If you’re a regular reader of my work, then you’re probably aware of the catchphrase ‘the retro gaming community always surprises me’ that I seem to have given myself. I say it all the time, but only because it’s true. For a community that collects old media, you sure have an endless supply of new and exciting ideas, and it’s a privilege to report on them every day. The latest creation that’s caught my eye is this demake of a classic Sonic the Hedgehog level for the Game Boy DMG, something that might probably have sent Nintendo and Sega into a downward spiral back in the day but is greatly appreciated in 2025.
Game dev and YouTuber RetroSilver has recreated the Green Hill Zone level from Sonic the Hedgehog 1. Released in 1991, it’s an unbelievable game that doesn’t need any introduction, the game that brought us the fastest Hedgehog, one of my favourite games in Sonic Adventure 2 Battle, and three films that have taken the world by storm over the last few years.
When I see this demake, I’m reminded of the difference between Donkey Kong Country and Donkey Kong Land. I’m so used to seeing Sonic the Hedgehog 1 in colour that the change seems massive, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want to give it a go for myself. I love playing Sonic games on our favourite retro handhelds, but this project has a whole new level of 8-bit nostalgia to it that appeals to the handheld nerd in me.
RetroSilver has made the project using GB Studio and goes into detail about the processes involved with recreating the Green Hill Zone in the style of the DMG. Watch as he makes Dr Robotniks Badniks and places rings on the levels for Sonic to collect. And while RetroSilver shows off this level on an Anbernic RG35XX, I’d love to test it out on an Analogue Pocket or in a flash cart on an actual Game Boy.
While there isn’t any information as to whether RetroSilver will make this project available for us to play, the video definitely gives you enough information to work if you want to recreate the level on GB Studio for yourself. For someone who writes about games and doesn’t make them, I found the video to be pretty insightful, and if you already have some 8-bit game development experience then the whole process should be a doddle. We’d love for you to get in contact with your finished results if you do give it a go!
