Version 2.5 will be released in late March fixing a few bugs that were in version 2.0.  New features such as a weather toggle option, a game saving feature, and an added 3rd Player or 2nd assisting AI  will all be featured in version 2.5.

 

The saving feature will run similarly to Sonic 3's menu system.  You will be able to repeat levels previously completed with any available character.  In the final release, the majority of playable characters will have to be unlocked while playing in game missions. 

 

Antoine will not likely be completed in this release. Cream and Honey will replace Antoine at the moment as far as character additions, but he will be added once his sprites are completed. Knuckles will now be able to use his climbing ability along with other added features that are still in the works.

 

The original "Knothole Village" stages will now become "The Great Forest" while a new safe zone stage preceding those stages will become the new "Knothole Village".  This will be a single stage where the player can train and test out new abilities.  Not all areas will be accessible by all characters therefore the gameplay is drastically changed depending on which character style you choose.  While in Knothole, NPCs will guide you in how to make the best of you abilities and possibly reward you with different unlockable features.

 

-Ironrind