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← Back Sonic the Hedgehog (franchise) (diff)
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Unchanged: <p><strong><em>Sonic the Hedgehog</em></strong> is a [yadawiki link="video game"] series and [yadawiki link="media franchise"] created by Japanese developers [yadawiki link="Yuji Naka"], [yadawiki link="Naoto Ohshima"], and [yadawiki link="Hirokazu Yasuhara"] for [yadawiki link="Sega"]. It is the company’s flagship series and one of the [yadawiki link="best-selling video game franchises" show="most successful video game franchises"] of all time.</p>Unchanged: <p><strong><em>Sonic the Hedgehog</em></strong> is a [yadawiki link="video game"] series and [yadawiki link="media franchise"] created by Japanese developers [yadawiki link="Yuji Naka"], [yadawiki link="Naoto Ohshima"], and [yadawiki link="Hirokazu Yasuhara"] for [yadawiki link="Sega"]. It is the company’s flagship series and one of the [yadawiki link="best-selling video game franchises" show="most successful video game franchises"] of all time.</p>
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Unchanged: <p>The franchise follows [yadawiki link="Sonic the Hedgehog (character)" show="Sonic"], an anthropomorphic blue [yadawiki link="hedgehog"] with [yadawiki link="supersonic speed"], who battles the mad scientist [yadawiki link="Doctor Eggman"] and his armies of [yadawiki link="Badnik" show="robots"]. Eggman often seeks to conquer the world using his creations or the mystical [yadawiki link="Chaos Emeralds"], gemstones of infinite energy that grant machines and living beings immense power, including [yadawiki link="super transformation" show="super transformations"]. Sonic’s adventures can be seen as a blend of science fiction and fantasy, with Sonic portrayed as a free-spirited wanderer in contrast to Eggman’s ambition of becoming a global emperor.</p>Unchanged: <p>The franchise follows [yadawiki link="Sonic the Hedgehog (character)" show="Sonic"], an anthropomorphic blue [yadawiki link="hedgehog"] with [yadawiki link="supersonic speed"], who battles the mad scientist [yadawiki link="Doctor Eggman"] and his armies of [yadawiki link="Badnik" show="robots"]. Eggman often seeks to conquer the world using his creations or the mystical [yadawiki link="Chaos Emeralds"], gemstones of infinite energy that grant machines and living beings immense power, including [yadawiki link="super transformation" show="super transformations"]. Sonic’s adventures can be seen as a blend of science fiction and fantasy, with Sonic portrayed as a free-spirited wanderer in contrast to Eggman’s ambition of becoming a global emperor.</p>
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Unchanged: <p>The franchise debuted on June 21, 1991 with <em>[yadawiki link="Sonic the Hedgehog (1991 video game)" show="Sonic the Hedgehog"]</em> for the [yadawiki link="Sega Genesis" show="Sega Genesis/Mega Drive"], created to rival Nintendo’s [yadawiki link="Super Mario" show="Mario"]. Its success made Sega a leading video game company during the early 1990s. Subsequent mainline entries were developed by [yadawiki link="Sega Technical Institute"], with spin-offs such as [yadawiki link="Sonic Spinball"]. Other titles were released for the [yadawiki link="Master System"] and [yadawiki link="Game Gear"]. After a hiatus during the [yadawiki link="Sega Saturn"], the first major 3D game, [yadawiki link="Sonic Adventure"], launched in 1998 for the [yadawiki link="Dreamcast"]. Following [yadawiki link="Sonic Adventure 2"] in 2001, Sega left the console market and shifted to [yadawiki link="Video game developer" show="third-party development"], continuing the series on [yadawiki link="Nintendo"], [yadawiki link="Xbox"], and [yadawiki link="PlayStation"]. [yadawiki link="Takashi Iizuka"] has overseen the franchise as producer since 2010.</p>Unchanged: <p>The franchise debuted on June 21, 1991 with <em>[yadawiki link="Sonic the Hedgehog (1991 video game)" show="Sonic the Hedgehog"]</em> for the [yadawiki link="Sega Genesis" show="Sega Genesis/Mega Drive"], created to rival Nintendo’s [yadawiki link="Super Mario" show="Mario"]. Its success made Sega a leading video game company during the early 1990s. Subsequent mainline entries were developed by [yadawiki link="Sega Technical Institute"], with spin-offs such as [yadawiki link="Sonic Spinball"]. Other titles were released for the [yadawiki link="Master System"] and [yadawiki link="Game Gear"]. After a hiatus during the [yadawiki link="Sega Saturn"], the first major 3D game, [yadawiki link="Sonic Adventure"], launched in 1998 for the [yadawiki link="Dreamcast"]. Following [yadawiki link="Sonic Adventure 2"] in 2001, Sega left the console market and shifted to [yadawiki link="Video game developer" show="third-party development"], continuing the series on [yadawiki link="Nintendo"], [yadawiki link="Xbox"], and [yadawiki link="PlayStation"]. [yadawiki link="Takashi Iizuka"] has overseen the franchise as producer since 2010.</p>
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Unchanged: <p>Gameplay in the mainline entries emphasizes fast-paced [yadawiki link="platformer"] action with features such as slopes, springs, vertical loops, bottomless pits, and the franchise’s signature ring-based [yadawiki link="Health (game terminology)" show="health system"]. Levels often include iconic locales like [yadawiki link="Green Hill Zone"]. The design philosophy typically starts games easy before increasing in difficulty, appealing to players of all ages. Spin-offs cover [yadawiki link="Racing game" show="racing"], [yadawiki link="fighting game" show="fighting"], [yadawiki link="party game" show="party"], [yadawiki link="sports game" show="sports"], puzzle, and role-playing genres.</p>Unchanged: <p>Gameplay in the mainline entries emphasizes fast-paced [yadawiki link="platformer"] action with features such as slopes, springs, vertical loops, bottomless pits, and the franchise’s signature ring-based [yadawiki link="Health (game terminology)" show="health system"]. Levels often include iconic locales like [yadawiki link="Green Hill Zone"]. The design philosophy typically starts games easy before increasing in difficulty, appealing to players of all ages. Spin-offs cover [yadawiki link="Racing game" show="racing"], [yadawiki link="fighting game" show="fighting"], [yadawiki link="party game" show="party"], [yadawiki link="sports game" show="sports"], puzzle, and role-playing genres.</p>
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Unchanged: <p>Over time, Sonic has been joined by many allies and rivals, including [yadawiki link="Miles 'Tails' Prower"], [yadawiki link="Knuckles the Echidna"], [yadawiki link="Amy Rose"], [yadawiki link="Shadow the Hedgehog"], and [yadawiki link="Metal Sonic"], with several starring in their own spin-offs.</p>Unchanged: <p>Over time, Sonic has been joined by many allies and rivals, including [yadawiki link="Miles 'Tails' Prower"], [yadawiki link="Knuckles the Echidna"], [yadawiki link="Amy Rose"], [yadawiki link="Shadow the Hedgehog"], and [yadawiki link="Metal Sonic"], with several starring in their own spin-offs.</p>
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Unchanged: <p>The franchise also extends into other media, including [yadawiki link="List of Sonic the Hedgehog printed media" show="comics"] by Archie Comics, Fleetway, DC Comics, and IDW Publishing; [yadawiki link="List of Sonic the Hedgehog features" show="animated series"] produced by DiC Entertainment, TMS Entertainment, Genao Productions, and Netflix; a [yadawiki link="Sonic the Hedgehog (film series)" show="live-action film series"] by Paramount Pictures; and merchandise such as [yadawiki link="Lego Sonic the Hedgehog"] and other toy lines. Sonic has also crossed over into other franchises in games such as [yadawiki link="Mario &amp; Sonic"], [yadawiki link="Sega All-Stars (series)" show="Sega All-Stars"], and [yadawiki link="Super Smash Bros."].</p>Unchanged: <p>The franchise also extends into other media, including [yadawiki link="List of Sonic the Hedgehog printed media" show="comics"] by Archie Comics, Fleetway, DC Comics, and IDW Publishing; [yadawiki link="List of Sonic the Hedgehog features" show="animated series"] produced by DiC Entertainment, TMS Entertainment, Genao Productions, and Netflix; a [yadawiki link="Sonic the Hedgehog (film series)" show="live-action film series"] by Paramount Pictures; and merchandise such as [yadawiki link="Lego Sonic the Hedgehog"] and other toy lines. Sonic has also crossed over into other franchises in games such as [yadawiki link="Mario &amp; Sonic"], [yadawiki link="Sega All-Stars (series)" show="Sega All-Stars"], and [yadawiki link="Super Smash Bros."].</p>
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Unchanged: <p>As of 2025, franchise sales and [yadawiki link="mobile game" show="mobile downloads"] have exceeded 1.77 billion worldwide, with over 166 million mainline games sold [ref]Sega Sammy Holdings, Integrated Reports 2022, published October 13, 2022[/ref]. The original Genesis titles remain highly acclaimed and frequently appear on lists of the [yadawiki link="List of video games considered the best" show="greatest of all time"]. Although later releases such as [yadawiki link="Sonic the Hedgehog (2006 video game)" show="Sonic the Hedgehog (2006)"], [yadawiki link="Shadow the Hedgehog (game)" show="Shadow the Hedgehog"], and [yadawiki link="Sonic and the Secret Rings"] received poor reviews, the series continues to influence the industry and is a mainstay of popular culture.</p>Unchanged: <p>As of 2025, franchise sales and [yadawiki link="mobile game" show="mobile downloads"] have exceeded 1.77 billion worldwide, with over 166 million mainline games sold [ref]Sega Sammy Holdings, Integrated Reports 2022, published October 13, 2022[/ref]. The original Genesis titles remain highly acclaimed and frequently appear on lists of the [yadawiki link="List of video games considered the best" show="greatest of all time"]. Although later releases such as [yadawiki link="Sonic the Hedgehog (2006 video game)" show="Sonic the Hedgehog (2006)"], [yadawiki link="Shadow the Hedgehog (game)" show="Shadow the Hedgehog"], and [yadawiki link="Sonic and the Secret Rings"] received poor reviews, the series continues to influence the industry and is a mainstay of popular culture.</p>
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Unchanged: <p>The [yadawiki link="Sonic the Hedgehog fandom" show="fandom"] is notable for its creativity, producing [yadawiki link="List of unofficial Sonic media" show="unofficial works"] such as [yadawiki link="fan art"] and [yadawiki link="fan game" show="fan games"], keeping the series relevant and active beyond its official releases.</p>Unchanged: <p>The [yadawiki link="Sonic the Hedgehog fandom" show="fandom"] is notable for its creativity, producing [yadawiki link="List of unofficial Sonic media" show="unofficial works"] such as [yadawiki link="fan art"] and [yadawiki link="fan game" show="fan games"], keeping the series relevant and active beyond its official releases.</p>
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 Added: <h2 class="wp-block-heading">History</h2>
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 Added: <h3 class="wp-block-heading">1990–1991: Conception and first game</h3>
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 Added: <p>By 1990, [yadawiki link="Sega"] sought a flagship character for the 16-bit [yadawiki link="Sega Genesis"] to rival Nintendo’s Mario. An internal contest paired programmer [yadawiki link="Yuji Naka"], artist [yadawiki link="Naoto Ohshima"], and designer [yadawiki link="Hirokazu Yasuhara"]. Naka’s curved-surface movement tech demo inspired a fast platformer; Ohshima’s hedgehog design became [yadawiki link="Sonic the Hedgehog (character)" show="Sonic"], and the team adopted the name [yadawiki link="Sonic Team"]. Sonic first appeared as a trinket in the arcade racer Rad Mobile, then starred in [yadawiki link="Sonic the Hedgehog (1991 video game)" show="Sonic the Hedgehog"] (June 23, 1991), whose speed-centric gameplay and console bundling dramatically boosted Genesis sales.</p>
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 Added: <h3 class="wp-block-heading">1991–1995: Genesis sequels</h3>
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 Added: <p>[yadawiki link="Sega Technical Institute"] (STI) developed [yadawiki link="Sonic the Hedgehog 2"] (1992), introducing [yadawiki link="Tails (Sonic the Hedgehog)" show="Tails"], while Ohshima’s Japan team created [yadawiki link="Sonic CD"] for the Sega CD. Sonic Team followed with [yadawiki link="Sonic the Hedgehog 3"] (1994) and [yadawiki link="Sonic &amp; Knuckles"] (1994); “lock-on” combined them as Sonic 3 &amp; Knuckles and introduced [yadawiki link="Knuckles the Echidna"]. Spin-offs and 8-bit entries included [yadawiki link="Sonic Spinball"], [yadawiki link="Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine"], [yadawiki link="SegaSonic the Hedgehog"], and [yadawiki link="Knuckles' Chaotix"], plus Game Gear/Master System versions by Ancient and Aspect.</p>
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 Added: <h3 class="wp-block-heading">1995–1998: Saturn era</h3>
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 Added: <p>On [yadawiki link="Sega Saturn"], Sonic Team focused on [yadawiki link="Nights into Dreams"] while Traveller’s Tales produced [yadawiki link="Sonic 3D Blast"]. STI’s ambitious 3D project [yadawiki link="Sonic X-treme"] was canceled after development issues. Saturn received compilations and experiments like [yadawiki link="Sonic Jam"] and [yadawiki link="Sonic R"], but no mainline 3D platformer, contributing to the console’s struggles.</p>
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 Added: <h3 class="wp-block-heading">1998–2005: Transition to 3D</h3>
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 Added: <p>With the [yadawiki link="Dreamcast"], Sonic Team delivered [yadawiki link="Sonic Adventure"] (1998) and [yadawiki link="Sonic Adventure 2"] (2001), introducing modern designs (by [yadawiki link="Yuji Uekawa"]) and more cinematic storytelling. After Sega’s exit from hardware in 2001, multi-platform releases began with [yadawiki link="Sonic Heroes"] (2003). Meanwhile, [yadawiki link="Dimps"] led handheld 2D entries—[yadawiki link="Sonic Advance"] trilogy (GBA) and [yadawiki link="Sonic Rush"] (DS)—and compilations like [yadawiki link="Sonic Mega Collection"] and [yadawiki link="Sonic Gems Collection"] brought classics to new players. Spin-offs included [yadawiki link="Sonic Battle"], [yadawiki link="Sonic Pinball Party"], and [yadawiki link="Sonic Shuffle"].</p>
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 Added: <h3 class="wp-block-heading">2005–2010: Franchise struggles</h3>
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 Added: <p>[yadawiki link="Shadow the Hedgehog (video game)" show="Shadow the Hedgehog"] (2005) targeted a darker tone, and the series attempted a high-profile reboot with [yadawiki link="Sonic the Hedgehog (2006 video game)" show="Sonic ’06"], which suffered from technical issues and poor reception. Experiments like [yadawiki link="Sonic and the Secret Rings"], [yadawiki link="Sonic and the Black Knight"], [yadawiki link="Sonic Riders"] and BioWare’s DS RPG [yadawiki link="Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood"] diversified the brand with mixed results. [yadawiki link="Sonic Unleashed"] (2008) blended 2D/3D speed stages with a “Werehog” beat ’em up mode, laying groundwork for later refinements.</p>
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 Added: <h3 class="wp-block-heading">2010s–present: Refinement and new directions</h3>
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 Added: <p>The 2010s saw a mix of retrospectives and rethinks, including [yadawiki link="Sonic Colors"], [yadawiki link="Sonic Generations"], fan-celebrated [yadawiki link="Sonic Mania"], and the divisive [yadawiki link="Sonic Forces"]. Racing and collections continued with [yadawiki link="Team Sonic Racing"] and [yadawiki link="Sonic Origins"]. In 2022, [yadawiki link="Sonic Frontiers"] introduced an open-zone structure, a “flawed but promising” step that sold well and signaled the template for future 3D entries. 2023 releases spanned the free visual novel [yadawiki link="The Murder of Sonic the Hedgehog"], Apple Arcade’s [yadawiki link="Sonic Dream Team"], and classic-style [yadawiki link="Sonic Superstars"] (with new content from Ohshima’s studio Arzest).</p>
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 Added: <h3 class="wp-block-heading">2010–2015: Refocusing</h3>
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 Added: <p>[yadawiki link="Takashi Iizuka"], who had directed the first three 3D games, became head of [yadawiki link="Sonic Team"] and series producer in 2010. Iizuka felt the franchise lacked unified direction, so Sonic Team returned focus to traditional side-scrolling and fast-paced gameplay</p>
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 Added: <p data-start="5376" data-end="5799">[yadawiki link="Sonic the Hedgehog 4"], a side-scrolling episodic sequel to Sonic &amp; Knuckles co-developed with [yadawiki link="Dimps"], launched with Episode I in 2010 [ref]Neal Ronaghan, “Sonic the Hedgehog 4 to be Developed by Dimps,” Nintendo World Report, Feb 17, 2010[/ref]</p>
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 Added: <p>[ref name="TrueBlueNP"] and Episode II in 2012 [ref]Luke Plunkett, “Sonic 4: Episode 2 is Already Changing Stuff,” Kotaku, Dec 29, 2011[/ref].</p>
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 Added: <p>Later in 2010 Sega released [yadawiki link="Sonic Colors"] for Wii and DS, expanding on the well-received daytime gameplay of Sonic Unleashed and introducing [yadawiki link="Wisp (Sonic)" show="Wisps"] [ref name="Kotaku: Colors"]. For the 20th anniversary in 2011 Sega released [yadawiki link="Sonic Generations"] on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Windows [ref name=":3"] [ref]Jim Sterling, “Review: Sonic Generations,” Destructoid, Oct 31, 2011[/ref]. A 3DS version was developed by Dimps [ref]Dan Whitehead, “Sonic Generations 3DS Review,” Eurogamer, Dec 9, 2011[/ref]</p>
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 Added: [ref name=":4"]. Generations reimagined classic levels and reintroduced the “Classic Sonic” design, receiving much stronger reception than Sonic ’06 or Unleashed [ref name="polygon history3"].
 Added: <p data-start="6566" data-end="7531">In 2013 Sega partnered with Nintendo to produce exclusive titles for Wii U and 3DS [ref name="IGN SLWA"]. The first was [yadawiki link="Sonic Lost World"], designed with streamlined controls and movement that drew comparisons to Nintendo’s Super Mario Galaxy and the canceled Sonic X-treme [ref name="Polygon preview"]. The second was [yadawiki link="Mario &amp; Sonic at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games"], followed by [yadawiki link="Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric"] and [yadawiki link="Sonic Boom: Shattered Crystal"] in 2014, part of the [yadawiki link="Sonic Boom (TV series)" show="Sonic Boom"] sub-franchise [ref name="Polygon: new look2"]. Reception was mixed: Lost World polarized critics [ref name="WorldTechno"], Mario &amp; Sonic Sochi was mediocre, and the Boom games were panned [ref name="polygon history3"]. A 3DS sequel, [yadawiki link="Sonic Boom: Fire &amp; Ice"], arrived in 2016 [ref]Jared Petty, “Sonic Boom: Fire and Ice Review,” IGN, Sep 27, 2016[/ref]</p>
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 Added: <p>Mobile releases became increasingly important. Programmer [yadawiki link="Christian Whitehead"] collaborated with [yadawiki link="Simon Thomley"] to remake [yadawiki link="Sonic the Hedgehog (1991 video game)"] and [yadawiki link="Sonic the Hedgehog 2"] for iOS and Android using Whitehead’s [yadawiki link="Retro Engine"], earning praise [ref name=":5"]. Hardlight’s [yadawiki link="Sonic Dash"] (2013), an endless runner, surpassed 350 million downloads by 2020 and later received a Boom-themed sequel [ref]. [yadawiki link="Sonic Runners"] (2015) was Sonic Team’s first mobile original, also an endless runner, but it was discontinued a year later due to poor performance [ref name="SegaStrategic"]. Gameloft’s follow-up, [yadawiki link="Sonic Runners Adventure"] (2017), reviewed more positively [ref name="TAAdventureRelease"].</p>
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 Added: <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2015–present: New directions</h2>
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 Added: <p>In 2015 Iizuka admitted in an interview that recent games had disappointed fans and expressed a desire for the Sonic Team logo to serve as a “mark of quality” [ref name="polygon history3"]. He relocated the team to Burbank, California, to oversee the franchise with new staff. At San Diego Comic-Con 2016 Sega announced two games for the 25th anniversary: [yadawiki link="Sonic Mania"] and [yadawiki link="Sonic Forces"]. Both released in 2017 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and Windows [ref].</p>
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 Added: <p>Sonic Mania, directed by Christian Whitehead with PagodaWest Games and Headcannon, emulated Genesis-era gameplay and visuals. It became the best-reviewed Sonic title in 15 years [ref name="rs"]. Meanwhile, [yadawiki link="Sonic Forces"] revived the dual gameplay of Generations with an additional custom character style. Reception was mixed [ref name="Poly: Forces"].</p>
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 Added: <p>Development</p>
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 Added: <p>While several people were involved in the creation of [yadawiki link="Sonic the Hedgehog"], the artist [yadawiki link="Naoto Ohshima"], programmer [yadawiki link="Yuji Naka"], and designer [yadawiki link="Hirokazu Yasuhara"] are generally credited with the character’s creation.</p>
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 Added: <p>In April 1990 [yadawiki link="Sega"] requested a game capable of selling more than one million copies, with a mascot who could compete against [yadawiki link="Mario"] and replace [yadawiki link="Alex Kidd"]. Several AM8 character designs were submitted: a rabbit, an armadillo (later developed into [yadawiki link="Mighty the Armadillo"]), a dog, a mustached man in pajamas (later used as the basis for [yadawiki link="Doctor Eggman"]), and another rabbit with extendable ears (later reworked into [yadawiki link="Ristar"]). Ohshima’s spiky teal hedgehog submission, codenamed “Mr. Hedgehog,” was selected and renamed Sonic.</p>
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 Added: <p>Sonic’s color was based on the Sega logo, his shoe buckles on Michael Jackson, his shoe color on Santa Claus, and his personality on U.S. President Bill Clinton’s “get it done” attitude. Naka has said Sonic’s color also symbolizes peace, trust, and coolness. His speed was inspired by rushing through World 1-1 of [yadawiki link="Super Mario Bros."]. Sonic was also created without the ability to swim due to Naka mistakenly believing hedgehogs could not.</p>
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 Added: <p>A team of 15 developed [yadawiki link="Sonic the Hedgehog (1991 video game)"] and became [yadawiki link="Sonic Team"]. The soundtrack was composed by Masato Nakamura of Dreams Come True, with Sega promoting the band’s tour to market the game.</p>
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 Added: <p>Early concepts included Sonic with fangs, a band, and a human girlfriend named Madonna. Time constraints cut the band, and Yuji Naka removed Madonna to take Sonic in a less silly direction than Mario. Sega of America, led by Madeline Schroeder, softened Sonic’s design for the U.S. market, sparking debate with Sonic Team, though Naka later admitted it was for the best.</p>
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 Added: <p>Sonic’s proportions and features have changed over time, from Ohshima’s short spikes and round body in 1991 to taller, lankier designs in later games such as [yadawiki link="Sonic the Hedgehog (2006 video game)" show="Sonic ’06"] and [yadawiki link="Sonic Unleashed"]. Spin-offs and cartoons have used their own variations based on official model sheets.</p>
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 Added: <p>Sega initially created two regional backstories for manuals: one for Japan and one for the West. The Western version influenced [yadawiki link="Archie Comics"], the [yadawiki link="Sonic the Hedgehog (TV series)"], and other adaptations. With the launch of the [yadawiki link="Dreamcast"], Sega unified the storylines.</p>
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 Added: <p>Franchise</p>
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 Added: <p>[yadawiki link="Franchise timeline of Sonic the Hedgehog"]</p>
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 Added: <p>Games</p>
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 Added: <p>[yadawiki link="Sonic the Hedgehog (1991 video game)" show="Sonic the Hedgehog"] launched the series in 1991 on the [yadawiki link="Sega Genesis"], becoming one of the best-selling games in history and propelling Sega into direct rivalry with Nintendo’s [yadawiki link="Super Nintendo Entertainment System"]. An 8-bit version for the [yadawiki link="Sega Master System"] and [yadawiki link="Sega Game Gear"] featured different layouts and bosses, and was praised for adapting the gameplay to weaker hardware.</p>
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 Added: <p>[yadawiki link="Sonic the Hedgehog 2"] (1992) introduced [yadawiki link="Miles Prower" show="Tails"] and the [yadawiki link="Spin Dash"]. It also added a seventh [yadawiki link="Chaos Emerald"], allowing [yadawiki link="super transformation"]. Both 16-bit and 8-bit versions were successful.</p>
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 Added: <p>[yadawiki link="Sonic CD"] (1993), developed by Ohshima’s team for the [yadawiki link="Sega CD"], introduced [yadawiki link="Amy Rose"] and [yadawiki link="Metal Sonic"], plus the [yadawiki link="Super Peel Out"]. Its soundtrack differed by region, and it was the first Sonic game officially ported to PC.</p>
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 Added: <p>Spin-offs followed: [yadawiki link="Sonic Spinball"] (1993), [yadawiki link="Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine"] (1993, based on [yadawiki link="Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog"]), [yadawiki link="SegaSonic the Hedgehog"] (1993 arcade debut of Mighty and Ray), [yadawiki link="Sonic the Hedgehog 3"] (1994) with [yadawiki link="Knuckles the Echidna"], and [yadawiki link="Sonic &amp; Knuckles"] (1994) with lock-on technology that created [yadawiki link="Sonic 3 &amp; Knuckles"].</p>
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 Added: <p>[yadawiki link="Knuckles' Chaotix"] (1995) starred Knuckles and introduced [yadawiki link="Team Chaotix"]. It was the 32X’s best-selling game but was a commercial failure overall.</p>
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 Added: <p>[yadawiki link="Sonic 3D Blast"] (1996) used an isometric view and was developed by Traveller’s Tales. Ports for [yadawiki link="Sega Saturn"] and PC added enhanced graphics and a Richard Jacques soundtrack. Reception was mixed.</p>
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 Added: <p>[yadawiki link="Sonic Jam"] (1997) compiled the Genesis titles and included “Sonic World,” a 3D hub. The Saturn version was praised, while the Game.com port flopped.</p>
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 Added: <p>8-bit exclusives included [yadawiki link="Sonic Chaos"] (1993), [yadawiki link="Sonic the Hedgehog: Triple Trouble"] (1994), and [yadawiki link="Sonic Blast"] (1996/97).</p>
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 Added: <p>[yadawiki link="Sonic Adventure"] (1998) redesigned Sonic with Yuji Uekawa’s modern look. It was followed by [yadawiki link="Sonic Adventure 2"] (2001). Both were ported to GameCube and PC as [yadawiki link="Sonic Adventure DX: Director's Cut"] and [yadawiki link="Sonic Adventure 2: Battle"].</p>
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 Added: <p>[yadawiki link="Sonic Heroes"] (2003) was the first Sonic released on multiple platforms, featuring team-based gameplay. Reception was mixed.</p>
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 Added: <p>[yadawiki link="Shadow the Hedgehog (video game)" show="Shadow the Hedgehog"] (2005) introduced firearms and branching storylines. It sold well but divided critics.</p>
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 Added: <p>A two-part mobile port of Sonic 1 and 2 was popular in Europe.</p>
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 Added: <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Other gameplay styles</h3>
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 Added: <p>Sonic’s spin-offs have explored many genres. Puzzle entries include Dr. Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine. Racing titles include [yadawiki link="Sonic Drift"], [yadawiki link="Sonic Drift 2"], [yadawiki link="Sonic R"], and the [yadawiki link="Sonic Riders"] series, later followed by [yadawiki link="Sonic &amp; Sega All-Stars Racing"].</p>
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 Added: <p>[yadawiki link="Sonic Shuffle"] was a party game on Dreamcast. Educational titles included [yadawiki link="Sonic the Hedgehog's Gameworld"], [yadawiki link="Tails and the Music Maker"], and [yadawiki link="Sonic's Schoolhouse"].</p>
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 Added: <p>Fighters include [yadawiki link="Sonic the Fighters"] (arcade) and [yadawiki link="Sonic Battle"] (GBA).</p>
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 Added: <p>[yadawiki link="Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood"] (2008) was a DS RPG by BioWare.</p>
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 Added: <p>[yadawiki link="Sonic Unleashed"] (2008) added beat ’em up combat with the Werehog.</p>
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 Added: <p>[yadawiki link="Sonic Frontiers"] (2022) introduced “open zone” gameplay with expanded combat systems.</p>
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Unchanged: <h2 class="wp-block-heading">References</h2>Unchanged: <h2 class="wp-block-heading">References</h2>
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Unchanged: <p>[reflist]</p>Unchanged: <p>[reflist]</p>
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