Best of Sega Genesis: Sonic the Hedgehog 3
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is the third and last version for the Sega Genesis. Yet, it is far from the last version of Sonic. Sonic still appears in new games and shows to this day. It all started on the Sega Genesis with the original Sonic the Hedgehog. Sonic 3 is the third version for the Genesis.
Sonic 3 keeps the original feel of the game as far as the stages, moves, and enemies are concerned. It does bring some new power ups, bosses, and special stages. Sonic has a new attack too. When jumping mid air, hit the jump button again and he attacks.
The super sonic mode is the best. Getting all the chaos emeralds isn’t easy, but totally worth it to change into Super Sonic. The special stages are found throughout the levels.
Favorite Parts of Sonic 3
The electric charge power up is my favorite. Sonic can do a double jump and attract all the rings near him. Watching all the rings being sucked toward Sonic is lit. The drawback is water disables this power up.
The fire power up is great too. Sonic shoots forward like a fireball when you do a double jump. The water one is okay. It’s main appeal is not having to get any air bubbles while under water. Sonic 3 also has the usual speed running and invincible power ups.
If you like searching through the stages instead of speed running, Sonic 3 is going to appeal to you. This version seems to have more hidden areas than previous versions. There’s plenty to explore in this version.
The bosses in Sonic 3 are good. There’s quite a lot of variety. Three involve water, but one takes place in the air. Tails flying Sonic around for that fight is my favorite. Several boss fights are more than one round. Meaning, Eggman comes back in another robot for more after being defeated.
The final boss isn’t as hard as Mecha Sonic and the Robot Egg from Sonic 2, but isn’t a pushover either. There’s two stages to the final battle, but you are allowed to take rings into this battle. You can even transform into supersonic if you want.
Less Favorite Parts of Sonic 3
The special stages in Sonic 3 are among my least favorite. Don’t get me wrong, running around on a small checkered globe is awesome. It’s just I never got the hang of it. Still, this special stage is easy for some people. It’s a creative idea too.
The stages seem shorter. Even if you aren’t speed running through them, they do seem to go fast. There are transitions between boss fights so Sonic doesn’t just immediately start fighting the boss. Yet, those transitions kind of have the opposite effect. Instead of giving Sonic something to do before the boss fight, it’s a little boring.
The worst is the long scene before the final, final battle. First, you have to defeat Eggman while bowling balls come at you. Then, Sonic chases Eggman to his fortress in the sky. The bit with Knuckles is funny, but then there’s the long drawn out scene where Sonic is just flying.
If you used up too much time getting to the final boss in this stage, then Sonic runs out of time before he can win. Seriously, this scene eats up at least minute of Sonic just getting there. It’s fairly common to run out of time before you can score those final two hits to win. The next life starts with a full ten minutes, which is plenty of time to win.
Conclusion: A Great Sega Genesis Game
In spite of it’s drawbacks, Sonic 3 is super fun. I’m not sure if it’s the excellent power ups, the new attacks, or the variety of stages and bosses. Whatever it is, it’s definitely one of the best Sega Genesis games.
It’s hard to imagine improving on the original, but Sonic the Hedgehog 3 does just that. Sonic 3 adds to the existing fun features of the original Sonic the Hedgehog.
Best of Sega Genesis Games: Sonic the Hedgehog 3 brought to you by: David M.
I’m David M. I’ve been playing video games a long time, my pong game was fire. Now, my kids run circles around me but we always have a good time. We mostly play party and family games. Strategy and battle games are still among my favorites. I like writing about games almost as much as I do playing them. My favorite games are: Moving Out 2, Out of Space and Overcooked All You Can Eat.
