Actions

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

From Sonic Retro

(Game Gear version)
(Also released on)
Line 148: Line 148:
 
*''[[Sonic PC Collection]]'' for the PC (2009) – GG version
 
*''[[Sonic PC Collection]]'' for the PC (2009) – GG version
 
*[[Virtual Console]] for the [[Nintendo 3DS]] (2013) - GG version
 
*[[Virtual Console]] for the [[Nintendo 3DS]] (2013) - GG version
 +
*''[[Sonic Origins Plus]]'' for [[PlayStation 4]], [[PlayStation 5]], [[Xbox One]], [[Xbox Series X]], [[Nintendo Switch]], [[Steam]] and [[sega:Epic Games Store|Epic Games Store]] (2023) - GG version
  
 
==Production credits==
 
==Production credits==

Revision as of 14:17, 23 March 2023

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, Virtual Console
Publisher: Sega
Sega Game Gear
Majesco Sales (US; re-release)
Developer:
Genre: Action[3][4][5][6]
Number of players: 1
Release Date RRP Code Rating
Sega Master System
EU
1992-11[7] €? 9015
Sega Master System
UK
1992-11[7] £32.99[7] 9015
Sega Master System
AU
1992 $? ?
Sega Master System
BR
1992 R$? 028120
Sega Master System
KR
1995-09 ₩33,000 GB4030JG
Sega Master System
PT
1992  ? MSJ9015
Sega Master System
DE
1992 DM 89.95[8] 9015


Sega Game Gear
JP
1992-11-21[4] ¥3,800 G-3321
Sega Game Gear
JP
(Meisaku)
1993-12-10 ¥? G-3338
Sega Game Gear
US
1992-11-17 $39.99[9] 2507
Sega Game Gear
US
(Majesco)
199x $? 2507
Sega Game Gear
EU
1992-11[10] €? 2507
Sega Game Gear
UK
1992-11[10] £27.99[11] 2507
Sega Game Gear
DE
1992 DM 89.95[12] 2507
Sega Game Gear
KR
199x ₩? GH4013JG
Sega Game Gear
BR
199x R$? 077010
Sega Game Gear
PT
1992  ? GGJ2507


Wii Virtual Console
JP
2008-11-18[13] 500[14]pts ?
CERO: A
Wii Virtual Console
US
2008-12-08[15] 500[15]pts ?
ESRB: Everyone
Wii Virtual Console
EU
2008-12-26[16][17] 500[16]pts ?
PEGI: 3+
Wii Virtual Console
AU
2008-12 600[18]pts ?
OFLC: General (G)


Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console
JP
2012-10-31[19] ¥286 (300)[19] ?
CERO: A
Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console
US
2013-06-27[20] $4.99[20] ?
ESRB: Everyone
Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console
EU
2013-06-27[21] €4.99[22] ?
PEGI: 3+
Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console
UK
2013-06-27[23] £4.49[22] ?
PEGI: 3+
Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console
DE
2013-06-27[24] €4.99[22] ?
USK: 6

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. Eggman 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 Eggman 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 differences 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.

Many levels contain various methods of transportation and was the first Sonic game to use such methods. In Under Ground Zone and Gimmick Mt. Zone, Sonic can ride a minecart, and in Sky High Zone he can use a Hang Glider. Other new gimmicks include large air bubbles in underwater levels that Sonic can ride in, which will rise upwards until they hit 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 of three Acts. In the third Act, that Zone's boss is faced, without any Rings to grant protection against attacks. Rather than facing Eggman himself, Sonic most often battles robotic animals, such as a sumo pig and a circus sea-lion.

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.

Bonus Panel

At the end of Acts 1 and 2 of each Zone, the player has to spin a Bonus Panel to clear the Act, with a reward given based on what it lands on, which itself depends upon the player's items:

Sonic2 SMS Sprite BonusPanel.png
Dr. Eggman: No prize is awarded. This panel comes up most often in the game, if none of the below conditions are met.
Sonic2 SMS Sprite BonusPanel.png
Ring: 10 Rings are added to the player's final Ring tally. This is awarded if the player ends the Act with a Ring count that is a multiple of 10.
Sonic2 SMS Sprite BonusPanel.png
Sonic: An extra life is awarded. This is awarded if the player finishes the Act with exactly two lives less than when they started it.
Sonic2 SMS Sprite BonusPanel.png
Tails: A Continue is awarded. This is awarded if the player finishes the Act with 77 Rings and with exactly the same number of lives as when they started it.

Comparisons

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

Versions

Differences between versions

Sonicretro-round.svg This article needs cleanup.
This article needs to be edited to conform to a higher standard of article quality. Specifically, issues with this article are:
This section needs moving to the comparisons page(s)

After the article has been cleaned up, you may remove this message. See How to Edit a Page for help.

  • 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 Pit Master 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

Source: In-game credits

Game Gear version

Source: In-game credits

Manuals

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

Artwork

Physical scans

Master System version

Segaretro-round.svg Reception »
Master System, EU
Sonic2ms-box-eu.jpg
Cover
Master System, EU (SMSII)
S2MS-box-eu-alt.jpg
Cover
Master System, PT (Black & white manual)
MS S2 PT.jpg
Cover
Master System, PT (Colour manual)

MS S2 portugal ver 2.jpg
Manual
Master System, AU

Sonic 2 Master System AU Cart Top.jpg
Sonic 2 Master System AU Cart Back.jpgSonic2 sms au.JPG
Cart
Master System, AU (APF11 sticker)
Sonic2 SMS AU afp11 cover.jpg
Cover
Sonic 2 Master System AU Cart Top.jpg
Sonic 2 Master System AU Cart Back.jpgSonic2 sms au.JPG
Cart
Master System, AU (Yellow APF12 sticker)
Sonic2 SMS AU yafp12 cover.jpg
Cover
Sonic 2 Master System AU Cart Top.jpg
Sonic 2 Master System AU Cart Back.jpgSonic2 sms au.JPG
Cart
Master System, AU (White APF12 sticker)
Sonic2 SMS AU wafp12 cover.jpg
Cover
Sonic 2 Master System AU Cart Top.jpg
Sonic 2 Master System AU Cart Back.jpgSonic2 sms au.JPG
Cart
Master System, AU (Classics)
Sonic2 SMS AU classics cover.jpg
Cover
Sonic 2 Master System AU Cart Top.jpg
Sonic 2 Master System AU Cart Back.jpgSonic2 sms au.JPG
Cart
Master System, AU (rental)
MS S2 RENTAL AUS.jpg
Cover
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, BR (?)

Master System, KR
Sonic2 SMS KR cover.jpg
Cover
Master System, KR (Samsung)
Sonic2 gg kr cover back.jpgNospine.pngSonic2 gg kr cover.jpg
Cover
Sonic2 sms kr cart.jpg
Cart

Game Gear version

Segaretro-round.svg Reception »
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, US
Sonic2 GG US back.jpgS2GG US Boxart.jpg
Cover
Game Gear, US (Majesco)
Sonic2 GG US majesco back.jpgNospine.pngGG S2 MAJESCO US.jpg
Cover
Sth2 gg us cart.jpg
Cart
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, PT
GG S2 PT.jpg
Cover
Game Gear, PT (alt)
Sonic 2 portugal ver 2 gamegear.jpg
Cover
Game Gear, BR
Sonic2 GG BR Box.jpg
Cover
Sonic2 GG BR Cart.jpg
Cart
Game Gear, KR

Sonic2 GG KR Cart.jpg
Cart

Technical information

ROM dump status

System Hash Size Build Date Source Comments
Sega Master System
CRC32 5b3b922c
MD5 bf3b7a41e7da9de23416473a33c6ac2b
SHA-1 acdb0b5e8bf9c1e9c9d1a8ac6d282cb8017d091c
512kB 1992-09-05[25] Cartridge (EU/BR) v1.0
Sega Master System
CRC32 d6f2bfca
MD5 0ac157b6b7e839953fc8eba7538fb74a
SHA-1 689339bac11c3565dd774f8cd4d8ea1b27831118
512kB 1992-12-09[25] Cartridge (EU/BR) v2.2
Sega Game Gear
CRC32 95a18ec7
MD5 9c64846563d8b9a24400471322e53fb5
SHA-1 dabb452e416b4fa9cb83d8ddd307c2a32c3a1a7f
512kB 1992-09-12[25] Cartridge (World) v1.1
Sega Game Gear
CRC32 15ad37a5
MD5 ab191d48adc692adb19f429183361ea7
SHA-1 b780c6f059b48d1bb48ee2ad521552dab1487c88
256kB 1991-12-05 EPROM cartridge AutoDemo Download.svg (54 kB) (info) Page

External links

References

  1. https://www.mtwo.co.jp/development/retrogame-2/#tab-2
  2. https://www.mtwo.co.jp/development/retrogame-2/#tab-4
  3. File:S2gg-box-back-eu.jpg
  4. 4.0 4.1 https://sega.jp/history/hard/gamegear/software.html (Wayback Machine: 2018-12-07 04:57)
  5. File:Sonic2ms-box-eu.jpg
  6. File:Sonic2 SMS KR cover.jpg
  7. 7.0 7.1 7.2 [mms, issue 2, page 64 mms, issue 2, page 64]
  8. [segamagazin, issue 1, page 70 segamagazin, issue 1, page 70]
  9. [gamepro, issue 44, page 163 gamepro, issue 44, page 163]
  10. 10.0 10.1 [sfuk, issue 12, page 31 sfuk, issue 12, page 31]
  11. [cvg, issue go14, page 12 cvg, issue go14, page 12]
  12. [segamagazin, issue 1, page 71 segamagazin, issue 1, page 71]
  13. https://www.nintendo.co.jp/wii/vc/software/09.html (Wayback Machine: 2018-01-28 13:27)
  14. http://vc.sega.jp:80/vc_sonic2ms/ (Wayback Machine: 2009-02-07 21:16)
  15. 15.0 15.1 http://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/ivseDC_bdb4lv4aJ0oR_k2oSJ6-yQwaz (Wayback Machine: 2010-11-22 22:50)
  16. 16.0 16.1 http://www.nintendolife.com/games/mastersystem/sonic_the_hedgehog_2 (Wayback Machine: 2017-07-04 16:48)
  17. https://www.nintendo.fr/Jeux/SEGA-Game-Gear/Sonic-the-Hedgehog-2--772258.html (archive.today)
  18. http://www.nintendo.com.au/index.php?action=catalogue&prodcat_id=42&prod_id=19904&pageID=4 (Wayback Machine: 2012-03-28 01:38)
  19. 19.0 19.1 http://vc.sega.jp:80/3ds/sonic2/ (Wayback Machine: 2012-10-28 18:35)
  20. 20.0 20.1 http://www.nintendo.com:80/games/detail/eZ_9L3ar33k2nmh_r678BsH2KplLPcoO (Wayback Machine: 2013-06-30 10:27)
  21. https://www.nintendo.fr/Jeux/SEGA-Game-Gear/Sonic-the-Hedgehog-2--772258.html (archive.today)
  22. 22.0 22.1 22.2 http://www.nintendolife.com:80/games/gamegear/sonic_the_hedgehog_2 (Wayback Machine: 2017-09-09 22:04)
  23. https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Games/SEGA-Game-Gear/Sonic-the-Hedgehog-2--772258.html (archive.today)
  24. https://www.nintendo.de/Spiele/SEGA-Game-Gear/Sonic-the-Hedgehog-2--772258.html (archive.today)
  25. 25.0 25.1 25.2 Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (8-bit)/Hidden content#Build date


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
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
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