Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II

58%
Game Brain Score Based on 794 reviews
  • gameplay
  • graphics
  • music
Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II Game Cover
Sega's continued attempt to make Sonic relevant again has lead to this episodic sequel to Sonic 4 and, just like its predecessor, Episode 2 still fails to recapture the magic of the original Sonic trilogy
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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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  • Windows
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  • Play​station 3
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  • Wii
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  • Xbox 360
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

58%
Audience ScoreBased on 794 reviews
gameplay40 positive mentions
grinding8 negative mentions
  • Significant improvement over Episode 1 with better graphics and physics.
  • The addition of Tails and team mechanics adds variety and fun to gameplay.
  • Special stages are more enjoyable and reminiscent of classic Sonic games.
  • Boss fights can be tedious and overly long, detracting from the overall experience.
  • Level design can feel gimmicky and sometimes forces the use of Tails' abilities.
  • The soundtrack is hit-or-miss, with some tracks being repetitive and annoying.
  • gameplay134 mentions

    The gameplay of Sonic 4: Episode 2 has received mixed reviews, with many praising the introduction of team-based mechanics featuring Sonic and Tails, which adds variety and nostalgia to the experience. While some players enjoy the fast-paced platforming and improved physics compared to Episode 1, others criticize the game for its sluggish controls, reliance on Tails' abilities, and occasional frustrating design choices that disrupt the flow of gameplay. Overall, it is seen as a step up from its predecessor, but still falls short of the classic Sonic experience for some fans.

    • “The gameplay feels faster overall, with much better level design, and Tails is a really fun and useful addition.”
    • “The inclusion of team mechanics was a great idea as it makes Tails a valued partner to Sonic; his abilities have made him essential as he can get Sonic through traps and defeat opponents.”
    • “This game is very fun, offering new mechanics that make its gameplay faster and more enjoyable!”
    • “Sometimes you have long auto sections in levels that don't add to the gameplay at all.”
    • “Terrible controls, baffling map decisions, and poorly designed mechanics mixed in one of the worst games I've played.”
    • “The gameplay is... terrible due to bad camera, bad controls, and no sense whatsoever; the poles and swords have ammo, no sense made here.”
  • graphics134 mentions

    The graphics in Sonic 4: Episode 2 are widely regarded as a significant improvement over Episode 1, featuring more polished visuals, better character models, and enhanced lighting effects that create a more immersive experience. Many players appreciate the game's vibrant aesthetics and smooth animations, although some critique the graphics for lacking the charm of classic 2D sprite art. Overall, the visuals are seen as a strong point, contributing to a more enjoyable gameplay experience despite some lingering issues with level design and music.

    • “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; I generally prefer sprite games, but if you have to do 3D, this is a solid direction.”
    • “The graphics are absolutely gorgeous and a huge improvement from episode 1.”
    • “The visuals are much improved, Sega actually tried with this one.”
    • “The graphics in this game have definitely not aged well at all, and unlike Sonic 4 Episode 1, I don't think there's that same timeless charm of ugly pre-rendered graphics; I just think these look low quality and bad.”
    • “There is one major issue with the visuals that hold it back for me, and that's how they lack visual flair or charm, especially given how most zones feel like rehashed ones from previous games like Oil Desert being Oil Ocean.”
    • “Episode 2 may have made some gameplay and graphical improvements over its predecessor, but it's still not good enough to be worth playing in the current year.”
  • music130 mentions

    The music in this game receives mixed reviews, with some players appreciating its nostalgic and catchy tunes, particularly praising tracks like the Metal Sonic boss theme. However, many others find certain tracks repetitive or grating, especially in specific zones like Oil Desert, leading to a consensus that while the soundtrack shows improvement over the previous episode, it still falls short of the high standards typically associated with Sonic games. Overall, the music is seen as a step up in quality but remains inconsistent, with a blend of memorable and forgettable compositions.

    • “The zones are completely original and the soundtrack is pretty good.”
    • “Personal accolades for the music in this game; the themes are much more memorable and lack the annoying twang that marked episode 1's songs.”
    • “The music is good, too, again, much better than episode 1's.”
    • “The music is awful, worst being the boss music.”
    • “What made me stop playing after only twenty minutes was the horrendous soundtrack.”
    • “Easily the worst soundtrack I have ever heard in a Sonic game.”
  • story39 mentions

    The story in this game is largely a rehash of Sonic 2, featuring familiar elements like Metal Sonic and Little Planet, but lacks depth and resolution, leaving many players feeling unsatisfied. While some appreciate the nostalgic connections and enjoyable cutscenes, the overall narrative is considered simplistic and often overshadowed by gameplay, with a cliffhanger ending that frustrates fans hoping for a conclusion. Despite its shortcomings, the game is seen as a fun experience for casual players, especially those who enjoy classic Sonic elements.

    • “This game continues the storyline from the original three Sonic games.”
    • “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 to Sonic 4 Episode 2 is a little different than it is in Episode 1, with a connection to Sonic the Hedgehog CD for Sega CD.”
    • “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.”
    • “The story, although practically non-existent, is never resolved.”
    • “They also ruin it with its cliffhanger ending where Sonic and Tails escape after destroying Eggman's final weapon, but the Death Egg is still there and Little Planet is still trapped, which will remain that way forever as there was no episode 3 to finish the story.”
  • grinding8 mentions

    Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and repetitive, particularly during boss fights and special stages, which often feel rehashed and overly drawn out. While some levels are enjoyable, the overall experience can become frustrating due to uneven difficulty and the need for excessive grinding, especially in terms of health and resources.

    • “Because dying to Mother Brain means 20-40 minutes of missile and health grinding.”
    • “While the first game was fun at first, the more you progressed, the more tedious the game felt.”
    • “Without exception, the bosses are all extremely annoying and tedious fights.”
  • replayability7 mentions

    Overall, the game's replayability is mixed; while some players appreciate the fast-paced platforming and multiple routes that offer replay value, many feel that the game lacks depth and longevity, with a short gameplay span and limited incentives for repeated playthroughs. Score chasers may find some enjoyment, but the absence of additional playable characters and the overall experience leave others wanting more.

    • “Fast-paced platforming and tons of replayability.”
    • “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.”
    • “Lacking replay value.”
    • “In addition, the game also has a very short lifespan. 4.1 failed to keep me engaged 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. I doubt either has much in the way of replay value compared to the games they are based upon.”
    • “It's alright on the first playthrough, but the replay value that Sonic levels are known for is just not there.”
  • humor6 mentions

    The humor in the game is described as a mix of enjoyable and frustrating, with players finding it funny despite their challenges, particularly due to its obnoxious music. While some reviews highlight the game's comedic elements and recommend it for its fun gameplay, others criticize it for lacking genuine humor and being offensive. Overall, opinions on the humor are polarized, with some players loving the comedic aspects while others find them lacking.

    • “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.”
    • “May stream it to show how funny my frustrations are one day, but for now I think I should put it down before I gotta go to the hospital fast.”
    • “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.”
  • optimization4 mentions

    Overall, the game's optimization is a mixed bag; while the graphics and character textures are well-executed and special stages run smoothly, the online multiplayer experience suffers from poor optimization and balance issues, detracting from overall enjoyment. Performance is generally stable, but compatibility concerns remain.

    • “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.”
    • “It's not a matter of performance, more like compatibility.”
    • “The only form of enjoyment you'll garner from it is the online multiplayer, which is barren, but it's poorly optimized and completely unbalanced, so even that doesn't assuage this underwhelming game.”
    • “It's not a matter of performance; it's more about compatibility.”
  • stability4 mentions

    Overall, users report mixed stability experiences, with some encountering significant troubleshooting issues related to the port. While there are no major bugs or glitches, the homing attack system and two-player mode exhibit frustrating inconsistencies, leading to gameplay challenges.

    • “Tons of difficulties with the port that I had to do way too much troubleshooting to figure out.”
    • “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.”
    • “Two player mode can be quite frustrating due to various minor glitches and because Sonic's air attack makes him too quick for the second player (Tails).”
  • emotional3 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted through the heartwarming depiction of Sonic and Tails' friendship, particularly in moments where Tails helps Sonic, evoking feelings of nostalgia and joy. Players have expressed that certain stages are so impactful that they elicit strong emotional responses, even leading to tears. Overall, the game's unique mechanics enhance the emotional connection between the characters and the 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.”
  • character development1 mentions

    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 that enhances the characters' appeal.

    • “The character development feels shallow and lacks depth, making it hard to connect with anyone in the story.”
    • “I was disappointed by how quickly the characters' arcs were resolved, leaving little room for growth or meaningful change.”
    • “The dialogue is often clichéd and fails to convey the complexity of the characters' emotions.”
  • atmosphere1 mentions

    The atmosphere is characterized by vibrant and colorful visuals, creating an engaging and lively environment for players.

    • “The atmosphere is incredibly immersive and vibrant.”
    • “The game creates a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere that draws you in.”
    • “Every detail contributes to a rich and captivating atmosphere.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

53% average critic score

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Play time

5hMedian play time
5hAverage play time
5-8hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 4 analyzed playthroughs

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