Lecture Summary: Sonic 3 Prototype and Sonic & Knuckles Development
Introduction
Discussed a Sonic 3 prototype from November 3rd, 1993, close to North American release.
Exploration of changes from prototype to final release.
Title Screen Differences
Prototype title screen differs significantly from the final version.
Sonic's model and ring viewed from different angles.
Banner and title text are blue instead of red and yellow.
No menu, copyright date, or background.
Game starts at level select screen due to no menu.
General Gameplay and Graphical Differences
Uses Sonic 2 sprites for Sonic and Tails, despite a new color palette.
Missing features: star sprites for invincibility, game-over graphic, victory poses.
Gameplay differences include:
Non-implemented special stages and giant rings.
Infinite flight power for Tails.
Elemental shields lack effects.
Different speed and heavy shoe icons in competition mode.
Super Sonic can be accessed via debug mode.
Unused Graphics and Features
Unused graphics believed to be for Knuckles-related actions.
Sonic can perform a drop dash-like move.
Bizarre leftover data from Star Trek game.
Audio Differences
Numerous audio bugs in the prototype.
Stages' music used in the later PC re-release.
Discussion on Michael Jackson's involvement with the soundtrack.
Stage Differences
Angel Island Zone
Intro sequence differs; Sonic rides a surfboard, not the tornado.
Knuckles' sprite causes HUD glitch.
Hydro City Zone
Different intro and background.
Sound effect issues.
Other Zones
Marble Garden: Different start position.
Carnival Night: Boss area lacks walls, softlock after boss.
Ice Cap: Sonic runs instead of snowboarding.
Launch Base: Background and end cutscenes differ; multiple softlocks.
Unplayable Sonic & Knuckles Zones
Remnants of Flying Battery, Mushroom Valley, Sandopolis, Lava Reef, Sky Sanctuary, Death Egg, and Doomsday Zone.
Bonus and Special Stages
Unimplemented Gumball and Glowing Spheres stages.
Blue Sphere stages serve as tech demos.
Reasons for Split Development
Sonic 3 and Sonic & Knuckles were originally one game.
Split due to storage limitations and deadlines.
Sonic & Knuckles Prototype
Knuckles playable in single-player mode.
Changes in levels and bonus games.
Conclusion
The lecture covers the differences between the Sonic 3 prototype and the final release, along with its connection to Sonic & Knuckles. It highlights unused graphics, gameplay features, and the involvement of external influences like Michael Jackson and Star Trek in the development process.