Light Speed Dash

The Light Speed Dash is an ability that can be performed by Sonic and Shadow in certain games of the Sonic the Hedgehog series. It allows Sonic (or Shadow) to Spin Dash along trails of rings at great speed, even in mid-air, which can allow access to new areas. It first appeared in Sonic Adventure.

Sonic Adventure
In Sonic Adventure, the Light Speed Dash can be obtained when Sonic collects the Light Speed Shoes. To activate the move in this game, Sonic must charge up his Spin Dash until he says "Ready!" (this will end the spinning and allow Sonic to walk around as long as the action button is held). He can then approach a trail of rings and release the action button to travel along the path of the rings.

The Crystal Ring is an optional upgrade that halves the charging time needed to perform the Light Speed Dash.

The Ancient Light allows Sonic to perform the stronger move, the Light Speed Attack, which is performed the same way but now has the ability to damage multiple enemies.

Sonic Adventure 2
In Sonic Adventure 2, the Light Speed Dash is available to both Sonic (in the Hero story) and Shadow (in the Dark story). Sonic accesses the move when he, again, collects the Light Speed Shoes. Shadow must collect the Air Shoes to perform the same move.

Unlike in Sonic Adventure, Sonic only has to approach a trail of rings and press the action button as opposed to charging.

Both characters can upgrade to the Light Speed Attack by collecting the Ancient Light.

Sonic Heroes and Shadow the Hedgehog
In Sonic Heroes and Shadow the Hedgehog, both Sonic and Shadow has access to the Light Speed Dash from the beginning of the game.

Sonic the Hedgehog (2006)
In Sonic the Hedgehog (2006), both Sonic and Shadow can gain the ability to perform the Light Speed Dash by collecting the Light Chip. The move is required to reach the first stage.

Sonic Unleashed
In the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions of Sonic Unleashed, Sonic once again accesses the Light Speed Dash by collecting the Light Speed Shoes. In the PlayStation 2 and Wii versions of the game, he has access to the move from the beginning of the game.

To use the Light Speed Shoes, the player has to press the Y button near a trail of rings in the 360 version (triangle button in the PS3 and PS2 versions and swinging the Wii Remote in the Wii version).