Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Sonic & Knuckles picks up the high-octane action familiar to long-time fans and ramps it up with the introduction of Knuckles the Echidna as a fully playable hero. Players can choose to tackle every zone as either Sonic or Knuckles, each boasting distinct movement mechanics that meaningfully alter level approaches. Sonic’s trademark speed and precision jumping contrast sharply with Knuckles’ slower climb-and-glide style, lending fresh strategic depth to every run.

(HEY YOU!! We hope you enjoy! We try not to run ads. So basically, this is a very expensive hobby running this site. Please consider joining us for updates, forums, and more. Network w/ us to make some cash or friends while retro gaming, and you can win some free retro games for posting. Okay, carry on 👍)

The level design itself is a showcase of innovation. From the towering loops and spring-loaded platforms of Mushroom Hill Zone to the perilous vertical shafts of Sandopolis, each environment feels meticulously crafted for replayability. Sonic’s levels emphasize straight-line speed and deft timing, whereas Knuckles’ areas often hide alternate pathways behind breakable walls, encouraging thorough exploration and giving veteran players reason to return time and again.

Building on Sonic 3’s success, Sonic & Knuckles refines its control feel, especially in Special Stages. These bonus rounds—whether you’re rolling through blue spheres to nab Chaos Emeralds or gambling rings in the Casino Zone—deliver a bite-sized challenge that balances luck and skill. The three shield types (Fire, Water, Electric) remain invaluable, offering defensive utility and adding subtle complexity to how players engage with enemies and hazards throughout the game.

Perhaps the most enduring gameplay feature is the patented “Lock-On” technology. Plugging Sonic 3 into the top of the cartridge merges both games into one epic 14-zone adventure, complete with save functionality and Tails as a partner in later acts. Locking on Sonic 2 lets Knuckles infiltrate Dr. Robotnik’s old stomping grounds, while the original Sonic unlocks infinite Blue Sphere permutations. This modular approach extends the game’s lifespan far beyond the average Genesis title.

Graphics

On the Sega Genesis/Mega Drive hardware, Sonic & Knuckles pushes the system’s color palette and scrolling capabilities to their limits. Each zone features vibrant, hand-crafted pixel art that balances whimsy and menace. Mushroom Hill’s lush foliage and tropical hues transition seamlessly into the sun-baked sandstone of Sandopolis and the glowing temples of Lava Reef, creating a diverse visual journey that never feels repetitive.

Sprite animations are smooth and expressive: Sonic’s spin dashes blur along the ground in a satisfying swirl of color, while Knuckles’ glove-clad fists punctuate every glide with a sense of weight. Background layers scroll independently at different speeds, delivering a convincing sense of depth—whether you’re sprinting across palm fronds or free-falling through vertical tower segments. Little touches, like drifting clouds and flickering torches, elevate each stage’s mood.

The user interface is equally polished. Rings, shields, and lives counters remain clear and unobtrusive, while checkpoints marked by glittering stars let you know you’re on the right path. Transition animations between acts cultivate a cinematic feel, and victory fanfares at the end of stages add just the right amount of fanfare. Even the lock-on slot itself is proudly displayed on the game’s title screen, instantly conveying the uniqueness of this cartridge’s physical engineering.

Story

The narrative of Sonic & Knuckles picks up immediately where Sonic 3 left off, the remnants of the Death Egg’s explosion scattering our hero across Floating Island. Sonic’s quest to recover the Master Emerald is simple yet effective: Dr. Robotnik seeks to harness its power to renew his Death Egg’s menace, and there’s only one echidna with the knowledge to find it—Knuckles.

Knuckles’ own mission begins with betrayal: Robotnik’s deceit leads him to believe Sonic is an ally, spawning the titular rivalry. As you pursue Knuckles through sprawling acts, each confrontation underscores the thematic push-and-pull of misunderstanding and perseverance. Cutscenes are economical but charmingly illustrated, reinforcing the stakes without overloading the player with exposition.

Though the plot remains straightforward, it enriches the platforming thrills with purpose. Collecting all Chaos Emeralds across various special stages unveils a hidden ending, rewarding completionists who master both characters. This dual-path storyline fosters a sense of discovery: you’re not just running through zones, you’re unraveling the truth behind Knuckles’ deception and thwarting Robotnik’s latest scheme.

Overall Experience

Sonic & Knuckles stands as one of the pinnacles of 16-bit platforming. Its deft blend of speed, exploration, and technical ingenuity—epitomized by the lock-on feature—delivers unparalleled replay value. Whether you’re blazing through levels as Sonic or uncovering hidden alcoves as Knuckles, the game strikes a near-perfect balance between accessibility for newcomers and depth for series veterans.

The sonic soundtrack pulses with energy, the pixel art remains a benchmark for its era, and the design innovations still resonate decades later. The cartridge’s unique hardware gimmickry is much more than a novelty: it creates four distinct gameplay experiences in one package, each with its own quirks and rewards. This flexibility keeps players engaged far beyond a typical playthrough.

While the difficulty curve can spike in the later acts—especially when tackling the Egg Armageddon Zone—dedicated platformer fans will find that each setback only fuels the desire to refine their skills. Even today, Sonic & Knuckles feels fresh, its DNA evident in countless modern indie titles. For anyone building a retro collection or simply seeking a masterclass in 2D speed-platforming, this is an essential purchase that still shines in the present day.

Retro Replay Score

8.2/10