So I got lucky yesterday and managed to pick up the last copy my local GAME store had in stock. I've been powering through it, on to the 4th boss atm. Haven't really been doing any of the side stuff other than the stuff I need to do. One thing i've noticed is that its surprisingly easy to get chaos emeralds, got 6 at the moment.
Also the music is awesome, I've been looking for a soundtrack listing but i can't seem to find one.
The red star rings and the rest of the challenges are probably going to take a while after I finish.
So far its just been one big nostalgiagasm for me.