Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is a side-scrolling, platform adventure game developed and published by Sega in 1994. This one plays like its predecessor, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 which I posted a review before, but introduces a third character, Knuckles the Echidna.
I prefer Sonic 2 over this, but this one is a bit more challenging and has more flashy new visuals to boot. To each his own likes, I guess.
The Story
Swing from jungle vines, launch new spin attacks, survive deadly traps, and summon your foxy partner, Tails, to airlift Sonic out of danger. Discover hidden secret rooms and passageways in the big area Zones. Transform into Super Sonic and experience the pinnacle in speed and ultra-Sonic power.
The Graphics and Sound
Sonic 3 has amazing graphics for its time. The color is amazing for a 2-D game. This is plainly visible from Angel Island Zone, Marble Garden Zone, and the Icecap zone stages. They all show their unique terrain characteristics, like a blooming jungle for Angel Island zone, to a winter wonderland for Ice Cap zone. Probably some of the best graphics for its time.
The sound in this game is incredible. It has probably the catchiest music for a game I have ever heard. Also, all the sound effects in the game, from jumping to destroying a robot, is all on point to when you do it. You can jump into the water and hear water, and all of that other good stuff.
The Gameplay
Great gameplay like the previous Sonic 2, everything reacts how it should. Tails, the yellow fox partner, can now pick Sonic up and fly you to where you cant reach with Sonic alone. He also can help by killing enemies with the 2nd player controlling him. Also added was a save feature, I think because it is longer a bit.
Parts of the game add puzzles to make you think while you play, which probably separates it from the side-scrolling action of the previous games.
Sonic 3 is a very repayable game. I have found myself just playing through when I sometimes get bored, and it has kept me playing back again after many years. I would say that is a good replay value if you challenge yourself to do certain things, like get all the emeralds, beat it in a certain amount of time, never die, never do a continue, and etc.
My Verdict
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is an enjoyable, playable and nostalgic game to play. It requires minimal motivation to get into and can be picked up and put down as often as you like, so it does not require a big investment of your gaming time to get the most out of it. Like Sonic 2, it is one of Sega's greats and a gem in your retro gaming collection.
Try it on the valuable and collectible Sega Genesis/Mega Drive console or play it on your chosen emulator.
Let's keep on gaming in the free world!
