đšī¸ Cheat Codes - Level Select
In the original Sonic & Knuckles, most cheat codes require the use of lock-on technology by connecting the cartridge with other Sonic games, such as Sonic the Hedgehog 3. Since this page features the standalone version of Sonic & Knuckles, only one cheat is available - Level Select. This code lets you choose any stage in the game right from the start, perfect for practicing tricky zones or revisiting your favorites.
Level Select
In Mushroom Hill Zone, find one of the machines that pulls you upward and hang from it. While hanging, press three times, three times, and three times.
If entered correctly, you'll hear a ring chime. Pause the game by pressing Enter and press K to return to the title screen.
On the title screen, highlight either Sonic or Knuckles, then hold K and press Enter to open the Level Select menu.
All stages in the game will be listed, but keep in mind that some are exclusive to a specific character and can't be played with the other. Whenever you want to switch to a different level, just pause the game and press K to return to the title screen.
đ Story Overview
Sonic & Knuckles continues directly after the events of Sonic the Hedgehog 3. Dr. Robotnik's space station, the Death Egg, crashes onto Angel Island after Sonic's previous battle. Refusing to give up, Robotnik sets out to repair the station and once again attempts to use the Master Emerald's immense power to launch it back into orbit.
When Sonic arrives to stop him, he immediately faces a new problem - Knuckles the Echidna. As the guardian of Angel Island and protector of the Master Emerald, Knuckles has been tricked by Robotnik into believing Sonic is the real thief. This sets up one of the most famous rivalries in gaming, with Knuckles constantly ambushing Sonic and interfering with his progress.
The adventure takes Sonic across a wide variety of zones, from the forests of Mushroom Hill to the mechanical traps of Flying Battery, the mysterious pyramids of Sandopolis, and the molten dangers of Lava Reef. At every turn, Robotnik's machines and Knuckles' tricks stand in the way.
The story reaches a turning point in Sky Sanctuary Zone, where Knuckles finally realizes Robotnik has deceived him. With the Master Emerald at risk of being stolen, Knuckles puts aside his rivalry and allows Sonic to continue. This unexpected alliance marks the beginning of Knuckles' role as a recurring hero in the series.
In the climactic finale, Sonic battles through the Death Egg Zone, confronting Robotnik in one of the most challenging and memorable fights on the SEGA Genesis/Mega Drive. The struggle for the Master Emerald not only defines the outcome of the game but also cements Sonic & Knuckles as a key chapter in the Sonic saga - a story of rivalry, betrayal, and eventual teamwork against a common enemy.
đŽ Gameplay & Characters
At its core, Sonic & Knuckles builds on the fast-paced platforming the series is known for, while introducing important changes that keep the experience fresh. The game can be played as either Sonic the Hedgehog or Knuckles the Echidna, and each character offers a unique way to approach the levels.
- Sonic retains his trademark speed, spin attack, and spin dash. Playing as Sonic often emphasizes momentum and quick reactions, with routes that reward skilled platforming and high-speed precision. He can also use elemental shield abilities introduced in Sonic the Hedgehog 3, which add new layers of strategy.
- Knuckles brings a completely different playstyle. He can glide across long gaps, climb walls, and punch through certain barriers, opening alternate paths through many zones. While Knuckles can reach areas Sonic cannot, he also faces different challenges - for example, some bosses and obstacles are adjusted to fit his unique abilities.
The dual-character design gives the game strong replay value, as the same stage feels noticeably different depending on who you choose. Exploring with Knuckles can uncover hidden routes and shortcuts, while Sonic's speed allows for faster, more dynamic runs.
Boss battles are another highlight, with Robotnik sending out creative machines at the end of each zone. These encounters often play differently depending on the character - adding even more variety to the adventure.
By combining traditional Sonic gameplay with Knuckles' new mechanics, Sonic & Knuckles expanded the series formula in a way that felt both familiar and fresh. It marked the first time players could experience the world of Sonic through two very distinct characters, laying the foundation for future games in the series.
đ Lock-On Technology
One of the most innovative aspects of Sonic & Knuckles had nothing to do with what was on the screen, but with the cartridge itself. SEGA introduced a groundbreaking feature called lock-on technology, available on the SEGA Genesis/Mega Drive. The top of the Sonic & Knuckles cartridge had a special slot, allowing players to insert another Sonic game on top of it. By doing so, the game would "unlock" new content, transforming how fans experienced Sonic's adventures.
Here's how it worked with different games:
- With Sonic the Hedgehog 3 - connecting the two cartridges created a seamless, massive game titled Sonic 3 & Knuckles. This wasn't just a bonus mode - it was the full intended version of the adventure. Levels from both games were joined together with smooth transitions, players could save progress across the entire story, and for the first time collect all seven Chaos Emeralds and seven Super Emeralds. The result was one of the most ambitious platforming experiences of the 16-bit era.
- With Sonic the Hedgehog 2 - the lock-on feature let players control Knuckles throughout the whole game. His gliding and climbing abilities opened up brand-new paths in familiar levels, offering a completely fresh way to enjoy a classic. For many fans, this was their first chance to play Knuckles outside of Sonic & Knuckles.
- With other SEGA Genesis/Mega Drive cartridges - inserting almost any other game produced an endless version of the "Blue Sphere" special stages. These generated unique layouts based on the data from the inserted cartridge, turning Sonic & Knuckles into an infinite puzzle challenge that could surprise players every time.
At the time, this feature was nothing short of revolutionary. Instead of buying expansions or sequels, players could literally combine their cartridges to create something new. It gave Sonic & Knuckles a sense of mystery and replayability that few other games on the SEGA Genesis/Mega Drive could match. Even today, fans look back at lock-on technology as one of SEGA's boldest and most creative ideas of the 16-bit generation.
đ Final Thoughts
Sonic & Knuckles remains one of the defining titles of the 16-bit era. With its innovative lock-on technology, two distinct playable characters, and a storyline that expanded the Sonic universe, it showed how bold SEGA could be when pushing the limits of the Genesis/Mega Drive. The rivalry and eventual alliance between Sonic and Knuckles gave the series one of its most memorable moments, while the diverse zones and challenging bosses kept players coming back for more.
Even decades later, the game hasn't lost its charm. Whether you remember playing it on the original SEGA Genesis/Mega Drive or are discovering it for the first time, Sonic & Knuckles still delivers the speed, style, and excitement that made the blue blur a legend. Today you don't need the original console - you can play Sonic & Knuckles online right in your browser and enjoy this timeless SEGA classic whenever you like.