Contrary to the classic speedy gameplay in the
Sonic the Hedgehog series,
Tails Adventure is a slow-paced
platformer with an emphasis on exploration. He cannot run, but only walk at a steady pace. The player explores twelve non-linear stages, collecting new items and abilities to open up new pathways in previous stages. A total of 26 items can be collected, including some to defeat enemies and others to aid in exploration. Along with using items, Tails can fly for a short period of time. His fly duration can be extended by locating
Chaos Emeralds.
Rings are collected as a form of
health, and unlike other
Sonic games, only a few rings are lost when touching a hazard. This gameplay has been compared to
Metroidvania games. Tails finds several different kinds of gadgets on his adventures. Some of these items are weapons used to defeat enemies, like bombs and hammers. Some items aid in exploration, such as a small robot which Tails can control to scout ahead and squeeze into tight spaces. Tails can only carry four tools when entering a stage. Only one item can be equipped at a time, the player must pause the game to change items. If the player finds that they cannot advance because they require another item, they must find a stage exit, swap items, and re-enter the stage from the beginning. == Development and release ==