Thomas Hellier from Capsule Computers wrote :
I’m throwing caution into the wind – Michael Jackson did Sonic 3 and that’s that. In case you didn’t know, much ink has been spilled over whether or not MJ actually wrote the soundtrack to the greatest game on one of our favourite consoles. It’s certainly no secret he enjoyed playing them. Debating about it any longer is futile – how could you argue with this man?
Today marks Sonic 3’s 30th anniversary, one of the Blue Blur’s most talked about entries among fans.
Sonic 3 & Knuckles is peak 2D Sonic for me. Probably my most played Genesis game.
No, not a divisive game. The visuals, levels, music, controls were all great. Having to buy Sonic & Knuckles wasn't an issue at all, just more awesome gaming made available to me at the time. I lived through that era, and I don't remember anyone complaining that they had to buy another cartridge just to get the complete game, if you enjoyed Sonic games on the Genesis, you were happy to get another one back then.
The only issue with Sonic 3 is that stupid freakin' horrible "BARREL OF DOOM!" all because Sonic Team didn't properly communicate to the player what to do.
I had 1 & 2, I played 3 at someone else's house. When I heard about S3 & Knuckles I assumed it was the same game with just Knuckles added in and thought it was stupid, until I found out a while later it was much more. I wonder how much more they could've put onto the game carts, I know there were cut levels in some of the games.
At the height of the popularity the series enjoyed, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 released in North America on February 2, 1994. Take a look back.
Very much agreed!
I've beaten that game more than any other in my childhood. Says a lot because if you knew how many times I've beaten MGS2 and MGS3, you'd be shocked.
Strong disagree. I much prefer the first 2 Sonic games, but the 3rd one I felt didn’t have the memorable and quality level design Sonic 1/2 had. It just looked more generic and like other platformers, instead of having that Sonic-look.
Also, I believe this had the ‘grab vines’ mechanic, so you were running through the level and made a jump, and suddenly you were hanging from some vine, which wasn’t the intention. So it quickly became a bit frustrating when that interrupted the flow, and I felt that new gameplay addition actually detracted from the game, instead of adding to it, and felt it was also unnecessary.
It’s not a bad game of course, but I just feel Sonic 1 and 2 were more ‘Sonic’, and Sonic 3 just had less of that ‘Sonic’ style.
It’s a close call for me. Sonic 3 is brilliant and still stands the test of time but Sonic 2 just edges for me but I can see why my colleagues lauds 3 as a great game.
It’s abort knowing the level.. the vine you were takling about was a minor thing. Sonic 3 did everything Way better: bonus levels, iso 3D, more levels, better Music , Coop and more.. Sonic 2 felt like 1,5 to me. Some levels felt too similar.
Sonic 3& Knuckles is the peak of sonic.. nothing comes close.. that last level though Dooms Day.. brilliant! On every front
Sonic 2& Knuckles was amazing, added some nice things to it. Don’t know if you got the chance to try it out
I would give sonic and knuckles a slight edge, but you are speaking facts right now.
It's been relatively easy to collect for Sega Genesis/Mega Drive because game prices have stayed quite low compared to other retro consoles. But the recent retro explosion is even affecting this market now. Here's a list of Genesis/MD games that you may want to grab before they get any more expensive.
Aww man. I forgot about Boogerman. And the McDonald’s game. Me, my sister, and a lot of my cousins put countless hours into that one.
I have Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Hyperstone Heist, complete. It's awesome and I've beaten it so many times.
That's a fascinating article! I never knew that much about the architecture behind those sound chips! I've always loved the Genesis and Sonic's music though.
Billy jean's not my lover! But Sonic is! OOOOOOOO!!...
Brings me back to my chip-tuning days in college...not even a joke. Haha. Great piece!
I just love how many sound effects there are where you absolutely know he was grabbing his crotch when he thought of them
Sonic 3&Knuckles has to be one of my favorite games ive ever played, the soundtrack for that game was amazing.