The 8 bit version of Sonic 2 is unique with some interesting ideas, but is way too hard!
The story goes the Robotnik has kidnapped Tails (along with all the small fuzzy animals in the Sonic world) And it's up to Sonic to save the day
The game features a total of six worlds (and one secret one) each with two acts and then a boss. There is no shortage of variety in scenery. One level is set in an underground mine cavern, one up in the mountains and another in a lake and of course the always classic green hill area. The levels are very very short, to the point where they don't even have checkpoints. Each level has a specific gimmick. For example Sky High has you riding a paraglider through some segments and Gimmick Mountain requires you to spin on rotating discs and launch yourself higher up the mountain.
To get the Chaos Emeralds you don't go to any special stages. They are hidden in the second act of every zone and you really do have to go out of your way and explore to find them. Collecting them will give you a much needed continue. And if you collect all of them you will be able to access the extra stage.
The levels are quite fun, but bosses are a different story. You have a short stage segement to get to then you will face the boss. You have no rings, one hit and you're dead. The bosses are really quite hard due to a combination of hard design in general and slippy controls.
The game is really quite fun, but very hard for a Sonic game. Infact, on this Game Gear Version, I actually struggle to get past the first boss without using Gems Collection's Quick Save Feature. (And I can complete Tails Sky Patrol without cheating - that shows how hard this game is!) The game is just designed to be hard, but the slippery controls make it even harder and lead to unfair deaths. If you're looking for a challenging game in the normally easy library of Sonic games, you'll find it here.
The graphics are quite nice and colourful. They have very solid colours and are quite nice. The music is cool and those 8 bit tunes are really quite funky!
This game was re-release on Sonic Gems Collection and Sonic Adventure DX. Though they use the Game Gear version, this game also has a Master System counterpart which is better to play. The screen size is bigger so you can see more hazards on screen and have more time to react and plan. The MS version is still difficult - and I can't get past zone 4's pre boss run without cheating - but it is MUCH easier than this version.
Sonic 2 for Game Gear features some good levels and interesting gimmicks which help the game stand out on it's own. It is a highly challenging game, if you're looking for a challenge you'll find it here. If you're looking for a unique Sonic game, you'll find it here. Overall - it is a good game. Just too hard!
Milesprower2K9 Original Reviews