The best Sonic the Hedgehog video games of all-time

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (Sonic 2) – 1992 – Sega Genesis

As successful as Sonic the Hedgehog was for Sega, it alone wasn’t enough to continue Sega’s momentum against Nintendo. Sonic’s popularity convinced many people to buy a Genesis, which already had a two-year head start on the SNES. A sequel was forthcoming, but disagreements with Sega led to Yuji Naka leaving the company. Fortunately, former Atari staff member and game designer Mark Cerny co-founded (with Sega of America) the Sega Technical Institute (STI).

Cerny convinced Naka and the “Sonic Team” to develop Sonic’s sequel at STI, which resulted in the best Sonic game ever made. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (Sonic 2) featured more diverse levels, even faster gameplay, and a new multiplayer function featuring Sonic’s new sidekick, a two-tailed fox named Miles “Tails” Prowler. As Sonic sped into more and more homes, Sega finally established the large North American fan base that it coveted for years.

Sonic 2 was a runaway success that convinced me to get a Genesis console. It became the best-selling all-time Sega Genesis game, second only to the original Sonic the Hedgehog. The sequel’s stellar soundtrack stood out on the musically challenged Genesis. The new zones incorporated better level design. The first Sonic title established the blue blur as Sega’s new mascot. Sonic 2 made Sonic as recognizable as Mickey Mouse, going from franchise player to video game icon.