I was quite surprised to see that this hack had almost every level changed! This hack has the most interesting and probably the best layout I've seen in recent years! However, I wasn't able to finish the game as the game kept crashing for me whenever the final boss loads.

Thanks for the kind words. I appreciate it. To be honest, there's nothing of interest after the final boss. Same ending and credits sequence as the original Sonic 2. Still, I'm glad you were able to experience the rest of the game without any issues.

nice new level layouts and pallet tho i dont see anytihng new to the tabel still very nice also change arz level design its hard

Well that's the point; it wasn't supposed to bring anything new to the table. Just a modification of the original Sonic 2 with some new layouts. It achieves its purpose. Also, I've already explained above that I won't be making any changes passed this point. I'll be releasing an update on Sunday to fix a few game breaking bugs, but that is it. Also, I've not had anyone else say that Aquatic Ruin Zone is too difficult. Can you give me some examples as to why/how it is?

dude they probably just suck at that zone lol

I like this. It may not have anything groundbreaking in it, but I really don't mind. The levels are very well designed. If someone were to give me this hack with the Sonic 2 Title Screen, if I didn't already know the layouts I would probably be fooled. Definitely not "the absolute best ROM hack", but it does what it wants to achieve!

Thank you for the kind words. I appreciate it. This hack seeks to achieve new layouts for Sonic 2, and I think it does just that. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

I thoroughly enjoyed this hack. There are so many new routes to explore I can see myself playing this way after the contest is over.

Ah, I'm glad to hear it. My intention is always to try and replicate what the original games did; branching paths and secrets that you might not see on your first run through. This is then enough incentive for people to try it again, and see what else they missed.

This hack was such a.....breath of fresh air! I had not played Sonic 2 in quite a long time (it was my first video game; I've probably played it the most out of the originals, so I found myself kinda burnt out from it), but this really does feel like a re-imagined version in the best way possible. I love the layouts and palettes, as they flow quite nicely; I hit almost every signpost with a smile.

Aquatic Ruin felt like there weren't many oppportunities to get back above water (ironic and karmic complaint, I know lol), so it could be cool to have more ways to abuse the water physics with skill to get to the higher path. But overall, watching this on streams doesn't do this hack justice, you kinda gotta play it. Great job D.A.!

That's true that there aren't many opportunities to get back to the surface. Kind of like the original layout in that regard, though. I wanted to reward staying on the upper path. However, I'm glad you enjoyed it in general. Thanks for the kind words.

I'm impressed by a lot of your layouts, you really do well maintaining that smooth flow of Sonic 2, without many dead ends or tedious moments and tons of alternate pathways. I could argue it's maybe a bit too 'safe' in this regard, and that maybe there should be at least more punishment for falling too many times below like more baddies or obstacles, but I can't knock how well the game usually flows here.

Thanks, I appreciate it. It's funny you mention this, as I've had the opposite also be said; the lower paths are too unforgiving and that they need to be more user friendly. Trying to find that balance can be a little difficulty. Regardless, I'm glad you enjoyed it.

The level design on this hack is great, i loved chemical plant act 2, great job!!