Version Differences

This is a sub-page of Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II.

This needs some investigation. Discuss ideas and findings on the talk page. Specifically: Find differences in the other versions (iOS, PS3, Xbox 360). There was a unique version of the Android release (Sonic 4 Episode II THD, similar to the Sonic 4 Episode I HD release from first episode) that supported NVIDIA’s Tegra 3 chipset and that featured higher quality models. If possible, find a .apk of this version and compare it to the 2012 Android release.

Android#

Audio#

• All audio is compressed in the Android version. Also, the audio driver may glitch out and replace a random sound with a very loud pop sound.

Graphics#

Android	Windows

Android	Windows

• All models, textures, etc. are in a lower asset quality on Android.
  • Sonic and Tails use low poly models without mouths, movable fingers and eyelids.
    • As the hand gestures are separate models that are swapped on the fly in this version, there's a bug where all of them end up displaying at once during Special Stages.
  • Android lacks most shader effects (sun rays, water distortion etc), while iOS only lacks realtime shadowmaps and Special Stage floor reflection.

Android	Windows

• All 3D backgrounds were replaced by static images
• All cutscenes are pre-rendered FMVs on Android, rather than being played in-engine.
• Episode Metal Act 3's skybox is missing in the Android version.

Sega Forever Differences#

On August 2, 2018, the mobile version was updated under the SEGA Forever brand (although the game is far from a retro title but whatever). The app was also renamed to Sonic The Hedgehog 4 Episode II and received the following changes:

• Content from Episode Metal is available from the start.
• The SEGA intro got replaced by the usual SEGA Forever one.
• The game's framerate cap has been increased from 30 to 60 on both Android and iOS.
• Video ads after beating a stage, banner ads throughout menus and square ads on the pause menu were added (with a $1.99 purchase to get rid of them).
• Restore Purchase let you download the 2012 release if you had bought it, until Play Store decided you couldn't (the app being too old).

This version was discontinued in March 29th 2025, and got delisted later that year.

Other Differences#

• After you unlock a tag action, a popup appears telling you how to use it. Strangely enough, instead of the tag action button being shown, the Super Sonic one gets displayed instead.
• If the game closes in the middle of a stage, next boot it will ask you if you want to retry from the star point.
• The game uses Google Play for achievements and leaderboards instead of Steam.
• All bosses play as they would if you were Super (Half health points).
• The Egg Heart's shield can be broken by Super Sonic.
• You can get an infinite amount of ring based 1-ups.
• You can enable gyroscope controls, letting you move Sonic by tilting your phone, both in normal gameplay and/or special stages.
• Local Multiplayer is available in the form of connecting to another device via Bluetooth.
• The Pause menu has been simplified, as the game lacks leaderboards, but doesn't hide the HUD like PC/Console.
• When using a controller, the button highlight indicator are orange bars instead of the button turning blue like on PC/Console.

PC/Console	Mobile (with controller)