Great pair of SEGA classics
For PC owning Sonic fans, this is a great chance to pick up some classic platforming action that star everyone's favourite super fast hedgehog and his equally bizarre buddy. There are technically three games in this collection, Sonic 3, Sonic and Knuckles and Sonic 3 and Knuckles, which is a sort of fusion of the other two games. Sonic 3 retains the series' trademark sense of speed and fun, pitting the bold hedgehog against his nemesis Dr Robotnik once more in a series of side scrolling levels that really test the player's reactions. This one adds a few new elements to the formula laid down in the first two games, with new shields and bonus stages available, while the main levels themselves are now much larger than before and which require some serious exploration to uncover all their secrets. Sonic and Knuckles continues the story directly from the conclusion of Sonic 3 and retains the gameplay style but adds in the new character of Knuckles who cannot jump as high as his pal, but who can glide long distances to enter new areas, climb walls or even bust them open to reveal more secrets. While the series hasn't differed wildly in terms of gameplay, this isn't necessarily a bad thing as these games show. The sheer speed on display here adds a whole new element to platforming that Mario simply can't match and it is undeniably exhilarating racing through the many varied environments, bouncing, spinning and leaping your way without fear or pause for thought. The games here feature those trademark SEGA touches, with great character design and wonderfully put together levels that are simply a joy to explore, so if you've never played them on their original home, or you just fancy revisiting them, this is the perfect opportunity.
