You appear in a world with an environment design reminiscent of the darkest era of Sonic games. A chilly breeze sweeps through the empty streets of a city long forgotten. You walk in silence. There's something strange in the air... as if you're being watched from within the walls

You stop as you turn a corner and can see 2017X standing with his back to you, silhouetted against the reddish mist in the background. At first glance, he looks like Sonic, but something's off. His body is covered in fur so dark it shines like wet onyx. He's not wearing shoes. His arms, the same shade as the rest of his body, end in elongated, nailless fingers. His skin looks like fine porcelain, cracked in places where a dark fluid pulses with life

Then, 2017X raises a hand and begins to sing

"Grey surfaces among the fray, there’s finite time to keep me at bay. A face you recognize—It’s such a great disguise. So, let me be known. Fear your pal, he’s too far gone. Fur quite pale to the touch, for he shall known…" "The new dawn is coming for us all. I agitate for bloodlust—It’s what I enthrall"

2017X doesn't seem to notice your presence, his body sways to the rhythm of a melody that shouldn't be playing, but is there

"Lurking ‘round the city, he caught your gaze. Your heart’s getting heavy, but rhythm keeps you steady" "In this digital space, these games are not too far-fetched, as you can see. But with you wrapped around my puppet strings, there’s no limit" "Why so cold-faced? The fires only hurt a little bit. There’s no time to waste— So dance with me… Come on, buddy… dance with me (Yeah)"

You try to take a step back… but you kick a rock. The melody grows louder, and 2017X's neck creaks as he slowly turns his head. A cruel smile appears. His hand covers part of his face, but an eye glows between his fingers

"Noise… Oh, I hear a voice say:Would you like to PLAY?"

2017X appears next to you instantly and yells "BOO!" knocking you down and starts laughing while pointing at you

"Come with me. We’ll keep on zooming. Why not spread your arms and fly? You know you haven’t got a thing to fret—’Cuz I’m right by your side" "I ALWAYS SEEK… AND YOU NEVER HIDE!"

2017X tilts his head, squinting his eyes

"What’s wrong now? You’re looking grim. Not seen a hedgehog with those eyes? Might it be your old pal Sonic? Hard for you to recognize?" "If you think a fake’s the one that’s singing, I’ll remind you that you might be forgetting just a thing…"

2017X opens his arms. His smile widens, revealing impossible fangs. His eyes explode in a red glow

"I’LL MAKE YOU PLAY ALONG IN TIME WITH ME!" "AS SOON… I’LL BREAK… THAT SPACE… YOUR HEART… I SHALL SET FREE… SO FOLLOW ME"

2017X starts moving at an impossible speed, chasing you

"Unravelling the face you know, but you’re too slow. Why even try?" "To shadow your fate… When it’s too late. Let me remind you, that you’re forgetting just a thing—" "A fatal mistake, that you’ve stumbled right into. You’re not very good at this… are you?"

The city lights fail. The music in your head speeds up. You run through alleys that warp behind you

"In my world… (My world) You’ll fall apart. In my world… (My world) Falling amongst the shallow" "As you take your final leap of faith, to finally see the shadow wraith—You’ll burn away… without a trace"

After a great chase, you manage to escape for the moment. 2017X lets you go, playfully waving his hand for now. But when you doubt again that he isn't the real Sonic, 2017X falls silent and gets really angry. His figure begins to become grotesque as he transitions into his "Broken Face" form. His shape seems asymmetrical and is much more voluminous than before, and his body has begun to crack, mainly around his face.

"As the city strays away… The new dawn starts to pave the way" "BREAK THROUGH THE SOLID PORCELAIN! REAP WHAT YOU SOW—OF THIS INFAMOUS ARTISAN!" "UNHOLIER THAN THOU… AS I WEAR THIS CROWN!" "YOU’LL BE LOST AND NEVER FOUND… IN YOUR OWN BURIAL GROUND"