The new Chemical Plant seems to get more fun with every play, perhaps due to the way it flows better when you're hitting the shortcuts right. Perhaps Crisis City is too reminiscent of Sonic's lowest low, but that aside, level design here is of the highest order. I can't emphasise enough just how slick the main levels are. However, you can save up to five different sets, which makes speedrun success a little more personal. Some are really useful, like making dropped rings stay on the screen for ten seconds before disappearing, while others like the one final extra life that kicks in when you hit zero are pretty pointless (continues are infinite).
Each skill has an ability point cost, and seeing as Sonic only has 100 points, you can only equip a few at a time. After each stage, you're given points based on your performance, which can be spent on abilities in a shop in the hub world.
