Soapbox features allow our individual writers and contributors to voice their opinions on hot topics and random things they’ve been chewing on. Today, to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Sonic the Hedgehog 3, Ollie sings the praises of the game’s third zone, Marble Garden…
I had a Sega Mega Drive when I was younger (well, it was my brother’s, but when he upgraded to a PS1, the Mega Drive passed to me), and although I played a few classics like Flashback, Probotector, and Funny Ren and Stimpy: Stimpy’s Inventioni always came back Sonic the Hedgehog 3.
I also owned Sonic 2, of course (me too meditate I had the original too), but to me its sequel directed by Hirokazu Yasuhara seemed infinitely more successful in all aspects and, as a seven-year-old at the time, I only wanted to play the latest games. If it was newer, it was better, Is it? Fortunately, in recent years I’ve become a bit more sophisticated when it comes to analyzing video games, although I will always maintain that Sonic 3 is the absolute pinnacle of Sega’s flagship franchise.
However, I don’t think it went very well. The first zone, Angel Island, is a perfectly good introductory stage that I think contrasts well with the copy/paste job of Sonic 2 Emerald Hill. Otherwise, I don’t find it particularly memorable except for the unusually apocalyptic encounter with Fire Breath Badnik. On the other hand, the second zone, Hydrocity, is memorable for the wrong reasons. Sure, it’s not as outrageous as some of the most frustrating water levels in the franchise, but it’s still a water level, and that’s enough for me.
For me, Sonic 3 doesn’t really start until you get to the third zone, Marble Garden. This is where the game surpasses Sonic 2 and becomes the best in the franchise. That’s just it perfect. Now, I know a few of you will be rolling your eyes right now, because yes, those spinning platforms can be a bit frustrating, and yes, the fake spike enemies are a real nuisance, but for me, that’s what makes Marble Zone stand out so much. It’s just a bunch of nonsense, and it’s great fun!
It’s also one of the most visually pleasing levels in the game. The bright green grass gently fading into the parallax-scrolling background is truly stunning, and this is only further enhanced by the beautiful ancient architecture and diverse flora scattered throughout the environment. It’s the kind of happy, light-hearted kind of level you’d expect to find at the very beginning of a Sonic game, but placing it in third place allows for some really tricky obstacles that counter the otherwise lively tone, not to mention the absurd sense of verticality with multiple steep slopes and underground segments.
Not only that, but Act 1 in particular features what I consider to be one of the best soundtracks in Sonic history. Yes, I know the original version of Carnival Night Zone is an absolute banger, but Marble Garden almost surpasses it thanks to its irresistible beat. Seriously, just press play on the YouTube video below and try to get through the whole thing without at least tapping your foot to the beat. You can not.
So, in short, Marble Garden Zone is, in my opinion, probably Sonic’s greatest 2D level, or at least one from the biggest. The visuals, gameplay, and music add up to an unforgettable experience, and we sincerely hope that Sonic Team gives Green Hill Zone some rest and shows Marble Garden some more love in the future.
So what do you think of the Marble Garden Zone from Sonic the Hedgehog 3? Does it rank among your favorite Sonic levels? Have your say by voting in the poll and leaving a comment.
