So I'm a new runner. I'm considering running the pc collection port as that's the version I'm most comfortable with.

1. Would I be allowed to run the sega pc reloaded patch, which stabilizes the frame rate to the intended 30 fps, and fixes the aspect ratio and vsync bugs?

2. What about the mod loader? If I loaded mods that change music or color palettes, but retain the same game play (No cheats or drop dash mod), would they still qualify?

If I can help it, I'm willing to go the extra mile to assure the authenticity of running like this (showing the mods enabled as well as the cheats tab, only using certain types of music, etc).

If the answer to both is no, I'll probably try to familiarize myself to the steam version.

Basically the Sonic and Knuckles collection would be treated as a separate game/category. It has many issues for speedrunning:

• there's only 2 spindash buttons, so 6 tapping etc isnt great.
• Pausing brings up a black screen, so pause buffering for anything is harder.
• It's based on an earlier build of the game, this is very apparent in lava reef, where collapsible floors dont work the same and if you hold a jump button on the cylinders in act 2 they kick you off straight away.
• The sonic 3 portion would be unfair for standalone s3 runners as it uses physics from s&k.

Steam version would be better, but it does provide you with the roms so you can use them in one of the allowed emulators, which would be the preferred way of playing on pc.