Super Mario Bros [NES] v. Sonic the Hedgehog [‘91]

[Leynos]

The 16-Bit Sonics are not "fast"; that's the modern series ever since Dreamcast, where it just became a straight line and holy shit speeeed!

The original 3 games have branching paths in most levels. The goal was to maintain momentum. Avoid obstacles and stomp enemies in stride, and do it long enough rewarded with speed.