Sonic Classics (Compilation)

"Sonic Classics," often known as "Sonic Compilation" in some regions, is a compilation of games released for the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis system, bringing together three significant games from the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise. This collection was a way for Sega to market their most successful titles in a single package, catering to both long-time fans wanting to relive the experiences and new players who may have missed these titles during their initial releases. Here's a brief overview of each game included:

1. Sonic The Hedgehog - This is the original game that started it all, launching Sonic as Sega's mascot and giving players a high-speed platforming experience that was a significant contrast to other games at the time. Players race through levels at high speeds, collecting rings and defeating enemies.

2. Sonic The Hedgehog 2 - The sequel built upon the original with the introduction of Sonic's sidekick, Tails the fox. This game featured more elaborate levels, faster gameplay, and introduced the now-iconic Spin Dash move. It also provided a local two-player competitive mode.

3. Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine - A departure from the traditional Sonic gameplay, this is a puzzle game akin to Puyo Puyo, where players match colored beans to defeat the antagonist, Dr. Robotnik, and his henchbots. It requires strategy and quick thinking.

This collection was an early example of a video game franchise leveraging its past successes to continue brand momentum and provide value to gamers. It allowed Sega to keep these titles relevant in the market, especially at a time when new console generations were emerging, and also introduced these classic experiences to a new audience at a bundled, cost-effective price point.