Auto Running

Auto Running is a recurring game mechanic in the Sonic the Hedgehog series.

Description
Auto Running involves the character moving forward automatically using an "on the rails" style movement, across an open path while the player controls the character's left-to-right movement and attacks. This mechanic has been used to help create a feel of speed for the player as Sonic runs.

Sonic the Hedgehog 3
In Angel Island Zone Act 2, one auto running section occurs when Sonic is being chased by the Flying Battery which lasts until the battleship's ammo is lowered. It flies away before the boss battle with Flame Mobile. The game doesn't actually propel the player forward, but the screen automatically scrolls.

Sonic & Knuckles
In Mushroom Hill Zone during the second act's boss fight, there's an auto running section (or auto screen-scrolling, to be more precise). Similarly to the battleship from Sonic 3, the player has to chase Robotnik down and hit him.

Sonic Adventure
Auto running occurs in the Sega Dreamcast game Sonic Adventure. It is used during the second phase of Speed Highway where Sonic runs down a tall skyscraper and the player must control him by maneuvering him to the left and right to avoid obstacles. It seems to be an early variant of Super-Speed Stages in Sonic the Hedgehog (2006). There is also a very brief section in Windy Valley.

Since Speed Highway reappears in Sonic Generations, the auto running phase is present, but now Sonic uses the Quick Step.

Sonic Advance 2
Auto Running was used in all the bosses of the game (the sole exception being the final boss) and received much criticism because of the lack of control.

Sonic the Hedgehog (2006)
Auto Running was used in the "Super-Speed Stages" in Sonic's story. This was done to create a feel of excitement and sense of Sonic's maximum speed for the player which it does for some. Here, the player controls only left and right movement, and jumping; what makes these levels difficult is that hitting a wall or obstacle will cause Sonic to lose his rings, as if hit by an enemy, and it will leave Sonic open for another hit until he regains his balance. This was also not helped with the wonky controls and the sometimes-poor collision detection.

Sonic and the Secret Rings
Auto Running was used in all the Adventure levels in the game. In this game, you can customize the speed of Sonic to fit the level. This variation was more enjoyable to some, but for others it was an annoyance, since you can never freely control Sonic in the game.

Sonic Unleashed
Auto Running did not play as large a role in Sonic Unleashed, but it was used throughout all the daytime mini-bosses and bosses of the game. Egg Chaser and Interceptor sections were done with Auto Running, and were featured in several Acts, such as Windmill Isle Act 2 and Eggmanland (Wii/PS2 versions only), and Rooftop Run Act 1, Skyscraper Scamper Act 1 and Jungle Joyride Act 1 (360/PS3 versions only). Some downloadable content featured Auto Running levels, such as Rooftop Run Act 5 (along the whole aqueduct) and Skyscraper Scamper Act 3 (along an entire highway). It bears a resemblance to Super-Speed Stages from Sonic the Hedgehog (2006).

Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I
Just like in Sonic & Knuckles, it occurs during a boss fight in Mad Gear Zone. Since the E.G.G. Station Zone has a boss rush event before the final boss, the same auto running section returns here.

Sonic Colors
Auto Running is used along with most Quick-Step sections in Sonic Colors. It is used during the Orcan/Skullian bosses as well as the Nega-Wisp Armor.

Sonic Generations
In the Console/PC version, Auto Running is used at the start of four Modern Sonic stages, during Speed Highway while running down the building, while being chased by the G.U.N. Truck in City Escape, during the Egg Chaser sections in Rooftop Run, on the Silver Rival battle, and during the Egg Dragoon Boss battle.

In the 3DS version, Auto Running takes place at the beginning of five Modern Sonic stages and at the start of two rival battles, at the end of Green Hill while escaping from the giant totem pole, in Emerald Coast while running away from the Orca, and during the Egg Emperor boss battle.

Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II
Auto Running is used in the White Park Zone boss, when fighting against Metal Sonic. Sonic and Tails begin to Auto Run after Metal Sonic ambushes them on Tails' rocket. Auto Running is also used in Death Egg Mark II Act 1, when fighting Metal Sonic and Dr. Eggman.