Sonic 1: The Special Stages Overview
Sonic 1: The Special Stages is a 2D side-scrolling platformer. The player controls Sonic, whose primary movement trait is high-speed running through environments featuring loops, steep slopes, and spring-assisted jumps.
Encounters with enemy robots, which contain captured animals, can be resolved using the Spin Attack. This maneuver sees Sonic curl into a spinning ball to damage foes and break through some barriers upon impact. While destroying these robots frees the animals, it is an optional objective.
Progress is hindered by various environmental threats. These include spike formations, pits from which there is no return, and moving elements that can crush the character. A drowning mechanic exists, which can be countered by accessing air bubbles released from specific points in the scenery. Navigating these dangers while maintaining momentum makes the gameplay challenging.
