Time Attack Mode is where you can truly hone your speedrunning skills. Once you've completed an act in Story Mode, it becomes available in Time Attack. The objective is simple: complete the act in the fastest possible time. There are no rings to collect for extra lives, and your score isn't the primary focus, though a higher score usually correlates with a faster time due to efficient enemy clearing. This mode is perfect for practicing specific sections of a level, experimenting with different routes, and perfecting your Boost management.
When playing Time Attack, focus on maintaining momentum above all else. Avoid unnecessary jumps, collisions, and enemy encounters that don't contribute to your speed. Learn the optimal paths, including any hidden shortcuts or grind rails. Pay attention to how your Boost Gauge fills and depletes, and plan your boosts strategically to clear long stretches or difficult obstacles. Compete against your own best times and strive to shave off milliseconds. This mode is invaluable for mastering the game's flow and achieving those elusive S-Ranks in Story Mode.