Sonic the Hedgehog 2 Critic Reviews

Team M2 has done another masterful job with this Sega Ages release and it’s another must-have as far as I’m concerned. Sure, Sonic 2 has been released numerous times over the years on all kinds of platforms, and you may have had your fill, but if you’re like me and it’s been many years since you’ve played this old classic, there is simply no better way to play it than on the Switch.

With some welcome new extras, including a playable Knuckles, SEGA AGES Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is another masterful port from M2 and the best version of the best Sonic game yet.

Sonic The Hedgehog 2 continues to be pure magic and no matter how many times it gets ported onto the hottest new thing, the experience will never be diluted.

In spite of featuring less content than the title's 2013 remake for iOS and Android, that doesn't change the fact that this is the best version of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 currently available for a home console. Knuckles is included as a playable character, Super Sonic and Super Knuckles have their own unlockable modes where the Chaos Emeralds are collected out the gate, and the inclusion of the Drop Dash only adds depth to already excellent platforming. With a fantastic set of levels, and plenty of quality of life additions, SEGA AGES Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is one of the line's better offerings.

While Sega Ages: Sonic the Hedgehog 2 isn't the best version of the game you can play, it is nevertheless the best version you're going to find on any home console today.

The big takeaway here is that a port of Sonic 2 is still a port of a classic. I still consider the Whitehead version of the game to be the definitive release, but I’ll continue to fret at the fact that it’s still locked away on mobile devices. That shouldn’t detract from the fact that M2 pulled off yet another solid port of a game I’ll still happily blast through in 2020.

As 2D platformers go, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is up there with the best of them. It has brilliant music, colourful visuals, inventive stages, and is generally just a joy to play. This SEGA Ages version is better than most thanks to its responsive controls and wealth of additional features, and that’s why you should probably pick it up. Whether you’re experiencing it for the first time or are a massive fan looking for another speedy blue fix, you can’t really go wrong with SEGA AGES: Sonic the Hedgehog 2.

A brilliant presentation of a fantastic platformer, with a reasonable helping of extra features (some useful, others fairly throwaway). If you haven't played Sonic 2 before it's a must-have: whether it's worth buying if you already have the game in some other form, though, is questionable.

A terrific port of a terrific game, then, finished off with background options, screen size and scan line adjustments, and the option to play the Japanese version (it changes Tails' name to Miles, that's about it). But do you need another version of Sonic 2 in your life? For me, given I've already got this on at least four other platforms - not least of all the Mega Drive itself - I probably wouldn't have grabbed it had SEGA not provided a copy, even with the added Knuckles. But if you've never taken this sensational platformer for a spin before, and the Switch is your console of choice right now? To echo a previous sentiment: it's truly a no-brainer.

It comes as little surprise but Sonic the Hedgehog 2 remains a fantastic platformer. Of the what seems like hundreds of releases this game has seen, the SEGA AGES version ranks among some of the better efforts. While it might lack the bells and whistles of the terrific Christian Whitehead remake, it’s still a great way to experience one of the hedgehog’s best adventures be it your first or tenth time.

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.

Even if you own Sonic the Hedgehog 2 on a dozen consoles, playing it again on Switch is worth it for the few extras and portability.

All in all, Sonic 2 is still a great game this time wrapped in a very nice package. The new modes make the game more accessible than ever, while still retaining the core Sonic experience. While there are some nice details, like being able to switch between versions of the game and the Sonic & Knuckles lock-on cart appearing when selecting the echidna's mode, the lack of widescreen support is very strange.

The Sega Ages line up on The Switch continue to impress with each release. While this one doesn’t break new ground, it still manages to fit right in with the other games in the collection. It’s decently priced at $7.99, so it won’t hurt your wallet even if you are simply curious. A less packed release for sure, but still a good addition to the line up and your collection.

SEGA AGES Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is the best, most complete version of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 to this very date. However, it does not necessarily need to exist, with copious amounts of ports having already been released prior.