Play Sonic 2 XL Online

Sonic 2 XL is basically what happens when a bunch of Sonic superfans decide the original Sonic 2 wasn’t already intense enough. It’s still the same blue blur you remember—same loops, same killer soundtrack—but now the levels are packed with way more enemies, hidden paths, and some truly evil surprises. I thought I knew Green Hill Zone like the back of my hand, but nope, this version had me falling into pits I didn’t even know existed.

The difficulty’s definitely turned up—those first few tries on Chemical Plant had me sweating—but it never feels unfair, just… extra. And if you’re into speedrunning, good luck shaving seconds off these remixed layouts. Even if you’re just here for the nostalgia, the tweaks keep things interesting without losing that classic Genesis feel. Just don’t blame me when you get jump-scared by a Badnik placement you didn’t see coming.