/vr/ - Retro Games

Can we have a classic Sonic thread?

I just played through Sonic 3 & Knuckles for the first time and I have to say it was much better than I expected. I've played Sonic 1 and 2 before, but had never tried 3 and had only played a little of S&K when I was like 7. S3&K feels like a totally different kind of game from the first two to me, and I gotta say I like it a lot more. I finally understand why people used to hold this series in such high regard. Honestly, I was really just shocked by how much fun I ended up having.

I've cleared the game with Sonic + Tails, and just started a solo Tails file a little bit ago. Once I'm done with that I'll give Knuckles a go. I do have a question though, I saw that on my completed file I can select any zone. Can I go and farm chaos emeralds in that file? Like just select Mushroom Hill Zone over and over since the bonus ring is right at the start? Would I have to finish the level once I get the emerald or does it save the moment I leave the bonus game? And if I select Mushroom Hill Zone and turn the game off, next time I play do I have to pick up from there if I use the same file or will I still be able to select any level?

Anyway, what are your favorite zones and why? Mine is probably either Lava Reef Zone or Sky Sanctuary. The second act of Lava Reef is just gorgeous and all of Sky Sanctuary just felt great to play through.