Marble Garden Zone

Marble Garden Zone
Third Zone, Sonic the Hedgehog 3
Number of Acts: 2
Sub-boss: Gakin
Boss: Drill Mobile

Marble Garden Zone is the third zone in Sonic 3. The player's character start this zone once again by falling from the sky. By holding Down, one can obtain a lightning shield right at the start of the zone.

Instruction Manual Description

Use Sonic's Spin Dash Attack to crash through marble barriers and propel Sonic up steep hills as he explores this ancient city.

Sonic Team Commentary (from Sonic Jam Strategy Guide)

Even though we used this pattern once before, we wanted to do another stage where the ground shakes GAGAGA ever since Sonic 1. In the first Zone, where Eggman is digging for jewels, we wanted that machine to appear and chase after Sonic from behind, something like that, but we didn't get to it this time. (Naka)

Glitches

• With Knuckles, you can get into Sonic's boss area in act 2. Use the blue spinning top to smash through the walls, then stand on the spikes, climb up the left wall and hit the stone face. Repeat this another two times and you're through. It's easier as Hyper Knuckles as you can glide faster and can stand on spikes without losing rings.
• Sometimes, Tails will not appear for the boss, causing you to die.

Badniks

• Mantis — Green mantis with pointy (sharp) legs.
• Turbo Spiker — A badnik with fake spikes that serve as a spring for Sonic.
• Bubbles — A blue, spike-wielding bubble.