Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II Review for PlayStation 3 (PS3)

Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II Box Art

System: PS3*, Xbox 360
Dev: Sonic Team
Pub: SEGA
Release: May 15, 2012
Players: 1-2
Screen Resolution: 480p-1080p	Comic Mischief

Metal Sonic also makes a return, and while he spends most of the game antagonizing Sonic, he's also playable for anyone who also has Episode I. He'll go through a series of stages pulled out of Episode I, though these have been tweaked a bit for added difficulty.

His real job, though, is to make Sonic's life miserable, and he'll do so both on foot and in a plane. Just as the Metal Sonic race in Sonic CD was easily the most frustrating part of the game, Metal Sonic's fights in Episode II might put your controllers in danger if you are prone to throwing them in rage. Some things never change.

Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II Screenshot

Now, one thing I noticed while swapping between various Sonic titles was that, while the graphics in Episode II are a step up from those of Episode I, they can't hold a candle to Generations. In fact, I'm pretty sure there are some backgrounds from Episode I that have been reused here, just with the hues adjusted. So, if Episode I is your only point of comparison, Episode II looks fine. But if you've played a lot of Generations, prepare yourself for disappointment.

Audio is a mixed bag here. The classic sounds of collecting rings and jumping will trigger those nostalgia centers in your brain, but you definitely won't be rushing out to buy the soundtrack. Most of the music is just forgettable. Thankfully, Sonic Team cares about our ears enough that even various acts in the same Zone have different music, so you won't have to spend an overwhelming amount of time with each tune. I do admit, though, to being somewhat fond of the Death Egg music this time around.

In the end, Sonic 4: Episode II is a definite step up from Episode I—and a step closer to the gameplay style of Sonic 2—but it's just not enough to satisfy those of us looking for the perfect Sonic experience. In fact, for a perfect Sonic experience, you might be better off purchasing Sonic CD for a third the price.

I still hope to see an Episode III in the future; I just hope Sonic Team can take this criticism to heart and figure out the tweaks they need to make so we can truly love a Sonic game again.

By
Josh Wirtanen
Editor / News Director

@joshuajwirtanen
Date: May 16, 2012

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

3.2

Graphics
More detailed than Episode I. Just don't compare them to Generations or you'll be sad.

3.6

Control
Getting closer to Sonic 2, but they still feel a tad bit "off." The controls in the half-pipe should be more sensitive, and the addition of Tails' co-op moves only exacerbates things.

2.5

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
The retro sounds are back, but the music is just plain dull.

4.0

Play Value
It's 2D Sonic, with brand new zones, seven half-pipe bonus stages, and a Metal Sonic story for those who purchased Episode I. Not bad for fifteen bucks.

3.2

Overall Rating - Fair
Not an average. See Rating legend below for a final score breakdown.

Review Rating Legend
0.1 - 1.9 = Avoid	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	3.5 - 3.9 = Good	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair	4.0 - 4.4 = Great	5.0 = The Best

Game Features:

Evolution of the Sonic and Tails joint gameplay mechanic: Episode II introduces all new combination moves, as well as new collaborative boss battles mechanics!

New and Improved Sonic Stages in HD: Armed with a new graphics engine, explore 18 new stages!

Double trouble with new Villain! Metal Sonic is back – and teaming up with Eggman adds a new dynamic to the boss battles, which now feature both villains.