Sonic 2 Return of Shadow: A Review of the Amazing ROM Hack
Download Sonic 2 Return of Shadow: A Fun and Challenging ROM Hack of Sonic 2
If you are a fan of Sonic the Hedgehog games, you probably know that there are many fan-made ROM hacks that modify the original games with new features, levels, characters, and more. One of these ROM hacks is Sonic 2 Return of Shadow, a hack of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 for Sega Genesis created by JoenickROS. In this article, we will tell you what Sonic 2 Return of Shadow is, what features it has, how to download it, how to use cheats and codes, and what we think about it. So, if you are ready to experience a new adventure with Sonic and his friends, read on!
Features of Sonic 2 Return of Shadow
Sonic 2 Return of Shadow is a ROM hack that adds many new elements to the classic Sonic 2 game. Here are some of the features that make this hack stand out:
download sonic 2 return of shadow
Four playable characters: You can choose to play as Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, or Shadow. Each character has their own unique abilities and movesets. For example, Sonic can perform a spin dash and a homing attack, Tails can fly and swim, Knuckles can glide and climb walls, and Shadow can use chaos control and chaos blast. You can also switch between characters in some levels by using special monitors.
New levels and bosses: The hack features 16 new levels that are based on the original zones but have different layouts, enemies, traps, and secrets. Some of the new zones are Massacre Temple, Tidal Tempest, Wacky Workbench, Stardust Speedway, Death Egg Zone II, and Final Zone. The hack also has new bosses that are more challenging and require different strategies to defeat.
Improved graphics and music: The hack improves the graphics and music of the original game by using new sprites, backgrounds, animations, effects, palettes, and soundtracks. The hack also uses the Sonic 3 and Knuckles object manager to add more objects and features to the game.
How to play tips: The hack provides a how to play screen before starting a new game that shows you the movesets of the character you are playing as. It also gives you hints and tips during the game by using signposts and monitors.
How to Download Sonic 2 Return of Shadow
If you want to play Sonic 2 Return of Shadow on your computer or mobile device, you will need two things: a Sega Genesis emulator and a Sonic 2 ROM file. A Sega Genesis emulator is a software that allows you to run Sega Genesis games on your device. A Sonic 2 ROM file is a digital copy of the original Sonic 2 game cartridge. Here are the steps to download Sonic 2 Return of Shadow:
Download a Sega Genesis emulator: There are many emulators available for different platforms, such as Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, etc. Some of the popular emulators are Kega Fusion, Gens, RetroArch, MD.emu, and Genesis Plus GX. You can find and download them from their official websites or from other sources. Make sure you download the emulator that is compatible with your device and operating system.
Download a Sonic 2 ROM file: You can find and download Sonic 2 ROM files from various websites that host ROMs. However, you should be careful and only download ROMs from trusted and legal sources. Downloading ROMs from unauthorized or illegal sources may expose you to viruses, malware, or legal issues. Some of the websites that offer Sonic 2 ROMs are CoolROM, Emuparadise, Rom Hustler, and Romulation.
Download Sonic 2 Return of Shadow: You can download the hack from the official website of JoenickROS or from other sources that host ROM hacks. The hack is in a zip file that contains the patch file and the readme file. The patch file is a small file that modifies the original Sonic 2 ROM file with the hack. The readme file contains information and instructions about the hack.
Extract the zip file: You will need a software that can extract zip files, such as WinRAR, 7-Zip, or PeaZip. You can find and download them from their official websites or from other sources. After downloading and installing the software, right-click on the zip file and select "Extract here" or "Extract to folder". You will get a folder that contains the patch file and the readme file.
Patch the ROM file with the hack: You will need a software that can patch ROM files, such as Lunar IPS, xdelta UI, or Floating IPS. You can find and download them from their official websites or from other sources. After downloading and installing the software, open it and select "Apply IPS Patch" or "Apply Patch". Then, browse and select the patch file and the Sonic 2 ROM file. The software will patch the ROM file with the hack and create a new ROM file.
Load the patched ROM file in the emulator: After patching the ROM file with the hack, you can load it in the emulator and start playing. To do this, open the emulator and select "File" and then "Open" or "Load". Then, browse and select the patched ROM file. The emulator will run the game and you will see the title screen of Sonic 2 Return of Shadow.
Enjoy: You can now enjoy playing Sonic 2 Return of Shadow on your device. Have fun!
Cheats and Codes for Sonic 2 Return of Shadow
If you want to make your gameplay more fun or easier, you can use some cheats and codes for Sonic 2 Return of Shadow. Here are some of them:
Debug mode: Debug mode is a feature that allows you to manipulate objects and sprites in the game. To activate debug mode, you need to enter a code at the title screen. The code is Up Up Down Down Up Up Up Up. You will hear a ring sound if you enter it correctly. Then, start a new game or continue an existing one. To use debug mode, press A + Start to pause the game and then press B. You will see a hex number at the top left corner of the screen that represents an object or sprite. You can change it by pressing A or C. To place an object or sprite on the screen, press B. To move it around, use the directional buttons. To exit debug mode, press B again.
Infinite rings: Infinite rings are useful for staying alive and unlocking super forms. To get infinite rings, you need to enter a code at the title screen. The code is 19 65 09 17. You will hear a ring sound if you enter it correctly. Then, start a new game or continue an existing one. You will see that your ring counter will not decrease even if you get hit or use super forms.
Super forms: Super forms are powerful transformations that give you enhanced speed, strength, invincibility, and special abilities. To unlock super forms, you need to collect all seven Chaos Emeralds in the game. You can find them in the special stages that are accessed by entering giant rings hidden in some levels. To activate super forms, you need to have at least 50 rings and press A + B + C. You will see your character change color and appearance. To deactivate super forms, press A + B + C again or run out of rings. Each character has a different super form and ability. For example, Super Sonic can perform a double jump and a super dash, Super Tails can summon four flickies to attack enemies, Super Knuckles can break walls and fly faster, and Super Shadow can use chaos control and chaos blast without losing rings.
Review of Sonic 2 Return of Shadow
Sonic 2 Return of Shadow is a ROM hack that offers a lot of fun and challenge for Sonic fans. Here are some of the pros and cons of this hack:
Pros
Cons
Fun gameplay: The hack has fast-paced and exciting gameplay that keeps you on your toes. You can explore different paths, find secrets, collect items, fight enemies, and face bosses.
Challenging levels: The hack has new levels that are more difficult and complex than the original ones. You will encounter more obstacles, hazards, puzzles, and surprises. You will need to use your skills and strategies to overcome them.
Diverse characters: The hack has four playable characters that have their own strengths and weaknesses. You can choose the one that suits your playstyle and preference. You can also switch between them in some levels to access different areas and abilities.
Nice graphics and music: The hack improves the graphics and music of the original game by using new sprites, backgrounds, animations, effects, palettes, and soundtracks. The hack also uses the Sonic 3 and Knuckles object manager to add more objects and features to the game.
Some glitches: The hack has some glitches that may affect your gameplay or enjoyment. For example, some sprites may flicker or disappear, some objects may behave oddly or crash the game, some levels may have graphical errors or softlocks, etc.
Hard difficulty: The hack has a high difficulty level that may frustrate or discourage some players. Some levels are very long and have no checkpoints or save features. Some bosses are very tough and require precise timing and movements. Some enemies are very annoying and hard to avoid or defeat.
No save feature: The hack does not have a save feature that allows you to save your progress and resume later. You have to play the game from the beginning every time you start it. This can be tedious and inconvenient for some players.
We give Sonic 2 Return of Shadow a rating o