Sonic the Hedgehog/Special Stage

If you have collected 50 rings by Acts 1 or 2 of any zone, a giant, gold ring will appear at the end of the stage. Jump into the ring and you will warp to the "secret zone", where you will be given the opportunity to collect a Chaos Emerald.

There are six Chaos Emeralds to collect, each one lying in a different maze. If collect all six before the game ends, you will be able to view. an alternate ending to the game.