Sonic The Hedgehog for iPhone [iTunes link] was released today on the App Store. You can download Sonic for iPhone for $5.99 and start racing through various levels to free captured animals from the insidious Dr. Robotnik (more commonly known as Dr. Eggman).

Sonic for iPhone was announced by Sega’s Director of Production, Paxton Lazar, during the “Mobile Gaming Experience” panel at the Consumer Electronics Show, on January 7, 2009.

According to Sega, Sonic has been faithfully recreated to take advantage of the iPhone’s powerful capabilities, enabling users to enjoy the classic style and breakneck speed of the game with responsive touchpad controls.

PocketGamers wrote:

It’s very much classic Sonic - we’re talking Mega Drive era - with seven zones to run, jump and roll your way through. They include Green Hill Zone and Labyrinth Zone, as well as special stages.

You can play in full-screen or ‘Arcade’ view, with on-screen virtual controls handling the action. The key thing will be the speed and smoothness, of course - fans will howl if it’s not up to the job.

[via PocketGamers]