Editing Vector the Crocodile

{{Vector the Crocodile infobox}}<!--To edit Vector's infobox, search Sonic News Network for "Template:Vector the Crocodile infobox"-->
{{Quote left|It's all part of being a good detective.|Vector the Crocodile, ''[[Sonic Heroes]]''|file = QuotVector.ogg }}
{{nihongo|'''Vector the Crocodile'''|ベクター・ザ・クロコダイル|Bekutā za Kurokodairu}} is a character that appears in the [[Sonic the Hedgehog series|''Sonic the Hedgehog'' series]]. He is an anthropomorphic crocodile and the current director<ref name="JPSHeroes">{{Cite web|url=http://sonic.sega.jp/sonic_heroes/chara_c.html|title=Official Sonic Heroes website|author=[[Sega]]|publisher=[[Sega]]|work=Characters: Team Chaotix|accessdate=25 May 2021|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20041211035040/http://sonic.sega.jp/sonic_heroes/chara_c.html|archivedate=11 December 2004|language=Japanese}}</ref> and head honcho<ref name="SHeroesManual"/><ref name="SonicCity">{{Cite web|url=http://www.sonic-city.com/en/characters/vector/index.html|title=Sonic City|publisher=[[Sega]]|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20080229035726/http://www.sonic-city.com/en/characters/vector/index.html|archivedate=29 February 2008}}</ref> of the [[Chaotix Detective Agency]], which he founded with his close friends [[Espio the Chameleon|Espio]] and [[Charmy Bee|Charmy]]. Large and imposing with a kind heart beneath his scaly exterior, Vector is ready to take any job that pays, but will always help those in need for free, a charitable nature leaving his agency perpetually short on money.

Known for his great love of music, Vector's trademark is a pair of headphones which he always listens to.<ref name="SHeroesManual"/> Despite his rough appearance and sometimes rude manners indicating otherwise, Vector is a capable detective and natural leader with a clear, deductive mind who will always see cases through until he deems them solved.

==Concept and creation==
[[File:Sonic_the_Hedgehog_Band.png|thumb|left|225px|Vector's original appearance as the keyboard player of the [[Sonic the Hedgehog Band]], illustrated by [[Naoto Ohshima]].]]
Vector was initially going to appear as one of the members of the [[Sonic the Hedgehog Band]] during the early development of the original ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (1991)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]''. The Sonic the Hedgehog Band was created to be part of the early idealized [[Sound Test]], which was eventually dropped from the final version of the game due to time constraints.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://xbox.gamespy.com/articles/654/654750p5.html|title=Sega's Yuji Naka Talks!|date=30 September 2005|first=Heidi|last=Kemps|publisher=GameSpy|accessdate=1 May 2015}}</ref> Vector was going to be the keyboard player of Sonic's band. Many early concept sketches featured in the ''SEGA Mega Drive/Genesis Collected Works'' art book show Vector and the other band members having a more prominent role in the game, appearing even on the [[Sega]] screen and in the game's ending.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sonicstadium.org/2014/11/sonic-the-hedgehog-1%E2%80%B2s-original-intro-ending-revealed-3/|title=Sonic the Hedgehog 1′s Original Intro & Ending Revealed!|date=5 November 2014|publisher=Sonic Stadium|accessdate=1 May 2015}}</ref> In terms of game appearances, Vector is thus among the oldest characters of the series alongside [[Flicky]], [[Doctor Eggman|Eggman]] and [[Sonic the Hedgehog|Sonic]] himself.

In the early development of the original ''Sonic the Hedgehog'', Vector looked quite different compared to his later designs and was more resembling an ordinary crocodile. The scales seen on his back and tail lacked their red color, and despite his taller and sturdier build, his hands and feet were smaller than in later designs. Furthermore, Vector's belly, neck and the underneath of his tail were gray rather than light green. He also wore shoes identical to Sonic's, just like every other member of the band. While missing most of his attire such as his gold chain, Vector was already wearing his pair of headphones, which later returned as his trademark accessory.

A later revision of the band artwork stepped away from Vector's bulky build and made him lankier, shortened his neck, and also reworked his head, eyes and snout, looking closer to following interpretations of the character.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://youtu.be/DYO1ZmRuZ_U?t=2478|title=Classic Game Postmortem: Sonic the Hedgehog|date=13 April 2018|work=YouTube|accessdate=25 August 2018}}</ref>

[[File:Vectorconcept.png|thumb|left|225px|Vector in a ''[[wikipedia:The Blues Brothers (film)|The Blues Brothers]]''-esque get-up.]]
Sega Software R&D Dept. 8 created an alternative design for Vector, illustrating the character wearing sunglasses, hat and tie.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://youtu.be/-hoGyKI5J7k?t=267|title=Sega's Plan for World Domination: The Fantasy Factory (1992)|date=9 January 2017|work=YouTube|accessdate=2 January 2018}}</ref> The design was found alongside concepts for the ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (manga)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' [[manga]] published by [[Shogakukan]], where characters [[Amy Rose]] and [[Charmy Bee]] debuted.

Despite the band's appearance being scrapped from ''Sonic the Hedgehog'', they briefly appeared performing in the tie-in manga ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog Story Comic Volume 1|Sonic the Hedgehog Story Comic Vol. 1]]'' as well as in various gaming publications around the game's release. Sprites for them were also found in a prototype of the unreleased game, ''[[SegaSonic Bros.]]''.

[[File:SMRVM.jpg|thumb|left|225px|Concept art of [[Ray the Flying Squirrel|Ray]], [[Mighty the Armadillo|Mighty]], [[Sonic the Hedgehog|Sonic]], Vector and a character named Max (a redesigned version of [[Sharps the Parakeet|Sharps]]), illustrated by [[Naoto Ohshima]].]]
Sometime prior to the release of [[SegaSonic the Hedgehog]], [[Naoto Ohshima]] revised the character design.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/NaotoOhshima/status/975790031632719873|title=Naoto Ohshima on Twitter|date=19 March 2018|accessdate=19 March 2018|quote='''[[Naoto Ohshima]]''': This is what I drew <nowiki>[</nowiki>[[Media:SMRVM.jpg|Image]]<nowiki>]</nowiki>}}</ref> This version of Vector made cameo appearances in the April 1992 issue of ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (manga)#Shogaku Gonensei|Shogaku Gonensei]]'' and the August 1992 issue of ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (manga)#Shogaku Ichinensei|Shogaku Ichinensei]]'', alongside the ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (manga)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' manga cast,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/knnosr/status/1316402447472967681|title=knnosr on Twitter|work=Twitter|date=14 October 2020|accessdate= 15 October 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20201023175541/https://twitter.com/knnosr/status/1316402447472967681|archivedate=23 October 2020}}</ref> and appeared as a playable character in 1995's ''[[Knuckles' Chaotix]]''.

==Appearance==
<gallery type="slideshow" position="left" widths="225">
KC Japanese Manual Vector 03.png|Vector before the [[Neo Metal Sonic]] [[Sonic Heroes|incident]], from ''[[Knuckles' Chaotix]]''.
Sonicchannel vector nocircle.png|Vector after the [[Neo Metal Sonic]] [[Sonic Heroes|incident]], from ''[[Sonic Art Assets DVD]]''.
</gallery>
Vector is a large, green-skinned anthropomorphic crocodile with spiky red scales down his tail, goldenrod eyes, and sharp teeth. He sports a thick body that resembles an S-shape, with his broad upper body getting slimmer towards his tail and legs. By contrast, his arms start out thin and thicken closer to the wrist. His belly, snout and arms are light green, while the rest of his body is dark green.

For attire, Vector wears small, black shoulder pads, white gloves with black armbands that possess orange stripes for cuffs, embellished with gold buckles as well as black urban lace-free boots figured with white and orange colors. He also wears a gold chain necklace around his neck, serving as his trademark accessory alongside his pair of black-and-gray wireless noise-cancelling headphones,<ref>{{Cite book |chapter=Spook Terror |first=Kiel |last=Phegley |authorlink=Kiel Phegley |title=[[Sonic and the Tales of Terror]] |date=28 August 2018 |publisher=[[Penguin Books|Penguin Young Readers License]] |isbn=978-1524787318 |quote='Zzzzzzzzz...,' snored Vector, on the ground with his noise-cancelling pumping jams on his ears. [...] 'Na, Espio's story about the invisible truck driver scared me silly,' said Vector the Crocodile, his headphones for once turned off for some peace and quiet.}}</ref> and the crocodile is rarely seen without one or the other. With the exception of his chain, Vector's complete attire is frequently shown to be made out of leather. With his style said to exude an urban vibe, ready for going out doing detective work suddenly.<ref>https://x.com/SonicOfficialJP/status/1830381829196759314</ref>

In ''[[Knuckles' Chaotix]]'', Vector's build was a bit shorter and slimmer in general, and his red scales, while similar, parted into two arrays starting from his upper body, forming a V-shape. Compared to his ''[[Sonic Heroes]]'' incarnation, his arms had a darker shade of green matching the rest of his body, while his belly and snout had a more ochre color tone. His attire was also different: Vector wore yellow-and-blue circular headphones, connected to a [[Wikipedia:Walkman|Walkman]] which he had attached to his body using a belt. Furthermore, Vector wore dark blue-colored shoes with yellow zip-cuffs.
{{Otheruses4||a list of Vector's alternate outfits|Vector the Crocodile/Miscellaneous#Outfits}}

==Personality==
[[File:Vector profile SG.png|thumb|left|225px|Vector's profile, from the [[Xbox 360]] version of ''[[Sonic Generations]]''.]]
Vector is easygoing and loud mouthed with the heart of a child. As the brains behind the [[Chaotix Detective Agency]]'s operations, Vector is a true leader<ref name="Rio">[[Sega]] (23 June 2016). ''[[Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games]]''. [[Wii U]]. [[Nintendo]]. Area/Level: Collectibles (Flags). "This crafty croc leads the Chaotix Detective Agency. Vector may speak in a rough tone and he may not sweat the details but uses his powers of deduction to solve any case with dignity and respect. Vector is a true leader with dreams of becoming rich but is perpetually broke since he often takes jobs that help people but don't pay. There's a strong possibility he'll be competing in the Olympic Games on an empty stomach."</ref> that keeps a cool head even in the most difficult situations. Unfortunately, his position as leader tends to get to his head, which often leaves Vector split between the "bossy" and "easy-going" parts of his nature. Nevertheless, Vector enjoys his profession as a leader and detective. He takes his profession seriously and uses his powers of deduction and common sense<ref name="May be you-know-who">[[Sonic Team]] (6 February 2004). ''[[Sonic Heroes]]''. [[PlayStation 2]]. [[Sega]]. Area/Level: [[Egg Albatross]]. '''Vector''': You know, oddly enough, I've had the same strange feeling about our client's real identity. It could be you-know-who..."</ref> to solve any case with dignity and respect,<ref name="Rio"/> although he is not above showing them off.

Vector normally displays a tough exterior. He speaks in a rough tone and may not sweat the details.<ref name="SHeroesManual"/><ref name="Rio"/> He likewise quick to start a fight, often taking an aggressive approach when facing troubles, but he is always on the side of the weak.<ref name="JPSHeroes"/><ref name="SHeroesManual"/> Despite his aggressive approach though, he is able to find a peaceful solution to a problem, though he will only do so as a last resort.<ref name="SHeroesManual"/>

Deep down, Vector has a kind heart<ref name="SonicCity"/> with an optimistic viewpoint and a wealthy personality. While keeping a calm head and a decisive determination when on a case, Vector can at the same time show a cool and relaxed sense of humor with some attitude. At the same time, Vector is charismatic and charming, allowing him to get along well with others no matter how different they may be, which is especially apparent in his close friendship with [[Espio the Chameleon|Espio]] and his occasional engagement in groups outside of [[Team Chaotix]], such as [[Team Vector]] or [[Team Rose]]. Equally, Vector cares deeply for his friends and is always loyal to them. 

Nonetheless, Vector has a short temper and aggressive manners. His pretended gentle behavior in front of strangers quickly changes to a rough demeanor with a snappy attitude when things do not go his way, especially when he feels insulted or peeved, and is generally very direct in his choice of words. He always says what is on his mind, often ending up being downright rude. While Vector is aware he has a big mouth, however, he is not bothered by the fact. Despite his charitable nature with clients, he has also shown a slightly selfish streak in front of his team mates, such as eating Charmy's pudding or only buying dessert for himself.

One of Vector's most defined traits is his dream of getting rich.<ref name="Rio"/> His behavior is mostly geared around earning money, and his policy is to never turn down work that pays. He will do almost any kind of work if it means a good income and gets motivated by the thought of money alone. Because his business does not run as expected very often, Vector usually worries about rent payments and bills and has made remarks about being unable to afford adequate meals for himself. He likewise hates working for the landlord, who he is constantly at odds with. As a consequence, he may ask friends for jobs and is willing to do things that have nothing in common with detective work at all.

Despite his love for cash, Vector has strong morals and will not get involved in anything illegal or dirty. Similarly, Vector has a strong sense of justice and kindness, despite his argumentativeness. As such, Vector is very charitable and is known for helping those in need for free, such as finding a lost child or take up meager chases for children. Because of this, Vector will take up cases without any sort of compensation. Despite any money problems his generosity may present, however, Vector believes that helping out those less fortunate is the best reward. He is not above embarrassing himself either if it helps the well-being of others, even at the chance of it staining his good reputation.

Next to money, Vector's other great passion is music, which he always listens to. He is often being seen turning up and grooving to his current jam and usually becomes oblivious to the world around him being in his own world. He also likes to perform in his own band, converting his detective team into one whenever feeling like it, and believes himself to possess a great singing voice. Even if Vector listens and plays music loudly, he only enjoys the music if it sounds good, while disliking general noise.

Vector is also quite crazy about bubble-gum and food in general.<ref name="SonicCity"/> While not always able to afford adequate meals,<ref name="Rio"/> Vector is quite the connoisseur and enjoys trying a wide variety of food ranging from [[chili dog]]s to foreign sweets,<ref name="SonicTokyo">[[Sega]] (7 May 2020). ''[[Sonic at the Olympic Games (2020)|Sonic at the Olympic Games]]''. [[iOS]]. [[Sega]]. Area/level: Collection (Badges). "Has apparently been taste-testing all the best sweets in Tokyo."</ref> and tends to be well-informed on culinary matters.<ref name="Wallpaper Cover Story Part 4">{{Cite web|url=https://sonic.sega.jp/SonicChannel/special/coverstory/20210322_002508/|title=ソニック ＆ ベクター|publisher=[[Sega]]|accessdate=24 March 2021|language=Japanese|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210322123855/https://sonic.sega.jp/SonicChannel/topics/special/coverstory/20210322_002508/|archivedate=22 March 2021}}</ref>
[[File:Vector crying.png|thumb|Vector bummed about Knuckles paying them with fruits instead of money, from [[IDW Sonic the Hedgehog Issue 66|''Sonic the Hedgehog'' #66]].]]
In the IDW Comics, an upbeat, laid-back and good-natured crocodile, Vector is an accomplished and firm detective who takes his profession very seriously, his agency's policy being to never leave a case half-done. He is also one of high moral standards, as he questioned whether it would be ethical or not to penalize [[Doctor Eggman|Dr. Eggman]] after the doctor had seemingly lost his memories about his evil deeds and turned over a new leaf.<ref name="StH53">[[IDW Sonic the Hedgehog Issue 5|''Sonic the Hedgehog'' #5]], "The Fate of Dr. Eggman, Part 1"</ref>
While very heroic and more than willing to help out his friends and allies, Vector also has ambitions about getting rich and counts on getting "hazard pay" for his and his colleagues' heroic efforts and allowances for the harsh working conditions Chaotix often find themselves in.<ref name="StH11">[[IDW Sonic the Hedgehog Issue 11|''Sonic the Hedgehog'' #11]], "The Battle for Angel Island, Part 3"</ref>
Vector is shown to have a short temper and aggressive manners that surface whenever he feels insulted or peeved, namely when [[Charmy Bee|Charmy]] annoys him or when work does not go as planned.<ref name="StH54">[[IDW Sonic the Hedgehog Issue 5|''Sonic the Hedgehog'' #5]], "The Fate of Dr. Eggman, Part 1"</ref> When his emotions get the better of him, Vector can act rashly and engage in a situation without thinking if not reasoned with.<ref name="StH175">[[IDW Sonic the Hedgehog Issue 17|''Sonic the Hedgehog'' #17]], "Plague"</ref><ref name="StHAnnual2020s52">''[[Sonic the Hedgehog Annual 2020]]'', "Flock Together"</ref><ref name="StH222">[[IDW Sonic the Hedgehog Issue 22|''Sonic the Hedgehog'' #22]], "The Last Minute, Part 2"</ref> Deep down though, Vector is kind and polite despite looking quite scary.<ref name="StH32">[[IDW Sonic the Hedgehog Issue 32|''Sonic the Hedgehog'' #32]], "Recovery, Part 2"</ref>

==Powers and abilities==
[[File:SHeroesVectorStrength.png|thumb|225px|left|Vector smashing a large boulder with his [[Hammer Down]] technique, from ''[[Sonic Heroes]]''.]]
Classified as a [[Power Type]], Vector is strong,<ref name="Channel V">{{Cite web|url=http://sonic.sega.jp/SonicChannel/character/vector.html|work=[[Sonic Channel]]|title=Characters: Vector|publisher=[[Sega]]|date=3 July 2015|language=Japanese|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20190525140327/http://sonic.sega.jp/SonicChannel/character/vector.html|archivedate=25 May 2019}}</ref> possessing impressive brute strength that few can question.<ref name="SHeroesProfile">{{Cite web|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040624034444/http://www.sega.com/gamesite/sonicheroes/content.html|title=Sonic Heroes official website|accessdate=24 June 2004|work=Characters: Team Chaotix|publisher=[[Sega]]|quote=This charming headphone-wearing crocodile heads up the Chaotix Detective Agency and few question his brute strength. He is fixated on money and he'll take nearly any job for the promise of good pay, as long as it's legal. Don't let his dazzling smile fool you; he can effortlessly crush enemies with his razor-sharp teeth.}}</ref><ref name="M&S4"/> In fact, his feats of strength rival the likes of [[Knuckles the Echidna|Knuckles]], [[Big the Cat|Big]] and [[E-123 Omega|Omega]]. Notably, he can smash giant boulders, punch down thick metal doors with ease,<ref name="SHeroesTeamChaotix">[[Sonic Team]] (6 February 2004). ''[[Sonic Heroes]]''. [[PlayStation 2]]. [[Sega]]. Area/Level: Ending sequence ([[Team Chaotix]]'s storyline).</ref> and throw objects high into the sky and out of eyesight.<ref>[[Sonic Team]] (4 November 2011). ''[[Sonic Generations]]''. [[PlayStation 3]]. [[Sega]]. Area/Level: [[Vector: Through the Storm]].</ref> By combining his strength with his weight, Vector can as well land [[Hammer Down|downward blows]] that can not only heavily damage an enemy, if not outright crush them, but also produce a fiery shockwave upon impact. Most of his power, however, lies in his powerful jaws, which are a formidable weapon and possess razor-sharp teeth,<ref name="SHeroesManual">''[[Sonic Heroes]]'' ([[PlayStation 2]]) United States instruction booklet, pg. 11.</ref><ref name="SHeroesProfile"/> attributes of which let Vector chew through [[Badnik|robot]] metal with ease. As gentle with them as he can be brutal, Vector can effortlessly defeat enemies by crunching on them with his mouth, yet he can [[Fire Combination|store]] [[Espio the Chameleon|Espio]] and [[Charmy Bee|Charmy]] between them without injuring them. He is even able to [[Fireball|spit out objects]] with such force that they ignite from the friction. Physical strength aside, Vector is also rather fast, having been able to keep up with his [[Speed Type|speedy]] teammate [[Espio the Chameleon|Espio]] during the [[Neo Metal Sonic]] [[Sonic Heroes|incident]] and even [[Shadow the Hedgehog|Shadow]] during the [[Black Arms]] [[Shadow the Hedgehog (game)|incident]]. In addition, Vector has displayed impressive reflexes and acrobatic skills, enough to let him execute unique [[Trick Action|tricks]] and movements while in mid-air, pull off various [[Spin Attack]] maneuvers at high speed, and [[grinding|grind]] on [[Grind Rail]]s with ease.

Vector is also able to perform the Spin Attack, a technique where he curls into a concussive ball or cutting disk and directs himself at him targets. With it, Vector can shred or burrow through just about any substance given enough speed. Adept in its usage, Vector can utilize several variants of the Spin Attack for both ground- and aerial maneuvers, including the [[Spin Dash]], [[Spin Jump]], and [[Homing Attack]].

As a crocodile, Vector is naturally good at swimming, using the typical movement of a crocodile in water to accelerate effortlessly. His unique swimming stroke is known as the "Crocodile Paddle" or the "Gator style". He can also carry this kind of movement over to the ground or even the air by [[Head Slide|sliding forward head-first on his stomach]], allowing him to accelerate and plow through obstacles.

[[File:SHeroesMeetEggman.png|thumb|right|225px|Having deduced the client he was helping was [[Doctor Eggman|Dr. Eggman]] early on, Vector casually greets him the instant upon busting him out of prison, from ''[[Sonic Heroes]]''.]]
Although it is hard to imagine from his rough appearance and behavior, Vector is an accomplished detective and he is usually the one who deduces the solution to a crime.<ref name="Channel V"/> While he is not a genius like [[Miles "Tails" Prower|Tails]] or [[Doctor Eggman|Dr. Eggman]], Vector still possesses a clear,<ref name="Channel V"/> sharp,<ref name="Bios">{{Cite web|url=https://www.olympicvideogames.com/marioandsonic/us/index.html|title=Mario and Sonic Tokyo|publisher=[[Sega]]|accessdate=21 August 2019|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020193217/https://www.olympicvideogames.com/marioandsonic/us/index.html|archivedate=20 October 2020|quote=The head of the Chaotix Detective Agency. He has a sharp mind and a sharp tongue, but is also an optimist with a compassionate heart.}}</ref> and brilliant<ref name="SSB3DSPAL">Bandai Namco, Sora Ltd. (3 October 2014). ''[[Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U|Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS]]''. [[Nintendo 3DS]]. [[Nintendo]]. Area/Level: Trophy Hoard. "'''"Vector the Crocodile" trophy''': Presenting Vector the Crocodile, ace detective! Loud-mouthed and bossy on the outside, but a real softy on the inside. Despite having a business to run, he'll lend his keen eye and brilliant mind free of charge to anyone in need. ...Someone should really make a film about his life!"</ref> mind, along with a keen eye for detail<ref name="SSB3DSPAL"/> and remarkably good instincts.<ref name="May be you-know-who"/><ref name="Hunch">[[Sonic Team]] (4 November 2011). ''[[Sonic Generations]]''. [[PlayStation 3]]. [[Sega]]. Area/Level: [[White Space]]. "'''Vector''': Thanks, Sonic. You know, I've got a hunch someone or something is controlling that monster.”</ref> Having a knack for solving riddles and mysteries, Vector's keen intellect can piece clues and other minor hints together to often reach correct conclusions that his teammates and most others would have overlooked or failed to reach.<ref name="SHeroesTeamChaotix"/> His skills at deduction are very profound, especially during his investigations, as Vector seldom, if ever, chooses the wrong individual as his prime suspect. Additionally, he can use his investigative techniques for other purposes, like locating lost things or even predicting his enemy's actions.<ref name="Vector's investigative technique">[[Sonic Team]] (15 November 2005). ''[[Shadow the Hedgehog (game)|Shadow the Hedgehog]]''. [[PlayStation 2]]. [[Sega]]. Area/Level: [[Cosmic Fall]], [[Black Doom (boss)|Black Doom]]. "'''Vector''': My investigative techniques reveal a pattern to where he will appear. Try to predict where he'll be next!"</ref> Intellect aside, Vector also has charismatic leadership skills, having been described as a true leader.<ref name="Rio"/>

[[File:Screen42.jpg|thumb|left|225px|Vector breathing fire, from ''[[Sonic Heroes]]''.]]
Vector possesses a [[Vector Breath|number of offensive breaths to attack foes with]]. Notably, he can either produce a concentrated sonic scream as a destructive stream with concussive force behind it or breathe fire. The former breath might be connected to his singing voice, which he can use to generate [[Chaotix Recital|extremely destructive sound]], causing all nearby [[Badnik]]s to explode as a result to the noise. Additionally, Vector is very skilled at blowing chewing gum; he can blow a huge bubble to [[Bubblegum Descent|ride through midair]] or knock smaller projectiles away from him, and, combined with his breath skills, spit out multiple bubbles that detonate into large explosions upon impact.

Vector has also proven himself a capable [[Extreme Gear]] rider, having established himself as a worthy competitor in the [[Sonic Free Riders|second EX World Grand Prix]] amongst the world's best riders. Specializing in Bike-type Extreme Gear, he can perform various athletic stunts and punch his way through giant obstacles while riding his Extreme Gear. Vector actually refactored his Extreme Gear, the [[Hard-Boiled]] himself, indicating he might have some skills in machinery as well.

As seen during [[Dodon Pa]]'s [[Team Sonic Racing|Grand Prix]], Vector also has excellent skills when it comes to driving and racing in race cars like the [[Beat Monster]].

In the IDW Comics, Vector is in possession of extraordinary strength, being able to lift entire cars with ease, keep a giant snake's mouth open using brute force, smash an entire floor with one blow, and fold thick metal sheets like paper.<ref name="StH5">[[IDW Sonic the Hedgehog Issue 5|''Sonic the Hedgehog'' #5]], "The Fate of Dr. Eggman, Part 1"</ref><ref name="StH10">[[IDW Sonic the Hedgehog Issue 10|''Sonic the Hedgehog'' #10]], "The Battle for Angel Island, Part 2"</ref><ref name="StH173">[[IDW Sonic the Hedgehog Issue 17|''Sonic the Hedgehog'' #17]], "Plague"</ref><ref name="StH48">[[IDW Sonic the Hedgehog Issue 48|''Sonic the Hedgehog'' #48]], "Hit the Pavement"</ref> He likewise possesses incredible jaw strength, enough to easily chew through metal.<ref name="StH9">[[IDW Sonic the Hedgehog Issue 9|''Sonic the Hedgehog'' #9]], "The Battle for Angel Island, Part 1"</ref> He also possesses a [[Vector Breath|sonic scream]] powerful enough to blown down barricaded doors.<ref name="StH48" /> In addition, he is a hand-to-hand combatant who knows how to use both his fists and tail to fend off opponents in a fight.<ref name="StH48" />

===Equipment===
Vector wears wireless headphones that he can use to make calls.<ref name="StH172">[[IDW Sonic the Hedgehog Issue 17|''Sonic the Hedgehog'' #17]], "Plague"</ref>

===Color Powers===
{{Main|Color Power}}
By harnessing different variants of [[Hyper-go-on]] from [[Wisp]]s, Vector can use specific '''Color Powers''' to transform into a certain form, such as a drill, a laser or even a planet, each one possessing its own unique abilities. So far, Vector has been able to transform into the [[Cyan Laser]], [[Yellow Drill]], and [[Indigo Asteroid]]. However, these transformations require a steady supply of Hyper-go-on to be maintained.

==Weakness==
Vector makes a deaf tone whenever he sings.<ref name="Scholastic"/>

Due to Vector's temper, his emotions can get the better of him, leading him to act on emotion without proper planning. This has made him encounter several close calls with danger.<ref name="StH17">[[IDW Sonic the Hedgehog Issue 17|''Sonic the Hedgehog'' #17]], "Plague"</ref><ref name="StHAnnual2020s5">''[[Sonic the Hedgehog Annual 2020]]'', "Flock Together"</ref><ref name="StH22">[[IDW Sonic the Hedgehog Issue 22|''Sonic the Hedgehog'' #22]], "The Last Minute, Part 2"</ref>

==Relationships==
{{Main|Vector the Crocodile/Relationships}}

==Quotes==
{{Main|Vector the Crocodile/Miscellaneous#Quotes}}
{{Quote2|Once we start a job... we finish the job! That's our policy! We're Team Chaotix!|Vector the Crocodile, ''[[Sonic Heroes]]''|file=TeamChaotixQuote.ogg}}
{{Quote2|I can relate to wanting that money, believe me. But it's not worth sacrificing a teammate.|Vector the Crocodile, ''[[Sonic Free Riders]]''}}
{{Quote2|Looks like it's time to earn our pay, boys!|Vector the Crocodile, ''[[Sonic Forces: Moment of Truth]]''}}

==Trivia==
{{Main|Vector the Crocodile/Miscellaneous#Trivia}}

==Gallery==
{{Main|Vector the Crocodile/Gallery}}
<gallery>
Vector 3.png|''[[Knuckles' Chaotix]]''
Sonicchannel vector nocircle.png|[[Sonic Channel]], May 2006.
SegaHeroes Vector2.png|''[[Sega Heroes]]''
Vector Chaotix Stand.png|''Knuckles' Chaotix''
SonicPictMarch24.jpg|Sonic Channel, March 2024. Art by [[Yui Karasuno]].
</gallery>

==References==
{{Reflist|2}}

==External links==
*{{Plain link|https://sonic.sega.jp/SonicChannel/character/vector.html|Vector the Crocodile's}} profile on [[Sonic Channel]]
*{{WP link|List of Sonic the Hedgehog characters#Vector the Crocodile}}
*{{Plain link|https://info.sonicretro.org/Vector_the_Crocodile|Vector the Crocodile}} on {{Plain link|https://info.sonicretro.org/|Sonic Retro}}
{{Vector the Crocodile}}
{{Sonic game characters}}
[[de:Vector the Crocodile]]
[[es:Vector the Crocodile]]
[[fr:Vector the Crocodile]]
[[lt:Vektoras]]
[[nl:Vector the Crocodile]]
[[pl:Vector the Crocodile]]
[[pt:Vector the Crocodile]]
[[pt-br:Vector the Crocodile]]
[[ru:Крокодил Вектор]]
[[uk:Крокодил Вектор]]
[[zh:贝克达]]
[[Category:Heroes]]
[[Category:Males]]
[[Category:Chaotix]]
[[Category:Power types]]
[[Category:Crocodiles]]
[[Category:Playable characters]]
[[Category:Musical characters]]