This was the first Sonic game I ever played, and the basis of all 3D Sonic games after it, with gameplay mainly changing in slight tweaks rather than complete overhauls from here on out. The gameplay in this is fun and while after having played the game for many times over and over makes it feel easy to me, I remember it being quite challenging in the later levels on my first playthrough. The game offers different characters, each with a unique playstyle. Some of them are good, some are questionable and some are completely awful, but the game doesn't particularly force you to switch between the characters (unlike the sequel where you have to switch). The only thing you're missing out on if you choose not to play some of the characters is the ending of the story (which you may as well look up on YouTube if you do care) and one single level before that ending which isn't particularly good, challenging or interesting in any way.
That said, the main parts of the game are fun. Sonic's and Tails' stages in particular are my favourite, and I do enjoy playing as Knuckles, Amy and even Gamma now and again. Big can go die the death though.

This was the first Sonic game I ever played, and the basis of all 3D Sonic games after it, with gameplay mainly changing in slight tweaks rather than complete overhauls from here on out. The gameplay in this is fun and while after having played the game for many times over and over makes it feel easy to me, I remember it being quite challenging in the later levels on my first playthrough. The game offers different characters, each with a unique playstyle. Some of them are good, some are questionable and some are completely awful, but the game doesn't particularly force you to switch between the characters (unlike the sequel where you [i]have[/i] to switch). The only thing you're missing out on if you choose not to play some of the characters is the ending of the story (which you may as well look up on YouTube if you do care) and one single level before that ending which isn't particularly good, challenging or interesting in any way. That said, the main parts of the game are fun. Sonic's and Tails' stages in particular are my favourite, and I do enjoy playing as Knuckles, Amy and even Gamma now and again. Big can go die the death though.