SONIC UNLEASHED

This video will show you a glicth to getting this easy.

For this achievement you must complete the Arid Sands Act 1 (Shamar) as Sonic in 2m 50s.

My only suggestions would be to make sure you learn the map, when and where to jump etc.. it helps running through it slowly to learn the layout.

Look for shortcuts or routes that help you progress further... quicker. Jumping at the right moment, light dashing, breaking certain things to reveal hidden ramps/springs. All these things will come in handy throughout the level.

And secondly, wherever possible keep the X button pressed to A) go faster and B) to reach higher places using ramps etc... Everyone I know thinks the X button must be tapped to gain a speed boost but if you hold it down you can run twice as fast!

Here's a few tips to get you through the level. Also, I would recommend doing this achievement after getting all the medals in the stage, so you have a good idea of the shortcuts.

These are in the order you'll encounter them.

1) Take the top paths at all times. Most rails above the streets are shorter than boosting on the ground, so use those to your advantage.

2) Do not attempt to drift around the 2nd market. You can either take a hard left just before it to hit some hidden boosters or you can boost forward, hitting some boosters that will direct you where you need to go.

3) During the straight stretch before the desert, look for a ramp on your right. This will let you skip a bit, putting you a bit before the low wall.

4) After you slide under a pillar and grind on a looping rail, jump off said rail and hopefully you should hit some red rings that'll let you skip a platforming section.

5) LEARN THE PILLAR AREAS! These are run-ending stretches, so be careful.

6) Use the jump pads. The first one is always X, but the second one alternates between X and A, so watch for that.

7) Hit the rainbow ring in the middle of the ruins. It saves a bunch of time.

One last thing, do not forget that the stomp move cancels MOST forward momentum, not all. If used after boosting off a ramp, you still will go forward, so keep that in mind.
If you know the layout and follow these tips, you'll get it in no time.

You could be issued a speeding ticket in real life...


...but not in this game which you must beat arid sands act 1 day within 2:50. Achievement/trophy pops if the target time is less than 2:50.