Vector

The Sonic the Hedgehog video game franchise was originally started in 1991 with two main characters: protagonist, Sonic the Hedgehog, and 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, in the order of their introduction to the series.

[edit] Sonic the Hedgehog

Main article: Sonic the Hedgehog (character)Sonic the Hedgehog (ソニック・ザ・ヘッジホッグ, Sonikku Za Hejjihoggu^?), trademarked Sonic The Hedgehog, 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. Sonic's greatest ability is his running speed, and he is known as the world's fastest hedgehog. Using the power of the 7 Chaos Emeralds, he can become Super Sonic, and achieve even greater speeds.

[edit] Doctor Eggman

Main article: Doctor EggmanDoctor Ivo Robotnik (ロボトニック, Robotonikku^?), mainly known by his alias, Doctor Eggman (ドクター・エッグマン, Dokutā Egguman^?), is a mad scientist and 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. 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).

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.

[edit] Miles "Tails" Prower

Main article: Tails (character)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 also starred in games without Sonic. His first solo game was Tails' Skypatrol, a puzzle-like game for the Sega Game Gear released exclusively in Japan. This was followed by Tails Adventures later the same year, a platformer with role-playing game elements. Frequently portrayed as a sweet-natured and humble fox, Tails used to be picked on because of his twin tails, before he met Sonic. Tails has a very high IQ and has great mechanical ability.

[edit] Metal Sonic

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. 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 returns in Knuckles' Chaotix, where he attempts to obtain the Chaos Rings, but he is stopped by the Chaotix. He was a playable fighter in Sonic the Fighters, and most notably the main antagonist in Sonic Heroes. In Sonic Generations, he appear in his classic form as a rival boss, and he is destroyed when Classic Sonic kicks him into the air. Metal Sonic also appeared as a playable character in the multiplayer version of Sonic Adventure 2: Battle, also in Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games, Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games and Sonic the Hedgehog 4.

He possesses a laser cannon built into his abdomen and a force field device. He usually only communicates with a series of electronic noises. The only time Metal Sonic was able to talk was in Sonic Heroes while in his Neo form.

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.

[edit] Amy Rose

Main article: Amy RoseAmy Rose (エミー・ローズ, Emī Rōzu^?) is a pink girl hedgehog who believes herself to be Sonic's girlfriend. 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" 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. Not possessing the speed or strength of other characters, Amy uses a "Piko Piko Hammer" as a weapon.

[edit] Knuckles the Echidna

Main article: Knuckles the EchidnaKnuckles 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 master 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. A character with many different abilities and skills, he is physically one of the strongest characters of the Sonic series. 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.

Knuckles also seems to have a slight crush on his rival Rouge but he tries not to show it.

[edit] EggRobo

An EggRobo (エッグロボ, Eggurobo^?) 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. In Knuckles' story, however, 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 a playable character, and in the form of a kart racer in Sonic Adventure 2.

[edit] Nack the Weasel

Nack the Weasel, named Fang the Sniper (ファング・ザ・スナイパー, Fangu Za Sunaipā^?) in Japan, is a purple wolf-weasel hybrid that first appeared in the Game Gear video game Sonic the Hedgehog: 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. He is a slick, sneaky, and mischievous character who will steal the Emeralds for an easier job. Nack tries hard to outwit others, but is held back by naivety and often fails.

Nack the Weasel also appeared in Sonic Drift 2 as a playable racer, and in Sonic the Fighters as a playable fighter. He was set to appear in Sonic X-treme as a boss character, but the game was canceled.

[edit] Chaotix

For the Sega 32X game released as "Chaotix" in Japan and Europe, see Knuckles' Chaotix.The Chaotix are a group who debuted in the game Knuckles' Chaotix as the main 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.

[edit] Charmy Bee

Charmy Bee (チャーミー・ビー, Chāmī Bī^?) is a bee who is the "scatter-brained funny-kid" of the Chaotix. He is cheerful, curious, playful, careless, and greatly energetic, often talking about things no one else cares about. Charmy's fooling around makes the rest of the detective agency staff look professional, and he is generally seen as a "cute mascot". Despite an innocent, good-natured and light-hearted personality, he uses his stinging tail on rare occasions that he gets angry. In addition being a playable character in Sonic Heroes and Shadow the Hedgehog, he made cameos in all three Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games installments as a referee.

[edit] Espio the Chameleon

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. He has a "militaristic discipline" while also being quiet and laid back. Confident in his skills, opinionated and self-obsessed, he revels in training and self discipline. He is not concerned by danger, and often yearns to face it in order to use his ninja skills. With his extensive training in ninjutsu and an ability to turn himself invisible, he is able to move around unnoticed. However, a blunder like a sneeze could cause him to inadvertently become visible.

Espio was created by Sonic Team for the video game Knuckles' Chaotix, as part of the newly introduced Chaotix team of private investigators. In the game, his color subtly changes while he moves to demonstrate the technical capabilities of the Sega 32X console. Espio was incorporated into Sonic Heroes as part of a move to reintroduce neglected characters, and because the development team considered him to have a unique, interesting personality. He was the designated "speed" character in Sonic Heroes while teammates Vector the Crocodile and Charmy Bee respectively represented "power" and "flight". Espio was added to Sonic Rivals 2 to help "round out our cast of characters", and because designer Takashi Iizuka appreciated the character's "stealthy agility". He also appeared in all three installments of Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games as the referee in various events like table tennis, athletics, and more.

[edit] Mighty the Armadillo

Mighty the Armadillo (マイティー・ザ・アルマジロ, Maitī Za Arumajiro^?) 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. Mighty hates to see weaknesses in others and detests violence. He prefers to be gentle but undergoes a drastic change and is capable when needed. Mighty's only appearance as part of the Chaotix was in Knuckles Chaotix, he has not been present since the group has been reintroduced into the series with Sonic Heroes in 2003.

[edit] Vector the Crocodile

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. Divided between being "bossy" and "easy-going," his rough speech and outward appearance mask his clear reasoning and ability to resolve cases. For the right price he will take on most jobs, unless they involve doing something immoral. Vector has a strong sense of justice and kindness, despite his argumentativeness. He often does unpaid work due to his charitable nature, leaving the agency constantly short on money. Vector hates having to work for the landlord, but he enjoys singing, and his trademark is a set of headphones. He is physically very strong and his powerful jaws are a formidable weapon.

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. He was also part of Team Chaotix in Sonic Heroes and is featured in Shadow the Hedgehog. In all three installments of Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games, he is a playable athlete.

[edit] Big the Cat

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 and easygoing, which is reflected in his speech. Strong but gentle and a little slow, he lives a normally peaceful life in the jungle with his best friend "Froggy." He loves fishing, and he is never without his favorite rod and lure.

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 (チョコラ, Chocora^?) (Cheese's twin brother) who had been kidnapped by Metal Sonic. He also appeared in Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood as one of the main characters. Big also had a minor role in the DS version of Sonic Colors.

He was a playable racer in Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing, and made cameos in the Mario & Sonic series of games.

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.

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.

[edit] Froggy

Froggy (カエルくん, Kaeru-kun^?, lit. "Frog") is a frog, and the best friend and buddy of Big the Cat. He has been rescued by Big and friends when he has gone missing or undergone a strange transformation.

[edit] Chaos

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 its altar. 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 Zero", but with each Emerald it absorbs, it transforms into a more powerful form, eventually becoming "Perfect Chaos" with all 7 Emeralds.

It's first appearance is in Sonic 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. It reappears in Sonic Adventure 2 as a bonus multiplayer character and in Sonic Battle as a playable fighter. He reappears in his perfect form in Sonic Generations as a boss where he has a new look with green teeth and dark blue reptilian skin for the upper half of his body. This was supposed to be how he always looked, but the technology of the Dreamcast at the time made this look impossible.

[edit] E-Series

The E-Series is a group of robots created by Doctor Eggman, who uses them in his quest to conquer the world.

[edit] E-100 Alpha

E-100 Alpha (アルファ, Arufa^?) aka E-100 Zero is the first E-100 series robot who is a large green robot that appeared in Sonic Adventure and is considered the prototype. 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, he appears in special stages, trying to prevent Sonic from getting the seven Chaos Emeralds.

[edit] E-102 Gamma

E-102 Gamma (ガンマ, Ganma^?) 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 (ベータ, Bēta^?). 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, E-103 Delta (デルタ, Deruta^?), E-104 Epsilon (イプシロン, Ipushiron^?) and E-105 Zeta (ゼータ , Zēta^?), 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", and as a remodeled, playable fighter in Sonic Battle.

His gameplay in Sonic Adventure has been criticized by IGN for slowing down the pace of an otherwise mostly fast-paced game.

[edit] E-123 Omega

E-123 Omega (オメガ, Omega^?) is one 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. 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.

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 2006, he is playable after Rouge orders him to support Shadow many years in the future. He is also one of the secret unlockable characters in Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood found in Metropolis. Omega has appeared in Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games as a rival in speed skating and intense short track and in Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games as a rival in the 100m Sprint.

Omega has an array of destructive weapons concealed in his arms, including machine guns, flamethrowers, missile launchers, beam cannons and rocket-propelled drills. 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. Omega has jet boosters built into his back to help accelerate and hover, and a range of sensors in order to detect and locate enemies.

[edit] Omochao

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 a supporting character in multiplayer of Sonic and the Secret Rings. He has also been seen as the host of the World Grand Prix in Sonic Free Riders. He also appears in Sonic Generations as an optional gameplay guide. "Omochao" is a pun on "omocha" (玩具^?, toy) and "chao".

[edit] Tikal

Tikal (ティカル, Tikaru^?) is the daughter of Chief Pachacamac (パチャカマ, Pachakama^?) from the same tribe that Knuckles the Echidna descends, the Knuckles Tribe. 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. 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. 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. She has only had small cameos in Sonic games since the two Sonic Adventure games.

[edit] Shadow the Hedgehog

Main article: Shadow the HedgehogShadow 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 hover skates propel him at extreme speeds that rival those of Sonic.

According to official profiles, Shadow was created 50 years ago by Professor Gerald Robotnik as the "Ultimate Life Form", which is ageless and immortal. Sharp witted and seemingly always on the edge, Shadow is described as the dark counterpart to Sonic the Hedgehog. Once he has set himself to a goal, he will do whatever it takes to accomplish it, regardless of any danger. 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, despite his general loathing of mankind. Although his relationship with Sonic seems to have developed from antagonistic to friendly rivalry, animosity from not understanding their different mindsets still occurs.

However, Shadow shares a lot of similarities with Sonic. He can perform spin attacks common to Sonic, 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. Shadow is also able to use a variety of other Chaos powers, such as "Chaos Spear" and "Chaos Blast".

By harnessing the power of the seven Chaos Emeralds, Shadow is able to use super transformation to transform into Super Shadow. He is bestowed with the new abilities of flight and near invulnerability, and his normal abilities of speed and his Chaos powers are greatly enhanced.

[edit] Professor Gerald Robotnik

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.

[edit] Maria Robotnik

Maria Robotnik (マリア・ロボトニック, Maria Robotonikku^?) is a character that appears mostly 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. She is playable in the game's multiplayer mode.

[edit] Rouge the Bat

Main article: Rouge the BatRouge 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, calling herself the "World's Greatest Treasure Hunter". She has a tendency to ignore abstract morality or manners for potential profit; her "feminine charm" makes her appear careless, but she is actually scheming and manipulative. Additionally, she serves as a part time spy for the government's G.U.N. Federation. She fights using kicks, especially her signature "Screw Kick," and she can fly using her wings.

[edit] Cream the Rabbit

Cream the Rabbit (クリーム・ザ・ラビット, Kurīmu Za Rabitto^?) is a peach colored anthropomorphic rabbit constantly accompanied by her Chao, Cheese. Their names were based on "cream cheese." Cream is portrayed as being naive because of being brought up like a princess by her mother, Vanilla. She always politely minds her manners but sometimes acts childishly. Cream can achieve flight for short periods of time by flapping with her two large ears. She has a constant companion in "Cheese" (チーズ, Chīzu^?), a blue chao with a red bow-tie that often attacks on Cream's behalf by ramming into her adversaries. The name "Cheese" originates from cream cheese.

Cream's first appearance was as playable character in Sonic Advance 2. She returned in Sonic Heroes as part of "Team Rose", working together with Amy Rose and Big the Cat to defeat Metal Sonic, and then again for Sonic Advance 3.

Since her first trio of games, she has been relegated to being an extra playable character in Sonic spinoffs and multiplayer games. She is a playable character in the Sonic and the Secret Rings multiplayer mode, a playable fighter within Sonic Battle, a secret unlockable party member in Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood and a playable racer in Sonic Riders, Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity, and Sonic Free Riders.

[edit] Blaze the Cat

Blaze the Cat (ブレイズ・ザ・キャット, Bureizu Za Kyatto^?) is a purple cat princess from an alternate dimension. She has been appointed as guardian of the Sol Emeralds, her dimensions version of the Chaos Emeralds, making her role similar to that of Knuckles the Echidna. She is portrayed as calm and levelheaded, hiding her true feelings. She is sometimes "bogged down" by her own strict discipline and devotion to her position, making her appear withdrawn. Blaze can control fire, but wears a cape to conceal it as she was teased about her pyrokinetic abilities when she was young. Using the Sol Emeralds, she can transform into Burning Blaze. Blaze wears a purple coat and white tights with pink stiletto heels and a gold necklace.

Blaze debuted in Sonic Rush as a playable character along with Sonic. 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 in Sonic the Hedgehog (2006) 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 and then again, as main character in Sonic Rush Adventure, where Sonic and Tails are transported to her dimension and help her retrieve the "Jeweled Scepter".

Since her first trio of games, she has been relegated to being an extra playable character in Sonic spinoffs and multiplayer games. She is an unlockable multiplayer character in the Sonic and the Secret Rings and Sonic and the Black Knight, a playable racer in Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity and Sonic Free Riders, and a playable athlete in all three Mario and Sonic at the Olympics games.

Blaze has primarily been praised by critics due to possessing gameplay mechanics similar to Sonic. IGN remarked that she "easily earned her place in the team" amidst unremarkable secondary characters", because "her play style was directly influenced by Sonic". GameSpy called Blaze "a nice addition to Sonic's cast, but she doesn't bring anything new to the experience...both Blaze and Sonic play pretty much the same." 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.

[edit] Eggman Nega

Eggman Nega (エッグマン・ネガ, Egguman Nega^?) is an alternate dimension version of Eggman, first 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. He is heartless and calculating, but maintains polite speech and manners. His exact role in series varies; in the Sonic Rush series, he works alongside the main Eggman as a team, while in the Sonic Rivals series, he tends to use the fact that he resembles Eggman to his advantage, letting Eggman take the heat for his actions.

[edit] Babylon Rogues

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.

[edit] Jet the Hawk

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, and nicknamed the "Legendary Wind Master" due to his mastery of Extreme Gear. This mastery comes from his forefathers. His skills make him a possible match to Sonic the Hedgehog, whom he considers a rival. Jet is aware of his duties as leader but must sometimes be helped by his team. Filled with extreme pride, the thing he likes most other than treasure is himself. He despises losing and those who are faster or more confident than him and fights using Bashyo Fans.

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, and Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games as a rival in festival mode.

[edit] Wave the Swallow

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. Gifted in this craft, she has a superb mechanical knowledge of Extreme Gear, which surpasses both Miles "Tails" Prower and Dr. Eggman. Because of this knowledge, she is full of confidence. She hates thick-headed or stupid people and notices everything, but her advice tends to be understandable only to her. Although she looks on Jet the Hawk as an "unreliable younger brother" and can be stubborn, she follows his leadership.

[edit] Storm the Albatross

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." The strength of his loyalty to Jet is greater than any other and he hates rivals to the team. When he is angry, he becomes destructive; and the raw power of his physical strength makes up for his lower intelligence and lack of speed. With his quick temper, he may stutter when flustered, and he hates having to wait.

[edit] Silver the Hedgehog

Silver the Hedgehog (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, who they believe is the cause of their world being destroyed in the future. Silver's primary ability is telekinesis; he is able to levitate objects and use them as projectiles to either defeat enemies, or interact with his environment. Like Sonic and Shadow, he is able to transform into "super form" by using the power of the 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. The design team developed over fifty different concepts for the character. At one point he was to actually be a mink, but the developers ultimately decided against this, fearing a mink would not blend in with the rest of the characters. They ended up deciding to make another hedgehog instead. Orange was originally decided for his fur, but they soon moved away from that in color, in favor to a white-gray one. 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.

Since his first appearance in Sonic the Hedgehog (2006), he has been relegated to the Sonic series spinoffs, multiplayer games, and small cameo roles. He is one of the playable characters in Sonic Rivals and Sonic Rivals 2, a playable character strictly in the multiplayer modes in Sonic and the Secret Rings and Sonic and the Black Knight, a playable racer in Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity, and Sonic Free Riders, and a playable athlete in Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games and the 2012 Olympic games sequel. Additionally, Silver was one of a few Sega characters to make a cameo in Super Smash Bros. Brawl, in the background of Sonic's Green Hill Zone stage, and as a trophy and sticker.

Both IGN and 1UP.com gave positive remarks about Silver's telekinesis abilities, but the latter conceded that ultimately "his sluggish pace gets tiresome quickly...Thankfully, you can opt out of playing as...Silver for the most part".

[edit] Orbot and Cubot

Orbot (オーボット, Ōbotto^?) 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^?). Conversely to Orbot, Cubot is rather slow, not witty, and suffers from a defect that causes him to randomly speak with different accents. The duo made a cameo in Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games as one of the helping characters in the London Party, copying stickers for the participants.

Digital Spy praised their inclusion in the plot of Sonic Colors especially Cubot, when tasked cleaning up another robot Sonic had destroyed, saying "When you consider what we're doing from a robot's perspective, this is actually pretty gruesome