Sonic Generations originally focused on celebrating Sonic’s legacy, but Sonic X Shadow Generations brings attention to his counterpart, Shadow the Hedgehog. Shadow’s gameplay features new content, making Sonic’s levels seem a bit dated by comparison.
Sonic’s levels are still enjoyable, thanks to their solid design, regardless of how modern Sonic controls. One level worth revisiting is Seaside Hill from Sonic Heroes, which serves as a testament to some of Sonic’s more frustrating control issues. This new version has added some fresh secrets, so it’s worth exploring.
How to Achieve an S Rank in Seaside Hill
Getting an S Rank in a Sonic game is one of the highest achievements. While extra skills can be helpful, there’s nothing quite like zooming through checkpoints and seeing green numbers indicating your speed record. Here’s how to earn an S Rank in both acts of Seaside Hill.
Seaside Hill Act 1 S Rank
Act 1 features many twists and turns, and your speed is largely influenced by the cannons you interact with. The best cannons aren’t always clear, so be prepared for some unexpected jumps.
Once you hit the water, jump onto the red platforms, but be quick—they will drop shortly. Starting on the leftmost platform buys you extra time. Bounce off one of the robotic fish to propel yourself onto the higher path. Just one fish should give you enough lift.
As you progress, you’ll find another bouncing fish with spikes underneath. Bounce on it to reach a cannon that sends you higher.
After acquiring the invincibility power-up, choose the adjacent platform rather than sliding down. Carefully bounce off the aerial enemy when it’s not electrified. This will take you to red platforms that will give way almost immediately, so make your jump just in time to avoid lingering. This leads you to another cannon.
Jump over the electrified enemy instead of sinking into the lower cannon, and head up to the next cannon. Bounce off the nearby flying enemy into the next cannon.
When you land in the water, skip the yellow spring on your right. You can gain extra height when jumping in water, allowing you to easily clear the gap.
Next, you’ll be chased by a giant wheel. Don’t stress about getting hit; it won’t end the game. Make sure to jump onto the platforms and Dash Rings above as you enter the second grassy zone while escaping.
Finish the act with a time lower than 2:50 seconds and a score of 50,000 for an A Rank, and earn an S Rank with a Perfect Clear.
Seaside Hill Act 2 S Rank
Start by hitting the bounce pad and taking the left rainbow ring. This path provides a much quicker route than the right.
When you reach the wall-jumping area, boost to reach the highest part of the wall and continue left. Then boost through the spikes to reach an upward cannon.
Upon reaching the downward slope of the bridge, jump to grab the Rainbow Rings, leading you to a higher level. Be cautious of sidestepping here to avoid falling back down.
After boosting up the next bridge, be alert as you land on the red collapsible platforms. Race towards the grind rail inside the cave.
During the tri-section of the bridge, flashing images determine whether you take the turtle path or the kart for speed. Aim for the kart route for maximizing speed.
After finishing the kart segment, you’ll enter a side-scrolling section where you can jump on the moving pillars like a wall-jumping section. Act quickly to access the higher route.
Next, endless large wheels will roll across the ground. The best way to dodge them is by sidestepping, but even if you get hit, it shouldn’t slow you down significantly.
Conclude the act with a time under 3:10 seconds and a score of 50,000 for an A Rank, which can be upgraded to an S Rank with a Perfect Clear.
Finding All the Red Star Rings in Seaside Hill
Red Star Rings return in this game, just as they were in the original, with ten located in each act—five for each Sonic. Here’s where to find them in Seaside Hill.
Seaside Hill Act 1 Red Stars
Here’s where to find the five Red Star Rings as Classic Sonic:
- Red Star Ring 1: After jumping over the fish and reaching a cannon, this ring is underwater to your left.
- Red Star Ring 2: After bounding over the second fish toward a cannon, grab the ring as you land.
- Red Star Ring 3: Located slightly below another cannon near a flying purple enemy. You can use Aqua Shield to access it if you missed the higher path.
- Red Star Ring 4: While being pushed underwater by the wind, cautiously let go of the poles to collect this ring.
- Red Star Ring 5: At the end, while dodging the giant wheel, jump through the higher Dash Rings to grab the ring in a loop.
Collecting these will earn you the Invincible Start skill.
Seaside Hill Act 2 Red Stars
Modern Sonic can also gather five Red Star Rings. Here’s where to find them:
- Red Star Ring 1: After taking the left Rainbow Ring, it can be found on the upcoming grind rail.
- Red Star Ring 2: In the first side-scrolling section, follow the upward wall jump to locate it.
- Red Star Ring 3: Found on a grind rail after some collapsible red platforms.
- Red Star Ring 4: Towards the end of the kart section, it’s to the left.
- Red Star Ring 5: At the very end of the last side-scrolling segment, leap off the grind rail to grab the last ring.
This collection nets you the Direct Jump skill.
Discovering All Hidden Chaos in Seaside Hill
Newly introduced in Sonic X Shadow Generations, six Chao are hidden in each act—three for each Sonic. Here’s where to find them in Seaside Hill.
Seaside Hill Act 1 Hidden Chaos
These are Classic Sonic’s hidden Chaos:
- Hidden Chao 1: After going underwater from a cannon launched after jumping the fish, this Chao is perched against the wall above the moving pillars.
- Hidden Chao 2: After being fired from a cannon following the second jumping fish, head to the left platform from the halfpipe to find it.
- Hidden Chao 3: At the lowest underwater area where the wind blows, this Chao is hiding against the wall.
Seaside Hill Act 2 Hidden Chaos
Modern Sonic’s three hidden Chaos are as follows:
- Hidden Chao 1: After getting launched from a cannon to another cannon, spot the Chao in the corner of the upper area.
- Hidden Chao 2: In the tri-section with the turtle and kart options, choose the turtle and move left to discover the Chao.
- Hidden Chao 3: Before jumping into the cannon aimed at the giant wheels, break the crates at the back of the room to find the last Chao.
Your adventure through Seaside Hill is now complete, with all secrets found and tasks accomplished.