Geekscape Games Reviews ‘Sega Ages: Sonic The Hedgehog 2’
There’s a reason why Sonic 2 is considered by many to be Sonic’s peak. It introduced so much that is considered a series staple, from the addition of Tails and Robo Sonic to the iconic spin dash, the unlockable Super Sonic and flashy stages like the Casino Zone. It’s no wonder why it’s been released on nearly every console imaginable in one form or another, with the Switch now joining that massive list. As part of the Sega Ages series, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 arrives with some extra bells and whistles to make it a more worthy purchase, but is it enough to warrant another spin (dash)?
During its time, Sonic on the Genesis stood out as a game that focused on speed and style as opposed to the precision that other platformers typically build themselves around. Sonic 2 still holds up as the game that refined this gameplay style. Taking place across 10 stages that are divided into two or three acts, every one is completely unique, constantly introducing new mechanics, obstacles and enemies to keep you from stopping Dr. Robotnik, (or is it Eggman? Does a port override that?) The good doctor faces you himself at the end of each stage, with progressively difficult fights that make it harder to hold on to your rings. Get hit with no rings and you’re dead.
Thankfully, with the addition of Tails, fighting the good fight can be made a little bit easier. Sonic 2 was the game’s first attempt at multiplayer, where a second person can control the two tailed fox independently from Sonic, (but can never move beyond the screen’s borders without getting moved back). Acting as a conduit for endless punishment, the sidekick can gather hard to reach items without fear of death, even being able to take down Eggman with little to fear. When playing solo, Tails follows closely behind Sonic and tries his best to mirror the hedgehog’s moves. The AI isn’t as helpful as a person, but landing a stray hit or collecting an accidental ring are welcomed side effects.
But as great as Sonic 2’s main game is, the bonus stage is one aspect that has never left my memory, serving as the best mini game in the series as far as I’m concerned. Running down a 3D half pipe, (which was the coolest thing in 1992), Sonic and Tails aim to collect a certain amount of rings as they avoid bombs that drop their total. Accomplish this seven times to collect the Chaos Emeralds and you get Super Sonic, a ring depleting form that gives Sonic super speed, limited flight and invincibility. It’s incredibly rewarding to beat these tough mini games and be allowed to plow through the bad guys for your troubles. In the past, this would have to be accomplished in a single run, but thanks to save states, you can try (and fail) as many times as you need until the emeralds are yours. Modern technology really is good for something!
Other additions include a 100 Ring Challenge, where players race to meet the clearly stated goal as fast as possible and share their scores on worldwide leaderboards. Other challenges include a ring streak challenge, where you try to collect as many rings as you can without getting hit, and the entire Knuckles campaign that was exclusive to the magic of “Lock-On” technology once upon a time. Knuckles with his gliding and climbing abilities make it feel like a different game, giving you two ways to play for the price of one!
This is essentially a perfect port of Sonic 2 that runs as smooth as always in either handheld or TV modes, so if you want to fall back in love with peak Sonic alongside his feature film debut, than this does its job exceedingly well. The addition of the Knuckles campaign was a welcomed surprise, allowing us to play twice with a completely different approach. With that said, if you want more than just the second game, there are more cost effective ways out there to get the whole series, while those who wanted some extra incentive to buy the game again won’t find a whole lot if they’re not into leaderboards. But if you wanted that nostalgia trip on your Switch or you’re a new player who wants to discover what all the commotion was about before the days of Warehogs and being best friends with Mario, then you’ll want to run to the eShop at sonic speed.
Final score: 4.5/5
