Crystal Desert Zone

The Crystal Desert Zone is a location that appears in the Sonic the Hedgehog and its spin-off comic series' published by Archie Comics. It is a region of Sonic's World, named after the crystalline rock formations that dot its arid landscape.

History
After acquiring the last of the seven Chaos Emeralds sought after by the New Freedom Fighters and the Eggman Empire, a G.U.N. unit traveled to this area while on their way to meet with the heroes. Unfortunately, their cargo and location were made known to Metal Sonic, who attacked them and seized the Emerald after a brave but futile stand by the G.U.N. troops. The New Freedom Fighters subsequently arrived and sent Sonic, Tails, and Bunnie after Metal Sonic while the rest of the team attended to the wounded. The pursuit of Metal Sonic through this Zone abruptly halted when he and Sonic traveled through a Genesis Portal that then closed behind them due to the efforts of Silver. Fortunately, Sonic was able to claim the Emerald and make his way back to rendezvous with his team.