Sonic 3D Blast Review - Quickies Don't Cut It 

I am aware a Director's Cut version of this game by Jon Burton himself is in development at the time of writing this comment. He seems to be passionate about his old projects--I imagine he's been part of much bigger things than Sega Genesis games--so I am impressed by that. Many of the changes he's made so far are improvements, and though I am unsure if these will turn the game into something more than OK, I will probably end up taking a look at the Director's Cut sooner or later once it's released. :)

I've always had a strange soft spot for this game. I never could figure out why. It's not terrible, but it's controls leave much to be desired. Love the OST for both versions! Excellent review RZ!

Pretty good review, RZ, though I kind of wish you titled this "Flickies Don't Cut It", considering the premise.

There is an updated director's cut version of Sonic 3D Blast/Sonic 3D: Flickies' Island for Steam PC where the game plays a lot better and you can play as Super Sonic after you get all 7 of the Chaos Emeralds, the game has a save/load system, a time attack mode, Tails and Knuckles are found in the Gene Gadget and Panic Puppet levels and so much more.

Wow, the Saturn verison's special stages are everything Sonic 2's wanted to be. They aren't disorienting, and you actually have time to prepare for what's ahead.

God damn I love your videos man they really brighten up my day to see you do a review on a game even if I know the inside that out it's still nice to hear someone talk about it I know you put a lot of effort into these and I really hope you get more subs soon

I remember playing this game in mid nineties (well, I still have a cartridge, after all), and after that, playing Sonic Adventure on Dreamcast for the first time. I had really strange surprise, when I heard Windy Valley 3 music, which was taken straight out from Green Grove zone. But yeah, even as I completed Sonic 1, 2 3&K and CD, I never bothered to complete this one. I don't think that I even got anywhere after zone 3.

You should have called this one "flickies don't cut it"

found your channel a few days ago and I'm binging your stuff. Keep this quality up.

Awesome review as per usual! I've never been able to play this game for more than 20 seconds without getting a nauseating headache, but I imagine I would come to a similar conclusion.

Gotta say, 3D Blast is definitely a bizarre specimen for me. I do realize that it's heavily flawed and just generally a mediocre at best title, but for some inexplicable reason, I kinda enjoyed playing through it when I tried it out of curiosity a couple of months back. No clue as to why that is... Soundtrack's another story, though. I absolutely LOVE both scores here. So much so that I even want to make a video series comparing the two, but real life just won't let me to, so yeah...

I'm not sure if you're aware of this fact (seeming as you didn't mention it at all), but the PC version has a different special stage compared to the Mega Drive AND the Saturn. It's similar to the Saturn (Sonic 2 styled half pipe), but faster, longer and less gimmicky (and IMO, harder).

great video as always. you're quickly becoming one of my new favorite channels. keep up the good work. :)

how can you jump from Sonic 1 to 3D like that? :'( No matter its flaws, I still love this game. I think the main reason is the megadrive soundtrack, which is one of the best osts I have ever heard

You deserve far more suscribers, your reviews are so nice and objective, keep it up! greetings from Mexico!

It's wired seeing a video from you and it not being over 1 hour. But great review like all ways

So, the original developer of Sonic 3D recently made a DX version of the Genesis verson of 3D Blast, here are all of the changes: - Controls and physics tweaked to be more precise and less slippery - Sonic goes *even faster* but the camera pans far forward to compensate -Password and World Map feature -Being able to shield the hit of enemies and hazard when you have speed shoes. -Super Sonic -Level Editor -Being able to collect only one chaos emerald per zone -You lose 1 flicky instead of all of them when you get hit. -Should you have no rings, flickies will take the hit for you. -The indicator will tell you which flicky is loose -Flicky radar just in case the flicky goes offscreen. -Flickies actively search for Sonic -Enemy hitboxes are bigger

Actually 3D blast for the Saturn was a last minute replacement for Sonic X-Treme which got canned due to internal bickering between Sonic team Japan and America. So that's basically why the Saturn version was so underwhelming. Travelers tales basically had six months tops to prepare for a Christmas release so they added some graphical upgrades, changed the music, changed the stages, and voila. Fun fact: The engine used in the special stages would later be used in the Sonic world portion of Sonic Jam which would later be used as the engine of Sonic adventure. When i heard Lava mountain's music i always thought Indiana Jones.

Awesome! I love these Sonic reviews, keep it up the great work. :)

I really love this game. I think it's a little bit underrated because of Sonic older games perspective, but it's a cool and different game

Glad to see you back.

Loved the review. I'm pretty sure it's pronounced "Jean" Gadget though. I keep hearing you say "Geen."

Kinda weird dropping into a review without a plot summary at the beginning since X6. Still a great video nonetheless.

You absolutely nailed the Saturn's music with your description!

Just had a mini-marathon of your Sega-related videos after I stumbled upon your channel the other day and just wanted to say keep up the good work! Even though I've played all these games extensively for some reason your reviews are really interesting, and get really in-depth into what works and what doesn't. I've noticed a few comments within the videos saying your channel isn't that popular, which really is a crime! Count me in as an intrigued new subscriber at any rate :) (also I hope to see Streets of Rage 2 and 3 videos someday!!)

Not sure what you have planned next, but in the future can you review the Banjo series? Absolutely LOVING these in-depth reviews dude!

17:17 "...Wankering around..." That line made me sub! Great reviews buddy.

hey Retro, have you heard of one of the original designers' attempt to making a Director's Cut hack of this game? he just announced it today, and I figured you'd want to know about it. that said I doubt it.

Okay, two things. A)Directors cut is fixing a shit ton of these problems B)Controls could be fixed by using the many controllers with analog sticks(I do believe the AX-1E is an example of this), but for default control schemes, you're right, the controller was bad.

One of the only mainstream Sonic games that I didn't bother to complete. The only notable difference between the Saturn version & PC versions of this game, is that the special stages are graphically similar to the genesis version on PC. With the half pipes being the only 3D models in those stages. Then again, PC games weren't as powerful back then.

isometric platformer brings me back to the Spyro GBA games

Awesome review Retro. I do appreciate sneaking in Landstalker for Mega Drive in there!

4 minutes into the video and I got motion sickness. I guess watching sb else play rather than playing it myself is kinda harsh to the eyes! :| Enjoying the review so far though and that's always the case with your videos. ;)

I guess I haven't played enough of this game, but your review seems very reasonable and fair regardless of my time spent with it. Perhaps I'm just not interested in it since it looks very zoomed-in and slippery.

If the problem for you was almost entirely tied to the isometric view, you'll be happy to know that some fans corrected it! "Sonic 3D in 2D" is a total reimagining of the game's plot and levels in classic Sonic sidescrolling action. I haven't played it, but it may be worth checking out.

awesome video Retropolis Zone. You let me understand 3D blast a little bit more. so thanks and good job.

Interesting note about the Saturn version, brought up about six minutes in. According to Jon Burton, that version was not handled by Traveler's Tails and as you suspected is actually just interpreting the analog stick into the original 8 directions. The Saturn version is apparently, for the most part, a straight port of the Genesis version with added flourishes (see all the graphical enhancements probably made via asset substitution, same for the music) and a layer of arbitration interpreted in real time, for things like the analog control. The special stages seem to run on the Jam engine if I had to guess and probably just pass a pass/fail flag back to the main game for the results screen.

Great job man! I don't know how you can make these so quickly when they're so long and this isn't your job.

To my knowledge, it seems that a lot of people do not like the isometric view of this game. I have personally never had a problem with it. I've beaten the game on multiple occasions with all the Chaos Emeralds. But I will say this: the Sega Saturn version of this game is the best, bar none (barring the loading times)!

Good review, but the Genesis' 8 way Dpad actually worked fine for this game. If you played it on Gamecube that Dpad understandably doesn't work as well. Closest thing today would be the Elife Dish style dpad.

The fact that watching this started making me feel nauseous and crosseyed is a case and point for the awkwardness of this game.

Check out Gamehut's Director's Cut version of Sonic 3d Blast. He is a former TT employee that has access to the game code and has addressed many of the problems with the original version. He has a youtube channel and is actively giving updates. I find it very interesting.

Dope review. Fun fact, there's also an official PC release of this game with still different special stages. Still easy as fop, but I think it cut the load times down by at least a little bit.

I actually like both versions of this game they hold a special place in my heart for it was the very first game I was able to buy on my own in 96' greatest day in my life it's small to alot of people but it means alot to me thanks for reviewing this i thoroughly enjoy it

There's a ROM hack (I forgot the name) where you DON'T need the Flickies. It's actually pretty fun.

...You're supposed to roll into Badniks.

"Potentionally" -Retropolis, 2017.

Sir, you’re great with words.

Great Review

I don't know if you've heard, but the original founder of Traveller's Tales (find him at GameHut on RU-vid) is working on a directors cut of the game, fixing a few textures, the controls, etc. I'd say check it out!

despite it's flaws 3D blast is actually my all time favorite sonic game on the genesis. favorite track? the credits

Fucking amazing review, I never would've thought a half hour video about Sonic 3D Blast would be this good, awesome work

I find it funny how so many people (especially many primarily used to English) tend to say "Jun Senui".

I remember being very impressed with a 3d intro animation on Sega Mega Drive

My final thoughts are... your reviews are amazing... your accent is amazing... the depth of which you go to in you're review's!!! I always look forward to your reviews and think you should have more view's... I'm going to share you're review's!!! they are amazing and (not to sound homosexual) you are amazing!!!

The founder of Traverlers Tales is working on a directors cut.

Back then as a kid I thought it was the best game ever ! Now I can see the flaws, but nostalgia is making them invisible . Great review !

Hey man, great channel! Could you do a review on Syphon Filter PS1? Looking foward for that, thanks!

That floor pattern in Spring Stadium Saturn version, makes the level look like more of a clusterfuck than the genesis version

Now I have to ask. Will you review the special DX edition made by the original creator that includes tons of improvements. It's not complete as the guy is still working on how to deal with the rating system for the speed run/time attack mode. And other such improvements. Note this guy is using the original Genesis ost.

*gets popcorn* This gonna be goooood.

Best looking game on MD, alongside with Toy Story. Felt absolutely next gen pushing system to the limits

I hear the PC version also has a different special stage compared to the other two versions. Anyway, I kind of enjoyed this game while I played the first few acts but I was mostly just impressed by the presentation.

I don't really understand the complaints about D-pad versus analog. I find analog controls to be super clumsy for older platformers, while the D-pad gives me concrete precision. But then again, I didn't really know much about analog controls until I got a PS2, so it could just be a product of my youth.

ACTUAL 3D AVATARSSSSSSSS

since I'm not seeing it in this comment section, I might as well say it: "Gene" is pronounced "jean", not "geen". Also, whaaaaat! I love the Genesis 3d blast credits theme. It's a bit bonkers but it has a nice jammin' sound to it. Also Panic Puppet 1 is far and away the best song in the game IMO. I do love Diamond Dust's little nod to Dreams Come True though.

I prefer the title Flickies' Island, purely because it can be so easily and wonderfully misread on the box art.

I hate this game with a passion but my lord, the mega drive ost is top tier (as well as Saturn Panic Puppet). Great video.

I vastly prefer Spot goes to Hollywood (the Genesis one) over Sonic 3D Blast. It isn't perfect either, but the levels feel special and have enough details and secrets to make me want to explore and go for a 100% every time.

What was that second game that was shown, with the Link-looking character and the fox thing?

I've never seen footage of the Saturn special stages. The windows 95 version also has different special stages but they're more a mixture of genesis and Saturn ones with a polygonal half pipe but a prerendered sonic and no fancy effects.

so late? I want to go to bed dude..............fuck it I'm still gonna watch this your vids are great

I agree with this review completely. I had played this on PC back in the late 90s, and didn't touch it again until late last year when I tried it on Saturn for the first time. I hate collecting Flickies, and would have preferred a more standard get to the end of the level game play type. Even if it made the game shorter, at least it'd be fun to play. That being said, the Special Stages were fun on Saturn and show us what they could have achieved with a true 3D game. If only SEGA weren't so damn stupid and focused their efforts correctly, we'd have a decent or better 3D Sonic game during that era.

How to play this Game: Don't forget that you have a Spindash

the music was definitely this game's (megadrive/genesis) strong point. I remember relying heavily on Sonic's shadow to make jumps in the game

sonic 3d blast actually plays better with the thumb pad. because it only uses 8 directions. The game doesnt have full 360 turning. only 8 directions. Its just placebo and easier on peoples thumbs with the analog. sonic adventure would need an analag stick. Also platforms and level design are designed within those 8 directions.The genesis and saturn had that corner indent on the pad as well

Take a shot every time he says "Geen Gadget".

I always thought my Saturn was broken due to it taking forever to load 3D Blast... Good to know that it's not!

Missed opportunity to call it "Flickies Don't Cut It."

Where Are You Retropolis Zone?!?!

So while I was working yesterday you were working on this?

I play Sonic 3D Blast more for the soundtrack. I'd like to buy the Saturn version for the better graphics and special stages.

this is my favorite game in the franchise but I respect your opinions. my favorite is rusty ruin 1 on the mega drive

More like: Sonic 3D Blast review - *Flickies* Don't Cut It Sonic 3D Blast: Quickies Island-

Rusty Ruin act 1 from the Genesis version is my favorite.

6:55 That is actually exactly what they did.

Hm... About the isometric 3D controls of this game, it is jarring that they went all that effort making the game knowing very well that the controller is far from ideal to play it. I have little to no experience on these types of games, but I can clearly remember a similar graphically looking game in the same system called "Snake Rattle 'n' Roll" that compensates the issue by, basically, changing the character's movement angle to being parallel to the game's dimension(for example, down being left-down in the game). I'm sure it might feel awkward at first, but the platforming part of the game, as well as the movement in general, makes for a smoother tradeoff in the end result(event though that game wasn't perfect either). Well, again, I haven't played many isometric platformers like 3D Blast, but I think that adjustment would have made sense because of the limitations of the controller, I wonder why they didn't do that... English is not my primary language, so bear me if I couldn't express my words properly.

I would like to add that the GAME OVER screen scares the crap out of me It’s so... ominous...

"What Sonic 3D Blast Needed was a Run Button" *Stares at Sonic Lost World*

i still love this game i njoy exporen the big area for 1ups and flickys it verry njoyable

I always wanted to love this game but I always get bored by the time I get to Spring Stadium, at least the music and graphics look good. Great review!

Another great review dude, Like a few others in the comments I don't hate the game, I actually enjoy playing it and always have, though the last time I played was a few years back with a friend in high school, You were pretty much on the money with all your arguments too, I can't honestly tell someone that this is a good video game, though I don't think it's a bad one either simply mediocre. Still I really do wonder why I like the game in the first place, Maybe I find some kind of heart or soul in it or something, there's a few Sonic games where I feel that way, Sonic R is probably the biggest example which if I'm not mistaken was also developed by Travelers tales, these aren't games I would individually spend more than 5 or 6 bucks to play, after all my experiences with both come from the two gamecube collections, I just don't find either to be particularly awful or being games I'd never return to, I see Sonic R as a Soundtrack CD that just happens to have a video game on it, and in the regard I have a lot of fun with it and my friends and brothers mostly feel the same, so nobody ever really has a bad time with it. None of these things excuse the actual game from any of it's flaws though, I dunno what I'm even getting at I guess there's just something charming about certain games that makes them memorable for me even if they aren't very good overall.

Credits theme is awesome what the heck man?

Yeah sadly Super Mario 64Ds has that problem with the digital, and Analog controls of the 3DS..So prepare for the wonky in that. nwn''

Is anyone else disappointed that there wasn't a Major Sonic game on the Sega Saturn?

and they say the Saturn Era wasn't a Dark Age...

I think its very easy for us to like you because you are so obviously doing this series in inspiration of Caddicarus/Dragonrider/Johnny/SqG etc. and we know this because you allude to one of them in each of the videos I've watched so far. It makes me fall for your courage because you are doing what I wish i had the balls to do.....though I have to wonder if you already know that.....(Puts on tin foil hat and enters personal Vault-Tec Self Preservation Pod)....P.s HEY, that Knight Boss looks an awful lot like the Sandopolis Boss from....well you know....

I'd of made the shadows pitch black for better clarity, would look less natural but ill take that over them blending into the background... but yeah this is like Roller Coaster Tycoon's issues amplified with ice like movement, yikes.

That one platform in Rusty Ruin ruined me...

I must say, I understand your feelings of how bad 3D Blast is. But when it comes to the music though... *IT'S AN ABSOLUTE MASTERPIECE.*