Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (8-bit video game) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sonic the Hedgehog 2 |
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Master System cover art
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| Developer(s) | Aspect |
| Publisher(s) | Sega |
| Composer(s) |
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| Series | Sonic the Hedgehog |
| Platform(s) | Master System, Game Gear |
| Release date(s) | Master System
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| Genre(s) | Platform game |
| Mode(s) | Single-player |
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is a super fast platform game that came out in 1992. It was made by Aspect and published by Sega. You could play it on the Master System and Game Gear.
This game is a sequel to the first Sonic the Hedgehog game from 1991. In Sonic the Hedgehog 2, you play as Sonic. He needs to find special items called Chaos Emeralds. His goal is to save his best friend, Miles "Tails" Prower, who has been kidnapped by the evil Dr. Robotnik.
Just like the first game, you run through exciting levels at super high speeds. You also collect rings and defeat enemies along the way. Even though this game has the same name as Sonic the Hedgehog 2 for the Sega Genesis, they are actually very different games. They don't share any levels, even though they came out around the same time.
Unlike the first 8-bit Sonic game, which was made by a company called Ancient, Sonic 2 was developed by Aspect. These two development teams didn't work together. Sonic 2 was released in November 1992 and people loved it! Critics said it was even better than the first 8-bit Sonic game. They especially liked its cool graphics and fun gameplay. This game has been re-released many times, including in Sonic game collections and on Nintendo's Virtual Console.
Contents
How to Play Sonic the Hedgehog 2
The way you play Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is very similar to the first game from 1991. It's a side-scrolling platformer. This means you move Sonic from left to right across the screen. Your main goal is to run super fast, defeat bad guys, and get past obstacles.
The story starts right after the first game ended. Sonic comes home and finds out that Doctor Robotnik has taken his friend, Miles "Tails" Prower. So, Sonic sets off on an adventure to rescue him!
Collecting Rings and Power-ups
Just like in the first game, Sonic can pick up power-ups. These power-ups give him temporary special abilities. For example, some can make him run even faster or make him invincible for a short time.
Sonic also collects rings. These rings are very important! If Sonic gets hit by an enemy or an obstacle, he will lose his rings. But if he has rings, he won't lose a life.
Lives and Game Over
Sonic starts the game with three lives. You lose a life if you get hit without any rings. You also lose a life if you fall into a deep pit, drown in water, or take too long to finish a level. If you lose all your lives, it's game over.
New Features in Sonic 2
There are some cool changes in Sonic 2 compared to the first game. In this game, you won't find checkpoint boxes or shield item boxes. But a great new feature is that Sonic can now collect the rings he drops when he gets hurt!
Some moves from the 16-bit Sega Genesis version of Sonic the Hedgehog were added here. Sonic can now smash through walls. He can also run through cool vertical loops. The game also has new ways for Sonic to move around. He can ride in minecarts and even use hang gliders to fly through levels!
Zones and Chaos Emeralds
The game has seven different levels, which are called zones. Each zone has two main parts, called acts. At the end of each zone, Sonic has to fight a boss. These bosses are usually big robots made by Doctor Robotnik.
The levels in Sonic 2 are completely new. They are not like the levels in the 16-bit Sonic the Hedgehog 2 game. This makes the 8-bit version unique!
At the end of each main act, Sonic hits a signpost. This signpost spins and lands on an image. Depending on the image, Sonic can get special bonuses. There are six Chaos Emeralds hidden throughout the stages. If you collect all six, you will be able to rescue Tails at the end of the game!
Making and Releasing the Game
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 was made by a company called Aspect. They worked with Sega to create the game. The first 8-bit Sonic game was made by a different company, Ancient.
Craig Stitt, who worked on the 16-bit Sonic 2 for the Sega Genesis, said that the teams didn't talk much. Aspect and the Sega Technical Institute (STI) team worked separately.
Release Dates and Platforms
Both versions of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 came out in Europe in November 1992. The Game Gear version was released in Japan on November 21. It came out in North America in December 1992.
This game was special because it was the first Game Gear game to use a four megabit cartridge. This was the biggest cartridge for the Game Gear at that time! The Master System version of the game was only available in Europe for a long time. But in December 2008, it was released worldwide on the Wii Virtual Console.
Where to Play It Now
The Game Gear version of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 has been included in other games and collections. You could unlock it as a bonus in Sonic Adventure DX (2003). It was also one of the games in the Sonic collection called Sonic Gems Collection (2005). Later, it was released on the Nintendo 3DS eShop in June 2013.
Game Sales
In the United Kingdom, all versions of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (including the 16-bit version) were very popular. They were the top-selling games during Christmas 1992.
For December 1992, the Mega Drive version was number one. The Game Gear version was number three, and the Master System version was number four. Super Mario Land 2 for the Game Boy was number two. Sonic 2 is the best-selling Game Gear game ever. It sold over 400,000 copies!
See also
In Spanish: Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (8 bits) para niños
