Description

"Somari" is an unlicensed video game that was developed and published by Hummer Team in 1994 for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). The game is a curious crossover that famously features the character Mario from Nintendo's widely acclaimed Super Mario series, but it places him in a world and gameplay style highly reminiscent of another iconic video game series, Sega's Sonic the Hedgehog. In "Somari," players control Mario as he adopts Sonic's fast-paced platforming style, racing through levels at high speeds, spinning, and jumping across platforms and enemies in a variety of creatively designed levels. The mix of Sonic's speed and Mario's jumping abilities creates a unique gameplay experience that stands out in the NES library.

The game's existence is particularly notable given the intense console rivalry at the time between Nintendo and Sega, making "Somari" an interesting piece of video game history. This bootleg title was never officially licensed by Nintendo, and it occupies a niche but fascinating place in the collector's market because of its oddity and rarity. "Somari" was primarily distributed in Asian markets and has since become something of a cult classic among retro gaming enthusiasts. The gameplay, while unmistakably similar to that of "Sonic the Hedgehog," has unique mechanics and alterations that differentiate it, providing an interesting and novel experience for players familiar with both franchises. "Somari" not only serves as a testament to the creativity and sometimes audacity of unlicensed game developers but also as a snapshot of the cultural exchanges and influences within the gaming industry during the early 90s.