@@SCOUTSnailgunWell, IGN was very wrong at rating, making this game seemingly overrated. This game is mid overall because of decent graphics and music.
I don't see it as a Sonic 2 "remake" per se, more like an homage game or a tribute of some kind that mixes all the classic Sonic essentials with what they had, thought of and could do. And for that, it works. Absolutely, it's a great Sonic game and no less than any classic Sonic.