Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II

 Xbox 360
User Score
6.7

Mixed or average reviews- based on 116 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 58 out of 116
  2. Mixed: 34 out of 116
  3. Negative: 24 out of 116

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  1. JPK
    Aug 19, 2018
    7
    It’s Fun
    Not Great, But If You’re Bored On A Rainy Day, This A Decent Way To Pass The Time.
  2. Sawnik98
    May 18, 2012
    6
    Sonic fanboys will probably hate me for saying this, but I don't think Sonic 4 deserves it's title so far. While Episode II is an improvement over Episode I and is a lot of fun, both episodes have failed to capture the magic of the classics. Let's explore a little bit deeper. First and foremost, I will talk about the physics. The physics are one of the crucial elements in a Sonic game, 2DSonic fanboys will probably hate me for saying this, but I don't think Sonic 4 deserves it's title so far. While Episode II is an improvement over Episode I and is a lot of fun, both episodes have failed to capture the magic of the classics. Let's explore a little bit deeper. First and foremost, I will talk about the physics. The physics are one of the crucial elements in a Sonic game, 2D or 3D, and Sonic 4: Episode II lives up to this well. Sonic feels surprisingly nice to control and everything feels a lot more smooth than Episode I. The rolling, however, still doesn't work properly. Sonic only picks up a little bit of momentum even when you hold forward while performing it and on half of the slopes on the game, it works just as badly as it did in Episode I. I've no idea why the developers of Sonic games these days can't get rolling right. Ever since the end of the Advance series, rolling is pretty much pointless these days and that's not how it should be. Rolling was an awesome and fun way to earn speed effectively in the classics and it's a shame that it can't be put to use like that anymore. The graphics are excellent. This is a major improvement over Episode I - everything pops out and looks clean, fresh and realistic. No longer does Sonic run over plastic grass but he now runs through achingly pretty, fully rendered, 3D environments. The only real criticism I have on the graphics is the lack of anti-aliasing. Some of the edges look really rough, like on a Wii game at times. I don't know why it wasn't included, it's not as if the PS3 can't handle it, after all. Nevertheless, great job, DIMPS. The music is... disappointing, to say the least. There are no longer dying cats in the melodies, which is a definite positive, but some of the tracks sound so repetitive and boring, it's easy to fall asleep. Don't get me wrong - there are some great tunes in the game, my favourites being the Metal Sonic boss fight and Sky Fortress Act 2, but c'mon, Jun Senoue. You've done better. The level design is... OK. It doesn't flat out suck but nor does it shine. There's a good amount of platforming involved, which is great, but there's a lack of multiple routes and exploration going on and the amount of times the game plays itself for you is ridiculous. There's loads of speed boosters everywhere and so many springs. It's like they were trying to turn the game into a movie. What I hate just as much is the use of the homing attack. This move is simply a stupid idea for a 2D Sonic game. Is it REALLY that difficult to jump on an enemy? That's how it was done in the classics, the Advance trilogy and even the freaking Sonic Rush games. This wouldn't be so terrible if it wasn't forced upon you! Seriously, there's always a chain of stationary Bubbles badniks flying in the air for you to use your attack on. It's REQUIRED to beat the game. WHY?! What if I don't WANT to? This also extends on into the combo moves. With Tails with you, you can now do a load of combo moves like flying or doing a 69-roll of death. Some of these moves are pretty handy and fun to use, like the submarine combo, but others kinda... suck. The 69-roll, like the homing attack, is forced upon you and it's very overpowered. A nice feature with Episode II is the ability to play with another person either locally or online. It's great fun to play with and it's probably the mode I play the most on now. The problem with it though is that you are forced to have both players on screen at the same time, even when online. I don't know why split-screen wasn't implemented but it's not that terrible if I'm honest. Just a tad frustrating at times. Overall, Sonic 4: Episode II is a fun title (with some great plot elements, I must add), but this game doesn't deserve it's title. It's not a bad game, but it will probably be forgotten in 10 years time, unlike Sonic 1, 2, CD and 3&K. I give the title a 6/10 and if you want to have a nice little platformer on your console, go ahead.… Expand
  3. Lunar_Savage
    May 17, 2012
    7
    This game is a solid 7.5/10. It is much like the very first Sonic game. It has the same charm and basic concepts of the series down pat. Yet lacks some refinement of the other games. Rolling physics and spindash need work. But momentum gameplay is back and exploration has never been quite so fun. Add in the return of some kick ass Tails mechanics and co-op play, and you got a good game,This game is a solid 7.5/10. It is much like the very first Sonic game. It has the same charm and basic concepts of the series down pat. Yet lacks some refinement of the other games. Rolling physics and spindash need work. But momentum gameplay is back and exploration has never been quite so fun. Add in the return of some kick ass Tails mechanics and co-op play, and you got a good game, and more importantly, a solid Sonic game. If you've ever enjoyed even one game with the Blue Blur, you should give this a fair and open minded go.… Expand
  4. Zero_Dozer
    May 17, 2012
    5
    Although there was made improvements (Such as graphics and plot), Sonic 4 Episode Two shamefully brings more of the same disappointment brought by his antecessor. Not only with physics this time. About physics, they were fixed in some points, but later it was revealed that there are scripted speed occurring on the game, again getting to ruin your fun. Tails was another broken promise byAlthough there was made improvements (Such as graphics and plot), Sonic 4 Episode Two shamefully brings more of the same disappointment brought by his antecessor. Not only with physics this time. About physics, they were fixed in some points, but later it was revealed that there are scripted speed occurring on the game, again getting to ruin your fun. Tails was another broken promise by SEGA, they didn't bring him back: they brought Tails as a game gimmick, the worst treatment a character on the Sonic series could ever receive. This is summed up with the horrendous music, the same style was brought back from Episode One. So, it turns out that the game has turned to a sad example of DIMPS' abilities and SEGA's incompetence.… Expand
  5. mumhustler
    May 30, 2012
    7
    First of all, regardless of what I say in this review, I do recommend buying the game if you are an old school Sonic fan (i.e. the Genesis days sonic 1/2/3 etc). I'll start by saying I was quite disappointed with Sega's first attempt to bring Sonic back in S4EP1, which just felt awkward to play and had terrible physics. For the most part, EP2 fixes all of these issues. For example theFirst of all, regardless of what I say in this review, I do recommend buying the game if you are an old school Sonic fan (i.e. the Genesis days sonic 1/2/3 etc). I'll start by saying I was quite disappointed with Sega's first attempt to bring Sonic back in S4EP1, which just felt awkward to play and had terrible physics. For the most part, EP2 fixes all of these issues. For example the jumping forwards/backwards momentum and the pace at which it took to get up to full running speed were awful in EP1 and I have found them to be much better in EP2 to the point where it feels like a classic game. The only part they didnt resolve in my opinion is the speed dash which still feels sluggish compared to the classic games but it by no means diminished my gameplay experience.

    The levels are huge with a number of puzzles to tackle. They also give you plenty to explore and lots to enjoy. Regards the Tails mechanic, I found it difficult to get to grips with at first but overall the mechanic of having your sidekick back is great fun and opens up new methods of tackling each level with the new abilities. The bosses were much more interesting and the difficult balance was just right compared with EP1, I really enjoyed them all. The short cut scenes make the game much more story based and involved where as episode 1 was very lacking in this department. The level where you control the plane and battle metal sonic in the sky was also fantastic and felt very nostalgic as well. Special stages are fantastic. If anything this was one of my favourite parts of the game and retrying certain stages again and again to get an emerald didnt feel tedious in the slightest, I actually found it enjoyable no matter how many times I did them. Super Sonic is awesome and the feel of his character is just right (speed wise, jump height, look etc). Finally getting the hidden red rings on each level adding an extra level of play to allow you to go back and try to get them all.

    My criticisms would be as follows:
    - The majority of the music in this game is quite bad. This for me was the only major downside to the game but once you get used to it you don't really notice it
    - Speed dash seems sluggish still, could be improved by speeding it up the more you charge
    - The difficulty of the last boss was a little bit too easy for my taste. The last boss in Episode One was too difficult and by contrast they seem to have gone to the other end of the spectrum with Episode 2. Something in the middle of the two would have been preferable. All other boss difficulties in the game are just right difficulty wise and very enjoyable

    To conclude, I highly recommend the game and found it very enjoyable and a nice trip down memory lane. I sincerely hope they take this game model and make a few tweaks for a 3rd episode which I would definitely buy following this addition.    … Expand
  6. Kevassa
    May 19, 2012
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Sonic 4 Episode II is the direct sequel to Sonic 4 Episode I, which attempted to be a sequel to Sonic 3 & Knuckles. So how does this title fare?
    The game is composed of 4 zones, each of 3 acts and one final zone. This makes this game immediatly smaller than any of the 2D games the hedgehog has delivered the past 20 years outside Episode I, which is about the same length. There is, however, a "free" bonus for owners of both Episode I and Episode II, Episode Metal. Which adds a total of 4 acts (no, not zones, acts) reusing assets from Episode I while playing through Metal Sonic, who is barely anything more than a re-skin of Sonic.
    They call this function "lock-on", just as Sonic & Knuckles. The one problem is the game doesn't do what Sonic 3 & Knuckles did; create one greater game. Instead we have this small addition of 4 small acts that don't really add up to the gameplay as nothing about it is particularly new.

    With that annoyance out of the way, let's focus on graphics and presentation. They are fantastic. They are the best representation of what a revival for Sonic should be. They are vibrant, colorful and engaging. A huge step up from Sonic 4 Episode I.
    The gameplay engine, while regrettably the same as Episode I's, is highly modified to represent momentum and physics better. However, problems still arise as there are plenty of speed caps and issues with rolling, one of the main features of Sonic. The game acknowledges its lack of true physics by spreading boosters and springs around the stage, items that give simple-minded speed and lock the player's control. This is highly noticeable on White Park Act 2 where you'll find yourself assaulted by springs and boosters more often than actual badniks. This game marks the re-introduction of Tails, who has been warming the seats since 2006. He will be following Sonic much like the default mode in Sonic 2. Regrettably there is no option to play as Sonic alone or Tails alone; options that were a given since 1992.
    The reason for this is that stages are highly focused on Team actions. You can use Tails to fly, to swim or to roll faster. The latter one is specially powerful as you are completely invincible, you constantly plow everything in your path and you can cancel it anytime or start it anytime. It's what Modern Sonic would call a "Boost", just without a gauge. It lacks any type of sensibility as it even stops time as you activate it, rendering other methods of speed such as the spindash completely useless.
    Bosses are a great refresher from the rehashes of Episode I, they are original though maybe leaning to the hard side at times. Special stages are excellently executed, bringing Sonic 2's Special Stages to life and addressing to old fans' issues such as Tails losing his rings while adding new gimmicks.
    Music, on the other side, is terribly mediocre. It has great compositions but horrible instrumentation. It's attempting to sound like a 16 bit game but it ends up sounding horribly jarring.
    The game has a little of extra content, allowing you to collect all the Emeralds and get Super Sonic (and no Super Tails for you second players) while you can collect all the Red Rings for...nothing at all! The Red Rings do absolutely nothing, rendering them a useless collectible.
    The game also offers online play, which is one of it's most notorious features, allowing you to play as either Sonic or Tails and have fun with your pals thorough the world.

    Overall this game ends up being mediocre and a bad addition to the Sonic franchise. There is a lack of dedication, effort and passion put in this game.    … Expand
  7. pani
    Feb 16, 2013
    7
    The quality of this game is much better than Episode 1. The platforming of the game is extremely solid and charming. I personally think it's a worthy platformer.
  8. DiscoDiva
    Jan 19, 2013
    7
    Superb graphics and fun team up and all. Good O retro music and memorable level design. The only issue is that its TOO short and not too challenging. Way better than Episode 1.
  9. Alexander90
    Apr 26, 2013
    5
    This game is just average.Comparing it with episode 1, this game is better.Everything that previous episode of this game lacked, Episode 2 haves everything improved.Physics, level design, soundtrack, all of this are better than they were in episode 1, but it's not a huge improvement. You will notice the way you control Sonic feels better, but they're still a lot of things that retainedThis game is just average.Comparing it with episode 1, this game is better.Everything that previous episode of this game lacked, Episode 2 haves everything improved.Physics, level design, soundtrack, all of this are better than they were in episode 1, but it's not a huge improvement. You will notice the way you control Sonic feels better, but they're still a lot of things that retained from episode one. Same goes for level design.You will notice there is a bit platforming, but they're still a lot of segments where it wants to convice you that Sonic games are about speed.Soundtrack is probably what had best improvements. It's still not as good as 1st 3 Sonic games, but they're some soundtrack that i liked. I really hate the fact that you cannot play as Sonic or Tails individually. I guess it has something to do with that tag action which is, basically, combo moves that are required to pass some obstacles. So, overall, it is better than Sonic 4 episode 1 but not to a huge degree.… Expand
  10. Aquaris475
    May 25, 2013
    7
    Ever since Sonic Colors, Sonic has been back on top. Lately, his games have been doing better than what he did during the 2000s decade. Sonic 4 episode 1 was a good game. Sonic Colors is my personal favorite Sonic game. Sonic Generations did great blending in classic and modern stages. next up in the line is Sonic 4 episode 2. Sonic 4 episode 1 was great, but this sequel manages to improveEver since Sonic Colors, Sonic has been back on top. Lately, his games have been doing better than what he did during the 2000s decade. Sonic 4 episode 1 was a good game. Sonic Colors is my personal favorite Sonic game. Sonic Generations did great blending in classic and modern stages. next up in the line is Sonic 4 episode 2. Sonic 4 episode 1 was great, but this sequel manages to improve big aspects of the game, while others get a bit worse. The story keeps it simple like the previous games. No subplots or anything else, just a hedgehog trying to stop a doctor. I'm glad SEGA has realized that Sonic games do better with simpler stories, so it fits right in with this game. The co-op system in Episode 2 works just fine. Tails can fly and swim just well, and the spin attack, while great for getting past obstacles, seems like a bit of a game breaker. The graphics are a HUGE upgrade from episode 1, and they look beautiful. Not as good as Sonic Generations, but still very well done for a downloadable title.The controls are a lot smoother thanks to the improved physics engine. rolling as much more useful and Sonic won't stop immediately like he did in episode 1. The soundtrack for the game is decent. Some tunes are pretty catchy, with the exception of the pinch music that constantly plays during eggman boss fights. Some things, however, get progressively worse as you go along. the boss battles in the game aren't too impressive. While they are a lot more original bosses than episode 1, they seem very bland. The zones also aren't that original. they look like the zones from Sonic 2, with the exception of white park zone, which is somewhat original. But the absolute worst part of the game is the special stages. as if it wasn't bad enough that Sega is using the same half pipe stages AGAIN, the stages, especially the last 3 ones, take a lot of memorization. if you screw up too many times, you will have to start them all over again thanks to the numerous things that can assure you a failure. Overall, Sonic 4 Episode 2 is a decent game that should be checked out if you're a fan of platformers. if you liked episode 1, you'll probably like episode 2. if you didn't like episode 1, this episode may be the one you're looking for.… Expand
  11. robertoiglesias
    Apr 24, 2020
    7
    I think it's quite an improvement over the first game. There are some problems but I enjoyed it overall.
    I wish they made an Episode 3, so I could see this series go from mediocrity to greatness. Also, finishing the story would be nice
  12. ZXSth
    Aug 6, 2023
    5
    A game that manages to do precious little different than Episode 1, yet somehow ends up being even less memorable or enjoyable than its predecessor.

    Sonic 4: Episode 2's most noteworthy addition is Tails the Fox - his inclusion adds a slew of gimmicky abilities to gameplay that do not feel additive in any way, shape or form. Furthermore, when compared to Episode 1, most of this game    A game that manages to do precious little different than Episode 1, yet somehow ends up being even less memorable or enjoyable than its predecessor.

    Sonic 4: Episode 2's most noteworthy addition is Tails the Fox - his inclusion adds a slew of gimmicky abilities to gameplay that do not feel additive in any way, shape or form. Furthermore, when compared to Episode 1, most of this game feel iterative in the worst way - the music feels like a downgrade, the new abilities feel pointless, and the stages all feel less memorable somehow. The only thing that might be an improvement in Episode 2 is the way the Special Stages play, as those were a rip-off of Sonic 1 in Episode 1 (and felt like a chore in both games). Still, this is not high praise.

    Sonic 4: Episode 2 is mediocre - even more so than Episode 1. It is likely that only the most dedicated Sonic fans may see some point to experiencing this game.    … Expand
  13. Domdom21br
    Apr 5, 2022
    7
    eu curti, é bem divertido, a trilha sonora é bem bacana, porém não passa disso, se você quer um jogo para passar o tempo, ta ai um excelente game
  14. MetalReviewer
    Mar 7, 2022
    6
    Episode 2 was a step in the right direction before Sega cancelled the 4 project. Better levels, better physics, a nice Advance 3-styled team mechanic, this one ain't gonna blow you away but it's also not offensive either.
  15. SonicFan20
    Nov 17, 2022
    7
    Part 2 Of Everything Should Improve And Be Better Right? While Still Not Earning The Name
    "Sonic The Hedgehog 4" Its A Big Step up over Episode I. You can tell They cared This Time, Original Levels, Way Better Physics, And the List Goes On And On. Music Is Vastley Improved, Graphics Are Pretty Good, Tails Is Now Playable But Only In Multiplayer Kinda sad But Atleast He's here. If You    Part 2 Of Everything Should Improve And Be Better Right? While Still Not Earning The Name
    "Sonic The Hedgehog 4" Its A Big Step up over Episode I. You can tell They cared This Time, Original Levels, Way Better Physics, And the List Goes On And On. Music Is Vastley Improved, Graphics Are Pretty Good, Tails Is Now Playable But Only In Multiplayer Kinda sad But Atleast He's here. If You Have episode I Downloaded You Get Episode Metal. its just stages from Episode I But As metal sonic. Boss fights Have been improved. new ability's, if you press the x button you can team up with tails and do a big spin, fly, and thats it. an overall improvement. sad there is no episode lll but its fine. overall 7/10    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

53
#53 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2012
72
#72 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2012

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
61

Mixed or average reviews - based on 31 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 23 out of 31
  3. Negative: 3 out of 31
  1. Worth Playing
    Dec 17, 2012
    50
    Ultimately, Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II is Sonic in name only. Rather than being a revival of classic gameplay, it feels more like a fan project that didn't quite get everything right. Rip away the Sonic sprites, and you're left with nothing more than an average platformer. If you have a hankering for old-school Sonic, snag Sonic Generations instead.
    Read full review
  2. Games Master UK
    Jun 25, 2012
    77
    Occasionally misguided, but not without some major wow moments and epic ideas. [August 2012, p.73]
  3. X-ONE Magazine UK
    Jun 19, 2012
    60
    There's no denying the rodent's getting a little arthritic in his old age. [Issue#86, p.103]
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