TheSonic the Hedgehogvideo game franchise began in 1991 with the video gameSonic the Hedgehog for theSega Genesis, which pitted a blueanthropomorphic hedgehog namedSonic against a rotund male human villain namedDoctor Eggman (or Doctor Ivo Robotnik). The sequel,Sonic 2, gave Sonic a fox friend namedTails.Sonic CD introduced Amy Rose, a female hedgehog with a persistent crush on Sonic.Sonic 3 introducedKnuckles the Echidna, Sonic's rival and later friend. All five of these have remained major characters and appeared in dozens of games.
The series has introduced dozens of additional recurring characters over the years. These have ranged from anthropomorphicanimal characters such asShadow the Hedgehog and Cream the Rabbit to robots created by Eggman such as Metal Sonic and E-123 Omega, as well as human characters such as Eggman's grandfather Gerald Robotnik. The series features three fictional species, in order of appearance: Chao, which have usually functioned asdigital pets and minor gameplay and plot elements; Wisps, which have been used aspower-ups; and Koco, which when collected grant new abilities for Sonic, among other things.
TheSonic games keep a separate continuity from theSonic the Hedgehog comics published byArchie Comics and otherSonic media and, as a result, feature a distinct yet overlapping array of many characters.
Sonic the Hedgehog[a][1] is a blue anthropomorphichedgehog and the mainprotagonist of the series. Developed as a replacement for their existingAlex Kidd mascot, as well as Sega's response toMario, his first appearance was in the arcade gameRad Mobile as a cameo, before making his official debut inSonic the Hedgehog (1991). Sonic's greatest ability is his running speed, and he is known as the world's fastest hedgehog.[2] Using the power of the sevenChaos Emeralds, he becomesSuper Sonic and can achieve even greater speeds.
Doctor Ivo Robotnik,[b][3] better known by his alias Doctor Eggman,[c][4] is a human mad scientist and the mainantagonist of the series. Debuting in the first game of the series,Sonic the Hedgehog, he was shown attempting to collect theChaos 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.[5][6][7] 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.[8]
When Sega had petitioned itsresearch and development department to create a character who would replaceAlex Kidd as its company mascot, acaricature of U.S. PresidentTheodore Roosevelt was among the proposed designs. It lost to Sonic the Hedgehog, but the design was kept for the basis for Doctor Eggman instead.[9][10]
Miles Prower,[d] better known by hisnickname, Tails,[e] is a two-tailedfox who is Sonic's best friend and sidekick. His name is apun on "miles per hour". He can use his tails to propel himself into the air like ahelicopter for a limited time.Yasushi Yamaguchi, originally the main artist and zone designer forSega's Sonic Team, designed Tails for an internal competition for asidekick to Sonic. His first appearance was inSonic 2 for the Game Gear, where he was kidnapped byDoctor Robotnik for a "hefty" ransom. He was first made playable in the Genesis version ofSonic the Hedgehog 2.[11] Tails has appeared in almost every Sonic game since his first appearance. Tails starred in two solo spin-off games for theGame Gear in 1995 –Tails' Skypatrol, andTails Adventure.[12] Frequently portrayed as a sweet-natured[13] and humble fox,[14] Tails used to be picked on because of his twin tails, before he met Sonic.[15] Tails is very clever and has excellent mechanical skills.
Voiced by:[16]
Amy Rose[f] is a pink hedgehog and Sonic's self-proclaimed girlfriend,[17] who is an energetictomboy.[18] Amy was created byKazuyuki Hoshino forSonic the Hedgehog CD (1993),[19] although she appeared inKenji Terada'sSonic the Hedgehog manga a year before.[20] Hoshino created her in-game graphics, with many staff members contributing ideas to her design. Her headband and trainer shoes reflectedSonic CD directorNaoto Ohshima's tastes, and her mannerisms reflected the traits Hoshino looked for in women at the time.[19] Her fur color was red at first, and her skirt orange.[21] The character had another name in early game previews: Rosy the Rascal.[22] Additionally, due to a localization effort bySega of America in the North American manual forSonic CD, Amy Rose was erroneously referred to as Princess Sally. Sega of America made this choice to capitalize on the popularity ofSatAM and its tie-inArchie comics, where Princess Sally Acorn was the prominent female lead—despite Amy Rose being a distinct Japanese-original character.[23]Amy received her present design, with a red dress and knee-high leather boots, inSonic Adventure (1998),[24] courtesy of designerYuji Uekawa.[25]
In the games, Amy is depicted as driven and competitive. She spends much of her time following Sonic to get his attention or make sure he is safe while demonstrating her affection.[17] Series co-creatorYuji Naka said that Amy was designed "to always chase Sonic", but stated that Sonic "will not ever get married".[26] An early character design document stated that Amy was also a high school cheerleader.[27] Not possessing the speed or strength of the other characters, Amy uses a hammer to defend herself instead.[17][28] InSonic CD,Metal Sonic kidnaps Amy and Sonic must rescue her. When he does, Amy kisses him.[29] Her voice samples in the game were made using theYamaha YM2608's FM Sound Source module.[30] Amy's first appearance in aSonic platformer as a playable character was inSonic Adventure;[24][31] although the first game to have her playable isSonic Drift. She is playable inSonic Heroes (2003)[32] andSonic the Hedgehog (2006),[33] and appears as anon-player character in games such asSonic Unleashed (2008).[34]
While some journalists have called Amy cute and powerful,[24][35] others find her annoying.[36][37][38][39] Justin Towell ofGamesRadar+ and writers fromMean Machines expressed general displeasure at her introduction inSonic CD.[39][40] Additionally, some have criticized developers' treatment of Amy as a female character and analyzed her implications ongender representation in video games. TheElectronic Gaming Monthly staff found her pink coloring and tendency to run from danger to be stereotypical and common in Japanese-created female characters,[41] while feminist bloggerAnita Sarkeesian cites Amy as an example of the "Ms. Male Character" trope, in which female characters in games with male protagonists often resemble those protagonists, but with stereotypically feminine features added.[42] Despite this, Amy is one of the series' most popular characters, coming in fifth place in a Japanese popularity poll in 2006[43] and sixth place in a 2025 poll conducted byDengeki Online.[44] Her likeness has been used inSonic merchandise,[45] and she appears in the television adaptationsSonic X (2003–2005),Sonic Boom (2014–2017) andSonic Prime (2022–2024).[36][46] Amy is introduced in the live-action film series inSonic the Hedgehog 3 (2024), appearing in a mid-credits scene saving Sonic from an army of Metal Sonics.[47]
Voiced by:[48]
Metal Sonic[g] is an evil robotic version of Sonic created by Dr. Robotnik. He possesses great strength, including alaser cannon, ajet engine and aforce field device he can use to protect himself from projectiles and certain attacks. He usually only communicates with a series of electronic noises.
The character first appears inSonic the Hedgehog CD. He is given 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 is severely wounded when he crashes and falls, but is rejuvenated by Robotnik inSonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II, only to be defeated again in a similar style. He returns inKnuckles' Chaotix, where he attempts to obtain the Chaos Rings, but he is stopped by the Chaotix team. Metal Sonic notably acted as the main antagonist inSonic Heroes, appearing in a new form as Neo Metal Sonic before transforming into the game's final boss, the Metal Overlord. Upon being defeated by Super Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles, he reverts to his traditional appearance.
Metal Sonic appears as a bonus playable character inSonic Rivals, reprogrammed to aid Eggman Nega in his attempt to take over the world. He returns as a playable character inSonic Rivals 2, under orders from Eggman to aid Shadow in stopping Eggman Nega's plans. InSonic Free Riders, Metal Sonic is a playable character and the final opponent in the game's story mode. InSonic Generations, he appears in his classic form as a rival boss, battling Classic Sonic in Stardust Speedway before ultimately being destroyed. In the 2024 remasterSonic X Shadow Generations, his Metal Overlord form returns as a boss that Shadow battles. Metal Sonic returns as a boss character inSonic Boom: Rise of Lyric andSonic Boom: Shattered Crystal, and the Sonic story mode ofLego Dimensions.
Metal Sonic appeared as a playable character in the multiplayer mode ofSonic Adventure 2: Battle, as well asSonic & Sega All-Stars Racing,Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed, and all theMario & Sonic titles beginning withMario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games. Collecting all the emblems inSonic Adventure DX: Director's Cut unlocks Metal Sonic as a bonus playable character in Sonic's stages, and purchasing both episodes ofSonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I unlocks bonus levels in which Metal Sonic is playable.
Outside of the games, Metal Sonic appears as the main antagonist in theSonic the Hedgehog OVA, where Eggman records Sonic's abilities and uploads them to Metal Sonic, who proceeds in attempting to destroy the world before being tossed into lava by Sonic. He appears in theSonic Boom episodes, "It Wasn't Me, It Was the One-Armed Hedgehog" and "Eggman the Video Game Part 2: The End of the World". Multiple Metal Sonics also appear in the mid-credits scene ofSonic the Hedgehog 3 (2024).[47]
GameDaily placed Metal Sonic 13th on their "Top 25 Video Game Robots" list, describing him as Dr. Robotnik's "greatest creation" and praising the strength of his abilities.[49]
Knuckles the Echidna[h] is a redechidna and one of Sonic'sfriendly rivals. First introduced in the Genesis gameSonic the Hedgehog 3, Knuckles lives on Angel Island, which hovers in the sky due to the power of theMaster Emerald. As the last surviving member of the Echidna people who once inhabited the island, his duty is to guard the Master Emerald.
During conception ofSonic 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.[50] A character with many different abilities and skills, he is physically one of the strongest characters of theSonic series.[51] His strength and mastery of martial arts, specializing in punches, enables him to perform feats such as shattering boulders with his fists, while he can trap air underneath his dreadlocks in order to glide for short distances.
Fang the Sniper,[i][52] initially known as Nack the Weasel[53] in English localizations, is a purplejerboa[54][55] that first appeared in theGame Gear video gameSonic the Hedgehog: Triple Trouble in 1994. His character is a treasure hunter in search of theChaos Emeralds; however, he does not know of their true power and merely wants to sell them for profit.[53] He is a slick,[56] sneaky, and mischievous[52] character who will steal the Emeralds for an easier job.[53] Fang tries hard to outwit others, but is held back by his clumsiness and often fails.[52]
Outside ofTriple Trouble, Fang has had playable roles inSonic Drift 2 andSonic the Fighters in 1995 and 1996, and had been planned to be in the cancelledSonic Xtreme. He did not have any significant roles for over two decades however, though he did make a cameo appearance on an in-game poster in 2011'sSonic Generations, and as an illusion during the boss fight with Heavy Magician inSonic Mania in 2017. In 2023, he was announced to be returning in a main role as a central villain inSonic Superstars, now under the name "Fang the Hunter";[57] a tie-in comic released by Sega prior to the game's launch offered the in-fiction explanation that Fang frequently operates under different aliases in order to conduct his criminal activities.[58]
The Chaotix are a group of initially four characters who debuted in the gameKnuckles' Chaotix as the main characters, later forming their own detective agency inSonic Heroes where only three of them (Vector, Espio and Charmy respectively) returned, after the three were redesigned and rebooted into essentially new characters.IGN described the characters as "charming" and noted that they were introduced before fans became weary of all the new characters in the series.[59]
The Chaotix star as the leads in the 2026audio drama podcast seriesSonic the Hedgehog Presents: The Chaotix Casefiles, which follows the group solving a mystery case in the style of a noir-inspired detective radio drama.[60]
Voiced by:[61]
Vector the Crocodile[j] is a largecrocodile who is the "head honcho" and brains of the Chaotix Detective Agency.[62] Divided between being both "bossy" and "easy-going", his rough speech and outward appearance mask his clear reasoning and high competence in solving cases.[63] For the right price he will take on most jobs, unless they involve doing something immoral.[62] Vector has a strong sense of justice and kindness, despite his argumentative nature.[63] He often does unpaid work due to his charitable nature,[62] such as finding a lost child or taking up meager chases for children, leaving the agency constantly short on money.[63] Vector hates having to work for the landlord, but he enjoys singing,[63] and his trademark accessory is a set ofheadphones.[62] He is physically formidable to the point of being comparable to Knuckles,[63] with his powerful jaws being his most reliable weapon.[62]
Vector was, originally, supposed to be in the sound test of the firstSonic the Hedgehog game as part of a rock band that Sonic was part of, but the band and the feature itself were removed prior to its release.[64] Vector and the band made a brief appearance in the promotional mangaSonic the Hedgehog Story Comic. Vector then made his official game debut in the 1995 video gameKnuckles' Chaotix. And in 2003, he was part of Team Chaotix inSonic Heroes and is featured inShadow the Hedgehog,Sonic Generations,Sonic Forces and several other games (alongside both Espio and Charmy in said games). In all instalments ofMario & Sonic at the Olympic Games, he is a playable athlete. He has also been playable in other spinoff titles such asSonic Free Riders andTeam Sonic Racing, and mobile games likeSonic Forces: Speed Battle andSonic Dash.
Vector was also the one of only mainline game characters to appear in theSonic Boom franchise, making his debut into the sub-franchise in the season two episode "Vector Detector". He later made a few cameo appearances such as in the finale. Like the other characters he was redesigned for the series, sporting an arm tattoo and a leather jacket in place of his traditional headphones. In 2021, he was later added as a playable character in the tie-in mobile gameSonic Dash 2: Sonic Boom.[65] Vector also made a cameo in the film franchise in theSonic the Hedgehog 2: The Official Movie Pre-quill comic.
Voiced by:[66]
Espio the Chameleon[k] is achameleon who is aninjawarrior. He is described as the "opinionated number one" of the Chaotix, also being the calmest.[68] He has a "militaristic discipline" while being quiet and laid back.[69] Confident in his skills,[68] opinionated and self-obsessed,[69] he revels in training and self-discipline.[68] He is not concerned by danger, and often yearns to face it in order to use his ninja skills.[68] With his extensive training inninjutsu and an ability to turn himself invisible, he is able to move around unnoticed.[69] However, a blunder like a sneeze could cause him to inadvertently become visible.[68]
Espio's debut was in the video gameKnuckles' Chaotix. In the game, his color subtly changes while he moves to demonstrate the technical capabilities of theSega 32X console.[70] Espio was incorporated intoSonic Heroes as part of a move to reintroduce neglected characters, and because the development team considered him to have a unique, interesting personality.[71] He was the designated "speed" character inSonic Heroes while teammates Vector the Crocodile and Charmy Bee respectively represented "power" and "flight".[72] Espio was added toShadow the Hedgehog andSonic Rivals 2 to help "round out our cast of characters", and because designerTakashi Iizuka appreciated the character's "stealthy agility".[73] Espio appeared as a playable character in the arcade fighting gameSonic the Fighters, and has also appeared in all installments ofMario & Sonic at the Olympic Games as the referee in various events and later a playable athlete. Espio also made a cameo in the film franchise in the filmSonic the Hedgehog 2: The Official Movie Pre-quill comic.
Voiced by:[74]
Charmy Bee[l] is abee who is the "scatter-brained funny-kid" of the Chaotix.[62] He is cheerful, curious, playful, careless, and greatly energetic, often talking about things no one else cares about.[76] Charmy's childish tomfoolery makes the rest of the detective agency staff look professional, and he is seen by others as a "cute mascot".[62] Despite an innocent,[76] good-natured and light-hearted personality, he uses his stinger on rare occasions where he gets angry.[62][76] In addition to being a playable character inSonic Heroes andShadow the Hedgehog, he made cameos in all theMario & Sonic at the Olympic Games installments as a referee.
Mighty the Armadillo[m] is a black and redarmadillo who debuted in the arcade gameSegaSonic the Hedgehog[77] and later appeared in the32X gameKnuckles' Chaotix. The character is described as a traveler who loves nature and desires to see every place.[78] Mighty hates to see weaknesses in others[79] and detests violence.[78] He prefers to be gentle but is capable of fighting back when needed.[78] Mighty's only appearance as part of the Chaotix was inKnuckles Chaotix, and was absent when the rest of the group was reintroduced into the series withSonic Heroes in 2003.
His long period of absence was alluded to inSonic Generations, in which he is shown on a missing persons poster alongside fellowSegaSonic character Ray the Flying Squirrel. Both Mighty and Ray appeared as playable characters in theSonic Mania expansionSonic Mania Plus, as well as appearing in the accompanying web seriesSonic Mania Adventures.
Ray the Flying Squirrel[n] is a yellowflying squirrel who debuted in the arcade gameSegaSonic the Hedgehog. While he can run as fast as Sonic, Ray can also climb trees and glide.[77]
His long period of absence was alluded to inSonic Generations, in which he is shown on a missing persons poster during theCity Escape level alongside fellowSegaSonic character Mighty the Armadillo. Both Ray and Mighty appeared as playable characters in theSonic Mania expansionSonic Mania Plus, as well as appearing in the accompanying web seriesSonic Mania Adventures.
Voiced by:[80]
Big the Cat[o] first appeared in the 1998Dreamcast gameSonic Adventure, where he was placed to justify the presence of a fishing rod in the game, although he was conceived beforehand.[81] Big is a large, purple anthropomorphic cat, who is depicted as—while unintelligent—sweet, easygoing, and physically strong.[82][83]
InSonic Adventure, Big's story involves fishing his frog friend Froggy[p] out of various bodies of water after Froggy swallows a Chaos Emerald and part of the tail of Chaos, the game's antagonist. InSonic Heroes, Big teams up with Amy Rose and Cream the Rabbit to search for Froggy and a lost Chao called Chocola. He is a minor playable character in otherSonic games, likeSonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood andSonic & Sega All-Stars Racing, and anon-player character in games such as theNintendo DS version ofSonic Colors. Reflecting the story ofAdventure, Big appears in theSonic X anime and theSonic the Hedgehog comics.
Big has been derided by video game critics for his obesity, low intelligence, one-dimensional development and uselessness within his games; he has appeared on several lists of the worst video game characters of all time and within theSonic cast.[84][85][86] Due to his poor reception and apparent uselessness,Sonic Team claimed they would be retiring the character from appearing in future games in 2012,[87] although headTakashi Iizuka has since stated that a game starring Big is a possibility.[88] Despite this statement, Big has continued to appear in other titles in a minor capacity, includingSonic Runners,Lego Dimensions,Team Sonic Racing, andSonic Frontiers.[89][90]
The director and screenwriters of theSonic film series,Jeff Fowler,Patrick Casey, andJosh Miller, have expressed a desire to include Big in the films.[91][92][93] According to Casey and Miller, a scene in which a skeleton of a creature resembling Big appeared (which they clarified would have been "not necessarilythe Big the Cat") was cut fromSonic the Hedgehog 2's script, as "it didn't make any sense".[94][95][96]
Voiced by: Tomoko Sasaki[citation needed]
Chao[q] (/tʃaʊ/) are small creatures withpudding-like bodies that behave much likehumaninfants. Depending on how they are raised, their form and appearance can change considerably.[97] The Chao are descended from the Ancients, an alien race that brought the Chaos Emeralds to Earth when they crash landed long ago.[98]
Takashi Iizuka stated in an interview with video game publication1UP.com that Chao were incorporated intoSonic Adventure "so that new players would be forced to go out, explore the action sections, and findFlickies and things."[99] Professor Chao, a minor character inSonic Adventure 2, states that Chao are cute,[100] and enjoy toys[101] and being held or petted.[102] However, they dislike being held while the player jumps, spins around, or throws them. A Chao's diet consists oftree fruit andcoconuts.[103] They hatch fromeggs found in Chao Gardens. When the player spends enough time with a Chao in the Chao Garden, it eventually develops into acocoon and hatches from this as an adult. Eventually it develops into another cocoon. If the Chao has been treated well, the cocoon is pink and the Chao is thenreincarnated as an egg; the cycle then restarts and the Chao remembers the player. If, however, it has been treated poorly, the cocoon is gray and the Chao dies, removing every trace of itself from the game.[97] Chao canbreed to produce fertile eggs.[104]
Chao were designed as a "relative neutral entity" in this game. However, to remain consistent with the good–evil dichotomy ofSonic Adventure 2, they were designed so that the player could raise them as "Hero Chao" or "Dark Chao". Chao were given the ability to socialize and interact inSonic Adventure 2 in order to make the game unique,[105] and to more resemble "a real artificial life form."[106] Chao appeared inSonic the Hedgehog 3, as mascots of theChao Garden restaurant inTokyo, Japan.[107]
Chao and the Chao-raising system have received generally positive reviews. In a review ofSonic Adventure,GameSpot's Peter Bartholow stated that "with the Chao-breeding simulation and the minigames,Sonic offers much more beyond the completion of its story."[108]IGN stated that "SA more than has the extras department covered."[109] This enthusiasm was extended toIGN's reviews ofSonic Adventure 2,[110]Sonic Advance,[111] andSonic Adventure DX: Director's Cut.[112]GameSpot's Shane Satterfield was critical of the Chao raising feature inSonic Adventure 2: Battle, stating that "there's little in the way of interactivity" and that "the Chao training aspect using the Game Boy Advance is little more than a novelty."[113] However,GameSpy's Shane Bettenhausen praised the feature in the game, comparing Chao toTamagotchi digital pets.[114]GameSpot's Frank Provo noted the appeal to "those people who might only enjoy pinball in passing" that Chao brought toSonic Pinball Party.[115]1UP.com's Chris Baker called the Chao feature inSega Superstars "ultimately worthless... but some might find it amusing."[116] In a review ofSonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood, GameSpot's Shiva Stella praised the level of strategy that the game's Chao system added.[117]James Stephanie Sterling ofDestructoid voiced a similar opinion, though she said that Chao had been "rubbish" in previous games.[118]
Chaos[r] is a Chao that was mutated by the Chaos Emeralds, becoming a highly intelligent water-like being that can easily manipulate its body. It acts as a guardian for its species, protects the Master Emerald, and provides clear water around its altar.[119] Without any of the Chaos Emeralds, it is known as "Chaos Zero", but with each one it absorbs, it transforms into a more powerful form, eventually becoming "Perfect Chaos" with all seven Chaos Emeralds. It first appears inSonic Adventure, where Dr. Eggman attempts to use it to conquer the world. Chaos tracks down the emeralds, becomes "Perfect Chaos", and floods all of Station Square, but is ultimately defeated by Super Sonic.
Iizuka stated that he wanted to create an antagonist who would have been impossible to create on older hardware. He settled on one relating to liquid and transparent and created Chaos. Iizuka presented the concept to Naka, who was impressed.[120] Chaos was originally intended to have realistic blue scales in his final form, but this was abandoned because of the technological constraints of theDreamcast.[121] Chaos would reappear in other games, including as a playable character in the multiplayer modes ofSonic Adventure 2 andSonic Battle, and as a boss inSonic Generations with an updated appearance based on its original scaled design concept.[122]
Voiced by:[123]
Omochao[s] (/ˈoʊmoʊtʃaʊ/) is arobot Chao with apropeller on its head. Omochao was introduced inSonic Adventure as part of the Chao Races, and it later appeared inSonic Adventure 2, where it serves as an in-gamemanual to teach players how to play the game. It has filled a similar tutorial role in other games such asSonic Heroes,Sonic Advance 3,Sonic Generations, andLego Dimensions.[124][125] The character has made other sporadic appearances throughout the series; its only playable appearance is as one of a group of playable chao inTeam Sonic Racing.[126] "Omochao" is a pun on "omocha"[t] and "chao".
The E-100 Series is a group ofrobots created byDoctor Eggman, who uses them in his quest to conquer the world; however, some of their members have since gone rogue.[127]
E-100 Alpha,[u] better known as Zero, is the first of the E-100 series and considered the prototype of the line.[128] He was created by Dr. Eggman and ordered to capture the Chaos Emerald from Amy Rose's Flicky friend, Birdie. He first appeared inSonic Adventure as the main antagonist in Amy's story, where he repeatedly tries to capture Birdie. At the end of Amy's story, she destroys him. InSonic Advance 2, he appears in special stages, trying to prevent players from getting the seven Chaos Emeralds.
Voiced by:[129]
E-102 Gamma[v] also primarily appears inSonic Adventure. He is a red, bulky robot[130] with a powerful gun built into his arm.[41] Gamma turns against his master after a heartfelt conversation with Amy Rose, who becomes his friend, and destroys the other E-100 Series robots to free the trapped animals inside them before ultimately doing the same to himself.[131][132][133] He offersshoot-'em-up gameplay to a largelyplatforming-focused game.[134] Gamma later made a spiritual return in the form ofChaos Gamma, who appeared as a playable character inSonic Battle. He has garnered mixed comments from critics. WhileXbox World generally commended his story,[135] others criticized the slow and repetitive nature of his gameplay.[136][137][138]
Voiced by:[139]
E-123 Omega[w] first appears inSonic Heroes, Eggman seals Omega within an abandoned base, along with Shadow, until Rouge the Bat releases Shadow from his stasis pod, accidentally reactivating Omega.[141] Omega expresses a deep hatred for Eggman due to the latter locking him up in stasis for an extended period of time. 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.[142] He returns with the same goal inShadow the Hedgehog, and teams up with Shadow in certain levels to destroy Eggman's robots.
DuringSonic the Hedgehog 2006, he is playable after Rouge orders him to support Shadow many years in the future.[143] He is also one of the secret unlockable characters inSonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood.[144] Outside of his playable appearances, Omega makes non-playable appearances in several entries, such asSonic Forces andShadow Generations, where he is typically depicted working together with Shadow and Rouge as inSonic Heroes.[145] Omega has appeared in several spinoff entries, including theMario & Sonic at the Olympic Games series,Team Sonic Racing, andSonic Racing: CrossWorlds.[146][147]
Omega has an array of destructive weapons concealed in his arms, includingmachine guns,flamethrowers,missile launchers, beam cannons and rocket-propelled drills. He can retract his hands in order to attach a spinning Shadow and Rouge in their place, either using the two asmelee weapons or firing them.[141] Omega has seen mixed reception.Eurogamer staff writer Tom Bramwell called Omega a "lesser" character among theHeroes cast.[148] AnElectronic Gaming Monthly preview ofHeroes referred to him as an imitation of theT-1000s from the filmTerminator 2: Judgment Day.[149] However, Jeremy Dunham fromIGN called Omega a "supreme machine".[150]
Shadow the Hedgehog[x] is an artificially created life form in the design of a black and redmale hedgehog, similar to Sonic. His trademark hover skates propel him at extreme speeds that rival those of Sonic.[151] His first appearance is inSonic Adventure 2.
According to official profiles, Shadow was created 50 years ago by Professor Gerald Robotnik as the "Ultimate Life Form",[152] which is ageless and immortal.[153] Sharp witted and seemingly always on the edge,[7][154] once he has set himself to a goal, he will do whatever it takes to accomplish it,[7] regardless of any danger.[155] 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.[7][155] Although his relationship with Sonic seems to have developed from antagonistic to friendly rivalry, animosity from not understanding each other's mindsets still occurs.[156]
However, Shadow shares a lot of similarities with Sonic.[155][157] He can perform spin attacks common to Sonic,[152] which are a variation on the tendency for hedgehogs to roll into tight balls for protection. Additionally, with the power of aChaos Emerald, Shadow can warp time and space with Chaos Control.[152][154][155] Shadow is also able to use a variety of other Chaos powers, such as "Chaos Spear" and "Chaos Blast".[155]
Using the power of the seven Chaos Emeralds, Shadow uses his super transformation to transform into Super Shadow[158] and gains new abilities of flight and near invulnerability, with normal abilities of speed and enhanced Chaos powers.
Voiced by:[159]
Rouge the Bat[y] is a white, anthropomorphicbat who made her first appearance inSonic Adventure 2 in 2001, and who has been featured in most games since. She has appeared in every mainline game and most spin-off games alongside Shadow (excluding the Storybook spin-off games). She is depicted as a professional treasure hunter devoted to the pursuit of jewels,[160] calling herself the "World's Greatest Treasure Hunter". She has a tendency to ignore abstract morality or manners for potential profit;[161] her "feminine charm" makes her appear careless, but she is actually scheming andmanipulative.[160] Additionally, she serves as a part-time spy for the government, and is a competent fighter.[160] She battles using kicks, especially her signature "Screw Kick", and she can fly using her wings.[162]
Rouge was created by Kazuyuki Hoshino as a "slightly sexy" character, which he noted had not been done in the series before and required substantial trial and error due to herdeforume appearance. Rouge's final design was inspired by the perceived "sexiness" ofLatin women, particularlyJennifer Lopez, who had recently become popular in Japan. Her elegant kicking style was developed to differentiate her from Knuckles, whom her abilities mirror.[163] Despite receiving a polarized reception with critics initially, Rouge is one of the series' most popular characters, coming in tenth place in a Japanese popularity poll in 2006. Marking her as the second most popular female character in the franchise, next to Amy Rose.[43] She has been a major character in two television adaptations:Sonic X (2003–2006) andSonic Prime (2022–2024).
Voiced by:
Professor Gerald Robotnik[z] is the paternal grandfather of Maria Robotnik and Dr. Ivo "Eggman" Robotnik, originally introduced inSonic Adventure 2. Fifty years before the main series, he constructed the Space Colony ARK and researched immortality for the United Federation in an attempt to create the "Ultimate Life Form", hoping that it could help cure Maria's illness, leading to the creation of Shadow the Hedgehog.[164] However, the failure of an earlier prototype led the United Federation to shut down the project and cover up its existence, with the military organization GUN leading a violent raid on the ARK during which Maria was killed. Fueled by anger over his granddaughter's death and becoming resentful of humanity's increasingly callous nature, Gerald converted the ARK into a doomsday weapon and brainwashed Shadow before being executed, hoping the hedgehog would destroy the world in retribution.[164][165] The stories ofSonic Battle,Shadow the Hedgehog andShadow Generations have further expanded on the character's backstory and motivations, including his discovery of the Gizoid and his collaboration with the Black Arms aliens to create Shadow.[164][166][167]
Gerald appears in the filmSonic the Hedgehog 3 as the main antagonist, portrayed byJim Carrey, who also portrays his grandson. In contrast to the video games, the film version of Gerald is still alive in the present instead of being executed following the shutdown of Project Shadow. He helps Shadow escape from GUN's custody and later recruits his grandson to help them activate the Eclipse Cannon to supposedly destroy GUN's headquarters. After he reveals his true intentions to destroy the Earth for Maria's death, Ivo works together with Tails and Knuckles to stop him, with Ivo ultimately killing Gerald with Super Sonic's quill, knocking him into an energy field.[165]
Voiced by:[168]
Maria Robotnik[aa] is a character that appears mostly inflashbacks inSonic Adventure 2 andShadow the Hedgehog. She is the granddaughter of Professor Gerald Robotnik, and is the cousin of Dr. Ivo "Eggman" Robotnik.[170][171] Maria suffers from the terminal illness known as "NIDS" (Neuro-Immuno Deficiency Syndrome), which was incurable at the time. Gerald takes onProject Shadow in order to save her life. Soon after Shadow is created, the two form a familial bond, though it is short-lived as the government organization "GUN" soon raids the ARK, fatally shooting Maria. Before she dies, she encases Shadow in an escape pod and asks him to believe in humanity. This experience with Maria scars Shadow for life and initially leads him to attempt to destroy the world, but ultimately his determination to keep his promise to her leads him to team up with Sonic and save theearth multiple times.[172] The relationship between Maria and Shadow is further explored inShadow Generations and its associated prequel shorts. In the game's story, Shadow is reunited with Maria after she and Gerald are pulled from the past by the Time Eater, and she helps him overcome Black Doom's influence. Though he is tempted to warn them of their fates before they go back, Maria encourages him to move on and continue to protect humanity.[173][174]
Maria's only playable appearance is inShadow the Hedgehog, where she can be controlled as a partner character by a second player during specific in-game missions. She appears in the filmSonic the Hedgehog 3, portrayed byAlyla Browne.[172] While her relationship with Shadow in the film is similar to the games, there are a few minor differences with the film version such as her not having a terminal illness and her death being caused by a GUN agent triggering an explosion.[175]
Cream the Rabbit[ab] is apeach-coloredrabbit with a constant companion named Cheese,[ac] a blueChao with a red bow-tie. Their names are based on "cream cheese".[178][179] Cream is portrayed as being naive because of being brought up like a princess by her mother, Vanilla.[180] She always politely minds her manners[181] but sometimes acts childishly.[181] Cream can achieve flight for short periods of time by flapping her two large ears,[180] while Cheese often attacks on Cream's behalf by ramming into her adversaries.[182]
Cream first appeared as a playable character inSonic Advance 2, seeking to rescue her mother from Dr. Eggman.[183] She returned inSonic Heroes as part of "Team Rose", working together with Amy Rose and Big the Cat to find Cheese's brother Chocola,[184] and then again forSonic Advance 3.[185]
Since her first trio of games, she has been relegated to being an extra playable character inSonic spinoffs and multiplayer games. She is a playable character in theSonic and the Secret Rings multiplayer mode, a playable fighter withinSonic Battle, a secret unlockable party member inSonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood[186] and a playable racer inSonic Riders,Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity, andSonic Free Riders. She also appears as a major character in theSonic X anime series.
Cream has received mostly negative opinions from the video game press. Thomas East ofOfficial Nintendo Magazine ranked her as the fifth worstSonic character, criticizing various aspects of her like her high-pitched voice, repetitious speech inSonic Heroes, "ridiculous smile", and single eyelash on each eye.[187] Christian Nutt ofGameSpy singled her out as one of the negative features ofSonic Advance 2, calling her "corny" and "dopey-looking".[188]
GamesRadar writerJames Stephanie Sterling ranked her as their second worst, stating that she "represents perhaps everything that's wrong with Sonic the Hedgehog characters", particularly finding her name to be random.[189] Similarly, Tom Bramwell ofEurogamer exclaimed "oh God" at her and Cheese's names.[190] David Houghton of GamesRadar ranked her name as one of the 25 worst among all video game characters, seeing adouble entendre in the word "cream".[191] In contrast,Xbox World's review ofHeroes stated that "we love Cream" and called her "the best new Sonic character since Tails".[192] The character is also highly regarded in Japan, where she entered the top ten in a 2006Sonic character popularity poll[43] and a 2025 poll byDengeki Online.[44]
Voiced by:[193]
Blaze the Cat[ad] is a purplecatprincess from an alternate dimension. She has been appointed as guardian of the Sol Emeralds, her dimension's version of the Chaos Emeralds,[194] making her role similar to that of Knuckles the Echidna.[195] She is portrayed as calm and levelheaded, hiding her true feelings.[196] She is sometimes "bogged down" by her own strict discipline and devotion to her position, making her appear withdrawn.[196] Blaze can control fire,[194] but wears acape to conceal it as she was teased about herpyrokinetic abilities when she was young.[195] Using the Sol Emeralds, she transforms into Burning Blaze. Blaze wears a purpledress and whitetights with pinkhigh heels and a yellownecklace.
Blaze debuted inSonic Rush as a playable character along with Sonic.[197] 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 reappears inSonic the Hedgehog as Silver the Hedgehog's friend during the future of Sonic's dimension. The two attempt to fix their ruined future world by traveling back in time. Blaze ends up sacrificing her life to seal Iblis, the fiery monster that has destroyed their world, inside herself, but is brought back to life at the end of the game when Sonic destroyed Iblis in his own time period. She appeared again as the main character inSonic Rush Adventure, where Sonic and Tails are transported to her dimension and help her retrieve the "Jeweled Scepter".[198]
Since her first trio of games, she has been relegated to being an extra playable character inSonic spinoffs and multiplayer games. She is an unlockable multiplayer character in theSonic and the Secret Rings andSonic and the Black Knight, a playable racer inSonic Riders: Zero Gravity,Sonic Free Riders andTeam Sonic Racing, and a playable athlete in all fiveMario & Sonic at the Olympics games. She appears together with Silver inSonic Colors DS in several cutscenes and missions. She is also mentioned inSonic Frontiers.
Blaze has been mostly well received by critics.IGN remarked upon seeing her at TGS 2005 that she "easily earned her place in the team" amidst unremarkable secondary characters. Her gameplay has been praised as "fast-moving and fun" as opposed to slower characters introduced earlier in the series,[199] but criticized for its resemblance to that of Sonic.[200] Blaze has been called "a nice addition to Sonic's cast" and "one of the more complex, multifaceted characters in the Sonic canon".[200][201] Fan reception is similar, with Blaze ranking as the seventh most popularSonic character in a 2025 Japanese poll conducted byDengeki Online.[44]
Voiced by:[202]
Eggman Nega[ae] is Eggman's descendant from 200 years in the future, first introduced inSonic Rush as the arch-nemesis of Blaze the Cat and later Silver the Hedgehog.[203] He is known to cause trouble not only through time travel, but through inter-dimensional travel as well. Although his outward appearance resembles that of Doctor Eggman, his personality is different.[204] He is heartless and calculating, but maintains polite speech and manners.[204] His exact role in the overall series varies; in theSonic Rush series, he works alongside the original Eggman as a team to take over both Sonic and Blaze's dimensions.[205] In theSonic Rivals series, Eggman Nega holds a deadly grudge against Eggman due to the latter's failures ruining the former's reputation. His appearances in theMario & Sonic series act as a mixture of the two portrayals, as Eggman Nega, while still disliking Eggman due to being disappointed at his failures, nevertheless still collaborates with him and assists him with his plans.
Voiced by:[206]
Black Doom[af] is the leader of the Black Arms, an invading alien force that seeks to conquer the Earth and harvest the human species as a source of energy.[207] His first appearance is inShadow the Hedgehog as the main antagonist, where it is revealed thatShadow was created from his blood by Gerald Robotnik.[208] He attempts to control Shadow using their blood connection,[209] but Shadow resists this and ultimately defeats him.[210]
Black Doom reappears inShadow Generations as the main antagonist.[211][212][213] Having generated a new body since his defeat, he seeks to harness the power of the time anomaly to rebuild his forces and resume their conquest.[214] Though he attempts to turn Shadow into a new host body for himself,[215] he is once again defeated by Shadow.[216]
The Babylon Rogues are a group ofbird thieves. They have only appeared collectively in theSonic Riders sub-series. Producer Takashi Yuda considered them best-suited forSonic series racing games and noted in a 2006 interview thatSonic characters are usually designed with one specific storyline in mind.[217] The Babylon Rogues have been the rivals of Team Sonic.
The Rogues have received predominantly negative comments from gaming journalists. Alex Navarro and Joe Dodson ofGameSpot separately criticized their clichéd backstory,[218][219] as didEurogamer's Tom Bramwell.[220] IGN's Jack DeVries specifically called Jet a "jerk" and stated that his voice is annoying, especially inFree Riders.[221] However, fan reception of Jet has been positive, in which he ranked as the tenth most popularSonic character in a 2025 Japanese poll byDengeki Online.[44]
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Jet the Hawk[ag] is a greenhawk and the leader of the Babylon Rogues,[224] and nicknamed the "Legendary Wind Master"[225] due to his mastery of Extreme Gear.[226] This mastery comes from his forefathers.[224] His skills make him a possible match to Sonic the Hedgehog,[226] whom he considers a rival to him.[224] Jet is aware of his duties as leader but must sometimes be helped by his team.[224] Filled with extreme pride, the thing he likes most other than treasure is himself.[224] He despises losing and those who are faster or more confident than him and fights using Bashyo Fans.[224]
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Wave the Swallow[ah] is a purpleswallow who is the team'smechanic, as her father was for the previous generation of the Babylon Rogues.[227] Gifted in this craft,[227] she has a superb mechanical knowledge of Extreme Gear, which surpasses both Miles "Tails" Prower and Dr. Eggman.[228] Because of this knowledge, she is full of confidence.[229] She hates thick-headed or stupid people and notices everything, but her advice tends to be understandable only to her.[229] Although she looks on Jet the Hawk as an "unreliable younger brother" and can be stubborn, she follows his leadership.[229]
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Storm the Albatross[ai] is a hulkingalbatross who is described as the muscle of the Babylon Rogues and Jet the Hawk's "right hand man".[230] The strength of his loyalty to Jet is greater than any other and he hates rivals to the team.[231] When he is angry, he becomes destructive,[231] and the raw power of his physical strength makes up for his lower intelligence[230] and lack of speed.[232] With his quick temper, he may stutter when flustered,[230] and he hates having to wait.[231]
Voiced by:[233]
Silver the Hedgehog[aj] is a silver-furredhedgehog from 200 years in the future of the main timeline. He first appeared in the 2006Sonic the Hedgehog. His individual episode revolves around him traveling back in time with Blaze the Cat to find and slay Sonic the Hedgehog, who they were tricked into believing is the cause of their world being destroyed in the future. Silver's primary ability is telekinesis;[234] he is able to levitate objects and use them as projectiles to either defeat enemies or interact with his environment.[235] Like Sonic and Shadow, he transforms into his "super form" by using the power of the seven Chaos Emeralds.
Silver's creation was inspired by the game's early development stages, where the development team was making huge levels with multiple paths through them and decided they wanted to include a new character with unique abilities for an alternate way to play through the levels.[234] The design team developed over fifty different concepts for the character.[234] At one point he was to actually be an orangemink named Venice (named after thecity of the same name), but the developers ultimately decided against this, fearing a mink would not blend in with the rest of the characters.[234] They ended up deciding to make another hedgehog instead.[234]
Orange was originally decided for his fur, but they soon moved away from that in color, in favor of a white-gray one.[234] 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.[234] Additionally, Silver's backstory was inspired byTrunks from the 1984–1995 mangaDragon Ball, who made a similar journey to the past to kill two androids that would eradicate most of humanity in his own time; the script forSonic the Hedgehog (2006) flat-out states "Essentially, think Trunks fromDragon Ball Z."[236]
Since his first appearance inSonic the Hedgehog (2006), he has mainly appeared in the Sonic series' spinoffs, multiplayer games, and small cameo roles. He is one of the playable characters inSonic Rivals andSonic Rivals 2, a playable character strictly in the multiplayer modes inSonic and the Secret Rings andSonic and the Black Knight, a playable racer inSonic Riders: Zero Gravity,[237]Sonic Free Riders andTeam Sonic Racing, and a playable athlete in theMario & Sonic series beginning withMario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games. He appears inSonic Generations as a sub-boss in the stages Crisis City (console version) and Tropical Resort (3DS version). Additionally, Silver was one of a few Sega characters to make a cameo inSuper Smash Bros. Brawl, in the background of Sonic's Green Hill Zone stage,[238] and as a trophy and sticker.[239]
Silver has been positively received by fans, ranking as the third most popularSonic character in a Japanese poll conducted byDengeki Online in 2025.[44]
Orbot[ak] (/ˈɔːrbɒt/) is a red robotic assistant of Dr. Eggman. He generally assists in monitoring Eggman's data and facilitating his schemes, though he can be lazy and often makes sarcastic remarks pointing out general flaws in Eggman's plans. While an earlier version of the character appears inSonic Unleashed under the name "SA-55" (a play on the word "sass"),[242] he appears with his finalized name and design beginning inSonic Colors, alongside a similar yellow robot named Cubot[al] (/ˈkjuːbɒt/).[243] Conversely to the intelligent Orbot, Cubot is rather slow, not witty, and frequently makes mistakes. He suffers from a defect inSonic Colors that causes him to randomly speak with different accents.[244] The two have continued to appear as assistants to Dr. Eggman in subsequent titles, such asSonic Generations,Sonic Lost World andSonic Forces. The duo made a cameo inMario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games as one of the helping characters in the London Party, copying stickers for the participants.[245] The duo appeared inMario & Sonic at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games as the hosts of the Action and Answer Tour and in theSonic Boom animated series.Digital Spy praised their inclusion in the plot ofSonic Colors, especially Cubot for his humorous observations and self-awareness about the game's tropes.[243]
Wisps[am] are a race ofextraterrestrial creatures who live on the grassy, lush planet called Planet Wisp.[247][248] The mother of all Wisps is a much larger, pink one named Mother Wisp.[249] She created Planet Wisp and raised all of her children.[250] Wisps speak a common language that Sonic and Tails cannot understand,[251] though Tails builds a translation device in the gameSonic Colors.[252] Their Japanese and English name comes from Tails' translation of a word in their language;[253] other characters in the game refer to them as "aliens".[254][255] Wisps are composed of an energy force called "Hyper-go-ons",[256] which they can use to phase into the body of playable protagonist Sonic and give him temporary elemental powers.[247][257] They come in numerous breeds, each carrying one of many elemental powers known as "Color Powers".[247] When Sonic collects a Wisp, he can use its power once at will; however, he can only carry one at a time.[258]
There are numerous types of Wisps, each with its own special ability.Colors introduced ten types between theWii andNintendo DS versions of the game; some only appear in one version. For example, Purple Wisps, whose "Frenzy" ability turns Sonic into a difficult-to-control demon that can chomp through obstacles, is exclusive to the Wii version,[259] but Violet Wisps, which scale up Sonic's density toblack hole-like levels and causes him to absorb enemies, obstacles, and rings, appear only in the DS version.[260]
However, others appear in both versions, such as Yellow Wisps, which allow Sonic to drill underground and find otherwise inaccessible areas.[259]Sonic Lost World introduced more types of Wisps while keeping some old types.[261] Among these are Magenta Wisps, which bounce Sonic across paths ofmusical notes by having the player tap them on the Wii U's touch screen,[262] and Black Wisps, which turn Sonic into a bomb that can roll over enemies and explode.[263] TheColors manual describes each type of Wisp as having a different general personality; for example, Cyan Wisps, which allow Sonic to bounce off surfaces, are scatterbrained and energetic, while Orange Wisps, which blast him rapidly into the air, have fluctuating and explosive emotions.[264]
InSonic Colors, Eggman builds anamusement park spanning the Wisps' planets under the pretense of making up for past transgressions.[248][265][266] Suspicious, Sonic and Tails investigate and rescue two Wisps from Orbot and Cubot.[255][267][268] One of them, a talkative male White Wisp named Yacker, tags along with Sonic and Tails during the game.[269] It turns out that Eggman is converting Wisps to a corrupted, purple (Wii version) or violet (DS version) state to fuel amind control ray and control the universe.[270][271][272] Sonic frees Wisps from their confines in each level,[273] then uses several of them to defeat Eggman at the end of the game.[274]
However, Eggman's mind control cannon malfunctions and creates a black hole, which sucks Sonic in until the Wisps combine their power to pull him out and neutralize the black hole.[275] Yacker frees the remaining Wisps, reverts them from their corrupted form, thanks Sonic and Tails,[276] and leaves.[277] The DS version features Mother Wisp as a post-game boss, as she was corrupted by the corrupted Wisps' Hyper-go-ons.[278][279] Wisps have also appeared in the level "Planet Wisp" inSonic Generations[280] and the comics.[281] Iizuka stated in an interview that the Wisps were added toColors to "expand and strengthen theplatformaction gameplay" without forcing the player to switch to other playable characters.[282] Another goal was to encourage players to revisit already-played levels; Sonic Team accomplished this by adding segments requiring certain types of Wisps to levels preceding their first appearances.[283] Iizuka has said that he now considers them a staple in theSonic series.[284]
Critics have given mixed opinions toward Wisps and their integration intoSonic gameplay.IGN's Arthur Gies called them "the big addition" toSonic Colors, outshining its polished physics and controls.[247] Dave McComb of film magazineEmpire called them "cutesy" and "strange",[285] while John Meyer ofWired found them "cuddly" and Dale North ofDestructoid called them "a cute little alien race".[286][287] Randy Nelson fromJoystiq called them "plush" and speculated that they could easily lend their image to profitable merchandise.[288]
Positive attention has been directed at the variety of Wisps available inSonic Colors andLost World and at the variety of gameplay styles they brought to the titles: for example, Gies stated that "almost all of them add interesting quirks to Sonic's basic abilities."[247] Reviewing the Nintendo DS version ofColors, Tim Turi fromGame Informer stated that "each adds an interesting new gameplay mechanic" to the game.[260] Gies and Turi also praised the ability to revisit old levels with Wisps unlocked afterwards.[247][260]Nintendo Power's Steve Thomason identified them as "a truly interesting addition to the Sonic formula" amidst a series of missteps, and praised their "cleverly designed" variety.[259]Computer and Video Games writer Chris Scullion described Wisps inLost World as "familiar power-ups that emulate mechanics inMario's Wii adventures" as part of a larger, ambivalent point about the game being derivative ofSuper Mario Galaxy.[289]
However, control and pacing aspects of the Wisps in general, as well as of individual types, have been criticized: for example, Turi opined that "for almost every useful ability there is a complete dud" and bemoaned the Wii controls.[290] Justin Speer fromGameTrailers thought similarly and added that the Wisps "don't really feel like they belong".[291]Hardcore Gamer Magazine's review ofLost World stated that none of the Wisps make satisfying use of the Wii U's gamepad.[292] Chris Shilling ofEurogamer found them to "lead to clumsy touchscreen or gyro interludes that kill a level's pacing."[293]
Voiced by:
The Deadly Six[an] are a group of six Zeti, a species that has the ability to manipulate magnetic fields.[294] Their exact origins are unknown, but prior to the events ofSonic Lost World, Dr. Eggman takes control of the group in order to capture animals to create Badniks.[295] He controls them and their powers with an item known as the Cacophonic Conch,[296] which causes them great pain when he blows into it. However, when Sonic kicks the Conch away from Eggman, they use their powers to control Eggman's Badniks, which prompted Sonic and Tails to reluctantly team up with Eggman to get past the Zeti and stop them. After turning on Eggman, they use his machine which was designed to extract the life out of the Earth and give it to themselves, making them stronger.[297] WhileSonic Lost World is the only game to feature all six members, individual members of the group have reappeared in subsequent games such asSonic Forces: Speed Battle, theMario & Sonic series, andSonic Racing: CrossWorlds.
The members of the Deadly Six are Zavok,[ao] a muscular, red-colored Zeti who acts as the group's leader;[298] Zazz,[ap] a lanky, pink-colored Zeti who is always ready for a fight;[299] Zomom,[aq] a gluttonous and dimwitted yellow-colored Zeti who is always seen eating; Master Zik,[ar] an elderly, blue-colored Zeti, the founder of the Deadly Six, and Zavok's mentor who is skillful in martial arts;[300][301] Zeena,[as] a vain, green-colored female Zeti; and Zor,[at] a nihilistic, purple-colored Zeti who is always seen holding a blue rose.
Voiced by:
Sage[au] is an artificial intelligence created by Doctor Eggman that resembles a young white haired girl.[302] She was introduced inSonic Frontiers, in which Eggman uses her to investigate the ruins of the Ancients, an alien race that brought the Chaos Emeralds to Earth.[98] Upon learning the portal could release the End, a malevolent entity sealed by the Ancients, Sage traps Eggman in Cyber Space for his protection. As the End manipulates Sonic into aiding in its release, Sage opposes him with the Ancients' robotic weapons. Though she treats Sonic coldly at first due to her programming by Eggman, she gradually develops a respect for him. Similarly, as he spends more time with Sage, Eggman begins to see her as more than an artificial being, coming to regard her as his daughter.[303] In the game's default ending, Sage sacrifices herself to help Sonic defeat the End, but is revived by Eggman using the Ancients' technology;[304] in the "Final Horizon" update, she survives altogether.[305]
Following the release ofFrontiers, Sage made a cameo appearance inThe Murder of Sonic the Hedgehog[306] and appears as a playable character inSonic Racing: CrossWorlds.[307]
Sally Acorn (voiced byKath Soucie[308]) is a red-haired brownchipmunk who appears as a major character in the 1993Sonic the Hedgehog animated series and later in theArchie Comics series.[309][310] She has also made minor cameos in theSonic Spinball game and in theAdventures of Sonic the Hedgehog animated series. In the animated series for which the character was created and also in the Archie Comics series, she was depicted as a princess and leader of a group offreedom fighters, whose goal is to restore peace to the Kingdom of Acorn taken over by Robotnik.[310] Sally is known for being Sonic's childhood friend and love interest, with Sally fighting alongside Sonic in many cases.[311][312]
Scratch, Grounder, and Coconuts (voiced by Phil Hayes,Garry Chalk, andIan James Corlett respectively[313]) are recurring dimwitted Badniks created by Doctor Robotnik in theAdventures of Sonic the Hedgehog series. The arrogant,chicken-like Scratch and the idiotic,mole-type Grounder are part of an organization formed by Robotnik named the "Super Special Sonic Search and Smash Squad", which aims to capture and exterminate Sonic; their infighting over who will be the one to take him down often leads them to ruin at the hands of the hedgehog, who takes advantage of their pride to defeat them.[314][315][316] Sometimes accompanying them is Coconuts, a cynical,monkey-like Badnik who has been demoted to Robotnik's janitor and aims to prove himself as his greatest creation; Coconuts' efforts to one-up Scratch and Grounder are ultimately fruitless. Both Grounder and Coconuts are directly based on Badniks fromSonic the Hedgehog 2, while Scratch is loosely based on the Clucker enemy from the same game.[317]
Scratch, Grounder, and Coconuts have received mixed reception; while theAdventures of Sonic the Hedgehog series proved polarizing to critics,[314] the Badniks themselves have gone on to earn acult following.[318] The trio also make appearances inSonic Spinball, theSonic the Hedgehog comic series byArchie, and theAdventures-based gameDr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine for theSega Genesis/Mega Drive andGame Gear, where they serve as bosses for the player to fight against.[319]
Honey the Cat[av] is an orange cat wearing a red dress with wings. She is a fashion designer who promotes her clothing by entering fighting tournaments.[320] She is based on the character of the same name from Sega's 1995 arcade fighting gameFighting Vipers, and was created for inclusion in 1996'sSonic the Fighters. While she did not appear in the finished game, remnants of the character were later found in the game's code by hackers.[321] Staff at Sega later rediscovered the character and, upon discovering her popularity with Western fans, implemented her as a secret character in the game's 2012 console port.[322] This reintroduction led to the character making subsequent appearances in Archie Comics' and IDW Publishing'sSonic comics.[323][324]
Christopher Thorndyke (voiced bySanae Kobayashi in Japanese andSuzanne Goldish in English), usually called Chris, is the main human protagonist of theSonic X animated series. He encounters and befriends Sonic shortly after his arrival in Chris' world and invites him and his friends to stay in his home, joining them on their adventures to find the Chaos Emeralds and stop Eggman's robots.
The character has been divisive among fans.[318] Writing for THEM Anime Reviews, Tim Jones called Chris an "uninspired" and "bland" protagonist.[325]
Sticks the Badger[aw] (voiced byNika Futterman in English andAoi Yuki in Japanese[326]) is an orange and brownbadger, first introduced in the animatedSonic Boom television series. She is recognizable by her wild behavior and paranoia, having lived in the wilderness alone for most of her life. Nonetheless, she is portrayed as wanting to strengthen her newfound friendship with Sonic, Amy, Tails and Knuckles.[327] She fights with wooden weaponry, mostly boomerangs, and has developed impressive athletic abilities due to living in the wild.
Sticks appears in all of theSonic Boom video games, appearing in a non-playable role inRise of Lyric and as a playable character inShattered Crystal,Fire & Ice, andSonic Dash 2.
Sticks has also appeared in Archie's short-livedSonic Boom comics series, as well as theWorlds Unite event, the 2nd Archie comics crossover betweenSonic the Hedgehog andMega Man.
She is described as "infantile" by Scott Thompson ofIGN[328] and an "unlikeable idiot" by Becky Cunningham ofGamesRadar,[329] albeit a "nice addition" by Chris Carter ofDestructoid.[330]
Sticks has appeared in otherSonic titles not associated with theBoom sub-series, such asSonic Runners andMario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. She is first mentioned in the main series inSonic Frontiers, where she is depicted as a close friend of Amy Rose.[331]
Thomas Michael "Tom" Wachowski (/wəˈkaʊski/) (portrayed byJames Marsden) and his wife Madeleine "Maddie" (portrayed byTika Sumpter) are the two main human protagonists in the live-actionSonic film series byParamount Pictures and its spin-offs.
Tom is the sheriff of Green Hills, Montana, while Maddie is the local veterinarian. The two were first introduced inSonic the Hedgehog, where they become adoptive parents to Sonic and aid him in his quest to stop Robotnik.[332][333] They subsequently appear in thesecond andthird film, taking on similar parental roles for Tails and Knuckles.[334] Both also made appearances in the spin-offIDW PublishingSonic the Hedgehog 2: The Official Movie Pre-Quill comic, while Maddie appears in the first episode of the live-action spin-off show,Knuckles.[335] Tom was also a playable skin in theSonic the HedgehogMinecraft DLC, with Maddie making a cameo appearance.[336] Both also made appearances in the promotional Sega Genesis game cartridge forSonic the Hedgehog 3 in the 'Characters' section.[337]
Agent Stone (portrayed byLee Majdoub) is a secondary human antagonist featured in the live-actionSonic film series byParamount Pictures.
Stone is depicted as an assistant andsidekick to Dr. Ivo Robotnik. In thefirst film's script, Stone was initially written as a minor character for Robotnik to talk to in order to furtherexposition within the story, but actorJim Carrey'simprovisation on set prompted Majdoub to portray the character as asycophantic subordinate to Robotnik.[338][339] Stone reappears in thesecond film, where he is shown running the Mean Bean Coffee Café in Green Hills prior to Robotnik's return to Earth and later helps the Doctor control the Giant Eggman Robot during the final battle,[340][341] and also returns in thethird film with a larger role, shown to have been looking after Robotnik during the time between the two films.[342] Stone also appears in the spin-offSonic the Hedgehog 2: The Official Movie Pre-Quill comic,[343] and in the promotional SEGA Genesis game cartridge forSonic the Hedgehog 3 in the 'Characters' section.[337]
Agent Stone has been well received by theSonic fandom, who have frequently depicted him infan art andfan fiction, often whileshipping him with Robotnik.[338][341][344] Majdoub has positively acknowledged the fandom response to the character,[338][344] as have franchise writers Pat Casey and Josh Miller, who expanded Stone's role in subsequent films as a result of the character's positive audience reception.[345]
the "t" inSonic the Hedgehog is capitalized not lower case. Sega marketing wizard Al Nilsen had the "The" registered as Sonic's middle name.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: postscript (link)ソニックを好きな元気な女の子ハイースクールに通うチアガールをしています。しかし、残念なことにソニックは彼女を小供と見ています。"An energetic girl who loves Sonic, and is a cheerleader at high school. Unfortunately, Sonic thinks that she's childish.
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{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: postscript (link){{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)That's a nice idea! At Summer of Sonic a lot of people were asking if we might feature characters like Shadow, or if there was any possibility of spinoffs. The focus isn't on taking characters and building around them, but on the game itself. Obviously, if there was a game in which we could use the characters in the best way, we might consider it. For Big the Cat, if it's a fishing game, it's a possibility.
古代人がカオスエメラルドを持って地球に避難する。ミスティックルーインと呼ばれる地に逃げ延びたその末裔の少数は、マスターエメラルドの神殿を建立。何十万年という時間の経過により、いつしか古代人はチャオとなる。[The Ancients take refuge on Earth with the Chaos Emeralds. A small number of their descendants escape to a place called Mystic Ruins and build a temple to the Master Emerald. Over the course of hundreds of thousands of years, the Ancients become the Chao.]
Professor Chao: Chao are small, cute and mysterious creatures who live in the Chao garden. Everyone loves Chao. If you go to the Chao garden, you can raise your own Chao.
Professor Chao: Toys are the prizes you get for winning Chao Races or Chao Karate tournaments. Chao loves toys, so raise your Chao to win a grand prize!
Professor Chao: Chao love to be held or petted.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: postscript (link){{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link){{cite web}}: CS1 maint: postscript (link)Gamma: Dr. Robotnik... Enemy... Master registration... Deleted...
Amy: We'll meet again, my robot friend!
Gamma: E-105 Zeta rescue complete. Units remaining: Gamma... Beta...
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: postscript (link)The last and most powerful of Dr. Eggman's E-Series robots ... Omega decided to take revenge for his imprisonment, and to prove once and for all that he is the strongest.
E-123 Omega: Situation understood. What would you like me to do?Rouge the Bat: Take this, and deliver it to Shadow.E-123 Omega: [...] New mission: Shadow Support. External access no longer permitted. Confirmed.Rouge the Bat: I'm counting on you.
Fiddling with the item menus revealed that new character Shade will be playable, as will E-123 Omega, the clanking bot star of Sonic Heroes and Shadow The Hedgehog.
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{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: postscript (link){{cite web}}: CS1 maint: postscript (link)Dr. Eggman: I never really knew my cousin, Maria. Everyone spoke of her like she was very special. All that love for someone who was gone when I was! Right! There! But I have to wonder. Back then, was she anything like Sage is now?
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{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: postscript (link)Black Doom: Humans are a great energy source for us... they will be well-kept.
Black Doom: The professor was in development of the ultimate life force but he needed my help. So we made a deal... I helped him and he promised to deliver me the SEVEN Chaos Emeralds. That's how you were created, Shadow. You would help us do both!
Black Doom: That's right... You are a part of me... do you feel that? I can control you...
Black Doom: Im...impossible! I am the supreme being that rules this universe! I am the immortal life form! I am the ultimate power! Gaaaah! /Shadow: This is the end of you, and the end to my cursed past.
Gerald: He has grown a new body, and used the nebulous nature of time in White Space to accelerate his plans for revenge.
Black Doom: Come. Face me. I shall claim you—mind, body and soul—and become the perfect being.
Black Doom: I crafted everything up till now... and yet you deny me!? [...] "Shadow...! You...! Gaaaah!"
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{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: postscript (link){{cite web}}: CS1 maint: postscript (link){{cite web}}: CS1 maint: postscript (link)SA-55: Dr. Eggman's robotic assistant, whose line delivery is as dry as its wit. While the paint job is different, this sassy droid is clearly the precursor to Orbot.
Tails (translating Mother Wisp's speech): "I was so worried when our planets were pulled apart from one another."
Tails (translating Mother Wisp's speech): "Thank you for helping my children. I am Mother Wisp."
Tails (translating Yacker's speech): "Mama gave us life and raised us. She even made the planet we live on."
Tails: I wish I knew what you were saying, little guy. Or gal. Or whatever you are.
Tails: Oh. I was reconfiguring my hand-held into a translator so I can understand this guy.
Tails: He's from a race of beings called "Wisps."
Sonic (to camera): I'll just stick with aliens if that's OK with everybody.
Cubot: Yee-haw! Git along, li'l aliens!
Tails: So anyway, these aliens are made up of a REALLY powerful energy source called Hyper-go-ons. It's inside of them ... It's their life source.
Tails: Whoa! He phased right into your body, Sonic! Are you all right?
Tails: He also says only one colored Wisp will fit into the gauge at once, so to use its power again, you need to free another one.
Eggman (over intercom): Welcome to Eggman's Incredible Interstellar Amusement Park, where you can enjoy five planets for the price of one!
Eggman (over intercom): This amusement park has been constructed entirely out of a sense of remorse for my past.
Sonic: Because Eggman plus secretly built amusement park equals evil plot for us to foil.
Sonic: I'm not sure what's goin' on, but I'm sure of what I'm gonna do!
Tails: Okay, he said his name is Yacker.
Eggman: Me? I did nothing at all. Unless shooting him with my mind control beam that runs on alien energy counts as doing something to him.
Eggman: And then I won't just control one little punk, but the whole universe.
Sonic: Whoa. This is where he converts them into the strange... negative... aliens with the freaky energy.
Sonic: Think I'll go check them out, and maybe save some aliens.
Sonic: Thanks, but I had a little help during that last part.
Sonic: This might not end well.
Tails: Uh, he said, "thank you for saving us."
Tails: Oh great. He says, "goodbye, my friends. I have to go." Just when I got this thing working.
Tails: She's back to normal! That's great, Yacker!
Tails (translating Yacker's speech): "I won't! Mama and I will head home now. Thank you for all you've done!"
Eggman: The Zeti have an innate ability to manipulate magnetic fields.
Eggman (to Zavok): I conquered you, didn't I?
Eggman: My Cacophonic Conch was the only thing keeping those six maniacs in check.
Zavok: I must commend you on your invention though. We get stronger and stronger as we leech the life from your dying world.
Flag description (Zavok): Zavok is the strongest of the sinister Zeti and the leader of the Deadly Six.
Zavok: That's what I like about you, Zazz. Always ready for a fight, even before you know what you're fighting.
Description: Wise old Master Zik founded the Deadly Six many years ago.
Trivia card (Zavok): Who mentored Zavok--the leader of Dr. Eggman's Deadly Six--in martial arts? Master Zik.
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