The Sonic the Hedgehog video game franchise, originally started in 1991 with two main characters: the protagonist, Sonic the Hedgehog, and an antagonist, Dr. Eggman. However, over two decades, Sega expanded the number of characters significantly. This list documents any notable characters that have appeared in more than one game.
Amy Rose (エミー・ローズ Emī Rōzu) is a pink girl hedgehog who believes herself to be Sonic's girlfriend.[1] Her first appearance in the games was in Sonic CD, introduced and kidnapped by Metal Sonic. Here, she had the nickname "Rosy the Rascal" and was named "Princess Sally"[2] in the Western manuals, in order to tie in with the cartoon. After this appearance, she became known as Amy. Her first playable appearance was in Sonic Drift, although that game was not released outside of Japan, making Sonic Drift 2 her first playable game for other regions. Amy's skills with her "Piko Piko Hammer" are second to none.[1]
The Babylon Rogues are a group of avian thieves. The known members of the group include Jet the Hawk, Wave the Swallow, and Storm the Albatross. They have only appeared collectively in the three racing games Sonic Riders, Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity and Sonic Free Riders.
Jet the Hawk (ジェット・ザ・ホーク Jetto za Hōku) is a green hawk and the leader of the Babylon Rogues,[3] and nicknamed the "Legendary Wind Master"[4] due to his mastery of Extreme Gear.[5] This mastery comes from his forefathers.[3] His skills make him a possible match to Sonic the Hedgehog,[5] whom he considers a rival.[3] Jet is aware of his duties as leader but must sometimes be helped by his team.[3] Filled with extreme pride, the thing he likes most other than treasure is himself.[3] He despises losing and those who are faster or more confident than him and fights using Bashyo Fans.[3]
Outside the Sonic Riders series of games, he has had small appearrances in a few other games, including Sonic and the Black Knight as a multi-player mode character only, a cameo as a trophy in Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games as a rival in festival mode.
Wave the Swallow (ウェーブ・ザ・スワロー Wēbu za Suwarō) is a purple swallow who is the current team's mechanic, as her father was for the previous generation of the Babylon Rogues.[6] Gifted in this craft,[6] she has a superb mechanical knowledge of Extreme Gear, which surpasses both Miles "Tails" Prower and Dr. Eggman.[7] Because of this knowledge, she is full of confidence.[8] She hates thick-headed or stupid people and notices everything, but her advice tends to be understandable only to her.[8] Although she looks on Jet the Hawk as an "unreliable younger brother" and can be stubborn, she follows his leadership.[8]
Storm the Albatross (ストーム・ザ・アルバトロス Sutōmu za Arubatorosu) is a hulking albatross who is described as the muscle of the Babylon Rogues and Jet the Hawk's "right hand man."[9] The strength of his loyalty to Jet is greater than any other and he hates rivals to the team.[10] When he is angry, he becomes destructive;[10] and the raw power of his physical strength makes up for his lower intelligence[9] and lack of speed.[11] With his quick temper, he may stutter when flustered,[9] and he hates having to wait.[10]
Big the Cat (ビッグ・ザ・キャット Biggu za Kyatto) is a large, purple anthropomorphic cat with yellow eyes and long ears who first debuted in Sonic Adventure on the Dreamcast. Big is laid-back[12] and easygoing, which is reflected in his speech.[13] Strong but gentle[13] and a little slow,[14] he lives a normally peaceful life in the jungle with his best friend "Froggy."[13] He loves fishing, and he is never without his favorite rod and lure.[12]
He has appeared in various games as one of the main playable characters. He first appeared in Sonic Adventure, where he is after his best friend, Froggy, who swallows a Chaos Emerald and grows Chaos' tail. Big was also playable in Sonic Shuffle. Next, he appeared in Sonic Heroes helping Team Rose save Froggy and Chocola (Cheese's twin brother) who had been kidnapped by Metal Sonic, gain Chaos' data, and help stop Metal Madness. He appeared in Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood as one of the main characters. He was also in Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing as one of the playable characters. He rides a small green motorcycle and his All-Star move is to have his buddy Froggy grow huge. Then, Big grabs on to his tail and Froggy rams into Big's opponents.
He made cameo appearances in Sonic Adventure 2, Sonic and the Secret Rings, and Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games as one of the referees. He also made an appearance in the DS version of Sonic Colors.
Big was featured in a McDonald's promotion between December 3 and December 27, 2004. One of eight handheld dedicated consoles packaged with Happy Meals featured Big recreationally fishing.[15]
In a preview of Sonic and the Secret Rings, Nintendo Power praised the exclusion of Big from the game, referring to him as a "dim-witted, morbidly obese feline". However, Big later made his way into the game.[16]
Froggy (カエルくん Kaeru-kun, lit. "Frog") is a frog, and the best friend[13] and buddy of Big the Cat.[12] He has been rescued by Big and friends when he has gone missing[13] or undergone a strange transformation.[12]
Blaze the Cat (ブレイズ・ザ・キャット Bureizu za Kyatto) is a cat who comes from royalty as a princess from an alternate dimension. She has been appointed as defender of the Sol Emeralds;[17] her role is similar to that of Sonic the Hedgehog and Knuckles the Echidna combined.[18] She is portrayed as calm and levelheaded, hiding her true feelings.[19] She is sometimes "bogged down" by her own strict discipline and devotion to her position, making her appear withdrawn.[19] Blaze can control fire,[17] but wears a cape to conceal it as she was teased about her pyrokinetic abilities when she was young.[18] Using the Sol Emeralds, she can transform into Burning Blaze. Blaze debuts in Sonic Rush as a playable character along with Sonic.[20] She arrives in Sonic's dimension from another dimension along with the Sol Emeralds. While searching for the Emeralds, she befriends Sonic and Cream and helps them stop Dr. Eggman and Eggman Nega before returning to her dimension.
She appears in Sonic the Hedgehog as Silver the Hedgehog's friend during the future of Sonic's dimension. The two fight against Iblis and attempt to fix their ruined world by traveling back in time. Blaze eventually seals Iblis within her body and disappears into another dimension; however, this event is reverted in the end, as are all other events in the game. She acts as a main character in Sonic Rush Adventure, where Sonic and Tails are transported to her dimension and help her retrieve the "Jeweled Scepter".[21] She is an unlockable character in the Sonic and the Secret Rings multi-player mode and Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity as well as Sonic Free Riders, she is also a playable character in Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games ,its sequel Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games and Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games as well.
Blaze is playable in Sonic and the Black Knight, taking on the persona of Sir Percival of the Knights of the Round Table, and is equipped with a Rapier sword.
Blaze has been called "a nice addition to Sonic's cast" and "one of the more complex, multifaceted characters in the Sonic canon".[22][23] IGN remarked upon seeing her at TGS 2005 that she "easily earned her place in the team" amidst unremarkable secondary characters.[24] Her gameplay has been praised as "fast-moving and fun" as opposed to slower characters introduced earlier in the series such as Big the Cat,[25]
Chaos (カオス Kaosu) is a Chao mutated by the Chaos Emeralds that acts as a guardian for its species, protects the Master Emerald, and provides clear water around the altar of the Master Emerald.[26] It is a water-like being that can easily manipulate its body, allowing it to stretch limbs or liquefy itself. Without any Chaos Emeralds, it is known as Chaos 0, but with each Emerald it absorbs, it transforms into a more powerful form, eventually becoming "Perfect Chaos" with all 7 Emeralds.
After the Echidna tribe attempts to steal the Chaos Emeralds, harming various Chao in the process, Chaos absorbs the negative energy of the Emeralds, becomes Perfect Chaos and causes chaos until being sealed inside the Master Emerald with Tikal. From this it forever earns the title of 'God Of Destruction.' It is released thousands of years later in Sonic Adventure, so Dr. Eggman can use it to conquer the world. Chaos, still filled with negative energy, absorbs Chaos Emeralds given to it by Eggman. After being defeated by Knuckles, he returns to Angel Island with the 6 Chaos Emeralds he took away from Chaos. Chaos tracks down the 6 emeralds at Angel Island then discovers the final Chaos Emerald in the Tornado 2 and he absorbs the last emerald and becomes Perfect Chaos. He then floods Station Square but is then defeated by Sonic who has absorbed the positive power of the chaos emeralds, which purifies Chaos, and allows it to leave peacefully with the spirit of Tikal. It reappears in Sonic Adventure 2 as a bonus character and in Sonic Battle as a playable character. He reappears in his perfect form in Sonic Generations as a boss.[27] He has a new look different than how he appeared in the Dreamcast game, with green teeth and dark blue reptilian skin for the upper half of his body. The lower half of his body is still made up of water. This was supposed to be how he always looked, but the technology of the Dreamcast at the time made this look impossible.[28]
The Chaotix are a group who debuted in the game Knuckles' Chaotix as the main characters, and they have since established their own detective agency. The Chaotix are presented as a somewhat dysfunctional group and are often used in stories to add a sense of comedy to otherwise serious situations. The characters have been called "charming" and before the "parade of new characters" they were a "hoot".[29]
Charmy Bee (チャーミー・ビー Chāmī Bī) is a bee who is the "scatter-brained funny-kid" of the Chaotix.[30] He is cheerful, curious, playful, careless, and greatly energetic, often talking about things no one else cares about.[31] Charmy's fooling around makes the rest of the detective agency staff look professional, and he is generally seen as a "cute mascot".[30] Despite an innocent,[31] good-natured and light-hearted personality, he uses his stinging tail on rare occasions that he gets angry.[30][31] In addition being a playable character in Sonic Heroes and Shadow the Hedgehog, he made cameos in both Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games installments as a referee.
Espio the Chameleon (エスピオ・ザ・カメレオン Esupio za Kamereon) is an anthropomorphic chameleon who is an expert ninja. He is described as the "guardian of honor" of the Chaotix, also being the calmest.[32] He has a "militaristic discipline" while also being quiet and laid back.[33] Confident in his skills,[32] opinionated and self-obsessed,[33] he revels in training and self discipline.[32] He is not concerned by danger, and often yearns to face it in order to use his ninja skills.[32] With his extensive training in ninjutsu and an ability to turn himself invisible, he is able to move around unnoticed.[33] However, a blunder like a sneeze could cause him to inadvertently become visible.[32] Espio appears in Knuckles' Chaotix, Sonic The Fighters, Sonic Heroes, Shadow The Hedgehog, Sonic Rivals 2, Sonic Colors, Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games, Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games, Sonic Generations and Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games
Mighty is a black and red armadillo who debuted in the arcade game SegaSonic the Hedgehog, and later appeared in the 32X game Knuckles' Chaotix. The character is described as a traveler who loves nature and desires to see every place.[34] Mighty hates to see weaknesses in others[35] and detests violence.[34] He prefers to be gentle but undergoes a drastic change and is capable when needed.[34] Mighty's only appearance in the Chaotix was in Knuckles Chaotix, he is not part of the group in future games such as Sonic Heroes. Mighty alongside Ray the Flying Squirrel, another character who originated in SegaSonic the Hedgehog, are given cameos in Sonic Generations on posters described as "missing since 1993", despite Mighty's final appearance being in 1995.
Vector the Crocodile (ベクター・ザ・クロコダイル Bekutā za Kurokodairu) is the "head honcho" and brains of the Chaotix Detective Agency.[30] Divided between being "bossy" and "easy-going," his rough speech and outward appearance mask his clear reasoning and ability to resolve cases.[36] For the right price he will take on most jobs, unless they involve doing something immoral.[30] Vector has a strong sense of justice and kindness, despite his argumentativeness.[36] He often does unpaid work due to his charitable nature,[30] leaving the agency constantly short on money.[36] Vector hates having to work for the landlord, but he enjoys singing,[36] and his trademark is a set of headphones.[30] He is physically very strong[36] and his powerful jaws are a formidable weapon.[30]
Vector was originally supposed to be in the sound test of the first Sonic the Hedgehog game, but he, along with the feature itself, was removed prior to release.[37] He was also part of Team Chaotix in Sonic Heroes and is featured in Shadow the Hedgehog.
Xbox World's preview of Sonic Heroes called Vector "rubbish too", highlighting his "stupid" visual appearance and name, and concluding that "he looks like a character created as a cheap Sonic copy."[38] IGN staff writer Lucas M. Thomas listed Vector as one of the characters he would most like to see in Super Smash Bros. Brawl after Sonic was confirmed for the game.[39]
Cream the Rabbit (クリーム・ザ・ラビット Kurīmu za Rabitto) is a beige anthropomorphic rabbit constantly accompanied by her Chao, Cheese. Their names were based on "cream cheese."[40] Cream is portrayed as being naive because of being brought up like a princess by her mother, Vanilla.[41] She always politely minds her manners[42] but sometimes acts childishly.[42] Cream can achieve flight for short periods of time by flapping with her two large ears.[41]
Cream's first prominent role was in Sonic Advance 2.[43] She returns in Sonic Heroes as part of Team Rose along with Amy Rose and Big the Cat.[44] She joins with them to search for Cheese's sibling, Chocolate, and helps stop Metal Sonic. She is a playable character within Sonic Battle, where she befriends Emerl and teaches him about emotions. She is a playable character in Sonic Advance 3, and befriends the rebuilt Gemerl. She becomes friends with Blaze the Cat during Sonic Rush, teaching her about friendship. She is unlockable in Sonic Riders, Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity, and the Sonic and the Secret Rings Party Mode. She is one of the secret unlockable characters in Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood. Game Informer notes that in Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood, "Cream is one of the most useful party members."[45] In addition, she appeared in several cameos throughout Sonic Adventure DX. Cream also appeared in Sonic Colors DS.
She plays the same role for Amy as Tails does for Sonic. The two even share a sisterly bond, in contrast to Sonic ands Tails' brotherly bond.
Cheese (チーズ Chīzu) is a blue neutral chao and the constant companion of Cream, following her wherever she goes. It distinguishes itself from other chao with a red bow-tie, and it often attacks for Cream by ramming into her adversaries.[46] The name "Cheese" originates from cream cheese.[47]
Vanilla the Rabbit (ヴァニラ・ザ・ラビット Vanira za Rabitto)[46] is a cream-colored rabbit, introduced with Cream the Rabbit as Cream's doting mother[41] in Sonic Advance 2, and first named in Sonic X. She also made an appearance in Sonic Rush.
Doctor Ivo Robotnik[48] (ロボトニック Robotonikku), mainly known by his alias, Doctor Eggman[49] (ドクター・エッグマン Dokutā Egguman), is the main antagonist of the series. Debuting in the first game of the series, Sonic the Hedgehog, he was shown attempting to collect the Chaos Emeralds and turn all of the animals inhabiting the land into robots. He is a self-proclaimed or certifiable genius with an IQ of 300.[50][51][52] His fondness for mechas has made him a renowned authority on robotics. Ultimately, Eggman's goal is to conquer the world and create his ultimate utopia, Eggmanland (alternatively known as the Eggman Empire and Robotnikland).[53]
When Sega had petitioned its research and development department to create a character who would replace Alex Kidd as its company mascot, a caricature of U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt was also among the proposed designs. It lost to Sonic the Hedgehog, but eventually became the basis for Dr. Eggman instead.[54]
Eggman Nega (エッグマン・ネガ Egguman Nega) was introduced in Sonic Rush as the arch-enemy of Blaze the Cat. Although his outward appearance resembles that of Doctor Eggman, his personality is different.[55] He is heartless and calculating, in eerie contrast to his polite speech and manners.[55] His exact relationship with Eggman varies; in the Sonic Rush series, he works alongside him as his other dimensional counterpart, while in the Sonic Rivals series he becomes a jilted decedent and enemy from 200 years in the future and arch-enemy of Silver the Hedgehog.
An EggRobo is an egg-shaped humanoid robot which resembles Doctor Eggman. They first appeared as enemies in the game Sonic & Knuckles. In Sonic's storyline they only appeared as standard enemies in the Sky Sanctuary Zone, after being seen launched from the Death Egg. In Knuckles' story, however, as one EggRobo in particular replaces Eggman as the end-of-zone boss in a number of levels.
An EggRobo later appears in Sonic R as an unlockable character, with abilities similar to Eggman. An EggRobo appears in Sonic Adventure 2 as a kart racing VMU Download with his own stage, and again in the Nintendo GameCube port Sonic Adventure 2: Battle as Rouge the Bat's unlockable kart. EggRobo also makes a small cameo in Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood on the Metropolis map.
The "E-Series" is a group of robots created by Doctor Eggman, who uses them in his quest to conquer the world.
Zero is the first E-100 series robot who is a large green robot that appeared in Sonic Adventure and is considered the prototype.[56] He was created by Dr. Eggman and ordered to capture the Chaos Emerald from Amy Rose's Flicky friend, Birdie. He first appeared in Sonic Adventure and later returned in Sonic Advance 2. In Sonic Adventure, he is the main antagonist in Amy's story, where he repeatedly tries to capture Birdie. At the end of Amy's story, she destroys him. In Sonic Advance 2, Zero appears in special stages, trying to prevent Sonic from getting the seven Chaos Emeralds.
E-102 Gamma, or technically E-102γ, is one of the E-100 series robots created by Dr. Eggman. In Sonic Adventure, he is given the mission to collect Chaos Emeralds for Chaos after defeating E-101 Beta. After witnessing the fate of Beta, Gamma slowly develops a conscience unique to the other E Series, releasing Amy Rose in remorse. After some convincing from his new friend, Gamma decides to turn against Eggman, to "rescue" the other E-Series robots by defeating them and releasing the small animals used to power them. He eventually battles and defeats an upgraded Beta, which leaves Gamma mortally wounded. They both end up destroyed, which releases two related Flickies that join with the other Flicky under the care of Amy Rose. He reappears as a playable character in Sonic Shuffle after being "revived with the power of dreams".
Later, Gamma was re-built and re-modeled into E-102 Chaos Gamma and appears as a playable character in Sonic Battle. He is powered by a shard of a Chaos Emerald, and battles Emerl several times in order to become stronger, but he eventually forms a bond with Emerl.
His gameplay in Sonic Adventure has been criticized for slowing down the pace of an otherwise mostly fast-paced game.[57]
E-123 Omega (オメガ Omega), or technically E-123 Ω, is the last of Doctor Eggman's E-100 series robots, specifically designed to contain and control Shadow the Hedgehog. In his first appearance in Sonic Heroes, Eggman seals Omega within an abandoned base, along with Shadow, until Rouge the Bat releases Shadow from his stasis pod, accidentally reactivating Omega.[58] Infuriated at being sealed, Omega decides to team up with the other two in order to obtain revenge on Eggman and prove that he is the most powerful robot of all,[59] dismissing the others as "worthless consumer models".
He returns with the same goal in Shadow the Hedgehog, and teams up with Shadow in certain levels to destroy Eggman's robots. During Sonic the Hedgehog, he is playable after Rouge orders him to support Shadow many years in the future.[60] He is also one of the secret unlockable characters in Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood found in Metropolis.[61] Omega has appeared in Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games as a rival in speed skating and intense short track.[62]
Omega has an array of extremely destructive weapons concealed in his arms, including machine guns, flamethrowers, missile launchers, and beam (energy) cannons and a spinning drill. He can also retract his hands in order to attach a spinning Shadow and Rouge in their place, either using the two as melee weapons or firing them.[58] Omega can use jet boosters built into his back to help accelerate and hover. He also has a range of sensors in order to detect and locate enemies.
Fang the Sniper (ファング・ザ・スナイパー Fangu za Sunaipā, "Fang the Sniper" in Japan),[63][64] is a purple wolf-weasel hybrid [65] that first appeared in the Game Gear video game Sonic Triple Trouble. His character is a treasure hunter in search of the Chaos Emeralds; however he does not know of their true power and merely wants to sell them for profit.[64] He is a slick,[65] sneaky, and mischievous[63] character who will steal the Emeralds for an easier job.[64] Fang tries hard to outwit others, but is held back by naivety and often fails.[63] He is often seen with his air-bike, the Marvelous Queen.
The character was originally named "Fang the Sniper" in the Japanese equivalent of Sonic Triple Trouble, named Sonic & Tails 2.[63] but was renamed "Nack the Weasel" in the English version, Sonic Triple Trouble.[64]
Fang the Sniper also appeared in Sonic Drift 2, Tails Adventures, and Sonic the Fighters. He makes a cameo appearance on a wanted poster in Sonic Generations. He was set to appear in Sonic X-treme as a boss character, but the game was cancelled.
Knuckles the Echidna (ナックルズ・ザ・エキドゥナ Nakkurusu za Ekiduna) is Sonic's friendly rival. First introduced in the Genesis game Sonic the Hedgehog 3, Knuckles lives on Angel Island, which hovers in the sky due to the power of the Master Emerald. As the last surviving member of the Echidna people who once inhabited the island, his duty is to guard the Emerald.
During conception of Sonic the Hedgehog 3, the development team wanted to create a new rival for Sonic. The final design of Knuckles was the result of dozens of possible designs inspired by numerous different animals.[66] A character with many different abilities and skills, he is physically one of the strongest characters of the Sonic series.[67] His strength and mastery of martial arts, specialising in punches, enables him to perform feats such as shattering boulders with his fists, while he can trap air under his dreadlocks in order to glide for short distances.
Maria Robotnik (マリア・ロボトニック Maria Robotonikku) is a character that appears in flashbacks in Sonic Adventure 2 and Shadow the Hedgehog. She is the granddaughter of Professor Gerald Robotnik, and is the cousin of Dr. Ivo "Eggman" Robotnik. Maria suffers from the illness known as "NIDS" (Neuro-Immuno Deficiency Syndrome), which was incurable at the time. Gerald takes on Project Shadow in order to save her. Soon after Shadow is created, the two bond deeply, though it is short-lived as a government organization named "G.U.N." soon raids the ARK, fatally shooting Maria. Before she dies, she encases Shadow in an escape pod and asks him to bring hope to humanity and give humans a chance to be happy. This experience with Maria scars Shadow for life, but ultimately his determination to keep his promise to her leads him to team up with Sonic and save the Earth multiple times.
Metal Sonic (メタル・ソニック Metaru Sonikku) is an evil robotic version of Sonic created by Dr. Eggman. He first appears in Sonic the Hedgehog CD, with orders to go back in time and change the past so that Dr.Eggman can rule the future. Sonic must race him in Stardust Speedway to free Amy Rose. He returns in Knuckles' Chaotix, where he attempts to obtain the Chaos Rings, but he is stopped by the Chaotix. He appears as a boss in Sonic Triple Trouble and Sonic the Fighters. He is playable in Sonic Drift 2 and Sonic R, and a bonus character in Sonic Adventure DX: Director's Cut and Sonic Adventure 2: Battle. He returns as an enemy and unlockable character in Sonic Rivals, and appears as a playable character in Sonic Rivals 2, acting under Eggman's orders. The 'good' ending of Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1 shows a silhouette of Metal Sonic, followed by a "To Be Continued" screen.
He is a playable character in Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games. In the Adventure Tour (exclusively on Nintendo DS), Metal Sonic is one of Bowser and Eggman's henchmen and is paired with Bowser's son, Bowser Jr. Downloadable content for Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing features Metal Sonic as a playable character.
In Sonic Heroes, he transforms himself into "Neo Metal Sonic" and acts as the game's main antagonist. Here, he possesses the ability to transform into other beings in order to manipulate the main characters. He betrays Eggman, and uses the collected data to transform further into a large mechanical dragon called "Metal Overlord". He is eventually defeated by Sonic, returns to his initial form, and reprogrammed by Dr. Eggman.
He possesses a laser cannon built into his abdomen and a force field device. He usually only communicates with a series of electronic noises, though he is able to speak in his "Neo" form. In Knuckles Chaotix, the power of the Chaos Rings allowed him to assume an enormous red form with detached limbs, which could be projected to attack the player. In Sonic Rivals 2 Eggman Nega creates a black and yellow copy of Metal Sonic called Metal Sonic 3.0.
GameDaily placed Metal Sonic 13th on their "Top 25 Video Game Robots" list, describing him as Dr. Eggman's "greatest creation" and praising the strength of his abilities.[68]
Miles Prower (マイルス・パウアー Mairusu Pauā), better known by his nickname Tails (テイルス Teirusu) is a two-tailed fox who is Sonic's best friend and sidekick. His name is a pun on "miles per hour". He is able to use his two tails to propel himself into the air like a helicopter for a limited time. Yasushi Yamaguchi, originally the main artist and zone designer for Sega's Sonic Team, designed Tails for an internal competition for a sidekick to Sonic. His first appearance was in Sonic 2 for the Game Gear, where he was kidnapped by Robotnik for a "hefty" ransom, and was first made playable in the Genesis version of Sonic the Hedgehog 2. Tails has appeared in almost every Sonic game since his first appearance. Tails has a very high IQ and has great mechanical ability. For instance, in Sonic Colors, he could read binary code to decipher the information from a translation device he made to understand foreign languages.
Tails has also starred in games without Sonic. His first solo game was Tails' Skypatrol, a puzzle-like game for the Game Gear released exclusively in Japan. This was followed by Tails Adventures later the same year, a platformer with role-playing game elements.[69] Frequently portrayed as a sweet-natured[70] and humble fox,[71] Tails used to be picked on because of his twin tails, before he met Sonic.[72]
Omochao (オモチャオ) is a robotic Chao with a propeller on its head. Omochao was introduced in Sonic Adventure as part of the Chao Races, and it later appeared in Sonic Adventure 2, where it serves as an in-game manual to teach players how to play the game. Since then, it has appeared in a multitude of Sonic games, such as a guide in the training level and instructions for what everything does in Sonic Heroes, or as a type of gun in Shadow the Hedgehog, a referee in Sonic Riders, a collectable card, and referee in Sonic Rivals 2, a referee in Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games, giving hints in Sonic Advance 3, and as supporting character in multiplayer of Sonic and the Secret Rings. He has also been seen the host of the World Grand Prix in Sonic Free Riders. "Omochao" is a pun on "omocha" (玩具, toy) and "chao".
Orbot (オーボット Ōbotto), codename SA-55, is a robotic assistant of Dr. Eggman who first appears in Sonic Unleashed. Whilst he generally assists in monitoring Eggman's data, he often makes sarcastic remarks pointing out general flaws in Eggman's plans, prompting a quick smack in return. He appears again in Sonic Colors, alongside a similar robot named Cubot (キューボット Kyūbotto); the latter, however, is much less intelligent than the former, and suffers from a glitch in his voice chip, causing him to constantly speak with different accents.[73]
Professor Gerald Robotnik (プロフェッサー・ジェラルド・ロボトニック Purofessā Jerarudo Robotonikku) is the grandfather of Maria Robotnik and Dr. Ivo "Eggman" Robotnik. Fifty years before the main series, he attempts to create the "Ultimate Life Form" under the funding of the United Federation, hoping that it can help cure Maria's illness. He appears in Sonic Adventure 2 and Shadow the Hedgehog.
Rouge the Bat (ルージュ・ザ・バット Rūju za Batto) is a white, female bat who made her first appearance in Sonic Adventure 2 in 2001, and who has been featured in several games since. She is depicted as a professional treasure hunter devoted to the pursuit of jewels,[74] calling herself the "World's Greatest Thief". She has a tendency to ignore abstract morality or manners for potential profit;[75] her "feminine charm" makes her appear careless, but she is actually scheming and manipulative.[74] Additionally, she serves as a part time spy for the government's G.U.N. Federation.[74] She fights using kicks, especially her signature "Screw Kick," and she can fly using her wings.[76] She appears as a rival on the Figure Skating event in Mario And Sonic At The Olympic Winter Games.
Shadow the Hedgehog (シャドウ・ザ・ヘッジホッグ Shadō za Hejjihoggu) is an artificially created life form in the design of a male, anthropomorphic hedgehog, similar to Sonic. His trademark air shoes propel him at extreme speeds that rival those of Sonic.[77]
According to official profiles, Shadow was created 50 years ago by Professor Gerald Robotnik as the "Ultimate Life Form",[78] which is ageless and immortal.[79] Sharp witted and seemingly always on the edge,[52] Shadow is described as the dark counterpart to Sonic the Hedgehog.[80] Once he has set himself to a goal, he will do whatever it takes to accomplish it,[52] regardless of any danger.[81] After the trauma of the death of his only friend, Maria Robotnik, Shadow strives to fulfill his purpose and keep the promise he made to her,[52] despite his general loathing of mankind.[81] Although his relationship with Sonic seems to have developed from antagonistic to friendly rivalry, animosity from not understanding their different mindsets still occurs.[82]
However, Shadow shares a lot in common with Sonic.[81][83] He can perform spin attacks common to Sonic,[78] which are a variation on the tendency for hedgehogs to roll into tight balls for protection. Additionally, with the power of a Chaos Emerald, Shadow can warp time and space with Chaos Control.[78][80][81] Shadow is also able to use a variety of other Chaos powers, such as "Chaos Spear" and "Chaos Blast".[81]
By harnessing the power of the seven Chaos Emeralds, Shadow is able to use super transformation to transform into Super Shadow.[84] He is bestowed with the new abilities of flight and near invulnerability, like Super Sonic, and his normal abilities of speed and his Chaos powers are greatly enhanced.
Silver the Hedgehog (シルバー・ザ・ヘッジホッグ Shirubā za Hejjihoggu) is a silver-furred anthropomorphic hedgehog from 200 years in the future of the main timeline. He first appeared in the 2006 Sonic the Hedgehog. His individual episode revolves around him traveling back in time with Blaze the Cat to find and kill Sonic the Hedgehog, known to them as the "Iblis Trigger", who they believe is the cause of their world being destroyed in the future.
Since this first appearance, he has been relegated to the Sonic series spinoffs, multiplayer games, and small cameo roles. He is one of the main characters in Sonic Rivals and Sonic Rivals 2. He is playable in multiplayer modes in Sonic and the Secret Rings, Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity,[85] Sonic Free Riders, and Sonic and the Black Knight, though he was known as Galahad in the latter. He also makes an appearance in Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games. Cameos include briefly being seen in Super Smash Bros. Brawl, in the background of Sonic's Green Hill Zone stage,[86] as a trophy and sticker,[87] watching a tennis match in one of the Sonic stages in Sega Superstars Tennis, and in the DS version of Sonic Colors. Silver will be a playable character in Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games and a rival boss in Sonic Generations.
Silver's primary ability is psychokinesis which is also known as telekinesis. He is able to levitate objects (including himself) and use them as projectiles, and fly. He can also fire shock waves that temporarily paralyze his enemies. He is able to use many standard abilities similar to those of Sonic and Shadow and he can utilize Chaos Control in order to warp through time and space. He is able to transform into "Super Silver" by using the power of the Chaos Emeralds, and he becomes able to use a special "Shield of Light" to draw in and throw any object within a large circular field.
Silver was conceptualized from utilizing a new realistic physics engine in Sonic the Hedgehog, and, while given similar game play elements to Sonic and Shadow, provides vastly different game play with his unique abilities. The design team developed over fifty different concepts for the character. They felt that a mink would not blend in with the rest of the characters, so they decided to make Silver a hedgehog instead. Orange was originally decided for his fur, but they soon decided on white-gray. While developing the character models and textures, they focused on using the hardware to develop the textures rather than just use white-gray, which lead to Silver's color and name.[88]
Sonic the Hedgehog (ソニック・ザ・ヘッジホッグ Sonikku za Hejjihoggu), trademarked Sonic The Hedgehog,[89] is the protagonist of the series. Developed as a replacement for their existing Alex Kidd mascot, as well as Sega's response to Mario, his first appearance was in the first game of the Sonic series, Sonic the Hedgehog, for the Mega Drive, also known as the Genesis in North America. Known as the world's fastest hedgehog,[90]
Sonic's greatest ability is his running speed, which at its normal maximum is beyond the speed of sound. Using the power of the 7 Chaos Emeralds, he can become Super Sonic, at which time he is known to have approached near-light speeds.
Tikal (ティカル Tikaru) is the daughter of Chief Pachamac from the same tribe that Knuckles the Echidna descends, the Knuckles Clan.[91] She first appears in Sonic Adventure and returns in Sonic Adventure 2. Thousands of years before the main events of the series, she opposes her father's power-hungry ways of invading other countries.[92] She eventually comes into contact with Chaos and a group of Chao at the shrine of the Master Emerald, who accept her due to her friendliness to them. She tries to change her father's mind about raiding the shrine for the emeralds, but he refuses to listen. These raids of the shrine, anger Chaos, causing Tikal to seal herself and Chaos into the emerald to stop his destructive ways.[93] Several thousand years later, Doctor Eggman shatters the Master Emerald and awakens the angry Chaos and Tikal's spirit. Tikal helps the main characters defeat Chaos, and then leaves with Chaos.[94] She has only had small cameos in Sonic games since the two Adventure games.
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