Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II

Sonic 4: Episode I was released last year, and much to the surprise of jaded Sonic fans everywhere, (including myself), it didn't suck!

Instead of adding cheesy gameplay gimmicks or introducing worthless new characters, Dimps, (the develops behind the Sonic Rush series on the Nintendo DS), went back to the time during Sonic's golden era, and channeled that energy into the rebirth of one of video games' most cherished franchises.

With the exception of a few puzzling game design decisions, (i.e. Act 2 of Lost Labyrinth Zone), Sonic 4 returned our furry friend to the old school greatness that made him Super Mario's most fearsome rival. The only major complaint I had about the game was its length and the levels weren't as original as I had hoped.

While no groundbreaking details have been unveiled about Sonic 4: Episode II, we do know this:

A) It is confirmed to be in production.

B) There will be a bigger cast than in Episode I

C) Metal Sonic will have some role in the sequel.

D) The focus is on creating brand new Zones.

So until we learn more from SEGA, enjoy this fan-inspired hub. Feel free to share your ideas, reactions, etc. for Sonic 4: Episode II in the Comments section at the end of this article!

STORY

TAILS

LOCK-ON TECHNOLOGY

SPECIAL STAGES, TIME ATTACK & SCORE ATTACK

ZONES

LINKS

NEWS

COMMENTS

The Youtube video above is the one play plays after collecting all 7 Chaos Emeralds in Sonic 4: Episode I, and completing the game. It shows a silhouette of Metal Sonic, hinting at his presence in Episode II.

So exactly what role will he play? Since it's up in the here, let's have some fun with it..

Going along with the story arc of Dr. Eggman revisiting his past inventions, the mad scientist unleashes an upgraded Metal Sonic to intercept our hero and retrieve the Chaos Emeralds.

While this is happening, Eggman begins building up another battle station. But this time, he creates for himself a digital empire in the pit of cyberspace, which he calls the E.G.G. Dimension.

The new model of Metal Sonic proves to be too powerful to handle alone, so Sonic enlists the help of Tails to tackle the robotic imposter, and ultimately, to defeat Eggamn once and for all.

It's pretty obvious that Tails will be in Sonic 4: Episode II. Even though SEGA made it apart of their marketing strategy for the first episode to X-out characters, I think we can all safely assume that Sonic's two-tailed best friend will be making his rebooted debut in the sequel. Knuckles may even appear in the next episode.

Focusing on just Tails, the player should be able to choose to play as Tails by himself, or have him following Sonic like in Sonic 2 & 3. Hey, maybe there should be an option to have Sonic following Tails for a change!

As always, Tails will be able to fly, and even give his buddy Sonic a lift momentarily. He should be able to collect the Chaos Emeralds, and become Super Tails, too.

Last but not least, I think it would be cool if you could play as Tails in Episode I, if you already bought that game! As a matter of fact, I have a very good feeling that will be the case...

Remember how you could connect the Sonic & Knuckles cartridge to the first 3 Sonic games on the Genesis?

For those who don't know, this nifty little feature, (dubbed "lock-on technology), allowed you to play as Knuckles in Sonic 2& 3! Unfortunately, it only unlocked an infinite number of Special Stage variations when connected to the original Sonic the Hedgehog.

This was like, the coolest thing in the world to me at the time. SEGA brought that functionality back for the re-releases on the Wii's Virtual Console, so we definitely know it is possible.

If Tails does appear in Sonic 4: Episode II, we should be able to play as him in the stages from the original installment. That would be a nice throwback for long-time fans, and would probably boost sales of the original as an added result.

I think it would be cool if Metal Sonic showed up in more places than just one or two levels.

The Special Stages in Sonic 4: Episode II should be a race between Sonic and Metal Sonic to reach the Chaos Emerald first. Something unique would be that every Emerald Sonic fails to get, Metal Sonic would have during their inevitable confrontation towards the end of the game.

Metal Sonic should also appear in the Time Attack and Score Attack modes as well. Here, he would function as a "target ghost", meaning if your time / score is close to his, you would start seeing Metal Sonic appear in those stages, sort of like the Time Attack Ghosts in Mario Kart 64.

If you manage to beat Metal Sonic's time / score, you should get a special icon that appears over each level, and possibly the option to play as Metal Sonic as a reward for beating all of his times / scores!

The levels in Sonic 4: Episode I were essentially upgraded versions of select Zones from Sonics 1 & 2. Following that design choice, here are some ideas for the sequel:

SONIC 3

Rainy Grotto - Angel Island during the rainy season

Ice Stadium - Hydrocity frozen over, with a hockey ring motif

Star Garden - Marble Garden during a meteor storm

Lottery Park - The fusion of Carnival Night with an amusement park

Hot Spring - Ice Cap during a rare heat wave that melts the ice into spring water

Rocket Arena - A remodeled Launch Base; Act 3 takes place on airborne rockets

SONIC & KNUCKLES

Weather Top - Mushroom Hill during rapid season changes

Lightning Tower - Flying Battery with an emphasis on electricty

Night Oasis - A nighttime version of Sandopolis with mirages and illusions

Glass Prism - Lava Reef made into a factory that produces Fake Chaos Emeralds

Cloud Highway - Sky Sanctuary with a distinct pink color scheme

Laser Arcade - Metal Sonic's HQ, a remodeled Death Egg