Sonic the Hedgehog 3 Review

Probably my favorite out of all the Sonic games, though the experience is only truly gained when this game is combined with the rest of the actual game known as Sonic & Knuckles, I wonder how the lock-on technology is going to work on the virtual console?

If they release Sonic and Knuckles with this I'll be happy, Sonic + Knuckles 3 is one of my top 3 favourite games ever.

Nice to see this on the list already! It's a brilliant game and almost as good as Sonic 2.

Is this the best out of the 3?

Personally, I think this is the weakest of the trilogy+Knuckles. It's still a great game, don't get me wrong, but it doesn't feel quite complete, and doesn't quite have the charm of the first two games. Not to mention a pretty underwhelming last boss. Oh, and an inferior 2 Player to Sonic 2's! (It was fun time trialling those stages in Single Player though)

Still, good game, maybe I'll bite if they allow us the Sonic & Knuckles lock on goodness =]

The lock-on-Pak will probably work as a seperate download, like it did with Sonic Mega Collection, or if you buy Sonic and Knux the other parts get an update...

This game rules while playing with another guy for Tails

Hey is that Knuckles hiding in the bushes on the boxart?

I really enjoyed playing sonic3 back in those days but i dont think it was as good as sonic2. Although the level design was good they were not as good as in sonic2 and zone4 and zone6 were fustrating, to big and rubbish.

Yes Knuckles is hiding in the bushes. Not bad boxart but perfer the Japanese MD artwork.

BJ: I think so. Knuckles harassed you throughout Sonic 3.

My personal favourite out of all the Sonic's, the two player racing wasnt quite as fun as sonic 2 but still decent. This one had the best level's, with most levels going left to right just as much as they went right to left giving every stage a great sense of size and depth. Music was also perfect, Flying Battery Zone had some of the greatest music i've ever heard in a game. Bonus stages were also up there with the greatest bonus games on any game i've played.

I always got scared of hearing the drowning music. Heck, it still scares me to this day.

5 stars... the best of sonic

Nintendo would be a fool not to release Sonic and Knuckles, and ideal would be "Sonic 3 and Knuckles" as a free additional download - only if both the other titles have already been bought.
The way the VC is set up this would be easy, since the thing keeps track of everything you bought, as well as everything you may or may not have updated.

As for the game itself? Awesome. I loved this back when I rented it (and bought it soon after), and I'm one of the few people who DIDN'T get stuck in Carnival Night's bounce-barrel bit. (Press DOWN!)
And who can forget the fabulous sound track, with Ice Cap Zone's theme a known fan favourite? =P

4 out of 5? You gotta be kidding me. This is actually the first ever Sonic game I played. Yep, that's right, the first! When you combine Sonic 3 and Knuckles together, it is definetly better than Super Mario World.

Michael Jackson originally approached the Sega Technical Institute (STI) and composed the score, which was never released. However, there is some considerable conjecture regarding whether or not parts of his original arrangements made it into the final release!

I was a bit disappointed by this game after the excellent Sonic 2. It was shorter, the gameplay was slower and more exploration oriented and the music was much worse. Combined with S&K it's pretty rockin' though.

I know its a game on its own right etc, but people you really should be playing Sonic 3 & Knuckles, it's the True sonic 3! and it beats the crap out of Sonic 2.

In spite of my rediculous worshipping of the blue hedgehog, I've got to agree with the four-star review, but for different reasons. First of all though, the level design and gameplay here is much better than Sonic 2's. The levels are many times larger, the gameplay has some variation with the different shields, the graphics are beautiful, and the design gives Tails some character-specific paths. There are two or three ways to go through every level, and the Jacko-inspired music is some of the best in the series.

My gripe with this game is simply that it was released incomplete. Sega needed to release Sonic 3, but the memory needed for the game would have made it one expensive cartridge, and the game needed more time. So Sega took what they had (two playable characters and six zones), and split the cost between two games. This turned out to work out fine for us, as in addition to being the second part of the game, Sonic & Knuckles added Super Emeralds, Hyper forms, and the ability to play as Knuckles in Sonic 2.

But to release this half-game on the Virtual Console concerns me. Nonetheless, Sonic 3 is a very solid, very fun game in it's own right. Adding the second half, though, would make it one of the most excellent, awesome games on the VC. Are you listening, Nintendo? ^_~

I know I said I preferred Sonic 2 originally, but I've realised via Mega Collection this one's much much better.
Best 2D Sonic game around. (Not that the other ones aren't good too)

I can still remember the hours I spent on this game back in the day. It was a nice installment to the Sonic series, but somehow didn't have as much of an impact on me as it's predecessor.

Pros: There are quite a few nice little theatrics in this game. Characters are given some more personality and the story is smoothly moved along with quick little cutscenes. The music is still great and the game save feature is a nice addition. Multiple shield-types are a nice addition. The bonus games are great, and not to mention- Super Sonic is back.

Cons: Despite the added amount of graphical substance and detail, things just don't look as smooth this time around. It's still just Sonic & Tails. There aren't many new features, here. If you've played the first two titles out already- chances are that this one may get old quickly.

Definately the weakest of the MD Sonic's. Poor sound and graphics (despite some neat effects), with some tedious and over-long level design. Use your points on Sonic the Hedgehog or Sonic 2 instead.

Frankly, there's no way I'm going to buy half of a game. S&K better have lock-on or I'll lose all faith in Sega.

I say Sonic 2 is the best game in the series.

I really DOUBT the whole Sonic and Knuckles Lock On is ever going to arrive, so you get what you get with this game. Anyway, this was the only game I never owned, and I always did wanted this game so now I do.

Thumbs down for not being Sonic 3 & Knuckles

Sonic games are generally better the older they are. Sure, Sonic 3 is by no means a bad game, but it's certainly not as good as it's prequels either. Annoying gameplay mechanics like those ropes you swing down cliffs with and the whatever-they-are that hold you until you've ran in place for a while only ruin the experience, and the review's suggestion that Knuckles adds something to this game is certainly not true. Sure, there's a paper-thin plot in here somewhere, but it's more confusing than anything, and there's nothing even close to a resolution other than a final showdown with Robotnik. Ah well. Still worth a 4/5, but the Sonic series really started to tire at this point.

great game first thing I ever beat

There were a lot of personal opinions in this review.
In my personal opinion i think this is by far the best of the sonic games until Sonic adventure2: Battle. I can only hope that they make some way of including the "with knuckles" Extra in it.

I agree with everyone who thinks Sonic 3 is the best part of the first three Sonic games. The levels are larger, more complex (but never confusing) and there is much more diversity than in Sonic 2 or 1. Sure Sonic 2 has more levels, but they are shorter and don't have that many unique elements.

If I could choose a Sonic game from the Mega Drive I would always choose Sonic 3.

IMO i love this game. Wether its locked on or not i love it. Truthfully though i do prefer the locked on version with Sonic & Knuckles and hope sega release that. Its all your choice. There are some interesting things in this game.
1) It introduces knuckles
2) Sonic rides a snowboard in ice cap (Something thats completly awesome and despite the fact you dont have any control over the thing except jumping its still cool)
3) Sonic rides in Robotniks/Eggmans Egg Mobile. You cant do anything in it but its an odd thing to happen.
4) It sets up the story for the sequel Sonic & Knuckles which will give you the great finale. This game sorta leaves things on the edge.
5) A giant wall trys to crush you O.o

There is aload more in the game and some cool boss battles aswell. Which reminds me there is Double the boss battles in this game with a Mini Boss in Act 1 and a Big Boss in Act 2. Overall if you like Sonic dont pass this game up and if your not sure i suggest waiting for Sonic 3 & Knuckles.

I had the original cartridge as well as Mega Collection. This game was perhaps greater than Sonic 1 and 2 but it's not quite the final game in the trilogy; Sonic & Knuckles is the other half. The levels are larger and the graphics look great (Sonic needed a fresh look as well). Sonic 3 also introduced Jun Senoue, the composer who did the music in this game and subsequent Sonic games. It set many recurring staples to the Sonic series (story-driven, music themes, and shield types). You should still play it while waiting for Sonic & Knuckles to be released on VC (and how the lock-on aspect will be resolved)...

"4) It sets up the story for the sequel Sonic & Knuckles which will give you the great finale. This game sorta leaves things on the edge."

Dude, it's an old Sonic game. There's no story to be found here.

What are you talking about? There is a story. They just don't shove it in your face.

Anyway, I played this to death on the Genesis and can also play it via Sonic Jam, so I have no interest in going through it again via Virtual Console. Still, classic game, and better than Sonic 2.

These Genesis games are the only good Sonic games to play on the Wii. Secret Rings was a bit of a disappointment for me.

I got 7 emeralds alreeady i have sega sonic mega collection

With Sonic and Knuckles, I would give this 5 stars. The Doomsday Zone is easily my favourite sonic moment ever.

I loved the game even if it was a little too short.

Combine it with Sonic and Knuckles though and it will be the ultimate Sonic 2D experience!

How is this game worse than the first Sonic the Hedgehog? This is five stars at best and is just as good as the first.

The worst of the original Sonic trilogy, but still dang good platforming fun. The save feature is also a nice touch.

This isn't even near the worst of the Genesis titles. The colorful graphics and fun gameplay make it just as good or better. Don't get me wrong, I love the first two, but this one's one of my personal favorites. When locked onto Sonic & Knuckles, it was really fun. Hopefully they'll have some way to play the "complete" game via the VC.

It is ridiculous this game has 4/5. I have played almost every Sonic game known to man, and this is probably tied with Sonic Advance 2 for the best.

I had a lot of nostalgia for Sonic 2, but it is NOT the best Sonic. Sure it has Tails, but he is IDENTICAL to Sonic in terms of abilities. In Sonic 3 he can fly, swim, airlift Sonic, it's AWESOME.

Sonic 3 is WAY faster than Sonic 2, you actually feel fast, and the music is accordingly.

Obviously the graphics are better in Sonic 3, and the world is huge by comparison.

Sonic controls better in this game. Not only do you have a bunch of different shields, but Sonic's mid air insta-shield is awesome, and mastering it can mean the difference between winning and chasing down 53 rings.

Finally, I love the bonus stages in Sonic 3. They are hard, but unlike Sonic 2, don't require rote memorization to complete. Plus again, they are FAST.

GET THIS GAME. It's the best Sonic, by far. The only thing that can beat it is Sonic 3 and Knuckles, or MAYBE Sonic Advance 2.

Big sonic fan, had 1 2 3+knuckles for the mega-drive when I was small. Not buying any of these though as I have the mega collection for cube. Which strangly dosent include sonic3 AND knuckles,or if it does I cant unlock it. Favorite is still 2 but this is top class stuff. As that lad said, get this game.

maybe they'll have an update for this with & Knuckles included or something

I don't agree with most of the posts on this review. The graphics in Sonic 3 were some of the best ever seen on the Megadrive using a near maxed out colour palette they made Sonic 2 look dated!

The music was top notch it actually added drama to some of the later levels. This was also one of the few games that had vocal samples mixed in with the music and this was by no means an easy task considering the Megadrives sound hardware!

Little to no story....thats a load of old balls...you obviously weren't paying attention to anything Doctor Robotnic did in this game at all....muppets!

So in other words this is the game to get? I just want to know why people like sonic 2 more when 3 is supposed to be the same but better. I think I'll also like the save feature, once I get points I'm getting this one.

I liked this more than Sonic 2.
This one isn't long enough...

Matthew - You're clearly right - the storyline in Sonic 3 makes War and Peace look like something a five year old wrote.

Sonic 2 pwns this all day long and you know it.

Not if you have to play the 50hz VC versions it doesn't

Sonic 3 (and Knuckles) are the only MD Sonics that have even a vague sense of their real speed in 50hz.

This game was fun as hell for me as a kid, and combining it with S&K just puts the icing on the cake. Music plays a big part for me in games, not just cause I love music in general but because it gives the game a better feel overall. And boy did this game have great music (Hydrocity Zone(both Acts), Icecap Zone, and Lava Reef (if u include S&K)

Larger levels =! better gameplay, after all exploration isn't what Platform games are about and especially not the speedy Sonic games.

Not as good as sonic2 but still great!

I also liked Sonic 2 more, but it's a close second for me.

I must be a weirdo but I found this game more enjoyable than Sonic 2. Its multiplayer doesn't hold a candle to 2's, but I found the single-player experience more enjoyable, not extremely, but more. Still, it doesn't really matter which one you get if you just get one or both or all three if you factor in Sonic 1 (let's forget about Sonic 3D- even though I don't find it that awful).

When Sonic 3 and Knuckles comes out though, I bet there will be "tons" of downloads. That game lets you choose to play between Sonic. Tails, and Knuckles.

This is my least favourite out of the original 4 games but it's still great, they all are. The music is brilliant, the gameplay is a little slower than the others but not much. Worth getting

Nigh on faultless.

Isn't it about time Sega releases Sonic and Knuckles?

@BJ, It has recently been ESRB Rated, so we'll probably be seeing it soon.

Whether or not it has a lock-in function, though, is up for debate at the moment.

I found a glitch lol. keep running, as you go into the act 2 boss arena on hydro city, the game doesnt pick up that you're supposed to run into an invisible wall. you can finish the level but because the boss isnt dead you have to wait untill the 10 minuite mark to die lol!!!

edit:

oh and btw, sonic 3 & knuckles rules! but s3 on its own is ok!

This game has to be arguably the best Sonic game of all if it was connected to Sonic & Knukles - on its own it's pretty damn decent but not as good as Sonic 2...
Nintendo & Sega have to release the full true Sonic 3 & Knuckles on V.C. or at least release Sonic & Knuckles with a sort of update or gimmick to allow us to play the full version!

This one is probably the weakest of the original trilogy, but not by much. I prefer Sonic 2 the most.

Hm, i'm tempted, but i'll wait until Sonic & Knuckles comes out first.

And yea sonic 2 is the best!

Even though I have this & the full version on Mega Collection Plus for PS2 (I've just played it again around 3 hours ago) I'm still getting it BUT i'm keeping hold of my points for now until Nintendo would confirm about the full version (HYPER SONIC KICKS ASS!! Why did Sega take him out in the later games?)!
Like I said before... BEST SONIC GAME EVER, SONIC 3 & KNUCKLES!!!

COME ON PEOPLE, SUPPORT ME!

Btw, Adamant.... What do you mean "this is an old game. it has no story"?!? Like what Endaso said, this obviously does have a storyline! It picks up where Sonic 2 dropped off...
WARNING: CONTAINS MOST OF S3&K STORYLINE, IF DONT WANT SPOILED, IGNOR THIS POST (SERIOUSLY!)!

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After the Death Egg crashed on Angel Island, Dr Robotnick met Knuckles & convinsed him that Sonic & Tails were his real enemies & that there after his set of Chaos Emeralds. Just when Super Sonic reached Angel Island, Knuckles sabotaged his aproach & took his emeralds.
Near the end of the event of Sonic 3, the Dr re-launched the D.E. again, but got pawned once again by Sonic, causing the D.E. 2 fall & land just above the Hidden Palace Zone crater (S&K). At that point, Robotnick discovered the Master Emerald & it's unlimited power & decided 2 used it 2 re-power the D.E. As Sonic & Tails progress, they learn the power of the Super Emerald & later they unlock their potential by transforming into Hyper Sonic & Super Tails (If playing as Knux, he does the same). S&T confront Knux & beat him - Kuckles then realises Robotnicks true plan. The Dr steals M. Emerald, attacks Knux, relanches D.E. again & Knuckles then helps S&T.
S&T reaches the D.E. & pawns the Dr, but he escapes with the M. Emerald in space - Hyper Sonic is awakened & goes in epic chase 2 annaylate Robotnick & return the Emerald. Angel Island gotten restored & returbed 2 the sky & S&T flew back home 2 South Island on the Tornado(plane) - Kuckles watched them go in the distance.

& it's not over yet (OMG)! Knuckles story kicks in - cause in angel island zone as u see in the backround, u can see the clouds & sky, no sea! This time his enemy in this is Egg Robo & Mecha Sonic.
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The only reason Sega had 2 put this as 2 games because of the high cost in making a 128-bit cartrige (average Mega Drive game coppasity is 64-bit) & they wouldn't be able 2 meet the deadline in time. This was supposed to be a huge improvement over S2 & I must say, they had succeeded thanks 2 the S&K lock-on cart feature!
An old game with an epic storyline! Nuf said!

They should make a Sonic the Hedgehog 4 on Wii Ware like Mega Man 9.

i wouldnt consider the Genesis/Mega Drive to be better than the super nintendo but it was still good.......my friend still has one and all we play are the sonic games........but sonic 3 is my favorite.......4/5

Sonic 3 offers longer levels then Sonic 2, but not as many levels as it, wich somehow make the game feel inferior to it. Though it's still a great Sonic title, and fun to play.
You can now make Tails fly, offering some alternate routes he can take, that Sonic can't. Some nice levels, the soundtrack is nice, but not as good as Masato Nakamura's music from Sonic 1 & 2. (I missed the original Sonic title screen themesong.)

Hopefully they'll release "Sonic & Knuckles" as well as "Sonic 3 & Knuckles" onto VC someday, wich is the best version of this game. (Wich you got originally by connecting Sonic & Knuckles's flip-top cartridge with the Sonic 3 cart, in order to combine both games into "Sonic 3 & Knuckles" wich is the "complete version" of Sonic 3. They had to split the Sonic 3 game into two titles, sence it wasn't completed by it's release date, and due to technical issues.)

The first half of my most favorite game of all time. Hopefully Sonic and Knuckles comes with it's lock-on technology.

Well, don't keep hoping, FJOJR. You're better off forgetting about the VC and just enjoy the collection. They're prone to toy with you as long as they want, and make you buy Sonic 3, Sonic & Knuckles, Sonic 3 & Knuckles, and Knuckles in Sonic 2 all separately. Maybe even Blue Sphere. >_>

There's none of that bull**** with the collection, and it's cheaper too. Why let them dangle that stuff in front of you when you can have it all, and the bonus material too?

Sonic 3 was a great game. It did seem abruptly short even then, and ended in such a strange and anti-climatic way. The game was split in half, and like most cases, such as Golden Sun and Ys, Book II always has the larger and better half.

One of the odd things I couldn't help but notice, even back then, is that the bubble shield isn't quite as useful throughout Sonic & Knuckles. There's just not a whole lot of water at all in that half of the game, which always struck me as odd. o_o

Speaking of which, Knuckles was introduced in Sonic 3. I thought he was totally awesome. Oddly, I seemed to know he was a guy, but everybody else I knew seemed to insist he wasn't. I loved playing as him in the 2P mode. His ability to glide hadn't been introduced yet, which is kind of neat.

Even today, I always look back and wish those 2P levels had been turned into full-fledged levels. Azure Lake is an awesome name for a zone, and those levels have the best music. <3

I will buy this if they include Lock-on in S&K

I only played Sonic 3 attached on S&K, only that way you can experience the full and the true awesomeness of Sonic 3.

If not, i will kinda feel incomplete
S3&K and Sonic CD are the best Sonic games ever IMO

no use to post here, but still talk about it, because i have the sonic mega collection for gamecube, and already unlocked the way to play sonic 3 with knuckles

my sonic 3 thoughts:
it was, and still is, a great game, i completed with all 3 of them, sonic + tails, tails and knuckles, that was on sega

this was my greatest sonic game ever, and i think still is

This is my least favorite of the Sonic 16-bit Genesis titles, but when you lock it onto Sonic & Knuckles, it gets even better.

on the wii shop of course.

I hope you guys aren't saying this is your least favorite just because of the review. Sonic 3 is way better when you combine it with Sonic and Knuckles, but I like the main theme of Sonic 3 better than the Sonic and Knuckles theme.