Magazine Preview #1 (Page 1)

It would seem like this comes from another, earlier, prototype of Sonic 2. However, this appears to be a mock-up picture.

Scale the EGM picture so that the HUD is the same size as our prototype, and superimpose both images together. You'd see the life icon of EGM's is significantly displaced upwards, even though the Score/Time/Rings aligns perfectly. We know the scaling is correct, because both life icons are approximately the same size.

In other words, the screen size is not even correct. Therefore this picture is believed to be a mock-up, and not taken from a playable prototype version.

You say, unlikely for Sega to release fake screenshots to the press? Not at all unlikely. It's quite common within the gaming industry. Craig Stitt, the artist for Hidden Palace Zone, confirmed it:

"Tails might not have been there because he wasn't 'born' yet. As for the screen shots (such as the ones you sent along) many of those were 'faked up' since the levels were not running yet. I can remember making the ones for Hidden Palace. (and it's been a real mind trip to see them again after all this time)"

― Craig Stitt, Hidden Palace Zone Artist @ Sonic Database

There is no question about it, this screenshot (along with M03 and M04) is a mock-up.

Missing Sprites in Hidden Palace Zone ->