30 Days of Sonic 2023
Day 5: Sonic 3 and Knuckles (AIR version)
The definitive example of a platformer that lets you play it your way.
Sonic 3 is a tough one to review. For one, it's the most substantial entry of the classic quadrant, spanning over a dozen colossal levels with three characters to play. With time constraints in mind, I was only able to play through the game once as Sonic & Tails (but hey since they're practically the same and Tails Assist is available in AIR technically giving me control of Tails as well it counts as two runs, right?) and half of Knuckles' stages.
Let’s start off with the outright negatives: I really, really don’t care for Blue Spheres. I personally find it daunting and stressful, and while yes, it’s definitely less bullshit compared to Sonic 1 and 2’s special stages and their casino bullshit and rote memorisation respectively; however, Blue Spheres in a way still requires that same memorisation to prevent yourself from veering out of control due to the speed increase. And the controls are weirdly stilted early on, there’s an odd delay between your input and your character’s turning.
The Special Stages of 3K in general are a low point in the game. It also brings forward the weakest aspect of this game’s level design since the Giant Rings are hidden in a way that 3K incentivizes players to hug every wall in sight in hopes of finding one of them. And while in larger levels like Carnival Night, Mushroom Hill and Marble Garden this strategy proves effective, in most other levels, more notoriously in the rest of the Knuckles half of stages, most searches for Giant Rings will often prove futile, and this ends up breaking the pace of the level more than necessary.
Right now time to shill the most obvious Sonic game to shill.
I like the clear distinctions between the three playable characters as well - Sonic has arguably the widest range of movement options thanks to his versatile array of shields, which if maintained throughout a level, can reward good gameplay with a good sense of flow when playing through the levels.
I’m very particular towards the Thunder Shield, which gives Sonic a double-jump (making it also the first Sonic game to give Sonic a double jump, albeit by technicality) AND attracts rings. It’s such a good utility tool in Sonic 3 in particular because it gives Sonic that extra boost needed to clear certain jumps that even Spin Dash jumps (yes, Spin Dash jumps) can’t. It’s also a really nifty platforming tool in general. However, my main cause of attachment is because the Thunder Shield’s double-jump quite literally gave me the inspiration for my Sonic OC’s toolkit. Laugh all you want, it’s a legitimate reason. That being said, there’s also viable uses for the Fire and Bubble Shields, with the Fire Shield in particular being a useful asset for level speedruns due to the burst of momentum this shield’s forward dash provides.
Between Tails and Knuckles, I’d say Tails’ gameplay is the least interesting, personally. Sure, the ability to fly is nice but overall I’d say it takes away the lack of challenge in platforming when it’s made much easier to do so when you can literally fly past chunks of level without much effort. It feels much less engaging than, say, reaching the same platform with Sonic using a well-timed Spin Dash jump or using any of his Shields to his advantage. However, there is merit to using Tails alongside Sonic, as with Tails Assist, Sonic is provided another option of movement (albeit a janky one since Flight Cancel works weirdly in 3K and Mania) that allows him to reach higher areas that he can’t reach, even with shields.
Knuckles, meanwhile, from the limited timespan I had with him, was impressive in his own way, with his glide compensating for his jump by being a superb momentum cancel option that if used correctly, allows for precision platforming and a stopgap method of avoiding being hit due to a badly angled jump. There’s also a really advanced technique that can be learnt with Knuckles that involves him gliding immediately after bouncing off an item/Badnik that apparently gives him massive air time, but unfortunately I never really got the hang of it. I do think that Knuckles runs of levels is interesting because with glide momentum cancel, spindashing with Knuckles becomes more frequent and much more consistent since you come to a complete halt when landing from a glide (not the skidding animation). And while I do have to move on to the next series of games tomorrow, a Knuckles run of 3K is definitely on the cards.
Alright, let’s talk about the level design now.
What the fuck this is… something.
What really catches my eye with most of 3K’s levels are how gigantic they are in scale, sprawling with countless amounts of pathways that my eyes can barely comprehend. They are a lot more vertical in size, most likely in consideration of Tails and Knuckles being playable alongside Sonic (with Knuckles even getting his own individual parts of the level that the other 2 can’t) Items are scattered adequately throughout the levels as well, giving players more incentive to explore the level and find these power ups to help them progress further into the level. This is especially true in Sonic’s case, as a change of shield radically changes how one approaches the game. IDK if this is the right way to put it, but this really feels like… a platformer with strong Metroidvania-esque roots in its level design.
And as a platformer, it absolutely works. There’s a really strong balance of speed and platforming segments throughout every level, and while I do wish both aspects were harmonized in a way that more of the level utilized a hybrid of both, this is a culmination of CD and 2’s best aspects, and going through these levels is incredibly fun. With so many pathways and so many options, and the level design being so open in nature, Sonic 3K, more than any other Sonic game before and after it, encourages the player to play it their way. Whether it be to find the Giant Rings (yeah sure break the pace of the game its your choice), or to beat the level as fast as possible, or to simply explore the near endless possibilities each level provides, the game allows you to choose. I think that’s the clear distinction of what makes 3 and Knuckles so special to most Sonic fans, as well as myself (even though I do like what other Sonic games bring to the table).
Oh yeah and the story is pretty great too, one of the best told video game stories in an era, completely presented through visual storytelling and not a single line of dialogue. Magnificent.
Final rating: 9/10
Day 5: Sonic 3 and Knuckles (AIR version)
The definitive example of a platformer that lets you play it your way.
Sonic 3 is a tough one to review. For one, it's the most substantial entry of the classic quadrant, spanning over a dozen colossal levels with three characters to play. With time constraints in mind, I was only able to play through the game once as Sonic & Tails (but hey since they're practically the same and Tails Assist is available in AIR technically giving me control of Tails as well it counts as two runs, right?) and half of Knuckles' stages.
Let’s start off with the outright negatives: I really, really don’t care for Blue Spheres. I personally find it daunting and stressful, and while yes, it’s definitely less bullshit compared to Sonic 1 and 2’s special stages and their casino bullshit and rote memorisation respectively; however, Blue Spheres in a way still requires that same memorisation to prevent yourself from veering out of control due to the speed increase. And the controls are weirdly stilted early on, there’s an odd delay between your input and your character’s turning.
The Special Stages of 3K in general are a low point in the game. It also brings forward the weakest aspect of this game’s level design since the Giant Rings are hidden in a way that 3K incentivizes players to hug every wall in sight in hopes of finding one of them. And while in larger levels like Carnival Night, Mushroom Hill and Marble Garden this strategy proves effective, in most other levels, more notoriously in the rest of the Knuckles half of stages, most searches for Giant Rings will often prove futile, and this ends up breaking the pace of the level more than necessary.
Right now time to shill the most obvious Sonic game to shill.
I like the clear distinctions between the three playable characters as well - Sonic has arguably the widest range of movement options thanks to his versatile array of shields, which if maintained throughout a level, can reward good gameplay with a good sense of flow when playing through the levels.
I’m very particular towards the Thunder Shield, which gives Sonic a double-jump (making it also the first Sonic game to give Sonic a double jump, albeit by technicality) AND attracts rings. It’s such a good utility tool in Sonic 3 in particular because it gives Sonic that extra boost needed to clear certain jumps that even Spin Dash jumps (yes, Spin Dash jumps) can’t. It’s also a really nifty platforming tool in general. However, my main cause of attachment is because the Thunder Shield’s double-jump quite literally gave me the inspiration for my Sonic OC’s toolkit. Laugh all you want, it’s a legitimate reason. That being said, there’s also viable uses for the Fire and Bubble Shields, with the Fire Shield in particular being a useful asset for level speedruns due to the burst of momentum this shield’s forward dash provides.
Between Tails and Knuckles, I’d say Tails’ gameplay is the least interesting, personally. Sure, the ability to fly is nice but overall I’d say it takes away the lack of challenge in platforming when it’s made much easier to do so when you can literally fly past chunks of level without much effort. It feels much less engaging than, say, reaching the same platform with Sonic using a well-timed Spin Dash jump or using any of his Shields to his advantage. However, there is merit to using Tails alongside Sonic, as with Tails Assist, Sonic is provided another option of movement (albeit a janky one since Flight Cancel works weirdly in 3K and Mania) that allows him to reach higher areas that he can’t reach, even with shields.
Knuckles, meanwhile, from the limited timespan I had with him, was impressive in his own way, with his glide compensating for his jump by being a superb momentum cancel option that if used correctly, allows for precision platforming and a stopgap method of avoiding being hit due to a badly angled jump. There’s also a really advanced technique that can be learnt with Knuckles that involves him gliding immediately after bouncing off an item/Badnik that apparently gives him massive air time, but unfortunately I never really got the hang of it. I do think that Knuckles runs of levels is interesting because with glide momentum cancel, spindashing with Knuckles becomes more frequent and much more consistent since you come to a complete halt when landing from a glide (not the skidding animation). And while I do have to move on to the next series of games tomorrow, a Knuckles run of 3K is definitely on the cards.
Alright, let’s talk about the level design now.
What the fuck this is… something.
What really catches my eye with most of 3K’s levels are how gigantic they are in scale, sprawling with countless amounts of pathways that my eyes can barely comprehend. They are a lot more vertical in size, most likely in consideration of Tails and Knuckles being playable alongside Sonic (with Knuckles even getting his own individual parts of the level that the other 2 can’t) Items are scattered adequately throughout the levels as well, giving players more incentive to explore the level and find these power ups to help them progress further into the level. This is especially true in Sonic’s case, as a change of shield radically changes how one approaches the game. IDK if this is the right way to put it, but this really feels like… a platformer with strong Metroidvania-esque roots in its level design.
And as a platformer, it absolutely works. There’s a really strong balance of speed and platforming segments throughout every level, and while I do wish both aspects were harmonized in a way that more of the level utilized a hybrid of both, this is a culmination of CD and 2’s best aspects, and going through these levels is incredibly fun. With so many pathways and so many options, and the level design being so open in nature, Sonic 3K, more than any other Sonic game before and after it, encourages the player to play it their way. Whether it be to find the Giant Rings (yeah sure break the pace of the game its your choice), or to beat the level as fast as possible, or to simply explore the near endless possibilities each level provides, the game allows you to choose. I think that’s the clear distinction of what makes 3 and Knuckles so special to most Sonic fans, as well as myself (even though I do like what other Sonic games bring to the table).
Oh yeah and the story is pretty great too, one of the best told video game stories in an era, completely presented through visual storytelling and not a single line of dialogue. Magnificent.
Final rating: 9/10
um jogo de sonic tecnicamente perfeito. o melhor dos jogos de genesis. não tem uma ost e vibe tão boa quanto o cd, mas consegue competir. tem um level design excelente. muito divertido de jogar, é satisfatório.
I thought Sonic 3 & Knuckles couldn't be better than perfect (besides Sandopolis) and this proved me wrong. I'd give it 6 stars if I could.
La mejor forma de jugar sonic 3
Possibly the best way to experience Sonic 3 and Knuckles. It’s on almost every platform (besides official consoles) and there’s so many quality of life settings you can configure. You can tweak settings like getting features from previous sonic games, you can change the music, you can even get mods! Don’t get origins get this. Even getting it on your phone is better then spending 50 dollars for a crappy Sonic port that has barley any customization.
really cool
من افضل البلاتفورمرز اللي بتلعبهم
Muito bom
One of the best fangames for the original classic Sonic games. If you don't have Origins, I strongly recommend getting this. With outstanding modding potential, sonic can be enjoyed by both players without leaving one behind.
THE definitive way of playing the best entry in the original Mega Drive Sonic series.
I have played Sonic 3 for almost all of my life and I can safely say Sonic 3 AIR is the ultimate way to play the legendary 2D Genesis classic. Allowing you to add almost all the features from the world shattering ROM Hack Sonic 3 Complete but you can also add even more characters to the game. You can even play an altered version of Sonic 3 if you want like a sudo encore mode of sorts. All of which wouldn't be possible without the amazing Sonic 3 AIR modding community.
i get it now. i like 2d sonic. ive seen the light. the kino momentums are actually pretty good....
La meilleure façon de jouer à Sonic 3K
how do I give a 10 star rating because HOLY FUCK
Its just Sonic 3 & Knuckles but better. This is the definitive way to play the game.
The perfect fanmade creation. Bar none. Perfect game elevated even more, the only singular negative I can think of is that portions of the &Knuckles part are a little weak and those Super Emerald stages can be a bitch.
Just needs a few more tweaks to be the best version of sonic 3. The game is one of the best platformers around. A ton of fun to play through and even more so to complete with all the emeralds
& Knuckles
there's a few stuff in Sonic 3 Complete that I prefer a bit more, but the endless mod possibilities and being able to wall jump that annoying sand section in Sandopolis Act 2 with Mighty probably makes this the best version of Sonic 3 out there
overall 9/10: there was indeed air in the game
overall 9/10: there was indeed air in the game
As fases do Sonic & Knuckles são MUITO melhores que as do Sonic 3, é até triste porque não da vontade nenhuma de rejogar igual o 2 e o Mania, é um jogo que usa hazard de uma maneira tão chata quanto Sonic 1
Level design peaked here. Even the slower moments of this game feel tense and flow like a stream. Has very few "bad" zones; the only ones I don't like are Marble Garden and Sky Sanctuary. Soundtrack and presentation are top notch. Really, my biggest problem is the inconsistent bosses. Some are fantastic, including the true final boss, while others, such as both Ice Cap Zone bosses, are abysmal. Luckily once you have super forms the bad bosses are easy to brute force. Lastly, the special stages are pretty good. I know blue sphere is divisive but let's be real what sonic special stages aren't, other than mania's. Personally, I'm a fan; I just wish there were more chances to get the super emeralds. Overall though, yeah it's a masterpiece.
fuck you sega
The best way to play Sonic 3. This is such a fantastic game. The only complaint I have is fuck Blue Spheres.
Definitivamente a melhor forma de jogar Sonic 3 & Knuckles.
Peak 2D Sonic, rivaled only by Sonic Mania. They really went all out on this game, Sonic's moveset is great in this game, and it's improved by the unlockable drop dash (not present in the original 3&k).
10
Just... perfect
5/5 - Amazing
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 & Knuckles, and especially it's fan made remake, Sonic 3 A.I.R (or the Origins version, great too), is the perfection of the Classic Sonic formula. This game is an evolution in every aspect. It takes the core of what made Classic Sonic what it is - the physics, the momentum, the alternate paths, the skill ceiling - and it cranks everything up to 11.
The levels in this game are among the most unique seen in the Classic series. Almost every stage is excellently designed, and made more memorable then ever before - Sonic 3's levels are all full of unique gizmos, special gimmicks and mechanics to help them stand out. And the 2 acts are also more unique then ever - alternate aesthetics, different gimmicks, their own minibosses and even remixes of the first act's song give them their own unique identity. These blend perfectly with some tightly crafted layouts that always get better the more you play them. Sonic 3 never gets old as you traverse it's colorful stages that have you bounce, flip, fly, roll, crash and burn, with amazing flow.
The excellent level design and memorability are far from Sonic 3's only great traits, however - this game pushes Classic Sonic to new heights: the visuals and animations are immensly detailed and varied, pushing the Genesis to it's limits, the music is among the best on the entire system and outdoes all Sonic games that came before, the game features a grander scope with new act and zone transitions, more cutscenes, the affortmentioned unique act 2 aesthetics and songs, new power ups that make exploration even more rewarding, special stages that are the most fun both to find and to play, and a large quest that's bigger than almost any 2D platformer from that era.
Sonic 3 & Knuckles is just marvelous, and I never get tired of it. I love almost every stage, it feels amazing to play and perfect, it's endlessly replayable with it's 3 unique characters, many alternate paths to take and different endings and collectables to find, and it feels immensly deep and complete. It's main detractors are a few stages I dislike such as Sandopolis Zone, but I even like levels like Marble Garden Zone with it's fun contraptions and wacky slopes, Carnival Night Zone and it's crazy bouncy feel, or Death Egg Zone and it's deadly but exciting traps - and those are among the game's weakest, in an all star roster of unforgettable locations.
The remake makes the game even better with additions like widescreen, the amazing drop dash move, and many new modes and settings, letting you tailor the Sonic 3 experience. But they're not even needed to win me over. This game is a winner.
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 & Knuckles, and especially it's fan made remake, Sonic 3 A.I.R (or the Origins version, great too), is the perfection of the Classic Sonic formula. This game is an evolution in every aspect. It takes the core of what made Classic Sonic what it is - the physics, the momentum, the alternate paths, the skill ceiling - and it cranks everything up to 11.
The levels in this game are among the most unique seen in the Classic series. Almost every stage is excellently designed, and made more memorable then ever before - Sonic 3's levels are all full of unique gizmos, special gimmicks and mechanics to help them stand out. And the 2 acts are also more unique then ever - alternate aesthetics, different gimmicks, their own minibosses and even remixes of the first act's song give them their own unique identity. These blend perfectly with some tightly crafted layouts that always get better the more you play them. Sonic 3 never gets old as you traverse it's colorful stages that have you bounce, flip, fly, roll, crash and burn, with amazing flow.
The excellent level design and memorability are far from Sonic 3's only great traits, however - this game pushes Classic Sonic to new heights: the visuals and animations are immensly detailed and varied, pushing the Genesis to it's limits, the music is among the best on the entire system and outdoes all Sonic games that came before, the game features a grander scope with new act and zone transitions, more cutscenes, the affortmentioned unique act 2 aesthetics and songs, new power ups that make exploration even more rewarding, special stages that are the most fun both to find and to play, and a large quest that's bigger than almost any 2D platformer from that era.
Sonic 3 & Knuckles is just marvelous, and I never get tired of it. I love almost every stage, it feels amazing to play and perfect, it's endlessly replayable with it's 3 unique characters, many alternate paths to take and different endings and collectables to find, and it feels immensly deep and complete. It's main detractors are a few stages I dislike such as Sandopolis Zone, but I even like levels like Marble Garden Zone with it's fun contraptions and wacky slopes, Carnival Night Zone and it's crazy bouncy feel, or Death Egg Zone and it's deadly but exciting traps - and those are among the game's weakest, in an all star roster of unforgettable locations.
The remake makes the game even better with additions like widescreen, the amazing drop dash move, and many new modes and settings, letting you tailor the Sonic 3 experience. But they're not even needed to win me over. This game is a winner.
Sonic 3 is my favourite game of all time I go back every year and beat it at least one time I know it inside and out it's one the only pieces of media I will ever give a 10 out of 10 everything about this game brings a smile to my face it's the one game that has been there in every stage of my life and will probably be till the day I pass this game will forever part of me and I cant thank the devs enough for putting their souls into this game
Sonic Origins (S3K) $30
-Glitches
-Blurry Pixels (before update)
-No Lives in anniversary mode
-Shitty new music
Sonic 3 AIR Free
-No Glitches
-Pixel Perfect
-Lives optional
-Original Music
-Glitches
-Blurry Pixels (before update)
-No Lives in anniversary mode
-Shitty new music
Sonic 3 AIR Free
-No Glitches
-Pixel Perfect
-Lives optional
-Original Music