The 8-bit Sonic the Hedgehog is a side-scrolling platform game similar in gameplay and style to the original 16-bit Sega Genesis game of the same name,[3] save for several new and altered game mechanics.[4] As in the original, the anthropomorphic hedgehog Sonic ventures to rescue the animal population of South Island from the diabolical Doctor Robotnik, who plots to turn them into robots.[5] The player jumps between platforms, avoids enemy and inanimate obstacles, and breaks televisions to collect shields, speed shoes, and invincibility, and mark checkpoints.[6][7] Like the original, Sonic collects rings, which protect him from being hit by an enemy or obstacle.[b][5] The player starts the game with three lives[8]: 12  and will lose one if they are hit without carrying any rings,[5] drown, fall into a bottomless pit, or reach the act's 10-minute time limit.[4][8]: 10 The game ends prematurely when all lives are lost, although the player can return to the beginning of the current act if they have any continues.[8]: 12  Gameplay is slightly slower and more focused on exploration than the original.[3][5][9]