Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (8-bit)
From Sonic Retro
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| Sonic the Hedgehog 2 |
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| System(s): Sega Game Gear, Sega Master System |
| Publisher: Sega |
| Developer: Aspect Co. Ltd |
| Genre: 2D Platform |
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 the same name as the 16-bit game it is not a port as it contains entirely different levels. It was released slightly before Sonic the Hedgehog 2 on Genesis, making this game host first appearances of both Tails and Mecha Sonic.
The Game Gear version contains noticeable differences from the Master System version. (i.e., the boss music is different, some boss areas are different in layout). The changes made in the Game Gear version gives this game a reputation of being one of the hardest Sonic games ever made. This is partially due to the vertical scrolling this port uses. Often a player would take cheap hits due to not being able to see the obstacles and enemies around them. The scrolling is the same in the Master System version but not as big a problem as more of the levels 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. 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.
Contents
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.
Oddly enough, no Spin Dash was implemented, though this may be because this game was released before the Genesis version, which introduced the Spin Dash. Nevertheless, one of the major difference from its predecessor is its speed, making it similar to that of the Mega Drive versions. Uniquely, this game includes levels in which Sonic must ride a mine cart and a hang glider. There is also a large bubble in underwater levels which raises 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 level's boss is faced, but without any rings to collect. Rather than facing Robotnik himself, Sonic will most often face up against a bunch of robotic animals, such as a sumo pig and a circus sea-lion.
End Level Panel
At the end of Acts 1 and 2 of each level, a panel is spun, with a reward given based on what it lands on:
- Robotnik: No prize. This panel comes up most often in the game.
- Ring: 10 rings added to final ring tally. Usually obtained by having a ring count that is a multiple of ten.
- Sonic: Extra Life
- Tails: Continue
Items
Item boxes are largely the same as the first game (although the restart marker and shield devices 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 then the game will end after Mecha Sonic's destruction.
Many levels also contain a unique transportation mean, such as the mine carts in Underground Zone, the hang gliders in Sky High Zone, and the giant air bubbles in Aqua Lake Zone.
Storyline
Tails has been captured by Robotnik on South Island, and you must play as Sonic to retrieve not only the six chaos emeralds but Tails as well.
Differences between the Master System and Game Gear versions
- The Game Gear version has lower resolution.
- The Scrambled Egg music plays in 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 Underground Zone Boss is more difficult due to the lowered resolution - you cannot see the bouncing balls coming from as far off, and the speed and bounce height of the balls is randomized in the Game Gear version.
- The color of the water in the Game Gear version of Aqua Lake Zone Round 2 is now a dark blue instead of green, the speed shoes are also omitted.
- The water rising effect found in act 2 of Aqua Lake Zone is missing from the Master System version.
- The Green Hills boss battle takes place on a steeper hill, and the escape chute cannot be seen while fighting Eggman in the final zone.
- The ending music is different as the Master System game uses a sad sounding song in both endings, but the Game Gear version uses more upbeat music for the good ending. Strangely, the Master system actually has the upbeat music in the game but never uses it.
Manuals
- Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (Game Gear) US Manual
- Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (Game Gear) EU Manual
- Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (Game Gear) JP Manual (partial manual scan)
- Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (Master System) EU Manual
Also Released On
- Sonic 2 in 1 for the Game Gear (1995)
- Sonic Adventure DX: Director's Cut for the Nintendo GameCube (2003)
- Sonic Gems Collection for the Nintendo GameCube and Sony PlayStation 2 (2005)
- Virtual Console on Nintendo Wii (2008)
- Sonic PC Collection for the PC (2009)
Production Credits
Composers: Tomozou Endo, M. Simamura, Ray F.
Programmers: Ko,Ko, Semimaru, Tea Tea, Tosiyan
Art: Jly King, Noborin, Tez, U,D,K
Editing: Raizou, M,Shima, End, Mariyuri
Sound: Masafumi Ogata, Naofumi Hataya, Tomonori Sawada
Special Thanks: Hiroshi Aso, Taku. S, Katsuhiro Hasegawa, Thomas Y, Okusan, Lunarian, Hitmen, Aspect All Staff and You.
Resources
Original Sound Version Recordings
See Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (Game Gear Version) OSV for a download page.
Physical Scans
Game Gear version
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| Game Gear, EU |
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| Game Gear, JP |
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Master System version
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| Master System, BR |
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| Master System, BR (alt) |
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| Master System, KR |
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Artwork
| Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (8-bit) | |
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Manuals |
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| Sonic the Hedgehog games for the following systems | |
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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 |
