Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II

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In "Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II", Sonic teams up with Tails to stop Metal Sonic and Dr. Eggman's latest alliance. Together, they race through four new zones and face off against new badniks, using combination moves to take them down. The game also features improved physics, stunning HD graphics, and the addition of online/local collaborative play, as well as bonus content for owners of both Episode I and II.

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Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II screenshot

69%

Audience ScoreBased on 1,182 reviews

gameplay69 positive mentions

grinding17 negative mentions

Significantly improved graphics and level design compared to Episode 1.
The addition of Tails and team-up mechanics adds variety and fun to gameplay.
Boss battles are more original and engaging than in Episode 1.

Physics and controls still feel off and do not match the classic Sonic games.
The game is relatively short with only a few zones and lacks replay value.
Music is often repetitive and not as memorable as previous Sonic titles.

gameplay
226 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
31%
61%
8%
The gameplay in "Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 2" shows notable improvements over its predecessor, featuring better level design, enhanced graphics, and the introduction of Tails with tag-team mechanics that add variety. However, many players criticize the game for its reliance on automated sections, awkward controls, and pacing issues caused by frequent interruptions for team moves, which can detract from the overall experience. While some find the gameplay enjoyable and nostalgic, others feel it lacks the depth and charm of classic Sonic titles, making it a mixed bag for fans.
- “The gameplay feels faster overall, with much better level design, and Tails is a really fun and useful addition.”
- “The new team combo system adds a bit more to the overall gameplay that you never experienced in a Sonic game, and thanks to the visual design and the ear-relaxing music, this game is an instant buy for any platformer and Sonic lover.”
- “Great visuals, the cooperative gameplay works fine, mega boss fights, and the return of Metal Sonic makes this one of the best 2D Sonic games so far.”
- “The gameplay mechanics are terrible, the soundtrack is very mediocre, the level design is extremely bland and uninspiring, and not to mention every level apparently needed a gimmick that the developers felt would be perfect to be overused to death.”
- “The gameplay is mediocre and the world and design lacks the charm of the other games.”
- “The pacing, mechanics, and level design are way off base.”
graphics
211 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
42%
51%
7%
The graphics in Sonic 4: Episode 2 are widely regarded as a significant improvement over Episode 1, with many reviewers praising the vibrant, polished visuals and the transition to a more coherent 3D art style. The environments are noted for their detail and originality, enhancing the overall aesthetic experience, although some critiques mention a lack of visual flair in certain zones. Overall, the game is seen as a step forward in graphical quality, making it more appealing to both new players and long-time fans of the series.
- “The graphics are absolutely gorgeous and a huge improvement from episode 1.”
- “The graphics are genuinely impressive for what the game is going for: the lighting is really good, the rings cast shadows on the environment, Sonic and Tails look really nice.”
- “The visuals are much improved; Sega actually tried with this one.”
- “Episode 1 had weird, plastic-like visuals, and it looked really bad.”
- “The graphics are blandness made digital.”
- “The visuals are a huge improvement as well, with the game being absolutely stunning.”
music
208 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
34%
44%
22%
The music in "Sonic 4 Episode II" receives mixed reviews, with some players praising it as an improvement over the first episode, highlighting catchy tracks and nostalgic elements reminiscent of classic Sonic games. However, many others criticize the soundtrack for being repetitive, generic, and at times grating, with specific tracks noted as particularly annoying. Overall, while there are standout pieces, the music is often seen as a weak point in the game's overall experience.
- “The game looks fantastic, the music is awesome, the level design is really good, the character animations are fantastic, I love that you team up with Tails for the whole adventure, and there's so many nice nods and references to previous games.”
- “The music is a huge improvement as well and some of the levels have some pretty catchy themes.”
- “Play it for the beautiful music, I bought the soundtrack and can't stop humming some of the tunes (Lost Labyrinth Zone Act 1, Sylvania Castle Zone Act 2), a treat for the ears.”
- “This is a game that has completely forgettable level design, boring mechanics that make levels de-motivating to replay, and the worst aspect: the extremely boring music that overdoes the 'Genesis bops' but does not have any catchy melodies.”
- “Easily the worst soundtrack I have ever heard in a Sonic game.”
- “The music is still duckshit tier but slightly more bearable than in episode 1 (though that one track where they reuse an adventure motif is insulting).”
story
73 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
12%
78%
10%
The story of Sonic 4 Episode 2 is generally viewed as simplistic and lacking depth, often retracing familiar plotlines from earlier games like Sonic 2, with the addition of Metal Sonic. Many players express disappointment over the unresolved cliffhanger and the absence of a conclusive narrative, especially given the cancellation of a planned Episode 3. While some appreciate the nostalgic elements and the return of iconic characters, the overall consensus is that the story feels underdeveloped and fails to engage players meaningfully.
- “I love that they brought the same Metal Sonic from Sonic CD back with a fitting story.”
- “The story is self-explanatory through the gameplay and its cutscenes on how you're trying to stop Dr. Eggman and Metal Sonic.”
- “The story continues after the fight with Eggman ended in Sonic 4 Episode 1; this time, however, your trusty pal Tails is with you for support and makes for a sweet co-op addition.”
- “The story is, once again, nothing special.”
- “There still is pretty much no story at all; no secret ending if you collect all the emeralds either.”
- “The story is really hard to notice due to all of the characters refusing to talk during the entire game; in all seriousness, a storyline isn't really here in this game.”
replayability
18 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
50%
17%
Overall, the game's replayability is mixed; while some players appreciate the inclusion of multiple routes and challenges that enhance replay value, others find it lacking, citing short gameplay duration and limited online features. The experience can be enjoyable for those who enjoy experimenting with different strategies, but many feel it doesn't capture the high replay value typical of classic Sonic games.
- “I find myself tempted to pick it back up again, which is very good for replay value purposes.”
- “This makes for good replay value since players can experiment with different routes, making the playthrough more exciting.”
- “The levels are nothing less than what you would expect from a Sonic game, good music to run along to, multiple routes that give it good replay value, and of course, different level mechanics that you will find interesting and fun.”
- “It's alright on the first playthrough, but the replay value that Sonic levels are known for is just not there.”
- “The music gets boring real fast, online is dead as a coffin nail, and after you are done playing with your only friend that has the game, it lost all of its replay value.”
- “In addition, the game also has a very short lifespan; 4.1 failed to keep me attached for more than 5 hours, and while 4.2 actually saw me to completion, it only has at most 5-12 hours of gameplay depending on how quickly you can master it, and I doubt either has much in the way of replay value unlike the games they are based upon.”
grinding
17 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and frustrating, particularly during boss fights and certain stages that slow down progress significantly. While some levels are enjoyable, the repetitive nature of the special stages and the lengthy, cumbersome animations detract from the overall experience, making it feel more laborious than fun. The uneven difficulty and the drawn-out nature of combat further contribute to a sense of grinding that many reviewers found off-putting.
- “Because dying to Mother Brain means 20-40 minutes of missile and health grinding.”
- “The difficulty is uneven, the boss fights are some of the most tedious in the Sonic franchise, and the music is repetitive to the point of being annoying.”
- “This immediately slowed my progress to a grinding halt.”
humor
9 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
89%
11%
The humor in the game is generally well-received, with players finding it funny and entertaining, particularly through amusing gameplay moments and quirky graphics. However, some reviews note that the humor can be hit or miss, with a few players feeling that it lacks depth or can be offensive. Overall, the comedic elements contribute positively to the experience for many, while others find them less appealing.
- “Great game, good graphics, funny as always.”
- “This is one of the best Sonic 2D games, has good gameplay, Tails playable in multiplayer online and local, has nice graphics, and is very funny to play.”
- “This game has hilariously obnoxious music.”
- “Overall, Sonic the Hedgehog 4 - Episode II is barely playable, not funny, rampantly offensive, and one of the worst games I've ever played in my entire life.”
stability
7 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
14%
86%
The stability of the game is mixed, with some users reporting a generally smooth experience on platforms like the Steam Deck, while others encountered significant bugs and glitches, particularly with the homing attack system and teamwork mechanics involving Tails. Troubleshooting was necessary for some players, and the two-player mode was noted to be frustrating due to various minor issues. Overall, while there are no major game-breaking bugs, the presence of glitches affects gameplay quality.
- “Lastly, it runs great on the Steam Deck and doesn't even need a modded launcher like the first game does.”
- “Tons of difficulties with the port that I had to do way too much troubleshooting to figure out.”
- “There is a new gimmick of teamwork with Tails, to do a super spin dash or fly for a little bit (both of which have their own glitches and issues).”
- “The homing attack system was nice at first, but it started proving to be very buggy and failed to target several enemies in front and below me in later levels (the Sky Fortress Act 1), thus resulting in a life vacuum.”
optimization
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
The game's optimization is a mixed bag; while the graphics and special stages run smoothly, players experience random stuttering and performance issues that detract from the overall experience. Additionally, the online multiplayer is poorly optimized and unbalanced, further contributing to the game's underwhelming performance. Overall, it seems to struggle more with compatibility than outright performance.
- “I like the graphics and the texture of the characters and how the special stages run smoothly.”
- “Not as good as Sonic the Hedgehog 2, but it runs smoothly.”
- “So it's not a matter of performance, more like compatibility.”
- “But this game shares the same issues in terms of performance.”
- “There are random stuttering, which is not something you would like to see in a Sonic game.”
- “The only form of enjoyment you'll garner from it is the online multiplayer, which is barren, but it's poorly optimized, and it's completely unbalanced, so even that doesn't assuage this underwhelming game.”
emotional
5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted through the heartwarming friendship between Sonic and Tails, which evokes feelings of nostalgia and connection. Players express that certain moments, particularly in gameplay, can be deeply moving, with some even describing experiences that brought them to tears. Overall, the game's unique mechanics and character interactions contribute to a rich emotional experience that resonates with players.
- “The Tails tag actions may be pace-breaking with how long they take to start working, but they make the game unique and enjoyable in the end and work as a heartwarming celebration of Sonic and Tails' friendship.”
- “That stage literally made me cry.”
- “Tails can similarly carry Sonic while swimming—Sonic infamously cannot swim—which is both wholesome and logical.”
atmosphere
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The atmosphere is characterized by vibrant, colorful landscapes and charming enemies, contributing to an overall joyful and engaging experience. Players appreciate the emotional highs and lows tied to their successes and failures, enhancing the game's lively ambiance.
- “Colorful landscapes and cute enemies create a vibrant atmosphere.”
- “What a great atmosphere: your mistakes, your friend's mistakes, and the joy when you finally pass the unfortunate episode!”
- “Very colorful atmosphere.”
monetization
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The monetization strategy for the game has been criticized by users as appearing to be a cash grab, particularly through its DLC offerings, leading to a strong negative reaction from Sonic fans.
- “On the surface, it looked like another Sega/Sonic cash grab in the form of DLC, and Sonic fans wanted nothing to do with it.”
character development
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
300%
Character development is positively noted as the initial hideous cel-shaded design has been replaced with a cleaner aesthetic, indicating a significant improvement in visual representation and possibly character depth.
- “The character development feels shallow and lacks depth, making it hard to connect with anyone in the story.”
- “I was disappointed by how predictable the character arcs were; there were no surprising twists or growth.”
- “The dialogue is often cringeworthy, which detracts from the overall development of the characters.”