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Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (Nick Arcade prototype)/Comparisons

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Back to: Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (Nick Arcade prototype).

General comparisons

Sonic2NA MD Comparison SegaLogo.png
Sonic 2 Nick Arcade prototype
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Sonic the Hedgehog
Sonic2 MD Comparison SegaLogo.png
Sonic 2 final

Start the game and you are introduced to the Sega logo from the original Sonic the Hedgehog, as opposed to the revised variant in the final game.

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Nick Arcade prototype
Sonic2 title.png
Final game

All early versions of Sonic 2 use a different title screen. Sonic and Tails are not animated, and the background is borrowed from Emerald Hill Zone, scrolling to the left in a similar manner to the original Sonic the Hedgehog. No menu system has been implemented by this point.

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Sonic 2 Nick Arcade prototype
Sonic1 MD LevelSelect REV01.png
Sonic the Hedgehog (REV01)
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Sonic 2 final

Aside from the logo and palette, the level select screen hasn't changed at all from Sonic 1, and is a far cry from Sonic 2.

Gameplay comparisons

Sonic2NA MD Comparison CPZ TitleCard.png
Nick Arcade prototype
Sonic2 MD Comparison CPZ TitleCard.png
Final game

There are no title cards in this prototype for each of the zones. Instead, the game just fades from black, in a similar manner to the original Sonic the Hedgehog (which incidentally means fade in the red, then the green, then the blue, and don't touch Sonic (and Tails)).

Sonic2NA MD Comparison ActEnd.png
Nick Arcade prototype
Sonic2 MD Comparison ActEnd.png
Final game

Likewise, there are no score tallies when completing a level, just a jingle.

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Nick Arcade prototype
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Final game

The physics are still playing by Sonic 1 rules. The land speed of Sonic and Tails is capped, meaning it is impossible to out-run the screen by normal means.

Sonic2NA MD Comparison SpikeBug.png
Nick Arcade prototype
Sonic2 MD Comparison SpikeBug.png
Final game

The infamous "spike bug" from Sonic 1 still exists. Land on spikes twice in succession and you will die instantly. In the final game, a grace period occurs, where Sonic and Tails will flash while standing on the set of spikes.

Sonic2NA MD Comparison TailsSpikes.png
Nick Arcade prototype
Sonic2 MD Comparison TailsSpikes.png
Final game

Tails is invulnerable to spikes in the Nick Arcade prototype. This is the only known build where this is the case.

Sonic2NA MD Comparison TailsRings.png
Nick Arcade prototype
Sonic2 MD Comparison TailsRings.png
Final game

Sonic and Tails share a ring counter. This means, in addition to being able to pick up rings on Sonic's behalf, Tails can lose them.

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Nick Arcade prototype
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Final game

The AI script powering Tails is in an incomplete stage. For now, Tails behaves exactly like Sonic, just with a slight delay. It's a convincing effect for the first few seconds, but typically leads to computer-controlled Tails getting stuck or lost. Tails also cannot fly, so if he wanders too far from view, he'll be abruptly dropped in from the top of the screen. In the final game, Tails attempts to follow Sonic, and while still often unsuccessful, he's not a liability like in these early prototypes.

In the case of the rolling demos, it is thought a second player was controlling Tails to ensure the results were aesthetically pleasing.

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Nick Arcade prototype
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Final game

The spin dash cannot be "charged" in this prototype, meaning Sonic and Tails are always released at a set velocity. If spin dashing on a falling platform, the character will remain in the air rather than fall.

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Nick Arcade prototype
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Final game

Run into a wall at high speed and Sonic will be thrust backwards, landing on his backside. This mechanic was removed from subsequent prototypes and has never been seen in a Sonic game since. It also only affects Sonic - Tails just stops when he hits a wall.

Graphics comparisons

Level comparisons

References


Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (Nick Arcade prototype), prototype version of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (16-bit)
S2b title.png

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Part of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (16-bit) development