Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (IPHONE) Review

When I first played the iPhone version of Sonic 2, I couldn't have been more happy. I do own it for the Sega Genesis (those of you with sharp memories will remember that I wrote the retronexus for the Genesis version), but the fact that I could now play one of my favourite games of all time anywhere i wanted was a great notion for me. They hit almost everything spot on: the graphics, the music, the sound effects were all there. I didn't even mind the dreaded iPhone controls. Well, that is, I didn't mind them at first. And that's where the major problems arise for this port.

For those of you who have played the game, you will know that the levels get slightly more challenging as you move through the game. I cleared the first four levels of this game with a fair amount of ease, as I would have on the Genesis. Starting with the fifth act, Hill Top Zone, the levels start to get more intricate. This is when I noticed the control issues. It made the game a lot harder, and not necessarily in a good way. I wouldn't complain if these Sonic games were a bit more challenging, however if you are trying to make Sonic go one way and he decides to go in the opposite direction (and fall to his death) it starts to get a bit frustrating. The game is still enjoyable, but certainly not to the extent of the original version on the genesis, because of the plague of bad controls. I'm aware that iPhone controls will always be slightly off due to the touch screen, but i think they could have made it a lot easier.

There is one grand improvement to this game, however, and that is the ability to save your progress. Yes, you heard me. Now you don't have to feel pressured to sit down for 1-2 hours in a row to beat it, if you want to take a break you can go right ahead. I appreciate that they added this in for that reason and the fact that the iPod's battery life may have hindered it if there was no save feature.

Overall, this game is pretty great. Same great Sonic but with some questionable controls that bring the overall experience down. For $5.99, unless you are a hardcore fan, I would pass on it and just bring out the old Genesis to play it on.

-James C.