Sonic the Hedgehog 2 Review - Quickies Don't Cut It 

"Dick heads showing up out of nowhere in the middle of the road to ambush you" That sounds scary when translated to real life.

My grandfather went to the video store and rented this game for me when i was 6 or 7. I remember on my first play through I got a game over on the last boss. Immediately started it up again and beat it 2nd time through. Rip Gramps, thank you for introducing me to the Sonic series.

The mobile ports of Sonic 1 and 2 really need a console release

9:16 Such a lust for laziness. TUBES!!!!!

I just love this review. It mirrors my thoughts exactly. And I got into the classic Sonic games as soon as I finished Sonic Generations, so I have no nostalgia attachment to them. Sonic 2 improves on many things over Sonic 1... most of the times. But some of the cheap nature of the enemy and hazard placement, especially after Mystic Cave Zone, leaves a really bad taste in my mouth. And that final boss, ugh. For a while I actually preferred Sonic 1 over Sonic 2, lack of spindash included, simply for the former being a more fair game than the latter. Now I actually like Sonic 2 quite a bit more than Sonic 1, especially the mobile version. But my first playthrough, was literal hell towards the end. Still I appreciate the effort put into improving the sequel, some shortcomings aside. I also appreciate the amount of work and passion that went into this review. Totally worth the wait. :)

I think they decided to take away all of your rings after leaving the special stage so you couldn't just inmediately run into another post and try again without getting any rings. Though, when you play as Knuckles in Sonic 2 with the lock-on feature, you leave the stages with as many rings as you had before entering (i may be wrong though). Perhaps they realized it was an unfair feature

10:10 On the mobile version of Sonic 2 you even get an achievement for skipping the water section. :) I just love the mobile version of Sonic 2 for multiple reasons. Improved physics (no speed caps), widescreen, better special stages, multiple playable characters and even an extra stage with some of the best level design I've seen in a Sonic game. Hidden Palace is just awesome. So I have to ask... SEGA, why didn't you port the Sonic 2 remaster to console and/or PC. Why? Also, where's my Sonic 3&K remaster SEGA?

This is the kind of video that you give a like even before you watch it.

THANK YOU for plugging the android remake at the end Michael! So excited to play it

Nice to see you back in my feed. It feels like it's been forever! Great video.

You fucked up, the robot in Death Egg Zone is called Silver Sonic, not Mecha Sonic...0/10! All in seriousness, I really enjoyed the analysis and I personally agree with you with Sonic 2 being overall an inprovement over the first game. You know how hyped I was for this video on Twitter and it was worth the wait. And maaaan, you need to work on your KingK impression!

welcome back

Great way to start off the day. You know, seeing those 16:9 gameplay pieces in action, I really hope they port those versions to the PS4/X1/Switch platforms because it really does help visibility. And it makes me super excited for the upcoming game.

19:57 I didn't know Tails could fly with his legs. maybe we should re-name him xd

I love Sonic 1 and 2's main levels but I hate, hate, hate the bonus stages. I much prefer Sonic 3 in that regard. Personally, I actually really like the way Sonic on the Master System handled the bonus stages and Chaos Emeralds. Finding the Emeralds hidden in the main stages while having the bonus stages for (shock!) bonuses such as continues and extra lives was a much more elegant approach. Good video as always. Looking forward to the Android/iOS ports video. :)

Ahh the Sonic games, the franchise that wayy too many ppl ignorantly/obnoxiously think is *the only great* franchise and/or game on the excellent Sega Genesis...makes me cringe and lose my freakin shi* lol. Excellent video though as usual, the examples via footage are stellar and I love how you have an intimate understanding of the games you play, mechanics, physics, etc. Fantastic.

Just last night I was wondering when you'd be posting another episode of this. Glad to see the answer was soon :)

That was a pretty good lesson about how certain game elements affect other gameplay with the lives system and special stages. And you showed off some cool shortcuts I never knew at all, very eye opening..

Great work Retro, I have been hungry for a new QDCI for a while! Also DAT BLAST PROCESSING

Your videos just keep getting better, another great review.

Surprisingly high quality video. Nice to stumble upon someone else who goes in depth.

I'm always so happy to see a vid from you

This channel is awesome, subscribed! Found so many new routes on levels ive played 1000 times since watching this ❤️

19:57 When you forgot how to use your 2 tails but you need to fly back to sonic

New to the channel, I was expecting a run-in-the-mill average review, instead I find a pretty darn good in-depth analysis on the game, which made me want to give you a sub. Awesome stuff! :D

I especially like watching your videos of games I've already played. Nice hearing your excellent critiquing of them. Sometimes I'll even learn something new that I didn't even know or thought possible.

3:54 Kirby's Super Star comes to mind with the sidekick mechanic (Statement: [Co-Op is helpful] and I cannot think of any other game that does anything like it.)

I'm so excited for your eventual Sonic 3 & Knuckles review. Once it's uploaded, the Internet will be perfected. Nothing else should be ever made again, 'cause that video will the pinnacle of videos.

I'm In love with your channel, please continue making videos

Damn this was a good review I gotta say. Surprised you don't have many subscribers because you obviously put a lot of effeort into the cotent you put out, making for great, entertaining videos with good insight into the games you review. I really enjoyed this one and I can't wait for more content in the future.

The wait for Mania is killing me. Luckily, I just found your channel, watched this LONG review and subscribed!

Great video. A thumbs up for not bitching about that one pit on the first zone.

This channel is so cool, you gave me something to binge watch all day

when are you going to do a Sonic 3, Sonic and knuckles review?

16:14 - Ah yes, I remember my first playthrough of Hill Top Zone...

The death egg robot can be damaged as he walks towards you you just have to time your jumps correctly.

Actually, both as a gamer and game dev, I'm a fan of wobbly difficulty curves. This way, after a particularly hard segment you can relax with easier one and then get challenged again.

I never knew you could skip that water segment in chemical plant. learning new things every time I'm playing this game

Your classic Sonic reviews give some fantastic insight on the games. You make some great stuff, Michael. Have a subscription, hoping you upload more stuff soon.

hell yeah I've been actually wondering when he leave when were you going to make another video I can't wait to watch this man good s***

Just subscribed. Your reviews are FANTASTIC!

This is the best review I've seen of a Sonic game so far Excellent job dude, you earned a subscriber!!!

Hey, you're back, and with another great video! Seriously, man, keep up the great work with these videos. Can't wait for the Sonic CD one!

Wow, what a robust review! Deserves much more views!

I'm so curious about what you'll have to say say about Sonic 3&K! Can't wait for that one. Great analysis. I will always love you.

Man, I've watched some of your videos, and I'm really starting to dig your analysis stuff. It would be super-cool if you could someday do an analysis of Freedom Planet, a criminally underrated Sonic-like indie game.

finally another video!! after freaking 3 months

Ha! Turns out I *_don't_* have to set your newer videos to x1.25 speed. Really cool to see when a RU-vidr improves in such a clearly palpable fashion! And really, after a couple videos, you definitely earned my subscription; your analyses are great, there's some quite unique angles you look at games from that are a really welcome addition to more conventional opinions on certain design elements.

Great video as always, Michael :)

38:15 That's Silver Sonic. Mecha Sonic appears in Sonic 3 & Knuckles.

This review was absolutely spot on. Well done!!

So, has anyone explained to him that, for the Metropolis boss, you're supposed to jump over him, then hide in the corner until the spheres circle around his side, leaving the bottom completely exposed? Yes, it's still not a great boss, but it's not a case where brute forcing is the only option.

i like how review the games men. you deserve more subs.

Awesome Return Dude!

Really, really well done review!

Mark my words, you will grow someday. Btw, found your channel and subbed.

y'know? considering your love for the Metroplis Zone, I figured i'd tell that, in the mobile remake, there's an achievement called "Metropolis Master" which you get by beating one act of the Metropolis without being hit EDIT.- oh yeah, I forgot, there's also an achievement for Collecting all Chaos Emeralds before Chemical Plant called "Early Collection"

Awesome job dude.Loved it

You sir is one of my favorite channels on RU-vid. Can't wait for Sonic 3 & Knuckles.

DUDE!! I really love your work.

I just found out about this channel three days ago, wondering if you'd make a new video because I really liked your previous ones, I'm glad you made a new one!

great video as always man

I used to glitch through the Death Egg robot too. GAH!!!!

Damn son where you been? Had a feeling Sonic 2 was next before X7.

I watched this review (and others of yours) a month ago when this particular ones were uploaded, and absolutely loved it (and them). This is my third re-watch, and I've replayed Sonic 2 since watching it last; so now I have the question, at 41:45, how did you get stuck? Playing the game with the Mega Collection version, (and emulating the MD version on a pc as well since I did that) I was able to directionally influence myself while on the bumpers enough to escape any place where I wasn't thrown onto a platform.

This game has power! Whenever you hear the name Sonic 2 you're just like "oh yeah!"

You and ExoParadigmGamer to me have best reviews of the classics.

15:42 that ring is a ghost.

is it just me or does anyone else hear the similarities in his voice and the voice actor for Bartok from Anastasia? Definitely not a bad thing. Great videos, my dude. Can't wait to see more.

23:33 "You can bop on top of Robotnik's cockpit" 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

great work my dude keep it up!!!

buddy your Reviews are exceptional. I know you are a big fan of Johnny but I gotta say you have surpassed him in a serious way, these reviews are just so well scripted and thought out that I can't reasonably compare them to ANYONE else. The love you have for these games is palpable when watching and you articulate yourself so well that it's impossible to fault you really. Great work, I hope to see many more videos, especially for S3&K and CD. Sonic is my all time fave franchise and it'a just delightful watching these videos. To see such in depth pieces about these old classics is just bliss. Thank You :)

I just finished Sonic 2 blind a few weeks ago and can I just say you nailed down my opinion 100%

another good vid. cheers from Brazil. You got an international fan.

You're another EPG! I love it.

The "shallow and automated" argument against Chemical Plant is not a very good one; the automation bits are transitions, and there's plenty different paths with plenty varied running and/or platforming - not to mention all the shit you can pull off with the proper tricks.

30:25 You sly dog...

Nice Review. But, S3&K when? I liked your style of review (saw the megaman X series first) and now I want to watch you reviewing s3&K. Good job, buddy

Excellent review :) See you in 3 months, my friendo.

I feel your pain in that death egg robot glitch.I used to get annoyed when I'd have a perfect playthrough just to get a glitch death at the end.

Wait..."I hope you have some well deserved fun today". King K says that at the end of his videos too. I've never heard that phrase outside of these two channels. So the question is who's copying who!? >_> Amazing review/analysis as always and I'm looking forward to your review of Sonic CD

Good review, man! I learnt a thing or two about a game, I've played a billion times. Cheers!

nice to see you returned, can't wait for the megaman x7 review

Although the video is very good overall, the part near the end with running out the time because of the yellow springs in Metropolis Zone could be easily moved around simply by pressing left or right, and you'll change where you go, thus not ending the stage by the time limit.

Great review, as usual! BUT, in my opinion the best version of the first 2 Sonic games are the 3DS ones. Spin Dash in Sonic 1 is a bless!

41:00 another issue with this strategy which I've experienced more than a few times: sometimes the game will glitch up and rather than bouncing off Robotnik you'll instead pass through him. Once his invulnerability phase is over, you die from this. Very annoying when it happens. EDIT: Yep, exactly that glitch right after. Never knew it'd happen for that part of the boss cycle though.

14:26 - 15:21/16:05 You don't know where to go in a 2D Sonic game? Go right. That's the only direction you need to worry about. That's the only thing that matters. You don't know where you are? Who cares, how does that information help you on your first time casual run, how is that relevant? Just go right. There's definitely a way forward to the right. If you go right, everything will work out. If you want to explore, really, deeply explore, just forget everything else and snuff for trouts, then yeah, it's gonna be a headache keeping everything in your head, but you don't need to deeply, maticulously explore, it's inconsequential. It's not needed, the secrets and side paths are meant for a more casual, "Hey I stumbled upon this/What's that thing over there?" exploration. This ain't Metroid.

In chemical plant act 1, I never noticed those 3 ring monitors you mentioned and I played this game a lot. And never seen it, how do you get those ring monitors???

Damn, I didn't know Sonic 2 had that many bugs, aside from one glitch in Hill Top Zone that caused the game to crash, I never really encountered any major bugs in it. Anyways, good review. This game was always one of my favorite Sonic games, even with it's shortcomings.

03:00 am is the time of SATAM... oh, its Sonic 2.. now I get it...

Ahh, good old Sonic 2. I can never look at this game in a negative light. Even Metropolis Zone is a zone I enjoy playing through despite the surprise attacks but if you've got Super Sonic it's a level you can have some good old fashioned revenge on. Yeah I wish the loop was longer than 20 seconds but somehow, someway I don't get tired of hearing it in the zones. Good review all around.

Great review. You derseve a lot more views and lot more subs.

The red spring visible at 5:28 is a much easier way to get that secret you're explaining.

I will be taking note of everything in this video for my fangame ...

@Death Egg Robot, also has the problem that sometimes you bounce off of him, other times you just go through him during his i-frames, and instantly die when his hitbox returns.

That Death Egg Robot glitch happens to me sometimes as well (I've only seen it as Sonic since I never play as Tails). I think it has to do with when you attack it; from my experience, at least, it seems that attacking the boss too soon after it lands is what causes the glitch. I guess maybe the boss' hit box hasn't fully registered since it just landed, but I don't know if that's the exact reason or not. I think you're right about the later zones of the game. Emerald Hill through Mystic Cave is always something I have fun with and look forward to, but every time I reach Oil Ocean, the game kind of starts to feel like a chore. Sky Chase is fun at least, and Metropolis has its moments, but Oil Ocean feels rather blegh, Wing Fortress can bang me in the rear end, and that accursed Death Egg Robot... well, you already know.

"BLAST PROCESSING BITCH!"- RZ (2017)

This is what I was looking for. I was watching my nephew play this game for the first time today and about a week ago, my other nephew played it for the first time. Compared to SMB1, 2, 3, and world the earlier stages are more accessible, having the platforming and acid section of Chemical Plant act 2 being the first hard point. If I beat that level for them, they can beat Aquatic Ruins act 1, if they stay on the high ground, but not act 2. They can beat Casino Night, but I have done the boss for them thus far, since I don't want them losing their 90+ rings. They are both only 5 years old. Hill Top, they lack the platforming skills and patience and Mystic Cave requires precise platforming too. Comparatively, World 1-2 in SMB1 usually defeats them, though on occasion, they can reach 1-3. SMB3, they can beat 1-1 and 1-2 and SMB2, neither have been interested enough to finish the first stage. SMW hasn't been attempted much yet, but the first two stages gave them some trouble and the third stage with the platforming gives them a lot of trouble. So it turns out, Sonic is more accessible to new players, early on. When I play through the game, I find that after Mystic Cave, the quality goes down and it's a bit of a chore to finish the game. I think the first six stages were well thought and the final ones were rushed and purposely made difficult, so you had to memorize the levels and you got more chances to do so, if you racked up enough lives and continues in the early stages. My favorite stages were Mystic Cave and Casino Night as well. I did notice Casino Night taught motion physics while Hill Top was platforming stuff. Mystic Cave had precise platforming, a skill I already had when I first played the game, due to playing so much Mario prior to playing Sonic 2. The layout of Mystic Cave is what makes it interesting.

Enemy and trap placement is there to reward very experienced players who know the layout of the level. It works because of the forgiving nature of damage so even a novice can make it through the level but someone with say a great deal of experience can breeze through it like a badass.

30:55 I actually never had trouble with the Slicers and the star ones as a kid, only with those crabs with huge spike hitboxes