While the Sonic series, at least the first couple of games, were best known on the Sega Genesis, there were also some excellent 8-bit ports. The Sega Game Gear version of Sonic 2, released in 1992, is really only a slight downgrade from its 16-bit brother. While the Game Gear version is probably the better known 8-bit port, there was also a Sega Master System port but it was only available in Europe. While the Game Gear has some slight graphical enhancements over the mostly compatible Master System, it had slightly lower resolution.
Fortunately, there are many ways to try this game other than tracking down a Game Gear and playing on a small screen. The Game Gear version of Sonic 2 was included as an unlockable bonus in Sonic Adventure DX released for the GameCube and Windows in 2003. It was also included in the Sonic Gems Collection released for the PS2 and GameCube in 2005. Finally, it was released for the 3DS Virtual Console in 2013. In addition, the Master System version was released for the Wii Virtual Console in 2008.
The image at the top is box art for the Game Gear version of Sonic 2. Screen shots are also from the Game Gear version of the game.
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