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Sonic the Hedgehog 2 CD

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Sonic the Hedgehog 2 CD
System(s): Sega Mega-CD
Publisher: Sega
Genre: Action

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 CD, also frequently referred to as Super Sonic, and at one point reportedly subtitled Sonic the Hedgehog 2: Escape from Ring Zone[1][2][3], was a planned version of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 for the Sega Mega-CD.

The Sega Mega Drive version of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 and Sonic the Hedgehog CD is thought to have at one point been the same thing, likely separating at an early point in development when a disgruntled Yuji Naka and several members of the original Sonic Team migrated from Sega of Japan's offices in Tokyo to Sega of America (or specifically, the Sega Technical Institute) in California - travelling to where Sonic the Hedgehog was actually popular, as opposed to staying in Japan where the reception had been more lukewarm.

The entirety of the story is unclear, and many former developers seem unaware of the situation, however, Sega spent a large part of 1992 promoting four different versions of Sonic 2 - the Sega Mega Drive, Sega Master System and Sega Game Gear ports, all of which shipped, and a Sega Mega-CD version which did not. Development on Sonic 2 CD is thought to have begun with an aim of launching after the aforementioned versions, however, the project was axed, potentially as a response to Japanese Sonic 2 sales, and became an entirely separate game, Sonic CD.

Slightly enhanced Mega-CD ports of Mega Drive games were not uncommon during the early 1990s, and Sonic 2 CD appears to have followed a similar pattern - the addition of CD-quality audio, cutscenes between levels and the potential for more stages were all announced by various sources, though very little seems to have been demonstrated and may relate solely to the Japanese-led Sonic CD project.

An enhanced port of the original Sonic the Hedgehog was also announced around this time before being canned. There are no gameplay screenshots of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 CD.

Magazine articles

File Date Source Title and comments
Logo-pdf.svg "Sonic II"
Brief mention of a Mega-CD version of Sonic 2, scheduled for an Australian release in early 1993.
Logo-pdf.svg "Sega Interview"
After an interview with Yuji Naka, Sega Visions claims that a Sega Mega-CD version of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is coming, with extra levels and "special bonus rounds" between zones.
Logo-pdf.svg "Preview: Sonic the Hedgehog 2 - Sonic II Sur Mega CD"
Logo-pdf.svg "Mega CD Sonic Update"
Short article describing the game as an enhanced version of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 called "Super Sonic".
Logo-pdf.svg "Top 100: Sonic the Hedgehog"
While Mega explains its decision to rate the original Sonic the Hedgehog as the third best Mega Drive game available in the UK, it briefly alludes to Sonic the Hedgehog 2 and a Mega-CD game, Super Sonic.
Logo-pdf.svg "Mega Mouth"
Later in the issue, Mega briefly predicts a Mega-CD port of Sonic 2, but is likely speculating at this point.
Logo-pdf.svg "CD ROM Showcase: Sonic the Hedgehog 2"
Logo-pdf.svg "Sonic the Hedgehog 2"
A brief mention at the back of this Sonic 2 preview, suggesting Sonic 2 CD exists.
Logo-pdf.svg "Super Sonic"
Mega reminds its readers of Super Sonic. The magazine pairs this with a screenshot of the original Sonic the Hedgehog, though does not otherwise suggest the two games are linked. The publication merely confirms "high quality" music is on the cards.
Logo-pdf.svg "Sonic Speaks!"
Short article about the game, still called "Super Sonic" at this point, and how voice acting will be included.
Logo-pdf.svg "Gutter Talk!: Sonic CD Slips Up"
UK magazine Sega Force reports that sales of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 in Japan have fallen below expectations, leading to a rethink in Sonic CD's development. No longer will it be an enhanced version of the Mega Drive game.
Logo-pdf.svg "Super Sonic"
Brief mention of the game, still referred to here as "Super Sonic", said to be released in Japan "any week now".


Dated Issues

Undated Issues

  • GamePlayers Sega Guide - Sega CD port confirmed.
  • SegaZone - Mega CD port of Sonic 2 with time travel mentioned.
  • MegaTech - This article confirms that the Sega CD Sonic game isn't a port of Sonic 2.

References


Sonic the Hedgehog games for the following systems
Sega Mega Drive

Sega Mega-CD
Sega 32X
 1991  Sonic the Hedgehog | Sonic Eraser     1992  Sonic the Hedgehog 2     1993  Sonic the Hedgehog CD | Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine | Sonic Spinball     1994  Sonic the Hedgehog 3 | Sonic & Knuckles     1995  Chaotix | Sonic Classics     1996  Sonic 3D: Flickies' Island    
Unreleased Sonic the Hedgehog games
Sega Master System
Sonic's Edusoft | Sonic the Hedgehog (home computers) |
Sega Mega-CD
Sonic the Hedgehog |
Sega Mega-CD
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 CD |
Arcade
SegaSonic Bros. |
Sega Mega-CD
Sister Sonic |
Sega Mega Drive
Treasure Tails |
Arcade
Pre-May 1993 Sonic arcade games |
Sega Mega Drive
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 Limited Edition |
Sega 32X
Sonic Sports |
Arcade
Sonic Ride |
Sega Saturn
Sonic Saturn |
Game Boy Advance
Sonic X: Chaos Emerald Chaos |
Nintendo DS
Sonic DS |
Xbox
Sonic the Hedgehog Extreme |
Game Boy Advance
Sonic Riders | Sonic the Hedgehog: Awakening |
Google Android OS
iOS
Sonic Central |
Google Android OS
iOS
Sonic Demo
Sonic X-treme incarnations
Sega 32X
Sonic Mars |
Sega Saturn
Sonic X-treme (Point Of View | Project Condor | SonicPC)