Sonic 2: 4 Open Source Clones Compared
RSDKv4-Decompilation is a playable decompilation of the Retro Engine and menus from Sonic 1 and 2, but it requires assets from an official release such as Sonic Origins to run, and adds its own mod loader and API (though its multiplayer server is noted as unstable). ktes2 and s2disasm are both plain disassemblies of the original ROM, and both explicitly restrict their content to informational and educational use, prohibiting commercial use. S2HD is different again: a decompilation of the separate Sonic 2 HD fan remake, with its own README listing specific unresolved bugs, including broken cutscene playback and lava that fails to render or damage correctly in Hill Top Zone.
Comparison table
Availability
- Status
- Playable
- Platforms
- Windows, Linux, Android
- Play in browser
- No
- Mobile
- Android
Project health
- Development status
- Active
- Last updated
- 9d ago
- Stars
- 1,127
- Contributors
- 51
- Engine
- SDL2
Compatibility
- Requires original assets
- YesRequires assets from an official release of Sonic 1 & Sonic 2 (via Sonic Origins on Steam, Epic Games Store, Nintendo Switch, iOS, or Android).
- Modding support
- YesBuilt-in mod loader and API supporting save file redirection, custom achievements, and XML GameConfig data.
- Multiplayer
- Online
Availability
- Status
- Playable
- Platforms
- Genesis
- Play in browser
- No
- Mobile
- No
Project health
- Development status
- Active
- Last updated
- 7d ago
- Stars
- 309
- Contributors
- 41
- Engine
- —
Compatibility
- Requires original assets
- —
- Modding support
- —
- Multiplayer
- —
Availability
- Status
- Semi-playable
- Platforms
- Genesis
- Play in browser
- No
- Mobile
- No
Project health
- Development status
- Halted
- Last updated
- 13y ago
- Stars
- 15
- Contributors
- 2
- Engine
- —
Compatibility
- Requires original assets
- —
- Modding support
- —
- Multiplayer
- —
Availability
- Status
- Semi-playable
- Platforms
- Android, Linux, iOS
- Play in browser
- No
- Mobile
- Android, iOS
Project health
- Development status
- Active
- Last updated
- 16d ago
- Stars
- 3
- Contributors
- 2
- Engine
- —
Compatibility
- Requires original assets
- —
- Modding support
- —
- Multiplayer
- —
| Title | RSDKv4-Decompilation | s2disasm | ktes2 | S2HD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Status | Playable | Playable | Semi-playable | Semi-playable |
| Platforms | Windows, Linux, Android | Genesis | Genesis | Android, Linux, iOS |
| Play in browser | No | No | No | No |
| Mobile | Android | No | No | Android, iOS |
| Project health | ||||
| Development status | Active | Active | Halted | Active |
| Last updated | 9d ago | 7d ago | 13y ago | 16d ago |
| Stars | 1,127 | 309 | 15 | 3 |
| Contributors | 51 | 41 | 2 | 2 |
| Engine | SDL2 | — | — | — |
| Compatibility | ||||
| Requires original assets | YesRequires assets from an official release of Sonic 1 & Sonic 2 (via Sonic Origins on Steam, Epic Games Store, Nintendo Switch, iOS, or Android). | — | — | — |
| Modding support | YesBuilt-in mod loader and API supporting save file redirection, custom achievements, and XML GameConfig data. | — | — | — |
| Multiplayer | Online | — | — | — |
Known limitations
- compatibility: The multiplayer server is unstable and unreliable for connecting to opponents.
- graphics: H.264 cutscenes do not play due to FFMPEG compatibility issues with modern .NET.
- graphics: Lava in Hill Top Zone Act 1 is not visible and does not do damage.
- graphics: Rising lava in Hill Top Act 2 does not load or spawn.
- gameplay: Shake effect and sound in Hill Top Act 1 and 2 persist after the rising lava section until death.
- graphics: Lava can unload its asset if the camera appears offscreen when it is not.
Frequently asked questions
Are the Sonic 2 clones on this page open source?
Yes — every clone catalogued here is an open-source project. Availability, license, and development-status details for each one are listed in the comparison table above.
Do I need to own the original Sonic 2 to play these clones?
RSDKv4-Decompilation requires original game assets to play.
Which Sonic 2 clone is the most actively maintained?
RSDKv4-Decompilation, s2disasm, and S2HD are currently under active development, based on recent commit activity. See the "Development status" row above for every clone's current status.
See the full write-up for each clone, or go back to Sonic 2.