Central City

Games

Central City debuts as an expansive overworld in Sonic Battle, serving as a multifaceted hub within the game’s universe. Within Central City, several notable locations are featured, including an apartment complex occupied by Amy Rose and Cream the Rabbit, the towering Central Lab which houses a library and a renowned database, as well as the prominent Battle Highway. Tails journeys to Central City in pursuit of information regarding Emerl. Another distinct section of Central City, known as Night Babylon, emerges as a vibrant casino district. Here, Rouge operates her own club, while Dr. Eggman establishes one of his numerous bases, adding an extra layer of intrigue and diversity to the city’s landscape.

In this stage, players can engage in different missions based on their alignment. The Hero Mission involves aiding Knuckles the Echidna in capturing twenty bombs, while the Dark Mission involves assisting Black Doom in detonating five massive bombs. A noteworthy revelation in Shadow the Hedgehog is the unveiling of Central City as the residence of the President of the “United Federation,” represented by a variation of the White House. Following the completion of any mission on The ARK, the city faces the threat of being destroyed by the Eclipse Cannon. The outcome, whether Central City’s survival or demise, rests in the hands of the player.

Furthermore, Central City takes part in the game’s Expert Mode, where Espio the Chameleon presents a challenge for Shadow within this urban landscape. The multifaceted role of Central City in Shadow the Hedgehog adds depth and complexity to the game’s narrative and gameplay.

IDW Publishing

The Last Minute

Dr. Eggman arrived in Central City aboard his Faceship and proceeded to release a significant quantity of the virus in the area. While Tails concentrated on developing an antidote for the virus, Tangle and Whisper took it upon themselves to initiate the process of evacuating the city’s inhabitants. Throughout the course of more than an hour, numerous citizens succumbed to the virus, transforming into Zombots, while others were led by Tangle and Whisper to a harbor for safe departure.

During this time, Tails neared completion of the virus antidote, but his progress was interrupted by Zombots, including Cheese and Chocola. Faced with this threat, Tails had to hastily depart his laboratory using his Cyclone and rushed to assist Tangle and Whisper in their evacuation efforts. Eventually, a Restoration Rescue Shuttle descended to the docks, enabling the uninfected citizens to embark and seek safety. After the Cyclone was incapacitated by the Zombots, Tails joined the citizens on the shuttle for evacuation.^[2]Sonic the Hedgehog #21, “The Last Minute, Part 1”

Imposter Syndrome

Subsequently, Surge and Kit arrived in Central City with the intention of undergoing a fitness evaluation through a covert chaos-causing exercise. While Kit had a detailed strategy prepared, Surge impulsively took the initiative and utilized her lightning-fast electrical abilities to sow disorder throughout the city. This impromptu rampage led to a series of unfortunate events, including vehicular collisions, malfunctioning street lights, unprovoked attacks on unsuspecting pedestrians, and widespread destruction.^[3]Sonic the Hedgehog: Imposter Syndrome #1, story one

Trial by Fire

Upon receiving information from Nite concerning the recent turmoil engulfing Central City, the Chaotix team decided to take matters into their own hands and launch an investigation. Skillfully navigating through a congested traffic situation en route to the city, the Chaotix successfully reached the heart of Central City, only to be met with a scene of utter pandemonium. In the midst of the chaos, disgruntled citizens engaged in heated disputes over the origins of the disturbance.

Guided by a helpful bystander’s suggestion, the Chaotix opted to explore the city’s intricate sewer system for potential leads. Within the subterranean depths, they caught sight of an enigmatic figure transporting a crate brimming with parts from dismantled Badniks. Although their attempt to apprehend the mysterious individual proved unsuccessful, the abandoned crate left behind provided a vital clue, leading them to Central City’s bustling docks.

There, concealed within an abandoned warehouse, the Chaotix stumbled upon an unexpected discovery. Clutch the Opossum had clandestinely amassed the remnants of his ill-gotten gains, which had been surreptitiously transported by Rough and Tumble through the sewers. Clutch harbored intentions of selling these accumulated items to reestablish his criminal empire. In a momentary triumph, the Chaotix managed to apprehend Clutch and seize his hoard, seeking to thwart his sinister plans. However, Clutch and his accomplices deftly eluded capture by employing smoke bombs ingeniously obtained from Espio. This daring escape marked yet another chapter in the ongoing conflict between the Chaotix and Central City’s cunning criminals.^[4]Sonic the Hedgehog #48, “Hit the Pavement”

Overpowered

Returning to Central City, Surge initiated a trial of the Dynamo Cage by launching assaults on innocent civilians, wreaking havoc in her wake. However, her actions did not go unnoticed, as Whisper swiftly intervened to confront Surge. Engaged in a fierce confrontation, Whisper demonstrated her formidable combat prowess against Surge, but the situation took a turn when Surge harnessed the power of multiple Wisps using the Dynamo Cage, gaining the upper hand.

The skirmish escalated, causing significant damage to the surrounding city block, and news of the clash reached the Restoration. Responding to the urgent situation, Sonic and Tails rushed to the scene, determined to put an end to Surge’s destructive rampage.^[5]Sonic the Hedgehog #53, “Overpowered, Part 2” Their efforts, however, were initially hindered by Sonic’s injury, sustained during his escape from Eggperial City.

Whisper, recognizing the dire need for Sonic’s assistance, selflessly lent him her Cyan Wisp, empowering him with the Cyan Laser ability. This newfound strength allowed Sonic to engage Surge once more. Despite Surge’s ability to absorb the Cyan Wisp’s energy, Tails devised a clever strategy to counter her. Leading Surge into a hardware store, Sonic and Tails manipulated the situation by linking the Dynamo Cage to the store’s appliances, incapacitating Surge before she could fully drain her energy.

In a final desperate act, Surge unleashed a powerful blast that destroyed the store but left Sonic and Tails relatively unscathed. As they moved to remove the Dynamo Cage, their efforts were unexpectedly interrupted by the arrival of Kitsunami, who promptly extracted Surge and transported her to Starline Base Sigma, bringing the tumultuous confrontation to an abrupt end.^[6]Sonic the Hedgehog #54, “Overpowered, Part 3”

In Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood, Central City serves as a prominent location. Within its bounds, players can explore Tails’ Lab and the G.U.N Headquarters, along with various shops catering to different needs. The city is also a pivotal junction, connecting routes to the Green Hill Zone and Mystic Ruins. However, access to Mystic Ruins is initially restricted by G.U.N. troops in the early chapters of the game.

Central City proves to be a battleground, hosting encounters with adversaries like Wasp Swarms and Eggman’s robotic forces. These seemingly independent enemies are, in truth, manipulated by the Nocturnus Clan.

Notably, Central City marks significant moments in the storyline as both Tails and Rouge are recruited to join Sonic’s party in this location. Their inclusion further enhances the depth and engagement of the game’s narrative and gameplay experience.

Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games

In the game Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games, the Dream Snowboard Cross event showcases a snow-covered rendition of Radical Highway, a level from Sonic Adventure 2. This transformed version of Radical Highway serves as the primary track for the event. While maintaining its snow-covered theme, the course retains much of its original design from Sonic Adventure 2, offering a nostalgic experience for players.

One noteworthy alteration is observed in the stage’s aesthetics: the appearances of NiGHTS, a character from the NiGHTS into Dreams series, have been substituted with Chao, the beloved creatures from the Sonic the Hedgehog series. This modification aligns with the winter sports theme of the game and adds a unique touch to the familiar setting of Radical Highway.

• Amy’s Room^[7]Sonic Team (27 February 2004). Sonic Battle. Game Boy Advance. Sega. Area/level: Central City.
• Central City Yard
• Central Highway
• Central Lab
• Central Shipping
• Crossing
• Office
• Sonic Team building
• White House

Archie Comics

Main article: Central City (Archie)

Within the Sonic the Hedgehog comic series and its related spin-offs published by Archie Comics, Central City was depicted as a city-state primarily populated by humans. This bustling metropolis served as the capital of the United Federation and was situated in the southwestern region of the fictional continent Eurish. The city held significant importance within the comic’s narrative.

Notably, Central City became the target of an attack orchestrated by Dr. Eggman and his forces. The villainous Eggman aimed to locate Snively, a key figure in the storyline, within the city. However, Eggman encountered resistance from G.U.N. (Guardian Units of the Nation) forces, led by the formidable Omega. This clash between Eggman’s forces and G.U.N. marked a pivotal event in the ongoing struggle for control and peace within the Sonic comic universe.

• In the Japanese edition of Shadow the Hedgehog, Black Doom purposefully directed the Eclipse Cannon towards Central City with the intention of assassinating the President, whom he referred to as the “leader of the planet.” Conversely, in the English version, he expressed his intention to eliminate all planetary leaders who dared to oppose him.
• It’s worth noting that “Central City” also holds significance in the DC Comics universe as the hometown of the Flash, a speedster superhero with similar abilities to Sonic the Hedgehog. This parallel city name serves as a point of connection between the Sonic franchise and the broader world of comic book superheroes.