Sonic 3D Blast (Sega Genesis, 1996)

While collecting all the sonic games on the genesis, I decided to purchase this one because its game play is a little unique compared to the other sonic games. Instead of being a side-scrolling action adventure, this game is an isometric game where you rescue the flickies or birds inside of Dr.Eggman/Robotnik's robots.

The good points of this game include the soundtrack that has some of the best music on the Sega Genesis. One song that was cancelled for this game was used in sonic 4 episode 1. Also the special stage theme sounds similar to the Sonic Colors main theme. Also much of the music was remixed and used to track some levels of Sonic Adventure. Another strong point of this game is the graphics, they look incredible for a 16 bit machine. The background really resemble 3D graphics would find on other games. The last but not least strength of this game is the innovation that was implemented in the game. One addition is the gold shield which enables sonic to use the blast attack, a precursor to the homing attack that automatically targets the enemy. Another innovation is in the bosses, which use platforming and speed in addition to just waiting for an opportunity to attack. Also the special stages are an innovation because they do give the feeling of running straight through the world.

However the real weakness of this game is the controls, people who play the game at first may find it difficult to defeat a robot with a single jump, or be able to run with as much precision as other sonic games on the genesis are. The few times platforming is used, the controls are unfairly difficult. However, with the gold shield the jumping problem is solved for enemies.

This particular version of the game ,however has one interesting thing unique about it. Though this version has been released in forms for the PS3, Wii, and XBOX 360. The original cartridge has a unique way to get the level select of the game. Merely hit the cartridge, and the game will reward you with a navy blue screen, blue sphere music ,and the in white lettering "CONGRATULATIONS, You have found the secret level select screen". Press start and you can select whatever level you desire in the game. This strange feature is the main reason I purchased the game on the genesis, no other game I can think of ever does anything like this.

After being graced with the great Sonic games such as Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic 2, Sonic 3, Sonic & Knuckles, Sonic Adventure, and Sonic Adventure 2, I expected good things from Sonic 3D Blast for the Sega Genesis. Unfortunately, I was wrong. The game is not much more exciting than playing any of those online repetitive games for hours on end--it just repeats itself over and over. The only difference is the addition of a new enemy here and there. The boss battles are something new, but not enough to save this game from its own monotony. All Sonic games are known for their vibrant, colorful backgrounds that add to the gameplay value. On Sonic 3D, you just get a ugly checkered floor that slightly changes hues at each new area. Furthermore, the floors tend to detract from the otherwise green and healthy-looking environment, which is all-in-all frustrating for the gamer. Unless you want a complete Sonic game collection, or you REALLY like Sonic, or you find this game extremely cheap somewhere, I would not recommend buying this title; it is simply much too repetitive.

Expectations were high for Sonic 3D Blast. Maybe a bit too high. I believe this game was Sega's answer to Nintendo's Donkey Kong Country, even though it's an entirely different game. What is not different however are the type of graphics utilized in the game. The characters and animations are very similar to Donkey Kong Country. The perspective is quite different though. It's got more of an isometric 3rd person perspective, whereas Donkey Kong Country is a side scroller.

This is what brings the score down a bit on Sonic 3D Blast. It's not that the graphics are bad by any means, they are actually quite good. The problem is that you get so used to playing Sonic as a side scroller, so the control takes a while to get used to. Sometimes it's hard to aim sonic when you jump on an enemy. And because of the perspective, it just doesn't seem as fast as the prior Sonics.

The sound and music is great. It's your typical Sonic, which is always good. You can tell that they used the same composers that they did on Sonic 1, 2, and 3.

All in all - not a bad game. Once you get used to the controls it's actually pretty good. But because of the controls I rate this game just average. Is it worth picking up? Sure! Especially if you are a Sonic fan. And it's one that people forget (including myself) to complete their Sega Genesis Sonic collection.

The other Sonic games to get to have a full Sonic collection are Sonic, Sonic 2, Sonic 3, Sonic CD, Sonic & Knuckles, Sonic Spinball, Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine, and Sonic 3D Blast.

Rating = 3/5

UPDATE
I have given this game some more time, and actually got pretty far in it! Once you get used to the controls, it's actually quite a fun and original game!

I am raising my rating to a 4/5! It really is pretty darned good!

I'm sure Sonic fans were sprawling to get this game at it's release. While something new and 3d in ideal, it's quite a bit difficult to play. The graphics are a bit choppy and laggy, and just don't look nice. It definately falls short on making Sonic look like himself. It is also quite hard to maneuver your character. Sound/midi is very much the same as other sonic titles, nothing new there. I would only recommend this game for those wanting to complete their sonic collection. It is definately not for the new to Genesis gamer, as it doesn't show the console's best potential. I give this a 2/5. :(

The sega genesis had no business to try and run a 3D game (Virtua Racing being the exception). The controls are very poor and gameplay suffers because of it. Had they tried this on the 32x it might be a different story, but the Genesis was just not equipped for this kind of environment. You need something on the order of a Playstation controller to really make this kind of environment work. This is a game for collectors and video game hobbyists only, in my opinion.