This boss battle is made much easier with the duo’s air-based team-up move, as Tails can lift Sonic high enough to attack Eggman’s core.

Having spent more time with Sonic the Hedgehog than with my own family members over the last six months or so, my recent playthrough of 2010’s Sonic 4, Episode I highlighted the stark differences between its herky-jerky controls and the blue blur’s better efforts from 2011 (Sonic Generations and Sonic CD). Fortunately, Sonic 4, Episode II manages to mix the best of our hero’s HD outings to create a suitable second chapter for this downloadable series.

The game’s biggest addition  — including Tails as an aid in single-player mode — gives the perfect level of balance to correct mistakes made at mach speed. Falling down suddenly-appearing pits has plagued the franchise since its 1991 debut, so it’s nice to finally have a failsafe in the form of Tails’ flight. However, even Sonic’s long-time sidekick can’t make the smattering of water stages less frustrating, as the time limit to swim freely has seemingly shrunk while a computer-controlled Tails can actually steal your air if he’s closer than you to a bubble (despite him not needing it). With almost every other stage offering expansive levels on par with Sonic CD’s, the underwater stages become all the more exasperating.

Despite this rare aggravation in single-player — and nearly unplayable co-op that’ll have all but the most in-sync teams constantly zipping on- and off-screen — Sonic 4’s second episode is a return to form. The cheaper (and better) Sonic CD has yet to be topped, but we like the direction that Sega’s mascot is taking.  

The bonus stage is the only area where you’re severely disadvantaged without a co-op partner, as it’s nearly impossible to get all of the rings without controlling Tails.

PUBLISHER: Sega  •  DEVELOPER: Sonic Team  •  ESRB: Everyone  •  MULTIPLAYER: 2 in co-op play (locally or via Xbox Live)  •  ACHIEVEMENTS: A tough 200G  •  COST: 1,200 Microsoft Points ($15)  •  AVAILABLE: May 16, 2012

On Xbox Live Arcade

+ Corrects the momentum issues that infected Episode I; stage design is almost as good as Sonic CD’s.

+ Teaming with Tails in single-player works (most of the time)...

– …but co-op is too chaotic. And the underwater stages are more annoying than ever.

? Can Sonic please stay in 2D forever?

7.5