User:TheJoebro64/drafts/Sonic3

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is a 1994 side-scrolling platform game developed by Sega Technical Institute (STI) for the Sega Genesis. It is the first of a two-part sequel to Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (1992) and follows Sonic and Tails as they attempt to retrieve the Chaos Emeralds and stop Doctor Robotnik from relaunching his space station after it crash-lands on a mysterious floating island. Like preceding Sonic games, players traverse side-scrolling levels at high speeds while collecting rings and defeating enemies. Sonic 3 features a stronger emphasis on storytelling and introduces Knuckles the Echidna, the island guardian, who lays traps for Sonic and Tails.

Development

Conception

Sonic 3's lead developers (left to right): programmer and producer Yuji Naka, director and designer Hirokazu Yasuhara, and designer Takashi Iizuka

Music

Michael Jackson (pictured in 1988) contributed to the Sonic 3 soundtrack, but left the project and went uncredited.

Split

Further information: Sonic & Knuckles

The Sonic & Knuckles cartridge features a "lock-on" adapter that allows it to be physically attached to the Sonic 3 cartridge, enabling players to experience the two as a single game.