The newest Ethos Video is here! Time to play a bad game for a change! Enjoy the newest video (and I use the term "enjoy" loosely, as this game is pretty awful)! Thank you always for watching!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuepStE9nrY

-Kurt L.

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     The version I am reviewing is the Genesis version, and by the time of its release in '96, the system was, as another critic put it, "decaying." I couldn't have picked a better word to describe the state of the system at that time. The Super Nintendo had won the Console Wars of the early to mid 90s, and the embattled Genesis already had two failed peripherals under its belt with the 32X and Sega CD. The Saturn was already well into its run, albeit a struggle. The Playstation was out and becoming a powerful presence in the market. Jaguar had came and went. And the Nintendo 64 was just on its way, so the Genesis was indeed decaying.

     As for Sonic 3D Blast, it's a decent game. At first glance, it can be very odd, but when given a chance, it really isn't that awful, but it lacks a lasting appeal. The game lacks the super speed that the franchise was known for, and rather than side-scrolling amazement, the game favored something of an isometric 3D perspective. The graphics are average, but pale in comparison to the earlier iterations of the franchise. The Saturn version of 3D Blast, at least in accordance with some screenshots I've seen, is far superior in every possible way. While the visuals are reduced, they are rather colorful and really aren't that bad on the Genesis. However, the brief opening cinematic is hideous by today's standards, but I guess was nice in 1996.

     As for the isometic 3D perspective, take a game like Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars, for the SNES. It is one of top ten favorite games of all time, it too was released in 1996, and with an isometric 3D view, yet somehow the control and movement was so much more fluid. And that is perhaps the biggest drawback to 3D Blast - the controls are very clunky. They do take some getting used to, but are generally not very sharp. You'd figure by '96, control in a isometric game would be perfected, considering Mario RPG had such sublime control.

     As for the gameplay itself, if you've ever played Snake Rattle N Roll for the NES, you'll feel this game to be quite similar. The object of the game is to go around, jump on enemies, and catch the little Flickies (little birds) that were trapped inside, and then bring them over to giant ring at a set point in the level and the Flickies are released, bringing you to the next level. This is essentially the whole game, and the levels can become rather tedious and repetitive. The tedium also leads to single levels being a little too long, and that's a drag, but things move quicker once you get a good hang of the game.

     While the game lacks much of the typical Sonic staples like speed, it does have all the trademark sound effects in all their glory - from the rings, springboards, the spin dash, jumping, etc., all the sounds are there. The music in the game is also rather charming, and does not disappoint.

     Overall, Sonic 3D Blast is a flawed game. It lacks depth and speed, and the latter is a Sonic staple. With its clunky control, and grid-like isometric level design, it's something of an oddball. However, it is not a bad game. It is definitely a playable and enjoyable experience if you can look pasts its shortcomings. There are far worse Sonic games out there, and I would certainly not consider this one of that bunch. It is indeed on the middle tier of the Sonic franchise.

-Kurt L.

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     Following the major success of Sonic 2, Sega released the third in the blue-blur's franchise - Sonic the Hedgehog 3. By 1994, the Genesis was becoming embattled by the Super Nintendo, and made several attempts to mainteam strength in the market by releasing such bombs as the Sega 32X and the Sega CD. Both add-ons failed miserably, and the Genesis would carry on, much better off from a gaming standpoint, on its own. So, with Sonic 3, Sega tried its hand again at making another successful flagship game, and they absolutely succeeded. Competition in '94 was tough with games like Super Metroid and Donkey Kong Country being released for the SNES.

     Sonic 3 is better and more expansive in many ways over its predecessors. The gameplay is just as fast as the previous entries in the series, and certainly blows Sonic 1 out of the water in terms of pure speed. It also featured some of the most stunning 16-bit graphics on the Genesis, with grandly detailed backgrounds and foregrounds, popping and dazzling everywhere along the way - a pure treat for the eye. Sonic himself is armed with a few new tricks up his sleeve as well. I always felt he was a fairly vulnerable protagonist because he didn't have much in method of attacks. Well, here, the Spin Dash returns from Sonic 2, but also, Sonic has what I believe is called the "insta-shield." When you jump with Sonic and tap the A button again, a little force field erupts around the circumference of Sonic that can defend you against enemies as well as defeat them. It's incredibly handy, and makes the hedgehog all the more dynamic.

     In addition to this "insta-sheild" are powerups as well, which was a first for the franchise. Yes, Sonic still has the chance for invincibility and whatnot, but now, he can also power up with a fire sheild, an electric shield, or a water bubble. All are helpful in their own ways, and are such a natural fit in the game - I wonder why they didn't exist from the start of the franchise? Anyway, the shields are great and are very helpful along the way. The fire shield can allow Sonic to become a fireball, the electric shield shoots out sparks as well as magnetically attracting rings, and the water bubble can have you bouncing upside down, and also make you invincible in water levels, so that you don't have to search for air bubbles! THANK YOU SEGA! Seriously, one thing I've always hated in Sonic games is the fact that you can't breathe underwater! I've always hated Sonic water levels because of that! Mario can breathe underwater, so can Mega Man, so why cant Sonic? I must digress. Though, if you lose your water bubble, then the hassle of breathing underwater returns, so, good luck.

     The level design in Sonic 3 is once again impressive. They really are a marvel to behold, and that goes for all these early Sonic games. More so than ever, they are so vast and complex, I can't make head or tails on how to begin even mapping such intricate stages, but, they are great, and again, the graphics are amazing - best yet in the series.

     Some other worthy features are a Save Option, which is another big plus. And also, you can have an option from the start to play as Sonic, Tails, or as Sonic & Tails together. I'm so glad they gave you the choice this time, as Tails is just incredibly annoying, so I pick Sonic solo every time, the game is much better off that way. I've heard Tails can save you when in trouble by switching off to the second controller, but I can't comment further about that since I haven't tried it - I try to avoid Tails at all costs. Also, this game also marked the debut of Knuckles the Echidna, but he was Sonic's rival here.

     The gameplay in Sonic 3 is again top-notch. But as the series has grown to even greater heights in many other aspects, there were a few drawbacks here. The levels are quite long for the most part and rather challenging, but that is a good thing, as you are getting a good amount of game here. But there are a few too many cheapshot hazards in your way, things that will suddenly pop up and disrupt the flow of action, causing you to either lose your rings or die. It's a little disconcerting, as this was not as evident in Sonic 1 or 2. It wasn't as prevelant in Sonic 3 as it was in Sonic & Knuckles, released also in 1994. In Sonic & Knuckles, there are tons of nuiscance hazards, but that is also still a very good game.

     A quick word about the music - it's awesome. The soundtrack, like all Genesis Sonic games, is incredibly memorable.

     In the end, Sonic 3 completes a great trilogy of Sonic games that stand as the best in the franchise - by far. After Sonic & Knuckles, the original charm of the Genesis games was lost in the newer games, especially when the series made its leap to 3D. Sonic 3 is a terrific game with all the fixins - great gameplay, music, graphics, tight action, and replayability. Is it better than Sonic 2? Well, that is a matter of opinion, as it is better in some ways, but I think for me, Sonic 2 edges it out by just a smidge. I highly recommend Sonic 3 - it is an exemplary example of Sonic gaming.

-Kurt L.

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     Sonic the Hedgehog made a terrific debut on the Genesis in 1991, pitting himself against the rival Super Mario, who released his own epic 16-bit game Super Mario World that same year. While the two mascots were duking it out for the hearts of video game fans everywhere, Sega followed up its smash '91 hit with a sequel a year later - Sonic The Hedgehog 2. It expanded on the basic formula of which the original had established with its immaculate level design, catchy theme music, gorgeous graphics, and of course the most important ingredient: speed! Sonic 2 is bigger, better, and faster than Sonic 1 in so many ways, and has arguably become the best Sonic game to date.

     Sonic 2 features many enhancements over the first game that make the overall package much more engaging and tighter overall. First off, Sonic's controls have been amped up with the "Spin Dash", where you simply hold Down and tap A and Sonic will kneel down and he'll spin wildly in place revving himself up for a terrific dash through a portion of the stage. It was a great addition to the series and would return in some of the sequels to follow as it epitomized Sonic's signature of unfettered speed.

     Additionally, a new character was added to the mix as well. Players were introduced to Miles "Tails" Prower, known simply as "Tails" for short - as Sonic's spunky little sidekick. With this addition, it makes the series 2-player for the first time. However, when playing as 1-player, you obviously will control Sonic, and Tails follows behind you the entire time (until the last two levels or so). Unfortunately, his presence as a follower is marred with some annoying consequences. Generally, he doesn't really effect your gameplay that much, but his AI makes him a total idiot. He constantly dies, falls of cliffs, fails to reach higher platforms, and gets trapped and hung up on the varying spring boards across the stage. When all this happens, sometimes it is funny, but it also can be a little agitating as you are trying to focus on some tough jumps. Seldom will Tails actually help you in a boss fight, as he will occiaisonally hit Dr. Robotnik, but most of the time will get himself killed only to reappear later.

     Many of the levels in this game are iconic. It has about eleven in total, several more than its predecessor. For the most part, the levels are simply brilliant and much more vibrant this time around. They pop and dazzle with some great background designs, great lighting and graphics. The accompanying music is simply wonderful and wholly memorable. Even to this day, I can still hum almost all of this games theme music - it is that good. I would say the first four levels are clearly the best, and I gotta believe that level 4 - Casino Night Zone - had to have inspired the game Sonic Spinball released in 1993 (of which I previously reviewed here on Ethos). The middle levels are also quite good, and they are more challenging than the first few. However, the final four levels are a mixed bag. The Metropolis Zone is perhaps the most challenging, and also the most frustrating as well with some very tedious backtracking moments. The best of the final levels is easily Sky Chase Zone where Tails pilots a plane and Sonic stands on the front hood and battles incoming flying enemies.

     Overall, Sonic 2 is one of the definitive moments on the Sega Genesis and a finer game than the first one in this classic series. The first three Sonic games are definitely the best Sonic games in the hedgehogs lengthy tenure in the video game industry. Never since has the franchise truly recaptured the essence of its first three games on the Genesis. As I said before, Sonic 2 is arguably the best Sonic game ever made, and I highly reccomend it. If you haven't played this iconic game, you simply must.

-Kurt L.

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