Thread:Myself 123/@comment-26253917-20150508002907/@comment-477304-20150508011042

While it is true that Sonic had zero rings prior to his transformation at the end of Sonic 2, similar instances have happened in the series and in these instances, Sonic (or other characters) magically gained 50 rings. While it cannot be confirmed that this happened in Sonic 2, it also cannot be confirmed that it didn't happen. The same may apply for Sonic Unleashed or Sonic may have actually had rings at the time. Besides the Sonic Unleashed argument goes against the belief that Sonic can maintain the form without rings provided he's not under any strain as he was fighting Eggman at the time.

To claim that rings are simply a gameplay mechanic isn't true. Rings have served many different purposes throughout the Sonic series and rings, as well as their energy, have been mentioned in dialogue multiple times in the series.