The new character is revealed as Nova the Hedgehog, a friend of Surge and Josh's. He melts the ice around Rover, causing him to fall off the cliff. He tells Surge and Josh that Rover wouldn't be down forever and advises them to get to the robo penguin base to get the Chaos Emerald that's there. All 3 of them go.

Surge, Josh, Nova, and Rover - Me
Chaos Emerald - Sonic/Sega