The Fun Factor 3.12.07: Sonic the Hedgehog 2
Posted by Cory Moore on 03.12.2007
This Genesis classic set a new standard for side-scrolling goodness...and awesome sidekicks who could fly.
Earlier this week, I decided to stop into Blockbuster for the first time in about three years. I've about ran out of money buying games since Christmas, so I needed some avenue of trying out SSX Blur and Sonic and the Secret Rings. So, I went into the semi-ghetto part of town and thankfully, the store had them to rent. Sweet! Or so I thought.
I'm only a few stages into the game, but Sonic and the Secret Rings is a tad bit disappointing so far. My biggest gripe is the controls are too darn difficult to grasp. Again, maybe it just takes some figuring out, but the motion thing isn't cutting it so far. It could be the Wii remote's accuracy, but based on the trend of Sonic games in previous years, I can't help but think it may be another missed opportunity for the poor hedgehog. No matter how much I want to believe it, this just isn't the same Sonic I remember from my childhood.
It seems that ever since Sonic 3-D Blast, the series just hasn't been the same. What was once an exciting, side-scrolling speed fest has been crippled in the transition to 3-D. Looking back, the Dreamcast was probably the worst thing that could've happened to the loveable mascot. What the franchise brought in stunning visuals, it lacked the spirit that defined the series in the first place. Each title since has slid down this slippery slope, to the point where gamers are questioning whether or not Sonic can ever regain his composure in the "new-gen" world.
But instead of harping on Sonic's shortcomings, I want to give you a look back at the pinnacle of Sonic's success. The game that cemented his legacy in the 2-D realm as frantic and fun wrapped into a neat package…
Sonic The Hedgehog 2
Sega Genesis, 1992 Re-Released in Sonic Mega Collection (2002; Gamecube, Playstation 2, Xbox); Sega Genesis Collection (2006; Playstation 2, PSP)
The Origins
In the 1980s, side-scrollers were a dime a dozen. For every Contra and Metroid, you had an equally forgettable game that floundered in the arcades. Still, the genre was excessively popular. Heck, it was one of the few concepts developers could pull off with a moderate amount of success. Still, there was an overload, and once Mario took over the gaming scene on the NES, the competition took notice.
Video game artist Naoto Oshima and designer Hirokazu Yasuhara were put in charge of providing a new mascot for Sega to phase out Alex Kidd, the star of such games as Miracle World. What was known as the Sonic Team developed the video game project featuring a spiky hedgehog, and in 1991 the project was finally released on the Mega Drive/Genesis console under the title of Sonic the Hedgehog. Sonic was a surprising success to say the least. By the time the dust had settled, Sonic provided Sega with competition capable of defeating Nintendo's signature plumber.
Sega took notice of their new blue mascot's popularity and ran with it, no pun intended. Sonic was quickly crowned as Sega's favorite son, as the first game of the series was inserted into the Sega Genesis console bundle. It was the perfect opportunity to knock the second true gaming giant off its pedestal. The first Sonic the Hedgehog was the stick that drew the line in the sand, but Sonic 2 was the soldier who fired the first shots in the fiercest console war to date. And oh, what a fierce warrior Sonic would be…
The Controlled Substance
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 builds upon the great gameplay introduced in the first installment on the Sega Genesis. The main hero – Sonic – runs, jumps and rolls through stages in a lightning-quick fashion. Along the way, he collects rings, runs around loops and collects power-ups that shield him from enemy attacks and encourage him to zip through levels at even higher speeds. At the end of each ‘zone,' our blue protagonist encounters one of Dr. Robotnik's many mechanical concoctions.
Sonic 2 expands on several key aspects of the first game. The most notable addition is the addition of Sonic's sidekick, Tails the fox. Tails allows cooperative gameplay in the story mode, as well as a two-player versus mode in which players compete for bragging rights in three different stages.
Sonic 2 also bolsters the number of zones to 11, an increase over seven in the first incarnation. Each zone has been reduced to two levels, but the size of the stages has noticeably expanded and the stages often include many routes to success. While none of the zones from the original game carry over, there are some similarities that will please fans: Emerald Hill Zone introduces Sonic 2 much like Green Hill Zone functioned for the original, while Casino Night Zone pays homage to the flashiness of Spring Yard Zone.
The Fun Factor
I'd argue that Sonic 2 is the best of all Sonic games and one of the best side-scrolling action/adventure games of all time. Why? It's all about this game's presentation, which is still unique after all these years.
First, Miles "Tails" Prower contributes a completely new flavor to the Sonic franchise. Sure, he controls just the same as his hedgehog counterpart, but it's a proven fact that people love to play as the underdog. And let's face it; Tails is about as awesome a sidekick you'll find in video games. Also, the 2-player cooperative mode is worth mentioning. In this mode, Sonic is the key to success, but Tails can certainly act as an x-factor. While Sonic zips through the levels figuring out where to explore next, the second player – controlling Tails – can lend a helping hand by battling Dr. Robotnik's minions. The best part about it? Tails doesn't endure any damage. If he's hit, he simply disappears and flies back to the action as if nothing happened. Sweetness!
Compared to the first installment, Sonic 2 is FAST. I give all the props to Sonic Team for creating such a unique design in the series' first title, but the sequel really set the standard for Sonic in terms of the franchise's speedy identity. This was the first in the series to utilize Sonic's spin dash, where he whirls in a ball and unleashes his quickness like a spark of electricity. Each level has at least one area where you can zip through with lightning-fast speed. The abundance of springboards also set the bar for how fun side-scrolling games could be.
Speaking of level design, I much prefer this game's levels to the other games in the 2-D Sonic series. Of course, any side-scroller level is going to have a similar feel, but I love the effort of giving each zone its own unique environment. The Chemical Plant has you twisting through tubes while trying to avoid dipping into a hazardous purple liquid. Even though it's shorter than other acts, Sky Chase Zone is still a lot of fun that entails trying to fight badniks while balancing Sonic atop a plane flown by Tails. My favorite level has to be Casino Night Zone, where you find yourself in the middle of a Las Vegas-like environment. There aren't as many badniks to defeat in this zone, but the levels are full of pinball rooms and flashy visuals. There is a lot of navigation involved and you can easily get caught racing to the finish line just to beat the clock! My favorite part is when you encounter the enormous slot machines. You have no idea how thrilling it is to gamble your rings for a potentially huge gain but knowing you're taking a risk that could spell disaster. It's probably about the closest I'll ever travel to a casino.
In the first Sonic release for the Genesis, the levels were shorter, but three acts per stage made the game awfully repetitive. In Sonic 2, the formula is changed to two acts that are expansive but quicker than ever. I love this change. Not only does it provide more variety in terms of individual zone design, it also speeds the game up tremendously. The bigger stages mean there is more room to explore, but it also opens up room to go wild with the speed you've been handed. It's like saying, "Here's the keys to a Camaro...go crazy!" Who doesn't enjoy that freedom?
The 411
Mario may have set the standard for side-scrolling greatness, but Sonic grabbed that bar and elevated it to new heights. Mario may have his power-ups, but Sonic has the natural gift of speed. Mario's adventure may be linear action at its best, but Sonic's Chaos Emeralds provide a side story to conquer. Mario is a goofy, bumbling plumber. Sonic has a subtle edge that kids embrace.
The bottom line is Sega took a risk and it paid off. There's a certain nostalgic value for Sonic games that originated on the Genesis, but the creativity put into the 2-D series has allowed it to shine even after the many technological advances over the years. Even if you've beaten the games a million times, there's a certain quality about them that keeps you coming back for more.
So, that brings us full circle to Sega losing its focus on the Sonic franchise. A game once known for simple controls and brisk acceleration has been transformed into a franchise overloaded with useless characters and puzzles that cause your head to ache in frustration. Sonic can be saved, in my opinion. In the video game market, sometimes taking a step back and starting with a fresh slate is the best thing a developer can do. Maybe if Sega remembered what made Sonic 2 enjoyable, they could cure the woes all together.
Game Over
Before I sign off, I encourage everyone to visit the 411 Games Myspace. It's a work in progress, but it has an awesome version of the Mario theme on it. That's enough reason for you to visit it right now. So go, have a good time. Find out more about us.
