Sonic 3: Angel Island Revisited

Sonic 3: Angel Island Revisited
Latest version: 21.05.08.0 (stable)
Latest release date: May 8th, 2021
Credits: Eukaryot, DJ Spindash
Operating system: Microsoft Windows

Sonic 3: Angel Island Revisited (Sonic 3 A.I.R.) is a fangame by Eukaryot which aims to be an enhanced port of Sonic the Hedgehog 3 & Knuckles for Windows PCs. The fangame, built on the Steam version of Sonic 3 & Knuckles, includes features such as 16:9 widescreen support, constant 60 fps gameplay, a new time attack mode, as well as various bug fixes and minor gameplay tweaks. The fangame requires that the player owns Sonic 3 & Knuckles on Steam in order to run, although buying the Steam package is not required. The newest release comes bundled with the Oxygen Engine, which allows the user to debug their modified scripts.

Main features

Because it was built on the original ROM, Sonic 3 A.I.R. features physics that are 100% accurate to Sonic 3 & Knuckles. However, a large number of changes were implemented to provide players with a more refined and modern experience.

Graphics

Angel Island Zone, now in widescreen

The most noticeable change from S3&K is that the game now runs in widescreen (400x224 pixels, to be exact). A number of optional graphical changes can be toggled in the options menu. These include screen filters (sharp, soft, or xBRZ), a background blur effect, 360° character rotations, and an afterimages effect for Speed Shoes.

The Special Stages have been completely overhauled. The slowdown has been all but eliminated, now running at a constant 60 fps. The stages now feature a smooth horizon line and anisotropic filtering inside the checkerboard. Additionally, the player can choose whether they want the ring counter to count up or down in the options menu.

Music

A remastered soundtrack by DJ Spindash can be chosen in the menus instead of a direct emulation. Also, much like in Sonic 3 Complete, the player can choose between the Sonic the Hedgehog 3 and Sonic & Knuckles soundtracks in the options menu. Some of the music exclusive to the November 3, 1993 prototype was later implemented and can be toggled through.

Gameplay

Revamped special stages

A new, experimental time attack mode has been implemented; this mode includes the ability to race against "ghosts" of previous best times. New movement abilities such as Tails Assist and Flight Cancel are included. Also like in Sonic 3 Complete, the player can choose between the Sonic 3 and Sonic 3 & Knuckles level layouts in the options menu. The Big Arm boss fight at the end of Launch Base Zone Act 2 has been restored as well.

An achievement system has also been implemented; unlocking certain numbers of achievements will in turn unlock new modes and abilities (similar to in Sonic Mania). These include a new Knuckles & Tails mode, the Drop Dash, and Debug mode.

Modding

Not only does Sonic 3 A.I.R upgrade experience, but it also supports mods. This include levels, skins, music, palettes, raw data, and even script modding, with the latter being related to the Oxygen Engine.

Download

Sonic 3 A.I.R. latest versions (If you haven't got S3&K installed from Steam already, you will need to find a S3&K ROM somewhere in your computer to play A.I.R.)

External links

• Official webpage
• Original Sonic 3 A.I.R. release thread at Sonic Fan Games HQ
• Eukaryot (@Eukaryot3K) on Twitter
• DJ Spindash (@G_Spindash) on Twitter