The default Title Screen of Sonic the Hedgehog 2
Hack Name:  Sonic 2 With Knuckles
Platform: 
Released by: 
Language: 
Status:  Complete
Patch Version:  1.0.1
Last updated:  April 23, 2023
Type of Hack:  Bug Fix, Gameplay, Graphics, SFX
Downloads:  64

Sonic 2 with Knuckles is a ROM hack of Sonic the Hedgehog 2.

This ROM hack aims to be a gameplay enhancement of Sonic the Hedgehog 2, including features and mechanics from Sonic 3 & Knuckles, as well as some original features.

The core additions of this ROM hack are the following:

  • Insta Shield: Sonic can perform an Insta-Shield, allowing him to become invulnerable during its execution, extend his attack range and even deflect some bullets. This can not be executed in 2P Versus.
  • Rolling jump lock cancellation: Much like in Sonic 3 & Knuckles, using the Insta-Shield allows for cancellation of the rolling jump lock, a mechanic present across the original quadrilogy on the Mega Drive. This can also be triggered any time the Insta-Shield is impossible. This can not be executed in 2P Versus.
  • Flight: Tails can fly, as well as pick up Sonic in the main game’s two player Co-op mode. Just like in Sonic 3 & Knuckles, Tails can also deflect bullets while flying.
  • Knuckles: Knuckles is now a playable character, who can be selected from within the options menu. He retains his gameplay style from Knuckles in Sonic 2, but can also destroy monitors while in a gliding state, as well as deflect bullets.
  • Improved pausing mechanic: Pausing is now player dependent. If player 1 pauses, only player 1 can unpause. Same goes for player 2.
  • In-game player swap: The two players can swap controllers virtually. This can be achieved during a pause, with both players pressing the A button. This feature is meant for use on emulators with netplay capabilities.
  • New transformation method: To turn into a Super form, the button combination is the same as for the “Multi-Button” option for Sonic 3 Complete (Press a different face button from the one you used to jump with.)

In addition, there are numerous bugfixes, most courtesy of the writers of Sonic Retro’s Sonic Community Hacking Guide How-Tos.

Additional thanks go to the maintainers of the Sonic 2 Github disassembly, and the contributors to the Sonic 2 Community’s Cut disassembly.

To play Sonic 2 with Knuckles, you must apply the provided XDELTA patch on an unmodified Sonic 2 REV01 ROM. If you bought the Steam release prior to its delisting, the ROM in question will do just fine.

Hashes: 
File/ROM SHA-1: 8BCA5DCEF1AF3E00098666FD892DC1C2A76333F9
File/ROM CRC32: 7B905383
Staff/Credits: 
Giovanni: Knuckles in Special Stages and Ending port, additional bugfixes.
Heyjoeway: Code and assets from Sonic 2 Community's Cut
DeltaWooloo: Scrapped programming work
redhotsonic, MoDule, Esrael Neto, MainMemory, flamewing, Selbi, Puto, Clownacy: Guides
File download: 
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