Sonic 4 Episode 2 on iPhone and iPad: our verdict

THE
reactions to Sonic 4 Episode 1 were almost unanimous: return to
origins requires, the comparison with Sonic 1, Sonic 2, Sonic 3 and Sonic
& Knuckles was appropriate but did not lean in favor of the new offspring
from Sega. The fault of a very short lifespan, a gameplay with sensations
far from the originals and at too low a difficulty.

Did Sega correct the situation with this very late Episode 2, a year and a half
later ?

Hum.Yes and noas we will see in our test:

Find
Sonic 4 Episode 2 on the App Store (Universal App, €5.49)

Let's be clear: thenew graphics engine for Sonic 4 Episode 2
is a marvel, allowing decorations that flatter the retina. Certainly we
moves away from the retro charm that a
recent (and excellent) Sonic CD conveyed, but the aesthetic treatment is beautiful
and there.

This new engine also allowed the team of programmers to review the
gameplay of the game and its sensations. And we are getting very close this time
close to the responsiveness that the first Sonic on Megadrive offered. Two
excellent points.

So where is the problem?

Although this four-chapter adventure is very pleasant to read,
it only reminds us to what extent it is vastly inferior to
originals. Understand by this thatthe game is played from start to finish
without displeasure but without being at any moment memorable. Where Sonic 1
was astonishing at the time, where Sonic 2 chained together memorable levels, where
Sonic 3 and Sonic & Knuckles offered challenge levels
multiple and with magnificent environments, Sonic 4 Episode 2 can be played without
great frenzy. The fault in particular is a level design which, although crammed
of ideas, is full of poorly managed breaks in rhythm. The fault (especially) of
ridiculously low difficulty, punctuated (a height) of
some suddenly difficult and not very engaging moments. And finally the
lack of that pesky automatic aim introduced with Sonic Adventures for
facilitate handling in a 3D universe but which has nothing to do in a
univers 2D.

Despite the efforts of this episode 2, this new Sonic recalls like Episode
1 to what extent the era of the Megadrive is starting to date and makes you want to
take out your old games to redo them.

The care taken with this iOS version, the universality of the app, the unique world
if you have Episode 1, correct touch handling and mode 2
players, never manage to compensate for the shortcomings in level design and
difficulty too low. Damage.

The game also suffers from the recent release of the excellent Sonic CD on
iPhone and iPad, about which we tell you all the good things we thinkin our test.