Sonic the Hedgehog 2

is a 1992 platform game developed by Aspect and published by Sega for the Master System and Game Gear. It is the sequel to the 8-bit Sonic the Hedgehog (1991) and follows Sonic as he attempts to get the Chaos Emeralds back to rescue his friend Miles "Tails" Prower from Dr. Robotnik. Like the first Sonic the Hedgehog, players run through levels at high speeds while collecting rings and defeating enemies. Although it shares the same title with Sonic the Hedgehog 2 for the Sega Genesis and their releases coincided, the games have little in common and share no levels. Unlike the first 8-bit Sonic game, which was developed by Ancient, Sonic 2 was developed by Aspect, which did not interact with the Sega Technical Institute team developing the Genesis version. Sonic 2 was released in November 1992 to critical acclaim. Critics considered it an improvement over the first 8-bit Sonic and praised its visuals and gameplay. The game has been rereleased in numerous formats, including Sonic compilations and Nintendo's Virtual Console service. Gameplay Sonic the Hedgehog 2s gameplay is largely the same as its 1991 predecessor. A side-scrolling platformer, the player controls Sonic the Hedgehog as he runs at high speeds, defeats enemies, and overcomes obstacles. The story takes place following the events of the last game; Sonic returns home to find that Doctor Robotnik has kidnapped Miles "Tails" Prower, and so Sonic heads off to save him before it's too late. Like the original, Sonic collects power-ups (such as boosts of speed and invincibility) that give him temporary powers, and rings to protect himself from being hit by enemies or obstacles. Sonic starts with three lives; if he is hit without carrying any rings, falls into a bottomless pit, drowns, or goes past the act's 10-minute mark, he loses a life. Losing all lives results in a game over. There are some changes however; checkpoint and shield item boxes are absent, and Sonic can now collect rings he drops when damaged. Certain elements present in the Sega Genesis version of Sonic the Hedgehog are also implemented, such as the ability to smash through walls and run through vertical loops. The game also features modes of transportation for Sonic in which to maneuver the levels, including minecarts and hang gliders.