Sonic the Hedgehog 4 : Episode II
Third party DRM: Steam
This game requires a free Steam account to play.Description
The Sonic 4 Saga continues as Sonic reunites with Tails for all new collaborative play!
Following the events of Episode I, Metal Sonic has returned to form a formidable alliance with Dr. Eggman! To face this new threat, Sonic will have to call upon an old friend to help him save the day! Joined by Tails, utilise ingenious combination moves and race across four brand new Zones, in order to put an end to their evil plans!
Play alone, or with a friend locally and online, in an evolution of Sonic 2's collaborative gameplay! Unleash Sonic and Tails’ devastating joint attacks and combination moves to fight the united force of Metal Sonic and Dr. Eggman.
Episode II features an all new game engine, bringing you updated physics and an original graphical style as you race through four unique Zones and a new Special Stage.
Customer reviews
95
Modern-day, old-school and awesome!
PM_DMNKLR | Feb. 5, 2013 | See all PM_DMNKLR's reviews »As has been said, way better than STHH4:E1, and in all the right ways too. There's better physics, better character design, better visuals all-around. You name it, it's better, and most of all... it's fun!!! Don't forget to let your kids play too, lol.
85
A very good improvement
Cavalieroscuro | Jan. 22, 2013 | See all Cavalieroscuro's reviews »If you didn't like Episode 1, well, Episode 2 is completely a brand new game. The graphic side has been revisited and now is very good, there's a cooperative mode that's funny to play, the game now is FAST, and this is fantastic, a tryly Sonic sequel. And if you have the first game on the same platform you buy the second episode, you can use Metal Sonic from Sonic CD.
90
The Sonic 4 You've Been Waiting For
CrimsonWizard | Dec. 26, 2012 | See all CrimsonWizard's reviews »Sonic 4: Episode 2 takes place very shortly after the conclusion of episode 1, but it's clear in those few minutes that things have changed radically. Thankfully for the better! Episode 1 had the bones of something good, but clearly had too many faults and quirks to be a true Sonic 4. Sonic Team clearly looked at all of the complaints and suggestions and crafted together something amazing.
First and foremost, the physics and actual gameplay are vastly improved. When you move Sonic in this title, it actually feels like Sonic with plenty of fluid speed. You also have Tails helping you out this time, allowing for 2 player co-op. Or for those in single player, you can use him like an ability button to fly up and for combination moves, kind of like how Diddy Kong works in Donkey Kong Country Returns on the Wii.
Level design and theme is another firm improvement in this game. Unlike the previous episode which mostly copied or paid homage earlier Sonic games, Episode 2 uses mostly new locations for it's 2D fun along with new mechanics such as a level dedicated to tilting platforms or running along the sides of a wall. There are some callbacks to older games such as with the Sky Fortress stages and the Special Zones being based off of Sonic 2, but this time it's balanced out with new locales, and the bosses are all brand new and fun to fight this time.
The game is a lot prettier too with one of the weird quirks of Episode 1. When you run through the Slyvania Castle Zone, you'll be amazed at the beauty and detail that went into the level. While it's not quite on the level of Trine 1 and 2 in terms of graphics, it definitely looks great, even as you zip by at full speed.
The music is even a step up from before, with plenty of memorable tracks that would fit in with any of the old Sonic games.
And heck, for those who want more, owners of Episode 1 received a bonus mode here with Act Metal, letting you play as Metal Sonic himself and trying out some of the Episode 1 levels, but with the new physics engine and tougher hazards.
If my previous points did not make it clear, I'll spell it out. This is Sonic 4, the real one, 2D Platforming goodness and all. A lot of heart and care went into this one, and it feels like they addressed every problem with the first Episode. Actual new levels, better control and physics, wonderful graphics and music, Tails for fun flying, challenging bosses, and a good amount of gameplay hours. A fantastic title, and who knows, if you purchase this, there might be goodies waiting for you in Sonic 4: Episode 3.
80
Way better than Episode 1
kairegister | Nov. 30, 2012 | See all kairegister's reviews »If you played Episode 1, you probably noticed bad graphics, bad physics, bad level design, bad music, the whole dang game is just bad.
Episode 2 however tried much harder. The game looks fantastic, and the physics is there this time. When you jump while running, you cant just stop magically in midair by letting go of movement. There's 4 zones with 3 acts each, followed up by a boss fight. Some levels has gimmicks using tails as a partner, where he helps you fly around or swim around, or go into a superball, or tails will fly a plane for you.
If none of this convinced you. Let me say this. Beating Episode 1 for me was a chore, i did not want to do that. but with episode 2, i actually went back to get the 7 chaos emeralds, collect the red ring in each act, get the steam achievements.
80
Way better than Episode 1
brandonl | Nov. 25, 2012 | See all brandonl's reviews »10 seconds into this game, i noticed the graphics were actually good. and when i jump while running, i dont suddenly stop in midair if i let go of my movement stick.
There are 4 acts with 3 levels and a boss, then the final zone. The level designs are pretty good, tails is actually useful. Physics is great, levels are lengthy (around 2 minutes at least). Time trial for every level to compare records. multiplayer.
Episode 1 was so bad where i didnt even want to finish the game. Episode 2 however, i wanted to finish the game, and now i want to get all the chaos emerald and the red ring in every level.
Also: Xbox360 controller works perfectly if you're wondering.