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Difference between revisions of "Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (8-bit)"

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| bobscreen=S2 sms title.png
 
| bobscreen=S2 sms title.png
 
| bobscreen2=S2ggtitle.png
 
| bobscreen2=S2ggtitle.png
| levelscreentitle=Master System
+
| tab1=Master System
| levelscreen2title=Game Gear
+
| tab2=Game Gear
 
| title=Sonic the Hedgehog 2
 
| title=Sonic the Hedgehog 2
 
| publisher=[[sega:Sega|Sega]]
 
| publisher=[[sega:Sega|Sega]]
 
| developer=[[sega:Aspect Co. Ltd|Aspect Co. Ltd]]
 
| developer=[[sega:Aspect Co. Ltd|Aspect Co. Ltd]]
 
| system=[[sega:Sega Master System|Sega Master System]], [[sega:Sega Game Gear|Sega Game Gear]]
 
| system=[[sega:Sega Master System|Sega Master System]], [[sega:Sega Game Gear|Sega Game Gear]]
| releases=
+
| romsize=512 KB
{{release|SMS|EU|1992-10-16||9015}}
+
| releases={{releases
{{release|SMS|AU|1992||}}
+
| sms_date_eu=1992-11
{{release|SMS|BR|1992-10-25||028120}}
+
| sms_code_eu=9015
{{release|SMS|KR|||GB4030JG}}
+
| sms_date_uk=1992-11{{fileref|MeanMachinesSega02UK.pdf|page=64}}
{{release|GG|EU|1992-10-29||2507}}
+
| sms_code_uk=9015
{{release|GG|US|1992-11-17||2507}}
+
| sms_rrp_uk=32.99{{fileref|MeanMachinesSega02UK.pdf|page=64}}<!--34.99{{fileref|SegaForce UK 12.pdf|page=31}}-->
{{release|GG|JP|1992-11-21|¥3,800|G-3321}}
+
| sms_date_au=1992
{{release|GG|JP (Meisaku)|1993-12-10||G-3338}}
+
| sms_date_br=1992
{{release|GG|KR|199x||GH4013JG}}
+
| sms_code_br=028120
{{release|GG|BR|199x||077010}}
+
| sms_date_kr=199x
{{release|VC|JP|2008-11-18|500 points|}}
+
| sms_code_kr=GB4030JG
{{release|VC|US|2008-12-08|500 points|}}
+
| sms_date_pt=1992
{{release|VC|EU|2008-12-26|500 points|}}
+
| sms_code_pt=MSJ9015
{{release|VC3DS|JP|2012-10-31|¥300 with tax|}}
+
| sms_date_de=1992-11
{{release|VC3DS|NA/EU|2013-06-27||}}
+
| sms_code_de=9015
 +
| sms_rrp_de=89,95{{fileref|SegaMagazin DE 01.pdf|page=70}}
 +
 
 +
| gg_date_eu=1992-11
 +
| gg_code_eu=2507
 +
| gg_date_uk=1992-11{{fileref|SegaForce UK 12.pdf|page=31}}
 +
| gg_rrp_uk=27.99{{fileref|Go UK 14.pdf|page=12}}<!--29.99{{fileref|SegaForce UK 12.pdf|page=32}}-->
 +
| gg_code_uk=2507
 +
| gg_date_us=1992-11-17
 +
| gg_rrp_us=39.99{{fileref|GamePro US 044.pdf|page=163}}
 +
| gg_code_us=2507
 +
| gg_date_jp=1992-11-21
 +
| gg_code_jp=G-3321
 +
| gg_rrp_jp=3,800
 +
| gg_date_jp_Meisaku=1993-12-10
 +
| gg_code_jp_Meisaku=G-3338
 +
| gg_date_kr=199x
 +
| gg_code_kr=GH4013JG
 +
| gg_date_br=199x
 +
| gg_code_br=077010
 +
| gg_date_pt=1992
 +
| gg_code_pt=GGJ2507
 +
| gg_date_de=1992-11
 +
| gg_code_de=2507
 +
| gg_rrp_de=89,95{{fileref|SegaMagazin DE 01.pdf|page=71}}
 +
 
 +
| vc_date_jp=2008-11-18{{ref|http://web.archive.org/web/20180128132704/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/wii/vc/software/09.html}}
 +
| vc_rrp_jp=500{{ref|http://web.archive.org/web/20090207211638/http://vc.sega.jp:80/vc_sonic2ms/}}
 +
| vc_date_us=2008-12-08{{ref|http://web.archive.org/web/20101122225040/http://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/ivseDC_bdb4lv4aJ0oR_k2oSJ6-yQwaz}}
 +
| vc_rrp_us=500{{ref|http://web.archive.org/web/20101122225040/http://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/ivseDC_bdb4lv4aJ0oR_k2oSJ6-yQwaz}}
 +
| vc_date_eu=2008-12-26{{ref|http://web.archive.org/web/20170704164837/http://www.nintendolife.com/games/mastersystem/sonic_the_hedgehog_2}}
 +
| vc_rrp_eu=500{{ref|http://web.archive.org/web/20170704164837/http://www.nintendolife.com/games/mastersystem/sonic_the_hedgehog_2}}
 +
 
 +
| vc3ds_date_jp=2012-10-31{{ref|http://web.archive.org/web/20121028183557/http://vc.sega.jp:80/3ds/sonic2/}}
 +
| vc3ds_rrp_jp=286 (''300''){{ref|http://web.archive.org/web/20121028183557/http://vc.sega.jp:80/3ds/sonic2/}}
 +
| vc3ds_date_us=2013-06-27{{ref|http://web.archive.org/web/20130630102737/http://www.nintendo.com:80/games/detail/eZ_9L3ar33k2nmh_r678BsH2KplLPcoO}}
 +
| vc3ds_rrp_us=4.99{{ref|http://web.archive.org/web/20130630102737/http://www.nintendo.com:80/games/detail/eZ_9L3ar33k2nmh_r678BsH2KplLPcoO}}
 +
| vc3ds_date_eu=2013-06-27{{ref|http://web.archive.org/web/20170909220431/http://www.nintendolife.com:80/games/gamegear/sonic_the_hedgehog_2}}
 +
| vc3ds_rrp_eu=4.99{{ref|http://web.archive.org/web/20170909220431/http://www.nintendolife.com:80/games/gamegear/sonic_the_hedgehog_2}}
 +
| vc3ds_date_uk=2013-06-27{{ref|http://web.archive.org/web/20170909220431/http://www.nintendolife.com:80/games/gamegear/sonic_the_hedgehog_2}}
 +
| vc3ds_rrp_uk=4.49{{ref|http://web.archive.org/web/20170909220431/http://www.nintendolife.com:80/games/gamegear/sonic_the_hedgehog_2}}
 +
}}
 
| genre=Action
 
| genre=Action
 
|esrb=e|pegi=3|cero=free|usk=0|oflc=g8|grb=a
 
|esrb=e|pegi=3|cero=free|usk=0|oflc=g8|grb=a
 
}}
 
}}
  
'''''Sonic the Hedgehog 2''''' (ソニック・ザ・ヘッジホッグ2) was made in Japan by [[sega:Aspect Co. Ltd|Aspect Co. Ltd]] for the [[Sega Master System]] and later ported to the [[sega:Sega Game Gear|Sega Game Gear]]. Even though it shares its name with [[Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (16-bit)|the 16-bit version of ''Sonic 2'']] for the [[sega:Sega Mega Drive|Sega Mega Drive/Genesis]], it is not a port, as it contains entirely different levels. It was released slightly before its 16-bit namesake, making this game host to the first appearances of both [[Miles "Tails" Prower]] and [[Mecha Sonic]].
+
'''''Sonic the Hedgehog 2''''' (ソニック・ザ・ヘッジホッグ2) was made in Japan by [[sega:Aspect Co. Ltd|Aspect Co. Ltd]] for the [[Sega Master System]] and later ported to the [[sega:Sega Game Gear|Sega Game Gear]]. Even though it shares its name with [[Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (16-bit)|the 16-bit version of ''Sonic 2'']] for the [[sega:Sega Mega Drive|Sega Mega Drive]], it is not a port, as it contains entirely different levels. It was released slightly before its 16-bit namesake, making this game host to the first appearances of both [[Miles "Tails" Prower]] and [[Mecha Sonic]].
  
 
The Game Gear version contains noticeable differences from the Master System version. The changes made in the portable version give it a reputation of being one of the hardest Sonic games in existence. Some choices appear to have been intentional, by design: for example, the boss music is different and some boss areas have different layouts. However, many of the difficulties in the GG version result from its smaller screen and its scrolling: the player is left more open to being hit, in a way that some might label 'cheap', due to not being able to see obstacles and enemies around them but beyond the range of the screen. The scrolling is the same in the Master System version, but it is not as big a problem as more of the surroundings can be seen.
 
The Game Gear version contains noticeable differences from the Master System version. The changes made in the portable version give it a reputation of being one of the hardest Sonic games in existence. Some choices appear to have been intentional, by design: for example, the boss music is different and some boss areas have different layouts. However, many of the difficulties in the GG version result from its smaller screen and its scrolling: the player is left more open to being hit, in a way that some might label 'cheap', due to not being able to see obstacles and enemies around them but beyond the range of the screen. The scrolling is the same in the Master System version, but it is not as big a problem as more of the surroundings can be seen.
  
Strangely, Tails appears in every title card and has an almost complete sprite sheet, but is only seen in the opening and ending cutscenes, as well as being depicted helping Sonic on the box art. It is possible he was originally intended as a playable character, but cut for time issues, or because the level design was too simple for a flying character.
+
Strangely, Tails appears in every title card and has an almost complete sprite sheet, but is only seen in the opening and ending cutscenes, as well as being depicted helping Sonic on the box art. It is possible that he was originally intended to be a playable character, but was cut for time issues.
 +
 
 +
==Story==
 +
[[Sonic the Hedgehog]]'s friend and sidekick [[Miles "Tails" Prower]] has been captured by his nemesis [[Dr. Eggman|Dr. Robotnik]] on [[South Island]], and the player must direct Sonic to retrieve Tails and the six [[Chaos Emeralds]]. In the good ending, achieved if Sonic acquires all the Chaos Emeralds, he stops Robotnik and frees Tails. In the bad ending, if Sonic has failed to obtain all the emeralds, Tails is not shown to have been rescued. Some fans have speculated that Tails might have died in the latter case.
  
 
==Gameplay==
 
==Gameplay==
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There are seven [[Zone]]s in total, each comprising three Acts. In the final act, that Zone's boss is faced, without any rings to grant protection against attacks. Rather than facing Robotnik himself, Sonic most often battles robotic animals, such as a sumo pig and a circus sea-lion.
 
There are seven [[Zone]]s in total, each comprising three Acts. In the final act, that Zone's boss is faced, without any rings to grant protection against attacks. Rather than facing Robotnik himself, Sonic most often battles robotic animals, such as a sumo pig and a circus sea-lion.
  
===End-of-Act panel===
+
===Bonus Panel===
 
At the end of Acts 1 and 2 of each level, a [[Signpost|panel]] is spun, which signals the end of the Act and provides a reward based upon the picture it ends on, which itself depends upon the player's items:
 
At the end of Acts 1 and 2 of each level, a [[Signpost|panel]] is spun, which signals the end of the Act and provides a reward based upon the picture it ends on, which itself depends upon the player's items:
 
*[[Dr. Eggman|Dr. Robotnik]]: no prize. This panel comes up most often.
 
*[[Dr. Eggman|Dr. Robotnik]]: no prize. This panel comes up most often.
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[[Chaos Emeralds]] are scattered throughout the stages. Each is found in the second Act in each of the first five Zones. If the player collects these and then destroys [[Mecha Sonic]] (called Silver Sonic in the English manual) in the sixth zone, they will obtain the sixth Emerald and can access the true final stage ([[Crystal Egg Zone|Crystal Egg]]). This is required to obtain the 'good ending'. If all the Emeralds are not collected, the game will end after Mecha Sonic's destruction.
 
[[Chaos Emeralds]] are scattered throughout the stages. Each is found in the second Act in each of the first five Zones. If the player collects these and then destroys [[Mecha Sonic]] (called Silver Sonic in the English manual) in the sixth zone, they will obtain the sixth Emerald and can access the true final stage ([[Crystal Egg Zone|Crystal Egg]]). This is required to obtain the 'good ending'. If all the Emeralds are not collected, the game will end after Mecha Sonic's destruction.
  
Many levels also contain a unique method of transportation, such as the mine carts in [[Underground Zone]] (revisited many years later in ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode I]]''), the hang gliders in [[Sky High Zone]], and the giant air bubbles in [[Aqua Lake Zone]].
+
Many levels also contain a unique method of transportation, such as the mine carts in [[Under Ground Zone]] (revisited many years later in ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode I]]''), the hang gliders in [[Sky High Zone]], and the giant [[air bubbles]] in [[Aqua Lake Zone]].
  
===Storyline===
+
==Comparisons==
[[Sonic the Hedgehog]]'s friend and sidekick [[Miles "Tails" Prower]] has been captured by his nemesis [[Dr. Eggman|Dr. Robotnik]] on [[South Island]], and the player must direct Sonic to retrieve Tails and the six [[Chaos Emeralds]]. In the good ending, achieved if Sonic acquires all the Chaos Emeralds, he stops Robotnik and frees Tails. In the bad ending, if Sonic has failed to obtain all the emeralds, Tails is not shown to have been rescued. Some fans have speculated that Tails might have died in the latter case.
+
{{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/Comparisons}}
  
==Differences between versions==
+
==Versions==
 +
===Differences between versions===
 
*The Game Gear version has a lower screen resolution.
 
*The Game Gear version has a lower screen resolution.
 
*The music for [[Scrambled Egg Zone]] plays during the prelude cutscene, and the title screen has the music that was played in the prelude in the Master System version. The prelude cutscene is more detailed in the Game Gear version, showing Tails walking along and then getting kidnapped.
 
*The music for [[Scrambled Egg Zone]] plays during the prelude cutscene, and the title screen has the music that was played in the prelude in the Master System version. The prelude cutscene is more detailed in the Game Gear version, showing Tails walking along and then getting kidnapped.
 
*Different music is used for the boss battles on each game.
 
*Different music is used for the boss battles on each game.
*The [[Doodlebug Mecha|Underground Zone boss]] is more difficult due to the Game Gear's lower resolution: you cannot see the bouncing balls coming from as far away as you would on the SMS, and the speed and bounce height of the balls is randomized in the GG version.
+
*The [[Doodlebug Mecha]] is more difficult due to the Game Gear's lower resolution: you cannot see the bouncing balls coming from as far away as you would on the SMS, and the speed and bounce height of the balls is randomized in the GG version.
 
*In the Game Gear version, the water in [[Aqua Lake Zone]] Act 2 is now a dark blue instead of green. Moreover, the [[Speed Shoes]] present in the SMS version are omitted and replaced with a [[Super Ring]] item.  
 
*In the Game Gear version, the water in [[Aqua Lake Zone]] Act 2 is now a dark blue instead of green. Moreover, the [[Speed Shoes]] present in the SMS version are omitted and replaced with a [[Super Ring]] item.  
 
*The rising water in Act 2 of Aqua Lake Zone is missing from the Master System version.  
 
*The rising water in Act 2 of Aqua Lake Zone is missing from the Master System version.  
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*The ending music is different: the Master System game uses a sad sounding song in both endings, whereas the Game Gear version uses more upbeat music for the good ending. Strangely, the Master System's version does contain the upbeat music in the [[sega:ROM|ROM]] but never uses it.
 
*The ending music is different: the Master System game uses a sad sounding song in both endings, whereas the Game Gear version uses more upbeat music for the good ending. Strangely, the Master System's version does contain the upbeat music in the [[sega:ROM|ROM]] but never uses it.
  
==Manuals==
+
===Also released on===
{{main|Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (8-bit) manuals}}
 
*[[Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (Game Gear) US Manual|Game Gear, USA]]
 
*[[Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (Master System) EU Manual|Master System, Europe]]
 
*[http://www.segaretro.org/File:Sonic_2_SMS_EU_Manual.pdf Master System, Europe] (pdf)
 
<gallery>
 
Sonic 2 GG EU Manual.pdf|Game Gear, EU
 
Sonic 2 GG JP Manual.pdf|Game Gear, JP
 
</gallery>
 
 
 
==Also released on==
 
 
*''[[Sonic 2 in 1]]'' for the [[Game Gear]] (1995) – GG version
 
*''[[Sonic 2 in 1]]'' for the [[Game Gear]] (1995) – GG version
 
*''[[Sonic Adventure DX: Director's Cut]]'' for the [[sega:Nintendo GameCube|Nintendo GameCube]] (2003) – GG version
 
*''[[Sonic Adventure DX: Director's Cut]]'' for the [[sega:Nintendo GameCube|Nintendo GameCube]] (2003) – GG version
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{{multicol|
 
{{multicol|
 
===Master System Version===
 
===Master System Version===
Compose: [[sega:Tomozou Endo|Tomozou]], Simachan, Ray<br/>
+
{{creditstable|
Program: Ko.Ko, Semimaru, Tea Tea, Tosiyan<br/>
+
*'''Compose:''' [[sega:Tomozou Endo|Tomozou]], Simachan, Ray
Art: Jly King, Noburin, Tez, U.D.K<br/>
+
*'''Program:''' Ko.Ko, Semimaru, Tea Tea, Tosiyan
Edit: Raizou, M.Shima, End, Mariyuri<br/>
+
*'''Art:''' Jly King, Noburin, Tez, U.D.K
Sound: [[sega:Masafumi Ogata|Gatao]], [[sega:Naofumi Hataya|Nao Chan]], [[sega:Tomonori Sawada|Dawasa]]<br/>
+
*'''Edit:''' Raizou, M.Shima, End, Mariyuri
Thanks: [[sega:Hiroshi Aso|Asohy]], [[sega:Taku Shoji|Taku.S]], [[sega:Katsuhiro Hasegawa|The Hase]], [[sega:Takashi Thomas Yuda|Thomas Y]], Okusan, Lunarian, Hitmen, [[sega:Aspect|Aspect]], .and You<br>
+
*'''Sound:''' [[sega:Masafumi Ogata|Gatao]], [[sega:Naofumi Hataya|Nao Chan]], [[sega:Tomonori Sawada|Dawasa]]
 +
*'''Thanks:''' [[sega:Hiroshi Aso|Asohy]], [[sega:Taku Shoji|Taku.S]], [[sega:Katsuhiro Hasegawa|The Hase]], [[sega:Takashi Thomas Yuda|Thomas Y]], Okusan, Lunarian, Hitmen, [[sega:Aspect|Aspect]], .and You
 +
}}
  
 
===Game Gear version===
 
===Game Gear version===
Compose: [[sega:Tomozou Endo|Tomozou]], Simachan, Ray<br/>
+
{{creditstable|
Program: Ko.Ko, Hiro SSS, Tea Tea, Toshiyan<br/>
+
*'''Compose:''' [[sega:Tomozou Endo|Tomozou]], Simachan, Ray
Art: Jly King, Noburin, Tez, U.D.K<br/>
+
*'''Program:''' Ko.Ko, Hiro SSS, Tea Tea, Toshiyan
Edit: Raizou, M.Shima, End, Mariyuri<br/>
+
*'''Art:''' Jly King, Noburin, Tez, U.D.K
Sound: [[sega:Masafumi Ogata|Gatao]], [[sega:Naofumi Hataya|Nao Chan]], [[sega:Tomonori Sawada|Dawasa]]<br/>
+
*'''Edit:''' Raizou, M.Shima, End, Mariyuri
Thanks: [[sega:Hiroshi Aso|Asohy]], [[sega:Taku Shoji|Taku.S]], [[sega:Katsuhiro Hasegawa|The Hase]], [[sega:Takashi Thomas Yuda|Thomas Y]], Ryu, Okusan, Lunarian, Hitmen, [[sega:Aspect|Aspect]], .and You<br>
+
*'''Sound:''' [[sega:Masafumi Ogata|Gatao]], [[sega:Naofumi Hataya|Nao Chan]], [[sega:Tomonori Sawada|Dawasa]]
 +
*'''Thanks:''' [[sega:Hiroshi Aso|Asohy]], [[sega:Taku Shoji|Taku.S]], [[sega:Katsuhiro Hasegawa|The Hase]], [[sega:Takashi Thomas Yuda|Thomas Y]], Ryu, Okusan, Lunarian, Hitmen, [[sega:Aspect|Aspect]], .and You
 
}}
 
}}
 +
}}
 +
 +
==Manuals==
 +
{{main|Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (8-bit) manuals}}
 +
<gallery>
 +
Sonic2 SMS EU manual.pdf|Master System, EU
 +
Sonic2 GG US manual.pdf|Game Gear, US
 +
Sonic 2 GG EU Manual.pdf|Game Gear, EU
 +
Sonic 2 GG JP Manual.pdf|Game Gear, JP
 +
</gallery>
 +
 +
==Artwork==
 +
<gallery>
 +
Image:SSS SONICH .png
 +
</gallery>
  
 
==Physical scans==
 
==Physical scans==
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| cartback=Sonic 2 SMS EU Cart Back.jpg
 
| cartback=Sonic 2 SMS EU Cart Back.jpg
 
| carttop=Sonic 2 SMS EU Cart Top.jpg
 
| carttop=Sonic 2 SMS EU Cart Top.jpg
| manual=
+
| manual=Sonic2 SMS EU manual.pdf
 
}}{{Scanbox
 
}}{{Scanbox
 
| console=Master System
 
| console=Master System
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| region=KR (alt)
 
| region=KR (alt)
 
| front=Sonic2 SMS KR cover.jpg
 
| front=Sonic2 SMS KR cover.jpg
 +
}}
 +
{{scanbox
 +
| console=Master System
 +
| region=PT
 +
| front=Sonic2MS-Box-PT.jpg
 
}}
 
}}
  
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| spinemissing=
 
| spinemissing=
 
| cart=sth2 gg us cart.jpg
 
| cart=sth2 gg us cart.jpg
| manual=
+
| manual=Sonic2 GG US manual.pdf
 
}}{{Scanbox
 
}}{{Scanbox
 
| console=Game Gear
 
| console=Game Gear
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| manual=
 
| manual=
 
}}
 
}}
 
==Resources==
 
===Original Sound Version recordings===
 
See [[Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (Game Gear Version) OSV]] for a download page.
 
 
===Artwork===
 
<gallery>
 
Image:SSS SONICH .png
 
</gallery>
 
  
 
==External links==
 
==External links==
 
* [http://vc.sega.jp/vc_sonic2ms/ Sega of Japan Virtual Console page (Japanese)]
 
* [http://vc.sega.jp/vc_sonic2ms/ Sega of Japan Virtual Console page (Japanese)]
 +
* [http://vc.sega.jp/3ds/sonic2/ Sega of Japan 3DS Virtual Console page]
 +
* [https://www.nintendo.co.jp/titles/50010000012210 ''Sonic the Hedgehog 2'' on Nintendo.co.jp]
 +
 +
==References==
 +
<references/>
  
 
{{S2GGOmni}}
 
{{S2GGOmni}}

Revision as of 13:14, 7 September 2018

n/a

show;hide
  • Master System
  • Game Gear
S2 sms title.png
S2ggtitle.png
Sonic the Hedgehog 2
System(s): Sega Master System, Sega Game Gear
Publisher: Sega
Developer:
ROM size: 512 KB
Genre: Action
Release Date RRP Code Rating
Sega Master System
EU
1992-11 €? 9015
Sega Master System
UK
1992-11[1] £32.99[1] 9015
Sega Master System
AU
1992 $? ?
Sega Master System
BR
1992 R$? 028120
Sega Master System
KR
199x ₩? GB4030JG
Sega Master System
PT
1992  ? MSJ9015
Sega Master System
DE
1992-11 DM 89,95[2] 9015
Sega Game Gear
EU
1992-11 €? 2507
Sega Game Gear
UK
1992-11[3] £27.99[4] 2507
Sega Game Gear
US
1992-11-17 $39.99[5] 2507
Sega Game Gear
JP
1992-11-21 ¥3,800 G-3321
Sega Game Gear
JP
(Meisaku)
1993-12-10 ¥? G-3338
Sega Game Gear
KR
199x ₩? GH4013JG
Sega Game Gear
BR
199x R$? 077010
Sega Game Gear
PT
1992  ? GGJ2507
Sega Game Gear
DE
1992-11 DM 89,95[6] 2507
Wii Virtual Console
JP
2008-11-18[7] 500[8]pts ?
Wii Virtual Console
US
2008-12-08[9] 500[9]pts ?
Wii Virtual Console
EU
2008-12-26[10] 500[10]pts ?
Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console
JP
2012-10-31[11] ¥286 (300)[11] ?
Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console
US
2013-06-27[12] $4.99[12] ?
Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console
EU
2013-06-27[13] €4.99[13] ?
Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console
UK
2013-06-27[13] £4.49[13] ?

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (ソニック・ザ・ヘッジホッグ2) was made in Japan by Aspect Co. Ltd for the Sega Master System and later ported to the Sega Game Gear. Even though it shares its name with the 16-bit version of Sonic 2 for the Sega Mega Drive, it is not a port, as it contains entirely different levels. It was released slightly before its 16-bit namesake, making this game host to the first appearances of both Miles "Tails" Prower and Mecha Sonic.

The Game Gear version contains noticeable differences from the Master System version. The changes made in the portable version give it a reputation of being one of the hardest Sonic games in existence. Some choices appear to have been intentional, by design: for example, the boss music is different and some boss areas have different layouts. However, many of the difficulties in the GG version result from its smaller screen and its scrolling: the player is left more open to being hit, in a way that some might label 'cheap', due to not being able to see obstacles and enemies around them but beyond the range of the screen. The scrolling is the same in the Master System version, but it is not as big a problem as more of the surroundings can be seen.

Strangely, Tails appears in every title card and has an almost complete sprite sheet, but is only seen in the opening and ending cutscenes, as well as being depicted helping Sonic on the box art. It is possible that he was originally intended to be a playable character, but was cut for time issues.

Story

Sonic the Hedgehog's friend and sidekick Miles "Tails" Prower has been captured by his nemesis Dr. Robotnik on South Island, and the player must direct Sonic to retrieve Tails and the six Chaos Emeralds. In the good ending, achieved if Sonic acquires all the Chaos Emeralds, he stops Robotnik and frees Tails. In the bad ending, if Sonic has failed to obtain all the emeralds, Tails is not shown to have been rescued. Some fans have speculated that Tails might have died in the latter case.

Gameplay

This game improved upon its 8-bit predecessor in many ways. This includes the ability to grab back rings scattered when hit by an enemy, as well as being able to smash through certain walls. Moreover, one of the major difference from its predecessor is its speed: Sonic 2 is faster than its prequel and is closer to that of the Mega Drive games. However, the Spin Dash from the 16-bit version of Sonic 2, a move specifically designed to provide speed, was not implemented; but this may be simply because the 8-bit version was released earlier.

Uniquely, this game includes levels in which Sonic must ride a mine cart (unique until Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode I, at least) and a hang glider. Other new items include large bubbles in underwater levels, which raise Sonic upwards until he hits a ceiling, enemy, or obstacle. Sonic is also able to skim across the surface of water if he picks up enough speed.

There are seven Zones in total, each comprising three Acts. In the final act, that Zone's boss is faced, without any rings to grant protection against attacks. Rather than facing Robotnik himself, Sonic most often battles robotic animals, such as a sumo pig and a circus sea-lion.

Bonus Panel

At the end of Acts 1 and 2 of each level, a panel is spun, which signals the end of the Act and provides a reward based upon the picture it ends on, which itself depends upon the player's items:

  • Dr. Robotnik: no prize. This panel comes up most often.
  • Ring: Ten rings are added to the player's ring tally. This is obtained by finishing the Act, i.e. passing the panel, with a ring count that is a multiple of ten.
  • Sonic: extra life a.k.a. 1-up. This is awarded if the player finishes the Act with exactly two lives less than when s/he started it..
  • Tails: Continue. This is awarded if the player finishes the act with 77 rings and with exactly the same number of lives as when s/he started it.

Items

Item boxes, as in all the classic 8- and 16-bit games, resemble monitors. The items offered in Sonic 2 are largely the same as those in its prequel, although the restart marker and shields have been removed.

Chaos Emeralds are scattered throughout the stages. Each is found in the second Act in each of the first five Zones. If the player collects these and then destroys Mecha Sonic (called Silver Sonic in the English manual) in the sixth zone, they will obtain the sixth Emerald and can access the true final stage (Crystal Egg). This is required to obtain the 'good ending'. If all the Emeralds are not collected, the game will end after Mecha Sonic's destruction.

Many levels also contain a unique method of transportation, such as the mine carts in Under Ground Zone (revisited many years later in Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode I), the hang gliders in Sky High Zone, and the giant air bubbles in Aqua Lake Zone.

Comparisons

Sonic Retro emblem.svg Main article: Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (8-bit)/Comparisons

Versions

Differences between versions

  • The Game Gear version has a lower screen resolution.
  • The music for Scrambled Egg Zone plays during the prelude cutscene, and the title screen has the music that was played in the prelude in the Master System version. The prelude cutscene is more detailed in the Game Gear version, showing Tails walking along and then getting kidnapped.
  • Different music is used for the boss battles on each game.
  • The Doodlebug Mecha is more difficult due to the Game Gear's lower resolution: you cannot see the bouncing balls coming from as far away as you would on the SMS, and the speed and bounce height of the balls is randomized in the GG version.
  • In the Game Gear version, the water in Aqua Lake Zone Act 2 is now a dark blue instead of green. Moreover, the Speed Shoes present in the SMS version are omitted and replaced with a Super Ring item.
  • The rising water in Act 2 of Aqua Lake Zone is missing from the Master System version.
  • Green Hills Zone's boss battle takes place on a steeper hill, and the escape chute cannot be seen while fighting Robotnik in the final zone.
  • The ending music is different: the Master System game uses a sad sounding song in both endings, whereas the Game Gear version uses more upbeat music for the good ending. Strangely, the Master System's version does contain the upbeat music in the ROM but never uses it.

Also released on

Production credits

Master System Version

Game Gear version

Manuals

Sonic Retro emblem.svg Main article: Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (8-bit) manuals

Artwork

Physical scans

Master System version




Sega Master System
93 Sonic Retro Average
Based on 9 reviews
Publication Score Source
Computer & Video Games (UK) 93 №132, p24/25
Mean Machines Sega (UK) 95 №2, p64/65/66[1]Media:MeanMachinesSega02UK.pdf
Sega Master Force (UK) 92 №2, p13
Sega Power (UK) 93 №37, p38/39/40
Sega Power (UK) 100 №46, p101
Sega Pro (UK) 93 Christmas 1992
Sega Zone (UK) 90 №2, p20/21
Sega Force (UK) 92 №12, p30/31
Sega Megazone (AU) 93 №25, p33
Master System, EU
Sonic2ms-box-eu.jpg
Cover
Master System, EU (alt)
S2MS-box-eu-alt.jpg
Cover
Master System, AU

Sonic2 sms au.JPG
Cart
Master System, BR
S2MS-box-br.jpg
Cover
Sonic2 sms br.jpg
Cart
Master System, BR (alt)
Sonic 2 MS Tectoy alt.jpg
Cover
Sonic2 ms br altcart.jpg
Cart
Master System, KR
Sonic2 gg kr cover back.jpgNospine.pngSonic2 gg kr cover.jpg
Cover
Master System, KR (alt)
Sonic2 SMS KR cover.jpg
Cover
Master System, PT
Sonic2MS-Box-PT.jpg
Cover

Game Gear version




Sega Game Gear
92 Sonic Retro Average
Based on 7 reviews
Publication Score Source
Computer & Video Games (UK) 92 №133, pGo!12/13
GamePro (US) 93 №44, p174/175
Mean Machines Sega (UK) 80 №3, p118[14]Media:MeanMachinesSega03UK.pdf
Sega Power (UK) 97 January 1993
Sega Pro (UK) 95 Christmas 1992
Sega Force (UK) 93 №12, p32
Sega Force Mega (UK) 93 Vol 2, №7, p78
Game Gear, US
S2GG US Boxart.jpg
Cover
Game Gear, EU
Sonic 2 GG EU Box Top.png
S2gg-box-back-eu.jpgSonic 2 GG EU Box Spine.jpgS2GG EU Boxart.jpgSonic 2 GG EU Box Spine2.jpg
Sonic 2 GG EU Box Bottom.jpg
Cover
Game Gear, JP
Sonic 2 GG JP Top.jpg
S2GG JP Boxart back.jpgSonic 2 GG JP Spine.jpgS2GG JP Boxart.jpgSonic 2 GG JP Spine2.jpg
Cover
Game Gear, JP (Meisaku Collection)
Sonic The Hedgehog 2 GG Japan Meisaku Cover Back.jpgSonic The Hedgehog 2 GG Japan Meisaku Cover Front.jpg
Cover
Game Gear, KR

Sonic2 GG KR Cart.jpg
Cart

External links

References


Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (8-bit)
S2 sms title.png

Main page
Comparisons
Maps


Manuals
Promotional material
Magazine articles
Video coverage
Reception


Development
Hidden content
Bugs
Hacking guide

Sonic the Hedgehog games for the following systems
Wii Virtual Console
WiiWare
 2006  Sonic the Hedgehog | Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine     2007  Sonic the Hedgehog 2 | Sonic the Hedgehog 3 | Sonic Spinball | Sonic 3D: Flickies' Island     2008  Sonic the Hedgehog (8-bit) | Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (8-bit)     2009  Sonic Chaos | Sonic & Knuckles     2010  Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode I    
Sega Master System
Sega Game Gear
 1991  Sonic the Hedgehog     1992  Sonic the Hedgehog 2     1993  Sonic Chaos | Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine     1994  Sonic Drift | Sonic Spinball | Sonic the Hedgehog Triple Trouble     1995  Sonic Drift 2 | Tails' Skypatrol | Tails Adventures | Sonic Labyrinth | Sonic 2 in 1     1996  Sonic Blast    
 Unreleased  Sonic's Edusoft