Since Sonic 4: Episode 2 was released, fans we looking for a more polished, but modern take on the Sonic the Hedgehog series. SEGA moved closer to that vision with titles such as Sonic Generations and Sonic Colors, but fans believed that Sonic's potential could really shine in a true, next gen game. Announced by proudly by SEGA in their continual team-up with Nintendo, a brand new Sonic the Hedgehog game, Sonic Lost World, with a whole new look and a literal twist to the classic Sonic landscapes might finally give die-hard fans their wish!

Sonic and Tails are finally working together again in this fully co-op platformer. But does Sonic 4 Episode II live up to Sonic 2's lofty standards? Strap on your red shoes and read on to find out!

We here at Co-Optimus have been anxious to play Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II ever since we learned it would feature the return of Sonic 2-style co-op. The game is now live on Xbox Live Arcade, Playstation Network, and Steam, so teams of players can once again step into the shoes of Sonic and his effeminate pal Tails and take on the dastardly Eggman. To drive the point home, SEGA has released a short-but-sweet trailer showcasing many of Episode II's highlights (as well as the choice bonus content for Episode I owners).

For a few brief hours yesterday, anyone who prepurchased Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II on Steam had the opportunity to download and play a near-complete beta version of the game. Shortly thereafter, somebody realized the screw up, pulled the beta, and deactivated it from users' Steam libraries. Before that happened, several players managed to rush through the game, capturing some lovely new screenshots and videos for all the world to see. They even tested the 2-player local co-op!

As you all know, Sonic 4 Episode II will be featuring the classic duo of Sonic and Tails, exploring a new age of the Sonic combos these two will bring forth. Collaborative gameplay is the name of the game between Sonic and Tails this time around, using 1 of 3 combos to help players take on the difficult areas of any stage.

Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II, the highly-anticipated sequel to Sonic 4, has a release date at last. And when I say that, I don’t mean just the XBLA and PSN versions have release dates. The PC and Windows Phone ports have them too! Even better news is that owners of both episodes will receive an extra-special bonus that harkens back to the days of Sonic & Knuckles. It's like Christmas in July.

Quick!  Take a gander at these handful of screenshots from the upcoming Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II for XBLA and PSN.  The two player co-op game has players jumping into the red shoes of Sonic or the white kicks of Tails as they race through some beautiful looking enviornments to defeat Dr. Robotnik.  You can even team up and take him on in two player co-op.

We all like having our favorite games on us when we are on the go, but what if I told you can take a game you play on your TV and pick up right where you left off on your phone? Well, Sonic 4: Episode II will now feature this convenient synchronizing capability come release!