Sonic & Knuckles

GamePro (US) (5 out of 5) (100%)

If you're still not convinced, go pound Bison into the dirt and leave us Sonic lovers alone. The little guy's captured our hearts, and this latest innovation in cart technology makes it even better, For hours of killer platform action/adventure, try Sonic and Knuckles,and Knuckles and Sonic 3, and Knuckles and Sonic 2, and, well, you get it - it just can't be beat.

Sharkberg ( ) (100%)

Great game. I even liked its approach to storytelling actually, what with everything being shown without any text or voice acting. Those little 16-bit sprites could get quite emotive, and it was fun to work out what was going on with all the characters, the Death Star, a new robot Sonic, that floating island, and all those emeralds that can make you go super saiyan. Fun times! Definitely give Sonic and Knuckles a spin, and be sure to make a run through Sonic 3 and Knuckles as well with each of the characters.

Jeuxvideo.com (19 out of 20) (95%)

Le jeu seul ne vaut pas mieux que Sonic 3 (et en soi, c’est déjà pas mal !). Mais en combinant les deux, on obtient facilement un des meilleurs jeux de plates-formes toutes générations confondues ! Le seul défaut qu’on pourrait lui trouver, c’est sa vulgaire boîte en carton qui a bien du mal à traverser le temps !

Jeuxvideo.com (19 out of 20) (95%)

Le jeu seul ne vaut pas mieux que Sonic 3 (et en soi, c’est déjà pas mal !). Mais en combinant les deux, on obtient facilement un des meilleurs jeux de plates-formes toutes générations confondues ! Le seul défaut qu’on pourrait lui trouver, c’est sa vulgaire boîte en carton qui a bien du mal à traverser le temps !

Game Players (95 out of 100) (95%)

In other words, Sonic and Knuckles isn't just the best Sonic ever, it's also breaking new ground in video gaming.

neXGam (9.5 out of 10) (95%)

Für sich allein betrachtet ist Sonic & Knuckles schon eines der besten Sonic-Spiele, die ich je gespielt habe. In Kombination mit Sonic 2 oder gar Sonic 3 ergibt sich jedoch ein Plus an Spielspaß, Umfang und neuen Elementen, das seinesgleichen sucht. Mit Sonic & Knuckles bekommt Ihr nicht nur eine makellose Fortsetzung, sondern auch die Möglichkeit, Eure alten Sonic-Episoden auf eine völlig neue Art zu erleben. Ich persönlich habe kein einziges Sonic-Game so oft und so lange gespielt wie die Kombination Sonic 3 & Knuckles! Wer wirklich alles gesehen und ausprobiert haben möchte, ist wochenlang beschäftigt. Und danach versteht man auch, warum viele der nachfolgenden Sonic-Spiele bei den Fans (und ebenso bei der Masse) nicht mehr so gut ankamen. Denn seit damals hat es kein Sonic mehr geschafft, an die Qualität eines Sonic 3 bzw. Sonic 3 & Knuckles heranzureichen. Auch die Sonic 4 Episoden müssen erst noch beweisen, dass sie es in ihrer Gesamtheit mit den alten Teilen aufnehmen können.

VicioJuegos.com / uVeJuegos.com (94 out of 100) (94%)

Aún con esta treta, SEGA nos ha brindado una gran aventura del erizo azul en todos los sentidos, técnicamente está muy logrado y argumentalmente también, además de poner en movimiento a una de las estrellas de la saga: Knuckles the Echidna.

Power Sonic (9.3 out of 10) (93%)

O padrão gráfico do jogo é exatamente igual aos de Sonic 3, e não é à toa, visto que ele é exatamente a continuação. Alguns cenários se destacam, como a Hidden Palace e a Lava Reef. São gráficos bem construídos, com planos de fundo e algumas figuras em auto-relevo. No aspecto sonoro, segue o belíssimo trabalho já iniciado em Sonic 3: as músicas se adequam ao estilo da fase. Por fim, a jogabilidade é sempre um elemento-chave nos três primeiros jogos do Sonic e aqui não seria diferente. Mas o jogo oferece poucas opções ao jogador, de modo que não tem um modo de 2 Players e a razão é que o jogo serve para ser juntado com o Sonic 3.

Electronic Gaming Monthly (EGM) (37 out of 40) (92%)

I must admit that I was getting tired of seeing a new Sonic game every year. Even though S&K seems to be more of the same, it still is an exceptional game. The graphics and sounds are totally cool, as are the special effects. Knuckles is a great new character in the Sega world with cool abilities. What makes the game even cooler is the lock-on technology that let's you play the old Sonic games with Knuckles. Awesome!

Sega Force (92 out of 100) (92%)

Sonic & Knuckels, eller Sonic 3B (som den kallades i börkan) är SEGA:s sätt att säga "förlåt" för att Sonic 3 var så kort, och det gör de med dunder och brak - bättre grafik har aldrig skådats på Mega Driven!

Computer and Video Games (CVG) (91 out of 100) (91%)

Whilst the format of the Sonic games is starting to look a little dated right now, it's hard to knock Sonic & Knuckles simply because it's so much fun to play. The level of challenge isn't exactly formidable if you only have this cart, but when combined with the earlier Sonic adventures, this is one of the best titles in the series available. It certainly delivers in the value for money department too, it's great to dig out those old Sonic classics again!

GameFan Magazine (91 out of 100) (91%)

Isn't Sega cool? Not only do you get a completely new Sonic adventure, but additional levels and the option to play as Knuckles in Sonic 2 and 3...for a mere $59.99! This type of "backward compatibility" has been the norm in the computer game world for a while, hopefully it'll catch on with video games too! Imagine a backward compatible Phantasy Star cart or something!

Entertainment Weekly (A-) (91%)

This latest Sonic sequel has hidden levels up the wazoo. Not only can costar Knuckles (a kind of anteater) climb to places his hedgehog pal can't reach, but gamers can attach their old copies of Sonic 2 or Sonic 3 to the top of the cartridge and access levels in those games that didn't even exist before. It's a neat trick and one that saves Sonic & Knuckles from the sameness that's begun to afflict the series.

Sega-16.com (9 out of 10) (90%)

In the end, we remember the artist's achievements: its zones that vary in tempo and style; its lush, beautiful environments and visual effects; its challenging bosses, both large and small; and that magnificent sense of speed, speed, speed. Sonic 3 & Knuckles belongs on any short list of the greatest videogames.

SEGA-Mag (Objectif-SEGA) (9 out of 10) (90%)

Sonic 3 et Sonic & Knuckles sont tous deux excellents, mais c'est réunis qu'ils deviennent le Sonic ultime. Et si vous n'êtes pas fan de Sonic 3, si vous préférez Sonic 2, jouez-y avec Knuckles et redécouvrez ses niveaux sous un nouveau jour. Évidemment Sonic 2 n'a pas été conçu pour être traversé en planant, et le level design ne se prête pas franchement aux capacités de l'échidné rouge, mais c'est à essayer quand même. Et si vous n'aimez ni Sonic 3 ni Sonic 2 (et dans ce cas-là pardon mais vous avez des goûts douteux), mettez n'importe quel jeu MD et tentez de réussir le bonus stage qui sera généré. Un jeu = une bonus stage, et si ce jeu est Sonic 1, vous en aurez une flopée. Maintenant, si vous n'aimez rien de tout ça, c'est que vous n'aimez pas Sonic, et je me demande bien ce que vous faites là. Allez ouste, du balai !

Vandal Online (9 out of 10) (90%)

Jugar a los grandes clásicos de dieciséis bits siempre es de agradecer, sobre todo si su precio está ajustado a un precio razonable. Pero si, además, el juego es de la talla del presente título, sin duda la compra se hace prácticamente indispensable. Sonic & Knuckles es, sin duda, uno de los puntos culminantes dentro de el universo de Sonic, y un título de compra obligada para los seguidores del erizo azul, así como para los amantes de los juegos de plataformas. Un clásico, sin duda, pero uno de esos para los que el tiempo no parece pasar...

Video Games & Computer Entertainment (9 out of 10) (90%)

The only disappointing aspect of Sonic & Knuckles is the fact that Knuckles --- last seen as a trouble making jerk in Sonic 3 --- has essentially become the star of the game. Playing as Sonic yields a longer adventure, but most players will be much more interested in the skills and variety of attack patterns of his former enemy. Fortunately, having such a wide variety of options makes Sonic & Knuckles a really tremendous value for your gaming dollar; now let's see what the little guy has to offer us in the 32-bit arena!

Play Time (87 out of 100) (87%)

Sonic total! Der Platz ist leider viel zu kurz, um Euch alle Vorteile des in allen Belangen überzeugenden Sonic-Moduls aufzuzählen. Auf jeden Fall haben Sonic-Fans jetzt gleich mehrfachen Grund, sich dieses ungewöhnliche Modul zuzulegen, denn durch die geniale Abwärtskompatibilität erhalten angestaubte Sonic-Spiele wieder einen neuen Reiz.

Mean Machines (85 out of 100) (85%)

Sonic has still got it, but for the first time he looks like he might not be keeping up. Against a rising tide of quality, Sonic and Knuckles is frankly treading water.

Mega Fun (85 out of 100) (85%)

Am Spielaufbau und Ablauf hat sich bei Sonic & Knuckles wenig gegenüber den Vorgängern getan, so daß nur eingefleischte Sonic-Fans ihre Freude haben werden. Alle anderen werden etwas enttäuscht sein, da auch der fünfte Jump‘n Run-Aufguß von Sonic auf dem MD den Vorbildern gleicht wie ein Ei dem anderen, wäre da nicht Knuckles, und natürlich die Möglichkeit, Sonic 2 und 3 aufzustecken. Diese beiden Neuerungen gewinnen selbstverständlich den alten Modulen wieder etwas Neues ab, so daß Ihr hier mit Knuckles auf erneute Entdeckungsreise gehen könnt, nicht zu vergessen die acht neuen Levels, die Euch auf dem 18 MBit starken Modul geboten werden. Trotzdem konnte mich der neueste Streich von Sega nicht ganz begeistern, und warum man nicht einmal ein wirkliches Facelifting an dem ergrauten Igel vornimmt ist mir ein Rätsel; oder sollte an einem hochgelobten Videospielmythos nicht gerüttelt werden?

Score (85 out of 100) (85%)

Sonic and Knuckles je posledním ze série modrých (a teď už i červených) dobrodružství pohádkových postaviček. Svým obsahem a námětem jistě nikoho nešokuje. Profesionálním zpracováním, obrovským rozsahem, který je navíc znásoben možností připojení her Sonic 2 či Sonic 3 a vysokou úrovní hratelnosti, se řadá mezi ty nejlepší tituly na poli akčních her pro Mega Drive. Doufejme, že takových her uvidíme stále víc a víc.

MAN!AC (82 out of 100) (82%)

Neues Sonic-Abenteuer, aber wenig wirklich Neues. Mit Steckplatz für alte ”Sonic”-Module, um diese mit Knuckles zu spielen.

Power Unlimited (8.1 out of 10) (81%)

Definitief een van de betere uitvindingen, deze backwards compatibility. Je oude spellen worden weer als nieuw, en dat is gezien de vrij hoge prijs van de gemiddelde cartridge een niet te onderschatten voordeel. Wel jammer voor al die mensen die hun oude Sonic's al hebben verkocht, die missen nu alle extra's. Gelukkig voor hen is Sonic & Knuckles ook zonder de combinatie met de oude spellen een aanschaf die de moeite waard is. Het is per slot van rekening wel de nieuwe Sonic!

Nintendo Life ( ) (80%)

A decent Sonic platformer that only really begins to hit the heights halfway through, although having separate stories for each lead character extends the gameplay somewhat. Anyone who's played Sonic 3 to death should certainly consider grabbing this to extend the game significantly as it adds new areas and generally improves both titles hugely. As a standalone it's a decent buy, but if you've downloaded previous VC Sonic titles for Mega Drive then this is a true value-for-money purchase.

Video Games (80 out of 100) (80%)

Here we go again! Sonic bleibt Sonic, und wer alle drei Teile kennt wird mir zustimmen, daß Sonic & Knuckles als Spiel für sich genommen verdammt kalter Kaffee ist, auf technisch hohem Niveau allerdings. Der grüne Hügelanfang hat durchaus Wiedererkennungswert, aber muß das denn schon wieder sein, dieser dreist recycelte Loopingkram auf Schwierigkeitsstufe eins? Auch die ständigen Wiederholungen in den Leveln, ein altes Grundübel der Sonic-Reihe, ist beim vierten Teil nicht ausgemerzt worden. (…) Wer sich diese Weihnachten ein nettes Jump‘n‘Run für sein Mega Drive zulegen will und von Sonic & Co noch keine Ahnung hat, ist mit Sonic 3 allerdings besser bedient. (…) Wer dagegen völlig auf Sonic steht und noch immer keine Ermüdungserscheinungen bei sich festgestellt hat, der darf bei diesem Modul natürlich getrost zugreifen. Sonic-Freaks werden dank der Abwärtskompatibilität aus ihren alten Sonics wieder neuen Spielspaß herausrauskitzeln können.

NZGamer (8 out of 10) (80%)

As good as the game is, there are some very good reasons you wouldn't download it. Sonic fans that don't have the originals can already purchase for a reasonable price the Mega Drive Ultimate Collection and pick up the whole series, and some very tasty extras. If you just want a nostalgia trip or one Sonic game to wet your appetite, 1, 2, or 3 would be a better download. You would only download this really if you had already downloaded the other Sonic games. That and it would have been better if 2 and 3 were just released with the Sonic & Knuckles content instead of charging for a brand new download.

360 LIVE (8 out of 10) (80%)

(...) Die Episode an sich ist typisch »Sonic«: Man heizt in herrlicher 2D-Optik durch die Levels, um Dr. Robotnik eins auszuwischen. Nur den Glättungsfilter sollte man auch diesmal wieder deaktivieren, sieht schrecklich aus. »Sonic«-Fans zücken hier gerne ihre 400 Punkte.

Retro Game Reviews ( ) (80%)

Sonic & Knuckles is a terrific platformer and while the level design isn't quite as interesting as Sonic the Hedgehog 3 it's still an absolute blast to play. Its perfect balance of speed and slow-paced action makes for some varied gameplay that never gets old, and the ability to lock-on to previous titles is an inspired addition.

GameWatcher / Strategy Informer (7.5 out of 10) (75%)

If players are wondering about the graphics on the XBLA, then they should look no further than the three previous entries – it’s a straight-up port with the ability to stretch the screen size to any length or height. There’s also the option to toggle on and off the graphics smoothing, but that doesn’t do any wonders on the eyes of a gamer. So, in the end, it is best not to come into Sonic & Knuckles looking for redrawn sprites or HD graphics – this is a faithful port that doesn’t try to crush anyone’s memories of how the game performed in the ‘90’s.

IGN (7.5 out of 10) (75%)

Sonic & Knuckles is a solid entry in the series, and it's cool to see the "lock on" technology of 1994 included here. I'd still like to see SEGA put more effort into the visual presentation of the Vintage Collection. The "graphics smoothing" option always makes the games look worse and the dull blue background could use a lot more personality. But for $5 you get a fun Sonic game, and new content for any previous Sonic titles you've downloaded. This is a good value for Hedgehog fans, and a helluva lot more fun than most recent games in the series.

Video Game Critic, The (B) (75%)

Sonic and Knuckles is your typical Sonic game with the option to play as Knuckles, a red animal that can glide and climb walls. These abilities definitely add a new dimension to the game play, and it's pretty cool to be able to scale walls and fly around in Sonic 2 or 3 (Sonic 1 is not supported). Unfortunately, it appears that the Sonic programmers were running short on ideas. The levels here look a bit like outtakes from past Sonic games. The music is also uninspired. New elements like a wind-blowing chicken and "sticky" devices are irritating and just slow down the game. By itself, this game pales in comparison to past Sonic games, but the lock-on ability does breathe new life into Sonic 2 and 3.

All Game Guide ( ) (70%)

Sonic & Knuckles proves there's still some life beating through the heart of our favorite hedgehog, and the enjoyable nature of this title, as well as the creative addition of the lock-on feature, makes it a fitting farewell on the Genesis.

MS Xbox World (7 out of 10) (70%)

Sonic & Knuckles may not be my favorite Sonic game from the Genesis days (that title still belongs to Sonic 2), but when you’re asked to pick a favorite from your favorites, can you really go wrong? Not really, and you can’t go wrong here, either.

Wonderwallweb.com (6 out of 10) (60%)

I really like Sonic games, even the more recent 3D affairs, but I feel a little cheated that this has been released now. With the only real lure being the lock-on option you would be better purchasing the recent and more bang for your buck SEGA Ultimate Collection. Whilst you have the lock-on and the online leaderboards this is only worth getting if you want a definitive Sonic collection on one console, if only they would release Sonic CD now.

Teletext (3 out of 5) (60%)

Arguably the last great Sonic The Hedgehog game, even if it's not necessarily one of the best.

Console Monster (55 out of 100) (55%)

Overall, Sonic & Knuckles is one of those titles that players will complete and never come back to. The lack of replayability and the game’s poor features are just a few of the off-putting factors to new players, though returning Sonic fans will receive great enjoyment out of the title, especially at the 400 Microsoft Points price tag.