• Publisher: Sega
  • Release Date: Sep 9, 2009
  • Also On: PC
Metascore
69

Mixed or average reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 14
  2. Negative: 1 out of 14
  1. 90
    It's always good to play the greates 16-bit classics, specially at a good price. But if the game is of this caliber, it is almost a must-buy.
  2. 80
    Knuckles is a blast to play with, because he can climb walls -- bringing a different aspect to the game from simply spinning and rolling like Sonic. Also, if you own Sonic 1, 2 or 3 in your XBLA game library, you can play as Knuckles in them as well, a little added extra courtesy of Seeeeeggaaa!
  3. 80
    It would have been better if 2 and 3 were just released with the Sonic & Knuckles content instead of charging for a brand new download.
  4. It is best not to come into Sonic & Knuckles looking for redrawn sprites or HD graphics – this is a faithful port that doesn’t try to crush anyone’s memories of how the game performed in the ‘90’s.
  5. 75
    This is a good value for Hedgehog fans, and a helluva lot more fun than most recent games in the series.
  6. Difficulties aside, it’s a simple and fun game that translates well to the 360’s controls.
  7. Official Xbox Magazine
    70
    A strong example of challenging, polished 16-bit platform gameplay. [Oct 2009, p.80]
  8. Sonic & Knuckles may not be my favorite Sonic game from the Genesis days (that title still belongs to Sonic 2), but when you’re asked to pick a favorite from your favorites, can you really go wrong? Not really, and you can’t go wrong here, either.
  9. X-ONE Magazine UK
    70
    In all honesty, the level design in Sonic & Knuckles is boring. [Issue#51, p.105]
  10. Only absolutely die-hard Genesis and Sonic fans will appreciate the game for what it is. If appeals to you, then by all means buy it but please remember you can also get this game and so many others for less than 30 dollars with the Sonic Ultimate Genesis Collection compilation.
  11. Arguably the last great Sonic The Hedgehog game, even if it's not necessarily one of the best.
  12. Good fun but unless you are a Sonic fan who is desperate to own this on your Xbox then it hardly seems worth the cash.
  13. Sonic & Knuckles is one of those titles that players will complete and never come back to.
  14. Xbox World 360 Magazine UK
    40
    Bland, convoluted and plagued with counter-productive level design. [Dec 2009, p.105]
User Score
8.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 55 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 46 out of 55
  2. Negative: 2 out of 55
  1. Mar 28, 2017
    8
    Sonic and Knuckles is a quality game from a quality series. Originally released on the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis and now a new generation ofSonic and Knuckles is a quality game from a quality series. Originally released on the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis and now a new generation of gamers can own a piece of gaming history on modern consoles. Well worth a purchase. Full Review »
  2. Nov 15, 2022
    10
    This was a lot of fun! The special stages are way easier then the CDs ones and it has a variety of shields too. One of the best classics, notThis was a lot of fun! The special stages are way easier then the CDs ones and it has a variety of shields too. One of the best classics, not for saying the best one. Full Review »
  3. Sep 15, 2022
    6
    Sonic & Knuckles Is Part Two Of A Truly Perfect Game. Sonic & Knuckles Starts Where Sonic The Hedgehog 3 Ended. No Tails This Time But SonicSonic & Knuckles Is Part Two Of A Truly Perfect Game. Sonic & Knuckles Starts Where Sonic The Hedgehog 3 Ended. No Tails This Time But Sonic Keeps His Insta Shield. Knuckles Is Now Playable With New Abilities Such As Climbing On Walls. And Gliding. This Game Has The Same Blue Spheres With The Same Sprites But Different Zones. One Moment You Can Be Spindashing In A Mushroom Zone And The Next You Will Be Climbing On Walls In A Desert. But This Half Is Where Things Start To Show But Other Than That.. It Feels Unfinished And Thats Where This Review Ends Really. Sonic & Knuckles Is Good But Something Is Missing So I Give Sonic & Knuckles A 6/10 its Time For Sonic The Hedgehog 3 & Knuckles Full Review »