"Pure Sonic Bliss"

Sonic the Hedgehog is a classic and amazing speedy platformer, no doubt about it. But it's nothing compared to Sonic 2, which in my opinion is the best in the entire Genesis Sonic series. Sonic 3 was good, but this is the master baby. A whole new range of features in Sonic 2 that were not in Sonic 1 include the amazing 2 Player vs mode game, Tails to play along with, making it a lot better if you have a friend to play with you, more longer and improved levels to play through and yet it still stays true to the old Sonic origins. The general music is similar to that of Sonic 1, but it got ruined by the time Sonic 3 arrived. And overall, the challenge of the game is at a whole new level.

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is a game that takes Sonic the Hedgehog and brings it to whole new levels that 1992 has never seen until this game's release. You can complete the levels in any route you choose to take like the other Sonic game. You can play with speed, which is what this game is mainly all about. A fast blue blur that can outrun just about anything. There's a lot of secrets to find out while you play. In fact, it's Sonic the Hedgehog and more.

Sonic's surroundings are very precisely placed and it works out very well. You have levels in hills, mountains, caves, factories, ruins, the lot. Even outer space. The speed control is way better than that of Sonic 1. You can build up a whole lot more momentum was you go down slopes or get a boost from springs or anything. But you also take risks when you run because you never know when there's a hidden enemy lurking. That's another thing I like about this game. You need PRECISION.

You also have your badniks, mechanical robot baddies that have innocent animals trapped inside them that Sonic must rescue by giving them a good bashing. There's a whole new host, such as an improved version of the Buzz Bomber, Gnashers and Coconuts, the monkey that throws coconuts. So it's not trying to be a carbon copy of the original, you're getting both the old and the new in a big huge mix here.

So the whole story of Sonic the Hedgehog is that you got this mad scientist dude called Dr Robotnik, who's already established himself as the main baddy of the Sonic games since the very start, and he's gained control of the planet Mobius, and Sonic must stop him before he builds Robotnikland. But you also have your partner Tails to help you. Not too much change from the original there, but most games in a series have a similar storyline, so it's ok I suppose...

The graphics for this game are incredible. The character models look similar to those of Sonic 1, but improved looks. Sonic has more of a recognisable running motion when he moves, but most of his looks are just about exactly the same from Sonic 1. There are some great animations seen here, some old and some new, and Tails is no exception to this rule. You get to view Tails fly, run, glide and everything.

The levels' looks are very nice too, and they suit the atmosphere of what the zone's name is. For example, ''Chemical Plant Zone''. Looks like a metropolis. You're in a plant. The blue water stuff. It suits the zone's name and each of the game's unique names for the zones suit them very well. The backgrounds look extremely good in the game as well, another added point for the game's resume.

The music in the game is also another great thing about it. Like many of the other Genesis Sonic games, the music stays in your head. Not only will you remember it, you'll get used to it, and even hum along while you play. While some people think it might be going far, I say so what? The music soundtracks in Sonic 2 are amazing, and some of the best music I have ever heard from a games console soundtrack. The sound effects are also very good too. Many of the sounds are nice even is they do sound a little strange to what action Sonic is performing. Such as ''Doing!'' when he hits a springboard or ''Boom'' when he smashes a Badnik. The sound of collecting a ring as well, something you seem to find in every Sonic game. So overall they sound great.

So overall Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is a brilliant game. If you have a Genesis but don't have this game, I suggest you get it. You'll be hooked for hours. I've played this game for years and still love it. The many stages are so fun to play through, the many bosses to beat up are great, it has excellent graphics and sounds, and it is one of the best games our true, blue hero has ever starred in. This is one of the best 2D games ever, and not one to be missed.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 02/01/04