Sonic the Hedgehog was a video game released by Sega in North America on June 23rd, 1991. The game featured a blue hedgehog, who was capable of running at near supersonic speeds. The game was very well received by critics, who loved the game's visuals, audio, and gameplay. The game went on to sell nearly 24 million units (15 million on the SEGA Genesis console, making it the best-selling game on that particular console), and became one of the best-selling video games of all time. The success of "Sonic the Hedgehog" led to Sonic becoming Sega's mascot, and to the sequel game, "Sonic the Hedgehog 2" in 1992. The success also led to successful Sonic-based movies in the recent years.
FUN FACT: Sonic the Hedgehog was the first video game character to appear as a balloon in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade!