Comparisons

Sonic 2 Beta 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.

Running Animation

One of the very first things you may notice is Sonic's swirling legs in his running animation.

File:Comp runp.gif	Prototype
File:Comp runf.gif	Final †

† This is actually from Sonic 1 final, as Sonic's blue color is slightly lighter. Sonic 2 final's running animation is similar. The point here is to note the difference in the way Sonic's legs are drawn between the prototypes and the final version.

Jumping/Spinning Animation

Tails' jumping/spinning set of sprites doesn't have the reflective white spot in the prototypes.

File:Comp tailspinp.gif	Prototype
File:Comp tailspinf.gif	Final

Spindash Animation

There is no dust when Sonic or Tails is charging up for a spindash. The prototype charge-up sound is the normal spinning sound, and there is no release sound effect. Also you cannot re-charge a spindash in the prototype -- tapping the button does nothing.

File:Comp spinp.gif	Prototype
File:Comp spinf.gif	Final

Nick Arcade Prototype
In the Nick Arcade prototype, spindash increases your speed much less than in the Simon Wai prototype or final version. You can also hold a spindash on a breakable platform and Sonic will float in the air, instead of falling as he does in the other versions.

Ring-Losing Behaviour

When Tails is hurt, he looses rings on Sonic's behalf and the ring counter is reset. Furthermore, if Sonic and Tails are hit at the exact same time, loads of rings flow out regardless of the original amount of rings (as long as you have at least one ring).

File:Comp rings1.png	File:Comp rings2.png
Notice they have only 1 ring.	When Sonic and Tails are hit simultaneously, loads of rings come out!

Spike Bug

File:Comp spikes0.png

Remember: in Sonic 1, Sonic dies instantly when consecutively landing twice on spikes. Let's see how this situation is handled by the game engine here.

File:D tailsspikes.gif	File:Comp spikesb.png	File:Comp spikesf.png
In the Nick Arcade prototype, Tails appears to be invulnerable to spikes.	In both prototypes, Sonic dies immediately. Just like in Sonic 1.	In the final, he becomes invincible for a short while, and stands on the spikes.

Behaviour when hitting a wall (Nick Arcade Prototype)

These sprites featuring Sonic sitting and standing up were found in the Simon Wai prototype by Scott Prower. It was originally believed that's Sonic when he's tired, but thanks to the discovery of the Nick Arcade prototype, we now know they were meant to be used when Sonic collides into a wall, like the following animation shows:

This effect increases if Sonic is under water due to lower gravity.

As this is just a beta-programmed feature, some bugs results from it. Let's see an example.

File:Comp hitdama2.png	File:Comp hitdama3.png	File:Comp hitdama1.png
After bouncing on a wall, Sonic may fall over a badnik.	However, he won't get hurt...	...until he stands up again.

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.

File:Comp sonbrakep.gif	Prototype
File:Comp sonbrakef.gifFile:Comp sonbrakef2.gif	Final (more similar frames not shown here; the last "unusual" turning sprite can be viewed in action by editing the RAM)

Tails' braking animation hasn't been implemented. He simply slides across the floor, with his tails disappeared.

File:Comp tailsslide.gif	Prototype
File:Comp tailsbrakef.gif	Final (more similar frames not shown here)

Ledge Animation

Sonic's ledge animation is also based on Sonic 1.

File:Comp sonledgep.gif	Prototype
File:Comp sonledgef.gif	Final

Fear the tailless Tails!

File:Comp tailsslide.gif	Prototype
File:Comp tailsledgef.gif	Final

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.

File:Comp tailspushp.gif	Prototype
File:Comp tailspushf.gif	Final

Tails Flying Animation

There is none. Tails cannot fly in either prototype. This explains why he keeps falling his death in the empty zones, even after Sonic is already gone.

Monitors

File:Comp sneakers.gif

Although the Power Sneakers still make Sonic faster, the background music does not speed up. But if you get a 1-up when the Power Sneakers is in effect, the sound effect will speed up instead!

File:Comp invincible.gif

Makes Sonic invincible as usual, but plays Super Sonic music!

Act Ending Signposts (Nick Arcade Prototype)

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.

The signposts from the prototype.	These are the ones in the final Sonic 2.