With only a month until the game’s digital release, I thought it would be fun to once again create a retro Genesis box design for Sonic 4’s next episode. The first time I designed a fake Genesis box was for Sonic 4 Episode 1, which I shared over at my personal blog The Nomad Junkyard [Update: Here is the new Sonic 4 Episode 1 download link]. I used the original Sonic the Hedgehog Genesis box design as inspiration for Episode 1, so I thought it would be fitting to use Sonic 2’s original Genesis box as my inspiration for Episode 2. After the break, a download link, instructions and a photo gallery for those too lazy to make it themselves.

Here’s what you’ll need:

The files, available to download here

A plastic Genesis or Mega Drive case and game cartridge, I used a like-new copy of NBA Jam

One 8.5″x11″ sheet of printer paper (glossy preferred)

One 11″x17″ sheet of printer paper, or whatever can fit a 7″x11″ image

Tape, plain or double sided

Print the cartridge “stickers” and instruction manual on the 8.5″x11″ piece of paper, cut on the edge. Fold the manual in half and place a piece of tape inside to keep it shut. Use double sided tape or loops of regular tape to stick the sticker to the cartridge. Print the cover on the larger piece of paper, trim and place in the Genesis box, place the cartridge and manual inside the box. When finished, it should look like this:

As you can see, for an added bonus I made up a Sonic & Knuckles replacement sticker for those who want to “lock-on” Episode 1 with Episode 2 so they can “play” Episode Metal. To fans who grew up on the Mega Drive, don’t fret – I have a Mega Drive version in the works that I hope to post before the game releases. In the meantime, share and enjoy!