Thankfully, dialog can be skipped with the Start button. Later in the game, Sonic is joined by Blaze the Cat from the previous Sonic Rush, the mystery deepens as to the goings-on in the ocean, and the nefarious intent of Captain Whiskers is made known. After this point, players can play as Sonic or Blaze in any level.

You start out with Sonic. After beating the first boss you unlock Blaze. There are NO other characters you can play.