Triple Trouble is a side-scrolling platformer similar to that of previous Sonic games.[2] The story follows Sonic the Hedgehog and Tails in their efforts to stop the powerful Chaos Emeralds from being acquired by Doctor Robotnik, who has tricked Knuckles the Echidna into aiding him. Treasure hunter Nack the Weasel is also in search of the Emeralds.[3]
Players can choose to control either Sonic or Tails through six differently themed areas referred to as zones.[3] Each zone consists of three levels, with the third containing a boss fight.[4] Both characters play similarly and can execute a spin dash to accelerate forward in a rolling formation.[5] Sonic can also perform a peel-out move, previously introduced in Sonic CD, whereas Tails can fly for a short amount of time.[5] Various power-ups can be obtained throughout the game.[6] However, many are exclusive to one character, such as Sonic's jet board and Tails' sea fox items.[7] The differences between Sonic and Tails' power-ups may result in the player's traversal of levels to slightly diverge between the two.[5]