Sonic 4 Episode II is much better than its predecessor: Episode I. It improves quite a few issues from the first game, including having better physics, level design, and boss fights. Although, none of these things are good now, just better. The game overall is just a bland experience that feels nothing like the classic games. However, I'll give this game one thing: The level themes are very unique, giving you a waterlogged medieval castle, a snowy amusement park, and a Mad Max-style desert filled with old, rusted oil refineries. These things have never been used for levels in Sonic before, and as a result, it does spice this game up a little. You could argue it's just a water level, snow level, and desert level... and in a way that is true, but Sonic 4 Episode II puts its own spin on them to make them stand out and I think that's the best part about this game. But beyond that, everything else is simply mid at best.