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A downloadable version of the 1994 Genesis/Mega Drive game.

Sonic and Tails are back for another adventure as they again battle the evil Dr. Eggman (AKA Dr. Robotnik), who is desperately trying to collect all the Chaos Emeralds in order to rebuild his Death Egg. Our heroes must find the Chaos Emeralds before Dr. Eggman does, but winning the race won’t be easy — a new adversary, Knuckles the Echidna, has arrived on the scene and will do whatever he can to keep Sonic and Tails from reaching their goal. Grab all the golden rings, find various bonus zones, and overcome Knuckles and Dr. Eggman as you rocket through the third chapter in Sonic’s adventures.

Genre: Platformer

Publisher: SEGA

Developer/Co-Developer: Backbone Entertainment / Sonic Team

Online Play: 2 Versus

Local Play: 2 Versus

June 11, 2009 –
The SEGA Vintage Collection offers classic games from the storied company’s vast library. Most of these titles were originally available on the SEGA Genesis, but some are based off the arcade version. Each sells for 400 MSP ($5), features “enhanced graphics” and include 200 Achievement Points.

Many feel Sonic the Hedgehog peaked with this third installment of the franchise and I’m inclined to agree. SEGA’s mascot carried the Genesis to the top of the gaming world and Sonic the Hedgehog 3 will remind you exactly why. This game is a classic in every sense of the word.

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 brought the blue, spiky speedster to new levels of speed and interactivity. Of course, his friend Tails is along for the ride and with this installment you can play as Miles Prower and take full advantage of his flying tails. Side scrollers are making a bit of a comeback, thanks in no small part to the success of the Xbox Live Arcade, so any avid or budding gamer should make sure they’ve played through one of the best history has on offer.

Sonic is fast even when he’s swinging. Seriously.A few adjustments have been made to tidy Sonic the Hedgehog 3 up for Live Arcade release. You can now save anywhere at any time. You can custom map the controls, but Sonic the Hedgehog 3 only requires one button so that’s a bit pointless. The Time Attack versus mode has been brought online. Leaderboards have been added for the single player game’s total score as well as rankings for the online versus, though none exist for best times in the Time Attack mode.

The little bad you can speak of this release comes in the packaging and pricing. No historical data or featurettes exist to put the importance of this game in context for a new generation. The option to smooth out the old sprites just makes the game look funky. The wallpaper around the smaller screen is bland and boring. SEGA even removed the original opening character select and game load screen and replaced them with a boring menu.

But the worst part about Sonic the Hedgehog 3 on XBLA is that SEGA just released this game as part of the Sonic’s Ultimate Genesis Collection. The XBLA version of this game costs 400 Microsoft points (US $5). The entire collection on disc costs $19.99 and it includes over 30 additional Genesis games. You do the math on how badly Live Arcade is ripping people off.

Closing Comments
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is a fantastic game, but you can find it elsewhere for cheaper. This package adds a few things you can’t find in most other Sonic re-releases, such as online play and leaderboards, but those really don’t add much. Even with all of the downsides, this XBLA game is a great trip down memory lane for the remaining SEGA fanboys.

IGN Ratings for Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (X360)

Rating Description

out of 10
click here for ratings guide

5.5
Presentation
The added features don’t add much. The whole package could be a lot more attractive.

4.0
Graphics
It looks like the old game that it is.

8.0
Sound
I think I’m going to have the theme song stuck in my head for another few years…again.

9.0
Gameplay
Classic Sonic. It’s great to relive the glory days of the blue mascot.

6.0
Lasting Appeal
It’s a classic, but not as gripping and expansive as most games are today.

8.0
Impressive
OVERALL
(out of 10 / not an average)

• See All Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (X360) Reader Reviews
• Write Your Own Review of Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (X360)

June 11, 2009 –
The SEGA Vintage Collection offers classic games from the storied company’s vast library. Most of these titles were originally available on the SEGA Genesis, but some are based off the arcade version. Each sells for 400 MSP ($5), features “enhanced graphics” and include 200 Achievement Points.

Many feel Sonic the Hedgehog peaked with this third installment of the franchise and I’m inclined to agree. SEGA’s mascot carried the Genesis to the top of the gaming world and Sonic the Hedgehog 3 will remind you exactly why. This game is a classic in every sense of the word.

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 brought the blue, spiky speedster to new levels of speed and interactivity. Of course, his friend Tails is along for the ride and with this installment you can play as Miles Prower and take full advantage of his flying tails. Side scrollers are making a bit of a comeback, thanks in no small part to the success of the Xbox Live Arcade, so any avid or budding gamer should make sure they’ve played through one of the best history has on offer.

Sonic is fast even when he’s swinging. Seriously.A few adjustments have been made to tidy Sonic the Hedgehog 3 up for Live Arcade release. You can now save anywhere at any time. You can custom map the controls, but Sonic the Hedgehog 3 only requires one button so that’s a bit pointless. The Time Attack versus mode has been brought online. Leaderboards have been added for the single player game’s total score as well as rankings for the online versus, though none exist for best times in the Time Attack mode.

The little bad you can speak of this release comes in the packaging and pricing. No historical data or featurettes exist to put the importance of this game in context for a new generation. The option to smooth out the old sprites just makes the game look funky. The wallpaper around the smaller screen is bland and boring. SEGA even removed the original opening character select and game load screen and replaced them with a boring menu.

But the worst part about Sonic the Hedgehog 3 on XBLA is that SEGA just released this game as part of the Sonic’s Ultimate Genesis Collection. The XBLA version of this game costs 400 Microsoft points (US $5). The entire collection on disc costs $19.99 and it includes over 30 additional Genesis games. You do the math on how badly Live Arcade is ripping people off.

Closing Comments
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is a fantastic game, but you can find it elsewhere for cheaper. This package adds a few things you can’t find in most other Sonic re-releases, such as online play and leaderboards, but those really don’t add much. Even with all of the downsides, this XBLA game is a great trip down memory lane for the remaining SEGA fanboys.

IGN Ratings for Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (X360)

Rating Description

out of 10
click here for ratings guide

5.5
Presentation
The added features don’t add much. The whole package could be a lot more attractive.

4.0
Graphics
It looks like the old game that it is.

8.0
Sound
I think I’m going to have the theme song stuck in my head for another few years…again.

9.0
Gameplay
Classic Sonic. It’s great to relive the glory days of the blue mascot.

6.0
Lasting Appeal
It’s a classic, but not as gripping and expansive as most games are today.

8.0
Impressive
OVERALL
(out of 10 / not an average)

• See All Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (X360) Reader Reviews
• Write Your Own Review of Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (X360)

June 11, 2009 –
The SEGA Vintage Collection offers classic games from the storied company’s vast library. Most of these titles were originally available on the SEGA Genesis, but some are based off the arcade version. Each sells for 400 MSP ($5), features “enhanced graphics” and include 200 Achievement Points.

Many feel Sonic the Hedgehog peaked with this third installment of the franchise and I’m inclined to agree. SEGA’s mascot carried the Genesis to the top of the gaming world and Sonic the Hedgehog 3 will remind you exactly why. This game is a classic in every sense of the word.

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 brought the blue, spiky speedster to new levels of speed and interactivity. Of course, his friend Tails is along for the ride and with this installment you can play as Miles Prower and take full advantage of his flying tails. Side scrollers are making a bit of a comeback, thanks in no small part to the success of the Xbox Live Arcade, so any avid or budding gamer should make sure they’ve played through one of the best history has on offer.

Sonic is fast even when he’s swinging. Seriously.A few adjustments have been made to tidy Sonic the Hedgehog 3 up for Live Arcade release. You can now save anywhere at any time. You can custom map the controls, but Sonic the Hedgehog 3 only requires one button so that’s a bit pointless. The Time Attack versus mode has been brought online. Leaderboards have been added for the single player game’s total score as well as rankings for the online versus, though none exist for best times in the Time Attack mode.

The little bad you can speak of this release comes in the packaging and pricing. No historical data or featurettes exist to put the importance of this game in context for a new generation. The option to smooth out the old sprites just makes the game look funky. The wallpaper around the smaller screen is bland and boring. SEGA even removed the original opening character select and game load screen and replaced them with a boring menu.

But the worst part about Sonic the Hedgehog 3 on XBLA is that SEGA just released this game as part of the Sonic’s Ultimate Genesis Collection. The XBLA version of this game costs 400 Microsoft points (US $5). The entire collection on disc costs $19.99 and it includes over 30 additional Genesis games. You do the math on how badly Live Arcade is ripping people off.

Closing Comments
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is a fantastic game, but you can find it elsewhere for cheaper. This package adds a few things you can’t find in most other Sonic re-releases, such as online play and leaderboards, but those really don’t add much. Even with all of the downsides, this XBLA game is a great trip down memory lane for the remaining SEGA fanboys.

IGN Ratings for Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (X360)

Rating Description

out of 10
click here for ratings guide

5.5
Presentation
The added features don’t add much. The whole package could be a lot more attractive.

4.0
Graphics
It looks like the old game that it is.

8.0
Sound
I think I’m going to have the theme song stuck in my head for another few years…again.

9.0
Gameplay
Classic Sonic. It’s great to relive the glory days of the blue mascot.

6.0
Lasting Appeal
It’s a classic, but not as gripping and expansive as most games are today.

8.0
Impressive
OVERALL
(out of 10 / not an average)

• See All Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (X360) Reader Reviews
• Write Your Own Review of Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (X360)

June 11, 2009 –
The SEGA Vintage Collection offers classic games from the storied company’s vast library. Most of these titles were originally available on the SEGA Genesis, but some are based off the arcade version. Each sells for 400 MSP ($5), features “enhanced graphics” and include 200 Achievement Points.

Many feel Sonic the Hedgehog peaked with this third installment of the franchise and I’m inclined to agree. SEGA’s mascot carried the Genesis to the top of the gaming world and Sonic the Hedgehog 3 will remind you exactly why. This game is a classic in every sense of the word.

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 brought the blue, spiky speedster to new levels of speed and interactivity. Of course, his friend Tails is along for the ride and with this installment you can play as Miles Prower and take full advantage of his flying tails. Side scrollers are making a bit of a comeback, thanks in no small part to the success of the Xbox Live Arcade, so any avid or budding gamer should make sure they’ve played through one of the best history has on offer.

Sonic is fast even when he’s swinging. Seriously.A few adjustments have been made to tidy Sonic the Hedgehog 3 up for Live Arcade release. You can now save anywhere at any time. You can custom map the controls, but Sonic the Hedgehog 3 only requires one button so that’s a bit pointless. The Time Attack versus mode has been brought online. Leaderboards have been added for the single player game’s total score as well as rankings for the online versus, though none exist for best times in the Time Attack mode.

The little bad you can speak of this release comes in the packaging and pricing. No historical data or featurettes exist to put the importance of this game in context for a new generation. The option to smooth out the old sprites just makes the game look funky. The wallpaper around the smaller screen is bland and boring. SEGA even removed the original opening character select and game load screen and replaced them with a boring menu.

But the worst part about Sonic the Hedgehog 3 on XBLA is that SEGA just released this game as part of the Sonic’s Ultimate Genesis Collection. The XBLA version of this game costs 400 Microsoft points (US $5). The entire collection on disc costs $19.99 and it includes over 30 additional Genesis games. You do the math on how badly Live Arcade is ripping people off.

Closing Comments
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is a fantastic game, but you can find it elsewhere for cheaper. This package adds a few things you can’t find in most other Sonic re-releases, such as online play and leaderboards, but those really don’t add much. Even with all of the downsides, this XBLA game is a great trip down memory lane for the remaining SEGA fanboys.

IGN Ratings for Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (X360)

Rating Description

out of 10
click here for ratings guide

5.5
Presentation
The added features don’t add much. The whole package could be a lot more attractive.

4.0
Graphics
It looks like the old game that it is.

8.0
Sound
I think I’m going to have the theme song stuck in my head for another few years…again.

9.0
Gameplay
Classic Sonic. It’s great to relive the glory days of the blue mascot.

6.0
Lasting Appeal
It’s a classic, but not as gripping and expansive as most games are today.

8.0
Impressive
OVERALL
(out of 10 / not an average)

• See All Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (X360) Reader Reviews
• Write Your Own Review of Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (X360)

June 11, 2009 –
The SEGA Vintage Collection offers classic games from the storied company’s vast library. Most of these titles were originally available on the SEGA Genesis, but some are based off the arcade version. Each sells for 400 MSP ($5), features “enhanced graphics” and include 200 Achievement Points.

Many feel Sonic the Hedgehog peaked with this third installment of the franchise and I’m inclined to agree. SEGA’s mascot carried the Genesis to the top of the gaming world and Sonic the Hedgehog 3 will remind you exactly why. This game is a classic in every sense of the word.

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 brought the blue, spiky speedster to new levels of speed and interactivity. Of course, his friend Tails is along for the ride and with this installment you can play as Miles Prower and take full advantage of his flying tails. Side scrollers are making a bit of a comeback, thanks in no small part to the success of the Xbox Live Arcade, so any avid or budding gamer should make sure they’ve played through one of the best history has on offer.

Sonic is fast even when he’s swinging. Seriously.A few adjustments have been made to tidy Sonic the Hedgehog 3 up for Live Arcade release. You can now save anywhere at any time. You can custom map the controls, but Sonic the Hedgehog 3 only requires one button so that’s a bit pointless. The Time Attack versus mode has been brought online. Leaderboards have been added for the single player game’s total score as well as rankings for the online versus, though none exist for best times in the Time Attack mode.

The little bad you can speak of this release comes in the packaging and pricing. No historical data or featurettes exist to put the importance of this game in context for a new generation. The option to smooth out the old sprites just makes the game look funky. The wallpaper around the smaller screen is bland and boring. SEGA even removed the original opening character select and game load screen and replaced them with a boring menu.

But the worst part about Sonic the Hedgehog 3 on XBLA is that SEGA just released this game as part of the Sonic’s Ultimate Genesis Collection. The XBLA version of this game costs 400 Microsoft points (US $5). The entire collection on disc costs $19.99 and it includes over 30 additional Genesis games. You do the math on how badly Live Arcade is ripping people off.

Closing Comments
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is a fantastic game, but you can find it elsewhere for cheaper. This package adds a few things you can’t find in most other Sonic re-releases, such as online play and leaderboards, but those really don’t add much. Even with all of the downsides, this XBLA game is a great trip down memory lane for the remaining SEGA fanboys.

IGN Ratings for Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (X360)

Rating Description

out of 10
click here for ratings guide

5.5
Presentation
The added features don’t add much. The whole package could be a lot more attractive.

4.0
Graphics
It looks like the old game that it is.

8.0
Sound
I think I’m going to have the theme song stuck in my head for another few years…again.

9.0
Gameplay
Classic Sonic. It’s great to relive the glory days of the blue mascot.

6.0
Lasting Appeal
It’s a classic, but not as gripping and expansive as most games are today.

8.0
Impressive
OVERALL
(out of 10 / not an average)

• See All Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (X360) Reader Reviews
• Write Your Own Review of Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (X360)

June 11, 2009 –
The SEGA Vintage Collection offers classic games from the storied company’s vast library. Most of these titles were originally available on the SEGA Genesis, but some are based off the arcade version. Each sells for 400 MSP ($5), features “enhanced graphics” and include 200 Achievement Points.

Many feel Sonic the Hedgehog peaked with this third installment of the franchise and I’m inclined to agree. SEGA’s mascot carried the Genesis to the top of the gaming world and Sonic the Hedgehog 3 will remind you exactly why. This game is a classic in every sense of the word.

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 brought the blue, spiky speedster to new levels of speed and interactivity. Of course, his friend Tails is along for the ride and with this installment you can play as Miles Prower and take full advantage of his flying tails. Side scrollers are making a bit of a comeback, thanks in no small part to the success of the Xbox Live Arcade, so any avid or budding gamer should make sure they’ve played through one of the best history has on offer.

Sonic is fast even when he’s swinging. Seriously.A few adjustments have been made to tidy Sonic the Hedgehog 3 up for Live Arcade release. You can now save anywhere at any time. You can custom map the controls, but Sonic the Hedgehog 3 only requires one button so that’s a bit pointless. The Time Attack versus mode has been brought online. Leaderboards have been added for the single player game’s total score as well as rankings for the online versus, though none exist for best times in the Time Attack mode.

The little bad you can speak of this release comes in the packaging and pricing. No historical data or featurettes exist to put the importance of this game in context for a new generation. The option to smooth out the old sprites just makes the game look funky. The wallpaper around the smaller screen is bland and boring. SEGA even removed the original opening character select and game load screen and replaced them with a boring menu.

But the worst part about Sonic the Hedgehog 3 on XBLA is that SEGA just released this game as part of the Sonic’s Ultimate Genesis Collection. The XBLA version of this game costs 400 Microsoft points (US $5). The entire collection on disc costs $19.99 and it includes over 30 additional Genesis games. You do the math on how badly Live Arcade is ripping people off.

Closing Comments
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is a fantastic game, but you can find it elsewhere for cheaper. This package adds a few things you can’t find in most other Sonic re-releases, such as online play and leaderboards, but those really don’t add much. Even with all of the downsides, this XBLA game is a great trip down memory lane for the remaining SEGA fanboys.

IGN Ratings for Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (X360)

Rating Description

out of 10
click here for ratings guide

5.5
Presentation
The added features don’t add much. The whole package could be a lot more attractive.

4.0
Graphics
It looks like the old game that it is.

8.0
Sound
I think I’m going to have the theme song stuck in my head for another few years…again.

9.0
Gameplay
Classic Sonic. It’s great to relive the glory days of the blue mascot.

6.0
Lasting Appeal
It’s a classic, but not as gripping and expansive as most games are today.

8.0
Impressive
OVERALL
(out of 10 / not an average)

• See All Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (X360) Reader Reviews
• Write Your Own Review of Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (X360)