Sonic The Hedgehog 3

Introduction: Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is an official 1994 Sega Genesis/Mega Drive platformer developed by Sonic Team. It is the direct sequel to Sonic the Hedgehog 2 and is set on the floating Angel Island. The game features six core zones, each with two distinct acts, and utilizes the console's full color palette for detailed, multi-layered parallax backgrounds and large, animated sprites.

Gameplay & Mechanics: The game refines the series' signature momentum based physics, with precise slope detection and inertia. Sonic remains the primary playable character, with Tails available as a second player in co op or as a solo AI companion who can carry Sonic. Sonic retains his Spin Dash and gains the new Insta Shield, a brief protective burst upon jumping. The core addition is the elemental shield system: the Fire Shield allows a double jump and protects from flames, the Water Shield enables a bounce attack and lets Sonic breathe underwater, and the Electric Shield attracts rings. The game also introduces the save system via a level select code and features the first appearance of the Super Emeralds for Hyper transformations.

Key Features:

• Expanded shield mechanics with three distinct types, each granting unique offensive and defensive abilities.
• Competitive two player split screen mode featuring races in specially designed stages and a battle mode.
• New Special Stages using a fully 3D rotating maze where players run on the surface to collect blue spheres.

The game is famously paired with its lock on cartridge, Sonic & Knuckles, to form the complete Sonic 3 & Knuckles experience.