I just recently played through Sonic 3D Blast again for the Sega Saturn and wanted to say how much I appreciate the fine little details that were added to the Saturn version and make a slight comparison against the Genesis version.
The Saturn version has just beautifully rendered 2D backgrounds with little touches like weather effects that the Genesis version just couldn’t pull off. And not to mention, a completely new soundtrack that dynamically changes with each new act! So, below I’ve written some key points that differentiate the Saturn version from the Genesis version as well as some key developers and their previous works.
Sonic 3D Blast key developers and past works:
Toshiyuki Mukaiyama:
Did 3D Modeling for Sonic 3D Blast (Also was Chief Designer of Skies of Arcadia and did Modeling Support on Sonic Adventure.)
Takao Miyoshi:
Was head designer for Sonic 3D Blast (Also was a game designer for both Sonic CD and Christmas NiGHTS into Dreams.)
Hirokazu Yasuhara:
Did Playfield Design (SOJ) for Sonic 3D Blast (Also was the Map Design Director for Sonic R, the director of Sonic & Knuckles and Sonic the Hedgehog 3 and did the game design for Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune.)
Key differences and comparisons between Saturn and Genesis versions:
Fully rendered 3D special stages:
First thing to note is the game has completely 3D special stages with Sonic, tails and Knuckles having full 3D models. Very similar to what we saw with the character designs in Sonic Mania’s Special Stages.
New soundtrack:
The Saturn version has a new soundtrack done by Richard Jacques that dynamically changes during each of the 3 act stages. He was also one of the composers for the game Mass Effect.
Use of character and enemy shadows:
Sonic himself, enemies and bosses all have complex shadows. (Genesis version also did this pretty well.)
Stage differences:
Green Grove Zone:
-Spinning, twirling flowers. (Saturn only.)
-flowing 3D rendered water. (Saturn only.)
-3D rendered suspension bridge that sways when Sonic runs across it. (Saturn only.)
Rusty Ruin Zone:
-Individual moving floor tiles that shift and lean left or right with Sonic’s weight. (Saturn only.)
-Dynamic shifting weather effects consisting of timed intervals of fog, wind and rain; with the rain actually hitting the ground making tiny little micro splatters before each drop disappears. (Saturn only.)
Diamond Dust Zone:
-Individual tiny snowflakes melting as they hit the ground. (Saturn only.)
-Scattering snow off of springs (Genesis version also had this.)
-Animals inside enemies freezing solid as they’re exposed to the frigid air (Genesis version also had this.)
Volcano Valley Zone:
-Intense Bubbling lava (very minor effect in the Genesis version.)
-Bouncing stone particle effects as you break stone slabs (Genesis version also had this.)
-Pronounced smoke and fire effects on burning trees. (Saturn only.)
Official Sonic 3D Blast Director’s Cut on Steam/PC: (Uses the Genesis version’s game engine)
There is another version of Sonic 3D Blast; am Official Director’s Cut coded by the creator of the original game! Includes:
- Overworld Map Screen
- Time Challenge Mode
- New Enemy
- Improved Controls
- Super Sonic
- Level Editor
- Save Game Password System
- Many other gameplay changes
- Bug Fixes
More info:
Sonic 3D Blast Emulation/RetroArch Kronos Core:
Sonic 3D Blast is also completely playable from start to finish in the RetroArch Sega Saturn Kronos Core. Along with emulating the game you can use cheat codes like: Invincibility, Max Rings and the ability to make a save state at any location in the game.
Lastly, here is a longplay of the game if anyone wants to check out the Saturn version and all of the little details I mentioned:
