Like the first Sonic the Hedgehog, players run through levels at high speeds while collecting rings and defeating enemies.

A side-scrolling platformer, the player controls Sonic the Hedgehog as he runs at high speeds, defeats enemies, and overcomes obstacles.

The story takes place following the events of the last game; Sonic returns home to find that Doctor Robotnik has captured Miles "Tails" Prower, so he heads off to rescue him before it's too late.

[1] Like the original, Sonic collects power-ups (such as boosts of speed and invincibility) that give him temporary powers, and rings to protect himself from being hit by enemies or obstacles.

Sonic starts with three lives; if he is hit without carrying any rings, falls into a bottomless pit, drowns, or goes past the act's 10-minute mark, he loses a life.

[3] Certain elements present in the Sega Genesis version of Sonic the Hedgehog are also implemented, such as the ability to smash through walls and run through vertical loops.

[3] The game is split into seven levels called zones, each comprising two main acts and a boss fight with one of Doctor Robotnik's robots.

[11] The Master System version remained exclusive to PAL territories until it was released in December 2008 for the Wii Virtual Console.

[23] Critics were impressed with the graphics,[25][26] even leading some Mean Machines Sega staff to think they were viewing a Mega Drive game.

[8][22][26] Sega Force explained that the game was almost identical to its home console counterpart, except for some tweaks to gameplay and graphics.

[3] While Hardcore Gaming 101 found the core gameplay good, they felt Sonic 2 was weaker than its predecessor, criticizing the level design and art direction.