Sonic Jam

Sonic Jam is a dream come true for Sega Saturn owners: a complete collection of the classic blue-hedgehog platformers from the Mega Drive era on a single disc. Sonic Team released it in 1997, bringing together Sonic 1, 2, 3 and Sonic & Knuckles in faithful ports, supplemented with optional difficulty tweaks and small improvements for newcomers and veterans alike.

The collection's real gem, though, is „Sonic World“ — a fully 3D hub you can freely run around, a prototype of where the series would head a few years later with Sonic Adventure. Besides running around, there are mini challenges and, above all, a rich archive: concept art, manuals, videos, character histories and music. For a fan, it's a little museum of the brand right inside the game.

Among retro players, Sonic Jam has a reputation as the best way to enjoy the old Sonics on the Saturn — and, at the same time, a fascinating bridge between the series' 2D past and 3D future. The combination of honest ports and nostalgic bonus material makes it a collection that still delights today.