It hurts how unfinished Sonic 3 is

I know I said this before, but I still feel bad about the split of S3&K.
S&K alone is my favorite Sonic game ever, it has better stages than S3 and it has the proper ending. S3 really feels rushed (because it was rushed) and probably is the biggest wasted opportunity by Sega in it's 16 bit days. I mean yeah, the lock-on stuff works, but am I the only one who thinks that it's cheap and unfair? We could get a single game that is as good as S3 + S&K - the ultimate 16-bit platformer game! Instead we got an early example of episodic content.

Well, at least we got one good game in the end (S&K), that weirdly lacks stuff like Tails, competition mode and battery saves. Anyway S&K >>> Sonic 3 by far, feel free to discuss.

I almost totally disagree with you.
Well, Sonic 3's ending is depressing, but I think that the rest of the game is much more inspired than S&K. I really do not like the S&K level design...

I think you should check Sonic 3 Complete: http://info.sonicretro.org/Sonic_3_Complete_%28hack%29
It's some kind of Sonic 3 lovers wet dream: S3 + S&K but with the Sonic 3 style, proper "ending" between stage 6 and stage 7, better bonus level system and improved gameplay (I like the option to switch Super Sonic form on and off, to be able to use the double jump without auto-transform in Super Sonic, etc...).

For me, Sonic 3 Complete is the whole and best Sonic package.

It's sort of like a 16-bit era version of DLC, but at the same time, it was pretty innovative of Sega.

Yeah I like the S&K levels more than the ones in Sonic 3. Carnival Night Zone has to be my least favourite stage from any Sonic game. But it's really splitting hairs at this point, if you ask me both games are great.

I agree with you in every way. Sonic 3 as a stand alone game is abject tosh and not up to the same standard as Sonic 2 or Sonic and Knuckles.

Mr Smith reviews Sonic 3:
Angel Island: Below Average
Hydrocity: Tosh
Marble Garden: Abject Tosh
Carnival Night: Utter Tosh
Icecap: Above Average, but seems better because the rest of the game sucks
Launch Base: Average at best
Special Stages: Tosh
Bonus Stage: Good

So, if we do the maths:
Sonic 3 = (Below Average + Tosh + Abject Tosh + Utter Tosh + Above Average + Average at best + Tosh + Good) ÷ 8 = Below Average.

This is clear proof that Sonic 3 is not as good as the other Mega Drive Sonic games and it is impossible to argue with science.

"You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to Mr Smith again".

I always like playing Sonic 3 by itself. It's just the right length for a play session after I'm done with schoolwork. I can blow through it in about an hour. I never liked S&K too much. The level design is lacking and some of the zones are way too long. Sandopolis completely discourages me from continuing the game beyond that point.

Yeah, I like Sonic & Knuckles better as well. Overall feels more like a pick up and play kind of Sonic game. The levels, graphics and sound are more memorable than Sonic 3. And besides, isn't S&K where the Lock-on feature starts from? That alone makes S&K better than Sonic 3.

Sonic 3 is the worst of the "5".

Sonic 2 and Knuckles is where its at.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by zetastrike

Sandopolis completely discourages me from continuing the game beyond that point.

---

Admit it, you're just afraid of teh ghosts :p

Sonic 3 is as close to Platforming perfection as they come.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Gamer101

Sonic 3 is as close to Platforming perfection as they come.

---

I must have played a different Sonic 3 to you.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Mr Smith

I must have played a different Sonic 3 to you.

---

You say that with such uncertainty.

For me the series went.
Sonic 1: Good!
Sonic 2: Fantastic!
Sonic CD: HOLY FUCKING SHIT!!!!!

Everything after was digitized diarrhea...