3D Sonic the Hedgehog 2

Genre: Platformer

Players: 1-2 Co-Op (Local Wireless)

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Review:

Sonic the Hedgehog is a Platformer originally released on the Sega Genesis in 1992 and later ported to numerous other platforms over the years (including three ports to Nintendo Switch), with the 2015 Nintendo 3DS release of the game adding stereoscopic 3D. For those unfamiliar with Sonic 2, this installment added the helper character Tails, multiplayer support, and is overall generally considered an improvement over the first game thanks to improved stage design and some helpful added moves, like the “spin-dash” move that allows Sonic to gain speed from a standstill. In fact, up until the much more recent Sonic Mania (which I would argue tops Sonic 2 in every way), Sonic 2 was generally seen as the highlight of the entire series.

That said, I would argue that Sonic never reached the same heights as Mario – Sonic has a focus on speed rather than Mario’s focus on exploration and precision platforming, but a typical Sonic level has all sorts of traps to punish you for taking it too quickly, with even a single run-in with a spike or enemy losing you most of the rings you’ve collected thus far. Sonic games are at their best when you can just run forward and blaze through a level… but that also means you’ve not really interacting with the game as much.

However, don’t make mistake my criticisms above – this game is still a superb platformer that stands the test of time, with some top-notch game physics, memorable levels and characters, great music, and fun and challenging gameplay. The Nintendo 3DS release of the game adds a few extra features, such as the ability to play the game with different emulation modes or different international versions, screen settings, button reassignments, save states, and a “Ring Keep” mode that allows players to only lose half of their rings when they take damage, slapping a Band-Aid on one of the issues I noted above. This game isn’t quite as feature-packed as the Sega Ages version of the game on Nintendo Switch is, but it’s still a solid release of a classic game.

I suppose that just brings this down to one question – how much do you want Sonic the Hedgehog 2 specifically on Nintendo 3DS. This game is available on virtually every modern platform, and while this is a solid port of the game, other versions offer even more. However, if you own a Nintendo 3DS and want Sonic on it, or if you really want Sonic in stereoscopic 3D, I do not think you will be disappointed with this game.

tl;dr – Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is a classic Platformer originally released on the Sega Genesis, and it has aged pretty well. This release of the game adds in a slew of special features and challenge modes that aren’t in the Sega Genesis Classics collection. This is one of the highlights of the series, and well worth grabbing for any fan of Platformers. Having said that, it’s nothing you can’t get on pretty much every other game system on the market, but it’s a great game nonetheless.

Grade: A-

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