Sonic Triple Trouble

Sonic the Hedgehog: Triple Trouble is a 1994 side-scrolling platform game for the Sega Game Gear, developed by Aspect and published by Sega. Released in Japan as Sonic & Tails 2, it follows Sonic Chaos and continues the handheld series with two playable characters, six zones, and a more elaborate Chaos Emerald hunt.

Dr. Robotnik loses control of the Chaos Emeralds while testing a new weapon. He then tricks Knuckles into opposing Sonic and Tails, while the treasure hunter Nack the Weasel, also known as Fang the Sniper, attempts to claim the Emeralds for himself.

Gameplay and Objective

Choose Sonic or Tails and travel through six zones, each containing three acts. The first two acts focus on reaching the goal while navigating platforms, enemies, and environmental hazards. The third act generally leads to a boss encounter.

Sonic and Tails share the same main adventure but have different abilities. Sonic emphasizes speed and ground-based attacks, while Tails can fly for a limited time to reach elevated platforms and cross gaps.

Rings provide protection against damage. Unlike many other Sonic games, taking a hit while carrying Rings removes a fixed amount rather than scattering the entire collection. Losing Rings leaves you vulnerable, so keeping a reserve is important.

Special Moves and Character Abilities

Sonic's Super Spin Dash: While stationary, hold Down and repeatedly press the jump button to build power, then release Down to launch forward. The charged attack also provides brief protection.

Tails' Flight: While stationary, look Up and press the jump button to take off. Tails can remain airborne for a limited time before descending.

Several temporary items expand these abilities:

• Rocket Shoes: Give Sonic powered flight for a limited time.
• Propeller Shoes: Allow Sonic to move through underwater areas using propeller-assisted movement.
• Hyper Heli-Tails: Extend Tails' flight duration.
• Jet Board: Let the character travel across snow and ice on a board until the effect ends.
• Pogo Spring: Allow repeated high bounces to reach elevated areas.

Zones and Level Design

The adventure takes place across six zones, each with its own visual setting and obstacles:

• Great Turquoise Zone: A tropical opening area introducing the game's basic platforming.
• Sunset Park Zone: An industrial setting with moving machinery and the memorable train sequence.
• Meta Junglira Zone: A jungle environment built around vertical movement and environmental obstacles.
• Robotnik Winter Zone: A snowy area featuring slippery surfaces and winter-themed hazards.
• Tidal Plant Zone: An underwater environment where movement and access to air become important.
• Atomic Destroyer Zone: Robotnik's mechanical stronghold and the final part of the adventure.

Finding the Chaos Emeralds

Triple Trouble includes five Special Stages that must be completed to collect the five obtainable Chaos Emeralds.

To enter a Special Stage, collect at least 50 Rings and locate a hidden Chaos Emerald monitor in the first or second act of a zone. Breaking the monitor while carrying enough Rings reveals an entrance to the challenge.

The Special Stages alternate between timed platforming mazes and aerial sections aboard the Tornado plane. Maze stages require reaching the end before the timer expires, while flight stages involve collecting Rings and avoiding hazards. Nack guards the Emerald at the end of each challenge.

Collecting all five Special Stage Emeralds is necessary to unlock the complete ending.

Gameplay Tips

• Preserve at least 50 Rings: You need this amount before breaking a hidden Chaos Emerald monitor to enter a Special Stage.
• Use Tails for exploration: His temporary flight can help reach higher platforms and investigate alternate routes.
• Charge Sonic's Super Spin Dash: Use it when you need a burst of speed or want to attack while moving along the ground.
• Make use of character-specific items: Propeller Shoes help Sonic underwater, while Hyper Heli-Tails provides additional flight time for Tails.
• Prepare for the Special Stages: Timed mazes and Tornado flight sections require different approaches. Completing them is essential for obtaining every Chaos Emerald.