Best Classic 2D Sonic?

[digitalpress]

Time to put this to a vote! Which is your favorite?

I'm including only Master System, Genesis, and Sega CD titles at this point; we can start up with the compilations, 3D and handheld versions at another time.

[Bratwurst]

If I have to pick between Sonic 3 and S&K as seperate games then I'd go with the latter. The graphics and colors seemed more refined and detailed than in Sonic 3, plus the lock on gimmick had some replay value.

[Raedon]

no contest - Sonic 2.

[The Unknown Gamer]

SONIC AND KNUCKLES....with SONIC 2 a close second. For 1 reason alone
Lock-on remember it's not just SONIC 3, SONIC 2 gives you Knuckles as a
playable character and SONIC 1 gives you all those bonus mazes. 50 of them
can anyone of you out there can honestly say you beaten them all. I for 1
say I can't there just to hard.

[Anonymous]

Sonic 2. By far the best layout-wise. Sonic and Knuckles has the add-on feature going for it, but Sonic 2 is just flat out solid gameplay from start to finish.

[RetroYoungen]

Gotta go with Sonic 2, with Sonic CD as the runner-up. The feature of level warping in Sonic CD helped it, as well as it's advanced music, but in terms of fun and fast, it's all about 2.

[Gamereviewgod]

3 was good, but nothing beats out the pure bliss of Sonic CD.

[Alex Kidd]

I've never played Sonic CD, tho I'd really like to.

And I'd have to say the first Sonic... although the later games had better story development and more creative level design, the first one is just the most fun.

Tho Sonic 2 is a CLOSE second (no pun intended)


Alex Kidd

[ClubNinja]

Ah yes, a tough question for me.

The original Sonic, while very good, sits at the bottom of my Sonic list. The one thing that it absolutely has going for it are two cuts from the soundtrack that rank up with my favorite game music of all time: Starlight Zone and Final Zone. That last battle is *made* by the accompanying music.

Sonic 2 was my favorite for quite some time. Great variety between zones and their designs. A grand number of different zones. This game has epic written all over it. Well, it doesn't really, but you know what I mean. Despite its length, I'm more than willing to sit down and play it beginning to end on any day. It's the length that helps to make this game.

Sonic 3 and Sonic & Knuckles really go hand in hand with me. If I had to choose one over the other, it would be S & K, and mostly for sentimental reasons. As opposed to the epic overall length seen in Sonic 2, these two games introduced epic levels into the series. I had *never* run out of time in a Sonic title until I got to Sandopolis Act 2 during my first trek through the game. All this aside, once you lock Sonic 3 and S & K together, you have the mega epic Sonic game. Length to each zone, length to the overall game, it's just so tasty. Oh, and the Doomsday Zone is still one of the most intense boss stages I've ever had the privilage of fighting through.

Sonic CD is a great game as well - fantastic level designs, wonderful soundtrack - but for some reason, the time travel thing got a little lost on me. It certainly adds a whole new dimension to the game, but I'm generally more concerned with speed than exploration when I play a Sonic title. The best thing about this game is the Sonic Boom theme song - for years, I had a mix tape in my car that featured a copy of it.

As an aside, while we're not touching compilations, 3D, or handhelds right now, I would like to say a word or two on the behalf of Knuckles Chaotix. I always thought this was a clever, underrated little spinoff. My only gripe is that it's too easy - though getting through all the bonus stages is quite a challenge.

[BenT]

I could never see the appeal of 3. It's like they took 2 and hit it with an ugly stick. Uglier graphic design, worse music, annoying level design -- ick to the max. I think the Sonic games are very dependent, moreso than other games, on having great graphic and level design. I just wasn't feeling the love from Sonic 3 in these areas.

So, voted for 2. 1 was some sentimental claim, and did a brilliant job of starting the whole shebang, but if I were to play one right now it would be 2.

[Arqueologia_Digital]

Sonic 2 for me...i love Casino night zone, it´s a classic game and the funniest

[Ruudos]

SNic 2 so far for Genesis.

Aren't Sonic the Hedgehog 1 and 2 for Master System different games, and how about Sonic Chaos?

[Cafeman]

I have a soft spot in my heart for the original. I vote Sonic #1.

Sonic 2 is excellent but it has one flaw, it is too long. You can't save and I usually run out of patience before I can beat the entire game.

Sonic 3 is great too, it plays differently from the first two games due to the new shields. Sonic CD was great -- I have not played it for over 6 years when I sold the system -- but I hated Wacky Workbench.

[thegreatescape]

Sonic 3, with Sonic 1 and Chaos tied for second. Sonic 3 was the most fun to play (for me), and the save feature was great. Sonic Chaos was also a great little game, easily the best of the SMS versions.
Id kill to play sonic CD though (gotta get me a mega cd first). :/

[JMO]

Sonic 2 is my personal favorite... I recently borrowed a copy of the Euro Sonic CD from a friend of mine, and... I just don't get what's so great about the game.

For one thing, the Time Travel is poorly executed. The future is almost totally pointless, since you're supposed to be blowing up those robot things in the past, which itself is mundane, uninteresting, and just plain fustrating.

The level design isn't even close to the quality of the past Sonic games, with a lot of empy space and a lack of the fluidity that was the best thing about most of the stages in Sonic 1, 2 et al.

As for the soundtrack, I really liked the Euro/Japan version soundtrack, which has the silliest intro and ending songs I've ever heard, along with some very fine music throughout the rest of the game in general. I was interested in hearing the US version, which people seem to gush on and on about, and my ears bled. Seriously, that theme song is terrible and the stage themes are lacking in the pure energy that seems to permeate the japanese soundtrack...

Meh, I'm being a little hard on the game. I like the game as a platformer, it's simply not as good as the rest of the genesis games (sans Spinball). And the same can be said about the US version of the soundtrack in reference to the Euro/Japan version.

As for the rest of the series, Sonic 1 is very good, esp. for being the first game in the series. Very solid level design, and I like the art direction in general.

Sonic 2 is a massive improvment on the first one, with the addition of the spin dash and Tails(Who, unfortunately, is basically useless. I always play without tails). The bonus stage is also interesting. I don't agree with the sentiment that the game is too long; it's about 45 minutes from start to finish, which is a perfectly acceptable length for a platformer, esp. considering how interesting the stage designs are.

Sonic 3 is a little weak in my eyes for the sole reason that it was clearly meant from the beginning to be a much longer game (parts of which went on to become parts of Sonic & Knuckles). The graphics are splendid though; some of the best on the Genesis, with an almost 3d-Rendered look at times (the spinning columns in the circus zone are a good example). I also liked the new shield types and the addition of the helpful air flash/shield/whatever that negates bullets.

Sonic and Knuckles is yet more of the same, with the least improvments, yet is still probably the best, simply because it's the most refined 2D Sonic for the Genesis.

Not going to even talk about Spinball...

That's about as much as I can possibly say in one post about such a topic. Hopefully I don't come off as being too negative. :)

[Miguel_The_Machine]

Sonic The Hedgehog 2, had the best music, levels, just a much better game than all of the other Sonic's. The only other Sonic game that is actually good is number 1 after Sonic 2 the games got worse and worse.

[Stamp Mcfury]

Have to say sonic CD the best on by far

[c2000]

Sonic 3 for me.
Excellent levels, great music, saving feature, neat 2p games, time attack.
I didn't like Sonic CD at all. The levels are DULL in that one.
Sonic 2 was waaaaaay too easy.

[Arqueologia_Digital]

no contest - Sonic 2.
The same for me, i love Casino night zone!!!

[Arqueologia_Digital]

Sorry, i didn´t see that i posted there long time ago

[Balloon Fight]

I am definitely going for Sonic 2. Its just more fun, and i love the running bonus level. I wish there was a save feature though.

[Neonsolid]

Gone.

[Sibs]

Sonic 2 is the best. Just has the best gameplay, IMO. Especially with the running mini-game.

[MegaDrive20XX]

Sonic 2...but I gotta give it up to Sonic CD...best damn soundtrack to a Sega game to date.

[tritium]

I prefer Sonic the hedgehog, some of the levels in sonic 2 are really irritating. I like the second zone with all the laval in the original.

-Tritium

[GrayFox]

I've explained myself over my choice probably a thousand times.

I'm love my Sonic CD, and I love ALL the Sonic games. It's a hard decision, but I know it's right.

[Famidrive-16]

Sonic 2

I would've voted 3.... if it wasn't for that damned Barrel Room :(

[optic_85]

For me it's a toss up between Sonic 2 and Sonic CD....I lean twords sonic cd, but i dont own the console so it's hard to really judge. Still........All the 2d sonic games are great :D

[Twinbee]

Ah... hard, hard tie between Sonic 1 and 2... I ended voting 1 just because Sonic 2 has more votes (and I'll never forget the day I buyed the Genesis, put the Sonic 1 cartidge in and Green Hill Zone begins... it was magic, pure magic)

offtopic, but are the new 2D Sonic games for GBA as good as the old ones? I doubt it, but maybe I'm missing something important.

[atomicthumbs]

I just really love playing Sonic 2 with Knuckles (too bad the Lock-On technology never caught on). Were there even any other games that did that?!

[DigitalSpace]

The Sonic 2 box art that was my avatar may be gone by now, but it's still my favorite 2D Sonic game.

[Jasoco]

I voted for 2 as well. It just seems like the one Sonic game I can pick up and play for hours.

Second place is Sonic 3/Knuckles when all locked together and played from start to finish. It really is an epic game, but too long for me to vote it #1.

[Psycho Mantis]

my favorite was sonic and knuckles. I really liked how you could choose to play as
sonic or knuckles, which made the game longer than most of the others if you played as both the characters.

[izret101]

I have to say Sonic and Knuckles.
1 Knuckles was cool
2 extra features in the older sonics
3 Those sweet mazes.

[tholly]

Sonic The Hedgehog

my first sega game, first genesis game, and first sonic game

i remember getting up really early one saturday morning when i was younger and just flying through the game and beating it really quick....

i was always a fan of that game and i will always be a fan

[Jive3D]

...all those bonus mazes. 50 of them
can anyone of you out there can honestly say you beaten them all. I for 1
say I can't there just to hard.

Ahem, Yeah, I faked sick and stayed home from school for almost an entire week to completely demolish ALL of those special stages.


but are the new 2D Sonic games for GBA as good as the old ones? I doubt it, but maybe I'm missing something important.

For some reason, the IGN review crew gave the Sonic Advance games praise reviews, saying that the graphics were excellent and on and on. I thought that - as far as the GBA goes, Sonic was pretty decent, but doesnt stack up to the Genesis & Sega CD games at all. Sonic belongs on a big screen IMO - plus the GBA sound capabilities just dont sound like the Genesis did, and that's a BIG part of it.


Aren't Sonic the Hedgehog 1 and 2 for Master System different games, and how about Sonic Chaos?

The sonic SMS games, at least Sonic 1 & 2 on SMS that is are the exact same as the Game Gear games by the same name - never played sonic Chaos - or what was the other one...Triple Trouble?

My two favorites are Sonic 3 with S&K locked on - an awesome game, great length, awesome graphics. My particular favorite song was from both levles of Flying Battery Zone? The level in the flying airship - it was from S&K.

Honestly, I HATE sonic 2. It was neat at first but other than the graphics, it did nothing for me that Sonic 1 didnt do. And I can't fucking stand the Casino themed levels, just annoys the hell out of me, probably the music.

The one that that really DOES interest me in Sonic 2 is that apparently there were a BOATLOAD of levels that were originally created for the game that were then cut out - yeah I know the game is long as it is - but it's true. a little bit of reseach on Sonic 2 emulations sites will indicate such - I know that a lot of people have been putting together various versions of the rom with all of the extras put back in - dumped from protos- or leaked from Sega - I never did find a full rom with all of it on there - but that would be a definite point of interest for you Sonic 2 fiends.

Sonic CD really takes the cake for me. I know that the US soundtrack apparently sucks - compared to the original Megadrive J & E versions - but I really think that Spencer Nilsen did a good job with it - My favorite tracks are Stardust Speedway & Metallic Madness (Future). The graphics in Sonic Cd were not nearly as good as the 3/ S&K combo - I guess it was developed before it - but the music really does it for me.

I choose Sonic CD.

[alexkidd2000]

I pick Sonic CD as well. I bought it along with my Sega CD purchase. The music was so amazing to me. I loved the time travel and most of the levels are cool. How come all music is on CD now but it mostly all sucks? They just dont put in the time or effort into the music anymore like they did with some of the Sega CD games.

[Brian_Provinciano]

Sonic 2 sure was a good game, but nothing compared to Sonic CD. That blew me away back when the Sega CD was king. It was just incredible! The levels were great, the past/present stuff was really cool, and who could forget that cartoon intro with the silly music? At the time, that cartoon was AMAZING! Running a cartoon on my console! Spider-man for Sega CD also was great with it's cartoons. The Sonic CD gameplay rocked too though, not just the cartoon :)

[Black_Tiger]

Sonic CD.

Play the hidden Time Trial mode for 8 months straight(shaving half seconds here and there) and you'll know as well as I do.

It added all that Sonic needed without getting overly complicated/gimicky.

[NintendoMan]

I voted for Sonic 2. Just loved that game more than the others. 3 would have been next, and I for some reason have never played Sonic CD.

[Daniel Thomas]

Oh, how I wish S3K was part of the lineup. That, in my view, is the definitive Sonic. It's essentially a videogame double album ala The Beatles, and as far as I'm aware, was meant to be so. The complete game is wonderfully grand and epic, the perfect mix of sheer speed and level design. Finally, a Sonic game that can't be burned through in an hour, and game worlds diverse enough to keep me interested. 14 zones, three playable characters (with enough differences to make it worthwhile) three different minigames, the rotating bonus round (which would be a classic game on its own), and all the great Sonic themes honed to perfection.

With S3K, I think Yuji Naka finally found a game equal to the Super Mario series in scope and depth. Add in all that cool attitude and speed, mix, chill, and serve. One of my absolute favorites.

For second place, I'd pick Sonic CD. What I really enjoy about this entry is its unique style. Yuji Naka was never involved in the project, having left for America (and eventually getting Sonic 2), so the Sega CD sequel fell to Naoto Oshima, Sonic's original character designer. Oshima clearly prefers intricate, complex level designs that emphasize exploration and technique.

I think you have to enjoy the time travelling in order to appreciate Sonic CD. The challenge lies not in barreling to the finish as fast as possible, but in seeking out the hidden egg machine, and then find a way to travel back to the past and destroy it. And, of course, you want to travel back and forth across all four different time zones (past, present, two futures) and play through everything. A classic game, overall.

I loved Sonic 2 to death when it was new, and it still holds most of its charm. And, again, this really is much different in style from Sonic CD. This game is just one endless speed rush. I love the level design, those STUN Runner-inspired bonus levels, and Tails is one of those great innovations that really should be copies more often. You'd think that would be standard issue in any Batman game.

The only thing that still feels like a letdown is the fact that it's so damned short. I just want more, more, more of these great zones. Doesn't everybody? This really feels like the first TRUE Sonic, the one standard that every other game is judged against.

Finally, there's the original Sonic the Hedgehog, which in my mind is the weakest of the four. It's still a classic, and Green Hill Zone was a revelation the first time anyone played it in 1991. Not just the first great platformer game not starring Mario, it was an innovation. It moved the genre in some new directions, and was a breath of fresh air. Why were so many mascot games so stale and dull in comarison? Didn't designers take anything away from Sonic beyond the attitude? Sigh.

I think Green Hill Zone is sheer genius, but what really strikes me today is the pace of the rest of the game. For the most part, everything's stuck in mid-tempo. That underwater Labyrinth zone is downright slow, and Spring Yard Zone is a complete waste, the worst Sonic zone ever. But then, the others are excellent, if still lacking the impact of that first world. Oh well. Sonic 1 did what it set out to do: introduce the next great game character. The sequels would take care of the rest. It's great in short bursts (thank you, level select).


You'll have to excuse my latest endless post. I'm trying to put all this together for reviews of the 16-bit Sonics for my website, so this helps me put some thoughts together.

[dethink]

sonic 1 all the way.

it blended the platform/exploration/speed elements perfectly. sonic 2 felt too homogenous all the way through, and was way too easy to breeze through. tails and the speed dash just felt like last minute add ons. 1 could be gotten through in a nice sitting, or you could get every last ring in every nook and cranny, and spend an entire afternoon playing.

2 just seemed like a crayola-fied streamlined version of the original.

*shrugs*

[Kamino]

SPINBALL!!!!!

[Jasoco]

What's S3K?

[sabre2922]

Sonic 2 all the way 8-)

[Daniel Thomas]

What's S3K?


Sonic 3 & Knuckles, of course.

[charitycasegreg]

sonic 2

[Overbite]

Sonic 3 + Knuckles

[suppafly]

I voted for Sonid CD. its just one heck of a kick ass game

[XxMe2NiKxX]

I've explained myself over my choice probably a thousand times.

I'm love my Sonic CD, and I love ALL the Sonic games. It's a hard decision, but I know it's right.

A real sonic fan would see how crappy Sonic Team's recent efforts have been (SA, SAd, SH, the dreaded SB...)

Anyway, anyone who voted Spinball must be shot. That game was HIDEOUS.

Sonic 2 is my favourite 2d sonic game, and, as a matter of fact, my favourite game of all time.

[Daniel Thomas]

I've explained myself over my choice probably a thousand times.

I'm love my Sonic CD, and I love ALL the Sonic games. It's a hard decision, but I know it's right.

A real sonic fan would see how crappy Sonic Team's recent efforts have been (SA, SAd, SH, the dreaded SB...)

Anyway, anyone who voted Spinball must be shot. That game was HIDEOUS.

Sonic 2 is my favourite 2d sonic game, and, as a matter of fact, my favourite game of all time.

Well, when I'm thinking of Sonic, I'm thinking of the Genesis era and those first four classics (Sonic 1, 2, CD, S3K). Kinda like The Ramones.

The Sonic Adventure series is good, and I really enjoyed the "comeback" groove of the first one, but it's a different beast altogether. The GBA titles are also very good, but seemingly more interested in replaying the old notes instead of coming up with anything new.

Then again, I think Sonic Team made the definitive 3D Sonic when they made NiGHTS, and I keep hoping that they actually make a Sonic game in that style. And, for the love of Elvis, put Sonic CD in those compilation disks already! You'd think Yuji Naka took it personally that he didn't make that game.

[-hellvin-]

Sonic 2. I like the level design a little better in sonic but two rocks a little more overall. I remember how much I desired this game when I first got my genesis. Love it to this day.

[GamblinMonkey]

Sonic 2, I remember renting it and playing until my eyes were bloodshot... sadly, they've never gone back.

[briguy578]

Sonic CD, easily. It was the killer app that kept my Sega CD from going to waste. On a related note, how come Sega went and released every single classic Sonic Game for Gamecube, even Sonic 3D Blast, but not Sonic CD??? Why Sega, why???

[soniko_karuto]

i would say sonic the hedgehog.

sonic cd is kinda crappy with all the extra graphics and the past present furuter theme.

i remember staring a long time at the backgrounds of sonic the hedgehog,, while listening to the tunes :-P

ah the memories...

[videogameking26]

Sonic 2 is my favorite w/ the first & third, spinball in the series a close 2nd

[max 330 mega]

my vote goes to sonic cd, it really holds my attention better than the others.

[Neo Demon]

I'm going with Sonic CD. My reason to it would be because the music is so soothing, and the fact Sonic can actually time travel to the past, present, and future with his exceptional and incredible speed.

~Neo Demon~

[briguy578]

The poll results here prove what we all knew already:

Not Enough people owned Sega CD back in the day!!!!!! :P

Seriously, folks. Get Sonic CD Now.

To Quote the comic book guy:

"Best. Sonic. Ever."
End of story.

[Slate]

Sonic CD. Best sonic game EVER. :)

[vulcanjedi]

Ok

I have to admit Sonic 3 on top of Sonic and Knuckles is an excellent combo. Playing as knuckles in Sonic 3 is cool.

But the SonicCD is just the absolute most Sonic anybody can ask for. And only the SegaCD version really works. The PC version is an emulated port or something like it and basically sucks.

VJ

[Liquid_death]

i had to go with sonic 1 cause its the first and best sonic game i ever played.

[Tron 2.0]

Sonic CD for me it's a 'shame Sega still refuse to put it in a collection.

[THATinkjar]

I played Sonic CD on the PC, and it really didn't feel like Sonic. Maybe I'd prefer it more on a console - infact, I know I would.

My favourite, though, is Sonic 3. I just thought the graphics were such a huge step up from the previous Sonic games, and the music is the best of the bunch. Close second is Sonic & Knuckles, though.

[Eldergod]

Sonic 2 by far... I still remember the days trying to do the Gold Sonic code trying to remember what tunes to play in the sound tet menu...

[Jasoco]

I can't get into Sonic CD. I just can't Even on the console, it doesn't feel like Sonic. I'll take the originals.

[daminmancejin]

sonic 3 and knuckles

[DTJAAAAMJSLM]

Sonic 2! I loved the addition of Tails and two player mode. I lost interest after this entry in the series.

[pacmanhat]

I've always found Sonic 2 to be the most challenging and varying (and I think it's also the longest). So that definitely gets my vote.

[Moon Patrol]

I think that sonic spinball was one of the best, because pinball rocks! That game had good layout and it was just fun to knock the hell out of stuff and get points for it! I spent hours trying to beat that game, took me AGES.

[Alucard]

I would have to say that the first one is my pick. I like the bonus stages the best in this one too.

[mills]

Playing sonic when i was a kid was so much fun, I think sonic 2 is my favorite.

[VG_Maniac]

I will always love the first Sonic game because it was not only the first Sonic game I played, but the first home 16-bit game.

However, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is my favorite out of all of them.