Virtual Reality

Virtual Reality (バーチャルリアリティ) is the third DLC stage in Sonic Forces. It is an Episode Shadow-exclusive stage that is remake of the Guardian Rock stage.

Overview
Virtual Reality is a virtual projection of an industrialized area in the once prosperous, now-turned-desert Green Hill area. The Zone's ground is covered in green-striped grass that moves with the wind, and the soil itself is covered in checkerboard patterns in different shades of brown. However, the plants are shown to have dried out in various places, and the soil have in many locations assumed a sandy hue. Also, the area has been facilitated with semi-industrial platforms and Badniks all around.

Infinite's virtual reality cubes lurks within the area, which be can be seen throughout in the background at various points.

Story
After Infinite uses the Phantom Ruby, Shadow finds himself in some kind of facility in Green Hill Zone. Rouge talks to Shadow over the radio, stating that Omega disappeared at this facility 3 months ago. Shadow is confused about what happened to Infinite, but makes his way through the stage regardless.

Later in the stage, Shadow reaches the point where Omega was defeated, but can't find any sign of him. Rouge calmly states that this is because it never really happened. At this point, Omega joins the radio, stating that he has never been defeated before breaking down into constantly shouting "I am not weak".

After escaping the illusion, Infinite congratulates Shadow on escaping, and that he didn't expect him to return alive. Infinite says that with his power, not even Sonic could stand against him before disappearing.

Gameplay
For the majority of this stage, the Shadow will traverse a 2D sidescrolling area. In terms of layout, the stage is pretty straight forward, as it consist of a fairly straight main path with few alternate paths along it. Lots of Rings and Wisp Capsules are abound to help protect the player during this stage. Clusters of Buzz Bomber can also be found in midair, which serve as guides to upper paths or Red Star Rings.

Unique obstacles in Virtual Reality are Infinite's virtual reality cubes, which are encountered at various points. These cubes periodically fly around the ground or platforms, damaging anyone that get caught in them.

Description
When the stage begins, the only direction the player can move is right. Keep moving in that direction on the main path to eventually arrived at the end of the stage. Along the way are areas both above and below the main path that the player can reach through the use of the Burst Dash, although most of them are short and ultimately rejoin the main path.