Posted by It is never easy to collect the Chaos Emeralds in Sonic, but some efforts are more enjoyable than others.
It comes down to personal opinion whether you favour Sonic in 2D or 3D, but Sonic’s 2D track record is considerably more consistent. However, the majority of 2D games are objectively good. One constant in the 2D games is the presence of a special stage, with the majority of them required to obtain a chaos emerald.
The stages become increasingly challenging until you have obtained all seven chaos emeralds. These emeralds will let you to transform into Super Sonic and frequently unlock the finest ending. Some of these special stages are memorable and entertaining. Many are duplicated or redone in other games, and they can be better or worse than the originals.
Sonic 3: Blue Sphere
Sonic 3’s Blue Sphere special stage is famous, but also extremely challenging. To access them, you must explore the levels in search of hidden big golden rings. Once you’ve gained access, you must turn every blue sphere red or into a ring. It may appear to be simple, but it is not. The first few are simple enough, but the remainder may be difficult for you.
Sonic’s controls are extremely strange in these stages. You go ahead indefinitely, and pressing left or right rotates you in that way. Because the stages are so fast, combined with the restricted movement, these sections can be overwhelming. One mistake can also end the stage for you, as touching any red sphere will end the stage immediately. This is the type of section you’ll either love or hate.
Sonic 3D Blast: Endless Runner
Depending on the version, Sonic 3D Blast features three possible special stages. The iconic half-pipe is used as the special stage in the PC and Saturn versions, although the Genesis version is more interesting. The stage in that version is similar to an early endless runner, with you needing to gather a particular number of rings before the goal while avoiding the spikes. It’s a lot of fun and a big part of 3D Blast.
The method of accessing the stages, on the other hand, is a little strange. Many levels contain either Tails or Knuckles, and being near them with 50 or more rings allows you to play the special stage. What makes you think you know that? Why isn’t it as convenient as the other special stages? This pulls it back a touch, but it’s still a fantastic special stage.
Sonic 4 Episode 1: Remade Rotating Maze
If you get dizzy easily, the unique stages in Sonic 4 Episode 1 might not be for you. If not, then it’ll be a good time. The special stage is unlocked by collecting 50 rings near the end goal and jumping into the ring, as in Sonic 1. The special stage from Sonic 1 is used, but you control the stage rather than Sonic, making the portions easier.
The controls are significantly better than in the original game, however the later stages are a little lacking. Many of the later levels are massive mazes in which you must collect a large number of rings in order to open the path to the emerald. These stages can be tedious, but some are actual obstacle courses, which are fantastic.
Sonic 1: Original Rotating Maze
While the original Rotating Maze in Sonic 1 is a little clunky compared to the remade version, it is ultimately more fun and engaging. Because you control Sonic rather than the stage, it becomes much more tense, especially near the end. The stages usually conclude with the chaos emerald surrounded by gems that take a few moments to disappear when you get close to them.
With the stage continually changing, you’re only hoping to reach the emerald before being dragged back. The rotate button is another useful addition that increases complexity and decision-making. You must consider whether it is worthwhile to change directions if the rotation isn’t working in your favour. The levels are also far shorter than Sonic 4’s special stages, and the original Rotating Maze is superior.
Sonic CD: Destroy The UFOs
Sonic CD has one of the more interesting special stages. Collect 50 rings by the conclusion of the game and jump into the ring like Sonic 1 to gain access to it. Once inside, the stage assigns you the task of destroying every UFO. The freedom of movement distinguishes these stages from the previous Sonic games from the Genesis era. The Rotating Maze, Blue Sphere, and Half-Pipe all have movement restrictions to some extent.
Sonic CD’s special stages provide you complete freedom of movement, making it a lot more enjoyable to play. It’s still difficult but also enjoyable to go through. It’s important to note that collecting all of the time stones isn’t the only method to earn the best ending. You can use the time travel mechanic to attain a favourable future in every zone manually, but the ideal option will be personal taste.
Sonic 2: Original Half-Pipe
For a reason, the Half-Pipes are the most prevalent special stages in the Sonic series. It’s a lot of fun and doesn’t linger too long. While Sonic 2 was the first to do it, many of the subsequent Half-Pipe stages are superior. Accessing them is considerably easier and less of a pain than it was previously.
You only need 50 rings when you pass through a checkpoint and jump. It’s that simple, and unlike Sonic 1’s strategy, it’s difficult to overlook. The stages are a respectable first effort, but objects arrive a little too quickly, and playing with Sonic and Tails is a nightmare owing to Tails’ inability to keep up with you. Playing with Sonic alone is more enjoyable.
Sonic 4 Episode 2: Remade Half-Pipe
All of the faults in the original Half-Pipe have been fixed in Sonic 4 Episode 2. The controls are significantly better, the items are easier to see coming, the stages are more dynamic, and Tails is no longer a concern. Above all, it remains extremely fast. Unfortunately, they can only be accessed via the Sonic 1 method. As a result, you must take care not to fly beyond the gold ring at the end of each level.
The final few stages are quite difficult, and it feels incredibly wonderful when you collect all of the emeralds and then transform into Super Sonic. These stages are quite pleasant, and they may be considered one of the game’s major highlights.
Sonic Mania: Catch The Emerald
Mania is by far the best special stage in the Sonic series. It is similar to Sonic CD’s special stage in gameplay, but the purpose is very different. Like Eggy Car, you must find giant golden rings in the levels to gain access to them. In these phases, the goal is to catch up to the UFO holding the emerald and steal it.
You must move quickly by collecting blue or yellow spheres, while collecting rings increases your time limit. These stages offer the most fun and the best controls, but what really sets them apart is the main goal of going fast. There are no obstacle courses or movement restrictions. Sonic is all about speed, so just concentrate on that.