James Pond 3 - Operation Starfish

James Pond 3 - Operation Starfish arrived on the SEGA Genesis in 1993, published by Electronic Arts. This sequel to Codename Robocod was developed by Vectordean and released in both USA and Europe. It's a side-scrolling platformer that blends the trademark humor of the series with a fresh emphasis on momentum-based movement. What you actually do is guide James Pond through levels that prioritize speed and inertia. The game takes clear inspiration from Super Mario World, offering multiple branching routes through each stage. Instead of a linear path, you can choose different exits and secret passages, which encourages replaying levels to find new paths. James can run, jump, and use his unique abilities to overcome obstacles and defeat enemies, all while maintaining a sense of flow that feels more kinetic than earlier games in the series. This title is worth revisiting today because it refines the classic Genesis platformer formula with a focus on momentum and exploration. Compared to other mascot platformers of the era, James Pond 3 stands out for its multiple route design and weightier physics. It's not as well known as Sonic or Mario, but for fans of 16-bit action with a bit of quirky personality, it holds up well. If you enjoyed Codename Robocod or want a platformer that rewards experimenting with level layouts, this is a solid pick.