In 1996, towards the end of the Genesis's lifecycle, Sega released "Sonic 3D Blast", an isometric game based on the original "Sonic 3" concept, as the system still had a large install base. It was the final "Sonic" game produced for the Genesis, and was developed as a swan song for the system. Since Sonic Team was preoccupied with "Nights into Dreams" (1996), "3D Blast" was outsourced to the British studio Traveller's Tales. While "3D Blast" sold well, it was criticized for its gameplay, controls, and slow pace.