Sonic The Hedgehog 3 Unlocked is a Sega Genesis ROM hack by Liliam that brings cut content back into the classic platformer. Originally born from a project documenting the game’s engine and unused assets, its standout feature is an experimental “Encore Mode”. This mode reimagines extra life monitors as character swap points, allowing players to instantly switch between characters like Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Mighty, and Ray on the fly during a stage.
How to Play
The core objective remains the same as standard Sonic 3: dash through zones, collect rings to stay alive, and defeat Dr. Robotnik. When playing in Encore Mode, look for character monitors to swap your active hero and utilize their different abilities. The standard Sega Genesis controls apply in your browser: use the arrow keys to move, duck, and look up, while the Z, X, or C keys handle jumping, spin dashing (hold down and press jump), and character-specific mid-air abilities.
Tips
- Because this is an early work-in-progress build, expect some rough edges. Characters like Mighty and Ray might not have their unique sprites or full movesets implemented yet.
- If you hit a softlock in zones like Hidden Palace due to experimental collision changes, you may need to reset the game and try a different path or character.

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