When combined as a single game (as they were originally meant to be), you have what be the most content rich entry from the Sega Genesis era.

Separately, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 and its direct follow-up Sonic & Knuckles are stand-out entries that could take up two spots on the list. Sonic 3 & Knuckles This boss fight in particular has stuck with fans for years. Arguments about whether the Japanese or American soundtrack is better persist to this day, but modern re-releases make the issue moot by including both. Yet some will say this is the best classic 2D entry thanks to its presentation, soundtrack, and unique time travel mechanics which see you explore past and future versions of the levels, offering plenty of replayability. Sonic CD has a greater emphasis on platforming and exploration compared to Sonic 2, meaning you often need to slow down which seems antithetical to what Sonic‘s about.

Sonic the Hedgehog CD Series regulars Amy Rose and Metal Sonic debuted in this one. Plus, it marked the debut of Sonic’s best friend and sidekick Tails, the ultimate player two character for younger siblings worldwide. It may lack the iconic Green Hill Zone, but the rest of its levels are far more memorable and fun to speed through. As its sequel, however, 1992’s Sonic the Hedgehog 2 simply took everything that worked from its predecessor and made it better. You could probably swap this out for the first Sonic the Hedgehog game for the Sega Genesis since that was how Sega’s spiky mascot got his start. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 Chemical Plant Zone has made plenty of reappearances in more recent games.

Sonic zone tier list