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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.


Topic S2 Early Prototype S2 Beta S2 Final Description
Running
Animation
Betaspin.gif Finalspin.gif 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.
Betarun.gif Finalrun.gif
Tails Jumping/Spinning Animation File:Comp tailspinp.gif File:Comp tailspinf.gif Tails' jumping/spinning set of sprites doesn't have the reflective white spot in the prototypes.
Spindash File:Comp spinp.gif File:Comp spinf.gif 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.In both prototypes the spindash is unfinished - multiple taps of the button do not increase the speed of the spindash afterwards. The final has a complex system to decide the speed of the spindash. 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.
Spikes Comp smspikesb.pngFile:Comp tailsspikes.gif Comp smspikesb.pngComp tailsrings.png Comp smspikesf.gifComp tailsringsf.png 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 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 prototypes (and is vulnerable to spikes in the Beta). He does not lose rings in the final release.
Spinposts Comp signposta.png Comp signpostf.png 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
Comp sms2protohit.gif No effect, though
sprites are in ROM:

Comp htired.png
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 think the game was perhaps originally intended to be more cartoon-humour based.
Braking
Animation
File:Comp sonbrakep.gif File:Comp sonbrakef.gifFile:Comp sonbrakef2.gif 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, with his tails disappeared.
File:Comp tailsslide.gif File:Comp tailsbrakef.gif
Ledge
Animations
File:Comp sonledgep.gif File:Comp smsonledgef.gif Sonic's ledge animation is also based on Sonic 1.Fear the tailless Tails!
File:Comp tailsslide.gif File:Comp tailsledgef.gif
Tails
Pushing
Animation
File:Comp tailspushp.gif File:Comp tailspushf.gif Tails has no pushing sprites in either prototype. He simply keeps "walking" towards the wall or whatever obstacle is in his path.
File:Comp invincible.gif
S2 Early 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
File:Comp sneakers.gif
  • 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