Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (Sniper)
Genre: 2d platformer
Developer: Sega
Publisher: Sega

Graphics
For Sonic 2, the developers moved slightly away from the surrealistic settings of the original, and opted for more standard platform fare. That said, the art style is similar to the original and works just as well.

Sound
The soundtrack may have taken a very marginal step backwards from the original, but it still holds its own; the bizarre kazoo-like sound in the "Hilltop Zone" theme is especially memorable.

Gameplay
The engine is back! The level design is a bit snappier in pace, what with more loops and downward slopes than the original. The new bonus rounds are enjoyable, and the new dash move is a welcome dynamic.

Overall
Other than the lack of filtering modes and 44 khz audio, this is a perfectly playable emulation of Sonic 2. I've always had Sonic 2 rated as the weakest in the original series, but it's still a fantastic game and a worthwhile purchase.

Sniper's verdict: