Sonic the Hedgehog 2, released in 1992, wasn't just another sequel. It was a game changer, a defining moment for the Sega Genesis, and a pivotal point in the console war against Nintendo's Super Nintendo Entertainment System. More than just refining the already successful formula of the original, Sonic 2 introduced new characters, gameplay mechanics, and some of the most iconic levels in platforming history, securing its place as a masterpiece of the 16-bit era.