XBOX LIVE ARCADE WEDNESDAYS – SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 2

Looks like we’re getting quite a few Sega Genesis titles these days, doesn’t it? While it still remains to be seen if this will be a rare one-title week, Microsoft has confirmed that Sega’s Genesis classic Sonic the Hedgehog 2 will be making it’s Xbox Live Arcade debut today.

Sonic 2 introduced the world to Sonic’s sidekick Tails, a fox who, oddly enough, had two tails and could use them to hover like a helicopter. The game also saw the introduction of Sonic’s now famous Spin Dash attack – a move that allowed Sonic to spin quickly in place and then release all that energy in a massive burst of speed. By default, the player will play the game as Sonic with a AI driven Tails tagging along, however players did also have the option to either play as Sonic or Tails by themselves.

This one is probably my favorite of the Sonic series for reasons of nostalgia, and while Sega has certainly not been treating the Sonic franchise well in recent years, this one harkens back to the days when Sonic truly was an “A list” character. So long as the game doesn’t somehow get ruined in the translation to the Xbox 360, 2D platformer fans will certainly be pleased with this one.

Title: Sonic the Hedgehog 2
Developer: Backbone Entertainment
Publisher: Sega of America
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 9/12/07
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1-2
Full Game: 400 points ($5)
Rating: E (Everyone)
Demo?: Yes

From the Xbox.com product description;

“With his new Super Spin Dash and “Tails” the Fox, Sonic is back and better than ever in Sonic The Hedgehog 2! Defy gravity in hair-raising loop-de-loops, bounce like a pinball and race like lightning. Play against friends at home or against others over Xbox LIVE® in this classic game.

• Classic Sonic action: One of the world’s most famous video game characters comes to Xbox LIVE in one of his fans’ favorite titles. Experience the thrill of the fastest hedgehog in the universe.
• Enhanced graphics and sound: The game stays true to the original, but takes full advantage of high-definition graphics, with enhanced sound effects.
• Achievements and leaderboards: Take on the challenge of new achievements to conquer, and use the leaderboards to compare scores among friends and the rest of the Xbox LIVE world.
• Multiplayer: Play with a friend at home, or go online and play Sonic and Tails with the world at large.” – Xbox.com

As for last week’s two Live Arcade releases, it really was a disappointing set of titles. As I mentioned, I was never a Fatal Fury fan, so I wasn’t expecting much from Fatal Fury Special at all, but I did have high expectations for Cyberball 2072 – and those expectations were crushed by the lack of a 2 player versus mode. Why Midway chose to go the cheap and easy route and only emulate half of the experience is mind-boggling – though I’m willing to bet it has something to do with the rather unique setup of the arcade machine. (Those of you who never saw Cyberball 2072 in the arcades should note that 2 player versus mode was accomplished by having what was essentially two arcade machines back to back built into one. Each player had their own screen and didn’t have to worry about their opponent being able to look at their play selection.)

XBOX LIVE ARCADE WEDNESDAYS – STREETS OF RAGE 2

I guess the folks at Microsoft decided to sneak a second Xbox Live Arcade game in at the last moment… The classic Sega Genesis brawler Streets of Rage 2 has made it’s Xbox 360 debut – with online co-op play.

While I may not have been that excited about Super Puzzle Fighter II, this is one game that I’ll most assuredly be grabbing – so long as it was emulated properly. The game plays in much the same fashion as Capcom’s Final Fight as you take the role of one of four characters who must fight their way through a city gone bad in search of a kidnapped friend. This one is definitely a classic, so I’d at least suggest you download the demo and give it a whirl.

One word of caution: word around the old internet water-cooler is that there are some issues with co-op play over Live right now. If that feature is a deciding factor in your purchase decision, you may want to hold off and make sure the game gets patched before you buy it.

Title: Streets of Rage 2
Developer: Backbone Entertainment
Publisher: Sega of America
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 8/29/07
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1-2
Full Game: 400 points ($5)
Rating: E (Everyone) – Animated Violence
Demo?: Yes

From the Xbox.com product description;

"The classic arcade fighting game Streets of Rage 2™ comes to Xbox LIVE® Arcade. Play as Blaze, Skate, Max, or Axel as you attempt to save Adam from the evil clutches of Dr. X. Special fighting moves for characters and unique weapons add to the excitement as you fight your way to the Syndicate’s stronghold.

• Classic arcade fighting action: Each character has special abilities. Learn to use their moves to defeat the enemies and the bosses.
• Unique weapons: Katanas, shuriken, knives, and more are available for the player. Weapons can even be thrown for ranged damage.
• Stellar soundtrack: The music for the arcade version of Streets of Rage 2 by Yuzo Koshiro is widely considered as some of the finest music ever made for an arcade game.
• Achievements: All new achievements to master and improve your Gamerscore. Control the Streets of Rage!" – Xbox.com

Now if only someone would tell Microsoft’s marketing group that Streets of Rage 2 was never released in the arcades.