Sonic the Hedgehog 2/Mystic Cave Zone

This zone is an old, dark abandoned mine filled with collapsing wooden ledges and drawbridges. Enemies to watch out for are deadly glow bugs which cannot be harmed whilst flashing and dragon-like badniks whose necks extend out from the rock to attack Sonic. It's difficult to rush through the zone as there are so many dangers that Sonic must negotiate. Robotnik's weapon of choice in this zone is a drilling machine which causes deadly falling debris. (Note that, just before you face the boss, there will be an opening in the ground with a checkpoint below it. this is the way you need to go, but make sure you don't enter the Special Stage, as you will then have no rings when you fight the boss.)