Sonic the Hedgehog different media including animation, comic books, and a Hollywood film. The first "Sonic" game, "Sonic the Hedgehog", is a platform game released in 1991. Players control the anthropomorphic blue hedgehog Sonic, who can run and jump at high speeds using springs, ramps, and loops. Sonic must stop Dr. Robotnik from taking over the world using the Chaos Emeralds. "Sonic the Hedgehog 2" (1992) increased the overall size and speed of the series' gameplay and was the second best-selling Genesis game. It introduced Sonic's sidekick and best friend, Miles "Tails" Prower, who followed Sonic throughout the game, and allowed a second
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 option to use Sonic's Drop Dash ability from "Sonic Mania" (2017) and a time attack mode. Due to the popularity of its predecessor, "Sonic the Hedgehog 2" already had an established fanbase anticipating its release. The game received critical acclaim and was a bestseller in the UK charts for 2 months. As of 2006, the game had sold over 6 million copies, making it the second best-selling game for the Sega Genesis (after the original "Sonic the Hedgehog"). Reviewers praised the large levels, colorful graphics and backgrounds, increased characters, enemies, and music. GameSpot stated that "time may have eroded Sega's