Sonic 3 is arguably an unfair game to rate on its own given that it was intended to be part of a larger game. But it released as a standalone game, so I think can be judged as one.
In many ways S3 improves a lot on its predecessors. Graphics are shinier, there’s cooler set pieces and we have new shields, each with their own effect.
But Sonic 3 also brings in sooo many gimmicks that force you to either wait and/or slow you down immensely. Literally half the stages in the game – of which there’s only 6 – are basically centred around these gimmicks.
Somewhat ironically, it also has a lot more “hold right to win” moments compared to before too. Like before the first boss there’s a section where Eggman’s ship drops bombs on you. If you hold right they literally can’t hit you.
The final boss and ending is pretty anti-climatic too since it was never intended to be one.
Basically my opinion of this game changes massively depending on the zone I’m on:
Ice Cap – One of my favourite zones in the genesis era.
Angel Island and Launch Base – Solid, fun zones.
Hydrocity – Generally fun, especially for a water stage, but just the wrong amount of slow platform sections.
Carnival Night – Fun theme, and some sections can be enjoyable, but generally has way too much of a slow pace for my liking.
Marble Garden – One of my least favourite zones in the genesis era, second only to Labyrinth Zone.
In many ways S3 improves a lot on its predecessors. Graphics are shinier, there’s cooler set pieces and we have new shields, each with their own effect.
But Sonic 3 also brings in sooo many gimmicks that force you to either wait and/or slow you down immensely. Literally half the stages in the game – of which there’s only 6 – are basically centred around these gimmicks.
Somewhat ironically, it also has a lot more “hold right to win” moments compared to before too. Like before the first boss there’s a section where Eggman’s ship drops bombs on you. If you hold right they literally can’t hit you.
The final boss and ending is pretty anti-climatic too since it was never intended to be one.
Basically my opinion of this game changes massively depending on the zone I’m on:
Ice Cap – One of my favourite zones in the genesis era.
Angel Island and Launch Base – Solid, fun zones.
Hydrocity – Generally fun, especially for a water stage, but just the wrong amount of slow platform sections.
Carnival Night – Fun theme, and some sections can be enjoyable, but generally has way too much of a slow pace for my liking.
Marble Garden – One of my least favourite zones in the genesis era, second only to Labyrinth Zone.