
Visually astounding back in 1992, their attempt at faux-3D gameplay is jarring through a contemporary lens. Unfortunately, the Special Stages haven’t aged quite as well as the rest of the game.
#SONIC HEDGEHOG 2 LEVELS SERIES#
After all, part of the challenge of Sonic games is exploring each stage, discovering its hidden and interwoven paths, and becoming acquainted with the hazards, obstacles and enemies strewn throughout, a unique style of design that sets Sega’s series apart from most other platformers. It’s a problem that’s plagued Sonic’s adventures for years, and one players will have to accept in return for the excellent platforming that makes up most of the experience. These elements were again improved upon in Sonic the Hedgehog 3, but they hold up incredibly well in Sonic’s second adventure.Įven so, there are moments in most stages that seem almost unfair, punishing you for blazing ahead in a game that prides itself on speed. There’s more of an emphasis on telling a story with Sonic 2 as well, as the designers afford more time to directed sequences to help illustrate the escalating stakes and danger, and aren’t afraid to toss in single-act Zones for cinematic effect.


The stages are larger, more populated and much more diverse, often bleeding into each other and creating a brilliant sense of continuity and scale. Sonic the Hedgehog fills a special spot in many gamer’s hearts, but there’s no denying that Sonic 2‘s level design is leagues above is predecessor. Sonic the Hedgehog 2, regarded as the best of the bunch by many ardent fans, has now been lovingly remastered for 3DS, retaining everything that fans fell in love with back in 1992 and adding a handful of important enhancements to make the game more palatable to players today. It’s no secret that the Blue Blur’s been stuck in the mud for a few years now, but when he first burst onto the scene he featured in a series of speedy, sprawling and spry adventures quite unlike those of his mustachioed rival.

Sega and Nintendo may have been rivals once upon a time, but these days Sonic is unquestionably most comfortable on Nintendo’s platforms.
