The lack of save systems on most console games back then led to the same result. I spent hours exploring the early levels of Sonic and Sonic 3D, because I was only so good and could only get so far in one play session.

This somehow led me and my friends to discover a very unintended way to reach the level select in Sonic 3D: place the cartridge in as loose as you can, and then shove it down fully on the Traveler's Tale logo. Crashes 9 times out of 10, but always worked eventually.