Thanks to Subscribers and Episode Topic

• Thanks to subscribers on various platforms
• Episode topic: early versions of games and interest in them

Game Prototypes

• Prototypes, builds, and alpha versions as a way to see changes in games before release
• Communities exploring early game versions, for example, Stalker wiki, Sonic Retro

Sonic Retro and Sonic 2 Prototype

• History of Sonic Retro's creation: Simon discovered an early Sonic 2 ROM in 1998
• Sonic Retro site plays an important role in the Sonic fan community

Sonic 2 Prototype

• Prototype known as Sonic 2 Beta or Simon Wai Prototype
• Found in 1998, build date unknown, possibly summer 1992

Changes and Features of the Prototype

• Prototype was sold by pirates as Sonic 4
• Impact on the Sonic community: creation of the Sonic Retro website
• Content issues, such as cut pieces or illogical changes

Development Progress

• Levels: Emerald Hill, Chemical Plant, Hill Top, and others
• Level changes: from absent enemies to inaccessible parts
• Technical problems: animations, mechanics, and bugs

Music in the Prototype

• Music: difference in speed and instrumental between the prototype and the final version
• Some tracks do not correspond to their levels

Cut Levels

• Many levels did not make it to the final version: Dust Hill, Rock World, and others
• Time and resource issues as the main reason

Development of Sonic 2 and Its Impact

• The impact of untimeliness on the game version
• Use of ideas from cut levels in Sonic 3

Conclusion and Personal Reflections

• The significance of prototypes for understanding development
• Plans for new projects and a break from the "Beyond" series