Well… I think I actually enjoy this better than Sonic games! :P Mostly because I don't have played very much. But the issue of hitting every walls and playing slowly on a first Sonic run is here solved by the mechanics of laps! It's very satisfying to learn nooks of a level and getting to master it. The level design can be tricky at time, but present interesting challenge. And the last level is totally on point! Although I'm glad there is an easy mode, because the normal one is already brutal! I couldn't beat even level 1 on it.
Great work on the art and audio too! The character animations are impressive, especially for movements like turning back, wall jump, etc… It gives great feedback. And the music sound absolutely like they escape from a Sonic. Congrats for such a great job!