The Gold Rush is an Item Box power-up that appears in the Sonic the Hedgehog series. It is a Boost Item used primarily to increase the user's speed.
Description
The Gold Rush's icon takes the appearance of a golden orb surrounded by gold sparks and with a trail of Rings following it in its wake. In gameplay, this power-up becomes a golden aura that surrounds the user and leaves an golden trail in its wake.
Overview
In gameplay, the Gold Rush can only be obtained at random from Item Boxes by Elite Agent Rouge and Treasure Hunter Knuckles.
Once obtained, the player can utilize the Gold Rush by pressing its icon on the bottom of the HUD. When used, the Gold Rush will increase the speed of the user for a short amount of time. The duration of the Gold Rush is shown by the decreasing gauge on top of this power-up's icon on the bottom of the HUD whenever the Gold Rush is in effect. In addition, Gold Rush will drain the user's Ring count while in use. Should the user's Ring count hit zero while Gold Rush is in effect, then Gold Rush's speed boost is automatically disabled. If the player activates Gold Rush while having no Rings however, then this power-up will be consumed and the speed boost is deactivated instantly.
The Gold Rush can also be upgraded by leveling the user up to level 2, 8 and 14 respectively. For each upgrade, the speed of the Gold Rush's speed boost will increase.