Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is a great instant classic that everyone should attempt to play and enjoy.
Genre: Adventure
Developer: Sonic Team/Sega
System: Steam (PC)
Total Score: 82/100
Value Score: 8.2/10
• Story: 8/10
o Sonic the Hedgehog returns again but helped this time by his sidekick Tails to thwart Dr. Eggman/Robotnik's plans to turn all the animals into his robotic minions to take over the world. The level designs foreshadow the overall storyline and path which Sonic and Tails take to save their world and the animal friends (similar to the Mario series).
• Characters: 8/10
o Sonic and Eggman return to the game but what is included in their return is the introduction to Mecha Sonic and Tails who is the new sidekick to Sonic who overall adds some to the storyline. The enemy designs and enemy appearances are similar to the first game's but there are new additions. The boss battles are revamped versions of the first game's boss battles with some new twists and turns.
• GamePlay: 10/10
o Gameplay focuses on platforming and a bit of racing aspects (although not the main point of the game), the game is divided into Zones and Acts with Zones being areas and Acts being the level and a boss battle at the end of the Zone. The game includes several paths you take as Sonic the Hedgehog. You can zoom through a stage however in the later parts in the game it gets tougher to the point where you will have to time your jumps and movement otherwise you will die or get damaged in the process. Sonic the Hedgehog is a platformer like no other with its type of gameplay. You can collect rings which is Sonic's defense. As long as you have one ring you can take a hit. The more rings you have, the more chance of survival though since once you get hit you lose all your rings. Collecting 100 rings will give you a 1-up although in the PC version there's no need for it since you can save state with the F5 button (and F9 for loading). If you collect all of the master emeralds from the bonus stages you can turn into Super Sonic which will make the game a lot easier and traveling and defeating enemies a easy task.
• Graphics: 7/10
o Sonic the Hedgehog has a decent colorful set of visuals. The game's environment glows with all sorts of lighting depending on where you are. The character models are quite well done and have a very detailed design on several of the characters like Dr. Eggman/Robotnik for an example with his machines and boss battles.
• Sound: 8/10
o There are several sound effects in the game that offer to you on what you are doing just like any other platformer although the game introduces a varied amount from being hit to losing rings, to Sonic jumping and destroying certain enemies make a unique sound from each other.
• Music: 10/10
o Possibly the best aspect of the game. It includes a well made soundtrack which sound more industrial tune than a orchestral tune. The sound effects go well with the game's soundtrack. There are several iconic tracks which appear again in later games and make cameo appearances.
• Length: 7/10
o Sonic the Hedgehog 2 consists of Eleven zones with about two to three acts and a boss battle at the end of each zone. Each level takes you about 2-4 minutes max and there are a few levels at the end that may take you more than 5 minutes. Overall the game should not take you no more than 3 hours even if you go and play a slow pace.
• Replay Value: 6/10
o The game itself does not offer replay value however you can re-do the levels again and take the multiple paths that are available for you which can add to replay value to the game. Although one would assume that Sega would at least try to add some replay value after the first game.
• Player Value: 8/10
o Sonic the Hedgehog 2 features all of the same aspects of the first game but includes a lot new features such as new level designs, new enemies, new boss battles and a new character. Everything that was great with the first game was expanded into this game featuring a even longer and more enjoyable experience. You will enjoy this incredible classic.