Sonic 3D Blast
Sonic 3D Blast | |
---|---|
Windows | |
Release | |
Platform | |
Mode(s) | Single-player |
Sonic 3D Blast, known in Europe and Japan as Sonic 3D: Flickies' Island,.
The concept for Sonic 3D Blast originated during the development of Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (1994). Most of the programming was outsourced to the British studio Traveller's Tales, as the Japanese Sonic Team staff was preoccupied with Nights into Dreams (1996). Development lasted eight months, and the team drew inspiration from Donkey Kong Country (1994) and Sonic Labyrinth (1995). Sonic 3D Blast was developed alongside the Saturn game Sonic X-treme. When X-treme was canceled, Sega commissioned a port of 3D Blast featuring improved graphics for the Saturn.
Both versions were published by
Gameplay
Sonic 3D Blast is a
The game is split into several
As with previous games, Sonic 3D Blast includes "special stages", in which the player collects
Plot
Doctor Robotnik discovers mysterious birds called Flickies that live on an island in an
Sonic travels through the island, saving the Flickies and clashing with Robotnik in his various machines. If the player collects all the Chaos Emeralds, Sonic proceeds into a black void, where he engages in a final battle with Robotnik, who pilots a large robot. Sonic manages to destroy the robot's weapons and defeats Robotnik, freeing the Flickies. If the player fails to collect the Emeralds, Robotnik escapes with it in his possession.
Development
We'd just finished Toy Story, we were keen to get on with the new consoles, the Saturn and the PlayStation. Sega came to us and wanted a meeting. Well, of course, we'll take a meeting with Sega. They said, we want you to make a Genesis game. We really wanted to do the next-gen stuff. But then they said, it's Sonic the Hedgehog. Oh, that 16-bit game? Yeah, we can do that 16-bit game.
Lead programmer Jon Burton in a retrospective interview with VentureBeat[12]
Sonic 3D Blast was the final
The game was developed from scratch
Sega also commissioned a version of the game for the Sega Saturn in case Sonic X-treme was canceled. This cancellation did indeed occur, so Sonic 3D Blast was safely released in time for Christmas 1996 in its stead.[24] The game was ported in seven weeks, during development of the Sega Genesis version. While it does feature graphical changes, such as weather effects and higher resolution textures, the game largely plays the same as the original version.[25][26] It features a higher quality opening video and improved graphics. Sonic Team filled in for development of the special stage in the Saturn version of the game, which includes polygonal graphics as opposed to sprites only.[22][26] This version is also compatible with the Saturn's analog control pad.[25] The team attempted to rework X-treme into bonus stages in the Saturn version. However, they were unable to properly transfer Sonic's model from X-treme into 3D Blast, so the feature was scrapped.[27]: 292
The soundtrack for the Genesis version, which features 24 tracks in total,
Release
Sonic 3D Blast was released for the Genesis in North America[c] and Europe in November 1996.[d] The launch coincided with the release of the Game Gear game Sonic Blast, which also features pre-rendered 3D graphics.[34] The Saturn version of Sonic 3D Blast was released in North America later that year[1] and in Europe in February 1997.[a] In Japan, only the Saturn port was released, on October 14, 1999.[37] A port of the Sega Saturn version was released for Windows in Europe on September 11, 1997,[38] and worldwide later that year.[13]
The Genesis version of the game is available in several Sonic-themed compilations. These include
Reception
Contemporary
Publication | Score |
---|---|
Mean Machines Sega | GEN: 92%[49] |
Entertainment Weekly | GEN: B[50] SAT: C[50] |
Sega Saturn Magazine | SAT: 82%[10] |
Reception to the Genesis version of Sonic 3D Blast was generally positive upon its original release. While Dan Jevons of
The graphics were widely praised,
Reception to the Saturn version was mixed. Though Lee Nutter of Sega Saturn Magazine compared the gameplay unfavorably to previous Sonic games, he found it had a great deal of fun to offer and praised it as being more challenging than any previous Sonic game.[10] GameSpot's Jeff Gerstmann appreciated this version's superior handling of certain animations.[48] Entertainment Weekly, however, noted the game's unusually similar presentation on two platforms with differing expectations, claiming that "while 3D Blast is super by 16-bit standards, it falls flat on Sega Saturn, where 32-bit games with far more sophisticated 3-D graphics and gameplay are the norm."[50] Smith and Hsu of Electronic Gaming Monthly agreed that the Saturn version is overly similar to the Genesis version, though Hsu added, "that's a compliment to the Genesis, not a rip on the Saturn". Hsu and Boyer both also said that the game's controls are considerably improved with the Saturn's analog controller, though Sushi-X found it of little help.[45] The Saturn version was also a commercial success[52] and was one of the system's better-selling games, according to Wallis.[53]
The staff of GameSpot saw the PC version as similar to the others, but pointed out some slowdown effects while the camera scrolled, attributing these to its wide colour palette.[13]
Retrospective
Aggregator | Score |
---|---|
Nintendo Life | GEN: 6/10[58] |
Critical opinions of the game have lessened over time. Reviewers generally disapproved of Sonic 3D Blast's gameplay style, some finding its isometric perspective limiting. Lucas M. Thomas of
Reviewers remained positive about the game's presentation. McFerran greatly enjoyed the game's visuals and welcomed the graphical improvements of the Saturn version: "the CGI visuals are stunning considering the hardware, the animation is excellent and the level design is colourful and varied".
Some journalists have called Sonic 3D Blast one of the worst games in the Sonic franchise.
Legacy
Archie Comics published a comic book adaptation of Sonic 3D Blast for a 48-page special in December 1996, written by Mike Gallagher.[64] A loose adaptation of the game also appeared in issues 104 through 106 (May through July 1997) of Sonic the Comic.[65]
Senoue re-arranged two of his musical pieces from the Genesis version for Sonic Adventure (1998), saying he wanted the Japanese market to hear them as the Genesis version was not released in Japan.[66] He also used a cut theme as the boss theme in Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I.[67]
After Sonic 3D Blast, Traveller's Tales and Sonic Team collaborated again on the Saturn
Notes
- ^ a b Reported release date varies; sources either state it was released in February 14, 1997,[35] or in February 13, 1997.[36]
- ^ Japanese: ソニック3D フリッキーアイランド, Hepburn: Sonikku Surī Dī Furikkī Airando
- ^ Reported release date varies; sources either state it was released in November 7, 1996,[30] or in November 9, 1996.[31]
- ^ Reported release date varies; sources either state it was released in November 14, 1996,[32] or in November 5, 1996.[33]
- ^ GamePro gave the Genesis version two 4/5 scores for control and sound and two 4.5/5 scores for graphics and fun factor.
References
- ^ a b "Sonic 3D Blast". December 15, 1996. Archived from the original on December 15, 1996. Retrieved November 15, 2023.
- ^ Johnston, Chris (September 16, 1997). "Sonic Lands on PC". GameSpot. Archived from the original on October 6, 2000. Retrieved December 5, 2019.
- ^ a b "Sonic 3D Blast, Wrecking Crew, Super Air Zonk". GameZone. May 4, 2012. Retrieved April 7, 2015.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Thomas, Lucas M. (December 4, 2007). "Sonic 3D Blast Review (Genesis)". IGN. Archived from the original on November 10, 2013. Retrieved July 19, 2013.
- ^ a b c d Weiss, Brett Alan. "Sonic 3D Blast - Review". AllGame. Archived from the original on November 14, 2014. Retrieved February 2, 2018.
- ^ a b "Sonic 3D Blast: Robotnik's Back, but so Is Sonic!" (PDF). Electronic Gaming Monthly. No. 88. Ziff Davis. November 1996. pp. 254–5.
- ^ Game Revolution. Game Revolution. June 6, 2004. Archived from the originalon June 23, 2018. Retrieved April 7, 2015.
- ^ "Game Over/Continue". Sonic 3D Blast (Saturn). Sega. November 20, 1996. p. 12.
- ^ "Sonic 3D Blast Special Stages trailer". GameTrailers. Archived from the original on April 13, 2015. Retrieved April 7, 2015.
- ^ Emap International Limited. pp. 58–59.
- ISBN 1-884364-46-2.
- ^ a b c d e f g Minotti, Mike (November 22, 2017). "The RetroBeat: Sonic 3D Blast sprints to a new legacy with an unofficial Director's Cut". VentureBeat. Retrieved November 22, 2017.
- ^ a b c d GameSpot Staff (October 21, 1997). "Sonic 3D Blast Review (PC)". GameSpot. Archived from the original on September 28, 2015. Retrieved February 27, 2015.
- ^ a b Horowitz, Ken (June 19, 2007). "Interview: Mike Wallis". Sega-16. Archived from the original on September 4, 2009. Retrieved April 7, 2015.
- ^ Langshaw, Mark (February 8, 2014). "Sonic the Hedgehog 3 retrospective: Sega mascot's finest outing". Digital Spy. Retrieved January 22, 2015.
- ISSN 0967-9014.
- ^ a b c d Wright, Steven T. (May 2, 2018). "Why the founder of Traveller's Tales released a director's cut of an old Sonic game 25 years later". Eurogamer. Retrieved February 7, 2018.
- ^ a b "Cover Story: Sonic 3D" (PDF). Mean Machines Sega (45). July 1996. Retrieved February 5, 2018.
- ^ Burton, Jon (May 7, 2018). Top 10 Surprising Sonic 3D Facts. Event occurs at 4:23. Retrieved May 7, 2018.
Sonic 3D Blast wasn't originally going to be called Sonic 3D Blast; its original name was actually Sonic Spindrift.
- ^ Burton, Jon (September 29, 2017). Why does punching Sonic 3D trigger a Secret Level Select?. GameHut. Archived from the original on December 12, 2021. Retrieved February 21, 2018 – via YouTube.
- ^ Burton, Jon (October 4, 2017). Sonic 3D's intro sequence is impossible to fit on a cartridge - right?. GameHut. Archived from the original on December 12, 2021. Retrieved February 21, 2018 – via YouTube.
- ^ a b c d "Sonic Boom!". Sega Saturn Magazine (15): 58–63. January 1997.
- ^ ISSN 0967-9014.
- GamesRadar. p. 7. Retrieved July 19, 2013.
- ^ a b "Sonic 3D Blast: Blast's the Name for a Blast of a Game" (PDF). Electronic Gaming Monthly. No. 89. Ziff Davis. December 1996. pp. 230–1.
- ^ a b "Sonic 3D" (PDF). Computer and Video Games (183): 42–43. February 1997.
- ISBN 978-0-9929260-8-3.
- ^ Traveller's Tales; Sonic Team (November 5, 1996). Sonic 3D Blast (Sega Genesis). Sega. Level/area: Credits.
- ^ Traveller's Tales (November 20, 1996). Sonic 3D Blast (Sega Saturn). Sega. Level/area: Credits.
- ^ ソニック3Dブラスト. Sega (in Japanese). Archived from the original on June 23, 2018. Retrieved December 31, 2014.
- ^ "GameInformer #42 pg. 22" (PDF). Sonic Retro. October 1996. Retrieved February 16, 2018.
- ^ "Sonic3D UK Postcard" (PDF). Sonic Retro. Retrieved June 9, 2018.
- ^ "Computer and Video Games #180 pg. 49". Sonic Retro. November 1996. Archived (PDF) from the original on June 23, 2018. Retrieved September 8, 2015.
- ^ Newton, James (June 25, 2012). "Sonic Blast Review". Nintendo Life. Retrieved February 3, 2018.
- ^ "Press release: 1997-01-31: Sega brings Sonic to Saturn in latest stage of console combat". Sega Retro. Retrieved November 22, 2015.
- ^ Lomas, Ed (March 1997). "Checkpoint - The month's events and software releases at a glance. Feb-March" (PDF). Computer and Video Games. No. 184. Future Publishing. p. 53.
- ^ ソニック3D フリッキーアイランド [en: Sonic 3D Flicky Island]. Sega (in Japanese). 1999. Retrieved December 31, 2014.
- ^ "Games Guide". Computer Trade Weekly. No. 654. United Kingdom. September 8, 1997. p. 96.
- ^ Mirabella, Fran (November 12, 2002). "Sonic Mega Collection". IGN. Retrieved November 16, 2014.
- ^ Goldstein, Hilary (November 3, 2004). "Sonic Mega Collection Plus". IGN. Retrieved November 16, 2014.
- ^ Miller, Greg (February 12, 2009). "Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection". IGN. Retrieved November 16, 2014.
- ^ Peters, Jay (August 19, 2022). "Sega reveals every game coming to the Genesis Mini 2, including the controversial Night Trap". The Verge. Retrieved March 30, 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f g Lomas, Ed (November 1996). "Review: Sonic 3D: Flicky's Island". Computer and Video Games. No. 180. pp. 74–75.
- ^ Lomas, Ed (March 1997). "Review: Sonic 3D". Computer and Video Games. No. 184. pp. 78–79.
- ^ a b Smith, Shawn; Hsu, Dan; Boyer, Crispin; Sushi-X (January 1997). "Review Crew: Sonic 3D Blast". Electronic Gaming Monthly. No. 90. Ziff Davis. p. 60.
- ^ a b c d e f Smith, Shawn; Hsu, Dan; Boyer, Crispin; Sushi-X (November 1996). "Review Crew: Sonic 3D Blast". Electronic Gaming Monthly. No. 88. Ziff Davis. p. 90.
- ^ a b c d e f Art Angel (December 1996). "Genesis ProReview: Sonic 3D Blast". GamePro. No. 99. IDG. p. 156.
- ^ CNET Networks. Archived from the originalon December 22, 2003. Retrieved February 25, 2022.
- ^ EMAP. pp. 54–56.
- ^ a b c Walk, Gary Eng (December 13, 1996). "Sonic 3D Blast Review". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on April 25, 2009. Retrieved July 19, 2013.
- ^ "The Best of '96". Electronic Gaming Monthly. No. 92. Ziff Davis. March 1997. p. 86.
- Imagine Media. April 1997. p. 17.
- ^ Wallis, Mike (April 2004). "Sonic X-treme Timeline". Lost Levels. Frank Cifaldi. Retrieved December 27, 2017.
- ^ "Sonic 3D Blast for Saturn". GameRankings. Archived from the original on December 5, 2019. Retrieved July 19, 2013.
- ^ "Sonic 3D Blast for Genesis". GameRankings. Archived from the original on July 6, 2019. Retrieved July 19, 2013.
- ^ Whitehead, Dan (November 3, 2007). "Virtual Console Roundup: Sonic 3D: Flickies Island". Eurogamer. Archived from the original on September 16, 2014. Retrieved February 25, 2022.
- ^ CBS Interactive. Archived from the originalon December 5, 2008. Retrieved February 25, 2022.
- ^ Nintendo Life. Archivedfrom the original on December 22, 2011. Retrieved March 1, 2015.
- 1UP.com. Archived from the originalon October 3, 2012. Retrieved February 9, 2015.
- ^ a b USgamer Team (August 18, 2017). "Gotta Go Fast: Ranking All of The Sonic The Hedgehog Games". USgamer. Archived from the original on August 25, 2017. Retrieved February 5, 2018.
- ^ a b "The Sonic games ranked from best to worst for some reason & Knuckles". PC Gamer. September 1, 2017. Retrieved February 5, 2018.
- ^ Knight, Rich. "Ranking Every "Sonic the Hedgehog" Platformer". Complex. Retrieved February 5, 2018.
- Nintendo Life. Retrieved July 27, 2018.
- ^ Gallagher, Mike; DeCesare, Angelo (December 1996). "Sonic Blast". Archie Sonic Blast (1). Archie Comics.
- ^ Sonic the Comic, no. 104 (May 1997). Fleetway Publications.
- ^ Summer of Sonic 2011 Retrospect (Interview with Jun Sunoue). London. July 2011.
- ^ Sterling, Jim (April 6, 2010). "Sonic 4's Eggman theme is from Sonic 3D Blast?". Destructoid. Archived from the original on September 24, 2015. Retrieved February 3, 2018.
- ISBN 978-1-926778-96-9.
- ^ Fahey, Mike (July 23, 2016). "Sonic The Hedgehog And Fantastic Beasts Headline Lego Dimensions' Wave Seven". Kotaku. Retrieved October 1, 2019.
- ^ Wales, Matt (October 13, 2017). "Sonic 3D's original developer is creating an unofficial Director's Cut". Eurogamer. Retrieved October 14, 2017.
External links
- Official website (archived)
- Official Saturn website (in Japanese)