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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 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 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 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 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 & 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 & Sonic"], [yadawiki link="Sega All-Stars (series)" show="Sega All-Stars"], and [yadawiki link="Super Smash Bros."].</p> |
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| Deleted: <p>As of 2025, franchise sales and | Added: <p>As of 2025, franchise sales and mobile downloads have exceeded 1.77 billion worldwide, with over 166 million mainline games sold [ref][yadawiki link="Sega Sammy Holdings"], <a href="https://www.segasammy.co.jp/english/ir/library/pdf/printing_annual/2022/ir_2022_web_all_e.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Integrated Reports 2022</a>, published October 13, 2022[/ref]. The original Genesis titles remain highly acclaimed and frequently appear on lists of the 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 fandom is notable for its creativity, producing [yadawiki link="List of unofficial Sonic media" show="unofficial works"] such as fan art and fan games, keeping the series relevant and active beyond its official releases.</p> | Unchanged: <p>The fandom is notable for its creativity, producing [yadawiki link="List of unofficial Sonic media" show="unofficial works"] such as fan art and fan games, keeping the series relevant and active beyond its official releases.</p> |
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| Added: <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Overview</h2> | |
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| Added: <p>The mainline games in the series center around conflicts between the titular protagonist and namesake, [yadawiki link="Sonic the Hedgehog (character)" show="Sonic the Hedgehog"], and his arch-nemesis, [yadawiki link="Doctor Eggman" show="Dr. Ivo Robotnik"], better known as "Dr. Eggman". Sonic is the blue hedgehog noted for his carefree and cool attitude, capable of running at supersonic speeds and [yadawiki link="Spin Attack" show="curling into a ball"], allowing him to attack enemies.[ref name="TechnicalFiles"/][ref]Sonic Adventure Tokyo International Forum Unveiling Booklet — “All Star Cast,” p.6 (Aug 22, 1998).[/ref] Dr. Eggman is a [yadawiki link="Human" show="human"] mad scientist and Sonic's nemesis with an IQ of 300 who seeks to conquer the [yadawiki link="Earth" show="world"] to establish a totalitarian regime called the "[yadawiki link="Eggman Empire"]" or "[yadawiki link="Eggmanland"]", where all nature is replaced with machines.[ref name="TechnicalFiles"/][ref]Sora Ltd. (Mar 9, 2008). ''[yadawiki link="Super Smash Bros. Brawl"]'' (Wii). Nintendo. Area/level: Trophy Hoard. “Eggman” trophy text.[/ref][ref]<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDe1b-NGjXk">Come Join the Eggman Empire! (Sega, YouTube, Nov 2, 2017)</a>[/ref] Being inspired by the culture of the 1990s, ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' runs on environmental themes, based on the then-growing debates between environmentalists and developers: Sonic represents "nature" and Eggman "machinery" and "development".[ref]<a href="https://web.archive.org/web/19970605172353/www.sega.com/features/allsonic/creator/naka04.html">Interview with Yuji Naka: Creator of Sonic the Hedgehog (Sega, archived Jun 5, 1997)</a>[/ref]</p> | |
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| Added: <p>Central to the franchise are the [yadawiki link="Chaos Emerald"]s, seven gemstones with unlimited mystical powers.[ref]“Sonic Adventure Production Presentation At Tokyo International Forum (1998)” (YouTube — ZedArchive, Apr 10, 2022), at 20:10.[/ref] The Emeralds can respond to thoughts and turn them into power to cause miracles,[ref]<a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20211001084211/https://sonic.sega.jp/SonicChannel/special/coverstory/20211001_002683/">ソニック ＆ シルバー 後編 (Sega, Sonic Channel; archived Oct 1, 2021)</a>[/ref] such as warping time and space with a technique called [yadawiki link="Chaos Control"],[ref]Sonic Team; Blindlight (Nov 24, 2006). ''[yadawiki link="Sonic the Hedgehog (2006 video game)" show="Sonic the Hedgehog (2006)"]'' (Xbox 360), Sega — “Shadow the Hedgehog” episode: “With a Chaos Emerald, I control time and space.”[/ref] energize living beings, and serve as fuel for devices including various types of weapons of mass destruction,[ref]''[yadawiki link="Sonic the Hedgehog (1991 video game)" show="Sonic the Hedgehog (1991)"]'' manual (Mega Drive, JP), pp. 4–5 — Chaos Emeralds description.[/ref] which makes Eggman often seek them out in his plots to conquer the world.[ref name="TechnicalFiles"/] When all seven Emeralds are gathered, they can be used to initiate a "[yadawiki link="Super transformation"]", which bestows the user with increased innate talents, virtual invincibility, and new abilities.</p> | |
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| Added: <p>The series is well-known and at one point, notorious, for its large cast, much of which was introduced in the early games for the [yadawiki link="Sega Mega Drive" show="Sega Mega Drive/Genesis"] and its add-ons: [yadawiki link="Miles Prower" show="Miles “Tails” Prower"], a mechanical genius from [yadawiki link="West Side Island"] and Sonic's best friend, first appeared in ''[yadawiki link="Sonic the Hedgehog 2"]'' (1992). ''[yadawiki link="Sonic the Hedgehog CD" show="Sonic the Hedgehog CD"]'' (1993) introduced [yadawiki link="Amy Rose"], a pink hedgehog who is deeply in love with Sonic and is known for wielding her powerful [yadawiki link="Piko Piko Hammer"], and [yadawiki link="Metal Sonic"], a robotic copy of the blue hedgehog created by Eggman to be his equal mechanical match. ''[yadawiki link="Sonic the Hedgehog 3"]'' (1994) marked the introduction of [yadawiki link="Knuckles the Echidna"], a gullible and short-tempered [yadawiki link="Echidna"] who serves as the guardian of the [yadawiki link="Master Emerald"] on [yadawiki link="Angel Island (Sonic the Hedgehog)"], a large gemstone later introduced in ''[yadawiki link="Sonic & Knuckles"]'' that controls the powers of the Chaos Emeralds. ''[yadawiki link="Knuckles' Chaotix"]'' (1995) introduced [yadawiki link="Team Chaotix"], a team of detectives consisting of the leader [yadawiki link="Vector the Crocodile"], [yadawiki link="Espio the Chameleon"] and [yadawiki link="Charmy Bee"].</p> | |
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| Added: <p>While developing the series' first 3D entry, ''[yadawiki link="Sonic Adventure"]'' (1998), [yadawiki link="Sonic Team"] realized that the characters' designs were unsuitable for a 3D environment.[ref]<a href="https://www.polygon.com/features/2017/4/17/15099400/how-sega-moved-sonic-from-2d-to-3d">How Sega moved Sonic from 2D to 3D (Cook & Becker via Polygon, Apr 17, 2017)</a>[/ref] Much of the cast was thus redesigned with sleeker bodies, longer limbs, and colored eyes. ''[yadawiki link="Sonic Generations"]'' (2011) retroactively referred to the designs prior to ''Sonic Adventure'' as "Classic", and the ones after as "Modern". Various new characters have been introduced from ''Sonic Adventure'' onwards, including [yadawiki link="Big the Cat"], a large cat who fishes with his best friend [yadawiki link="Froggy"]; [yadawiki link="Chaos (Sonic the Hedgehog)" show="Chaos"], an immortal mutant chao who serves as their guardian and a god of destruction who is peacefully departed to heaven with [yadawiki link="Tikal (Sonic the Hedgehog)" show="Tikal"]; [yadawiki link="Shadow the Hedgehog (character)" show="Shadow the Hedgehog"], the "Ultimate Life Form" created by Eggman's grandfather [yadawiki link="Gerald Robotnik"] who shares Sonic's abilities and is known for harnessing [yadawiki link="Chaos Emerald energy"] to perform [yadawiki link="Chaos powers"]; [yadawiki link="Rouge the Bat"], a treasure hunter and spy for the [yadawiki link="United Federation"] and [yadawiki link="Guardian Units of Nations" show="G.U.N."]; [yadawiki link="Cream the Rabbit"], a kind-hearted rabbit girl with a strong friendship with her [yadawiki link="Chao (Sonic)" show="Chao"] named [yadawiki link="Cheese"]; [yadawiki link="E-123 Omega"], a vengeful [yadawiki link="E-Series"] robot who turned against Eggman after feeling abandoned; [yadawiki link="Blaze the Cat"], a princess from a parallel universe called the [yadawiki link="Sol Dimension"] and guardian of the [yadawiki link="Sol Emerald" show="Sol Emeralds"] who possesses pyrokinesis; the [yadawiki link="Babylon Rogues"], a group of [yadawiki link="Babylonians"] thieves specializing in [yadawiki link="Extreme Gear"] consisting of [yadawiki link="Jet the Hawk"], [yadawiki link="Wave the Swallow"] and [yadawiki link="Storm the Albatross"]; [yadawiki link="Silver the Hedgehog"], a white hedgehog from [yadawiki link="Silver's future" show="the future"] with [yadawiki link="Psychokinesis"]; [yadawiki link="Orbot"] and [yadawiki link="Cubot"], a pair of E-series robots who serve as Eggman's henchmen; [yadawiki link="Sage (Sonic the Hedgehog)" show="Sage"], an artificial intelligence created by Eggman whom she refers to as her father. Many of the aforementioned characters have starred in spin-offs.</p> | |
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| Added: <p>[[File:Sonicgenerationsskysanctuaryzonescreenshots2.jpg|thumb|263x263px|An example of 2D ''Sonic'' gameplay, from the console/[yadawiki link="Microsoft Windows" show="PC"] version of ''[yadawiki link="Sonic Generations"]''.]]<br>Two-dimensional (2D) ''Sonic'' titles are side-scrolling platform video games viewed from a side-on perspective. Their controls are fairly basic and do not deviate much from the genre standard; the selling point of the series is the incredible speed of the playable characters, who usually have the ability to run uphill, walls and even ceilings. Golden, bracelet-like [yadawiki link="Ring"]s are the main health system for the characters. Holding them, even one, prevents players from losing a [yadawiki link="Life (video games)" show="life"], and gaining a hundred of them generally grants a [yadawiki link="Extra life" show="1-Up"]. The games also feature various momentum-based elements, such as [yadawiki link="loop"]s and [yadawiki link="corkscrew"]s. The stages have several sequences which involve a character being thrown along preset paths with little input from the player. However, there are also numerous sections involving precise jumping between platforms and avoiding hazards (e.g. [yadawiki link="Spikes (Sonic)" show="spikes"] and [yadawiki link="bottomless pit"]s), although these are more lenient than other games of its genre. The enemies are normally robots created by Dr. Eggman ("[yadawiki link="Badnik"]s") and are destroyed by simply [yadawiki link="Spin Jump" show="jumping"]/rolling onto them. Items and power-ups (such as [yadawiki link="Shield"]s and [yadawiki link="Power Sneakers (power-up)" show="bursts of speed"]) are contained in television [yadawiki link="monitor"]s and can be obtained by breaking them open. In most games, the levels themselves are divided in two to three "Acts", depending on the game, and are named "[yadawiki link="Zone"]s". [yadawiki link="Star Post"]s normally act as checkpoints once a life is lost (8-bit ''Sonic'' games feature a variation of the Star Posts in the form of [yadawiki link="Star Post#Arrow Monitor" show="Arrow monitors"]), which often allow access to the [yadawiki link="Bonus Stage"]s after getting a predetermined number of Rings. [yadawiki link="Goal Plate"]s usually signal the end of an Act. [yadawiki link="Special Stage"]s are another common feature in ''Sonic'' games, being dimensions far from the games' setting which allow the player to gain Chaos Emeralds, extra lives, and [yadawiki link="Continue"]s, usually entered through [yadawiki link="Giant Ring"]s. A boss, an enemy with much higher HP, is often fought at the end or in the middle of a Zone.</p> | |
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| Added: <p>Three-dimensional ''Sonic'' entries do not restrict movement as much, controls are slightly more advanced, and the frequency of automated events is increased. Those games, while sharing several of the same components with their 2D counterparts, also modify some concepts to accommodate the 3D perspective; they also put a greater emphasis on plot and character development.</p> | |
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| Added: <p>[yadawiki link="List of Sonic the Hedgehog characters" show="Main article: List of ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' characters"]</p> | |
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| Added: <p>[[File:Sonic modern and classic designs.png|thumb|left|upright=0.85|alt=Two anthropomorphic, cartoon blue hedgehogs wearing red shoes. The one on the right is taller and slimmer, while the one on the left is shorter and portly.|Promotional artwork of [yadawiki link="Sonic the Hedgehog (character)" show="Sonic"]: Ohshima's original design (''left'') and Uekawa's ''Sonic Adventure'' redesign (''right'')]]<br>The ''Sonic'' franchise is known for its large cast of characters;[ref name="IGN: Where"/] ''[yadawiki link="Sonic the Fighters"]'' (1996) producer [yadawiki link="Yu Suzuki"] joked that anyone who makes a ''Sonic'' game has the duty to create new characters.[ref]“Maximum News: Sonic and AM2 team-up for new coin-op!”, ''Maximum'' (Issue 3), EMAP, p.115.[/ref] The first game introduced Sonic, a blue hedgehog who can run at incredible speeds, and Doctor Eggman, a rotund mad scientist.[ref]<a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20191210010259/https://www.ign.com/articles/2007/01/27/sonic-the-hedgehog-vc-review">Sonic the Hedgehog VC Review (IGN, Jan 26, 2007; archived Dec 10, 2019)</a>[/ref] During the Genesis era, Eggman was referred to as Doctor Ivo Robotnik in Western territories.[ref name="changesiliconera"/][ref]<a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20200310071847/https://www.polygon.com/2020/2/16/21138386/sonic-the-hedgehog-villain-doctor-robotnik-vs-eggman-name">Doctor Robotnik vs. Eggman (Polygon, Feb 16, 2020; archived Mar 10, 2020)</a>[/ref] Sega of America's Dean Sitton made the change[ref]<a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20191003150825/https://www.gamesetwatch.com/2009/04/sonic_the_hedgehog_bible_never_before_revealed_secret_origins.php#more">Sonic The Hedgehog Bible (GameSetWatch, Apr 13, 2009; archived Oct 3, 2019)</a>[/ref] without consulting the Japanese developers, who did not want a single character to have two different names. Since ''Sonic Adventure'', the character has been referred to as Eggman in all territories,[ref]<a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20180310043818/https://www.siliconera.com/2016/06/24/sega-explains-dr-robotnik-came-called-eggman/">Sega Explains How Dr. Robotnik Came To Be Called Eggman (Siliconera, Jun 24, 2016; archived Mar 10, 2018)</a>[/ref] although the Robotnik name is still acknowledged.[ref]<a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20200310071847/https://www.polygon.com/2020/2/16/21138386/sonic-the-hedgehog-villain-doctor-robotnik-vs-eggman-name">Doctor Robotnik vs. Eggman (Polygon, Feb 16, 2020; archived Mar 10, 2020)</a>[/ref][ref]''[yadawiki link="Sonic Adventure"]'' (Dreamcast, 1998) — Mystic Ruins scene: “I am Dr. Robotnik…” / “Whatever you say, Eggman!”[/ref][ref]''[yadawiki link="Sonic Generations"]'' (PS3/Xbox 360/Windows, Nov 1, 2011) — Time Eater scene: “Nobody calls me that anymore.”[/ref]</p> | |
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| Added: <p>''Sonic'' games traditionally follow Sonic's efforts to stop Eggman, who schemes to obtain the [yadawiki link="Chaos Emerald"]s — seven[ref]In the original ''[yadawiki link="Sonic the Hedgehog (1991 video game)" show="Sonic the Hedgehog (1991)"]'', there are only six Chaos Emeralds. See: Hardcore Gaming 101 — “Sonic the Hedgehog” (Jul 6, 2018; archived Nov 20, 2019).[/ref] gems of extraterrestrial[ref]<a href="https://gamerant.com/sonic-frontiers-ancients-lore-explained-starfall-chaos-emeralds/">Sonic Frontiers: What Are the Ancients? (Game Rant, Nov 9, 2022)</a>[/ref] origin with mystical powers. The Emeralds can turn thoughts into power,[ref]''[yadawiki link="Sonic Adventure"]'' (Dreamcast, 1998) — in-game story exposition.[/ref] warp time and space with Chaos Control,[ref]''[yadawiki link="Sonic Adventure 2"]'' Instruction Manual (Sega, 2002), p.7 — Shadow profile.[/ref][ref]''[yadawiki link="Sonic Heroes"]'' Instruction Manual (Sega, 2004), p.8 — Team Dark.[/ref] give energy to living things, and be used to create nuclear or laser-based weaponry.[ref]''[yadawiki link="Sonic the Hedgehog (1991 video game)" show="Sonic the Hedgehog (1991)"]'' manual (JP), pp. 4–5.[/ref] They typically act as [yadawiki link="MacGuffin"]s in the stories.[ref]<a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20200312060148/https://www.cinemablend.com/news/2491066/why-sonic-the-hedgehogs-movie-doesnt-include-super-sonic-and-the-chaos-emeralds">Why the Sonic Movie Doesn’t Include Super Sonic & the Chaos Emeralds (CinemaBlend, Feb 28, 2020; archived Mar 12, 2020)</a>[/ref] Eggman seeks the Emeralds in his quest to conquer the world, and traps animals in aggressive robots and prison capsules. Because Sonic Team was inspired by the [yadawiki link="1990s"] culture, ''Sonic'' features environmental themes.[ref]<a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20190825091749/https://www.polygon.com/2018/3/21/17149990/sonic-the-hedgehog-history-gdc-naoto-oshima-hirokazu-yasuhara">The origins of Sonic the Hedgehog (Polygon, Mar 21, 2018; archived Aug 25, 2019)</a>[/ref] Sonic represents "nature",[ref]<a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20190825091749/https://www.polygon.com/2018/3/21/17149990/sonic-the-hedgehog-history-gdc-naoto-oshima-hirokazu-yasuhara">The origins of Sonic the Hedgehog (Polygon, Mar 21, 2018; archived Aug 25, 2019)</a>[/ref] while Eggman represents "machinery" and "development"—a play on the then-growing debate between environmentalists and developers.[ref]<a href="https://web.archive.org/web/19970605172353/https://www.sega.com/features/allsonic/creator/naka04.html">Sonic's Creator – Yuji Naka (Sega, archived Jun 5, 1997)</a>[/ref]</p> | |
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| Added: <p>Much of the supporting cast was introduced in the succeeding games for the Genesis and its add-ons. ''Sonic 2'' introduced Sonic's [yadawiki link="Sidekick" show="sidekick"] Tails, a fox who can fly using his two tails.[ref]<a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20190723161108/https://www.ign.com/articles/2007/06/11/sonic-the-hedgehog-2-review">Sonic the Hedgehog 2 Review (IGN, Jun 11, 2007; archived Jul 23, 2019)</a>[/ref] ''Sonic CD'' introduced [yadawiki link="Amy Rose"], and [yadawiki link="Metal Sonic"], a robotic [yadawiki link="Doppelgänger"] of Sonic created by Eggman.[ref]''Sega Mega Drive/Genesis: Collected Works'' (Read-Only Memory, 2014), pp. 289–290 — interview with Kazuyuki Hoshino.[/ref] ''Sonic 3'' introduced Sonic's rival [yadawiki link="Knuckles the Echidna"], a red echidna and the guardian of the Master Emerald.[ref]<a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20191210010301/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/knock-knock-its-knuckles-how-sega-turned-the-worlds-weirdest-mammal-into-sonics-coolest-friend">How Sega Turned the World’s Weirdest Mammal into Sonic’s Coolest Friend (USGamer, Feb 13, 2019; archived Dec 10, 2019)</a>[/ref] The Master Emerald, introduced in ''Sonic & Knuckles'',[ref]''[yadawiki link="Sonic & Knuckles"]'' Instruction Manual (Sega, 1994), p.3 — “Save Floating Island!”.[/ref] controls the power of the Chaos Emeralds.[ref]''[yadawiki link="Sonic Adventure"]'' (Dreamcast, 1998) — in-game story exposition.[/ref] ''Knuckles' Chaotix'' introduced the [yadawiki link="Team Chaotix" show="Chaotix"], comprising Vector, Espio and Charmy.[ref]<a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20191208132047/https://www.hardcoregaming101.net/knuckles-chaotix/">Knuckles’ Chaotix (Hardcore Gaming 101, Jul 22, 2018; archived Dec 8, 2019)</a>[/ref] Three characters introduced during this period — [yadawiki link="Mighty the Armadillo"], [yadawiki link="Ray the Flying Squirrel"], and [yadawiki link="Fang the Hunter" show="Fang the Sniper"] — faded into obscurity,[ref name="untoldhistory"/][ref]<a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20191211021245/https://venturebeat.com/2014/05/29/sonics-lamest-and-most-forgotten-sidekicks-and-rivals/">Sonic’s lamest and most forgotten sidekicks and rivals (VentureBeat, May 29, 2014; archived Dec 11, 2019)</a>[/ref] but became prominent again in ''[yadawiki link="Sonic Mania"]'' and ''[yadawiki link="Sonic Superstars" show="Superstars"]''.[ref]<a href="https://venturebeat.com/games/sonic-superstars-wants-to-give-fans-a-classic-2d-game-with-new-surprises/">Sonic Superstars wants to give fans a classic 2D game with new surprises (VentureBeat, Jun 10, 2023)</a>[/ref]</p> | |
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| Added: <p>During ''Sonic Adventure''’s development, Sonic Team discovered that the relatively simple character designs did not suit a 3D environment. The art style was modernized to alter the characters' proportions and make them appeal to Western audiences.[ref name="polydev"/] Since ''Sonic Adventure'', the series' cast has expanded.[ref name="IGN: Where"/] Notable characters include [yadawiki link="Big the Cat" show="Big"],[ref name="GI: Worst"/] a large cat who fishes for his pet frog Froggy;[ref]<a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20160225035501/https://www.destructoid.com/review-sonic-adventure-xbla--184892.phtml">Review: Sonic Adventure (XBLA) (Destructoid, Sep 27, 2010; archived Feb 25, 2016)</a>[/ref][ref]<a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20131205201906/https://sonic.sega.jp/SonicChannel/chara/bigthecat/index.html">Sonic Channel — Big the Cat (Sega, archived Dec 5, 2013) [JP]</a>[/ref] the [yadawiki link="E-100 Series"] of robots;[ref]''[yadawiki link="Sonic Adventure"]'' (Dreamcast) instruction manual, pp. 26–27.[/ref] Shadow, a brooding black hedgehog;[ref name="GI: Worst"/] [yadawiki link="Rouge the Bat" show="Rouge"], a treasure-hunting bat;[ref]<a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20191214023843/https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/12/02/sonic-heroes-profiles-team-dark-2">Sonic Heroes Profiles: Team Dark (IGN, Dec 2, 2003; archived Dec 14, 2019)</a>[/ref] [yadawiki link="Cream the Rabbit" show="Cream"], a polite young rabbit;[ref]<a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20090124012757/http://uk.gameboy.ign.com/articles/372/372037p1.html">Sonic Advance 2 (IGN, Sep 24, 2002; archived Jan 24, 2009)</a>[/ref] [yadawiki link="Blaze the Cat" show="Blaze"], a cat from an alternate dimension;[ref]<a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20191214023840/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/sonic-rush-review/1900-6139740/">Sonic Rush Review (GameSpot, Nov 14, 2005; archived Dec 14, 2019)</a>[/ref] and [yadawiki link="Silver the Hedgehog" show="Silver"], a [yadawiki link="Telekinesis" show="telekinetic"] hedgehog from the future.[ref name="GI: Worst"/] The [yadawiki link="Chao (Sonic)"] creatures function as [yadawiki link="Digital pet"]s and minor gameplay elements,[ref]<a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20191214023839/https://www.polygon.com/2017/8/16/16157744/sonic-chao-resort-island-chao-garden-minigame-pc-mac-download">Sonic’s greatest minigame becomes its own perfect spinoff (Polygon, Aug 16, 2017; archived Dec 14, 2019)</a>[/ref] and [yadawiki link="Wisp (Sonic)"] creatures function as [yadawiki link="Power-up"]s.[ref]<a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20191214023844/https://www.engadget.com/2010/09/05/sonic-colors-preview-wisp-you-were-here/">Sonic Colors preview: Wisp you were here (Engadget, Sep 5, 2010; archived Dec 14, 2019)</a>[/ref] [yadawiki link="Flicky"], the blue bird from Sega's [yadawiki link="Flicky (video game)" show="1984 arcade game"], appears in several ''Sonic'' games, particularly ''3D Blast''.[ref]<a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20160520080622/https://www.hardcoregaming101.net/flicky/flicky.htm">Hardcore Gaming 101: Flicky (archived May 20, 2016)</a>[/ref]</p> | |
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| Added: <p>Some ''Sonic'' characters have featured in spin-off games. Eggman is the featured character of ''[yadawiki link="Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine"]'', a Western localization of ''[yadawiki link="Puyo Puyo"]''. Sega replaced the ''Puyo Puyo'' characters with ''Sonic'' characters because it feared ''Puyo Puyo'' would not be popular with a Western audience.[ref]“Preview: The Mean Beans of Robotnik's Machine”, ''Electronic Gaming Monthly'' 52 (Nov 1993), p.256.[/ref] In 1995, Sega released the Knuckles spinoff ''[yadawiki link="Knuckles' Chaotix"]'' for the 32X,[ref name="1up"/] and two Tails spin-offs for Game Gear: ''[yadawiki link="Tails' Skypatrol"]'' (a [yadawiki link="Scrolling shooter"]) and ''[yadawiki link="Tails Adventure"]'' (a [yadawiki link="Metroidvania"] game).[ref]<a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20191118070500/https://www.hardcoregaming101.net/tails-skypatrol/">Tails’ Skypatrol (Hardcore Gaming 101, Feb 26, 2019; archived Nov 18, 2019)</a>[/ref][ref]<a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20191019214420/https://www.hardcoregaming101.net/tails-adventures/">Tails Adventures (Hardcore Gaming 101, Feb 26, 2019; archived Oct 19, 2019)</a>[/ref] ''[yadawiki link="Shadow the Hedgehog (video game)"]'' (2005) was developed in response to the Shadow character's popularity and to introduce "gun action" gameplay to the franchise.[ref]<a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20160306212428/https://cube.gamespy.com/articles/654/654735p1.html">Sega’s Yuji Naka Talks! (GameSpy, Sep 30, 2005; archived Mar 6, 2016)</a>[/ref] Iizuka has said that future spin-offs, such as sequels to ''Knuckles' Chaotix'' and ''Shadow the Hedgehog'' or a Big the Cat game, remain possibilities.[ref]<a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20160406044415/https://www.gamestm.co.uk/discuss/sonic-teams-takashi-iizuka-wants-to-make-nights-3-knuckles-chaotix-2/">Sonic Team's Takashi Iizuka wants to make NiGHTS 3, Knuckles Chaotix 2 (GamesTM, Aug 23, 2010; archived Apr 6, 2016)</a>[/ref][ref]''Official Nintendo Magazine'' (Issue 94, Oct 2013), pp.48–49 — “Sonic Lost World” interview with Takashi Iizuka.[/ref]</p> | |
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