I don't see this game as much of an improvement over Sonic 1. Character control is much better, with acceleration much better tuned for platforming. Special stages are a bit better too, though they're still not all that great. There are more good levels in the game total, but the only one as good as Green Hill or Star Light is Chemical Plant. Sky Chase is the most boring stage in 2D Sonic history, and Metropolis is arguably worse than Labyrinth Zone and drags on just as bad with its extra act. And that final boss is absolutely atrocious. I really don't get the hype with this one.