Finally a 2006 issue of Electronic gaming monthly featuring "the 200 greatest games of all time"
Every so often a magazine will try a 'greatest games list', and Sonic is generally on there somewhere. The cover leaves a bit to be desired, as Sonic is rather yucky looking, and the "Grand theft Auto" guy is the star of the show. At least Sonic is not lecherous like poor Donkey Kong, who is reaching for unsuspecting Lara Croft's butt. 

But what about the article? Sonic 1 was ranked 56th best.
The caption reads: "Sonic the hedgehog: Genesis 1991- Even loyal supporters will concede that nowadays Sonic's debut feels skimpy in the gameplay department, but its impact on other aspects of gaming has not diminished. The classy art Deco Aesthetic (compare its look to plain-JaneSuper NES contemporary Super Mario World's) and 'tude-filled protagonist re-invented the platformer." Photo credit to mATT