some proofs on that insta-shield is the best thing (sonic classic heroes & Sonic 3 A.I.R) : r/SonicTheHedgehog

Sonic the Hedgehog (1991) - The Pixels

I've had the hope of seeing Sonic try to tackle a real open world

Sonic 3 & Knuckles, Sonic Wiki Zone

Metal Sonic

The Insta Shield Is Actually Usless In Sonic 3 And Knuckles Part 1

I've had the hope of seeing Sonic try to tackle a real open world

How powerful is Sonic the hedgehog without the chaos emeralds? - Quora

Sonic the Hedgehog - Shields by SonicDash57 on DeviantArt

Sonic Frontiers Review (Switch)

Shadow vs Knuckles