The physics are also really good compared to the first game. Sonic moves really fluidly with the classic momentum based game play we all love. As well as that, Sonic is a lot less slippery in this game compared to this first one.
The main problem that I have with this game is the beyond frustrating endgame. Once you complete the oil rig/desert themed Oil Ocean Zone, you are brought into a massive city called Metropolis Zone. Most zones in the game have many checkpoints per level that are usually out of the way since you need them to get to the special stages. Most levels also have 2 acts with a checkpoint when you complete one.
Metropolis doesn't have that but instead has 3 brutally long acts with no checkpoints in any of them. Next you have to get though Sky Chase Zone, which is a flying level on Tails' plane. It's pretty fun and decently challenging. Then you have to go to Air Fortress Zone, which has you have to get though many hard platforming segments and a challenging Robotnik boss at the end.
Finally, you go to the Death Egg Zone and first fight Silver Sonic, (A different character from Metal Sonic, introduced in Sonic CD) who is super powerful and fast. In this zone, you do not get any rings meaning if you get hit once, you die. Then after you defeat him you go straight to fight the Death Egg Robot, a very powerful unpredictable boss with tons of health.
If you get hit once, you die and have to fight Silver Sonic all over again. The worst part about all of this is that if you lost all your lives, and the maximum is 9, your save file is deleted and you have to start the game all over again! Talk about brutal! Even the most die-hard sonic fans can rarely say that they truly beat the game.
Most people consider that if you beat Air Fortress, you have basically won the game, since the final boss is almost impossible. Other then the endgame, the game is very enjoyable and a fun romp though interesting and unique stages.
8.5/10 Great
Pros
- Huge improvement from Sonic 1
- Tails is a nice addition
- Levels are much better from Sonic 1
- Special stages are actually playable
Cons
- The final levels are a pain in the butt
- Tail's AI is really dumb
