Play Knuckles' Chaotix Online

Knuckles' Chaotix came out in 1995 for the Sega 32X, a short-lived add-on for the Genesis. Sega developed and published it, and it stands as one of the more visually distinct platformers from that hardware's small library. The game feels very much of its time, with bright colors and a slightly surreal, carnival-like setting that separates it from other Sonic titles.

You control one of five characters, including Knuckles, each tethered to a partner by a stretchy elastic band. The main goal is to explore each stage, find all the Chaos Rings, and reach the goal. The signature mechanic is that tether; you and your partner are linked, so moving one pulls the other, which can lead to slingshot maneuvers or clumsy collisions. Levels are designed around this, with loops, springs, and obstacles that force you to use the elastic connection to navigate. The pacing is slower and more deliberate than a typical Sonic game, with an emphasis on careful movement and coordination rather than pure speed. It feels strange and experimental, a game built entirely around a single, unconventional idea.