Special Stage (Sonic the Hedgehog CD)

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The Special Stages in Sonic CD are slightly different from most others in the series, although they are accessed in the same manner of those in Sonic the Hedgehog (16-bit): by collecting at least 50 rings and jumping into the Giant Ring that subsequently appears behind the end-of-stage signpost. In each of these stages, Sonic must attempt to collect one of the eight Time Stones (Sonic CD's equivalent of most other series games' Chaos Emeralds).

These Special Stages use a pseudo Mode 7 effect, and parallax backgrounds. Rather than collect a certain amount of rings or items, Sonic must destroy all of the UFOs flying around in the sky. Each stage has a time limit, from which touching the water or oil will remove 10 seconds. When only 20 seconds remain on the timer, a blue UFO will appear; if Sonic can destroy it, 30 seconds will be added to the timer.

Once all UFOs are destroyed within the given time limit, Sonic will receive a Time Stone. If all of the eight Time Stones are acquired by the end of the game, all Futures automatically become Good, and as such the player will have achieved the good ending on completing the game. (The good ending can also be achieved by destroying Dr. Robotnik's mechanising machines in the past of each regular stage.)

Time Attack mode

Sonic CD also features a Time Attack mode for Special Stages. To unlock it, simply get a low enough total time in the normal Time Attack, then hit left on the Time Attack screen. In Time Attack mode, the timer counts up, there is no time limit, and touching water has no effect. Complete each stage fast enough to get the top spot!