Sonic 3D Blast (Saturn, 1996)

This is almost exactly like the game released for the Sega Genesis / Mega Drive. The Saturn version graphics are better as is the sound and the gameplay remains the same. Bonus levels are different and better.

This game does come as close to getting 3D right as any game can on a 32-bit console but it's still just a 32-bit game so don't expect awesome 3D graphics. 3D stuff aside, this game looks good, sounds good and has enough challenge in it to be interesting for more than one go-around.

If you have not already played this game then YES, get this game. It is hard to put down once you start. Like Tetris, or Pac Man or Q-Bert (or my new favorite DC Squares) - this game is pointless and addictive, just at a slightly slower pace. Capture five birds so that you can go through a ring that will take you to the next level - and repeat. The whole checkered grid is a giant pinball world.

I do not know if this is the version used for some of those Sonic Classics re-released for the Playstation 2 and GameCube systems but I doubt that it is as the programing involved for the Sega Saturn was somewhat complicated and very little known outside of Saturn game programmers of the late 90's. Those compilation disks are likely taken directly from the Genesis ROM's. If so, and likely it is, then this Sega Saturn version of Sonic 3D Blast is the only version of its kind ever released. It is the BEST version and it is unique.