Since Sonic the Hedgehog 3's initial release in 1994, the third entry in the long-running franchise has been lauded by both fans and critics. The third Sonic the Hedgehog was the first game in the series to introduce the fan-favorite Knuckles as well as introducing Tails' ability to hover by using his tails as a rotor. The game recently saw its first re-release in over 10 years with Sonic Origins. Now, Sonic creator Yuji Naka has apparently confirmed decades-old rumors about the game's soundtrack.
For years, fans have speculated about the involvement of iconic pop star Michael Jackson's involvement with Sonic the Hedgehog 3's soundtrack. Sega and Jackson's staff have gone back-and-forth on the singer's involvement with Sonic 3 throughout the years. Jackson's staff has asserted that he was indeed involved with composing and recording music for the game while Sega executives have denied any official contract or agreement with Jackson. Now, a recent tweet from Yuji Naka may have revealed Jackson was indeed involved with Sonic the Hedgehog 3.
Following the release of Sonic Origins, many fans quickly noticed that Sonic the Hedgehog 3's version in the compilation uses different music than the original game. Yuji Naka expressed his own disappointment with the changed music suggesting that "Sega Official uses Michael Jackson's music." Naka served as producer for both Sonic the Hedgehog 3 and its companion title, Sonic & Knuckles, with this tweet casually confirming Jackson's involvement with Sonic 3.
Many fans have speculated that the peculiar change in Sonic the Hedgehog 3's soundtrack in the recent compilation may be a result of licensing issues with Jackson's estate. While Sega itself have not officially confirmed Jackson's involvement, the third Sonic game has notably seen a limited number of re-releases. Before the release of Sonic Origins, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 had not seen a new version since Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection in 2009, notably released just months before Jackson's death.
Sonic the Hedgehog 3's first official re-release in several years comes as the Sonic franchise is preparing for its next main-series entry. Sonic Frontiers is set to make major changes to the franchise's classic formula, introducing an "open zone" style with more non-linear gameplay. The franchise has also seen success outside video games in recent years with the two Sonic the Hedgehog movies seeing box office success for the blue blur. With Sega looking towards the future with Sonic, Sonic Origins serves as a tribute to the franchise's storied history.
Sonic Origins is available now for PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S