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Spin Attack or Spin Dash into a robot to break it open and release the Flicky that is trapped inside. Once the Flicky is free, touch the Flicky to get it to follow Sonic. When the Flickies are following, they can help you get items that are found in unreachable places. If Sonic gets hurt, the Flickies following him will scatter, so try to round them up before they wander too far.

If you have Flickies following, take them to the Dimension Ring to transport them to a safer place. Five Flickies can be freed per Dimension Ring, and once the work is completed in that area, a portal located under the Dimension Ring will be made accessible to advance the game.

You will be able to travel freely between unlocked areas in an ACT. The final Dimension Ring will have a cross in the portal beneath it. Rescue and bring all the Flickies to the final Dimension Ring to complete the ACT.