SEGA Mega Drive Classics Has 53 Games, But Sonic 3 and Sonic & Knuckles Aren't Two of Them

Rich at GameSpew: Arriving on PS4 and Xbox One on 29th May, SEGA Mega Drive Classics includes over 50 fantastic games, but Sonic 3 and Sonic & Knuckles are strangely absent.

[-Foxtrot]

WTF

And they’ve lost a sale. The last gen version had both so what the hell is going on here. Unless they are secret unlockable games

[SegaGamer]

It does seem like a stupid decision. I noticed that the Ecco the Dolphin games weren't included either. I'm hoping these games and a few more are unlockables..........or maybe they will sell them as DLC ( Eurgh )

[InactiveUser]

I'd bet it's because of sjw political correctness due to Ugandan Knuckles.

Let the sjws cost you half your sales, smart move.

[InactiveUser]

Keep your 30yr old unmastered graphics, 4:3, incomplete package

[InactiveUser]

I'd maybe have some interest if it was actually a complete package, and I'd like to at least see native 16:9 and less pixelated graphics.. whether that would ruin the feel or not I don't know, but I'd like to judge that option or all new graphics.. same exact look, but no pixelation. I'd want to see that as default with a Retro Mode that has the original look. I was done with 30yr old graphics over 20yrs ago.

*couldnt edit previous comment to add this due to time limit

[DarXyde]

Make that two sales.

Shinobi III, Gunstar Heroes, Dynamite Headdy, Streets of Rage, Phantasy Star, Golden Axe, and Comix Zone are among my favorite games/franchises on the Sega Genesis, but excluding Sonic 3 and Sonic & Knuckles (and, consequently, Sonic 3 & Knuckles) is a huge no-no. I don't know if they're planning a DLC heist, but that's a deal-breaker for me.

[343_Guilty_Spark]

Dynamite Heady is a Treasure IP NOT SEGA

[DarXyde]

343_Guilty_Spark,

1. I want you to re-read my comment and understand why what you said has nothing to do with what I wrote. Where do I say Dynamite Headdy is owned by SEGA?

2. I'll humor you for a moment: Treasure developed Dynamite Headdy, but I doubt they own the IP. They also developed Gunstar Heroes, which only saw releases on Xbox 360, PS3, and even PS2 with SEGA's consent. Fair to say SEGA probably owns the IP(s).

3. For good measure, it's Headdy*

[Swiftfox]

There are a few possibilities but my mind goes to either a copyright dispute over the music in Sonic 3 and Sonic and Knuckles, or they're planning on selling the missing games as DLC later.

I say music because Micheal Jackson worked on the music for Sonic 3, and when the first Sega collection for the Ps3 and Xbox 360 launched he was still alive and probably gave permission. Now that he's gone the current rights holders may have said "No".

[keegamer80]

I would think the owners of his estate would have no rights. He's not even credited in game. He always distanced himself from it. I really enjoyed the music from both games.

[FallenAngel1984]

That’s an instant snub from me

[G3ng4r]

It's hard to look at that list and not see a massive gap. Not interested.

[gangsta_red]

DLC?

[Relientk77]

That's so stupid ugh

Looking at the list, no Earthworm Jim either

[lptmg]

but that's not a Sega IP

[MetroidFREAK21]

No Switch release either... Pass

[Cmv38]

It's not a pass when you don't have the option.

[Mista2018]

Burn!!!

[Doge]

Probably due to legal issues with the music.

[lellkay]

Theres a very strong case that Sonic 3 and Sonic and Knuckles combined, is arguably the best game on the damn system, what the hell are they thinking.

[chaos-emeralds]

Where's chuck rock, cool spot, batman etc. Same old stuff.

[Skuletor]

I like the fact the red spot in the 7up logo got it's own game, haha.

[Cmv38]

I was on the fence of triple buying this. Now I'm not. No buy.

[Jls1]

wow just went from buy to no buy in one day lol no sonic 3 and sonic and knuckles not sure what Sega was thinking

[Lionalliance]

Isn't because of some license on the music of those two?

[slappy508]

No NBA jam or Earthworm Jim either 👿

[timotim]

Already have Sonic 1, 2, 3, CD, Adventure 1&2 on my X through BC...never liked knuckles but that's there too in the store if I ever change my mind. So I'm good there.

Hoping more for Xbox Play Anywhere support so that I can play these games on the go on my Surface Pro. Hyped for Shining Force!

[inxine]

sonic 3 cause of legal issues and its missing from every collection so far so that shouldnt be big news to everyone. i would have loved earthworm jim tho haha sich a great game

[pootymcpoockle]

Then what's the fucking point?

[Fist4achin]

Not a terrible list. Should have included a few more classics, but definitely some fun memories there.

[Doughhead]

Well, you can't make everyone happy.

[DivineAssault]

Thats very unfortunate but since this has TJ & E im in.. Plus i have many versions of sonic 3

[joshljr]

I'm disappointed not to see Road Rash, Aladdin and Lion King on there. Also, never played the Contra game on the Mega Drive, but if it's anything like the one 3, it should have made the cut. Even at the expense of a Golden Axe and a Streets. 😉