Which Half of Sonic 3 & Knuckles is Better?

[@Comkill117]

I like 3 more because you can play as Tails, it has Angel Island, Hydrocity, and Ice Cap Zones, and it has an actual save feature. Also good as S&K’s OST is, 3 had Michael Jackson as a composer and that’s pretty damn hard to beat.

[@AnthonyThings]

Micheal Jackson music, it’s hard to “beat it”

[@Leonard_Wolf_2056]

Since when is MJ a compositor? He is a singer. Not to mention, circus world and launch base sound like shit. I'm not talking about the notes, I am talking about sound quality. Most people expect atleast 192kbps

[@kirotalksyt]

Yeah I like the Sonic 3 levels and music better.

[@theblackmage5281]

True but I love S&Ks bosses a lot more than 3 plus you can fight knuckles and who doesn't want to beat the heck out of him after he has been a jerk to you forever buy 3 is better because ice cap zone

[@realamericannegro977]

I feel like MJ's style perfectly matches Sega as a whole

[@amonimus2126]

As a great philosopher said: Darkness without light is an abyss Light without darkness is blinding You cannot have a coin with one side.

[@nykoharris1300]

Noice

[@diddlenfiddle7311]

Okay

[@Huck5-7]

True

[@FlyingRaccoon-v9z]

Mobius strip

[@ravenwilder4099]

One thing about playing them separately is that the water shield was clearly designed for the Sonic 3 half, since there are no underwater sections of Sonic & Knuckles, but you'll still find all these water shield boxes scattered around.

[@YamatoFukkatsu]

Very rarely, granted. In fact, outside of bonus stages (and there is no gumball machine in S&K alone, so outside of glowing spheres), I think the bubble shield only shows up a couple times in S&K's stages themselves, at least so far as I'm aware. Oh, and at least one of them can only be accessed with Tails, who of course is only available for those stages in S3&K.

[@HI25227]

Yeah but ice caps music tho

[@bingobo2551]

Oh shit, I never realized how many water sections/levels are in sonic & knuckles compared to S3. Sonic 3 had multiple water sections & a full water world with the exception of marble garden zone, while in sonic & knuckles doesn’t have a single water section as far as I can remember.

[@magne7771]

They had utility beyond their elemental immunity. With sonic you could gain extra height without tails, or an electric shield

[@Eli-s6l]

Mind blown never thought about that

[@david-ss5qu]

Fun fact: Sonic & Knuckles has a level select code! Here’s how to do it: 1. Select who you want to play as in the level select on the title screen 2. In Mushroom Hill, find a pulley 3. Press left x3, right x3 then up x3 4. Pause. While the game is paused, press A to return to the title screen 5. On the character selection, hold A and press start. You now have level select! (Note: selecting a sonic 3 level will default to mushroom hill act 1)

[@JonCom3dy]

Don't forget to listen for the ring sound after pressing up 3x on the pulley to know you did the code correctly 😉

[@JerseyDevils21]

Don't forget, with both of them locked on, this is how you get debug mode 1. Go to angel island, find a trapeze rope 2. Left left left, right right right, up up up 3. Pause and press a On the main menu, you see another option under competition (stage select) 4. Then repeat the process with the pulley 5. Start and press A 6. Now you'll be able to use debug mode! (Im pretty sure it's the A button or C button)

[@EpicAbe]

“Angel Island goes from a tropical island to a tropical island in California.” 😂

[@randomistough0]

I lived in california and I find this both funny and angering

[@Bombsbombsbombs]

Is it true?

[@HI25227]

If I lived in california I would find this so offensive

[@EpicAbe]

In California Everything is offensive

[@HI25227]

Oh are we getting on this subject now

[@_SSCJ]

I feel like people don’t talk enough about how beautiful the background sprites are, they are beautiful( my favorite background being death egg act 1)

[@kurichan355]

I love how sonic 3 can be considered the water or cold side of sonic 3 with every level having water (or an oil like liquid in marble garden) while sonic travels through ice cold water and snow and sonic & knuckles is the hot side (just like knuckles' hot temper) as sonic travels through gradually more hot environments (sunny hill > electric fortress > desert > lavascape)...

[@Pyrodiac]

Tbf that Electric Fortress is miles off the ground, I assure you the outside AT LEAST is going to be very cold.

[@scanchannel3259]

@@Pyrodiac you mean Flying Battery?

[@Pyrodiac]

@@scanchannel3259 Yeah actually why... why did I say Electric Fortress? I think it was intentional as a joke? I don't remember...

[@scanchannel3259]

@@Pyrodiac It's fine.

[@mistersp3753]

Sky Sanctuary truly is one of the most underrated Sonic levels. The music is amazing, and the vertical level design is done to perfection here. Sky Sanctuary is far more than the kind of vertical platformer you might get in Mario or other franchises. Sky Sanctuary is layered with several fast-paced horizontal sections that bring you to a spring or teleporter to help you progress further. This combination of horizontal and vertical movement gives it so much more depth than if you just kept jumping up platforms to reach the top. Oh yeah, and the visual storytelling here is top-notch. It starts with the Death Egg dramatically bursting out from under the clouds, launching his robots onto this untainted realm. Knuckles then uses the last of his strength to extend a bridge for Sonic, signifying his trust in Sonic. The stage also ends dramatically. After the fight with Mecha, the tower starts collapsing, forcing Sonic to run up as fast as he can, just barely making it into the Death Egg. Overall, Sky Sanctuary is a top-tier Sonic level that just doesn't get as much credit as it once did.

[@Gojira-ri6rj]

i’ve always thought sky sanctuary was popular (specifically its song)

[@801Hellfire]

Ice cap and carnival night were composed by brad buxter. Michael Jackson’s contributions are launch base and the end credits music. That’s why original carnival night, ice cap, launch base tracks aren’t in origins. Everyone cites mjackson but the mastermind behind Sonic 3’s music was more buxter.

[@IsraeliDefenda]

sonic & knuckles wins for me. The music from Ice Cap Zone and Launch Base are amazing and I'm depressed playing origins without hearing those tracks, but the levels and story are just too good in S&K. Mushroom Hill Zone is so solid and a great start, and I love the atmosphere with the story building throughout the game. Also, hyper Sonic is a plus. I actually like death egg and its gimmicks. Great video

[@leemollison7508]

Can't argue with flying battery, lava reef and death egg.....👍🫡 S3 hydro city and carnival night , ice cap next best....

[@markusturunen7929]

I think The Sonic and Knuckles was the best game of the entire 2d sonic franchise, but I'm into an epic fantasy type of story myself. It has the most epic scenes of the entire franchise and a proper finale.

[@the39wow]

btw, instashield completely removes the hurtbox while expanding the hitbox

[@myguy4203]

Yeah, it cheeses a lot of bosses and sometimes I can avoid getting hurt by spikes if I time them right. Insta Shield is truly broken

[@kirotalksyt]

Does it really? Oh wow it's even more broken than I thought 😂

[@myguy4203]

Also, some games that have it, like the Advance games, nerf the move. The change is that it doesn’t remove the hurtbox (a game changing nerf) even though it’s named the same move in Japanese iirc. (I think it translates to Double/W Spin Attack or smthn idk Japanese)

[@InitialAA]

@@myguy4203 It's called W since the pronounciation of Double and W are similar, which is more apparent in Japanese Dialects.

[@tripleclickswifty3823]

@@kirotalksyt That's why it's based

[@trippyanimates]

Kiro: what's the best of the two? Me: sonic 3 & knuckles

[@joshuaweston6531]

I really like your analysis of these two games, especially when it comes to comparing the levels. Here's mine: 01. Angel Island vs. Mushroom Hill: There is alot I like about Mushroom Hill, incuding the bouncy mushrooms and varied color palette that changes seasons as you progress through the stage. Still, I gotta give this round to Angel Island. I like the ability to swing on vines like Sonic's gone full tarzan, as well as the waterfalls. It's really the second half that sells the zone for me. I really like the visuals and stage concept of seeing the entire island torched. It's a visually jarring thematic change and an idea I'd like to see attempted again in a future Sonic level. Winner: Angel Island 02. Hydrocity vs Flying Battery: Flying Battery has always just been alright to me. There are some level features I do really like, such as the spinning propeller things and whatever those long, arm things are that Sonic attaches to that send him spinning super fast from one to another. Honestly though, I prefer Wing Fortress from Sonic 2 as the better version of this level type, even if it is only 1 act. Sonic Mania has the better version, by combining elements of both of those stages into one. Hydrocity is another zone that fans seem to really love, that I'm just okay with. I mean, I do really like it, as I do all the classic Sonic games zones. However, while I do recognize that it's the water level that best retains Sonic's momentum, I still find Tidal Tempest to be my personal favorite of the water levels from the classic games. That said, I do respect how well designed of a water level it is. Winner: Hydrocity 03. Marble Garden vs Sandopolis: Marble Garden is and has always been my least favorite of the Sonic 3 zones. The ancient ruins theme has been done better in other zones in my opinion, and the spin top gimmick doesn't fully work for me. None of it is bad, but it's not particularly memorable either. Whereas Sandopolis is much more memorable to me. I know it's far from a fan favorite, but I appreciate the uniqueness on display here. Not only is it the only desert level in the classic Sonic games, but I like the transition of the outdoors into the ruins in the second act. I also like the ghost mechanic, which adds a layer of urgency and growing tension to the experience! Winner: Sandopolis 04. Carnival Night vs Lava Reef: Love the flashy colors of Carnival Night and overall means of traversal of the level. The ballons, canons, rotating pillars...etc, but yeah, screw that one barrel! The music is fitting, but it does get very repetitive and is probably my least favorite track off of Sonic 3. All in all, a really solid level. Solid, but not better than Lava Reef. I too love the palette changes between the two acts, and the strong color contrast between them. The music is also really good. Plus it all culminates in the discovery of the second death egg beneath the caverns, leading to a pretty tricky lava waterfall section and boss! Winner: Lava Reef 05. Ice Cap vs Sky Sanctuary: I agree that these are arguably the two best levels from each game. So this is without a doubt the hardest one to pick. On the one hand, you have Ice Cap, which opens with that way past cool snowboarding intro! There's the level change fron the icy caves of act 1, to the open tundra of act 2. The zone features loop de loops aplenty and generally encourages speed, especially in the second act. The music is also killer. Probably the biggest loss in the Origins collection. On the other hand, you have Sky Sanctuary, which is only one act. I have to agree with you though, that the zone uses the one act to it's fullest. From the thematic weight of Knuckles finally assisting Sonic, the visuals of the Death Egg rising in the background as you slowly ascend up to it, the bouncy clouds, the egg robo enemies, to the multiple fights with Mecha Sonic. Two of which are call backs to older bosses from the previous Sonic games. The best way to describe Sky Sanctuary is short but sweet! It's a tough call, but I think I gotta go with Sky Sanctuary. Winner: Sky Sanctuary 06. Launch Base vs Death Egg: This is not a hard call for me, like at all. I have never been as in love with Launch Base as many fans seem to be. That's not to say it's a bad zone by any means, and I do appreciate the novelty of the level concept. Yet, I find the music track to just be okay and the the level design, while solid, not anything amazing. For the most part, it's all stuff I've seen in other zones. Death Egg on the other hand, is a wonderful slice of fan service. After the Death Egg zone from Sonic 2 ended up being nothing more than a boss fight arena, this game gives us a fully explorable version across two acts. I love the visuals of the second act, with the planet mobius hanging in the background, as well as the challenging gravity mechanics that really give you a sense of being in outer space. Sure, the zone can be quite long, but I'd argue the quality of the level design and sense of challenge make it an enjoyable experience. Overall, I think Death Egg zone is an excellent send off to the classic Sonic games! Winner: Death Egg Overall Winner: Sonic And Knuckles 4 to 2

[@MishapsychosYT]

Underrated af comment

[@joshuaweston6531]

@@MishapsychosYT Thank you!

[@MishapsychosYT]

@@joshuaweston6531 yw

[@Temmy_12]

me reading title: dont give me a exestential crisis after video : i see your points i agree

[@notunnamed2]

"exe"stential b r u h you are not god for this i will eat your heart

[@YamatoFukkatsu]

Oh god, yes! Sonic's jump shield is so under-rated! In general, I just like the mechanic of being able to perform an action if you press a button while jumping, and it was great to see Sonic wasn't left out while Tails and Knuckles get these aerial-based goodies (in fact, this was almost certainly why Tails couldn't fly in Sonic 2). But yes, if you just get the timing right, it can be such a fantastic asset, both offensively and defensively (and really, in a game series based around a character that emphasizes speed, it makes sense that he'd be given an ability based around split-second timing). Though, that's not to say that his actions with the shields aren't great, too...... in fact, if Sonic wasn't given this level of variety, I'd be willing to say that there's almost no reason to play as the guy over Tails and Knuckles. That would be pretty sad for what's supposed to be the titular character, so I'm glad they were able to balance out all three characters to have their own merits like this.

[@georgeshaw4017]

The Sonic & Knuckles Part for two reasons. One the music: The Knuckles Theme and Miniboss Themes I prefer over Sonic 3 alone. The other reason is the Sonic & Knuckles part is when you combine the two halves to make the whole Sonic 3 & Knuckles, is where you unlock Hyper Sonic, which shows Sonic's growth in friendship. (Sonic 1, no form, Sonic only had the animals he saved as friends, Sonic CD, where he met Amy, so the Time Stones were at 7 and had powers, but no form as Amy barely is around in the game, Sonic 2, where he met and had a full adventure with Tails, so 7 Chaos Emeralds and Super Sonic. Sonic thought his Super Form was his best, but he didn't use it in a Final Boss Fight. Then Sonic 3 & Knuckles, where he met and befriended Knuckles at the end of the game, got the Super Emeralds, and Sonic fought a Final Boss in a form that was past what Sonic ever thought he could scale to.) So yeah Sonic & Knuckles is my favorite.

[@Latoshajsinspiration]

Knuckles breaks through walls with his face

[@aaphant]

the walls are so intimidated by his stare that they voluntarily crumble to dust before his presence

[@kirotalksyt]

The ultimate chad, Knuckles

[@DanielAntovski]

Hey dude, if you want to have fun in sandopolis act 2, dont press the light switch try dodging the ghosts instead, its really fun!

[@insanefreddyalt7897]

For an extra bit of challenge, play as knuckles!

[@davidthecommenter]

don't try to grab any rings either!

[@basilplushie2534]

Wait until it's 9 minutes and 30 second It would make it even more fun

[@swiftpainter4320]

I have to try that method. I hate Sandopolis act 2 but this may have sum fun.

[@insanefreddyalt7897]

@@swiftpainter4320 personally I like sandopolis, fast paced but challenging level design, great music. (That act 1 base-like slaps)

[@infina-phoenix2076]

"And Eggman committing a war crime" my favorite line in this entire channel

[@offlineterminated]

Asking the important questions lol As I am replaying S3&K I find myself liking Sonic 3 more. Not only because there's different routes for each character but the level environments feel more vibrant and alive than the ones in S&K.

[@combinesoldier14_real]

As someone who lives in California, the angel island joke was very accurate

[@somethingoriginal1707]

I think the background launch base is actually pretty cool :(

[@aaphant]

Unpopular opinion, Sandopolis act 2 isn't that bad. It's not bad at all, actually. Sure, your first time you might get a time over but if you know what you're doing in subsequent playthroughs it's not that long. Also its music is top 3 to me

[@MattDustyParker]

I played sandopolis the first time ever with origins. It was a standout joy to me. But I actually kinda like sonic 1 so obviously my opinions are invalid.

[@targettoad691]

5 minutes is too long for 2d sonic level.

[@thomased22legoyodagaming]

BASED. Sandopolis is always slept on.

[@aaphant]

@@thomased22legoyodagaming act 2's music is SO OPPRESSIVE and I *love* it for it. The whole point is that you're in a tomb! It's supposed to make you uncomfortable! Personally, if a stage can make you *feel* something that it wanted to convey, even if it is claustrophobic and uncomfortable, that bumps it up in my eyes. Very immersive. And, again. It's not even that long if you know what you're doing. That's just how sonic stages work, you replay them over and over and get better at them.

[@kingdedede5570]

sandopolis act 2 is the biggest noob filter in the entire series, it's one of the finest stages in any sonic game

[@vp_wrld]

0:34 How has it taken me roughly 20 years to notice Knuckles hiding in the foliage…

[@scrimblocoded]

Have not seen the video yet but its 3 for me, a lot more consistent in my opinion the only one I don't like is marble garden EDIT: Watched now. Good taste.

[@Roshuwah]

This is an interesting one, because I feel like I have a much bigger affinity for Sonic and knuckles, not just for the story beats, but because like many a child, I actually never got past carnival night zone with Sonic lol. But even when I was thinking about it, oh yeah sonic 3 has some great levels. But I didn't actually play through ice cap and launch base until I decided I needed to get all the emeralds in all the games before Sonic mania came out!

[@solonsaturngaming3727]

I love S&K just due to that opening and Theme too as Still to this day I still have that opening tune coming in from time to time.

[@jakebresslerkrispy4953]

Your content is amazing even if people hate you

[@circadianizzy]

Sonic and Knuckles has Flying Battery, Sandopolis and Lava Reef. My top three zones in ALL of Classic Sonic. Absolutely no question here.

[@masturch33f66]

How is Sandopolis one of your favorites? I thought it was awful. However it does have Sky Sanctuary which makes it an amazing game.

[@alegamer_real]

I like Sonic 3 more because of the music, level design, the fact that there are no 1 act zones which make it a bit less annoying for me, save feature and more. It just feels like the 2 games were meant together, and I can't play Sonic & Knuckles alone because it also feels like it's beginning late, whereas Sonic 3 feels more fledged out, and feels like the start of the whole journey.

[@RhinoXpress]

That's because sonic 3 was split into two parts due to time constraints by sega to get sonic 3 out by early 94. This is why when you beat sonic 3 it feels half finished and that's because it was. This is also why when you link both sonic 3 and sonic and knuckles together the storyline becomes on big storyline. Which you dont get when you lock sonic 2 and sonic and knuckles together. It would have been awesome if sega back then gave you the option to make one giant continuous storyline between all 4 games, but sega wasn't thinking that far ahead when they made sonic 1. That and that would have been one long daisy chain of cartridges. lol but this is where sonic origins comes in and how they try to link all the sonic 2d games from the genisis era together via mission mode.

[@BareBandSubscription]

@@RhinoXpress They know that.

[@RhinoXpress]

@@BareBandSubscription do they?

[@BareBandSubscription]

@@RhinoXpress Anyone who bothers watching this video knows the story of Sonic 3 and S&K being the complete experience. I can only assume OP is no different

[@RhinoXpress]

@@BareBandSubscription assume is the key word here.

[@ChuckE.CheesesIllinois]

Why is there even an argument for this? I just consider both as 1 game and that's it.

[@dewforpolitics]

Darn you for making us choose. Lol but I have to go with Sonic & Knuckles portion of 3. The best music and final boss fight too.

[@jasonenns5076]

I also find that my favorite zone is Death Egg Zone.

[@MakriaMicronation]

Sonic & Knuckles because Doomsday zone has the best soundtrack ever made

[@psyxypher3881]

I've played the combined game so much I just see it as one continuous game. Because Mushroom Hill Zone is the "first" zone in S&K it helps the game flow better, because they needed to make the first zones look good to attract super casual players who wouldn't use Lock-On. This ends up working in favor of everyone, because Launch Base Zone doesn't end up being the climax but rising tension. You take down the Death Egg in Launch Base Zone (assuming you're playing Sonic/Tails) and the rest of the game is about making sure it STAYS down. In a game with limited cutscene technology, it does a really good job at keeping momentum and conveying the story. That being said, I think I like S&K's levels more, if only because the boss fights are more fun.

[@LaidBack--]

If we're counting the combined version, 2nd part no questions. If we're counting them as separate play... it's tough. But I like the feeling of personally being able to play as knuckles for the 1st time with a altered storyline than not being able to play with Sonics little sidekick, so I still pick 2nd part.

[@wtwn]

The level select code thats accessible from swinging on that thing in Angel Island is the only way I've ever been able to get it to work.

[@Amsel_616]

I heard that is that hard to do the one from Sonic 3 alone because during the intro there's frames where it doesn't count the inputs.

[@ordinary_deepfake]

Bruh get good stop complaining

[@codydfwn]

I can't believe it was Sonic's shoe the whole time. It always looked like L button icon to me which made no sense. My mind is blown. 🤯 I would of never thought to have used his shoe as a cursor. So that always confused me as a kid and was never solved til this day. Lmao. Thanks for clearing that up for me! I feel like I can sleep a bit better now. 😆

[@Doctor00X]

1. Knuckles is a more interesting playable character than Tails. 2. Saving after each zone made 3 super easy. 3. Sonic 3 is just dollar store Sonic 2 levels: (chemical > hydrocity) (aquatic > marble) (casino > carnival) Knuckles had more original level aesthethics and epic final boss.

[@Valientlink]

First half hands down. I love the whole game but I love every single level in the first half. 2nd half I like mushroom hill and lava reef a lot, the others are just okay to me. It just feels like the first half levels are more creative.

[@dripp_dropp]

i see whete your coming from. but the first half has my least favorite and favorite levels, Launch base, ice cap and angel island are fantastic, but carnival and marble are kinda lacking imo. Glad you love them though!

[@Valientlink]

@@dripp_dropp I enjoy marble garden a lot, and carnival night is my favorite level in that half. Very disappointing they didn't keep the final boss from sonic 3 with it locked on

[@WaterKirby1994]

Why should Sonic & Tails be required to fight a boss harder than anything else in the game at the halfway point?

[@Valientlink]

@@WaterKirby1994 This boss is really easy lol what are you talking about. It's just a cool boss, it's only like half as difficult as the real final boss sequence so it should've stayed in. Sonic 3 complete and A.I.R do good at allowing you to fight him still.

[@WaterKirby1994]

@@Valientlink Big Arm as Tails is possibly the hardest boss in the entire Sonic Series. Just try fighting that thing without instashield. There are almost no openings to hit it safely. The Giant Eggman Mech & Doomsday Zone Ship are both much easier to defeat.

[@cheeseonyomama]

Thank you for pronouncing Hydrocity correctly lol

[@fares_gamer603]

no nothing is better that the other Both are a masterpiece

[@thefastcommenter7774]

Nah, Sonic 3 is better

[@noww446]

@@thefastcommenter7774 Nah, they're both good

[@TheSonicFan4]

​@@noww446nah, sonic & knuckles is better

[@LamdaEpsilonComplex]

@@TheSonicFan4 nah, sonic 4 is better

[@KirillLipko-u7d]

​@@LamdaEpsilonComplex A really bold opinion

[@ThweeDeeEss]

When are you gonna do that warioware vid u talked about in the mario land vid

[@kirotalksyt]

Oh thanks for reminding me LOL I gotta play through all the games so gimme a little time plz 😅

[@ThweeDeeEss]

@@kirotalksyt sure thing it'll be worth the wait

[@pedrofsgomes8775]

I mean, I grew up as a kid playing with my MD TecToy console with Sonic & Knuckles as the only Sonic game on it. But recently, I could download Sonic 3 A.I.R in my cellphone, and after trying every achievement, makes me feel VERY DIVIDED about which half of the game is better! LMAOOO

[@typreegamingtpg2198]

5:54 Funny you say that because Angel Island is actually based on an island of the same name off the coast of California in San Francisco bay

[@Bloxxer425]

11:51 Oh Sweet! Now I can play NBA hang time & Knuckles!

[@TheSonicFan4]

8:20 the insta shield makes you invincible for the duration of the attack. So you don't have a hurt box at all

[@PRATERVXEX]

& Knuckles, even if a few of my favorite zones and songs are on S3. I really think &K is a better overall ride and I enjoy Mushroom Hill more than any other first stage.

[@Friendlyaminals]

This is a video that stands out and i would watch again

[@Jeremo-FD]

Interesting topic. Imma watch.

[@TheBohobemeister]

Wonderful video!

[@highlightergod8437]

A bonus point I would like to mention. When you combine sonic & knuckles with sonic 3, you get BONUS content with the super emeralds as well as being able to unlock hyper sonic. As opposed to his regular super form he has an insta shield that 1 hits all badniks on screen. (Ok it's common knowledge I know, but without sonic & knuckles we wouldn't have hyper sonic)

[@Anakunus]

There is no point in picking one because essentially, Sonic 3 & Knuckles is one single game. So choosing a favourite half from that would be the same like choosing one from Donkey Kong Country 3, for instance.

[@sunvinn]

Great comparisons! This is the video I was looking for, and I agree with most of your points. These are some of mine: *My favorite things about Sonic 3:* funny troll Knuckles, cheery/funky music overall (plus the vocal samples), save data, more open levels and great level design. *My least favorite things:* a handful of uninteresting bosses (at least for me), Carnival Night's music get boring fast and Launch Base 1's background is ugly indeed. *My favorite things about S&K:* goated box art and title screen, Knuckles as a playable character, dramatic tone both in storytelling and music, the magnetic orbs bonus stage, fantastic Lava Reef sequence, and my personal journey with enjoying Sandopolis. *My least favorite things:* fewer giant rings for Knuckles (I still haven't got Hyper Knuckles on a single playthrough) and the annoying Death Egg badniks/gimmicks. Guess I'm sticking with S&K.

[@thomased22legoyodagaming]

Based Sandopolis enjoyer.

[@polandboy1577]

I really loved Sonic 3's final boss, it was hard, but this music... and this gameplay to defeat it... WOW

[@Super_Sonic_gamer714]

S3&K the main part is S3, S&K is a phenomenal expiation pack

[@stormcutter59]

Sonic 3 is the better part by far. Levels are better and it has a level select and save state. Angel Island slaps

[@fakebeluga002]

13:21 HE FINALLY SAID IT!

[@toppythewizzerd]

all jingles changed from S3 to S&K are better in S3, except for Knuckles cutscene theme (and probably act 1 boss theme), levels are much better in sonic 3: all zones are decent except maybe marble garden, whereas Sonic & Knuckles has Flying Battery and Lava Reef (yeah that one too because it has cool boss fight and the zone itself got in Mania), so i'm giving the edge to Sonic 3

[@Mr_Gamer-Random]

No way this man just said "high drossity"

[@alexohkay]

I hate it. It's not a word.

[@spacelem]

I played S3 when it came out, and always said "Hydro City". It was only a few months ago that I discovered that some people were pronouncing it like "velocity"! The designer has spoken though, and it's "Hydro City".

[@garfieytreal]

@@alexohkay You know Dr Seuss made up the word "nerd" right?

[@JonCom3dy]

Kill me

[@Logan_C-]

It’s not “high drossity” it “Hi-Dross-i-ty” Which is a word believe it or not

[@SonicTheCutehog]

I like 3 better since it's zones are better designed and it has the save feature.

[@sun_man35]

I remember I graduated 1st grade and we got a trip to McDonald's and we got a SONIC AND KNUCKLES CART, I played that game so much and, when I graduated 2nd grade I got a Sonic 3 cart and, then I combined the two after seeing the commericials of being able to play both adventures and, then I played a masterpiece.

[@shanitamoore8715]

I like sonic 3 AND knuckles so I'm in the middle

[@Stickz0816]

Lol me two

[@Joseph-s]

I preffer Knuckles in sonic the hedgehog 3

[@TheJadeFist]

I like the Sonic and Knuckles art a bit more, but the fact all the boxes for S&K were just cardboard vs the hard plastic cases that all the other games had, kinda gives the box points to Sonic 3.

[@CalebWalsh-t5d]

You gotta admit though, the water parallax in launch base is stunning, especially for the 90s.

[@rhapsody2612]

As soon as I read the title, i knew my answer right away. Its Sonic 3…besides that damn box art (Im Aussie, which use the European Box Art)

[@TrailDave]

kiro talks uploads video notification? Clicky, Clicky

[@BluSteel_]

Knuckles has the dumpster fire that is Sandopolis while 3 only has the slightly less bad Marble Garden.

[@mezykin]

Sonic & Knuckles doesn't have the dreaded barrell of doom in Carnival Nights

[@alexgarcia3610]

flying battery is the single best music in the games so i gotta give it to knuckles

[@bear0nflipside]

I love S & K, i grew up playing it as my FIRST Sonic game ( I didnt save S3 ) The intro hits me with nostalgia like Chris rock and Will Smith Sonic & Knuckles was a hard game for me, and i barley got past Sandopolis Act 2. Seeing that a game could do all of this blew my mind, just in Mush. Hill! Ill add more to this later.

[@plentyofpaper]

"Hydrocity I feel is just a more fluid stage." Puns are the best when the speaker is unaware of them.

[@Videos4performancefun]

I pretty much agree with you here. If I had to pick the game with overall better levels (music too), it would have to be Sonic 3; however, if I had to pick the better game overall, it would have to be Sonic & Knuckles. Not only is the story far greater, but there is more depth and higher stakes to it than in Sonic 3. In Sonic 3, Knuckles is pretty much just another antagonist whose purpose is to thwart Sonic's journey and cause setbacks. He's basically a bully who gets his comeuppance by falling into the water when the Death Egg launches (people must've wondered if he even survived that when the game first came out). In S&K, however, Knuckles is a misguided recluse (not by choice, but by destiny) who is doing what he sees as best for the island, and he only goes after Sonic because of what he was told. He wouldn't know otherwise, since he knew neither Sonic nor Dr. Eggman beforehand, so when the island was in danger, he had no choice but to listen to who he met first, who happened to be Eggman; however, when realizing he was tricked, he helps Sonic and puts his differences aside. Yes, the manual in Sonic 3 explains it, but it doesn't give off that same vibe as seeing it for yourself. Also, in Sonic 3, you go through the levels, and then Launch Base arrives. There's not much tension leading up to this final level, and the ending is rather anticlimactic too (though it makes sense, considering the context). In S&K, once you hit Lava Reef Zone and see the Death Egg, you know you're getting close. From this point on, tension builds up, from the fight with Knuckles and Eggman's betrayal to a collapsing sanctuary to the Death Egg to Doomsday. In Sonic 3, however, once completing Ice Cap Zone, with no prior knowledge of the game or manual, you'd have no idea of knowing that Launch Base is to follow; thus, the stakes don't seem as high leading up to the finale. S&K, of course, has the additional story line of Knuckles' playthrough and the Doomsday zone, which adds additional layers to the story. All in all, while both are amazing games, you would miss a lot more if you played Sonic 3 but not S&K than the other way around. Of course, it's best to play S3&K as a whole, but S&K is the more integral part of the complete story than is Sonic 3; in fact, it's the lock-on technology of S&K, not Sonic 3, that enables S3&K to be possible in the first place. Besides, I much prefer playing as Knuckles in S&K than as Tails in Sonic 3 (that Marble Garden Zone boss fight absolutely sucks when playing only as Tails).

[@cypher838]

Sonic and knuckles feels a little long in the tooth in the middle, but picks up by the end. Sonic 3 has perfect pacing imo.

[@jaxonthehedgehog7893]

Nice video ❤😊

[@kirotalksyt]

Thank youuuu!

[@jaxonthehedgehog7893]

You’re welcome your videos are awesome

[@mystery_1217]

On my SEGA AtGames console, I thought S&K came after S2 .Bc, when the Death Egg exploded, it fell into another island...

[@jessegilley7796]

Before I was able to REALLY play Sonic and Knuckles, I could literally have Super Sonic by the end of Hydro City Act 1. I played and beat it that many times. When I finally got “Knuckles”, Mushroom Hill was so alien, and fresh that even now this Zone fills me with an immense joy. That said, I really see them as one game, and each part compliments each other much in the same way the act transitions do between stages. One of the all time greats! Even if I don’t get a chance to play it, I really hope that Sonic Frontiers does something for the sad state the franchise has come to.

[@Forte89]

Sorry to rain on your parade but it's impossible to get super sonic by hydro city act one, act 2 yes.

[@JustinPlayzOfficial]

Team Sonic 3

[@redrad20]

Team Sonic 3 for life

[@ItYaBoiGreen]

what the hell Freddy Fitzgerald Fazbearington II commenting on a sonic video

[@DistortedChick]

I have to say I think mushroom hill is a near perfect zone for me it's also my top song

[@DSG965]

I guess there is some fun in comparing these just for sake of going through goods and bads of both (and for views lol) but isn't it more faithful to consider them one huge game? Of course, S3&K was doomed to be split in half, but Sonic & Knuckles is clearly not that much more than simply "more of Sonic 3" with large part of its content being planned and/or developed during S3's development... for Sonic 3. Maybe I'm just admiring both entries too much, but I really loved how S&K felt like a super juicy expansion of an awesome game that otherwise would probably feel a bit lacking, because S3's formula had so much going for it that those few zones only left you wanting more.

[@WaffleKrushaTTV]

Great vid bro

[@ThatsWhatSheSaid4409]

Angel Island changes from a Tropical Island to a Tropical Island in California. That cracked me up XD

[@theweaponsmerchant5140]

I agreed with everything up to the point where I saw the McGuire Spider-Man and yu yu hakusho posters. It was at that moment I knew I’d be onboard with everything else after that point

[@metalsonicv2.513]

In Sonic 3 there also different routes for knuckles as well so it further shows that sonic 3 and sonic knuckles were meant to be one game.

[@G4lexi.]

I’m the 1k like! keep up the great videos I really enjoyed it!

[@Tjandeli]

Bro, 13:06 is so funny and the rock sounds are so 🤣.

[@Bashbro2013]

5:40 I'm sorry, but HYDROCITY!?!?! WHY DID YOU PRONOUNCE IT LIKE THAT!?!?!? ITS HYDRO-CITY, A CITY OF WATER (or a city of hydro)

[@Parasite1101]

As an overall experience, Sonic 3 had better levels and variety. But from a storytelling point, I actually only recently thought about how much I love sonic and knuckles. Seeing sonic make his way through lava reef trying to get to the fallen death egg which you can see in the background is actually quite mesmerising and atmospheric. Heading through knuckles hidden palace and making your way up to the final confrontation in the death egg itself.

[@victisomega4248]

I think thematically I’d have to say 3 slightly edges out the latter. S&K sort of feels like the entire third act all wrapping itself up, where as Sonic 3 tells a more fleshed out story from start to finish. I’m also a firm believer that after what happened with SEGA and Archie Comics, SEGA probably thought it best to pull tracks from origins with samples from other songs or instances where the entire track itself is a literal instrumental version of a formerly unreleased but now licensed song (IceCap Zone). I refer to this infamous event in Sonic and Archie history as the “Penders Incident”… so tragic.

[@N33dlem0use]

I cried when you said I gotta choose between sonic 3 or sonic and knuckles

[@tatertot64]

My opinion based on the points kiro uses: Box Art - Sonic 3 This was hard since I fucking love S&K's logo, but the Japanese box art for S3 is so cool and the American one is fun and unique. Europe is...fine...but neat to see Carnival Night. S&K is just the logo with slight differences per region. Title - S&K Sonic and Knuckles standing back to back is cool. That and it's different from prior classic Sonic title screens while still being rad. Music - Sonic 3 The main game has great music, and prototype tracks are some of the best. Sky Sanctuary, Death Egg, Flying Battery and Lava Reef make this a hard choice though. Stage/Act 2 Graphics - S&K Mushroom Hill is extremely immersive and I love the visual changes in Act 2. Sandopolis Act 2 is awesome with the ghosts inside an ancient pyramid, and its cool to see go dark. Very immersive. Sky Sanctuary is very visually refreshing after Sandopolis and Lava Reef being underground. Death Egg is honestly a very intimidating level, and it's awesome to have a full act in space for the first time in the classic games. Angel Island, Ice Cap, and Carnival Night are immersive and fun - Angel Island probably being the most immersive between the two games - and I actually love the setting of Launch Base for being unique and cool, but S&K barely takes it for me. Tails or Knuckles - S&K Knuckles story and mechanics are more interesting to me than Tails', and Knuckles is fucking cool. That's all. Levels - S&K Angel Island is classic but not as fun to keep exploring as Mushroom Hill, which has more 'lanes', nooks, and setpieces. Ice Cap and Carnival Night are the only zones that stand out to me in terms of joy to play in Sonic 3, while I enjoy every single Zone in S&K. For consistency I gave S&K the point. Overall came out 2-4 in Sonic and Knuckles favor for me, but for slightly different reasons than kiro's.

[@gutzu265]

Fun fact. The music from the ice cap zone is an 8 bit version of "Hard times" by the Jetsons and its actually quite the bop

[@zachisyourpal3681]

the mega drive is 16 bits‼️‼️🗣️

[@SilverBirb]

Il agree with everything apart from Not to brag but i like sonics 3 title screen rather than S3&K the colours pop on there theres a masive 3d render as well as the intro to the title screen and il say that the normal final boss is worst than knuckles final boss and the normal final boss and doomday zone is a tie S3 is good at anything while S3&K iss story focused I also like the music i would choose S3&K Hydrocity (both acts) angle island (act2) ice cap (act 1) are the good music of S3 Flying battrey (both acts) sandopolis (act 1 mb and act 2) lava reef (both acts) sky sanctuary zone and death egg (both act) Great video btw

[@NordkapSounddesign]

It's even more Songs changed: knuckles theme, mini Boss, carnival night, ice cap, launch base and credits. So It's six tracks. 😊

[@Caydeeboi]

I agree with everything. Except for him calling Hydro City Hydrocity. That I can’t except.

[@DanielAntovski]

Bruh, the game designers call it hydrocity, you can see it when you load up the level, i too used to say and like hydro city but the facts are facts, also hydrocity sound more fluid

[@rainyusername6216]

@@DanielAntovski Hydrocity isn't even a word

[@Caydeeboi]

@@DanielAntovski It was named hydro city in the mania/generations soundtrack BY sega. Also all the levels in sonic 3 have a space in between them. Angel Island, Lava reef, Hidden Palace. Why would they deviate from that? Also a lava reef is a reef with lava, a Hidden a palace is a palace that’s hidden. A hydro city is a city that is hydro. Plus: Hydro means water. City means city 😀. As you said facts are facts. Plus what does “hydrocity sounds more fluid” even mean?

[@Caydeeboi]

@@rainyusername6216 EXACTLY

[@BlueMageDaisen]

@@DanielAntovski Outside of English it's called Hydro Ciudad and Waterstad Both using words for City It is City

[@KewlBrown]

Sonic & Knuckles was a more epic game overall. As a kid I enjoyed how the bosses appeared. Each level had egg man coming in hot and ready to fight in a cool way! The music and the final level/boss in my opinion are way better as well. Lava Reef music is sick. Also Knuckles story mode is tight especially fighting Super Mechanic Sonic.

[@leemollison7508]

As a veteran from back in the day, I could become super sonic by the end of Hydro City, Hyper Sonic by the end of Mushroom Hills making Flying Battery Zone onwards an excellent high speed runthrough, particulary with the magnetic effect of the lighting shield, the directional blast of hyper was kinda game breaking but so, so enjoyable, so I have to say I always preferred the back half, despite loving Hydro City, Carnival Night and Ice Cap. Usual finish was 99 Lives 35+ continues, loved this combined S3&K most of all sonic games, how can anyone not think it's the best of them all?

[@ArkVogel]

2:37 that’s… his shoe???

[@dangalati3722]

I like exploring levels and fun boss fights. & Knuckles half has so many hidden things and cool boss concepts. That gets the vote from me