Game Information

ROM Information:
Save Function on ROM: Yes
Emulator/s it has been tested on: Kgen98, megasis, Genecyst

System:
Sega Mega Drive
Released:
1992
Extras:

Direction Pad:
Move Sonic left and right. Down to spin.
Start Button:
Pause.
A Button:
Jump, press with down on the D-pad to speed up.
B Button:
Jump, press with down on the D-pad to speed up.
C Button:
Jump, press with down on the D-pad to speed up.

Every console needs to have a game character that when you see them, you know which system their from. Playstation has Lara Croft, Nintendo has Mario and Sega has arguably the best of the lot, in the shape of Sonic. It's fair to say that of all the console characters, sonic is the best looking and certainly has the most attitude. However, looking good is only part of it, if the games don't play good enough us gamesplayers won't buy the games...

Sonic first appeared on the Master System where he stunned the world with his fast-paced action, unforgettable characters, stunning level designs and some of the best visuals ever seen on the 8-bit machine. Sonic had to go head to head with Alex kidd, a game which was already established as the systems best platformer, however sonic came, he saw and he conquered! His future was secured, and Sega released Sequels, and various other games starring Sonic and so Alex kidd sadly faded into oblivion. Sonic become one of the most loved gaming characters this side of Mario, and Sega knew it, and so the release of the Megadrive got us gamesplayers excited at the prospect of seeing Sonic on our screens looking better then ever.

"The game retains all the ingredients that made the original such a hit"

The first Sonic on the Megadrive was a huge success, and so it was only a matter of time before a sequel was to be released, and here it is, Sonic2. The game retains all the ingredients that made the original such a hit, the speed, stunning levels which just seem to go on forever, perfectly placed obstacles and enemies and an all together challenging and fun platformer.

So what makes this Sonic any different to the previous instalments? Well, firstly there's the introduction of Sonics friend, Miles Tails, this allows the game to offer a two player challenge. Then there's the new spin attack, which allows the player to built up their speed and then just go for it at the touch of a button. Plus the game looks and sounds better then ever and add to this the fastest gameplay ever and you have the ingredients for the best sonic, and indeed game, ever.

Doctor Robotnic is still in there, still trying to take over the world and only Sonic and now Tails can save the day! The Visuals are stunning, and the game moves at a phenomenal rate of knots...at times you will fly of the screen, but even so you never feel as if your out of control. You always feel like you know what your doing, and what you have to do next. If you miss a jump, get hit by an enemy which results in you losing a life, you know that it's completely your fault, you can't blame the controls as they are perfect.

You still have the rings to collect, and this adds greatly to the feel of the game, if you have at least one ring you always feel safe, why? Well because if you have a ring its like a life line, it means you can take a hit and still keep going, and so this means that when you have a ring you will take risks, and this just makes for a great gaming experience.

"The game always offers a challenge and is always fun to play, without ever getting frustrating"

The levels take you to all sorts of locations, such as space station type levels, under water adventures and all your other favourite locations from the master system classic. The game always offers a challenge and is always fun to play, without ever getting frustrating. In fact for a Platform game, Sonic2 is one of the most un frustrating games ever. There are times when you don't know what you have to do, and times when you feel lost in the massive levels, however keep at it and you will solve the puzzles, solve how to destroy Doctor Robotnic, and move onto the next level.

There are only minor faults, firstly Sonics friend Miles Tails follows you around every where you go and at times he not only gets in your way, but can result in you losing a life. The ability to turn him off would have been nice, something which this games sequel introduced. The only other minor fault is the lack of a save file, this means you have to play the game from start to finish in one sitting. I personal don't mind this, as I feel it adds to the games overall challenge, however many will be put off by this and will maybe never get to experience the joys of the later levels.

This is without doubt the best platform series on the Sega Megadrive, Sonic2 isn't the best in the series, but it certainly comes close, Sonic 3 just pips this one to the post due to the game ironing out this games minor faults, whilst improving still further on the winning formula. However, there's plenty here to keep you entertained for weeks on end, and once you've finished it, you'll still want to come back for more.

Kevin Preston

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