Sonic the Hedgehog 2 Game by Sega Reviewed by Insecta insecta@email.com Save: None Released: 1992 Works with: Game Gear **************************************************************************** Opening Snide Remarks: When I still played my Game Gear, a friend owned this game and I used to hate it. But recently I found it in a shop for only £5 and I couldn't resist buying it. I don't like it that much now, and don't play it either, but it's nice to have it in my collection. **************************************************************************** Gameplay Description: The same gameplay from Sonic 1 on the GG, with only proper ring losing added is one of the things I don't like much about it. It seems like Sega didn't even try to improve on the old game. The second thing I don't like about the game, is the way the levels all seems so loose jointed. Why does it start with an Underground level for instance? And Sonic 2 has a reverse difficultly curve! The first boss is the hardest. This game has nothing to do with Sonic 2 on the Genesis, except for a storyline involving Tails. The game still plays quite nicely though, but it just isn't good enough to be a sequel, or the handheld tie in to Sonic 2. Liked: Ring losing. Hated: Little improvement. **************************************************************************** Graphics Description: The graphics in this game are a little weird. The backgrounds are very basic, to say the least and Sonic looks a bit like a Koala. The in game objects look very rushed, especially the springs and terrain blocks. Throw in bosses made of simple shapes and colours and the only good things left are the option screen and introduction. A huge disappointment after Sonic 1. Liked: Interesting introduction. Hated: The in game graphics. **************************************************************************** Sound/Music Description: Sonic 2's only saving grace is the wonderful music it uses! In my opinion the best music in any Game Gear Sonic game! Green Hills zone is superb and Underground Zone has really funky music. Some of the best music I've heard on a handheld game! Even the usual sound effects are in Stereo. Liked: Wonderful music. Hated: Sega voice sounded a bit weak. **************************************************************************** Play Control/Game Design: The levels aren't half as imaginative as Sonic 1, but they are good compared to a lot of Game Gear games. Most of them are left to right, where Sonic 1 has it's fair share of going the other way. The controls have been improved since Sonic 1, and traction is a lot more noticeable. That's pretty all you can say about the controls, which are just over average. Liked: Controls improving. Hated: Pretty boring levels. **************************************************************************** Improve: Speed Dash Playable Tails RIYL: Sonic, or platformers and you have the other Sonic GG games. **************************************************************************** Final Words: I feel Sonic 2 is the weakest link in the GG Sonic games, but it is still worth a look. Try if you have the other Sonic game, and you found it cheap. **************************************************************************** Score Gameplay: *** Graphics: ** Sound/Music: ***** Play Control/Game Design: *** Personal Opinion: *** Total: 64% Final Score: 68% **************************************************************************** Currently Known Codes: Hold Down Left, 1, 2 and Start in Intro and release after you hear several chimes on title screen for level select.