Sonic Jam 6

Sonic Jam 6, sometimes referred to as 'Super 1998 Sonic 6,' stands as a testament to the wild world of unlicensed gaming, where recognizable franchises are often given unique treatments by developers operating outside the traditional legal avenues. Developed by Gamtec, this title was a peculiar mix of Sonic the Hedgehog and Super Mario Bros., exclusively available in Taiwan in 1998.

The Game:
Although it carries the 'Sonic Jam' name, it bears little resemblance to the official Sega Saturn game 'Sonic Jam' released in 1997. Instead, 'Sonic Jam 6' is a blatant bootleg port of the Super Mario All-Stars rendition of the original Super Mario Bros. game, with graphics and elements lifted directly from it.

Gamtec replaced Mario with Sonic the Hedgehog. However, the portrayal of Sonic is curious, as he is red without a Super Mushroom and blue when he gets one. The title screen was revamped to display Sonic, as were the intermission screens showing remaining lives and the "Game Over" screen. In spite of these changes, remnants of the original Super Mario Bros. game remain, such as the large Mario head in the underground bonus areas.

Controls:
The controls deviate from standard Sonic or Mario games. The C button allows Sonic to jump, while the A button releases fireballs if Sonic has obtained a Fire Flower.

A Strange Recognition:
In a peculiar twist, Iran's ESRA (Entertainment Software Rating Association) officially rated 'Sonic Jam 6' on September 26, 2011, deeming it suitable for children with a 3+ rating. The act of rating an unlicensed game is uncommon and showcases the unpredictability and versatility of the gaming world.

In Conclusion:
'Sonic Jam 6' remains a quirky footnote in the annals of gaming history. A mash-up of two of the most iconic gaming franchises, it's a title that many might not be aware of but stands as an interesting glimpse into the unlicensed world of game development. Whether it's considered a rip-off or an homage, 'Sonic Jam 6' is undeniably a unique artifact of the 90s gaming scene.