“They just don’t make them like they used to,” is a phrase that sums up pretty well how I feel about games these days. Such is the case with SEGA’s posterboy Sonic. Unlike many gamers, I actually enjoyed the Sonic Adventure titles. However, they were a far cry from the original titles in the series, and suffered due to cheesy narrative and the addition of some of new (and unnecessary) characters.
Easily my favorite game on the SEGA Genesis is Sonic the Hedgehog 2. This is a game that didn’t set out to do much more than create a respectable sequel to the original and keep fans entertained with more complex level design. The final product was leaps and bounds better than the original Sonic the Hedgehog, which is not to say that the first game was bad. Sonic 2 increases in difficulty at a steady pace, both in the main game and the multiplayer mode. The first two acts, which take place in Emerald Hill Zone, are essentially a refresher course, and are an homage to Green Hill Zone from the first game. The levels that follow, including Chemical Plant Zone and Oil Ocean Zone, have such huge differences in design from the original game. However, the same basic controls are at use and the game flows just as smoothly because of it. The soundtrack is varied and nothing gets reused. Even though some levels are available in the multiplayer mode, the soundtrack between the main game and multiplayer is different. The backgrounds have enough detail that they aren’t bland, but at the same time aren’t cluttered to the point where it becomes distracting. Each level feels unique and the creators really upped the ante from the original game.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 marked the first appearance of Miles “Tails” Prower, Sonic’s faithful companion throughout the rest of the series. This was long before Tails gained a reputation as a whiny annoyance. In multiplayer mode, the second player controls Tails and competes to race Sonic to the finish line. In the main story mode, Tails follows Sonic through each level, occasionally attacking some of Robotnik’s mechanical baddies and even saving Sonic if he gets into a spot of trouble.
Dr. Robotnik goes all-out in Sonic 2 in his attempts to stop the duo from foiling his plans. The boss battles against each of Robotnik’s crazy inventions only become more and more challenging as the game progresses. Some gamers might have the urge to toss their controller through their television set, as Sonic’s stock of lives will easily dwindle in some of the boss fights. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is possibly the most challenging Sonic title to date. It may be frustrating at times, but it always keeps me coming back for more high-speed action.
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