Following the success of the original, "Sonic the Hedgehog 2" was widely anticipated. It achieved wide critical acclaim upon release, with scores above 90% from most video game magazines at the time. The improvements to the gameplay were praised. "GamePro" commented that "Sonic 2's game play mechanics are the same as Sonic 1's with a few cool exceptions." They gave it a 4.5 out of 5 for sound and a perfect 5.0 in every other category (graphics, control, and fun factor). Lucas Thomas of IGN proclaimed that the game "offered more of everything. More characters, more levels. More music, moves and baddies to beat", and that the new spin dash move "enhanced the speed of the gameplay, as Sonic no longer had to have a long stretch of straightaway to get up to his signature blazing velocity any more." Ellie Gibson of "Eurogamer", reviewing the Xbox Live Arcade port, wrote that "SEGA has been sensible enough to leave things alone. All the original levels are present and correct. They are as expansive and exciting as ever. The sheer speed of the game still has the power to thrill as you send Sonic zooming, spinning and bouncing in all directions."