This is the absolute peak of Sonic in my eyes. Many call this game too short but I'd say it's the most fun-packed lineup of levels in any of the classic Sonic games. There is not a single bad act in the whole set, each level is so expansive and fun to explore that it elevates the entirety of this game above even the best of Sonic 1 and 2. It also has the best special stages yet in Blue Spheres, an all-time favorite minigame of mine that I could play for hours at a time.

The game controls mostly the same as Sonic 2, but with the absolute genius addition of the insta-shield. Mania's drop dash is nice of course, but the insta-shield is a GAME CHANGER when it comes to bosses and enemies that otherwise would have been much like the worst of Metropolis Zone. I didn't appreciate the move playing as a kid, but I sure do now. Other than that, everything there is tight, no complaints.

This is, along with Sonic 1, one of the least speed-focused Sonic games on the platform, and I personally feel it's all the better for it. The focus is almost entirely on engaging platforming challenges, and on that front it's absolutely the best in the series. Though, there are still moments the game will show off the physics and remind you that it's still Sonic, though there's no level-wide physics showcases like the ramps in Chemical Plant.

Bosses here are the best in the series so far. Visuals are a treat (I am personally 100% in favor of Mickey Mouse Sonic) and the music is untouchable. If you've never played any Sonic in your life, this is the one you won't want to miss.

I didn't personally have the chance to play this game for a long long time, but man was i missing out. Sonic 3 is essentially what works about Sonic 1 and Sonic 2 jumbled together in a near perfect package of fun and speedy gameplay that games after could only dream of capturing. Levels are more packed with paths and secrets, just ripe for replaying. the soundtrack perfectly encapsulates each respective stage. The controls are as tight as ever and gameplay feels more refined thanks to the addition of elemental shields and the instashield. It truly is a perfect end to this respective trilogy of Sonic.

Sonic 3's got some problems. While the first couple of stages are strong it quickly falls off a cliff into some stages that remind me of Sonic 1 design (aka bullshit). It's all over the place but what doesn't help is that the levels are very gimmicky and super long. There's also moments of looping that require you to follow a set path which is anti-fun in a Sonic game. There are typically easy to avoid by taking the high path but you're just forced into them sometimes. Thankfully the game's additions of new shields is just really good and I wish they kept them for subsequent games rather than swap them in and out randomly (electric shield goated). The music (of the OG genesis ver.) is peak genesis and really brings that sound chip to life. BTW, Blue Spheres sucks and is really easy. GET DUNKED LMAO.