Comparisons
From Sonic Retro
Sonic 2 Prototype vs. Final Comparisons
Here you will find a list of general differences between the prototypes and final version of Sonic 2. For zone layout comparisons, go to the zones section.
| Topic | S2 Nick Arcade Prototype | S2 Beta | S2 Final | Description |
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| Running Animation |
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In his prototype running animation, Sonic has a very distinctive swirling pattern in his legs, however upon closer inspection this is just part of a larger change. The entire running animation is different in the prototype compared to the final, and most importantly uses more frames. | |
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| Tails Jumping/Spinning Animation | 
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Tails' jumping/spinning set of sprites doesn't have the reflective white spot in the prototypes. | |
| Spin Dash | 
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There is no dust when Sonic or Tails is charging up for a Spin Dash. The prototype charge-up sound is the normal spinning sound, and there is no release sound effect. Also you cannot re-charge a Spin Dash in the prototype — tapping the button does nothing. You can also hold a Spin Dash on a breakable platform and Sonic will float in the air, instead of falling as he does in the other versions. | |
| Spikes |  
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In all prototypes earlier than drx's 'Beta 6', Sonic dies immediately, just like in Sonic 1. In the final and all protos later than 'Beta 6', he becomes invincible for a short while and stands on the spikes unharmed. It's worth mentioning that while Tails is invulnerable to spikes in the Nick Arcade prototype, he is still capable of losing rings in both early prototypes (and is vulnerable to spikes in the Beta). He does not lose his rings in the final release. |
| Spinposts | 
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The signposts in the Nick Arcade prototype are different to the ones in both Sonic 1 and Sonic 2. They are symmetrical and the faces are looking directly forward. The Robotnik image is the only one out of the three that hasn't been changed. | |
| Wall Collision |
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No effect, though sprites are in ROM: 
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No effect | The sprites featuring Sonic sitting and standing up in the Sonic 2 Wai beta ROM caused many theories at the time they were discovered ("Would Sonic get tired?" for example), but thanks to the Nick Arcade prototype, we now know they were used when Sonic collides into a wall in this rather unique gameplay element. With this and the unused Chemical Plant Zone failed boss in mind, you could perhaps think the game was intended to be more cartoon-humour based. |
| Braking Animation |
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Two of Sonic's braking frames are based on Sonic 1. There's a bunch of weird ones that didn't make it into Sonic 2 final. Tails' braking animation hasn't been implemented. He simply slides across the floor, without his tails. | |
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| Ledge Animations |
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Sonic's ledge animation is also based on Sonic 1. Fear the tailless Tails! | |
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| Tails Pushing Animation |
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Tails has no pushing sprites in either prototype. He simply keeps "walking" towards the wall or whatever obstacle is in his path. | |
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