Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode: II

[Cobalt Blue]

The branching paths were like "Jump NOW to go alternate route!" "Ooops! You weren't quick enough too late!"

That's not exploration. The levels are designed so you can't backtrack or stop or try to figure things out. Speed was an option, now it's mandatory.

The game feels like an on-rails platformer with some detours.

Instead of a speedy platformer in a labyrinthine world.

http://vgmaps.com/Atlas/Genesis/SonicThe...1-Past.png

i though the challenges in SA2 granted you plenty of branching paths and focused platforming