There are still six Chaos Emeralds to collect, although you won't find them in the Special Stages...they're hidden around the Zones, one in each. Spot it, get to it, grab it. What could be easier? The real issue is that they're all the exact same color...

   If you've got 50 Rings when you reach the exit, you'll spin an exclamation point on the Bonus Panel and be warped to the Special Stage. It's a zany maze of bumpers and stuff filled with Rings, One-Ups, Continues, and all sorts of goodies. The catch? Don't make it to the exit in time, and you don't get to keep a dime of your loot. So you'd better beat feet and cut cheese!

   The Bonus Panels (the signs you spin at the end of each non-boss Act) now have a number of different faces that pop up, each having a different effect:

• Robotnik -- Nothing happens
• Ring -- You get 10 Rings
• Sonic -- You get an extra life
• Exclamation Point -- You're warped to the Special Stage (provided you have 50 Rings)

   Each of the seven Zones consists of three Acts, but the third Act is nothing more than a short field with a couple of obstacles and a boss slapped right on the end. The big problem is that there are no Rings in boss Acts... The new levels are:

• Green Hill -- Similar in appearance to its Genesis counterpart, but quite straightforward in design. Home to Moto Bug (Motora) and Netwron (Mereon).
• Bridge -- A series of connecting bridges built over a mountain lake. In Act 2, the level scrolls automatically and you've got to keep up. Home to Chopper (Batabata), Yadrin, and Buzz Bomber (Biiton).
• Jungle -- The first of only two jungle-themed Zones in all of Sonic history. It's fast, wild, and pretty. The second Act scrolls upward through a giant waterfall. Home to Caterkiller (Naaru), Buzz Bomber (Biiton), and Newtron (Mereon).
• Labyrinth -- Similar in appearance and design to its Genesis counterpart. Home to Burrobot (Ogurin) and Jaws (Pukupuku).
• Scrap Brain -- Similar in appearance to its Genesis counterpart, only designed more like a massive metal labyrinth. With teleports! Good, old-fashioned interdimensional fun! Home to Caterkiller (Naaru) and Ball Hog (Tonton).
• Sky Base -- Big guns...REALLY big guns. And some electrical conduits in the background that shock you in the foreground. Home to Bomb.

   And last but not least, here's a list of the monitor items:

• Super Ring -- Worth 10 Rings
• Shield -- Protects you from one hit
• Power Sneakers -- Temporarily raises your speed
• One-Up -- Gives you an extra chance
• Invincible -- Makes you invinible for a short time
• Arrow -- Marks your position in the level