Sonic the Hedgehog is a 3D platformer with action-adventure and role-playing elements.[1] Like Sonic Adventure, the single player navigates through open-ended hub worlds where they can converse with townspeople and perform missions to advance the story.[2] The main gameplay takes place in linear levels that become accessible as the game progresses. The main playable characters are three hedgehogs: Sonic, Shadow, and Silver, who feature in separate campaigns titled "episodes".[3] A bonus "Last Episode", which involves all three hedgehogs and concludes the storyline, is unlocked upon completing the first three.[4][5]
Sonic's story focuses on the speed-based platforming seen in previous Sonic games, with some sections having him run at full speed while dodging obstacles or riding a snowboard.[3] Another character, Princess Elise, must be escorted in some stages, and she can use a special barrier to guard Sonic.[6]: 13  Shadow's sections are similarly speedy, albeit more combat-oriented, with some segments having him ride vehicles.[1] In contrast, Silver's levels are slower and revolve around his use of telekinesis to defeat enemies and solve puzzles. In certain areas, control is switched to one of several friend characters,[b] with their own abilities.[3][7][8][9]