Part 26

Master Dead Line Act 2 in Sonic Rush with optimal routes for high scores and S-ranks. Learn strategies for S-ranking all bosses, understanding Time Variable and Ring Stealer types.

Dead Line Act 2 Walkthrough & S-Rank Guide:

1. Route: Start by using the top exit of the first spring room to enter the reversed gravity section. Ensure you access the area with Sonic's third Special Gimmick. Blaze can reach this area more easily by riding the rocket and using her hover ability (R button) to cross the gap containing the 1up and Full Tension Bonus. Sonic requires practice for this section.
2. Scoring: Dead Line Act 2 offers the potential for very high scores, with 85,000 points easily achievable and scores over 119,000 recorded. This act may offer the largest point potential in the game.
3. S-Ranking: Achieving an S-rank is not difficult if the recommended route is followed.

S-Ranking Bosses in Sonic Rush:

To S-rank bosses, focus on Time and Rings, as these are the primary factors. The maximum Time Bonus is 45,000 points, and you need a total of 50,000 points to S-rank any boss. This means you need at least 5 Rings (worth 100 points each, except in Extra Zone where they are worth 100 points total) and a fast completion time.

Bosses are categorized into two types:

• Time Variable Bosses: These bosses have at least one attack that consumes significant time without allowing you to attack. The difficulty of S-ranking depends on how often they use these time-consuming attacks. If a boss uses more than three such attacks, S-ranking becomes very difficult, especially on Normal difficulty, where certain attack patterns can make S-ranking impossible even with perfect play and maximum rings. In such cases, repeated attempts and luck are necessary.
• Ring Stealer Bosses: While it's often easier to achieve a good time with these bosses, they frequently use attacks that drain your Rings or are difficult to hit, making Ring management crucial. The bosses classified as Ring Stealers are: Altitude Limit, Final Zone, and Extra Zone.

General S-Rank Tips:

• Difficulty Setting: Setting the game to Easy mode provides an advantage by reducing the number of hits bosses can take. However, S-ranks are also achievable on Normal mode, though not always consistently.
• Ring Importance: Rings are critical for S-ranking. Each Ring is worth 1,000 points (except in Extra Zone). Maintaining a high Ring count can be the difference between an A and an S rank. If you get hit, try to recollect dropped Rings quickly by Spin-dashing into them.
• Extra Boss: The Extra Boss has a fixed attack pattern, making it more predictable. However, you still need at least 50 Rings (worth 100 points each) to achieve an S-rank.
• Point Calculation: The maximum score for any boss (except Extra) is 45,000 points from time plus the total value of Rings collected. For every 2 seconds shaved off the time limit, 1,000 points are awarded. You need at least 5 Rings to S-rank. The point requirements can be calculated by multiplying the number of Rings on the field by 1,000 and adding it to 45,000.