Sonic the Hedgehog 2
Latest
Chaos Rings and Sonic 2 out, Square Enix games on sale
Square Enix has released their Chaos Rings game that we heard about a while ago. At US$13.99, it's one of the most expensive iPhone (not iPad -- yet) games you'll find, but the reviews are terrific so far. The game appears to be a classic Square Enix title, complete with great graphics, a deep storyline and a tight battle system. I haven't gotten a chance to try it yet, but it definitely looks intriguing, and if the game matches up to the hype, we could have a new bar set on Apple's handheld platform. To celebrate, Square Enix is putting all of their other games on sale, including dropping Final Fantasy 1 and 2 down to $7 each. If you've been waiting to pick up one of their other titles, now's your chance, and maybe you can add the money you save into the price of the new game. And finally, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is now out from Sega for the iPhone. Unfortunately, the game uses the same Sega emulator as all of their other games, so it's not exactly glitch-free or polished gameplay. Still, it's playable, and it's definitely the second Sonic game, recreated on the smaller screen. You can pick it up for $5.99.
Rumor: Sonic 2 spin-dashing to iPhone
[VGMuseum] Those of you who bought Sonic the Hedgehog on iPhone and liked it will be pleased to hear that, according to Appolicious, Sega will release an iPhone port of Sonic 2 next week. The site reports that the port of the sequel is at least marginally improved over the first iPhone Sonic in terms of control responsiveness, though it still relies on a virtual D-pad and button. Despite the multiplayer capability of Sonic 2 on Genesis, however, this iPhone port is strictly a solo game. Tails follows behind Sonic as an AI-controlled character, but can't be operated by a second player. If Sonic 2 does make it onto the App Store next week, it means enough of us bought the first game to make continued iPhone emulation worthwhile for Sega, which in turn means the porting is really cheap or the first one sold really well. Update: Sega has confirmed the existence of the game, now slated for "late April." [Via Destructoid]
Sonic Classic Collection seemingly lacks multiplayer
If the screens above are accurate, it would appear that Sonic Classic Collection has ditched the multiplayer modes present in Sonic 2 and Sonic 3. Taken from Sega Europe's Flickr account, the screens don't display the option for multiplayer in either game, unlike the title screens on the original versions of the games. Granted, the multiplayer certainly isn't the main draw of either game, it is reasonably entertaining and would be well suited to the DS' wireless multiplayer abilities. For what it's worth, the GameStop listing for Sonic Classic Collection notes the game is a single-player game. It's not too surprising that the modes were cut, as it would require additional programming beyond simple emulation of the original games. After all, you can't plug an extra Genesis controller into your DS. Still, it would have been nice to see the multiplayer as a bonus mode outside the games. Just to be sure, we've contacted Sega for the final word on the matter. [Via Aussie Nintendo]
Sega discounting select Virtual Console titles for the holidays
Sega and Nintendo have teamed up to offer players a few holiday VC deals, announcing on Sega's UK blog that select Virtual Console titles will be discounted for a limited time. From December 24, 2009, until January 6, 2010, select titles will be reduced to 500 Wii Points each from down from 800 Wii Points. Titles getting the 40% off treatment include such Genesis classics as ToeJam & Earl, Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic 2, Sonic 3, Gunstar Heroes, Puyo Puyo 2, Golden Axe, Shining Force and Streets of Rage. Also, for the lump of coal types, Sega has discounted the "admit it, it stinks" brawler, Altered Beast. It's a great offer for new Wii owners, or those looking to relive their lost youth.
Sonic Classic Collection announced for DS
Sega will continue exsanguinating Sonic's past by re-releasing the hedgehog's first four 16-bit adventures on one DS cartridge. Launching in March 2010, Sonic Classic Collection will include Sonic the Hedgehog 1-3 and Sonic & Knuckles. The collection will have a "save anywhere" feature, along with extra video and picture content. Who's ready to buy Sonic the Hedgehog for the umpteenth time in 20 years? ... Ludwig, put your hand down!
Reminder: Sonic 2 is Xbox Live Deal of the Week
Hey, remember when we reported that Sonic the Hedgehog 2 was slated to be the Xbox Live Deal of the Week for the week of November 30? Well, guess what? It is the week of November 30! Sure enough, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 can now be downloaded for a mere 240; otherwise known as three dollars. That's two bucks off, making It a pretty good deal, especially if you conveniently forget how many times you've purchased the game over the years. Barring that, you can always shamefully push the purchase button anyway. Shortcut: Add Sonic the Hedgehog 2 to your 360 download queue [Via Major Nelson]
MS announces incoming Games on Demand, Deals of the Week
Heading into the Thanksgiving weekend and the beginning of the holiday season, Microsoft has revealed the upcoming additions to Games on Demand and Deals of the Week. On November 23, Games on Demand will see three new entries, Saints Row 2, LEGO Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures and Battlefield: Bad Company. The same week, there will actually be three Deals of the Week. The Fable II DLC "See the Future," normally 560 ($7) will be knocked down to 400 ($5). Meanwhile, Death Tank, usually 1200 ($15), will be reduced to 800 ($10). As The best deal, however, will be the excellent puzzler Peggle, which will shoot from 800 ($10) to 400 ($5). Pair that with the recently released Peggle Nights expansion (400), and you've got a lot of sweet, sweet Peggle for only $10. As revealed earlier, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 will the Deal of the Week starting November 30. It will be reduced from 400 ($5) to 240 ($3).
Sonic 2 soon to be Xbox Live Deal of the Week
According to Sega, the XBLA version of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 will soon become an Xbox Live Deal of the Week. The deal is scheduled to begin November 30 -- just in time for the holidays -- and will see the game's price drop from 400 ($5) to just 240 ($3). That's an absolute pittance for one of the best Sonic games out there, and with Project Needlemouse still a long way out, you'd be hard-pressed to do much better (seriously).
Second batch of Sega Vintage Collection titles confirmed
Sega has announced plans to release seven more of its classic titles under the Sega Vintage Collection banner later this year, thus confirming one of Xbox Live Arcade's worst-kept secrets. Included in Sega Vintage Collection 2 are Shinobi (arcade port), Comix Zone, Altered Beast, Sonic the Hedgehog 3, Phantasy Star II, Sonic & Knuckles and Gunstar Heroes. Interestingly, Gunstar Heroes is the only title also announced for the PSN.According to Sega, each title will include online leaderboards, re-worked graphics (using smoothing filters, not HD upgrades) and most will feature network play (Comix Zone, Phantasy Star II and Shinobi excluded). No word on pricing or release dates but Sega plans to release the titles separately this summer, with Sonic & Knuckles appearing last. Why the delay? With Sonic & Knuckles, Sonic 2 XBLA and Sonic 3 XBLA owners will be able to use the classic lock-on feature from the Genesis-era to import Knuckles into each classic adventure. Of course, if patience isn't your best quality, you could just buy Sonic's Genesis Collection now (which doesn't support lock-on).%Gallery-63190%
ESRB rates Sega classics, to appear on PlayStation Network
Classic Sega games are coming to the PlayStation Network, if leaked ESRB ratings are to be believed. Streets of Rage 2, Golden Axe and Sonic the Hedgehog 2 can all be seen with new ratings from the board. These games are already available as re-released on Xbox LIVE Arcade, so it makes sense that the PlayStation Network should get them as well.Fans of Sega compilations may also want to look into the upcoming Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection, which houses a number of classic 16-bit games.
Secret of Mana, Sonic 2 on PAL Virtual Console this week
As a Christmas treat to its impeccably-behaved PAL region fans, Nintendo of Europe unveiled this week's Euro/Aussie Virtual Console offerings early, and holy crap it's Secret of Mana. Square's classic three-player RPG has been available in Japan and North America (in Virtual Console form) since September and October respectively, and will make the trip to PAL land on Boxing Day. The toys we excitedly unwrap in front of our parents on Christmas Day morning will be swiftly cast aside! Less thrillingly, Secret of Mana will be joined by the Master System version of Sonic the Hedgehog 2; and because this is essentially VC Friday on a Tuesday, you can see footage of both beyond the break! %Gallery-39925%
VC Monday Madness: Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (Sega Master System)
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (Sega Master System, 1 player, 500 Wii Points)Wii Fanboy says: do not download This week, we've got one new Virtual Console game to play and it's Sonic the Hedgehog 2 for the Sega Master System. For those of you who tune in to our VC Monday Madness videos regularly, you may know that I've already covered this game on the Sega Genesis. So, why would you want the Sega Master System version of the game? You wouldn't.Oh, and sorry for the lack of game music. The program I use to capture videos has been acting up on me today and I couldn't figure out how to fix it before deadline. Sorry! Each week, we here at Wii Fanboy like to check out the latest Virtual Console releases in our VC Monday Madness feature, in the hopes that you can make the most sound decision possible regarding purchasing retro titles from the Wii Shop Channel. If you're looking for more retro goodness, check out Virtually Overlooked, which talks about games that should be on the Virtual Console.
The other Sonic 2 rated by ESRB
The Master System version of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 was never released in North America (only the inferior Game Gear version made it there), so its appearance on the ESRB database (which pretty much guarantees a Virtual Console release) is a little bit of history in the making. A very little bit, mind, because the differences between the 8-bit Sonic 2s are trivial, to say the least.We never played either iteration, so are unqualified to comment on the game's quality, but Wikipedia informs us that this was Tails' debut appearance, which also means this game marks the start of Sonic having friends. Man, look how that turned out.[Via Go Nintendo]
VC Tuesday: Pre-blast processing
The Japanese Virtual Console releases this week are all relatively obscure. The most recognizable name in the lineup is Sonic the Hedgehog 2, and even that is the Master System version. These Master System Sonic games, by the way, aren't just ports of the Genesis games. They're basically original Sonic games from back when it was possible for those to be good!The other games are a very early (the arcade version predates Super Mario Bros.) sidescrolling platformer-RPG and an upgraded Qix game. Dragon Buster (Famicom, 1 player, 500 Wii Points) Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (Master System, 1 player, 500 Wii Points) Volfied (PC Engine, 1 player, 600 Wii Points) Just one WiiWare release, and it's Hudson's online pool game. Hopefully it isn't terrible, because Wi-Fi pool with four players sounds like an awesome deal for five bucks. Cue Sports Wi-Fi Taisen Billiards (1-4 players, 500 Wii Points)
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 co-op not so co-op
Recent purchasers of the XBLA version of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 for the sole purpose of playing online co-op with a friend will be a tad disappointed, angry or both. According to numerous forum posts, websites and our very own Richard Mitchell, the Arcade version of Sonic 2 does not include an option to play co-op over Xbox Live. Now, that wouldn't be such a big deal if it wasn't for the press release and Xbox.com both stating that the game includes online co-op. But there is a thin strand of gold lining to this story in that the game does include online versus mode, where you can race through specifically made stages against a friend. But if that's SEGA's version of online co-op then damned if they don't need a new descriptor reading "too lazy to implement online co-op, you get versus mode sucka!".
Sonic 2 speeds onto XBLA
There was a time when Sonic the Hedgehog 2 -- now available on Xbox Live Arcade -- was accompanied by much fanfare and bizarre commercials. Alas, that time is gone and we are left only with tiny little announcement posts like this one. Still, the quality of the game hasn't been diminished. Actually, in light of Sonic's more recent console endeavors, the quality may actually have increased. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 improves on the first game in a number of ways. It introduces Sonic's bosom buddy Miles "Tails" Prower, split-screen multiplayer, and Sonic's trademark spin dash. It's definitely one of the best games in the series and worth checking out.
