Sonic & Knuckles is a platform video game developed and published by Sega of Japan in 1994. It was the sequel to Sonic the Hedgehog 3 which I posted a review before.
The Sonic & Knuckles cartridge features a "lock-on technology" in which you can open the hatch on the cartridge and insert a second Sonic game cartridge. When Sonic 3 is inserted, you can play through both games as one, Sonic 3 & Knuckles. It has slightly altered level layouts, the ability to play through the Sonic 3 levels as Knuckles or as Tails, and the ability to save progress. Additionally, combining the cartridges is the only way to collect "Super Emeralds", earned by accessing Special Stages in the Sonic & Knuckles levels after collecting all 7 Chaos Emeralds from Sonic 3. When all Super Emeralds have been collected, Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails can transform into their super forms, each with unique abilities.
Inserting the Sonic 2 cartridge unlocks Knuckles the Echidna for play in that game.
The Story
Sonic the Hedgehog and Knuckles the Echidna join forces to defeat the sinister Dr. Robotnik's Death Egg invasion! Play as Sonic and let loose on Robotnik with cool new powers. Play as Knuckles and tackle Robotnik and the Metal Sonic with fist attacks, floaty glides, and wall-climbing power!
The Graphics and Sound
This is one of the best-looking 2-D games Sega ever made. There are very cool animations here and there is not a trace of slowdown. Enemies have a more detailed look and style of movement than in previous Sonic games. They have more movements, zig-zag bounces, and some even have a homing system. Sonic and Knuckles even have a more detailed look than in the previous games.
The sound effects feel like they are all recycled from previous Sonic games. The music is quite refreshing, as with all Sonic games before.
The Gameplay
You can now play as Knuckles the Echidna as well as go back in time and play him in Sonic 3 and 2. if you got those game carts to attach to.
In Sonic and Knuckles, you choose to play as either title character. Both characters offer a similar experience, with some differences: Sonic is a bit faster, but Knuckles can glide and climb.
The game follows the basic Sonic formula, crossing Zones and Acts from left to right under a time constraint before facing off a boss at the end of a Zone, mostly Dr. Robotnik in a machine. The game takes you to varied stages, from lava-ridden areas to nice countrysides.
Replay value is high if you got Sonic 3 and Sonic 2 game cartridges to attach it to and playing as either Knuckles or Miles the yellow Fox and getting their super forms aside from Sonic.
My Verdict
Sonic and Knuckles feels like an expansion pack of Sonic 3, rather than a stand-alone game. However, it provides plenty of action and challenge for Sonic fans and platform game enthusiasts to enjoy. It is a great addition to any Sonic games collection.
Play this on the Sega Genesis/Mega Drive with the Sonic 3 cartridge attached.
Let's keep on gaming in the free world!
