Understanding the controls is your first step to becoming a master of speed or a guardian of the Master Emerald. The game utilizes a simple, yet effective, three-button layout. The directional pad (D-Pad) controls movement: left and right to run, down to crouch or initiate a Spin Dash, and up to look up. The A, B, and C buttons all perform the same action: Jump. Pressing Jump while in the air will perform a Mid-Air Attack (Sonic's Spin Attack, Knuckles' Glide/Punch). To perform a Spin Dash, hold down on the D-Pad and repeatedly press any of the Jump buttons. This charges up a powerful rolling attack that allows you to burst forward at high speed, breaking through obstacles and damaging enemies. Practice these moves to get a feel for the game's physics.
