Sonic 3 OST Review

Summary

Sonic the Hedgehog 3's OST is perhaps best known for it's input from Michael Jackson. Though he went uncredited for various rumored reasons (MJ didn't like the sound quality, Sega did not like the bad publicity following the allegations against him, etc). 

Instead of only one song per zone, Sonic 3 created two similar tracks for each act. Generally Act 1 seems to be a happier introduction while Act 2 is more serious. This game also featured 2 bosses per act, and the soundtrack made the first act's boss into a funky challenge while making the second (with Robotnik) more like a fight to survive. 

Best Song: Ice Cap Act 1

Runner-Up (s): Hyrdocity Acts 1/2, Angel Island Acts 1/2, Launch Base Act 1, Special Stage, Final boss, File Select, Competition, Endless Mine

This synth-driven beat runs into such beautiful, icy sounds and effects that add to the ensemble. It perfectly fits the cold setting and has that Sonic-y, speed-though a whole new world feel. Easily the best in the game (with Act 2 at its heals). Arguably one of the best songs in the series.  

Worst Song: Marble Garden Act 2

Runner Up (s): Marble Garden Act 1, Carnival Night Act 2, Azure Lake, Balloon Park, Glowball, Slot Machine, Invincible, Credits 

This level is boring as heck. As Tails it's okay. But for Sonic it's a lot of running and climbing and weird spinning disks. If only there was some good music to help get through it...seriously. 

Act 2 actually tricks you into thinking it might be better than act 1, and then it winds up worse. Harsh and annoying, this isn't complete torture, but close to it. It's basically the Hill Top of Sonic 3.  

Final Ranking: C

The OST is mostly good, but overrated. True, the likes of Ice Cap and Hyrdocity are Sonic classics for a reason. But how often do you hear Marble Garden or Azure Lake? Half of these songs are really good and, as hard as it is for me to admit, out do Sonic 2. But the other half is pretty average and falls somewhere below Sonic 1.