Sonic The Hedgehog 2

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.

Sonic The Hedgehog

In 1991 the video game world would welcome one of the biggest names in video game history with the launch of "Sonic The Hedgehog". The game, released on the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis became one of the keys behind Sega's huge boom in the early 1990's and the success of the Mega Drive/Genesis.

Although Nintendo had well established Mario character Sega's mascot up to then was somewhat lacking, but with Sonic at the helm they had a bad-ass hedgehog to challenge the Plumber.

The game is a 2D platform game with emphasis mainly on speed with Sonic being able to run at blistering speeds as he charges through the games levels. In total the game has 19 proper levels (with 6 "Zones" broken into 3 "acts" as well as a Final Zone) and a number of "Special Zones" where Sonic attempts to get a chaos emerald. Through out the Zones sonic will come across a variety of obstacles, enemies and a boss created by "Dr Robotnik" (or Dr Eggman).

In the game Sonic gets to collect a number of power ups including a shield and temporary invincibility though the main collectable are the golden rings that litter the levels. If the player collects 100 rings in a level they will be given a new life though the rings have a second purpose, if the player gets hit with out any rings they will die (if they have rings they will be thrown about the screen allowing for Sonic to re-collect them).

As well as the fast paced gameplay the game also features some fabulous music which often has an uptempo feel to it and sound as good as the game plays.

Whilst it's hugely fun and rather expansive the game does have it's serious flaws, mainly the frustrating level design of some of the later levels, most notably the water levels. For example Scrap Brain Act 3 feels badly designed and it seems to have enemies appearing at the worst times as well as having air bubbles spaced too far apart.

The level select screen

Whilst the game is wonderfully well crafted on the whole it has too many flaws to be called the "King of Platforming" as some declare it to be. The game is relatively short (if you take out the frustration of Scrap Brain Act 3) and on the whole it's "simple". Whilst it's not the greatest 2D platform game, it is a game that set the platform for the follow up Sonic games (including the amazing Sonic The Hedgehog 2).

88%

Details:
Console-Mega Drive
Release-1991
Developer-Team Sonic
Genre-2D Platformer
Players-1

Trivia:
The game became the "Pack in title" for the Mega Drive/Genesis much like Tetris had been for the Game Boy
The "Banner and stars" title screen was also used by Sega in the "Alex Kidd" and "Wonder Boy" games.