S2Beta:Comparisons

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
Running Animation				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.
Tails Jumping/Spinning Animation				Tails' jumping/spinning set of sprites doesn't have the reflective white spot in the prototypes.
Spin Dash				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				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				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		No effect, though sprites are in ROM:	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				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.
Ledge Animations				Sonic's ledge animation is also based on Sonic 1. Fear the tailless Tails!
Tails Pushing Animation				Tails has no pushing sprites in either prototype. He simply keeps "walking" towards the wall or whatever obstacle is in his path.
	S2 Nick Arcade Prototype Makes Sonic invincible Plays Sonic 1 invincibility music Shows no stars		S2 Beta Makes Sonic invincible Plays music which is used as the SuperSonic music in the Final Shows smaller stars than in final
	Makes Sonic faster Background music speeds up Sound effects are not sped up		Makes Sonic faster Background music speeds up in some cases. As MesterKeel pointed out, using FB in the sound test allows you to apply the speed shoes effect. FC slows the music down again. Sound effects are sped up