An early internet user named Thompson described Marble Zone in Sonic the Hedgehog as tricky, requiring skill, precision, and brains, unlike previous zones where running at top speed was effective.

An early internet user struggled to get past the first boss in Sonic the Hedgehog.

An early internet user named Doug stated that Sonic the Hedgehog moves differently from other run and jump games, possessing a grace and speed that no other game had achieved at the time.