For quite some time now, the Sega Ages line of video games has been bringing classic titles on current-generation platforms, re-introducing these gems to both the new and old generation of gamers. The current Sega Ages line, which is bringing classic games to the Nintendo Switch, has since ported iconic games including the original Sonic the Hedgehog, Shinobi, and now, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 which is a fan favorite title that eventually became the second best-selling Sega Genesis game behind the original Sonic The Hedgehog.
Ever since its introduction during the '90s, Sonic the Hedgehog remains to be one of the most recognizable and iconic video game characters of all time. The cute blue blur was created as Sega's response to the popularity of Nintendo's Mario and subsequently went head to head with Sony's official mascot, Crash Bandicoot. Throughout its 30-years in existence, the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise has produced numerous best-selling video games, and then later ventured into TV and most recently, a feature film.
Sonic The Hedgehog 2 introduced Sonic's sidekick, Miles "Tails" Prower, as a second playable character. The game revolves around Sonic and Tails in pursuit of the evil Dr. Ivo Robotnik, who is stealing Chaos Emeralds all over the world to power his space station, the Death Egg. Just like similar games in this era, the story of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is quite simple that mostly serves as a backdrop. Instead, much of the game's appeal lies in the gameplay itself, which is a side-scrolling platformer but is more fast-paced than other similar titles.
Additionally, the Switch version of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 adds Knuckles into the mix. To those unfamiliar, Sonic & Knuckles came on a special cartridge that let players put either Sonic 2 or 3 on top of it, allowing them to play either game as Knuckles instead of Sonic. Now, with the addition of Knuckles in Sega Ages' Sonic the Hedgehog 2, players who weren't able to play as the Guardian of the Master Emerald would be able to do so now with this complete version of the classic game.
In standard Sega Ages fashion, the Switch version of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 introduces modern-day features to make gameplay smoother on the Nintendo Switch, while retaining the classic vibe of the original game. One of these new features is the Ring Keeper mode, which reduces ring loss by half instead of automatically going to zero whenever the player takes a hit. This mode is especially helpful for new players, who may need time to practice and get familiar with the game's controls and tricky maps.
Another new addition to the Switch version of Sonic 2 is HD rumble, which is made possible with the console's Joy-Cons. Although the rumble feature doesn't really do anything to make gameplay easier, it provides feedback whenever the player bumps into enemies or traps that are scattered all over the map. As far as controls are concerned, Sonic 2 is perfectly optimized for the Nintendo Switch. Of course, it may take players some time to get familiar with its controls, but once it is mastered, players can expect a fun and seamless experience, just as it did during the game's stint in the Sega Genesis console.
Apart from the new features included in Sonic 2, the game still embraces the classic gameplay that made it a beloved title in the first place. It offers a wide variety of levels that vary in difficulty. Some levels would require players to go all out and send Sonic to blaze around the map as fast as possible while avoiding enemies and collecting rings. However, it is worth noting that the game offers a balance in gameplay, given that not all maps are designed for speedrunning.
There are several levels in Sonic 2 that would require players to carefully strategize their route given that a wide variety of enemy types and traps are found within the environment. This balancing act provides variation in how players could approach each level so they won't feel like they're doing the same thing over and over. Additionally, Sonic's Drop Dash, which is an ability introduced in Sonic Mania, has also been added to the game, which is a testament that this new version is a true recreation rather than just a console port. Although the Drop Dash is a skill that is helpful to both new and old players, the ability can sometimes be exploited on several levels, which makes what was once considered a challenging level, a little bit easier to beat.
The new version of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 also introduced a new Challenge Mode, which is a time-trial mini-game that is set in Sonic 2's first stage. The objective of this new game mode is to collect 100 rings as quickly as possible, and the game even includes online leaderboards so players can compare their scores against their friends or other people online. Unfortunately, the Challenge Mode only offers one format, which significantly decreases its replayability and is only fun to play when players have other people to compete and compare scores with.
As far as graphics are concerned, Sonic 2 on the Nintendo Switch offers a wide variety of customization options for players to choose from. The original 4:3 aspect ratio is included in the game, but would obviously not fit the entire screen of the Switch. However, to fill in the gaps, the game includes several backgrounds that players can choose from. Of course, wide and full-screen modes are also available but it is worth pointing out that this would stretch the display a little bit. Additionally, players can also add effects such as scan lines, which is perfect for those who are looking to capture that nostalgic look. Alternatively, the game's default display setting offers clean and smooth visuals despite the game's 16-bit format.
Overall, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 on the Nintendo Switch is the most complete version of the classic game and is a must-have for the most dedicated Sonic fan, or for newcomers in the franchise who are curious about the classic Sonic games after seeing the 2020 feature film. The only disappointment in this version is the Challenge Mode, which feels repetitive and doesn't really have that much replay value.
Despite its old-age, the Sega Ages treatment was able to add to the game's value by including some essential modern-day features that make it easier to play on the Nintendo Switch. Additionally, the new Switch version also includes tons of display customization options and was able to retain the fast-paced but balanced gameplay that made Sonic the Hedgehog 2 one of the most loved games of all time.
Sega Ages: Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is available now for the Nintendo Switch. Game Rant was provided with a Switch code for the purposes of this review.