Dive back into the fast-paced world of Sonic the Hedgehog with "Sonic 2 & Knuckles" on the Sega Mega Drive, an iconic fusion that combines two classic titles into an exhilarating adventure. Originally released in the early '90s, this combination involves inserting the "Sonic the Hedgehog 2" cartridge into the "Sonic & Knuckles" add-on, unlocking an enhanced and expanded gaming experience.

"Sonic 2 & Knuckles" brings together Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles, the echidna with gliding and climbing abilities, in a quest to thwart the evil plans of Dr. Robotnik. Players can enjoy the enhanced levels and mechanics of "Sonic & Knuckles" with the characters and stages from "Sonic the Hedgehog 2," creating a seamless and interconnected experience.

What sets this combination apart is the ability to play through "Sonic 2" with Knuckles, offering new routes and a fresh perspective on familiar levels. Additionally, players can explore the "Blue Sphere" bonus stages from "Sonic & Knuckles" when collecting Chaos Emeralds.

With its signature loop-de-loops, speedy gameplay, and the introduction of Knuckles as a playable character, "Sonic 2 & Knuckles" on the Sega Mega Drive stands as a classic within the Sonic franchise, offering fans a nostalgic and dynamic experience that continues to captivate gamers of all ages. Get ready to rev up those spin dashes and race through iconic zones with Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles in this timeless platforming gem.

Well actually it's Knuckles the Echidna in Sonic the Hedgehog 2, but that's a bit of a mouthful, no?

Easily one of, if not the best platformer of the 16bit era (depending on where you fall on the "is Sonic 3 & Knuckles a single game" spectrum) Sonic the Hedgehog 2 was the sort of sequel every sequel wants to be. It not only boasted more levels and a 2 player mode, but also a seventh chaos Emerald, allowing Sonic to transform into a Super Saiyan.

Anyway, Knuckles. Why Knuckles? Well, he adds some flavourful gameplay changes, most of which benefit an inexperienced player.

Unlike Sonic, he can:

Glide and climb, which are hugely beneficial in certain levels
Avoid losing rings to enter the Special Stage.
Maintain some manageability as Super Knuckles, unlike the blisteringly fast Super Sonic.
However, unlike Sonic he doesn't:

Run as fast
Jump as high
Chuckle

So what are the rules?

Time: 5 hours Progress: Determined by Act/Zone completion and chaos emeralds collected.
Deaths will break the tie.
Characters permitted: Knuckles only. No hedgehogs or foxes allowed.
Deadline: 30 June

Once more unto the breach, dear friends! You know, until Season 3.

1st) ReturnOfOctobot - Complete - 7 Emeralds - 6 Deaths
2nd) Alondite - Complete - 7 Emeralds - 9 Deaths
3rd) Quantum_P1 - Complete - 7 Emeralds - 20 Deaths
4th) Marcman_59 - Death Egg - 7 Emeralds
5th) Fusha - Death Egg - 1 Emerald
6th) Deccyf - Wing Fortress Zone - 4 Emeralds
7th) Kythias - Wing Fortress Zone - 1 Emerald
8th) Helmac - Metropolis Zone, Act 2 - 1 Emerald
9th) TomTheWizzard - Oil Ocean Zone, Act 2 - 1 Emerald - 47 Deaths
10th) Nomadd - Oil Ocean Zone, Act 2 - 1 Emerald - 82 Deaths
11th) IrishChamp - Oil Ocean Zone, Act 2 - 0 Emeralds

Well ladies and gents, we did it! The final round has come to a close; the wheel doth spin no longer (well, for now). But before the wrap up this season proper, we've got the scores on the doors! Who amongst us conquered the Oil Ocean's octobots? Whose Echidna was mauled by malicious mantids? Who cracked the Death Egg once and for all (for now?!)

My devious plot to foist any potential completionists by forcing them to use Knuckles, whose shocking jumping abilities make the final boss substantially harder, nearly blew up in my face! That'll teach me for being naughty. Huge congratulations to everyone who participated and stay tuned for the final results!!