Critics felt "Triple Trouble" was fun but too similar to previous "Sonic" games, and felt the series was beginning to be strained. Other than the addition of vehicles, many felt the game lacked originality. Steve Merrett of "Mean Machines Sega" wrote that it lacked "surprises and gameplay innovation" and that it was "going through the same mid-life crisis here that "Sonic and Knuckles" represents on the Mega Drive." He felt the game was a good 8-bit counterpart to "Sonic 3", as did Richard Leadbetter of "Sega Magazine", who noted similar level themes shared between the games. Leadbetter and Sushi-X of "Electronic Gaming Monthly" enjoyed how the levels were large and inviting for exploration.