Top 15 Best Sonic 3: A.I.R. Mods

Sonic 3: A.I.R., developed by Eukaryot, is a widescreen remake of Sonic the Hedgehog 3 that’s designed to thrill players with superior graphics and gameplay, as well as full-screen support!

It’s an exciting fan game project created without profit in mind – all so fans can experience this classic title in a fresh new way.

Sonic 3: Angel Island Revisited is a testament to the wild talent and dedication of Sonic fans.

Best Sonic 3: Air Mods

Sonic 3 A.I.R also includes various mods and resources made by the modding community, such as launch base zone transition mods, splash screen ports, and more.

15. Sonic Mania Hud

Nothing screams die-hard Sonic fan like the ability to blend two beloved titles from the franchise!

This mod for Sonic 3: Angel Island Revisted is made especially for them – it replaces the standard UI and HUD with one from another beloved title, Sonic Mania!

Sonic Mania is an innovative modern twist on the classic Sonic game, offering both nostalgia and fresh gameplay in one package.

If you’re looking to relive old memories while you relive different old memories and combine some classics in a totally new way, this mashup mod is perfect.

14. Misc Fixes and Tweaks

Every game has some mods that aim to fix bugs in the base game and make tiny changes that polish the overall gameplay experience.

Misc Fixes and Tweaks does this for S3 AIR through a long list of changes that aren’t major individually but come together for a more balanced, consistent gameplay experience.

Since AIR is a fan-made project as it is, this mod is a true collaboration between fans!

A full list of changes can be found in a plain text file in the mod folder.

13. Mania Knuckles for Sonic 3 A.I.R.

Adding the mania-style Knuckles to Sonic 3 AIR is quite the treat!

It’s all thanks to this mod, which replaces every single Knuckles sprite with those from Sonic Mania.

For any special color situations, the right palette has been taken into account, so you’ll be able to play as mania-Knux in style seamlessly.

The only downside is that certain animations lack frames due to certain limitations.

Go ahead and try out this awesome mod for yourself.

12. Music Cues Customization

Angel Island Revisited just got a whole lot more customizable!

This mod provides S3 AIR players with the customization capabilities they never knew they needed.

With this mod, you can tailor your music experience according to the level or boss fight and really bring your game alive.

Using the options menu, you can decide which zones have their music resume after Act 2 results and customize what songs play during cutscenes and boss fights.

Now you won’t get sick of hearing that lava reef boss theme on repeat anymore!

11. Extra Slot Mighty

If you’re a Sonic fan who’s also got a soft spot for Mighty the Armadillo, then this mod is what you’ve been waiting for.

Thanks to the Extra Slot Mighty mod for Sonic 3 A.I.R., that wish has been granted without needing to overwrite Sonic’s existing slot!

Embark on a thrilling adventure with Mighty and make sure to utilize his signature hammer drop move and wall jumping technique, and uncover Knuckles’ secret levels, such as act 2 of Angel Island, Lava Reef, and Ice Cap act 2.

Bash your way through vicious badniks while discovering hidden roads along the journey!

Now the only question left is: are you ready to let loose your inner armadillo?

10. More Animal Friends

A multitude of tiny animal friends is a staple of the early Sonic games. Nothing satisfies quite like going fast and rescuing these innocent creatures.

More Animal Friends for S3 AIR brings in animals from Sonic 2 and 1, adding them to the critter bunch found in 3.

Each zone will now feature three different animal pals instead of the usual 2.

With an optional setting, you can bring in animals from the oft-forgotten Sonic CD title, too!

9. Sonic 3D in 2D Shadow

No matter what game or show he appears in, Shadow always brings something special to the table.

His mysterious past and powerful abilities make him an exciting character to follow throughout the series, especially in his very confusing solo game.

With this mod, AIR players can enjoy swapping out Sonic for the broodier Shadow the Hedgehog.

He has a fully-functional pack of animations and a custom moveset based on the Sonic 3D iteration of Shadow.

8. Original Zone Order

Sometimes a mod makes an intriguing change that is tiny but shows a dedication to the IP and source material.

The Original Zone Order mod restores Flying Battery from Sonic & Knuckles to its rightful place between Carnival Night and IceCap, making sure that players get to experience the game as it was meant to be played.

This might not be the most noticeable change in the world, but it doesn’t hurt to make your playthroughs as authentic as possible, right?

We think this one’s worth a try if you replay Sonic 3 a lot.

7. Mania Tails

Miles “Tails” Prower is the beloved 8-year-old fox cub with two tails, and he’s known for being a genius inventor and Sonic’s loyal sidekick!

He owned his own mechanic’s garage in Sonic Adventure at such a young age? Work.

Mania Tails replaces all of Tails’ sprites with his sprites from Sonic Mania.

Not only do you get the cool new 2D Tails aesthetic, but all palette changes are updated throughout – including blue sphere, tail, and HUD sprites.

Don’t miss out and grab this mod while it’s hot!

6. Ultimate Metal Sonic

Metal Sonic is an enigmatic fan-favorite with a cold, robotic aura and all the speed of the fleshy Sonic without any chili dogs.

This mod not only replaces Sonic with his robotic doppelganger and lets gamers play as him, but he also comes equipped with a complete animation set and an extended custom moveset so that you really get the best of what this versatile character has to offer.

Metal Sonic looks totally awesome in action, letting players have a taste of what it would be like for the not-so-original blue hedgehog to tackle some of his toughest levels from a different perspective.

5. Sawnic

You hear that right. Sonic can’t come to the phone right now; Sawnic is here.

Sawnic is a one-of-a-kind blast and must-play for any fan of the blue blur.

Sawnic packs in all sorts of fun content to keep players engaged way beyond the original AIR game – let your instincts take you as fast as you can while mastering the Charged Drop Dash to blast through levels!

Boss fights also have a combat-focused design, allowing players to always stay on their toes.

The game looks great, too, with slick visual effects throughout!

If you’re looking for an intense Sonic experience, then look no further than Sawnic!

4. Complete Sprites and Fixes (Sonic 3)

If you thought Sonic 3 couldn’t look any better, think again!

This mod replaces the existing Sonic 3 sprites with alternatives ported from the Complete version of Sonic 3.

While this may seem like a redundant concept, it actually allows for a much broader range of options for fans of this beloved title.

Not only is there now tons of special sprites for Super Sonic, but also highly tweaked versions of those for normal Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles that feature subtle changes from the original design.

3. Amy Rose + Custom Super Form

No matter what situation Amy finds herself in, she always manages to come out on top with courage and determination.

She also has a big crush on our zippy blue protagonist.

You can swap out Tails and play as Amy instead, complete with custom abilities and a super form.

Best of all, you don’t have to go at it alone.

You can team up with Sonic or Knuckles, giving two amazing hedgehog heroes the trusty sidekick they need.

Amy has got their backs, no matter what dangers come their way.

How heavy is that hammer of hers?

2. Modern Moveset for Sonic

Modern Sonic Moveset adds a unique selection of moves from Adventure 2, Generations, and Colors to bring an extra level of awesomeness when it comes to playing with a controller, as recommended.

With this incredible boost, you’ll be dashing through zones in no time!

Keeping your boost gauge active is easy – get rings or excess badniks, and you’ll automatically rocket forward with after images trailing behind you and a sweet boost effect ready right at your fingertips.

Plus, if you have the need for speed while airborne, use the air boost technique by simply pressing X.

There are even more enhancements for you to discover on your own.

1. Chaos the Imposter

We are huge, obsessed, long-time fans of Sonic Adventure, so when it came to picking the number one mod on our list, there was no contest.

We’ve been fascinated by the goopy Chaos for over a decade.

Chaos the Imposter adds the lighter-blue guy himself as a fully playable character in Sonic 3: AIR.

He’s complete with custom shapeshifting abilities and more powers to make it feel like you’re really playing as this powerful enigma.

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