When we look at the Sonic the Hedgehog trilogy for the Sega Genesis we think about the 16 bit excitement it had to offer.  While Sonic the Hedgehog 3 did receive a 3D sequel entitled Sonic the Hedgehog 4 in 2010 it did not look or feel like a sequel for Sonic 3.  

In fact the graphics, soundtracks and level design of Sonic Mania is what people were looking for in Sonic 3. If Sonic Mania was developed by Sega and released for the Genesis in the mid 90’s it could have easily been passed of as direct sequel for Sonic the Hedgehog 3.