Sonic the Hedgehog 3 Review

After successfully releasing two Sonic the Hedgehog games on the Genesis, Sega released Sonic the Hedgehog 3 on February 2, 1994. It was actually the fourth game in the console franchise following the release of Sonic CD for the failed Sega CD platform. Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is a direct sequel to Sonic the Hedgehog 2, introducing Knuckles the Echidna and a save feature that allows players to pick up at the start of a level.

The single-player is mostly the same from Sonic the Hedgehog 2 with improved graphics and a few other changes. Players can choose to play as either Sonic, Tails or as a team in which the AI is controlled by Tails and will play along your side. Another player can jump into the game to play as Tails if a second controller is plugged in. Knuckles is playable if the game is attached to Sonic and Knuckles. The game was originally supposed to combine Sonic 3 and Sonic and Knuckles into a single game, but due to costs, was split into two.

The gameplay formula is pretty much the same as Sonic the Hedgehog 2, except for a few minor changes. Tails can fly for a limited amount of time, as well as lift Sonic when a second player is playing. Both of the characters can collect one of three elemental shields, which include water, fire and lightning. These shields act in the same way that shields did in the past games in that they absorb one hit, but they also can act as an attack when you jump and press the jump button a second time in midair. Furthermore, the lightning bubble can attract coins that it is near.

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is another solid effort by Sonic Team. The game looks absolutely fantastic with the best graphics yet, a nifty save feature and new abilities in the form of the bubble shields. There really is not a whole lot of change, which formula that works, is not necessarily a bad thing. That said, this is my least favorite of the original three Sonic Genesis games. Still, it is a classic that any fan of the series will appreciate.