Sonic the Hedgehog is a 2D side-scrolling platformer. The only playable character (in the original release) is Sonic the Hedgehog. The goal of the game is to pass through several different levels, or as they're known here "Zones". Each Zone is comprised of three different "Acts". Each act has lots of enemies, terrains, and obstacles laid throughout them. For every enemy destroyed and item collected the player earns points that adds up to a final score. At the end of the second act there is a boss fight.

Sonic's main ability is speed. When momentum is built up Sonic can reach impressive speeds and blaze through the zone. His speed allows him to go through loops or up ramps that launch him high into the air.