Although Sonic the Hedgehog had been introduced to the gaming world in the first Sonic game in 1991 it was the sequel that really helped Sonic take over the world. Released in 1992 for the Sega Genesis (or Mega Drive) the game added a number of new features and improved on every part of the original game. To some it is not only the seminal Sonic game, but the seminal 2D platformer.The first thing a player notices when they turn the game on is now recogniseable face of Miles "Tails" Prower on the title screen alongside Sonic. Soon afterwards the upgraded music kicks in and the player starts to realise they are now playing a special game
the music adds more than one would imagine and it adds something throughout the whole game.
When you start the first level you feel completely at home as the level has a lot of similarities to the opening
level in the first Sonic game, though it's not long before the improved level design and graphics start to wow you. Levels now bring in not only multiple routes but scenery that really plays a part such as lefts, pipes and slides that all come together to create a much fuller experience than the first game. Though the basis of the game is the same, the player controls Sonic (or Tails) and have to defeat Dr Robotnik (Dr Eggman in some versions) to save the world. The improvements are really brilliant and add a lot, not just in presentation but also in playability adding the now trademark spindash to the series.
With 20 in game levels (spread over 11 zones) and 7 bonus stages the game will take some time to get through though what you will find is that the game is genuinely a joy to play. The creative team from Team Sonic really nailed the 2D platform genre and made it not only a playable joy but a memorable experience. Even the worst levels in the games are wonderfully complex with out getting frustrating or annoying (see the water levels in the original Sonic game).Whilst I personally feel Sonic 3 (and Knuckles) is the the best Sonic "game", Sonic 2 is a very complete and thrilling experience that really must be played by every single serious gamer.
92%
Details:
Console-Mega Drive
Release-1992
Developer-Team Sonic
Genre-2D Platformer
Players-1or 2
Trivia-
Sonic 2 added multiplayer to the Sonic platform genre with a 2 player racing game and allowed a second player to control Tails.
