70
A strong example of challenging, polished 16-bit platform gameplay. [Oct 2009, p.80]
75
It is best not to come into Sonic & Knuckles looking for redrawn sprites or HD graphics – this is a faithful port that doesn’t try to crush anyone’s memories of how the game performed in the ‘90’s.
60
Arguably the last great Sonic The Hedgehog game, even if it's not necessarily one of the best.
4
Same as Sonic 3, Sonic and Knuckles is disappointing, and not really a fun game.
10
Sonic & Knuckles is one of the most phenomenal Sega Genesis games and probably one of the greatest games of all time. The game introduces Knuckles including Sonic the Hedgehog 3. The game has tight controls fun bosses' fun challenging chaos emerald challenges, great characters, and an amazing soundtrack to listen to while playing. The game has one of my favorite video game levels in history being Mushroom Hill Zone, as it has an amazing aesthetic to it. All the levels had such excellent routes and design between each act it felt like a world that was normal to play in with each being different but fun in many ways. This game is a true classic gem that makes so many video games what they are today and how they play in today's modern gaming world with fun challenges and great variety of characters. Anyway, this was my full review of Sonic & Knuckles and if you read this review thank you.
7
The 2nd part of Sonic 3 and is the first ever DLC in gaming history this game is quite fun
Sonic & Knuckles
Released On:
Sep 9, 2009
Metascore
Mixed or Average
69
User score
Generally Favorable
8.5
My Score
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All Platforms
Metascore
Mixed or Average
69
43% Positive
6 Reviews
6 Reviews
50% Mixed
7 Reviews
7 Reviews
7% Negative
1 Review
1 Review
90
It's always good to play the greates 16-bit classics, specially at a good price. But if the game is of this caliber, it is almost a must-buy.
80
Knuckles is a blast to play with, because he can climb walls -- bringing a different aspect to the game from simply spinning and rolling like Sonic. Also, if you own Sonic 1, 2 or 3 in your XBLA game library, you can play as Knuckles in them as well, a little added extra courtesy of Seeeeeggaaa!
User score
Generally Favorable
8.5
84% Positive
82 Ratings
82 Ratings
11% Mixed
11 Ratings
11 Ratings
5% Negative
5 Ratings
5 Ratings
Nov 26, 2025
10
Sonic & Knuckles is one of the most phenomenal Sega Genesis games and probably one of the greatest games of all time. The game introduces Knuckles including Sonic the Hedgehog 3. The game has tight controls fun bosses' fun challenging chaos emerald challenges, great characters, and an amazing soundtrack to listen to while playing. The game has one of my favorite video game levels in history being Mushroom Hill Zone, as it has an amazing aesthetic to it. All the levels had such excellent routes and design between each act it felt like a world that was normal to play in with each being different but fun in many ways. This game is a true classic gem that makes so many video games what they are today and how they play in today's modern gaming world with fun challenges and great variety of characters. Anyway, this was my full review of Sonic & Knuckles and if you read this review thank you.
Jan 5, 2024
10
The best sonic game, good story, good levels and good characters, I recommend it.
75
This is a good value for Hedgehog fans, and a helluva lot more fun than most recent games in the series.
70
Sonic & Knuckles may not be my favorite Sonic game from the Genesis days (that title still belongs to Sonic 2), but when you’re asked to pick a favorite from your favorites, can you really go wrong? Not really, and you can’t go wrong here, either.
63
Only absolutely die-hard Genesis and Sonic fans will appreciate the game for what it is. If appeals to you, then by all means buy it but please remember you can also get this game and so many others for less than 30 dollars with the Sonic Ultimate Genesis Collection compilation.
60
Arguably the last great Sonic The Hedgehog game, even if it's not necessarily one of the best.
40
Bland, convoluted and plagued with counter-productive level design. [Dec 2009, p.105]
Nov 15, 2022
10
This was a lot of fun! The special stages are way easier then the CDs ones and it has a variety of shields too. One of the best classics, not for saying the best one.
Aug 16, 2025
7
The 2nd part of Sonic 3 and is the first ever DLC in gaming history this game is quite fun
May 16, 2021
7
It’s good for its quality, and gameplay. Possibly one of the better games of the franchise.
May 28, 2026
4
Same as Sonic 3, Sonic and Knuckles is disappointing, and not really a fun game.
Apr 5, 2024
0
A terrible game according to the Sonic Origins collection, an overpriced collection of roms, and according to history until the original roms go back on sale. Also, would it not be fitting if Sonic Mania was the highest-rated Sonic game? Even though I liked S3+K.
Summary[Xbox Live Arcade] The blue hedgehog and the red echidna were sworn adversaries in Sonic 3, but in the platform adventure Sonic & Knuckles, Knuckles realizes that he's been just a pawn in the schemes of Dr. Eggman (aka Dr. Robotnik). Knuckles, the former adversary, now supports Sonic to chase the common enemy, and each must use their st... Read More
Rated Efor Everyone
