum. I then figured out the boost button, and it was so cool seeing Sonic break the speed of sound in one instant. And I just kept playing and playing, I didn’t even want to go to bed when my parents asked me to. I soon fell asleep, but dreamed I was still playing the game. It was amazing.

Now, I’m 14 years old, and I’m still with him to this day. I bought more Sonic games, grew to like the Dreamcast era, and even started playing the classic games. But every now and then, I go back to the game that made me a fan of this series in the first place. And so, from the bottom of my heart, thank you SEGA, Sonic Team, and last but not least, the blue blur himself for making memories and pumping out more and more games for us longtime fans, and new fans alike.

I may be a year off, but Happy 30th Anniversary, Sonic!