Man, Sonic 2 on the Genesis is still one of those games that just feels right. You blast through loops at full speed, grab rings like they're going out of style, and somehow Tails is both helpful and annoying when he flies into enemies at the worst times. The levels are bigger than the first game—Chemical Plant Zone’s that perfect mix of slick platforming and “oh crap” moments when you’re sliding toward spikes. And that soundtrack? Iconic. The first time you hit a checkpoint and hear that little jingle, it’s pure nostalgia.

It’s not all perfect—some of those special stage half-pipes still mess me up—but that’s part of the charm. You’ll probably lose a life or two figuring out the spin dash timing, but once it clicks, you’re unstoppable. Still holds up way better than it has any right to.