Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (8-bit)

Sonic the Hedgehog 2
Master System boxart
Developer(s)	Aspect
Publisher(s)	Sega
Composer(s)	Naofumi Hataya Masafumi Ogata
Series	Sonic the Hedgehog
Platform(s)	Master System, Game Gear
Release	Master System PAL: October 16, 1992 Game Gear EU: October 29, 1992 NA: November 17, 1992 JP: November 21, 1992 AU: November 30, 1992
Genre(s)	Platform game
Mode(s)	Single player

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (ソニック・ザ・ヘッジホッグ2, Sonikku za Hejjihoggu Tsū^?) is a side-scrolling platform video game developed by Aspect and published by Sega for the Master System and Game Gear. The Master System version was released in Europe on October 1992. The Game Gear version was released first in Europe in October 1992, and in North America and Japan in the following month.

Being released before the 16-bit version for the Sega Genesis, the 8-bit editions of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 represented the debut of character Miles "Tails" Prower, who became a recurring character in the series. The Master System version was released for the Wii's Virtual Console in 2008.

South Island has been peaceful since Dr. Robotnik's defeat. Sonic, bored, decides to go on a journey in search of other adventures. Upon his return, he is shocked to find the island nearly abandoned. The only clue as to where all his friends might have disappeared to was Tails being chased by Dr. Robotnik. Sonic chases after him, but he is too late to save Tails. Sonic finds out that he's been kidnapped by Dr. Robotnik and is being held in a place called Crystal Egg. The price for Tails' safe return are the 6 Chaos Emeralds, to be delivered to 6 new boss robots. Thus, Sonic goes on a quest to find the Chaos Emeralds and rescue Tails.

Like the previous games, players control Sonic the Hedgehog as he makes his way through each of the game's seven zones, fighting against various badniks and overcoming deadly obstacles. By collecting rings, Sonic can protect himself from damage against enemies and obstacles (with the exception of pitfalls and drowning), with extra lives earned for collecting 100 rings. Unlike the previous 8-bit title, Sonic is now able to recollect some of his rings for a limited time after being hit. Other technical improvements allow Sonic to smash through certain walls and run through loops. Also added to this iteration are gameplay mechanics unique to certain zones, such as riding a mine cart, using a hang glider to glide across the air, skimming across the surface of water and floating inside giant bubbles to reach higher areas. Unlike the previous game, the game no longer features the Shield and Restart Marker items.