- Back to: Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (prototype; 1993-11-03).
General comparisons
The Sega logo animation is the same one from Sonic the Hedgehog 2, though it has a number of glitches here. Sonic is seen with incorrect colours, and after he has run across the screen once, the screen blacks out with the remainder of the logo being drawn on the black screen.
The title screen is very different. As shown here, Sonic uses a less-polished render and doesn't animate, and the logo and title banners have different colours, with the banner being light blue/white and the logo being dark blue/orange. There is also no background, menu options or copyright information.
The rolling demo plays after waiting for eight seconds on the title screen instead of waiting for the music to finish playing.
There is no Data Select screen yet. Pressing 
on the title screen sends the player straight to the level select.
Gameplay comparisons
Sonic cannot yet perform the Insta-Shield. However, he is capable of performing a move similar in function to the Drop Dash by holding 
, then jumping.
Tails is capable of flying, though he has different momentum than in the final. He will never get tired no matter how long he flies, allowing him to fly indefinitely.
Tails can also fly underwater, and can even carry Sonic underwater. In the final, he will swim instead, and he cannot carry Sonic and swim at the same time.
Neither of the Shields have their respective abilities. The Bubble Shield will not prevent the player from drowning, and the Lightning Shield won't attract Rings.
There are no Giant Rings, meaning the player cannot access the Special Stage.
Alhough stars will circle above a Star Post after passing one with 50 Rings, they will not transport the player to the Bonus Stage.
Graphics comparisons
Audio comparisons
To the suprise of many, it turns out that the soundtrack used for the PC release of Sonic 3 & Knuckles is actually the original soundtrack of the Genesis/Megadrive version. This includes tracks for Carnival Night, Ice Cap, and Launch Base zone. Ontop of that, the S&K boss theme plays in this prototype, supporting the claim that these tracks were made and then replaced after Michael Jackson and Brad Buxer composed new ones.
Level comparisons
References
on the title screen sends the player straight to the level select.
, then jumping.
