Sonic the Hedgehog 2

 Xbox 360
User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 100 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 85 out of 100
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 100
  3. Negative: 6 out of 100

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  1. Funkymonk
    Feb 3, 2013
    10
    What can i say that hasn't already been said about this unbelievable game? Just in case you don't know Sonic 2 was one of those games that was great in every way; The best graphics of the era, an iconic soundtrack and some of the most perfect gameplay there has ever been. Even after all these years this provides one of computer games greatest rushes. The title of "classic" is given outWhat can i say that hasn't already been said about this unbelievable game? Just in case you don't know Sonic 2 was one of those games that was great in every way; The best graphics of the era, an iconic soundtrack and some of the most perfect gameplay there has ever been. Even after all these years this provides one of computer games greatest rushes. The title of "classic" is given out to far too many games but if anything deserves it this does!… Expand
  2. bonnin40
    Feb 18, 2013
    8
    A spot on port of an amazing genesis title. Everything that made the genesis title so great is present here, but even better, in HD! The graphics are crisp and clean, the music and sound effects are amazing and are ported perfectly, the game still controls great, and the game overall has aged really well. when you dont feel like dragging out the genesis, or pulling out sonics UGC, thisA spot on port of an amazing genesis title. Everything that made the genesis title so great is present here, but even better, in HD! The graphics are crisp and clean, the music and sound effects are amazing and are ported perfectly, the game still controls great, and the game overall has aged really well. when you dont feel like dragging out the genesis, or pulling out sonics UGC, this download is definitely the way to go. Every bit as wonderful and fun as the original.… Expand
  3. AngryNerds100
    Oct 19, 2015
    6
    Sonic 2 is far from "The perfect game" everyone claims it is. Far from it. To say I got no enjoyment out of it would be a lie, but I can't say it's a great game. There are good things about Sonic 2, including the soundtrack and presentation, but those are standard. The physics are perfect and the spindash is a nice edition, even though it often sends you flying into spikes. The screenSonic 2 is far from "The perfect game" everyone claims it is. Far from it. To say I got no enjoyment out of it would be a lie, but I can't say it's a great game. There are good things about Sonic 2, including the soundtrack and presentation, but those are standard. The physics are perfect and the spindash is a nice edition, even though it often sends you flying into spikes. The screen crunch is awful, and I find myself to be constantly running into enemies, especially since the levels aren't that well designed. Yes, Sonic's about going fast, but the level design is orientated around speed and less platforming. The levels are just plain confusing because of it. You never know which path you're on, or how far you've progressed in the level, because the stages are super non-linear. Running into hazards, would not be so bad, if the special stages require 50 rings to enter. The pace of the game is broken once you start hunting down rings and checkpoints. The special stages themselves are just terrible. It isn't worth it, not even for Super Sonic. They are too dang hard. The control is slippery, the bomb placement id flat out unfair at times, there is almost no room for error, they are memorization based and are too hard until you've played them over and over, and when you get booted out, you lose all your rings, forcing you to find 50 more. Then the last two levels are just meant to waste your lives. Especially Death Egg zone. The final boss of the game (I won't spoil it) is one of the most unfair bosses I've ever played. To put the icing on the cake, there is no real save feature. Getting a game over, makes you have to restart the entire game and lose all of your Emeralds. There is no excuse for this flawed game design, especially since Super Mario World was already released on the SNES and that game had a save feature. This also means I can't replay the fun levels without using the level select code, which I consider cheating. However, the worst part about this game, are the fans who are still defending this game and calling it flawless or the best Sonic game. Let me tell you, it's far from it. This doesn't mean Sonic 2 is bad, I just find it to be the weakest classic Sonic game.… Expand
  4. ChrisB.
    Sep 15, 2007
    10
    Just like the first game that came to Xbox Live Arcade everyone loved it at first sight, as do I also. It's good to see the old Sonic games coming back in fashion. Also with the second game you have the chance of getting to be Super Sonic if you get all the Chaos Emeralds which I find is alot of fun! If there is a bad point about the game then I would say it is the speed of gameplay. Just like the first game that came to Xbox Live Arcade everyone loved it at first sight, as do I also. It's good to see the old Sonic games coming back in fashion. Also with the second game you have the chance of getting to be Super Sonic if you get all the Chaos Emeralds which I find is alot of fun! If there is a bad point about the game then I would say it is the speed of gameplay. I noticed that this version of the game is slightly faster than the origonal one on the Sega Megadrive but that hardly takes any time at all to get over.… Expand
  5. GrahamY.
    Sep 14, 2007
    10
    Absolute Classic!
  6. KeiranB.
    Dec 2, 2007
    10
    One of the greatist games of all time and the best of its generation. The pinicle of platform gaming matched by none, a timeless classic
  7. SawnikAdventure
    Dec 12, 2011
    10
    I'm not going into detail, but I'll say this: you're an absolute idiot who plays nothing but this lame crap that they call 'Call Of Duty' all day and has no social life or sense of challenge if you don't have the slightest bit of love for this incredible game. Long live Sonic 2 and all of the amazing classic games, for that matter.
  8. DarrenD.
    Oct 1, 2007
    9
    Just as I remembered it back in the day. Plenty of levels and a good save system. What more do you want, Sonic 3 ?
  9. V1L3
    Nov 29, 2007
    9
    "I noticed that this version of the game is slightly faster than the origonal one on the Sega Megadrive." That'll be the fact that this version runs in 60hz, and the Mega Drive version was at 50hz, which makes this the more accurate version, and also better than the Virtual Console offering (also locked at 50hz on PAL systems). An all-time classic game that never gets old. I played "I noticed that this version of the game is slightly faster than the origonal one on the Sega Megadrive." That'll be the fact that this version runs in 60hz, and the Mega Drive version was at 50hz, which makes this the more accurate version, and also better than the Virtual Console offering (also locked at 50hz on PAL systems). An all-time classic game that never gets old. I played it to death when I was 12, and now, years later, my 4-year-old can't get enough of it.… Expand
  10. PP7Silenced
    Jan 21, 2011
    9
    If you are looking for classic side scrolling action on XBLA this is the best thing available this side of Mario World. A really solid game, Sonic The Hedgehog 2 is what most fans think of when they look back on the Genesis. It really was the peak of the franchises 2D roots and a real blast to play. Nothing has changed. The Leader boards and achievements add enough replay value for theIf you are looking for classic side scrolling action on XBLA this is the best thing available this side of Mario World. A really solid game, Sonic The Hedgehog 2 is what most fans think of when they look back on the Genesis. It really was the peak of the franchises 2D roots and a real blast to play. Nothing has changed. The Leader boards and achievements add enough replay value for the hardcore fan and the the nostalgic gamer to get a kick out of and the $5.00 price tag doesn't hurt either. If you are a fan of Sonic you owe it to yourself to pick this title up.… Expand
  11. JON_RYO
    Oct 18, 2011
    10
    One of my favourite games of all time, a timeless classic that never gets old. The gameplay, the level design, the amazing level music, this is not just a retro masterpiece, it is a gaming masterpiece, which I own on megadrive already but still purchased here as it is that brilliant! Still amazingly fun to play on xbox, the only things which could have improved it were an online levelOne of my favourite games of all time, a timeless classic that never gets old. The gameplay, the level design, the amazing level music, this is not just a retro masterpiece, it is a gaming masterpiece, which I own on megadrive already but still purchased here as it is that brilliant! Still amazingly fun to play on xbox, the only things which could have improved it were an online level time leaderboard, and fixing the online multiplayer as it was waaaaayyyyyy to laggy, The low price point is also a great bonus! 10/10… Expand
  12. Jarbas6
    Dec 2, 2011
    10
    This is, for me, the best Sonic game and one of the best games that ever existed. For 400 points? What are you waiting for? Just go and get it, you won't be disappointed.
  13. Cjminecraftpro
    Aug 20, 2017
    9
    This Game Is Amazing i Love Gameplay, The Graphics, The Level Design, If you hadn't play this game PLAY IT RIGHT NOW This Game Is Worth Your Time Than Stupid Call of Duty
  14. togobogo
    Feb 28, 2022
    0
    i couldnt get past chemical zone 2 its so hard they really need to make it easier
  15. GameDudeGuy
    Feb 4, 2021
    8
    best way to play sonic 2? yes i htink this is the way to play it also its just super fun
  16. Rabbie
    May 22, 2015
    10
    Sonic 2 is one of my favorite Sega Mega Drive/Genesis games. Play through less clunky controls than the original sonic game. It has great level design. Great final boss. Unforgettable soundtrack. The game also introduced Tails to the series. A must-play for everyone!!!!!!!!
  17. how_are_u
    Jul 28, 2014
    10
    Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is probably the best game for the Mega-Drive. So great gameplay wise, and I always love a good platformer 10/10 .
  18. Jipa
    Sep 5, 2014
    8
    This is the best 2D Sonic game...
    The graphics,The gameplay,The levels. Everything... Expect the air levels. I didn't like them.. At all. God.
    How much more do i have to write? I already said i like it.
  19. yoshistar456
    Mar 19, 2016
    9
    Sonic 2 is a great game. This game is a sequel to the original "Sonic the Hedgehog" This adds several staples into the franchise, such as Tails the Fox, a seventh chaos emerald, Super Sonic, Sonic's Spindash, and extremely annoying special stages. I like this game more than the original, and it's something I recommend for first time Sonic players. Unlike the first game, this is somethingSonic 2 is a great game. This game is a sequel to the original "Sonic the Hedgehog" This adds several staples into the franchise, such as Tails the Fox, a seventh chaos emerald, Super Sonic, Sonic's Spindash, and extremely annoying special stages. I like this game more than the original, and it's something I recommend for first time Sonic players. Unlike the first game, this is something all gamers can enjoy.… Expand
  20. JPK
    Aug 19, 2018
    10
    Another Classic Sequel
    Sonic 2 Has Everything That Made The First Game So Beloved.
  21. dzevel
    Dec 27, 2017
    10
    Sonic the Hedgehog 2 was my first perfect gaming experience.
    From time to time over 20 years I still find myself download the game to Xbox, IOS, PC etc and play this No1 game ever created!
    I hope the next Sonic will replace the fun and pleasure you can play not only alone but with friends and family as well.
  22. TheMaskedGamer
    Jul 18, 2018
    8
    Despite having some bad apples of level design like Sky Chase Zone and Metropolis Zone, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 makes up for it with mostly good level design and the addition of the spin dash.
  23. Minemon106
    Jul 13, 2019
    9
    This is one of the game's which is the reason I am here it is a fantastic classic with new great music and zones also introducing the new character tails sonic best friend and the spin dash. If you are getting into sonic games play this.
  24. fuyuyuki
    Sep 15, 2020
    8
    a much more refined speedy platformer experience, with many added features and improved level design all across the board
  25. genesisdoes
    Oct 2, 2020
    6
    Sonic 2 is a game I played to prepare myself for Sonic Mania. I wanted to finally beat a classic Sonic game or 2 so I could have a full comparison once I got around to checking Mania off my list. 2 is considered to be the first game of Sonic's classic peak and I can see why. It's certainly a big improvement over the first game in many areas but there are still several other areas they justSonic 2 is a game I played to prepare myself for Sonic Mania. I wanted to finally beat a classic Sonic game or 2 so I could have a full comparison once I got around to checking Mania off my list. 2 is considered to be the first game of Sonic's classic peak and I can see why. It's certainly a big improvement over the first game in many areas but there are still several other areas they just hadn't perfected yet.

    Mainly, the trial and error gameplay. Sonic games are about going fast, it was the one thing the Sega Genesis had over the SNES. Processing. So naturally, SEGA capitalized that by making their brand new mascot a fast as hell hedgehog. Where this becomes an issue is when you're going 100 miles per hour through a level and an enemy that you couldn't see stops you in your tracks.

    This happens A LOT. Way more often than I care to mention. This is my main problem with the game and while it's a glaring one, it wasn't ever enough to make me want to quit. I always wanted to keep chugging along, even if my obstacles were very often unfairly presented to me. I can see why it's a classic and I'm happy I beat it. I was a huge Sonic fan as a kid and I feel like I've done some previously unfinished business by beating this.
    I beat this game in December of 2019.    … Expand
  26. RodrigoBR32
    Nov 2, 2020
    10
    This game is fantastic! But my favorite game from Sonic's 2D game series is Sonic 3 & Knuckles / Sonic & Knuckles but still I still love Sonic the Hedgehog 2 for SEGA Genesis and other platforms.
  27. Gobnous_Gretch
    Mar 18, 2021
    5
    This port has some weird little quirks I don't run into on the Genesis version, or Gamecube port. There are times when you'll just kinda clip through the level geometry and fall to your death, dropped rings fall through the floor more often, and you can also just fall through the last boss when you hit him, which, iirc, was previously only a problem in the "& Knuckles" version of the game.This port has some weird little quirks I don't run into on the Genesis version, or Gamecube port. There are times when you'll just kinda clip through the level geometry and fall to your death, dropped rings fall through the floor more often, and you can also just fall through the last boss when you hit him, which, iirc, was previously only a problem in the "& Knuckles" version of the game. It gets a 5/10 because it's Sonic 2 and if it's the only way you can get this game it's worth it, but if you have a Gamecube, 3DS, or PC, they all have better versions of Sonic 2 where you can access the actual game menus rather than the weird Xbox 360 UI they put it in. I would buy it over the mobile release because Sonic on mobile is nooo goooood… Expand
  28. Incidental70
    Aug 1, 2021
    8
    This game is a great follow-up from the first game, it fixes, improves and adds more elements to the game, like having a spin-dash, having a bigger array of zones and having Tails, you can even control Tails if having the second controller, but flaws like unfair deaths, out-dated game design and badnicks that can be placed in a unfair place, overall it's a very good sequel.
  29. Downdieg
    May 7, 2022
    10
    sonic 2 is one of those games that you like from start to finish, the story is not that complex but the design work in the background and the ost is good
  30. FireBroFilms
    Aug 15, 2022
    8
    ‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎
  31. SonicFan20
    Nov 16, 2022
    8
    This Is Sonic The Hedgehog 2, Spindash, Tails, Super Sonic, New Vast Worlds To Explore, Insane Special Stages, Pushing The Sega Genesis To Its Limit. The Story Goes As Follows. Sonic Heads To West Side Island. He Is Followed By Newcomer "Miles Prower" But Sonic Calls Him Tails. Sonic As Usual Runs Fast BUT NOW! But Holding D pad Down And Mashing The Jump Button He Spindashes. Tails Can FlyThis Is Sonic The Hedgehog 2, Spindash, Tails, Super Sonic, New Vast Worlds To Explore, Insane Special Stages, Pushing The Sega Genesis To Its Limit. The Story Goes As Follows. Sonic Heads To West Side Island. He Is Followed By Newcomer "Miles Prower" But Sonic Calls Him Tails. Sonic As Usual Runs Fast BUT NOW! But Holding D pad Down And Mashing The Jump Button He Spindashes. Tails Can Fly But Not In The Real Game (wait till S3&K for that one) Only In Trailers and when you die he flys back up. If You Collect 50 Rings And Go to a Checkpoint It Takes You to a special stage where if you collect enough rings you Get a chaos emerald. Unlike in sonic 1 If you collect 'em all You get a reward. SUPER SONIC! Collect 50 Rings and Jump And Go Super. He's Golden, Runs 5 times faster, But Every second you use him he take 1 ring so be sure to collect rings. The Stages are So Good. Casino, Caves, Green Hills, And So Much More. This Game is So Good. 8/10… Expand
  32. Kdog152
    Jan 4, 2023
    8
    This game is great until you get to oil Ocean zone. The last 4 Zones, Oil ocean, Metropolis zone, Sky Chace zone and Wing fortress zone are bad and the final boss is ridiculous. I mean seriously Sega, NO RINGS FOR THE ENTIRE 2 PHASE BOSS FIGHT!! Apart from that this is a huge improvement from then first game and great. I'd say my favourite zone is Mystic cave zone.
  33. Megasss
    Jul 6, 2023
    0
    Very automated game, beat this entire game without pressing left once (except for wfz but shush)
    I would rather play with a pile of s***.
  34. RedRad20
    Jul 27, 2023
    0
    Woooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Awards & Rankings

27
#27 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2007
31
#31 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2007
81
#81 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2007

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. IGN
    79
    Holds up as not only one of the best games available on Sega's memorable 16-bit machine, but also a worthy addition to any XBLA library.
    Read full review
  2. GameSpot
    80
    The quintessential Sonic experience is made even better thanks to the inclusion of achievements and a strong, competitive multiplayer component.
    Read full review
  3. Eurogamer
    90
    An all-time great.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »