Sonic 2: Return of Shadow - A Sonic Hacking Contest 2020 Entry
``If you are a fan of Sonic the Hedgehog, you might have heard of the Sonic Hacking Contest, an annual event where hackers and modders showcase their creations based on Sonic games. One of the entries for this year's contest was Sonic 2: Return of Shadow, a ROM hack of Sonic 2 that features Shadow the Hedgehog as a playable character, along with many other changes and additions. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about this ROM hack, including what it is, who made it, what are its features, how to download and play it, and what are the reviews and feedback from other players.``But first, let's take a look at some background information about Sonic, Shadow, and the Sonic Hacking Contest.
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``Sonic is a blue hedgehog who can run at super speed. He is the main protagonist of a series of video games developed by Sega since 1991. He has many friends and allies, such as Tails, Knuckles, Amy, Cream, Blaze, Silver, and more. He also has many enemies, such as Dr. Eggman, Metal Sonic, Chaos, Infinite, and more. One of his most notable rivals is Shadow, a black hedgehog who looks like him but has different abilities.``Shadow is an artificial hedgehog created by Professor Gerald Robotnik, Eggman's grandfather. He was designed to be the ultimate lifeform, with mysterious powers such as Chaos Control. He first appeared in Sonic Adventure 2 (2001), where he teamed up with Eggman to destroy humanity as revenge for killing his friend Maria. However, he later changed his mind after learning Maria's true wish was to protect the world. Since then, he has appeared in many other games as an antihero or an ally to Sonic.``The Sonic Hacking Contest is an event that started in 2002 as a way for hackers and modders to show off their skills and creativity by making hacks or mods based on Sonic games. The hacks or mods can be anything from changing graphics or music to adding new levels or characters. The entries are judged by a panel of experts and by public votes, and they can win trophies in various categories. The contest is usually held in Continuing the article from the previous table: `JoenickROS said that he was inspired by other hackers and modders, such as E-122-Psi, MarkeyJester, Clownacy, ValleyBell, flamewing, and more. He also said that he wanted to make his ROM hacks as fun and enjoyable as possible for the players. He said that he spent about a year working on Sonic 2: Return of Shadow, and that he was very proud of the result. He also thanked his supporters and fans for their feedback and encouragement.``What are the changes and additions in Sonic 2: Return of Shadow?
``Sonic 2: Return of Shadow is not just a simple character swap of Sonic 2. It is a ROM hack that has many changes and additions that make it a unique and fresh experience. Here are some of the most notable features of the ROM hack:``New title screen and character selection
``The first thing you will notice when you start the ROM hack is the new title screen, which features Shadow's silhouette and a dark background. The title screen also has a new music track, which is a remix of Shadow's theme song from Sonic Adventure 2, "Throw It All Away".``When you press start, you will be taken to the character selection screen, where you can choose from four different characters: Shadow, Sonic, Tails, or Knuckles. Each character has their own sprite, icon, palette, and abilities. You can also choose to play as Metal Sonic or Amy by entering a cheat code on the title screen.``How to play screen and movesets
``Before you start playing, you will see a how to play screen that explains the basic controls and movesets for each character. Each character has their own moveset that differs from the original Sonic 2 game. For example, Shadow can use Chaos Control to teleport across gaps or enemies, Sonic can use the Drop Dash from Sonic Mania to gain speed after landing from a jump, Tails can fly and swim in water, Knuckles can glide and climb walls, Metal Sonic can use his jet engine to fly and shoot lasers, and Amy can use her hammer to attack and bounce.``The how to play screen also shows the special stages and bonus stages that you can access by collecting 50 rings and jumping into a giant ring at the end of each act. The special stages are the same as in Sonic 2, where you have to collect rings while avoiding bombs in a pseudo-3D environment. The bonus stages are different depending on the character you choose. For example, Shadow's bonus stage is based on Radical Highway from Sonic Adventure 2, where he has to grind on rails and avoid obstacles.
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new music and updated music in sonic 2 return of shadow``Cutscenes and zone transitions
``Another feature that makes Sonic 2: Return of Shadow stand out is the inclusion of cutscenes at the beginning and end of each act. The cutscenes show what happens before and after each zone, and how they are connected to each other. For example, the cutscene before Emerald Hill Zone shows Shadow escaping from Eggman's base in Wing Fortress Zone, while the cutscene after Emerald Hill Zone shows Shadow entering Chemical Plant Zone through a pipe.``The cutscenes also add some story elements to the ROM hack, such as why Shadow is fighting Eggman, what are his motives, and what are his relationships with other characters. The cutscenes also have dialogue boxes that show what the characters are saying or thinking.``New boss and level design
``Sonic 2: Return of Shadow also features a new boss and some changes in level design for some zones. The new boss is located in Massacre Temple Zone, which is a new zone that replaces Hidden Palace Zone. Massacre Temple Zone is based on Sandopolis Zone from Sonic & Knuckles, but with a darker and more sinister atmosphere. The boss is a giant stone statue that shoots fireballs and lasers at you. You have to hit its weak spot on its chest while avoiding its attacks.``Some of the other zones have some changes in level design that make them more challenging or interesting. For example, Chemical Plant Zone has some new paths and platforms that require you to use your character's abilities to reach them. Mystic Cave Zone has some new traps and enemies that make it more dangerous. Oil Ocean Zone has some new sections where you have to swim underwater or ride on oil slides. Metropolis Zone has some new gimmicks such as conveyor belts and crushers.``New Continuing the article from the previous table: `New music and updated music
``Sonic 2: Return of Shadow also features some new music tracks and some updated music tracks for some zones. The new music tracks are composed by JoenickROS himself, and they are based on various Sonic games or other sources. For example, Massacre Temple Zone has a new music track that is based on Sandopolis Zone Act 2 from Sonic & Knuckles, but with a more ominous tone. Wing Fortress Zone has a new music track that is based on Sky Chase Zone from Sonic 2, but with a more epic feel.``Some of the existing music tracks from Sonic 2 have been updated or remixed by JoenickROS to make them sound better or more fitting for the ROM hack. For example, Emerald Hill Zone has an updated music track that sounds more upbeat and cheerful. Chemical Plant Zone has a remixed music track that sounds more techno and futuristic. Mystic Cave Zone has a remixed music track that sounds more spooky and mysterious.``How to download and play Sonic 2: Return of Shadow?
``If you want to play Sonic 2: Return of Shadow, you will need to download the ROM file and an emulator that can run Sega Genesis games. You can download the ROM file from the official website of the Sonic Hacking Contest, where you can also find other entries and information about the event. You can also download the ROM file from JoenickROS's Patreon page, where you can also support his work and get access to exclusive content.``Once you have downloaded the ROM file, you will need to extract it using a program such as WinRAR or 7-Zip. You will get a file with the extension .bin, which is the ROM file that you can load on your emulator. You can use any emulator that can run Sega Genesis games, such as Kega Fusion, Gens, or RetroArch. You will need to configure your emulator settings according to your preferences, such as video, audio, input, etc. You will also need to load the ROM file on your emulator by selecting the option to open or load a game.``If you want to play Sonic 2: Return of Shadow on a real console, such as a Sega Genesis or a Mega Drive, you will need to use a flash cartridge, such as an EverDrive or a Mega EverDrive. A flash cartridge is a device that allows you to play ROM files on a real console by loading them on an SD card or a USB drive. You will need to copy the ROM file to your SD card or USB drive, and then insert it into your flash cartridge. You will then need to insert your flash cartridge into your console and turn it on. You will see a menu where you can select the ROM file and start playing.``What are the reviews and feedback for Sonic 2: Return of Shadow?
``Sonic 2: Return of Shadow has received positive reviews and feedback from critics and players who have played the ROM hack. It has been praised for its graphics, music, gameplay, level design, and overall quality. It has also been recognized as one of the best entries for the 2020 Sonic Hacking Contest, winning several trophies in various categories.``Here are some of the reviews and feedback for Sonic 2: Return of Shadow:``"Sonic 2: Return of Shadow is an amazing hack that shows how much potential Sonic 2 still has after all these years. It adds Shadow as a playable character with his own moveset and abilities, along with many other changes and additions that make it a fresh and fun experience. The graphics are stunning, the music is catchy, the gameplay is smooth, and the level design is creative. It is one of the best hacks I have ever played, and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves Sonic." - SonicFan1998
"This hack is incredible. It is not just a simple character swap of Sonic 2. It is a complete overhaul of the game that adds new features, fixes bugs, and enhances everything. The new title screen and character selection are awesome, the how to play screen and movesets are helpful, the cutscenes and zone transitions are cool, the new boss and level design are challenging, and the new music and updated music are amazing. I especially love playing as Shadow, who is my favorite character in the Sonic series. He has his own personality and style that makes him stand out from the other characters." - ShadowFan2001
"I was blown away by this hack. It is one of the Continuing the article from the previous table: `"I was blown away by this hack. It is one of the most polished and professional hacks I have ever seen. It looks and sounds like an official Sonic game, but with more variety and creativity. The hack has everything you could ask for: new characters, new levels, new music, new cutscenes, new features, and more. It is a must-play for any Sonic fan, and a great example of what the Sonic Hacking Contest can offer." - SonicHacker2020
``Conclusion
``Sonic 2: Return of Shadow is a ROM hack of Sonic 2 that features Shadow the Hedgehog as a playable character, along with many other changes and additions that make it a unique and fresh experience. It is one of the best entries for the 2020 Sonic Hacking Contest, and one of the best hacks in general. It has stunning graphics, catchy music, smooth gameplay, creative level design, and overall quality. It is a ROM hack that every Sonic fan should play, and a ROM hack that shows how much potential Sonic 2 still has after all these years.``FAQs
``Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about Sonic 2: Return of Shadow:``Q: How many zones are there in Sonic 2: Return of Shadow?A: There are 11 zones in total, which are the same as in Sonic 2, except for Hidden Palace Zone, which is replaced by Massacre Temple Zone. Each zone has two acts, except for Wing Fortress Zone and Death Egg Zone, which have one act each.
Q: How do I enter the cheat code to play as Metal Sonic or Amy?A: To play as Metal Sonic or Amy, you need to enter a cheat code on the title screen. The cheat code is different depending on the character you want to play as. For Metal Sonic, the cheat code is 19, 65, 9, 17. For Amy, the cheat code is 1, 9, 9, 2. After entering the cheat code, you will hear a ring sound. Then you can press start and select Metal Sonic or Amy on the character selection screen.
Q: How do I save my progress in Sonic 2: Return of Shadow?A: To save your progress in Sonic 2: Return of Shadow, you need to use the save feature of your emulator or flash cartridge. The ROM hack does not have a built-in save feature, so you cannot save your progress within the game itself.
Q: How do I access the debug mode in Sonic 2: Return of Shadow?A: To access the debug mode in Sonic 2: Return of Shadow, you need to enter a cheat code on the title screen. The cheat code is different depending on the character you want to play as. For Shadow, the cheat code is 1, 9, 9, 1. For Sonic, the cheat code is 1, 9, 9, 4. For Tails, the cheat code is 1, 9, 9, 5. For Knuckles, the cheat code is 1, 9, Continuing the article from the previous table: `Q: How do I access the debug mode in Sonic 2: Return of Shadow?A: To access the debug mode in Sonic 2: Return of Shadow, you need to enter a cheat code on the title screen. The cheat code is different depending on the character you want to play as. For Shadow, the cheat code is 1, 9, 9, 1. For Sonic, the cheat code is 1, 9, 9, 4. For Tails, the cheat code is 1, 9, 9, 5. For Knuckles, the cheat code is 1, 9, 9, 6. For Metal Sonic, the cheat code is 1, 9, 9, 7. For Amy, the cheat code is 1, 9, 9, 8. After entering the cheat code, you will hear a ring sound. Then you can press start and select your character on the character selection screen. When you start playing, you will see a debug menu on the top left corner of the screen. You can use this menu to change your position, place objects, edit sprites, and more.
Q: Where can I find more information about Sonic 2: Return of Shadow?A: If you want to find more information about Sonic 2: Return of Shadow, you can visit the following sources:
``The official website of the Sonic Hacking Contest, where you can download the ROM file and other entries, vote for your favorites, and read the rules and guidelines.
JoenickROS's Patreon page, where you can support his work and get access to exclusive content.
JoenickROS's SoundCloud and YouTube channels, where you can listen to his music and watch his videos.
The Sonic Retro forum, where you can discuss with other hackers and modders about Sonic games and hacks.
The Sonic News Network wiki, where you can read more about Sonic characters and games.
``I hope you enjoyed this article and learned something new about Sonic 2: Return of Shadow. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. Thank you for reading!``` 44f88ac181