By acquiring certain items or reaching checkpoints, characters can level up, increasing their efficiency when used against enemies. Each ability is also represented in the interface by color blue for speed, yellow for flight, and red for power. Finally, Flight characters have the ability to fly in the air for a short amount of time and can more easily attack airborne enemies. Power characters can use their strength to fight against strong enemies and break obstacles, as well as enter a gliding formation to ride up air fans. Speed characters are able to perform spin dashes, homing attacks and light dashes, and can form whirlwinds that allow them to climb up poles. Each team contains three character types: speed, power and flight.

Unlike most Sonic games, where players control one character, three characters are available at any time to choose from, as the player may switch the party's leader freely, whilst the other two characters follow, with the formation depending on the leader. The game introduces several new gameplay elements.

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