Taking place 60 years before present day, Gerald Robotnik is in the design phase of the creation of the Space Colony ARK. While preparations are being made, he embarks on an expedition to the mysterious Little Planet with the help of notable colleagues in the field of science:

Newcomer archaeologist Gerson "Gherkin" Pickle, and famed ring-smith Gazebo Boobowski. Elsewhere, Gilbert, the young Duke of Soleanna, has been beckoned by the Flame of Hope to seek out the Little Planet. He stows away on Gerald's vessel after having stolen Gazebo's space suit.