Sonic The Hedgehog 2 is a platforming video game developed by Sega in 1991. It was the second game in the Sonic the Hedgehog series of video games. It was released on Game Gear, Sega Genesis, and Sega Mega Drive in 1991 and 1992, respectively. The series was developed by Sonic Team USA, and produced by Sega Technical Institute, a predecessor to Sonic Team.
Can a game from a system that many view as a turd compare to one of the greatest gaming icons of all time? You bet. Sega fans may say no, but I can say yes. Join us for the follow up to our Sega Genesis Sonic The Hedgehog review, where we take a look at Sega’s Game Gear and Master System sequels.
I have only just got round to playing this game, but it is very different to the first one. You can play as the super speedy Sonic, or you can play as the Spinball who is slow as a snail, but can go round the track twice as fast as Sonic. You can also play as the Ring-Out character who can grab rings from the ring-holders and then keep them for later. It is very different, and the choice of characters is a plus. The music is the only real negative I can find with this game, and that is that it is not as good as the first game. This is only the first in the series, and I hope that the next one is a lot better than this. ~~
Following the successful transfer of the original 8-bit Sonic the Hedgehog game, “Sonic the Hedgehog 2” adds all-new levels, mechanics, and gameplay elements not seen in the Megadrive original! It was released a month before its elder brother on the Sega Megadrive 2, in October 1992. Sonic’s now-famous two-tailed sidekick, Miles “Tails” Prower, had his debut appearance on the Master System in “Sonic 2.” The storyline of the game revolves on Sonic trying to rescue Tails from the nefarious clutches of Dr Robotnik while simultaneously rescuing the creatures of South Island and hunting down those pesky Chaos emeralds once again, unlike the Megadrive version.
Because the Master System was only available in Europe and Brazil, a Game Gear port was created and distributed for the rest of the globe to enjoy. There are a few small changes between the two versions, the most notable of which being the Game Gear version’s increased difficulty level owing to the scaling of its sprites, making it very difficult to detect and escape dangers in time!
Getting through those zones in a flash!
“Sonic the Hedgehog 2” takes a bold move away from the Megadrive version of the game to create an entirely new experience. The action takes place over seven distinct zones, with the seventh zone available only to those who find the Six Chaos Emeralds concealed across the first six zones. Only by doing so will the seventh Zone, “The Crystal Egg,” be opened, allowing players to save Tails and achieve the game’s real ending. The game’s zones are diverse and interesting, with a unique beginning zone called “Underground” offering an extremely early challenge including minecart trips and lava pits. (It’s a nice break from beginning at Green Hill Zone, but don’t worry, it’s still there!) From the bubbles and water skipping of the Aqua Lake zone to the difficult hang-glider portions of the Sky-High Zone, each Zone has its unique gameplay gimmick.
The aforementioned Chaos Emeralds are hidden in the second act of each zone, and the player will need them to view the real ending. Some of them may be difficult to locate, so put on your explorer boots if you’re serious about discovering them all! Sonic’s ring mechanics have been improved since his initial Master System appearance, and he now drops a pile of rings that may be recollected for a limited time after being struck by an opponent. Sonic will get an extra life if he collects 100 rings, as is customary. The Extra round, which has been a series hallmark, is absent from this game, but it is compensated for by bigger, more complex zones with lots of rings and bonus goodies hidden inside in each act.
Boss fights have returned, this time in the shape of robotic creatures that fight for Robotnik instead of him! An Antlion, a Goose, a Sea Lion, and a Pig are among the designs available. These monsters all have unique attack patterns and vulnerabilities that must be discovered in order to dispatch them swiftly and with minimum harm to your extra life supply!
A genuine high-octane thrill ride!
Being published a few years into the Master System’s lifetime has benefited off in this case, as the Developers were able to get the most out of the hardware for this installment. The sprite work has improved since the original 8-bit Sonic game, and the diversity of adversaries and gameplay elements help to maximize the gaming experience. Each of the game’s seven zones is well-designed and usually enjoyable to play through, with some difficult parts put in for seasoned Sonic fans to offer a new degree of complexity. While the music isn’t nearly as memorable as it was in the previous game, it is usually nice and appropriate for each zone’s theme. “Sonic the Hedgehog 2” is often included on lists of Master System must-haves, and its prominence is well-deserved. Although it would have been great to play as Tails as a playable character (Master System owners will have to wait for “Sonic Chaos,” the next installment in the 8-bit series). Sonic controls effectively and retains his fundamental techniques from the previous game, which will aid him in reaching the game’s dramatic climax.
Gaming Rating with a Star
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 provides a great platforming experience for long-time fans of the series, as well as enough new gameplay to entice newbies looking for a fun Sega Master System adventure. There’s a lot to see along the way, thanks to the bigger stages and difficult Chaos Emerald placement, and it won’t be as simple this time for anybody who thought the previous game was a little too easy.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 for the Master System and Game Gear is very cheap due to its large print run, starting at about £4.00 for a cartridge and £7.00 for a full copy. With such a disparity, you may as well go the full (Hedge)hog and get the box and instructions as well.
To summarize, if you own a Sega Master System and like platforming games, Sonic 2 is an absolute must-have for the system. Even if you don’t enjoy platformers, it’s worth buying up simply to have a full Master System game (with nice box art) on the shelf for under ten pounds! Put on your speed-shoes and go get a copy!
16 years later and the team at SEGA have once again done a brilliant job with Sonic The Hedgehog 2. The game isn’t just a straight port of the first game, but actually improves on the original in almost every way, especially when it comes to the level design, which is possibly the best in the series so far.. Read more about sonic the hedgehog 2 ps4 and let us know what you think.
May not look like but definitely a big tech addict. Tech blogger since graduating in her home town in Esbjerg. Loves long bike rides across the country.