We've finally arrived at the last game that I've completed on the Pi since Christmas! Given my limited time to play games, 12 games beaten since Christmas is pretty good for me. But I've cheated again. I haven't beaten Sonic 3 yet...sorry! But this completely catches me up to date on Pi games, so now I just have to go back and write up all of the handheld games I've beaten since then (not 12).
This one is tough for me to objectively review. One of the reasons I love Sonic 1 & 2 as much as I do is likely nostalgia. They were two of my mainstays on the Genesis, along with Vectorman. And they have aged really well. I never owned Sonic 3, though, and had never even played Sonic 3 & Knuckles as a kid. I borrowed Sonic 3 once, but my selfish friend asked for it back after 2 (!) days. Not enough time to get very far.
Anyway, Sonic 3 & Knuckles is a great example of shooting for the moon, and mostly hitting! The changes between 2 and 3 are far bigger than the changes between 1 and 2. First of all, yes, Sonic 3 & Knuckles is 1 game, even if it comes on 2 carts. It was developed as one game, but putting it on one cart would be been prohibitively expensive, so they split it out into two.
The first, and biggest changes, is that you can now play as Sonic, Tails, Sonic 'n Tails, or Knuckles. And as opposed to Sonic 2, Sonic and Tails aren't just clones of each other. Each has their own specific skill set, and each can thus go through the same levels but access different parts or go through different paths due to those skills.
Sonic 3 also embraces the non-linear style of Sonic 2, and takes it to the next level. Levels are enormous, and go up, down, left, and right with ease. There are so many different paths and secrets to discover along the way.
The new powerups are minor, but fun. I particularly like that the water shield makes it so you can breathe underwater.
The best thing about Sonic 3 is that it redressed both of the previous two games biggest weaknesses: no save feature, and poorly designed speed sections. You can save in this game, and the speedy sections are just so fun. I haven't encountered one yet that dumps you out right on a bad guy, and I'm about halfway through the game.
In terms of weaknesses, I think I like the look of Sonic 2 better, and the minibosses between each act are a bit boring a drab. Having Robotnik to fight as every boss was fantastic in the last two. While the music of Sonic 3 is very good, it just doesn't feel as memorable as the music for Sonic 1 & 2 (despite Michael Jackson's involvement).
Overall, I'd say that Sonic 3 is, despite my nostalgia screaming at me, every bit as good, if not better, than Sonic 2. It improves both of the glaring weaknesses of that title, and only missteps a few times. I'd give it a 9.3/10.
-TRO
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