List of Sonic the Hedgehog characters

{{Short description|none}} {{Italic title|string=Sonic the Hedgehog}} {{pp-semi-indef|small=yes}} {{Use mdy dates|date=March 2025}} [[File:MajorSonicCharacters.png|thumb|A variety of ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog|Sonic]]'' characters gathered. From left to right: Team Chaotix (Espio the Chameleon, Vector the Crocodile, Charmy Bee), [[Knuckles the Echidna]], Silver the Hedgehog, Amy Rose, [[Doctor Eggman]], [[Sonic the Hedgehog (character)|Sonic the Hedgehog]], Rouge the Bat, [[Tails (Sonic the Hedgehog)|Miles "Tails" Prower]], Big the Cat, [[Shadow the Hedgehog]], Cheese the Chao, Cream the Rabbit, and Blaze the Cat.]] The ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' [[video game franchise]] began in 1991 with the video game ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (1991 video game)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' for the [[Sega Genesis]], which pitted a blue [[anthropomorphism|anthropomorphic]] hedgehog named [[Sonic the Hedgehog (character)|Sonic]] against a rotund male human villain named [[Doctor Eggman]] (or Doctor Ivo Robotnik). The sequel, ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 2|Sonic 2]]'', gave Sonic a fox friend named [[Tails (Sonic the Hedgehog)|Tails]]. ''[[Sonic CD]]'' introduced Amy Rose, a female hedgehog with a persistent crush on Sonic. ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 3|Sonic 3]]'' introduced [[Knuckles 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 anthropomorphic [[Animals in video games|animal characters]] such as [[Shadow 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 as [[digital pet]]s and minor gameplay and plot elements; Wisps, which have been used as [[power-up]]s; and Koco, which when collected grant new abilities for Sonic, among other things.

The ''Sonic'' games keep a separate continuity from the [[Sonic the Hedgehog (comics)|''Sonic the Hedgehog'' comics]] published by [[Archie Comics]] and other ''Sonic'' media and, as a result, feature a distinct yet overlapping array of many characters.

==Characters== ===Sonic the Hedgehog=== {{Main|Sonic the Hedgehog (character)}}

{{nihongo foot|Sonic the Hedgehog|ソニック・ザ・ヘッジホッグ|Sonikku Za Hejjihoggu|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}}<ref name="sonic's middle name">{{cite book|last=Kent|first=Steven|author-link=Steven L. Kent|title=[[The Ultimate History of Video Games: The Story Behind the Craze that Touched our Lives and Changed the World]]|publisher=Prima Publishing|location=Roseville, California|isbn=0-7615-3643-4|chapter=Chapter 23|year=2001|quote=the "t" in ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' is capitalized not lower case. Sega marketing wizard Al Nilsen had the "The" registered as Sonic's middle name.|page=428}}</ref> is a blue anthropomorphic [[hedgehog]] and the main [[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 arcade game ''[[Rad Mobile]]'' as a cameo, before making his official debut in ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' (1991). Sonic's greatest ability is his running speed, and he is known as the world's fastest hedgehog.<ref name="Sonic Adventure Profile">Amy's profile from the [[Sonic Adventure]] manual</ref> Using the power of the seven [[Chaos Emeralds]], he becomes [[Super Sonic]] and can achieve even greater speeds.

===Doctor Eggman=== {{Main|Doctor Eggman}}

{{nihongo foot|Doctor Ivo Robotnik,|ロボトニック|Robotonikku|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}}<ref name="Sonic 1 16bit story">Sega (1991). ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (1991 video game)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' instruction manual ([[English language|English]] version), pp. 4</ref> better known by his alias {{nihongo foot|Doctor Eggman,|ドクター・エッグマン|Dokutā Egguman|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}}<ref name="Sonic Adventure profile">Sega (1999). ''[[Sonic Adventure]]'' instruction manual, pp. 31</ref> is a human 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.<ref name="Sonic Adventure 2 profile">[[Sega]] (2001). ''[[Sonic Adventure 2]]'' instruction manual, pp. 9</ref><ref name="Sonic Heroes profile">[[Sega]] (2004). ''[[Sonic Heroes]]'' instruction manual, pp. 14</ref><ref name="Sonic Central">{{cite web|author=Sega of America|publisher=Sega of America|url=http://www.sega.com/sonic/globalsonic/post_allabout.php?article=soniccharacters|title=Eggman's official character profile from Sega of America|access-date=March 26, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090217221441/http://www.sega.com/sonic/globalsonic/post_allabout.php?article=soniccharacters|archive-date=February 17, 2009}}</ref> 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.<ref name="Shadow game profile">[[Sega]] (2005). ''[[Shadow the Hedgehog (game)|Shadow the Hedgehog]]'' instruction manual, pp. 8</ref>

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 among the proposed designs. It lost to Sonic the Hedgehog, but the design was kept for the basis for Doctor Eggman instead.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.kafka-is-silly.net/sonicworld/angel_island_interviews/interviews/1992/sonic_1992_unknown_1.htm|title=Sega Visions Interview with Yuji Naka|date=October 1992|access-date=June 28, 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928010746/http://www.kafka-is-silly.net/sonicworld/angel_island_interviews/interviews/1992/sonic_1992_unknown_1.htm|archive-date=September 28, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ign.com/videogame-villains/11.html|title=Dr. Robotnik is number 11|website=IGN|access-date=July 25, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130707114212/http://www.ign.com/videogame-villains/11.html|archive-date=July 7, 2013}}</ref>

===Miles "Tails" Prower=== {{Main|Tails (Sonic the Hedgehog)|l1=Tails (''Sonic the Hedgehog'')}}

{{nihongo foot|Miles Prower,|マイルス・パウアー|Mairusu Pauā|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} better known by his [[nickname]], {{nihongo foot|Tails,|テイルス|Teirusu|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} is a two-tailed [[fox]] who is Sonic's best friend and sidekick. His name is a [[pun]] on "[[miles per hour]]". He can use his 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 the Hedgehog 2 (8-bit video game)|Sonic 2]]'' for the Game Gear, where he was kidnapped by [[Doctor Robotnik]] for a "hefty" ransom. He was first made playable in the Genesis version of ''Sonic the Hedgehog 2''.<ref>{{cite news|first=Justin|last=Towell|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/sonics-2d-classics-re-reviewed/?page=5|title=Page 5 - Sonic's 2D classics re-reviewed|publisher=GamesRadar|date=June 23, 2012|access-date=July 25, 2013|archive-date=November 7, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131107050301/http://www.gamesradar.com/sonics-2d-classics-re-reviewed/?page=5|url-status=live}}</ref> Tails has appeared in almost every Sonic game since his first appearance. Tails starred in two solo spin-off games for the [[Game Gear]] in 1995 – ''[[Tails' Skypatrol]]'', and ''[[Tails Adventure]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.greatgamesexperiment.com/game/TailsAdventure|title=The Great Games Experiment|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100222030339/http://www.greatgamesexperiment.com/game/TailsAdventure|archive-date=February 22, 2010}}</ref> Frequently portrayed as a sweet-natured<ref name="Tails Sonic Adventure Profile">[[Sega]] (1999). ''[[Sonic Adventure]]'' instruction manual, pp. 20</ref> and humble fox,<ref name="Tails Sonic Heroes profile">[[Sega]] (2004). ''[[Sonic Heroes]]'' instruction manual, pp. 7</ref> Tails used to be picked on because of his twin tails, before he met Sonic.<ref name="Tails profile">{{cite web|author=Sonic Team|publisher=Sega Corporation|url=http://sonic.sega.jp/chara/tails/|title=Tails's official character profile|access-date=September 20, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071013215920/http://sonic.sega.jp/chara/tails/|archive-date=October 13, 2007}}</ref> Tails is very clever and has excellent mechanical skills.

===Amy Rose===

Voiced by:<ref name="AmyVA">{{cite web|title=Amy Rose Voices|url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Sonic-the-Hedgehog/Amy-Rose/|website=Behind The Voice Actors|access-date=August 2, 2022|postscript=. A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information.|archive-date=October 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231028203255/https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Sonic-the-Hedgehog/Amy-Rose/}}</ref> :'''English:''' Jennifer Douillard (1999–2004), [[Lisa Ortiz]] (2003–2010), [[Cindy Robinson]] (2010–present), [[Shannon Chan-Kent]] (''[[Sonic Prime]]''), [[Kristen Bell]] (live-action films) '''Japanese:''' [[Taeko Kawata]] {{nihongo foot|Amy Rose|エミー・ローズ|Emī Rōzu|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} is a pink hedgehog and Sonic's self-proclaimed girlfriend,<ref name="Adventure manual Amy">{{cite book|author=Sega|title=[[Sonic Adventure]] Manual|section=Characters: Amy Rose|publisher=Sega|year=1999|pages=24–26}}</ref> who is an energetic [[tomboy]].<ref>Sonic the Hedgehog CD (Sega CD) Japanese instruction booklet, pg. 6.</ref> Amy was created by [[Kazuyuki Hoshino]] for ''Sonic the Hedgehog CD'' (1993),<ref name="collected"/> although she appeared in [[Kenji Terada]]'s [[Sonic the Hedgehog (manga)|''Sonic the Hedgehog'' manga]] a year before.<ref name="manga">{{cite comic|title=[[Sonic the Hedgehog (manga)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]|writer=[[Kenji Terada]]|date=1992|publisher=[[Shogakukan]]|story=エイミー姫をすくえ!}}</ref> Hoshino created her in-game graphics, with many staff members contributing ideas to her design. Her headband and trainer shoes reflected ''Sonic CD'' director [[Naoto Ohshima]]'s tastes, and her mannerisms reflected the traits Hoshino looked for in women at the time.<ref name="collected">{{Cite book|title=Sega Mega Drive/Genesis: Collected Works|last=Stuart|first=Keith|publisher=Read-Only Memory|year=2014|isbn=978-0-9575768-1-0|pages=289–290|chapter=Interview with Kazuyuki Hoshino, Art Director}}</ref> Her fur color was red at first, and her skirt orange.<ref name="comic">{{cite comic|story=NewsZone: Sonic Booms!|date=July 1993|title=[[Sonic the Comic]]|page= 18|issue=5}}</ref> The character had another name in early game previews: Rosy the Rascal.<ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=[[MegaTech]]|publisher=[[Emap International Limited|EMAP]]|date=September 1993|title=Sonic CD: Next Month!}}</ref> Additionally, due to a localization effort by [[Sega|Sega of America]] in the North American manual for [[Sonic CD]], Amy Rose was erroneously referred to as Princess Sally. Sega of America made this choice to capitalize on the popularity of [[Sonic the Hedgehog (TV series)|SatAM]] and its tie-in [[Sonic the Hedgehog (Archie Comics)|Archie comics]], where Princess Sally Acorn was the prominent female lead—despite Amy Rose being a distinct Japanese-original character.<ref>{{cite web|author=Adam|title=Fun Fact: Amy Rose Confusion in the American Release of Sonic CD|url=https://nekorandom.com/2024/01/26/fun-fact-amy-rose-confusion-in-the-american-release-of-sonic-cd/|date=January 26, 2024|publisher=Neko Random|access-date=January 26, 2024}}</ref> Amy received her present design, with a red dress and knee-high leather boots, in ''[[Sonic Adventure]]'' (1998),<ref name="been">{{cite magazine|magazine=[[Sega Saturn Magazine]]|title=Sonic's Back! It's the Dreamcast game we've all been waiting for!|page=18|date=October 1998|issue=36}}</ref> courtesy of designer Yuji Uekawa.<ref>{{cite news|author1=Cook & Becker|title=How Sega moved Sonic from 2D to 3D|url=https://www.polygon.com/features/2017/4/17/15099400/how-sega-moved-sonic-from-2d-to-3d|website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|date=April 17, 2017|access-date=February 17, 2019|archive-date=July 5, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170705122201/https://www.polygon.com/features/2017/4/17/15099400/how-sega-moved-sonic-from-2d-to-3d|url-status=live}}</ref> 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.<ref name="Adventure manual Amy"/> Series co-creator [[Yuji Naka]] said that Amy was designed "to always chase Sonic", but stated that Sonic "will not ever get married".<ref name="naka">{{cite web|url=https://www.sega.com/sonic/globalsonic/post_sonicteam.jhtml?article=nakainterview|publisher=[[Sega]]|date=June 14, 2003|title=Sega.com/Sonic Central Interview with Yuji Naka|access-date=February 25, 2014}}{{dead link|date=August 2020|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} [http://sonicworld.sonicretro.org/angel_island_interviews/interviews/2003/sonic_2003_jun_14.htm Alt URL] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140224052114/http://sonicworld.sonicretro.org/angel_island_interviews/interviews/2003/sonic_2003_jun_14.htm|date=February 24, 2014}}</ref> An early character design document stated that Amy was also a high school cheerleader.<ref>{{cite document|author=Sega|date=May 28, 1992|title=VOICEリスト No.3: エミー SCENE CHARACTERISTICS|location=Japan|publisher=Sega of Japan|quote="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."|postscript=The text at the bottom states that Amy is a high-school cheerleader, meaning she was old as Sonic (15-16). Because of a misinterpretation of "Sonic thinks she's childish", her biography in ''Sonic CD''{{'}}s Japanese instruction booklet incorrectly says that she is 8.|page=1}}</ref> Not possessing the speed or strength of the other characters, Amy uses a hammer to defend herself instead.<ref name="Adventure manual Amy"/><ref name="IGN smash">{{cite news|url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/827/827234p1.html|last=Thomas|first=Lucas M.|title=Smash It Up! - Sonic Team|date=October 12, 2007|access-date=March 24, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111220062403/http://wii.ign.com/articles/827/827234p1.html|archive-date=December 20, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> In ''Sonic CD'', [[Metal Sonic]] kidnaps Amy and Sonic must rescue her. When he does, Amy kisses him.<ref name="visions">{{cite magazine|magazine=[[Sega Visions]]|date=December 1993 – January 1994|title=Sega Game Feature: Sonic CD|pages=30–31}}</ref> Her voice samples in the game were made using the [[Yamaha YM2608]]'s FM Sound Source module.<ref name="Amy CD Voice">{{cite tweet|title=I think that the sound was certainly played by the FM sound source.|user=Mazin__|number=1374003844502360072|date=March 22, 2021|access-date=July 22, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210322144216/https://twitter.com/Mazin__/status/1374003844502360072|archive-date=March 22, 2021}}</ref> Amy's first appearance in a ''Sonic'' platformer as a playable character was in ''[[Sonic Adventure]]'';<ref name="been"/><ref name="RG2018">{{cite web|last=Thorpe|first=Nick|title=The Making of: Sonic Adventure|url=https://www.pressreader.com/uk/retro-gamer/20181228/281659666135596|website=[[Retro Gamer]]|via=[[PressReader]]|access-date=January 25, 2019|date=December 28, 2018|archive-date=January 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190102133607/https://www.pressreader.com/uk/retro-gamer/20181228/281659666135596|url-status=live }}</ref> although the first game to have her playable is ''[[Sonic Drift]]''. She is playable in ''[[Sonic Heroes]]'' (2003)<ref name="igngc">{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2004/01/06/sonic-heroes-9?page=1|title=Sonic Heroes|last1=Casamassina|first1=Matt|date=January 5, 2004|website=[[IGN]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180324150658/http://www.ign.com/articles/2004/01/06/sonic-heroes-9?page=1|archive-date=March 24, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=March 2, 2018}}</ref> and ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (2006 video game)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' (2006),<ref>{{cite web|last1=Gerstmann|first1=Jeff|title=Sonic the Hedgehog Review|url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/sonic-the-hedgehog-review/1900-6162205/|website=GameSpot|publisher=CBS Interactive|access-date=March 21, 2017|date=November 21, 2006|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160620174637/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/sonic-the-hedgehog-review/1900-6162205/|archive-date=June 20, 2016}}</ref> and appears as a [[non-player character]] in games such as ''[[Sonic Unleashed]]'' (2008).<ref>{{cite video game|title=[[Sonic Unleashed]]|developer=Sonic Team|date=November 18, 2008|publisher=Sega}}</ref>

While some journalists have called Amy cute and powerful,<ref name="been"/><ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=[[Computer and Video Games]]|last=Huhtala|first=Alex|title=SONIC: It's been a long time coming, but we've been very|page=60|issue=215|date=October 1999}}</ref> others find her annoying.<ref name="them"/><ref name="nintendo">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/50022/features/the-best-and-worst-sonic-characters/?page=8|magazine=[[Official Nintendo Magazine]]|title=The best and worst Sonic characters|last=East|first=Thomas|date=May 29, 2013|access-date=February 28, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131030012501/http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/50022/features/the-best-and-worst-sonic-characters/?page=8|archive-date=October 30, 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/the-10-worst-sonic-friends/?page=2|publisher=[[GamesRadar]]|title=The 10 worst Sonic friends|last=Sterling|first=Jim|date=June 23, 2012|access-date=February 28, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029200200/http://www.gamesradar.com/the-10-worst-sonic-friends/?page=2|archive-date=October 29, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Radar rereview">{{cite web|last=Towell|first=Justin|publisher=[[GamesRadar]]|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/sonics-2d-classics-re-reviewed/?page=6|title=Sonic's 2D classics re-reviewed|date=April 16, 2008|access-date=April 3, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131107074424/http://www.gamesradar.com/sonics-2d-classics-re-reviewed/?page=6|archive-date=November 7, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> Justin Towell of ''[[GamesRadar+]]'' and writers from ''[[Mean Machines]]'' expressed general displeasure at her introduction in ''Sonic CD''.<ref name="Radar rereview"/><ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=[[Mean Machines]]|publisher=EMAP|title=SONIC 3|date=March 1994|page=44}}</ref> Additionally, some have criticized developers' treatment of Amy as a female character and analyzed her implications on [[gender representation in video games]]. The ''[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]'' staff found her pink coloring and tendency to run from danger to be stereotypical and common in Japanese-created female characters,<ref name="owtheedge"/> while feminist blogger [[Anita 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.<ref name="kinephanos">{{cite journal|last1=Trépanier-Jobin|first1=Gabrielle|last2=Bonenfant|first2=Maude|date=June 2017|title=Bridging Game Studies and Feminist Theories|journal=Kinephanos: Journal of Media Studies and Popular Culture|issue=Special issue: Gender Issues in Video Games|pages=24–53}}</ref> Despite this, Amy is one of the series' most popular characters, coming in fifth place in a Japanese popularity poll in 2006<ref name="poll">{{cite web|author=Sonic Team|publisher=Sega of Japan|url=http://sonic.sega.jp/event/016/index.html|title=Japanese ''Sonic'' character popularity poll|access-date=July 14, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061107081521/http://sonic.sega.jp/event/016/index.html|archive-date=November 7, 2006}}</ref> and sixth place in a 2025 poll conducted by ''[[Dengeki Online]]''.<ref name="poll2025">{{cite web|title=The results of the "Sonic" character popularity poll have been announced! The winner is... that popular character!?|url=https://dengekionline.com/article/202512/61295|website=[[Dengeki Online]]|access-date=December 24, 2025|language=Japanese|date=December 24, 2025}}</ref> Her likeness has been used in ''Sonic'' merchandise,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://kotaku.com/first-4-figures-gives-you-a-little-sonic-and-friends-5606272|website=Kotaku|title=First 4 Figures Gives You A Little Sonic And Friends|last=Fahey|first=Mike|date=August 6, 2010|access-date=February 26, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140304123711/http://kotaku.com/5606272/first-4-figures-gives-you-a-little-sonic-and-friends|archive-date=March 4, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> and she appears in the television adaptations ''[[Sonic X]]'' (2003–2005), ''[[Sonic Boom (TV series)|Sonic Boom]]'' (2014–2017) and ''[[Sonic Prime]]'' (2022–2024).<ref name="them">{{cite news|last=Jones|first=Tim|title=THEM Anime Reviews 4.0 - Sonic X|url=http://www.themanime.org/viewreview.php?id=355|website=THEM Anime|access-date=February 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140915060412/http://themanime.org/viewreview.php?id=355|archive-date=September 15, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="scarf">{{cite web|url=http://www.polygon.com/2014/2/6/5387184/why-sega-handed-sonic-over-to-western-studios-and-gave-him-a-scarf|website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|title=Why Sega handed Sonic over to Western studios and gave him a scarf|last=Corriea|first=Alexa Ray|date=February 6, 2014|access-date=February 27, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006094313/http://www.polygon.com/2014/2/6/5387184/why-sega-handed-sonic-over-to-western-studios-and-gave-him-a-scarf|archive-date=October 6, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> Amy is introduced in the live-action film series in ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (film)|Sonic the Hedgehog 3]]'' (2024), appearing in a mid-credits scene saving Sonic from an army of Metal Sonics.<ref name=AmyMetalMovie>{{cite news|last=Moreau|first=Jordan|title='Sonic 3' Post-Credits Scene Explained: Who Are Those Video Game Characters? Does [SPOILER] Die? What's Next in 'Sonic 4'?|website=Variety|date=December 21, 2024|url=https://variety.com/2024/film/news/sonic-3-post-credits-amy-metal-sonic-1236255559/|access-date=December 22, 2024}}</ref> She is set to feature in the upcoming ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 4 (film)|Sonic the Hedgehog 4]]'', voiced by [[Kristen Bell]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Rubin|first=Rebecca|title=Kristen Bell Joins 'Sonic the Hedgehog 4' as Amy Rose|website=Variety|date=February 18, 2026|url=https://variety.com/2026/film/news/kristen-bell-sonic-the-hedgehog-4-amy-rose-1236666613/|access-date=February 18, 2026}}</ref>

===Metal Sonic===

Voiced by:<ref name="MetalVA">{{cite web|title=Metal Sonic Voices|url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Sonic-the-Hedgehog/Metal-Sonic/|website=Behind The Voice Actor|access-date=August 27, 2024|postscript=. A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information.}}</ref> :'''English:''' [[Gary Dehan]] (OVA), [[Ryan Drummond]] (2003), [[Ray Chase (voice actor)|Ray Chase]] (2024) '''Japanese:''' [[Masami Kikuchi]] (OVA), [[Jun'ichi Kanemaru]] (2003, 2024) {{nihongo foot|Metal Sonic|メタル・ソニック|Metaru Sonikku|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} is an evil robotic version of Sonic created by Dr. Robotnik. He possesses great strength, including a [[Raygun|laser cannon]], a [[jet engine]] and a [[force shield|force 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 in ''[[Sonic CD|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 is severely wounded when he crashes and falls, but is rejuvenated by Robotnik in ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II]]'', only to be defeated again in a similar style. He returns in ''[[Knuckles' 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 in ''Sonic Heroes'', appearing in a new form as Neo Metal Sonic before transforming into the game's final boss, 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 in ''[[Sonic Rivals]]'', reprogrammed to aid Eggman Nega in his attempt to take over the world. He returns as a playable character in ''[[Sonic Rivals 2]]'', under orders from Eggman to aid Shadow in stopping Eggman Nega's plans. In ''[[Sonic Free Riders]]'', Metal Sonic is a playable character and the final opponent in the game's story mode. In ''[[Sonic Generations]]'', he appears in his classic form as a rival boss, battling Classic Sonic in Stardust Speedway before ultimately being destroyed. In the 2024 remaster ''[[Shadow Generations|Sonic X Shadow Generations]]'', his Metal Overlord form returns as a boss that Shadow battles. Metal Sonic returns as a boss character in ''[[Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric]]'' and ''[[Sonic Boom: Shattered Crystal]]'', and the Sonic story mode of ''[[Lego Dimensions]]''.

Metal Sonic appeared as a playable character in the multiplayer mode of ''[[Sonic Adventure 2: Battle]]'', as well as ''[[Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing]]'', ''[[Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed]]'', and all the ''[[Mario & Sonic]]'' titles beginning with ''[[Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games]]''. Collecting all the emblems in ''[[Sonic Adventure DX: Director's Cut]]'' unlocks Metal Sonic as a bonus playable character in Sonic's stages, and purchasing [[Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I|both]] [[Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II|episodes]] of ''Sonic the Hedgehog 4'' unlocks bonus levels in which Metal Sonic is playable.

Outside of the games, Metal Sonic appears as the main antagonist in the ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (OVA)|Sonic 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 the ''[[Sonic Boom (TV series)|Sonic 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 of ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (film)|Sonic the Hedgehog 3]]'' (2024).<ref name=AmyMetalMovie/> The character is expected to appear in the upcoming ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 4 (film)|Sonic the Hedgehog 4]]'' film. It is unknown at this time if he will be silent (as is the case for most incarnations of the character), or if he will be given a speaking voice, which film series director [[Jeff Fowler]] stated in January 2025 was yet to be decided.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McWhertor |first=Michael |date=2025-01-20 |title=Sonic the Hedgehog 3 director teases plans for Metal Sonic, Amy Rose in Sonic 4 |url=https://www.polygon.com/movies/510831/sonic-the-hedgehog-3-digital-release-voice-actor-metal-sonic-amy-rose/ |access-date=2026-02-23 |website=Polygon |language=en}}</ref>

[[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.<ref>Buffa, Chris (February 6, 2009). [http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/galleries/top-25-robots/?page=14 Top 25 Video Game Robots] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090426035352/http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/galleries/top-25-robots/?page=14|date=April 26, 2009}}. [[GameDaily]]. Retrieved on February 9, 2009</ref>

===Knuckles the Echidna=== {{Main|Knuckles the Echidna}}

{{nihongo foot|Knuckles the Echidna|ナックルズ・ザ・エキドゥナ|Nakkurusu Za Ekiduna|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} is a red [[echidna]] and one of Sonic's [[friendly rivalry|friendly rival]]s. 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.<ref name="sost">{{cite web|url=http://sost.emulationzone.org/sonic_3/interview/rogerhector.htm|title=Secrets of Sonic Team: Interview with Roger Hector, former Director of Sega Technical Institute|access-date=February 28, 2008|archive-date=January 14, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070114233940/http://sost.emulationzone.org/sonic_3/interview/rogerhector.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> A character with many different abilities and skills, he is physically one of the strongest characters of the ''Sonic'' series.<ref name="EUR profile">{{cite web|url=http://www.sonic-city.com/en/characters/knuckles/index.html|title=Sonic City|access-date=March 4, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080225070243/http://www.sonic-city.com/en/characters/knuckles/index.html|archive-date=February 25, 2008}}</ref> 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=== {{anchor|Fang the Sniper}} {{nihongo foot|Fang the Sniper,|ファング・ザ・スナイパ|Fangu Za Sunaipā|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}}<ref name="S&T2 manual Fang"/> initially known as Nack the Weasel<ref name="TT manual Nack"/> in English localizations, is a purple [[jerboa]]<ref name="Sonic Jam Official Guide">{{cite book|title=ソニックジャムオフィシャルガイド|publisher=[[SoftBank]]|date=September 1997|isbn=978-4-7973-0337-7|trans-title=Sonic Jam Official Guide}}</ref><ref name="Fang's species">{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/toumartcom/status/900516747534520320|author=Fang's creator, Touma|date=August 24, 2017|title=''I designed him as a jerboa. However, he was presented as a weasel overseas.''|access-date=January 27, 2018|archive-date=September 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170908155920/https://twitter.com/toumartcom/status/900516747534520320|url-status=live}}</ref> that first appeared in the [[Game Gear]] video game ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog: Triple Trouble]]'' in 1994. 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.<ref name="TT manual Nack">{{cite book|author=Sega|title=[[Sonic the Hedgehog: Triple Trouble|Sonic the Hedgehog: Triple Trouble Manual]]|section=Characters |publisher=Sega|year=1994}}</ref> He is a slick,<ref name="Fang Sonic Central profile">{{cite web|author=Sega |publisher=Sega of America |url=http://www.sega.com/sonic/globalsonic/post_allabout.php?article=soniccharacters |title=Fang's official character profile from Sonic Central |access-date=January 23, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090217221441/http://www.sega.com/sonic/globalsonic/post_allabout.php?article=soniccharacters |archive-date=February 17, 2009}}</ref> sneaky, and mischievous<ref name="S&T2 manual Fang">{{cite book|author=Sega|title=[[Sonic & Tails 2]] Manual|section=Characters|publisher=Sega|year=1994|quote=pp 30}}</ref> character who will steal the Emeralds for an easier job.<ref name="TT manual Nack"/> Fang tries hard to outwit others, but is held back by his clumsiness and often fails.<ref name="S&T2 manual Fang"/>

Fang was designed by Shinichi Higashi (also known as "Touma"), who worked for Sega between 1994 and 2002 and later began working as a freelance figure artist and toy designer. He was initially designed to have a gangster-like appearance and use a realistic firearm,<ref>{{cite book|title=The History of Sonic the Hedgehog|last1=Pétronille|first1=Marc|last2=Audureau|first2=William|publisher=Pix'n Love|year=2014|isbn=978-1-926778-96-9|pages=167}}</ref><ref name="Former Artist">{{cite news|last=Yarwood|first=Jack|title="I Believed Fang Was Forgotten" - Former Sonic Artist Talks Batman, Design Changes, & Swapping Games For Vinyl Toys|url=https://www.timeextension.com/features/interview-i-believed-fang-was-forgotten-former-sonic-artist-talks-batman-design-changes-and-swapping-games-for-vinyl-toys|date=6 February 2026|publisher=Time Extension|access-date=February 6, 2026}}</ref> but was later redesigned to wear explorer attire and given a popgun instead. Tadashi Ihoroi, a planner and designer on ''Triple Trouble'', created the character's personality and background.<ref name="Former Artist"/>

Outside of ''Triple Trouble'', Fang has had playable roles in ''[[Sonic Drift 2]]'' and ''[[Sonic the Fighters]]'' in 1995 and 1996, and had been planned to be in the cancelled ''[[Sonic 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's ''Sonic Generations'', and as an illusion during the boss fight with Heavy Magician in ''[[Sonic Mania]]'' in 2017. In 2023, he was announced to be returning in a main role as a central villain in ''[[Sonic Superstars]]'', now under the name "Fang the Hunter";<ref name="Fang Sonic Superstars">{{cite web|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/sgf-2023/2023/06/08/sonic-superstars-is-a-modernized-2d-adventure-with-four-player-co-op|author=Shea, Brian|publisher=Game Informer|date=June 8, 2023|title=''Sonic Superstars Is A Modernized 2D Adventure With Four-Player Co-Op''|access-date=June 8, 2023|archive-date=June 8, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230608195315/https://www.gameinformer.com/sgf-2023/2023/06/08/sonic-superstars-is-a-modernized-2d-adventure-with-four-player-co-op|url-status=live}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite tweet|author=Sonic the Hedgehog|author-link=Sonic the Hedgehog|user=sonic_hedgehog|number=1706338012526006754|title=Sonic Superstars: Fang's Big Break Part 1 Dr. Eggman hires Fang the Hunter to scope out an unfamiliar island, unaware of the dangers ahead...}}</ref>

===Chaotix Detective Agency=== The Chaotix are a group of initially four characters who debuted in the game ''[[Knuckles' Chaotix]]'' as the main characters, later forming their own detective agency in ''Sonic 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.<ref name="IGN Chaotix rev">{{cite web|url=http://retro.ign.com/articles/862/862183p1.html|title=Knuckles Chaotix Review|date=March 2008|access-date=March 9, 2009|archive-date=July 6, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090706041821/http://retro.ign.com/articles/862/862183p1.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2026, the Chaotix would star as the leads in an 8 episode [[audio drama]] podcast series ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog Presents: The Chaotix Casefiles]]'', which follows the group solving a mystery case in the style of a noir-inspired detective radio drama, narrated by Vector.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Mateo|first1=Alex|title= Sonic the Hedgehog Franchise Gets New Chaotix Audio Drama|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2026-01-20/sonic-the-hedgehog-franchise-gets-new-chaotix-audio-drama/.233282|website=[[Anime News Network]]|date=January 20, 2026|access-date=January 20, 2026}}</ref>

====Vector the Crocodile====

Voiced by:<ref name="VectorVA">{{cite web|title=Vector the Crocodile Voices|url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Sonic-the-Hedgehog/Vector-the-Crocodile/|website=Behind The Voice Actors|access-date=August 2, 2022|postscript=. A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information.|archive-date=May 30, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220530050055/https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Sonic-The-Hedgehog/Vector-the-Crocodile/|url-status=live}}</ref> :'''English:''' Marc Biagi (2004), [[James Carter Cathcart|Carter Cathcart]] (2004–2006), [[Dan Green (voice actor)|Dan Green]] (2007–2010), [[Keith Silverstein]] (2010–present) '''Japanese:''' [[Kenta Miyake]] {{nihongo foot|Vector the Crocodile|ベクター・ザ・クロコダイル|Bekutā Za Kurokodairu|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} is a large [[crocodile]] who is the "head honcho" and brains of the Chaotix Detective Agency.<ref name="Heroes manual Vector">{{cite book|author=Sega|title=[[Sonic Heroes]] Manual|publisher=Sega|year=2003|section=Team Chaotix|quote=pp 13}}</ref> Divided between being both "bossy" and "easy-going", his rough speech and outward appearance mask his clear reasoning and high competence in solving cases.<ref name="Channel Vector">{{cite web|title=Sonic Channel|url=http://sonic.sega.jp/chara/vector/index.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080709183230/http://sonic.sega.jp/chara/vector/index.html|archive-date=July 9, 2008|access-date=July 10, 2008|work=Characters: Vector|publisher=Sega}}</ref> For the right price he will take on most jobs, unless they involve doing something immoral.<ref name="Heroes manual Vector" /> Vector has a strong sense of justice and kindness, despite his argumentative nature.<ref name="Channel Vector" /> He often does unpaid work due to his charitable nature,<ref name="Heroes manual Vector" /> such as finding a lost child or taking up meager chases for children, leaving the agency constantly short on money.<ref name="Channel Vector" /> Vector hates having to work for the landlord, but he enjoys singing,<ref name="Channel Vector" /> and his trademark accessory is a set of [[headphones]].<ref name="Heroes manual Vector" /> He is physically formidable to the point of being comparable to Knuckles,<ref name="Channel Vector" /> with his powerful jaws being his most reliable weapon.<ref name="Heroes manual Vector" />

Vector was, originally, supposed to be in the sound test of the first ''Sonic 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.<ref>{{cite web|last=Kemps|first=Heidi|title=Sega's Yuji Naka Talks!|url=http://xbox.gamespy.com/articles/654/654750p5.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060619194711/http://xbox.gamespy.com/articles/654/654750p5.html|archive-date=June 19, 2006|access-date=October 23, 2006|work=GameSpy|publisher=IGN}}</ref> Vector and the band made a brief appearance in the promotional manga ''Sonic the Hedgehog Story Comic''. Vector then made his official game debut in the 1995 video game ''Knuckles' Chaotix''. And in 2003, he was part of Team Chaotix in ''Sonic Heroes'' and is featured in ''[[Shadow the Hedgehog (video game)|Shadow the Hedgehog]]'', ''Sonic Generations'', ''[[Sonic Forces]]'' and several other games (alongside both Espio and Charmy in said games). In all instalments of ''Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games'', he is a playable athlete. He has also been playable in other spinoff titles such as ''[[Sonic Free Riders]]'' and ''[[Team Sonic Racing]]'', and mobile games like ''[[Sonic Forces: Speed Battle]]'' and ''[[Sonic Dash]]''.

Vector was also the one of only mainline game characters to appear in the ''Sonic Boom'' franchise, making his debut into the sub-franchise in the season two episode "[[List of Sonic Boom episodes|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 game ''[[Sonic Dash 2: Sonic Boom]]''.<ref>{{cite web|title=Vector the Crocodile joins the Sonic Dash 2: Sonic Boom roster|url=https://tailschannel.com/sonic-the-hedgehog/mobile/vector-the-crocodile-joins-the-sonic-dash-2-sonic-boom-roster/|access-date=May 4, 2021|work=Tails Channel|date=May 4, 2021 |archive-date=June 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625134242/https://tailschannel.com/sonic-the-hedgehog/mobile/vector-the-crocodile-joins-the-sonic-dash-2-sonic-boom-roster/|url-status=live}}</ref> Vector also made a cameo in the film franchise in the ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (IDW Publishing)#One-shots|Sonic the Hedgehog 2: The Official Movie Pre-quill]]'' comic.

====Espio the Chameleon====

Voiced by:<ref name="EspioVA">{{cite web|title=Espio the Chameleon Voices|url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Sonic-the-Hedgehog/Espio-the-Chameleon/|website=Behind The Voice Actors|access-date=August 2, 2022|postscript=. A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information.|archive-date=September 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220906113656/https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Sonic-the-Hedgehog/Espio-the-Chameleon/|url-status=live}}</ref> :'''English:''' Bill Corkery (2004), [[David Wills (voice actor)|David Wills]] (2004–2010), [[Troy Baker]] (2010–2013), [[Matthew Mercer]] (2016–present)<ref>{{Cite tweet |number=711019893433475073 |user=ninjacoachz |title=@matthewmercer Are you voicing Espio in Mario & Sonic Rio 2016 Olympics? |date=March 18, 2016 |access-date=August 13, 2016}} {{Cite tweet |number=711021943164522497 |user=matthewmercer |title=@ninjacoachz Good ear! :) |author=Matthew Mercer |date=March 18, 2016 |access-date=August 13, 2016}}</ref> '''Japanese:''' [[Yuuki Masuda]] {{nihongo foot|Espio the Chameleon|エスピオ・ザ・カメレオン|Esupio Za Kamereon|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} is a [[chameleon]] who is a [[ninja]] [[warrior]]. He is described as the "opinionated number one" of the Chaotix, also being the calmest.<ref name="Channel Espio">{{cite web|title=Sonic Channel|url=http://sonic.sega.jp/chara/espio/index.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090207135253/http://sonic.sega.jp/chara/espio/index.html|archive-date=February 7, 2009|access-date=July 10, 2008|work=Characters: Espio|publisher=Sega}}</ref> He has a "militaristic discipline" while being quiet and laid back.<ref name="Heroes manual Espio">{{cite book|author=Sega|title=[[Sonic Heroes]] Manual|publisher=Sega|year=2003|section=Team Chaotix|quote=pp 12}}</ref> Confident in his skills,<ref name="Channel Espio" /> opinionated and self-obsessed,<ref name="Heroes manual Espio" /> he revels in training and self-discipline.<ref name="Channel Espio" /> He is not concerned by danger, and often yearns to face it in order to use his ninja skills.<ref name="Channel Espio" /> With his extensive training in [[ninja|ninjutsu]] and an ability to turn himself invisible, he is able to move around unnoticed.<ref name="Heroes manual Espio" /> However, a blunder like a sneeze could cause him to inadvertently become visible.<ref name="Channel Espio" />

Espio's debut was in the video game ''Knuckles' Chaotix''. In the game, his color subtly changes while he moves to demonstrate the technical capabilities of the [[Sega 32X]] console.<ref name="xboxworld">{{cite magazine|title=Sonic Heroes|magazine=[[Xbox World 360|Xbox World]]|issue=2|page=36}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|title=Afterthoughts: Sonic Heroes|url=http://www.1up.com/do/feature?cId=3116996|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120717081036/http://www.1up.com/features/afterthoughts-sonic-heroes|archive-date=July 17, 2012|access-date=May 9, 2010|website=[[1UP.com]]}}</ref> He was the designated "speed" character in ''Sonic Heroes'' while teammates Vector the Crocodile and Charmy Bee respectively represented "power" and "flight".<ref>{{cite web|last=Dunham|first=Jeremy|date=December 4, 2003|title=Sonic Heroes Profiles: Team Chaotix|url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/444/444347p1.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090531134125/http://ps2.ign.com/articles/444/444347p1.html|archive-date=May 31, 2009|access-date=May 6, 2010|website=IGN}}</ref> Espio was added to ''Shadow the Hedgehog'' and ''[[Sonic Rivals 2]]'' to help "round out our cast of characters", and because designer [[Takashi Iizuka (game designer)|Takashi Iizuka]] appreciated the character's "stealthy agility".<ref>{{cite web|date=February 12, 2007|title=Fast talking|url=http://uk.playstation.com/psp/news/articles/detail/item87848/Fast-talking/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110807145004/http://uk.playstation.com/psp/news/articles/detail/item87848/Fast-talking/|archive-date=August 7, 2011|access-date=June 9, 2010|publisher=PlayStation.com}}</ref> Espio appeared as a playable character in the arcade fighting game ''Sonic the Fighters'', and has also appeared in all installments of ''Mario & 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 film ''Sonic the Hedgehog 2: The Official Movie Pre-quill'' comic.

====Charmy Bee====

Voiced by:<ref name="CharmyVA">{{cite web|title=Charmy Bee Voices|url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Sonic-the-Hedgehog/Charmy-Bee/|website=Behind The Voice Actors|access-date=August 2, 2022|postscript=. A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information.|archive-date=October 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231028203234/https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Sonic-the-Hedgehog/Charmy-Bee/}}</ref> :'''English:''' Emily Corkery (2004), [[Amy Birnbaum]] (2004–2010),<ref name="AmyBirnbaumYT">{{cite web |title=Everything Geek Podcast Special Guest Interview- Amy Birnbaum |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqi3j5OCrR4 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211219/bqi3j5OCrR4 |archive-date=December 19, 2021 |url-status=live|website=YouTube | date=December 16, 2018 |access-date=March 13, 2021}}{{cbignore}}</ref> [[Colleen O'Shaughnessey]] (2010–present) '''Japanese:''' [[Yoko Teppouzuka]] {{nihongo foot|Charmy Bee|チャーミー・ビー|Chāmī Bī|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} is a [[bee]] who is the "scatter-brained funny-kid" of the Chaotix.<ref name="Heroes manual Vector"/> He is cheerful, curious, playful, careless, and greatly energetic, often talking about things no one else cares about.<ref name="Channel Charmy">{{cite web|url=http://sonic.sega.jp/chara/charmy/index.html|title=Sonic Channel|access-date=July 10, 2008|work=Characters: Charmy|publisher=Sega|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090318140320/http://sonic.sega.jp/chara/charmy/index.html|archive-date=March 18, 2009}}</ref> Charmy's childish tomfoolery makes the rest of the detective agency staff look professional, and he is seen by others as a "cute mascot".<ref name="Heroes manual Vector"/> Despite an innocent,<ref name="Channel Charmy"/> good-natured and light-hearted personality, he uses his stinger on rare occasions where he gets angry.<ref name="Heroes manual Vector"/><ref name="Channel Charmy"/> In addition to being a playable character in ''[[Sonic Heroes]]'' and ''[[Shadow the Hedgehog (video game)|Shadow the Hedgehog]]'', he made cameos in all the ''[[Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games]]'' installments as a referee.

===Mighty the Armadillo=== {{nihongo foot|Mighty the Armadillo|マイティー・ザ・アルマジロ|Maitī Za Arumajiro|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} is a black and red [[armadillo]] who debuted in the arcade game ''[[SegaSonic the Hedgehog]]''<ref name="SegaSonic the Hedgehog">{{cite web|title=Sonic The Hedgehog Arcade - Videogame by Sega of Japan|url=http://www.arcade-museum.com/game_detail.php?game_id=9626|work=The International Arcade Museum|publisher=Killer List of Video Games|access-date=May 28, 2012|language=en, ja|date=1995–2012|quote=The game play is somewhat similar to Marble Madness.|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130427000752/http://www.arcade-museum.com/game_detail.php?game_id=9626|archive-date=April 27, 2013}}</ref> and later appeared in the [[Sega 32X|32X]] game ''Knuckles{{'}} Chaotix''. The character is described as a traveler who loves nature and desires to see every place.<ref name="Chaotix JP manual Mighty">{{cite book|author=Sega|title=[[Knuckles' Chaotix]] Japanese Manual|section=Characters|publisher=Sega|year=2003|quote=pp 7}}</ref> Mighty hates to see weaknesses in others<ref name="Chaotix ENG manual Mighty">{{cite book|author=Sega|title=[[Knuckles' Chaotix]] English Manual|section=Characters|publisher=Sega|year=2003}}</ref> and detests violence.<ref name="Chaotix JP manual Mighty"/> He prefers to be gentle but is capable of fighting back when needed.<ref name="Chaotix JP manual Mighty"/> Mighty's only appearance as part of the Chaotix was in ''Knuckles{{'}} Chaotix'', and was absent when the rest of the group was reintroduced into the series with ''Sonic Heroes'' in 2003.

His long period of absence was alluded to in ''Sonic Generations'', in which he is shown on a missing persons poster alongside fellow ''SegaSonic'' character Ray the Flying Squirrel. Both Mighty and Ray appeared as playable characters in the ''Sonic Mania'' expansion ''Sonic Mania Plus'', as well as appearing in the accompanying web series ''[[Sonic Mania Adventures]]''.

===Ray the Flying Squirrel=== {{nihongo foot|Ray the Flying Squirrel|レイ・ザ・フライングスクイレル|Rei Za Furaingusukuireru|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} is a yellow [[flying squirrel]] who debuted in the arcade game ''SegaSonic the Hedgehog''. While he can run as fast as Sonic, Ray can also climb trees and glide.<ref name="SegaSonic the Hedgehog"/>

His long period of absence was alluded to in ''Sonic Generations'', in which he is shown on a missing persons poster during the [[City Escape]] level alongside fellow ''SegaSonic'' character Mighty the Armadillo. Both Ray and Mighty appeared as playable characters in the ''Sonic Mania'' expansion ''Sonic Mania Plus'', as well as appearing in the accompanying web series ''Sonic Mania Adventures''.

===Big the Cat===

Voiced by:<ref name="BigVA">{{cite web|title=Big the Cat Voices|url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Sonic-the-Hedgehog/Big-the-Cat/|website=Behind The Voice Actors|access-date=August 27, 2024|postscript=. A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information.}}</ref> :'''English:''' [[Jon St. John]] (1998–2004), [[Oliver Wyman]] (2003–2010, 2016), [[Kyle Hebert]] (2010–present), [[Ian Hanlin]] (''[[Sonic Prime]]'') '''Japanese:''' [[Shun Yashiro]] (1998–2000), [[Takashi Nagasako]] (2003–present) {{nihongo foot|Big the Cat|ビッグ・ザ・キャット|Biggu za Kyatto|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} first appeared in the 1998 [[Dreamcast]] game ''Sonic Adventure'', where he was placed to justify the presence of a fishing rod in the game, although he was conceived beforehand.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamersglobal.de/interview/die-sonic-fans-nie-wieder-enttaeuschen|publisher=Gamers Global|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120301201009/http://www.gamersglobal.de/interview/die-sonic-fans-nie-wieder-enttaeuschen|archive-date=March 1, 2012|title=Die Sonic-Fans nie wieder enttäuschen!|language=de|date=July 20, 2011|last=Betker|first=Gerjet|access-date=February 2, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> Big is a large, purple anthropomorphic cat, who is depicted as—while unintelligent—sweet, easygoing, and physically strong.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sonic.sega.jp/SonicChannel/chara/bigthecat/index.html|publisher=[[Sega]]|script-title=ja:ビッグ・ザ・キャット|language=ja|access-date=February 21, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131205201906/http://sonic.sega.jp/SonicChannel/chara/bigthecat/index.html|archive-date=December 5, 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="heroes 11">''Sonic Heroes'' (GameCube) instruction manual, p. 11.</ref>

In ''Sonic Adventure'', Big's story involves fishing his frog friend {{nihongo foot|Froggy|カエルくん|Kaeru-kun|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} out of various bodies of water after Froggy swallows a Chaos Emerald and part of the tail of Chaos, the game's antagonist. In ''Sonic 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 other ''Sonic'' games, like ''[[Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood]]'' and ''Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing,'' and a [[non-player character]] in games such as the [[Nintendo DS]] version of ''[[Sonic Colors]]''. Reflecting the story of ''Adventure'', Big appears in the ''[[Sonic X]]'' anime and the ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (comics)|Sonic 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 the ''Sonic'' cast, <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/features/popular-character-tournament|website=[[1UP.com]]|author=1UP Staff|title=Least Popular Character Tournament|access-date=February 2, 2014|archive- url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130319040916/http://www.1up.com/features/popular-character-tournament|archive-date=March 19, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130319040916/http://www.1up.com/features/popular-character-tournament|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="onm">{{cite magazine|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029234354/http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/50022/features/the-best-and-worst-sonic-characters/?page=10|archive-date=October 29, 2013|url=http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/50022/features/the-best-and-worst-sonic-characters/?page=10|magazine=[[Official Nintendo Magazine]]|date=May 29, 2013|title=The best and worst Sonic characters|access-date=February 2, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131101120757/http://www.gamesradar.com/the-10-worst-sonic-friends/|archive-date=November 1, 2013|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/the-10-worst-sonic-friends/|publisher=[[GamesRadar]]|last=Sterling|first=Jim|title=The 10 worst Sonic friends|date=January 19, 2011|access-date=February 2, 2014}}</ref> though this has lessened in recent years. Due to his poor reception and apparent uselessness, [[Sonic Team]] claimed they would be retiring the character from appearing in future games in 2012,<ref>{{cite AV media|year=2012|title=Sonic Talk #9: Sonic 4 Episode II After Party|medium=[[YouTube]]|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_fL0NRDYjw|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/l_fL0NRDYjw|archive-date=December 21, 2021|url-status=live|access-date=March 26, 2014|time=2:01:14|publisher=SegaBits (user SEGABits) – interview with Ken Balough of Sega}}{{cbignore}}</ref> although head [[Takashi Iizuka (game designer)|Takashi Iizuka]] has since stated that a game starring Big is a possibility.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Sonic Lost World|magazine=Official Nintendo Magazine|date=October 2013|issue=94|pages=48, 49|quote=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.}}</ref> Despite this statement, Big has continued to appear in other titles in a minor capacity, including ''[[Sonic Runners]]'', ''[[Lego Dimensions]]'', ''[[Team Sonic Racing]]'', and ''[[Sonic Frontiers]]''.<ref name="newblue">{{cite magazine|title=New Blue|magazine=[[Nintendo Power]]|last=Thomason|first=Steve|issue=V213|pages=32–36}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://kotaku.com/sega-reveals-new-sonic-show-and-shares-more-details-abo-1833347938|title=Sega Reveals New Sonic Show And Shares More Details About Team Sonic Racing|last=Zwiezen|first=Zack|website=Kotaku|date=March 16, 2019|language=en-US|access-date=July 23, 2019|archive-date=March 17, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190317060508/https://kotaku.com/sega-reveals-new-sonic-show-and-shares-more-details-abo-1833347938|url-status=live}}</ref>

The director and screenwriters of the [[Sonic the Hedgehog (film series)|''Sonic'' film series]], [[Jeff Fowler]], [[Patrick Casey (writer)|Patrick Casey]], and [[Josh Miller (filmmaker)|Josh Miller]], have expressed a desire to include Big in the films.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Treese |first=Tyler |date=2022-12-01 |title=Violent Night Interview: Writers Pat Casey & Josh Miller on Keeping Santa Heroic |url=https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/features/1251118-violent-night-interview-pat-casey-josh-miller |access-date=2025-07-19 |website=ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-12-25 |title=Sonic 3 director reveals deep-cut character he wants to introduce in Sonic 4 |url=https://www.dexerto.com/tv-movies/sonic-3-director-reveals-deep-cut-character-he-wants-to-introduce-in-sonic-4-3008678/ |access-date=2025-07-19 |website=Dexerto |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Russell |first1=Bradley |last2=published |first2=Emily Murray |date=2024-12-24 |title=One of Sonic 3's writers threatens us with a good time in a future movie: "We gotta get Big the Cat in there in some capacity" |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/entertainment/family-movies/one-of-sonic-3s-writers-threatens-us-with-a-good-time-in-a-future-movie-we-gotta-get-big-the-cat-in-there-in-some-capacity/ |access-date=2025-07-19 |website=GamesRadar+ |language=en}}</ref> According to Casey and Miller, a scene in which a skeleton of a creature resembling Big appeared (which they clarified would have been "not necessarily ''the'' Big the Cat") was cut from ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (film)|Sonic the Hedgehog 2]]''{{'}}s script, as "it didn't make any sense".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Valentine |first=Rebekah |date=2024-12-23 |title=Sonic the Hedgehog Film Writers Reveal the Big the Cat Cameo That Almost Was |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/sonic-the-hedgehog-film-writers-reveal-the-big-the-cat-cameo-that-almost-was |access-date=2025-07-19 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author=Tom Phillips |date=2024-12-24 |title=Sonic movie cut morbid Big the Cat cameo |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/sonic-movie-cut-morbid-big-the-cat-cameo |access-date=2025-07-19 |website=Eurogamer.net |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Walker |first=Ian |date=2024-12-23 |title=Sonic the Hedgehog 2 almost included a macabre Big the Cat cameo |url=https://www.polygon.com/entertainment/501539/sonic-hedgehog-2-movie-big-cat-cameo-indiana-jones |access-date=2025-07-19 |website=Polygon |language=en-US}}</ref>

===Chao=== Voiced by: Tomoko Sasaki{{Citation needed|date=July 2025}}

{{nihongo foot|Chao|チャオ|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} ({{IPAc-en|tʃ|aʊ}}) are small creatures with [[pudding]]-like bodies that behave much like [[human]] [[infant]]s. Depending on how they are raised, their form and appearance can change considerably.<ref name="laboratory">{{cite web |title=CHAO Laboratory |url=http://www.sonicteam.com/chao/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030801080715/http://www.sonicteam.com/chao/index.html |archive-date=August 1, 2003 |access-date=December 30, 2009 |publisher=[[Sega]]/[[Sonic Team]]}}</ref> The Chao are descended from the Ancients, an alien race that brought the Chaos Emeralds to Earth when they crash landed long ago.<ref name="Sonic World Story">{{cite web | title=Sonic World Story | work=Sonic Channel | publisher=SEGA | url=https://sonic.sega.jp/sonic.sega.jp/SonicChannel/character/worldstory/ | quote=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。 | trans-quote=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. | language=ja | access-date=March 20, 2025}}</ref>

[[Takashi Iizuka (game designer)|Takashi Iizuka]] stated in an interview with video game publication [[1UP.com]] that Chao were incorporated into ''Sonic Adventure'' "so that new players would be forced to go out, explore the action sections, and find [[Flicky#Legacy|Flickies]] and things."<ref>{{cite web |title=Afterthoughts: Sonic Heroes |url=http://www.1up.com/do/feature?cId=3116996 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120717081036/http://www.1up.com/features/afterthoughts-sonic-heroes |archive-date=July 17, 2012 |access-date=January 24, 2010 |website=1UP.com}}</ref> Professor Chao, a minor character in ''Sonic Adventure 2'', states that Chao are cute,<ref>{{cite video game|title=Sonic Adventure 2: Battle|developer=Sega Studio USA|quote='''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.}}</ref> and enjoy toys<ref>{{cite video game|title=Sonic Adventure 2: Battle|developer=Sega Studio USA|quote='''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!}}</ref> and being held or petted.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Sonic Adventure 2: Battle|developer=Sega Studio USA|quote='''Professor Chao:''' Chao love to be held or petted.}}</ref> However, they dislike being held while the player jumps, spins around, or throws them. A Chao's diet consists of [[Fruit tree|tree fruit]] and [[coconut]]s.<ref name="odm">{{cite magazine |date=September 1999 |title=Chaos |url=https://archive.org/stream/OfficialSegaDreamcastMagazineUS/Official_Sega_Dreamcast_1_Sep_1999#page/n117/mode/2up |magazine=[[Official Dreamcast Magazine (US)|Official Dreamcast Magazine]] |page=114 |issue=1}}</ref> They hatch from [[Egg (biology)|eggs]] found in Chao Gardens. When the player spends enough time with a Chao in the Chao Garden, it eventually develops into a [[Pupa#Cocoon|cocoon]] 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 then [[Reincarnation|reincarnated]] 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.<ref name="laboratory" /> Chao can [[Mating|breed]] to produce fertile eggs.<ref name="Evans-Thirlwell 2017">{{cite web |last=Evans-Thirlwell |first=Edwin |date=24 August 2017 |title=Why did 3D Sonic struggle? |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2017-08-23-why-did-3d-sonic-fail |access-date=24 October 2021 |website=Eurogamer.net}}</ref>

Chao were designed as a "relative neutral entity" in this game. However, to remain consistent with the good–evil dichotomy of ''Sonic 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 in ''Sonic Adventure 2'' in order to make the game unique,<ref name="interview">{{cite web |author= |date=June 4, 2001 |title=Interview With Sonic Adventure 2 Director Takashi Iizuka |url=http://dreamcast.ign.com/articles/095/095406p1.html |access-date=December 30, 2009 |website=[[IGN]] |archive-date=February 23, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140223230658/http://www.ign.com/articles/2001/06/04/interview-with-sonic-adventure-2-director-takashi-iizuka |url-status=dead }}</ref> and to more resemble "a real artificial life form."<ref>{{cite web |last=Torres |first=Ricardo |date=July 2, 2001 |title=Sonic the Hedgehog turns 10 |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/sonic-the-hedgehog-turns-10/1100-2782086/ |access-date=February 16, 2014 |website=GameSpot}}</ref> Chao appeared in ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (film)|Sonic the Hedgehog 3]]'', as mascots of the ''Chao Garden'' restaurant in [[Tokyo]], Japan.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Zotomayor |first1=Carlos |date=28 August 2024 |title=Sonic the Hedgehog 3 finally adds Chao in some shape or form to the movie franchise |url=https://automaton-media.com/en/news/sonic-the-hedgehog-3-finally-adds-chao-in-some-shape-or-form-to-the-movie-franchise/ |access-date=29 August 2024 |website=Automation}}</ref>

Chao and the Chao-raising system have received generally positive reviews. In a review of ''Sonic 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."<ref>{{cite web |last=Bartholow |first=Peter |date=December 31, 1998 |title=Sonic Adventure Review for Dreamcast |url=http://www.gamespot.com/dreamcast/action/sonicadventure/review.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=gssummary&tag=summary;read-review |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120617044855/http://www.gamespot.com/sonic-adventure/reviews/sonic-adventure-review-2540626/ |archive-date=June 17, 2012 |access-date=January 24, 2010 |website=GameSpot}}</ref> ''[[IGN]]'' stated that "''SA'' more than has the extras department covered."<ref name="IGN sonic adventure">{{cite web |date=September 8, 1999 |title=Sonic Adventure Review |url=http://dreamcast.ign.com/articles/160/160140p1.html |access-date=December 30, 2009 |website=IGN}}</ref> This enthusiasm was extended to ''IGN''{{'}}s reviews of ''Sonic Adventure 2'',<ref>{{cite web |date=June 22, 2001 |title=Sonic Adventure 2 Review |url=http://dreamcast.ign.com/articles/164/164855p1.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020601151106/http://dreamcast.ign.com/articles/164/164855p1.html |archive-date=June 1, 2002 |access-date=December 30, 2009 |website=IGN}}</ref> ''[[Sonic Advance]]'',<ref name="IGN sonic advance">{{cite web |last=Harris |first=Craig |date=February 5, 2002 |title=Sonic Advance Review |url=http://gameboy.ign.com/articles/324/324071p1.html |access-date=December 30, 2009 |website=IGN}}</ref> and ''Sonic Adventure DX: Director's Cut''.<ref name="IGN sonic adventure dx">{{cite web |author=Casamassina, Matt |author-link=Matt Casamassina |date=June 20, 2003 |title=Sonic Adventure DX: Director's Cut Review |url=http://cube.ign.com/articles/425/425319p1.html |access-date=December 30, 2009 |website=IGN}}</ref> ''GameSpot''{{'}}s Shane Satterfield was critical of the Chao raising feature in ''Sonic 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."<ref name="gamespot sonic adventure 2 battle">{{cite web |last=Satterfield |first=Shane |date=February 15, 2002 |title=Sonic Adventure 2 Battle Review for GameCube |url=http://www.gamespot.com/gamecube/action/sonicadventure2battle/review.html?page=2 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106065609/http://www.gamespot.com/sonic-adventure-2-battle/reviews/sonic-adventure-2-battle-review-2848236/?page=2 |archive-date=November 6, 2012 |access-date=December 30, 2009 |website=[[GameSpot]]}}</ref> However, ''[[GameSpy]]''{{'}}s Shane Bettenhausen praised the feature in the game, comparing Chao to [[Tamagotchi]] digital pets.<ref>{{cite web |title=Reviews: Sonic Adventure 2: Battle (GCN) |url=http://archive.gamespy.com/reviews/february02/sa2bgc/index.shtm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110603233256/http://archive.gamespy.com/reviews/february02/sa2bgc/index.shtm |archive-date=June 3, 2011 |access-date=January 12, 2010 |publisher=[[GameSpy]]}}</ref> ''GameSpot''{{'}}s Frank Provo noted the appeal to "those people who might only enjoy pinball in passing" that Chao brought to ''[[Sonic Pinball Party]]''.<ref name="gamespot pinball">{{cite web |last=Provo |first=Frank |date=June 25, 2003 |title=Sonic Pinball Party Review for Game Boy Advance |url=http://www.gamespot.com/gba/puzzle/sonicpinballparty/review.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110512010632/http://www.gamespot.com/gba/puzzle/sonicpinballparty/review.html |archive-date=May 12, 2011 |access-date=January 20, 2010 |website=GameSpot}}</ref> ''[[1UP.com]]''{{'}}s Chris Baker called the Chao feature in ''Sega Superstars'' "ultimately worthless... but some might find it amusing."<ref name="1up sega superstars">{{cite web|last=Baker|first=Chris|date=November 16, 2004|title=Sega Superstars Review from 1UP.com|url=http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3136633&did=1|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120716154143/http://www.1up.com/reviews/sega-superstars_2|archive-date=July 16, 2012|access-date=January 10, 2010|website=[[1UP.com]]}}</ref> In a review of ''Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood'', GameSpot's Shiva Stella praised the level of strategy that the game's Chao system added.<ref name="gamespot the dark brotherhood">{{cite web |last=Stella |first=Shiva |date=October 10, 2008 |title=Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood Review for DS |url=http://www.gamespot.com/ds/rpg/sonicrpg/review.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111020020443/http://www.gamespot.com/ds/rpg/sonicrpg/review.html |archive-date=October 20, 2011 |access-date=January 19, 2010 |website=[[GameSpot]]}}</ref> [[James Stephanie Sterling]] of ''[[Destructoid]]'' voiced a similar opinion, though she said that Chao had been "rubbish" in previous games.<ref name="destructoid the dark brotherhood">{{cite news|last=Sterling|first=Jim|date=September 29, 2008|title=Destructoid review: Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood|url=http://www.destructoid.com/destructoid-review-sonic-chronicles-the-dark-brotherhood-105502.phtml|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018070553/http://www.destructoid.com/destructoid-review-sonic-chronicles-the-dark-brotherhood-105502.phtml|archive-date=October 18, 2012|access-date=February 2, 2010|website=[[Destructoid]]}}</ref>

====Chaos==== {{nihongo foot|Chaos|カオス|Kaosu|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} 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.<ref name="Chaos's Profile">{{cite web|url=http://sonic.sega.jp/chara/chaos/index.html|language=ja|title=Chaos's profile|work=Sonic Channel|publisher=sonic. Sega.jp|access-date=January 22, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070124210018/http://sonic.sega.jp/chara/chaos/index.html|archive-date=January 24, 2007}}</ref> 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 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.

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.<ref name="directorscut">{{cite video|title=The Secrets of Sonic – Director's Commentary with Takashi Iizuka|publisher=Sega|location=Tokyo|date=June 5, 2003}}</ref> Chaos was originally intended to have realistic blue scales in his final form, but this was abandoned because of the technological constraints of the [[Dreamcast]].<ref name="brady">{{cite book |title=Sonic Generations Official Strategy Guide |date=November 1, 2011 |publisher=[[BradyGames]] |isbn=978-0744013429 |page=206}}</ref> Chaos would reappear in other games, including as a playable character in the multiplayer modes of ''Sonic Adventure 2'' and ''Sonic Battle'', and as a boss in ''[[Sonic Generations]]'' with an updated appearance based on its original scaled design concept.<ref name="moderntrailer">{{cite news |title=Sonic Generations Modern Era Trailer Posted |url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2011-10-06/sonic-generations-modern-era-trailer-streamed |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160323190550/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2011-10-06/sonic-generations-modern-era-trailer-streamed |archive-date=March 23, 2016 |access-date=October 10, 2011 |work=Anime News Network}}</ref>

====Omochao====

Voiced by:<ref name="OmochaoVA">{{cite web|title=Omochao Voices|url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Sonic-the-Hedgehog/Omochao/|website=Behind The Voice Actors|access-date=August 2, 2022|postscript=. A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information.|archive-date=May 23, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220523023833/https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Sonic-the-Hedgehog/Omochao/|url-status=live}}</ref> :'''English:''' [[Lani Minella]] (2001–2004), [[Rebecca Honig]] (2007), [[Laura Bailey]] (2011–2016), [[Erica Lindbeck]] (2019–present) '''Japanese:''' [[Etsuko Kozakura]] {{nihongo foot|Omochao|オモチャオ|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|oʊ|m|oʊ|tʃ|aʊ}}) is a [[robotic|robot]] 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 [[Instruction manual (gaming)|manual]] to teach players how to play the game. It has filled a similar tutorial role in other games such as ''Sonic Heroes'', ''[[Sonic Advance 3]]'', ''Sonic Generations'', and ''Lego Dimensions''.<ref>{{cite web | title=Sonic Heroes Update | website=GameSpot | date=January 13, 2004 | url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/sonic-heroes-update/1100-6086440/ | access-date=March 25, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Potvin|first=James|title=10 Most Helpful NPCs In Sonic The Hedgehog Games|website=Screen Rant|date=June 8, 2022|url=https://screenrant.com/best-npcs-sonic-hedgehog-games/ | access-date=March 25, 2025}}</ref> The character has made other sporadic appearances throughout the series; its only playable appearance is as one of a group of playable chao in ''Team Sonic Racing''.<ref>{{cite news|last=Romano|first=Sal|title=Team Sonic Racing 'Customization' trailer, gameplay, and screenshots; two-part animated shorts series announced|website=Gematsu|date=March 16, 2019|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2019/03/team-sonic-racing-customization-trailer-gameplay-and-screenshots-two-part-animated-shorts-series-announced|access-date=March 25, 2025}}</ref> "Omochao" is a pun on {{nihongo foot|"omocha"|玩具 || toy|group=lower-alpha}} and "chao".

===E-100 Series=== The E-100 Series is a group of [[robot]]s created by [[Doctor Eggman]], who uses them in his quest to conquer the world; however, some of their members have since gone rogue.<ref name="manual">''[[Sonic Adventure]]'' (Dreamcast) instruction manual, pp. 26–27.</ref>

====E-100 Alpha==== {{nihongo foot|E-100 Alpha,|アルファ|Arufa|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} better known as Zero, is the first of the E-100 series and considered the prototype of the line.<ref name="Gamma Profile">{{cite web|url=http://sonic.sega.jp/chara/gamma/index.html |title=ソニックチャンネル/キャラクター/キャラクターデータ/ガンマ |date=August 22, 2008 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080822070843/http://sonic.sega.jp/chara/gamma/index.html |archive-date=August 22, 2008}}</ref> 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'' 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. In ''[[Sonic Advance 2]]'', he appears in special stages, trying to prevent players from getting the seven Chaos Emeralds.

====E-102 Gamma====

Voiced by:<ref name="GammaVA">{{cite web|title=E-102 Gamma Voices|url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Sonic-the-Hedgehog/E-102-Gamma/|website=Behind The Voice Actors |access-date=August 2, 2022|postscript=. A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information.|archive-date=October 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231028203234/https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Sonic-the-Hedgehog/E-102-Gamma/|url-status=live}}</ref> :'''English:''' Steve Broadie (1999–2000), [[Andrew Rannells]] (''Sonic X'') '''Japanese:''' [[Joji Nakata]] (1998–2000), [[Naoki Imamura]] (''Sonic X'') {{nihongo foot|E-102 Gamma|E-102ガンマ|''Ī-Ichi-Zero-Ni Ganma''|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} also primarily appears in ''Sonic Adventure''. He is a red, bulky robot<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sonic.sega.jp/SonicChannel/chara/gamma/index.html|publisher=[[Sega]]|script-title=ja:キャラクターデータ|language=ja|access-date=March 31, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120915035817/http://sonic.sega.jp/SonicChannel/chara/gamma/index.html|archive-date=September 15, 2012}}</ref> with a powerful gun built into his arm.<ref name="owtheedge">{{cite magazine|magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]|date=November 1998|title=The Great Blue Hope|page=194|issue=112}}</ref> 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.<ref name="enemy">{{cite video game|title=Sonic Adventure|developer=Sonic Team|publisher=Sega|date=September 9, 1999|quote='''Gamma:''' Dr. Robotnik... Enemy... Master registration... Deleted...}}</ref><ref>{{cite video game|title=Sonic Adventure|developer=Sonic Team|publisher=Sega|date=September 9, 1999|quote='''Amy:''' We'll meet again, my robot friend!}}</ref><ref>{{cite video game|title=Sonic Adventure|developer=Sonic Team|publisher=Sega|date=September 9, 1999|quote='''Gamma:''' E-105 Zeta rescue complete. Units remaining: Gamma... Beta...}}</ref> He offers [[shoot-'em-up]] gameplay to a largely [[platform game|platforming]]-focused game.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.complex.com/video-games/2012/07/the-25-coolest-robots-in-video-games/e-102-gamma|magazine=[[Complex (magazine)|Complex]]|date=July 17, 2012|last=Knight|first=Rich|title=The 25 Coolest Robots in Video Games|access-date=March 27, 2014|archive-date=April 7, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130407003757/http://www.complex.com/video-games/2012/07/the-25-coolest-robots-in-video-games/e-102-gamma|url-status=live}}</ref> Gamma later made a spiritual return in the form of '''Chaos Gamma''', who appeared as a playable character in ''[[Sonic Battle]]''. He has garnered mixed comments from critics. While ''[[Xbox World]]'' generally commended his story,<ref name="Sonic Heroes">{{cite magazine|magazine=[[Xbox World]]|date=January 2004|issue=2|page=36|title=Sonic Heroes}}</ref> others criticized the slow and repetitive nature of his gameplay.<ref>{{cite web|title=Where Did Sonic Go Wrong?|url=http://retro.ign.com/articles/955/955741p2.html|last=Buchanan|first=Levi|date=February 20, 2009|website=[[IGN]]|access-date=May 30, 2010|archive-date=August 31, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110831064313/http://retro.ign.com/articles/955/955741p2.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=Official Dreamcast Magazine|last=Roberts|first=Jem|date=September 1999|issue=1|page=54|title=Sonic Adventure}}</ref><ref name="worth">{{cite web|url=http://worthplaying.com/article/2010/10/18/reviews/77610/|publisher=Worth Playing|title=XBLA Review - 'Sonic Adventure'|last=Dumlao|first=Brian|date=October 18, 2010|access-date=May 1, 2014|archive-date=March 8, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140308022556/http://worthplaying.com/article/2010/10/18/reviews/77610/|url-status=live}}</ref>

====E-123 Omega====

Voiced by:<ref name="OmegaVA">{{cite web|title=E-123 Omega Voices|url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Sonic-the-Hedgehog/E-123-Omega/|website=Behind The Voice Actors|access-date=August 2, 2022|postscript=. A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information.|archive-date=January 29, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230129140941/https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Sonic-the-Hedgehog/E-123-Omega/}}</ref> :'''English:''' [[Jon St. John]] (2003),<ref name="JonStJohnVoices">{{cite web |title=Video Games |url=http://www.jonstjohn.audio/video-games.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210131025539/http://www.jonstjohn.audio/video-games.html |archive-date=January 31, 2021 |access-date=January 31, 2021 |website=Jon St. John}}</ref> Jeff Kramer (2005, 2009), [[Maddie Blaustein]] (2006–2009), [[Vic Mignogna]] (2010–2017), [[Roger Craig Smith]] (2019–present) '''Japanese:''' [[Taiten Kusunoki]] {{nihongo foot|E-123 Omega|オメガ|''Omega''|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} first appears 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.<ref name="Sonic_Channel">{{cite web|url=http://sonic.sega.jp/chara/omega/index.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080822132507/http://sonic.sega.jp/chara/omega/index.html|archive-date=August 22, 2008|title=E-123 Omega's Official Character Profile|language=ja}}</ref> 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.<ref name="shmanual">{{cite book|author=Sega|title=Sonic Heroes Manual|section=Team Dark|publisher=Sega|year=2004|quote=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.}}</ref> 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 video game)|Sonic the Hedgehog 2006]]'', he is playable after Rouge orders him to support Shadow many years in the future.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Sonic the Hedgehog 2006 |developer=Sega |publisher=Sega |platform=PS3, Xbox 360 |level=Tropical Jungle |quote='''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.}}</ref> He is also one of the secret unlockable characters in ''[[Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood]]''.<ref name="cvgngamer">{{cite web|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=190471|author=NGamer Staff|title=DS Previews: Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood|access-date=June 9, 2008|quote=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.|archive-date=August 28, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090828020642/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=190471|url-status=live}}</ref> Outside of his playable appearances, Omega makes non-playable appearances in several entries, such as ''[[Sonic Forces]]'' and ''[[Shadow Generations]]'', where he is typically depicted working together with Shadow and Rouge as in ''Sonic Heroes''.<ref>{{cite web | last=Janca | first=Ben | title=SONIC X SHADOW GENERATIONS: Dark Beginnings Episode 3 | website=GameSpot | date=October 10, 2024 | url=https://www.gamespot.com/videos/sonic-x-shadow-generations-dark-beginnings-episode-3-to-the-ark/2300-6465322/ | access-date=September 27, 2025}}</ref> Omega has appeared in several spinoff entries, including the ''Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games'' series, ''[[Team Sonic Racing]]'', and ''[[Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.videogamer.com/videos/mario_and_sonic_at_the_olympic_winter_games_festival_trailer.html|title=HD Gameplay Video - HD Game Trailers - Video Reviews - VideoGamer.com|access-date=October 14, 2009|archive-date=September 27, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120927214342/http://www.videogamer.com/videos/mario_and_sonic_at_the_olympic_winter_games_festival_trailer.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last=Gach | first=Ethan | title=Team Sonic Racing Could Be A Lot Weirder | website=Kotaku | date=June 14, 2018 | url=https://kotaku.com/team-sonic-racing-could-have-been-a-lot-weirder-1826847234 | access-date=September 27, 2025}}</ref>

Omega has an array of destructive weapons concealed in his arms, including [[machine gun]]s, [[flamethrower]]s, [[Rocket launcher|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 as [[melee]] weapons or firing them.<ref name="Sonic_Channel"/> Omega has seen mixed reception. ''[[Eurogamer]]'' staff writer Tom Bramwell called Omega a "lesser" character among the ''Heroes'' cast.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_sonicheroes|website=[[Eurogamer]]|date=February 13, 2004|last=Bramwell|first=Tom|title=Sonic Heroes Review|access-date=March 28, 2014|archive-date=August 28, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110828075935/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_sonicheroes|url-status=live}}</ref> An ''[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]'' preview of ''Heroes'' referred to him as an imitation of the [[T-1000]]s from the film ''[[Terminator 2: Judgment Day]]''.<ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]|title=Sonic's Boom|date=August 2003|issue=169|page=102}}</ref> However, Jeremy Dunham from ''[[IGN]]'' called Omega a "supreme machine".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2003/12/02/sonic-heroes-profiles-team-dark-2|website=[[IGN]]|date=December 2, 2003|last=Dunham|first=Jeremy|title=Sonic Heroes Profiles: Team Dark|access-date=March 28, 2014|archive-date=April 7, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407061825/http://www.ign.com/articles/2003/12/02/sonic-heroes-profiles-team-dark-2|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Shadow the Hedgehog=== {{Main|Shadow the Hedgehog}}

{{nihongo foot|Shadow the Hedgehog|シャドウ・ザ・ヘッジホッグ|Shadō Za Hejjihoggu|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} is an artificially created life form in the design of a black and red [[male]] hedgehog, similar to Sonic. His trademark hover skates propel him at extreme speeds that rival those of Sonic.<ref name="Chronicles web">{{cite web|url=http://www.sega.com/sonicchronicles/us/index.php |title=Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood |access-date=August 18, 2008 |publisher=Sega.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080817213126/http://www.sega.com/sonicchronicles/us/index.php |archive-date=August 17, 2008}}</ref> His first appearance is in ''Sonic Adventure 2''.

According to official profiles, Shadow was created 50 years ago by Professor Gerald Robotnik as the "Ultimate Life Form",<ref name="Sonic Adventure 2 Profile">{{cite book|author=Sega|title=[[Sonic Adventure 2]] Instruction Manual|section=Characters: Shadow |publisher=Sega|year=2002|quote=pp. 7}}</ref> which is ageless and immortal.<ref name="Shadow Profile Sonic Central">{{cite web|url=http://www.sega.com/sonic/globalsonic/post_allabout.php?article=soniccharacters|title=Sonic Central/about/characters|access-date=December 3, 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090217221441/http://www.sega.com/sonic/globalsonic/post_allabout.php?article=soniccharacters|archive-date=February 17, 2009}}</ref> Sharp witted and seemingly always on the edge,<ref name="Sonic Central"/><ref name="Shadow Heroes Profile">{{cite book|author=Sega|title=[[Sonic Heroes]] Instruction Manual|section=Team Dark |publisher=Sega|year=2004|quote=pp. 8}}</ref> once he has set himself to a goal, he will do whatever it takes to accomplish it,<ref name="Sonic Central" /> regardless of any danger.<ref name="Shadow Profile">{{cite web|url=http://sonic.sega.jp/chara/shadow/index.html|title=Sonic channel/character/character data/shadow|access-date=January 8, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061231041529/http://sonic.sega.jp/chara/shadow/index.html|archive-date=December 31, 2006}}</ref> 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.<ref name="Sonic Central" /><ref name="Shadow Profile"/> Although his relationship with Sonic seems to have developed from antagonistic to friendly rivalry, animosity from not understanding each other's mindsets still occurs.<ref name="GSpy Naka">{{cite news|url=http://ps2.gamespy.com/articles/654/654749p1.html|title=Sega's Yuji Naka Talks!|access-date=July 11, 2008|publisher=GameSpy.com|archive-date=June 24, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090624050230/http://ps2.gamespy.com/articles/654/654749p1.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

However, Shadow shares a lot of similarities with Sonic.<ref name="Shadow Profile"/><ref name="Shadow game">{{cite book|author=Sega|title=[[Shadow the Hedgehog (video game)|Shadow the Hedgehog]] Instruction Manual|section=Characters|publisher=Sega|year=2005|quote=pp. 7}}</ref> He can perform spin attacks common to Sonic,<ref name="Sonic Adventure 2 Profile"/> 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.<ref name="Sonic Adventure 2 Profile"/><ref name="Shadow Heroes Profile"/><ref name="Shadow Profile"/> Shadow is also able to use a variety of other Chaos powers, such as "Chaos Spear" and "Chaos Blast".<ref name="Shadow Profile"/>

Using the power of the seven Chaos Emeralds, Shadow uses his super transformation to transform into Super Shadow<ref name="Rivals game Super Shadow card">{{cite video game|title=Sonic Rivals |developer=Sega / Backbone Entertainment |publisher=Sega |platform=Sony PSP |level=Card Collection, #147 |quote="[[Super Shadow]] (2005)" }}</ref> and gains new abilities of flight and near invulnerability, with normal abilities of speed and enhanced Chaos powers.

===Rouge the Bat===

Voiced by:<ref name="RougeVA">{{cite web|title=Rouge the Bat Voices|url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Sonic-the-Hedgehog/Rouge-the-Bat/|website=Behind The Voice Actors|access-date=August 2, 2022|postscript=. A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information.|archive-date=January 29, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230129140941/https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Sonic-the-Hedgehog/Rouge-the-Bat/}}</ref> :'''English:''' [[Lani Minella]] (2001–2004), [[Kathleen Delaney]] (2005–2009), [[Karen Strassman]] (2010–present), [[Kazumi Evans]] (''[[Sonic Prime]]'') '''Japanese:''' [[Rumi Ochiai]] {{nihongo foot|Rouge the Bat|ルージュ・ザ・バット|Rūju Za Batto|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} is a white, anthropomorphic [[bat]] who made her first appearance in ''Sonic 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,<ref name="Rouge Heroes Profile">[[Sega]] (2004). ''[[Sonic Heroes]]'' instruction manual, pp. 9</ref> calling herself the "World's Greatest Treasure Hunter". She has a tendency to ignore abstract morality or manners for potential profit;<ref name="Rouge Profile Sonic Central">{{cite web|title=Sonic Central/about/characters|url=http://www.sega.com/sonic/globalsonic/post_allabout.php?article=soniccharacters|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090217221441/http://www.sega.com/sonic/globalsonic/post_allabout.php?article=soniccharacters|archive-date=February 17, 2009|access-date=July 7, 2007}}</ref> her "feminine charm" makes her appear careless, but she is actually scheming and [[Psychological manipulation|manipulative]].<ref name="Rouge Heroes Profile" /> Additionally, she serves as a part-time spy for the government, and is a competent fighter.<ref name="Rouge Heroes Profile" /> She battles using kicks, especially her signature "Screw Kick", and she can fly using her wings.<ref name="Rouge Channel Profile">{{cite web|title=Sonic Channel Official Profile for Rouge the Bat|url=http://sonic.sega.jp/chara/rouge/index.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070122211850/http://sonic.sega.jp/chara/rouge/index.html|archive-date=January 22, 2007|access-date=January 25, 2007}}</ref>

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 her ''deforume'' appearance. Rouge's final design was inspired by the perceived "sexiness" of [[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Latin women]], particularly [[Jennifer Lopez]], who had recently become popular in Japan. Her elegant kicking style was developed to differentiate her from Knuckles, whom her abilities mirror.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sonicteam.com/fromteam/interview/hoshino/hoshino.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010814204520/http://www.sonicteam.com/fromteam/interview/hoshino/hoshino.html |title=kazuyuki hoshino |language=Japanese |publisher=Sonic Team |archive-date=August 14, 2001 |access-date=December 6, 2024 |url-status=dead }}</ref> 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.<ref name="poll"/> She has been a major character in two television adaptations: ''Sonic X'' (2003–2006) and ''Sonic Prime'' (2022–2024).

===Professor Gerald Robotnik=== Voiced by: :'''English:''' Marc Biagi (2001), [[Mike Pollock (voice actor)|Mike Pollock]] (2003–present) :'''Japanese:''' [[Chikao Otsuka]] (2001–2005), Kotaro Nakamura (2024–present), [[Kōichi Yamadera]] (live-action films) {{nihongo foot|Professor Gerald Robotnik|プロフェッサー・ジェラルド・ロボトニック|Purofessā Jerarudo Robotonikku|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} is the paternal grandfather of Maria Robotnik and Doctor Ivo "Eggman" Robotnik, originally introduced in ''Sonic 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.<ref name=EverythingShadow>{{cite web | last=Shepard | first=Kenneth | title=Every Question You Have About Shadow The Hedgehog, Answered | website=Kotaku | date=September 4, 2024 | url=https://kotaku.com/shadow-hedgehog-sonic-3-explained-adventure-2-gun-movie-1851639981 | access-date=October 7, 2024}}</ref> 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.<ref name=EverythingShadow/><ref name=Sonic3_18>{{cite news|last=Shepard|first=Kenneth|title=18 Takeaways From The First Sonic The Hedgehog 3 Trailer|website=Kotaku|date=August 27, 2024|url=https://kotaku.com/sonic-the-hedgehog-3-shadow-gerald-trailer-explained-1851632861|access-date=October 7, 2024}}</ref> The stories of ''Sonic Battle'', ''Shadow the Hedgehog'' and ''Shadow 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.<ref name=EverythingShadow/><ref>{{cite news|last=Hubbard|first=Yasmine|title=I'm Shocked That Sonic x Shadow Generations Revived Black Doom|website=Siliconera|date=September 8, 2024|url=https://www.siliconera.com/im-shocked-that-sonic-x-shadow-generations-revived-black-doom/|access-date=October 7, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Zollner|first=Amelia|title=Update: Sonic X Shadow Generations Release Date and Box Art Revealed|website=IGN|date=June 6, 2024|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/sonic-x-shadow-generations-release-date-and-box-summer-game-fest|access-date=October 7, 2024}}</ref>

Gerald appears in the film ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (film)|Sonic the Hedgehog 3]]'' as the main antagonist, portrayed by [[Jim 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.<ref name=Sonic3_18/>

===Maria Robotnik=== Voiced by:<ref name="MariaVA">{{cite web|title=Maria Voices|url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Sonic-the-Hedgehog/Maria/|website=Behind The Voice Actors|access-date=January 28, 2023|postscript=. A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information.|archive-date=January 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230128174836/https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Sonic-the-Hedgehog/Maria/}}</ref> :'''English:''' Moriah Angeline (2001), [[Rebecca Honig]] (2005), [[Stephanie Sheh]] (2024)<ref>{{cite web |last1=Doolan |first1=Liam |title=Sonic X Shadow Generations: Dark Beginnings Animated Short Announced |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2024/05/sonic-x-shadow-generations-dark-beginnings-animated-short-announced |website=[[Nintendo Life]] |publisher=Hookshot Media |access-date=May 19, 2024 |date=May 16, 2024 |archive-date=May 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240519025802/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2024/05/sonic-x-shadow-generations-dark-beginnings-animated-short-announced |url-status=live }}</ref> '''Japanese:''' [[Yuri Shiratori]], [[Aoi Yuuki]] (live-action films)

{{nihongo foot|Maria Robotnik|マリア・ロボトニック|Maria Robotonikku|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} is a character that appears mostly in [[Flashback (narrative)|flashbacks]] in ''Sonic Adventure 2'' and ''Shadow the Hedgehog''. She is the granddaughter of Professor Gerald Robotnik, and is the cousin of Doctor Ivo "Eggman" Robotnik.<ref>{{cite web | last=Shepard | first=Kenneth | title=Sonic 3 Reveals More Of Its Cast, But Not Who Fans Are Waiting For | website=Kotaku | date=February 2, 2024 | url=https://kotaku.com/sonic-3-movie-cast-shadow-actor-rouge-maria-jim-carrey-1851221535 | access-date=October 7, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite video game|title=Sonic Frontiers|developer=Sonic Team|quote='''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?}}</ref> Maria suffers from the terminal illness known as "NIDS" (Neuro-Immuno Deficiency Syndrome), which was incurable at the time. Gerald takes on [[Shadow the Hedgehog|Project 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 the [[earth]] multiple times.<ref name=MariaMovie>{{cite web | last=Shepard | first=Kenneth | title=Sonic Fans Are Stoked To Probably Watch A Child Die In The New Movie | website=Kotaku | date=February 5, 2024 | url=https://kotaku.com/sonic-the-hedgehog-3-movie-shadow-maria-death-actor-1851227374 | access-date=October 7, 2024}}</ref> The relationship between Maria and Shadow is further explored in ''Shadow 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.<ref>{{cite web | last=Hagues | first=Alana | title=Maria & Mephiles Feature In New Sonic X Shadow Generations Trailer | website=Nintendo Life | date=September 24, 2024 | url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2024/09/maria-and-mephiles-feature-in-new-sonic-x-shadow-generations-trailer | access-date=October 7, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last=Reynolds| first=Ollie | title=Sonic X Shadow Generations: Dark Beginnings Episode 2 Is Out Now | website=Nintendo Life | date=October 3, 2024 | url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2024/10/sonic-x-shadow-generations-dark-beginnings-episode-2-is-out-now | access-date=October 7, 2024}}</ref>

Maria's only playable appearance is in ''Shadow the Hedgehog'', where she can be controlled as a partner character by a second player during specific in-game missions. She appears in the film ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (film)|Sonic the Hedgehog 3]]'', portrayed by [[Alyla Browne]].<ref name=MariaMovie/> 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.<ref name="marysue-GUN">{{Cite web |last=Carey |first=Kirsten |date=2025-01-05 |title='Sonic the Hedgehog 3' mangles the game's critique of the military |url=https://www.themarysue.com/sonic-the-hedgehog-3-mangles-the-games-critique-of-the-military/ |access-date=2025-01-18 |website=The Mary Sue}}</ref>

===Cream the Rabbit and Cheese=== Voiced by:<ref name="CreamVA">{{cite web|title=Cream the Rabbit Voices|url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Sonic-the-Hedgehog/Cheese/|website=Behind The Voice Actors|access-date=August 2, 2022|postscript=. A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information.|archive-date=December 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221220152115/https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Sonic-the-Hedgehog/Cream-the-Rabbit/}}</ref><ref name="CheeseVA">{{cite web|title=Cheese Voices|url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Sonic-the-Hedgehog/Cream-the-Rabbit/|website=Behind The Voice Actors|access-date=June 25, 2025|postscript=. A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information.|archive-date=December 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221220152115/https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Sonic-the-Hedgehog/Cheese/}}</ref> :'''English:''' Sarah Wulfeck (2004), [[Rebecca Honig]] (2003–2009), [[Michelle Ruff]] (2010–present) '''Japanese:''' [[Sayaka Aoki (voice actress)|Sayaka Aoki]] (Cream), [[Ryo Hirohashi]] (Cheese) {{anchor|Vanilla the Rabbit|Cream the Rabbit}} {{nihongo foot|Cream the Rabbit|クリーム・ザ・ラビット|Kurīmu Za Rabitto|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} is a [[peach (color)|peach-colored]] [[rabbit]] with a constant companion named {{nihongo foot|Cheese,|チーズ|Chīzu|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} a blue [[#Chao|Chao]] with a red bow-tie. Their names are based on "[[cream cheese]]".<ref name="Naka interview PPF">{{cite web|url=http://www2.sega.com/sonic/globalsonic/post_sonicteam.php?article=nakainterviewsonic |title=Sonic Central interview: Yuji Naka on Sonic's Past, Present, Future |access-date=July 7, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100526174339/http://www2.sega.com/sonic/globalsonic/post_sonicteam.php?article=nakainterviewsonic |archive-date=May 26, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www2.sega.com/sonic/globalsonic/post_sonicteam.php?article=nakainterviewsonic |title=Yuji Naka on Sonic's Past, Present, and Future |publisher=SEGA |access-date=September 12, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100526174339/http://www2.sega.com/sonic/globalsonic/post_sonicteam.php?article=nakainterviewsonic |archive-date=May 26, 2010}}</ref> Cream is portrayed as being naive because of being brought up like a princess by her mother, Vanilla.<ref name="Heroes manual Cream">{{cite book|title=[[Sonic Heroes]] Manual|section=Team Rose |publisher=Sega|year=2003|page=11}}</ref> She always politely minds her manners<ref name="Advance 2 manual Cream">{{cite book|title=[[Sonic Heroes]] Manual|section=Characters |publisher=Sega|year=2002|page=3}}</ref> but sometimes acts childishly.<ref name="Advance 2 manual Cream"/> Cream can achieve flight for short periods of time by flapping her two large ears,<ref name="Heroes manual Cream"/> while Cheese often attacks on Cream's behalf by ramming into her adversaries.<ref name="Channel Cream">{{cite web|url=http://sonic.sega.jp/chara/cream/index.html|title=Characters: Cream the Rabbit & Cheese|access-date=July 10, 2008|work=Sonic Channel|publisher=Sega|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080709182421/http://sonic.sega.jp/chara/cream/index.html|archive-date=July 9, 2008}}</ref>

Cream first appeared as a playable character in ''Sonic Advance 2'', seeking to rescue her mother from Dr. Eggman.<ref>{{cite web |first=Harris |last=Craig |url=http://uk.gameboy.ign.com/articles/372/372037p1.html |title=''Sonic Advance 2'' |work=IGN |date=September 24, 2002 |access-date=March 10, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090124012757/http://uk.gameboy.ign.com/articles/372/372037p1.html |archive-date=January 24, 2009}}</ref> She returned in ''Sonic Heroes'' as part of "Team Rose", working together with Amy Rose and Big the Cat to find Cheese's brother Chocola,<ref>{{cite news|last=Casamassina|first=Matt|url=http://uk.ps2.ign.com/articles/444/444479p1.html|title=Sonic Heroes: Progress Report|work=IGN|date=December 5, 2003|access-date=March 10, 2008|archive-date=January 24, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090124012818/http://uk.ps2.ign.com/articles/444/444479p1.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> and then again for ''Sonic Advance 3''.<ref>{{cite news|last=Maragos|first=Nich|url=http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3127736&did=1|title=Sonic Advance 3 Game Boy Advance Review Index, Sonic Advance 3 Reviews|date=May 27, 2004|website=[[1UP.com]]|access-date=April 12, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040904111145/http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3127736&did=1|archive-date=September 4, 2004}}</ref>

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''<ref>{{cite magazine|author=Bryan|title=''Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood'': The Time Has Come|magazine=Game Informer|issue=187|date=November 2008|page=130}}</ref> and a playable racer in ''Sonic Riders'', ''[[Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity]]'', and ''Sonic Free Riders''. She also appears as a major character in the ''Sonic X'' anime series.

Cream has received mostly negative opinions from the video game press. Thomas East of ''[[Official Nintendo Magazine]]'' ranked her as the fifth worst ''Sonic'' character, criticizing various aspects of her like her high-pitched voice, repetitious speech in ''Sonic Heroes'', "ridiculous smile", and single eyelash on each eye.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=The best and worst Sonic characters|url=http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/50022/features/the-best-and-worst-sonic-characters/?page=6|magazine=Official Nintendo Magazine|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131030000207/http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/50022/features/the-best-and-worst-sonic-characters/?page=6|archive-date=October 30, 2013 }}</ref> Christian Nutt of [[GameSpy]] singled her out as one of the negative features of ''Sonic Advance 2'', calling her "corny" and "dopey-looking".<ref name="gamespy">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespy.com/reviews/march03/sonicadvance2gba/|publisher=GameSpy|title=Sonic Advance 2 (GBA)|last=Nutt|first=Christian|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030812202657/http://www.gamespy.com/reviews/march03/sonicadvance2gba/|archive-date=August 12, 2003|access-date=March 23, 2014}}</ref>

[[GamesRadar]] writer [[James 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.<ref name="radar">{{cite web|title=The 10 worst Sonic friends|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/the-10-worst-sonic-friends/?page=2|publisher=GamesRadar|date=June 23, 2012|access-date=March 23, 2014|last=Sterling|first=Jim|archive-date=October 29, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029200200/http://www.gamesradar.com/the-10-worst-sonic-friends/?page=2|url-status=live}}</ref> Similarly, Tom Bramwell of [[Eurogamer]] exclaimed, "Oh, God," at her and Cheese's names.<ref name="eurogamer">{{cite news|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_sonicadvance2_gba|work=[[Eurogamer]]|last=Bramwell|first=Tom|title=Sonic Advance 2 Review|date=April 4, 2003|access-date=March 23, 2014|archive-date=May 8, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130508231823/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_sonicadvance2_gba|url-status=live }}</ref> David Houghton of GamesRadar ranked her name as one of the 25 worst among all video game characters, seeing a [[double entendre]] in the word "[[wikt:cream#Verb|cream]]".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/25-most-gloriously-stupid-character-names-video-games/|title=The 25 most gloriously stupid character names in video games|date=October 22, 2013|last=Houghton|first=David|access-date=April 29, 2014|publisher=GamesRadar|archive-date=March 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305010824/http://www.gamesradar.com/25-most-gloriously-stupid-character-names-video-games/|url-status=live }}</ref> In contrast, ''[[Xbox World]]''{{'}}s review of ''Heroes'' stated that "we love Cream" and called her "the best new Sonic character since Tails".<ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=[[Xbox World]]|date=January 2004|publisher=Future Publishing|issue=2|page=35|title=Sonic Heroes}}</ref> The character is also highly regarded in Japan, where she entered the top ten in a 2006 ''Sonic'' character popularity poll<ref name="poll" /> and a 2025 poll by ''[[Dengeki Online]]''.<ref name="poll2025" />

===Blaze the Cat===

Voiced by:<ref name="BlazeVA">{{cite web|title=Blaze the Cat Voices|url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Sonic-the-Hedgehog/Blaze-the-Cat/|website=Behind The Voice Actors|access-date=August 2, 2022|postscript=. A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information.|archive-date=November 30, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221130125751/https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Sonic-the-Hedgehog/Blaze-the-Cat/|url-status=live}}</ref> :'''English:''' [[Erica Schroeder]] (2005–2009), [[Laura Bailey]] (2010–2016), [[Erica Lindbeck]] (2019–present) '''Japanese:''' [[Nao Takamori]] {{nihongo foot|Blaze the Cat|ブレイズ・ザ・キャット|Bureizu Za Kyatto|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} is a purple [[cat]] [[princess]] from an alternate dimension. She has been appointed as guardian of the Sol Emeralds, her dimension's version of the Chaos Emeralds,<ref name="Rush Adventure minisite Blaze">{{cite web|url=http://www2.sega.com/gamesite/sonicrushadv/|title=Sonic Rush Adventure|access-date=October 23, 2008|work=Characters: Blaze|publisher=Sega|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081204024300/http://www2.sega.com/gamesite/sonicrushadv/|archive-date=December 4, 2008}}</ref> making her role similar to that of Knuckles the Echidna.<ref name="Sonic 06 minisite Blaze">{{cite web|url=http://www2.sega.com/gamesite/sonicnext/sonicnext_full/index.php|title=Sonic the Hedgehog|access-date=October 23, 2008|work=Story: Characters: Blaze|publisher=Sega|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080912170009/http://www2.sega.com/gamesite/sonicnext/sonicnext_full/index.php|archive-date=September 12, 2008}}</ref> She is portrayed as calm and levelheaded, hiding her true feelings.<ref name="Rush manual Blaze">{{cite book|author=Sega|title=[[Sonic Riders]] Manual|section=Story: Characters|publisher=Sega|year=2005|quote=pp 5}}</ref> She is sometimes "bogged down" by her own strict discipline and devotion to her position, making her appear withdrawn.<ref name="Rush manual Blaze"/> Blaze can control fire,<ref name="Rush Adventure minisite Blaze"/> but wears a [[cape]] to conceal it as she was teased about her [[Pyrokinesis|pyrokinetic]] abilities when she was young.<ref name="Sonic 06 minisite Blaze"/> Using the Sol Emeralds, she transforms into Burning Blaze. Blaze wears a purple [[dress]] and white [[tights]] with pink [[High-heeled footwear|high heels]] and a yellow [[necklace]].

Blaze debuted in ''[[Sonic Rush]]'' as a playable character along with Sonic.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sega.com/sonicrush/en/index.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100202025442/http://www.sega.com/sonicrush/en/index.html|url-status=dead|title=Sonic Rush|archive-date=February 2, 2010}}</ref> 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'' 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 in ''[[Sonic Rush Adventure]]'', where Sonic and Tails are transported to her dimension and help her retrieve the "Jeweled Scepter".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sega.com/gamesite/sonicrushadv/|title=Sonic Rush Adventure|access-date=July 9, 2008|publisher=Sega|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081202090626/http://www.sega.com/gamesite/sonicrushadv/|archive-date=December 2, 2008}}</ref>

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'', ''Sonic Free Riders'' and ''Team Sonic Racing'', and a playable athlete in all five ''Mario & Sonic at the Olympics'' games. She appears together with Silver in ''Sonic Colors'' DS in several cutscenes and missions. She is also mentioned in ''Sonic 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,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Sonic Rush Review from 1UP.com|author=1UP Staff|date=November 16, 2005|url=http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3145760&did=1|publisher=[[1UP.com]]|access-date=April 11, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060426190612/http://1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3145760&did=1|archive-date=April 26, 2006|url-status=dead}}</ref> but criticized for its resemblance to that of Sonic.<ref name="gamespy rush">{{Cite web|title=Sonic Rush|url=http://ds.gamespy.com/nintendo-ds/sonic-ds/667210p2.html|last=Sewart|first=Greg|date=November 15, 2005|publisher=[[GameSpy]]|access-date=April 11, 2010|archive-date=May 6, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120506051535/http://ds.gamespy.com/nintendo-ds/sonic-ds/667210p2.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Blaze has been called "a nice addition to Sonic's cast" and "one of the more complex, multifaceted characters in the Sonic canon".<ref name="gamespy rush" /><ref name="blackknight">{{cite news|title=New Trailer for Sonic and the Black Knight (and Blaze the Cat)|url=http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/02/18/new-trailer-for-sonic-and-the-black-knight-and-blaze-the-cat/|publisher=Joystiq|last=Fletcher|first=JC|date=February 15, 2009|access-date=April 13, 2010|archive-date=April 22, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090422131121/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/02/18/new-trailer-for-sonic-and-the-black-knight-and-blaze-the-cat/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Fan reception is similar, with Blaze ranking as the seventh most popular ''Sonic'' character in a 2025 Japanese poll conducted by ''[[Dengeki Online]]''.<ref name="poll2025"/>

===Eggman Nega=== Voiced by:<ref name="NegaVA">{{cite web|title=Eggman Nega Voices|url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Sonic-the-Hedgehog/Eggman-Nega/|website=Behind The Voice Actors|access-date=August 2, 2022|postscript=. A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information.|archive-date=October 27, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221027191536/https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Sonic-the-Hedgehog/Eggman-Nega/|url-status=live}}</ref> :'''English:''' [[Mike Pollock (voice actor)|Mike Pollock]] '''Japanese:''' [[Chikao Otsuka]] (2005–2020) {{nihongo foot|Eggman Nega|エッグマン・ネガ|Egguman Nega|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} is Eggman's descendant from 200 years in the future, first introduced in ''Sonic Rush'' as the arch-nemesis of Blaze the Cat and later Silver the Hedgehog.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.gamespot.com/sonic-rush/reviews/sonic-rush-review-6139740/|title=Sonic Rush Review|publisher=GameSpot.com|date=November 14, 2005|access-date=July 25, 2013|archive-date=May 22, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120522010727/http://www.gamespot.com/sonic-rush/reviews/sonic-rush-review-6139740/|url-status=live }}</ref> 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.<ref name="Rush manual Nega">{{cite book|author=Sega|title=[[Sonic Rush]] Manual|section=Story & Characters|publisher=Sega|year=2005|quote=pp 6}}</ref> He is heartless and calculating, but maintains polite speech and manners.<ref name="Rush manual Nega"/> His exact role in the overall series varies; in the ''Sonic Rush'' series, he works alongside the original Eggman as a team to take over both Sonic and Blaze's dimensions.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/2006/05/sonic_rush_ds|title=Sonic Rush (DS) Review|website=Nintendo Life|date=May 31, 2006|access-date=July 25, 2013|archive-date=April 1, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120401223329/http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/2006/05/sonic_rush_ds|url-status=live}}</ref> In the ''Sonic Rivals'' series, Eggman Nega holds a deadly grudge against Eggman due to the latter's failures ruining the former's reputation. His appearances in the ''Mario & 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.

=== Black Doom === Voiced by:<ref name="BlackDoomVA">{{cite web|title=Black Doom Voices|url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Sonic-the-Hedgehog/Black-Doom/|website=Behind The Voice Actors|access-date=December 7, 2024|postscript=. A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information.}}</ref> :'''English:''' [[Sean Schemmel]] (2005), [[Benjamin Diskin]] (2024) '''Japanese:''' [[Ryūzaburō Ōtomo]] {{nihongo foot|Black Doom|ブラックドゥーム|Burakku Dūmu|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} 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.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Shadow the Hedgehog|developer=Sega Studio USA|quote='''Black Doom:''' Humans are a great energy source for us... they will be well-kept.}}</ref> His first appearance is in ''[[Shadow the Hedgehog (video game)|Shadow the Hedgehog]]'' as the main antagonist, where it is revealed that [[Shadow the Hedgehog|Shadow]] was created from his blood by Gerald Robotnik.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Shadow the Hedgehog|developer=Sega Studio USA|quote='''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!}}</ref> He attempts to control Shadow using their blood connection,<ref>{{cite video game|title=Shadow the Hedgehog|developer=Sega Studio USA|quote='''Black Doom:''' That's right... You are a part of me... do you feel that? I can control you...}}</ref> but Shadow resists this and ultimately defeats him.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Shadow the Hedgehog|developer=Sega Studio USA|quote='''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.}}</ref>

Black Doom reappears in ''[[Shadow Generations]]'' as the main antagonist.<ref>{{cite news|last=Hubbard|first=Yasmine|date=2024-09-08|title=I'm Shocked That Sonic x Shadow Generations Revived Black Doom|url=https://www.siliconera.com/im-shocked-that-sonic-x-shadow-generations-revived-black-doom/|access-date=2024-12-06|website=Siliconera|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Tu|first=Trumann|date=2024-08-10|title=Sonic X Shadow Generations Shows Off a Returning Villain's New Look|url=https://gamerant.com/sonic-x-shadow-generations-villain-black-doom/|access-date=2024-12-06|website=Game Rant|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Oloman|first=Jordan|date=2024-08-29|title=Shadow the Hedgehog's dad wants the ultimate life-form to be evil again|url=https://www.polygon.com/gamescom/445837/shadow-generations-hands-on-preview|access-date=2024-12-06|website=Polygon|language=en-US}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Shadow Generations|developer=Sonic Team|scene="Between Light and Dark"|quote='''Gerald:''' He has grown a new body, and used the nebulous nature of time in White Space to accelerate his plans for revenge.}}</ref> Though he attempts to turn Shadow into a new host body for himself,<ref>{{cite video game|title=Shadow Generations|developer=Sonic Team|scene="The Final Battle"|quote='''Black Doom:''' Come. Face me. I shall claim you—mind, body and soul—and become the perfect being.}}</ref> he is once again defeated by Shadow.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Shadow Generations|developer=Sonic Team|scene="Shadow's Destiny"|quote='''Black Doom:''' I crafted everything up till now... and yet you deny me!? [...] "Shadow...! You...! Gaaaah!"}}</ref>

===Babylon Rogues=== The Babylon Rogues are a group of [[bird]] thieves. They have only appeared collectively in the ''Sonic Riders'' sub-series. Producer Takashi Yuda considered them best-suited for ''Sonic'' series racing games and noted in a 2006 interview that ''Sonic'' characters are usually designed with one specific storyline in mind.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://xbox.gamespy.com/xbox/sonic-riders/683757p2.html|publisher=GameSpy|date=January 27, 2006|last=Theobald|first=Phil|title=Sega Talks Sonic Riders Part Two|access-date=April 2, 2014|archive-date=April 7, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407093634/http://xbox.gamespy.com/xbox/sonic-riders/683757p2.html|url-status=live}}</ref> 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 of [[GameSpot]] separately criticized their clichéd backstory,<ref name="gamespot">{{cite news|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070216232523/http://www.gamespot.com/gamecube/driving/sonicriders/review.html|url=http://www.gamespot.com/gamecube/driving/sonicriders/review.html?|website=[[GameSpot]]|date=March 1, 2006|last=Navarro|first=Alex|title=Sonic Riders|archive-date=February 16, 2007|access-date=April 2, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/sonic-riders-zero-gravity-review/1900-6184851/|website=[[GameSpot]]|date=January 18, 2008|last=Dodson|first=Joe|title=Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity Review|access-date=April 2, 2014|archive-date=May 14, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180514065033/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/sonic-riders-zero-gravity-review/1900-6184851/|url-status=live}}</ref> as did [[Eurogamer]]'s Tom Bramwell.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_sonicriders_x|website=[[Eurogamer]]|date=March 17, 2006|last=Bramwell|first=Tom|title=Sonic Riders Review|access-date=April 2, 2014|archive-date=September 8, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110908033246/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_sonicriders_x|url-status=live}}</ref> IGN's Jack DeVries specifically called Jet a "jerk" and stated that his voice is annoying, especially in ''Free Riders''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2010/11/01/sonic-free-riders-kinect-review|website=[[IGN]]|date=November 1, 2010|last=DeVries|first=Jack|title=Sonic Free Riders Kinect Review|access-date=April 6, 2014|archive-date=June 22, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120622094836/http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/113/1131446p1.html|url-status=live}}</ref> However, fan reception of Jet has been positive, in which he ranked as the tenth most popular ''Sonic'' character in a 2025 Japanese poll by ''[[Dengeki Online]]''.<ref name="poll2025"/>

====Jet the Hawk==== Voiced by: :'''English:''' [[Jason Griffith]] (2006–2009),<ref>{{cite web|title=Jason Griffith|url=https://www.amtcworld.org/featured-grads/jason-griffith/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160324030023/https://www.amtcworld.org/featured-grads/jason-griffith/|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 24, 2016|website=amtcworld.com|access-date=August 23, 2019}}</ref> Michael Yurchak (2010–present)<ref>{{cite web|title=Michael Yurchak - voiceover|url=https://www.michaelyurchak.com/voiceover.html|access-date=January 28, 2023|archive-date=January 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230128174836/https://www.michaelyurchak.com/voiceover.html|url-status=live}}</ref> '''Japanese:''' [[Daisuke Kishio]] {{nihongo foot|Jet the Hawk|ジェット・ザ・ホーク|Jetto Za Hōku|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} is a green [[hawk]] and the leader of the Babylon Rogues,<ref name="Channel Jet">{{cite web|url=http://sonic.sega.jp/chara/jet/index.html|title=Sonic Channel|access-date=July 9, 2008|work=Characters: Jet|publisher=Sega|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080708133642/http://sonic.sega.jp/chara/jet/index.html|archive-date=July 8, 2008}}</ref> and nicknamed the "Legendary Wind Master"<ref name="Riders manual Jet">{{cite book|author=Sega|title=Sonic Riders Manual|section=Characters|publisher=Sega|year=2006|quote=pp 7}}</ref> due to his mastery of Extreme Gear.<ref name="Riders web Jet">{{cite web|url=http://www2.sega.com/gamesite/sonicriders/|title=Sonic Riders official website|access-date=July 9, 2008|work=Characters: Jet|publisher=Sega|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080516042022/http://www.sega.com/gamesite/sonicriders/|archive-date=May 16, 2008}}</ref> This mastery comes from his forefathers.<ref name="Channel Jet"/> His skills make him a possible match to Sonic the Hedgehog,<ref name="Riders web Jet"/> whom he considers a rival to him.<ref name="Channel Jet"/> Jet is aware of his duties as leader but must sometimes be helped by his team.<ref name="Channel Jet"/> Filled with extreme pride, the thing he likes most other than treasure is himself.<ref name="Channel Jet"/> He despises losing and those who are faster or more confident than him and fights using Bashyo Fans.<ref name="Channel Jet"/>

====Wave the Swallow====

Voiced by: :'''English:''' [[Erica Schroeder]] (2006–2008), [[Kate Higgins]] (2010–present) '''Japanese:''' [[Chie Nakamura]] {{nihongo foot|Wave the Swallow|ウェーブ・ザ・スワロー|Wēbu Za Suwarō|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} is a purple [[swallow]] who is the team's [[mechanic]], as her father was for the previous generation of the Babylon Rogues.<ref name="Riders web Wave">{{cite web|url=http://www2.sega.com/gamesite/sonicriders/|title=Sonic Riders official website|access-date=July 9, 2008|work=Characters: Wave|publisher=Sega|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080516042022/http://www.sega.com/gamesite/sonicriders/|archive-date=May 16, 2008}}</ref> Gifted in this craft,<ref name="Riders web Wave"/> she has a superb mechanical knowledge of Extreme Gear, which surpasses both Miles "Tails" Prower and Dr. Eggman.<ref name="Riders manual Wave">{{cite book|author=Sega|title=Sonic Riders Manual|section=Characters |publisher=Sega|year=2006|quote=pp 8}}</ref> Because of this knowledge, she is full of confidence.<ref name="Channel Wave">{{cite web|url=http://sonic.sega.jp/chara/wave/index.html|title=Sonic Channel|access-date=July 9, 2008|work=Characters: Wave|publisher=Sega|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080708133724/http://sonic.sega.jp/chara/wave/index.html|archive-date=July 8, 2008}}</ref> She hates thick-headed or stupid people and notices everything, but her advice tends to be understandable only to her.<ref name="Channel Wave"/> Although she looks on Jet the Hawk as an "unreliable younger brother" and can be stubborn, she follows his leadership.<ref name="Channel Wave"/>

====Storm the Albatross====

Voiced by: :'''English:''' [[Dan Green (voice actor)|Dan Green]] (2006–2008), [[Travis Willingham]] (2010), [[Fred Tatasciore]] (2025-present) '''Japanese:''' [[Kenji Nomura]] {{nihongo foot|Storm the Albatross|ストーム・ザ・アルバトロス|Sutōmu Za Arubatorosu|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} is a hulking [[albatross]] who is described as the muscle of the Babylon Rogues and Jet the Hawk's "right hand man".<ref name="Riders manual Storm">{{cite book|author=Sega|title=[[Sonic Riders]] Manual|section=Characters|publisher=Sega|year=2006|quote=pp 9}}</ref> The strength of his loyalty to Jet is greater than any other and he hates rivals to the team.<ref name="Channel Storm">{{cite web |url=http://sonic.sega.jp/chara/storm/index.html |title=Sonic Channel |access-date=July 9, 2008 |work=Characters: Storm |publisher=Sega |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080708133708/http://sonic.sega.jp/chara/storm/index.html |archive-date=July 8, 2008}}</ref> When he is angry, he becomes destructive,<ref name="Channel Storm"/> and the raw power of his physical strength makes up for his lower intelligence<ref name="Riders manual Storm"/> and lack of speed.<ref name="Riders web Storm">{{cite web|url=http://www2.sega.com/gamesite/sonicriders/|title=Sonic Riders official website|access-date=July 9, 2008|work=Characters: Storm|publisher=Sega|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080516042022/http://www.sega.com/gamesite/sonicriders/|archive-date=May 16, 2008}}</ref> With his quick temper, he may stutter when flustered,<ref name="Riders manual Storm"/> and he hates having to wait.<ref name="Channel Storm"/>

===Silver the Hedgehog===

Voiced by:<ref name="SilverVA">{{cite web|title=Silver the Hedgehog Voices|url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Sonic-the-Hedgehog/Silver-the-Hedgehog/|website=Behind The Voice Actors|access-date=August 2, 2022|postscript=. A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information.|archive-date=August 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220821040423/https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Sonic-the-Hedgehog/Silver-the-Hedgehog/}}</ref> :'''English:''' Pete Capella (2006–2009), [[Quinton Flynn]] (2010–2017), [[Bryce Papenbrook]] (2019–present) '''Japanese:''' [[Daisuke Ono]] {{nihongo foot|Silver the Hedgehog|シルバー・ザ・ヘッジホッグ|Shirubā Za Hejjihoggu|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} is a silver-furred [[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 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;<ref name="Silver Concepts"/> he is able to levitate objects and use them as projectiles to either defeat enemies or interact with his environment.<ref>{{cite web |author=Little_Goten |url=http://www.g4tv.com/games/xbox-360/31448/sonic-the-hedgehog/review/ |title=Sonic the Hedgehog for Xbox 360 |publisher=G4tv |date=March 18, 2013 |access-date=July 25, 2013 |archive-date=February 18, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180218091354/http://www.g4tv.com/games/xbox-360/31448/sonic-the-hedgehog/review/ |url-status=live }}</ref> 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.<ref name="Silver Concepts"/> The design team developed over fifty different concepts for the character.<ref name="Silver Concepts"/> At one point he was to actually be an orange [[mink]] named Venice (named after the [[Venice|city of the same name]]), but the developers ultimately decided against this, fearing a mink would not blend in with the rest of the characters.<ref name="Silver Concepts"/> They ended up deciding to make another hedgehog instead.<ref name="Silver Concepts"/>

Orange was originally decided for his fur, but they soon moved away from that in color, in favor of a white-gray one.<ref name="Silver Concepts" /> 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.<ref name="Silver Concepts">{{cite web|last=Amaike|first=Yoshinari|title=Creating Silver the Hedgehog|url=http://uk.xbox360.ign.com/articles/735/735501p1.html|website=IGN|date=September 26, 2006|access-date=December 3, 2011|archive-date=November 14, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111114091513/http://uk.xbox360.ign.com/articles/735/735501p1.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Additionally, Silver's backstory was inspired by [[Trunks (Dragon Ball)|Trunks]] from the 1984–1995 manga ''[[Dragon 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 for ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' (2006) flat-out states "Essentially, think Trunks from ''[[Dragon Ball Z]]''."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iX_kJhd_8QE|title=Sonic 06 - Did You Know Gaming? Feat. WeeklyTubeShow|last=DidYouKnowGaming?|date=April 9, 2016|via=YouTube|access-date=August 28, 2016|archive-date=May 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170528000605/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iX_kJhd_8QE|url-status=live}}</ref>

Since his first appearance in ''Sonic 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 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'',<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sega.com/gamesite/sonicriderszg/|archive-url=http://arquivo.pt/wayback/20081025114037/http://www.sega.com/gamesite/sonicriderszg/|url-status=dead|title=Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity - Shift into Zero Gravity!|archive-date=October 25, 2008|access-date=July 9, 2008}}</ref> ''Sonic Free Riders'' and ''Team Sonic Racing'', and a playable athlete in the ''Mario & Sonic'' series beginning with ''Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games''. He appears in ''Sonic 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 in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'', in the background of Sonic's Green Hill Zone stage,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.smashbros.com/en_us/stages/stage27.html|title=Official Site - Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080913123934/http://www.smashbros.com/en_us/stages/stage27.html|archive-date=September 13, 2008}}</ref> and as a trophy and sticker.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.smashbros.com/en_us/gamemode/various/various37_list.html |title=Official Site - Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121101032553/http://www.smashbros.com/en_us/gamemode/various/various37_list.html |archive-date=November 1, 2012}}</ref>

Silver has been positively received by fans, ranking as the third most popular ''Sonic'' character in a Japanese poll conducted by ''[[Dengeki Online]]'' in 2025.<ref name="poll2025"/>

===Orbot and Cubot===

Voiced by:<ref name="OrbotVA">{{cite web|title=Orbot Voices|url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Sonic-the-Hedgehog/Orbot/|website=Behind The Voice Actors|access-date=August 2, 2022|postscript=. A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information.|archive-date=January 29, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230129140941/https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Sonic-the-Hedgehog/Orbot/}}</ref><ref name="CubotVA">{{cite web|title=Cubot Voices|url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Sonic-the-Hedgehog/Cubot/|website=Behind The Voice Actors|access-date=August 2, 2022|postscript=. A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information.|archive-date=January 29, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230129140941/https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Sonic-the-Hedgehog/Cubot/}}</ref> :'''English:''' Chris Collet (SA-55, ''[[Sonic Unleashed]]''), [[Kirk Thornton]] (Orbot), [[Wally Wingert]] (Cubot), Deven Mack (both, ''[[Sonic Prime]])'' '''Japanese:''' [[Mitsuo Iwata]] (Orbot), [[Wataru Takagi]] (Cubot) {{nihongo foot|Orbot|オーボット|Ōbotto|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|ɔr|b|ɒ|t}}) 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 in ''[[Sonic Unleashed]]'' under the name "SA-55" (a play on the word "sass"),<ref>{{cite book |last=Flynn |first=Ian |date=December 8, 2021 |title=Sonic the Hedgehog Encyclo-speed-ia |publisher=Dark Horse Books |page=205 |quote='''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. |isbn=978-1506719276 }}</ref> he appears with his finalized name and design beginning in ''Sonic Colors'', alongside a similar yellow robot named {{nihongo foot|Cubot|キューボット|Kyūbotto|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|k|j|uː|b|ɒ|t}}).<ref name="digitalspy.com">{{cite web |author=Laughlin, Andrew |url=http://www.digitalspy.com/gaming/review/a288986/sonic-colors-wii.html |title='Sonic Colors' (Wii) - Gaming Review |website=Digital Spy |date=November 23, 2010 |access-date=July 25, 2013 |archive-date=August 30, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110830060750/http://www.digitalspy.com/gaming/review/a288986/sonic-colors-wii.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Conversely to the intelligent Orbot, Cubot is rather slow, not witty, and frequently makes mistakes. He suffers from a defect in ''Sonic Colors'' that causes him to randomly speak with different accents.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2010/09/sega_emits_a_spectrum_of_sonic_colours_information |title=Sega Emits a Spectrum of Sonic Colours Information |website=Nintendo Life |date=September 12, 2010 |access-date=July 25, 2013 |archive-date=December 2, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202233709/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2010/09/sega_emits_a_spectrum_of_sonic_colours_information |url-status=live }}</ref> The two have continued to appear as assistants to Dr. Eggman in subsequent titles, such as ''Sonic Generations,'' ''[[Sonic Lost World]]'' and ''Sonic Forces''. 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.supercheats.com/wii/mario-sonic-at-the-london-2012-olympic-games/4984/Events/ |title=? Events - Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games hints and tips on Wii (Wii) |publisher=Supercheats.com |date=May 22, 2013 |access-date=July 25, 2013 |archive-date=December 2, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202225156/http://www.supercheats.com/wii/mario-sonic-at-the-london-2012-olympic-games/4984/Events/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The duo appeared in ''[[Mario & Sonic at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games]]'' as the hosts of the Action and Answer Tour and in the ''Sonic Boom'' animated series. ''[[Digital Spy]]'' praised their inclusion in the plot of ''Sonic Colors,'' especially Cubot for his humorous observations and self-awareness about the game's tropes.<ref name="digitalspy.com"/>

===Wisps=== :Voiced by: Utako Yoshino<ref>Credits - ''[[Sonic Colors]]''</ref> {{nihongo foot|Wisps|ウィスプ|wisupu|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} are a race of [[extraterrestrial life|extraterrestrial]] creatures who live on the grassy, lush planet called Planet Wisp.<ref name="ign"/><ref name="plural">{{cite video game|quote='''Tails (translating Mother Wisp's speech):''' "I was so worried when our planets were pulled apart from one another."|title=Sonic Colors (DS)|date=November 16, 2010|publisher=Sega|developer=Sonic Team}}</ref> The mother of all Wisps is a much larger, pink one named Mother Wisp.<ref name="mother">{{cite video game|quote='''Tails (translating Mother Wisp's speech):''' "Thank you for helping my children. I am Mother Wisp."|title=Sonic Colors (DS)|date=November 16, 2010|publisher=Sega|developer=Sonic Team}}</ref> She created Planet Wisp and raised all of her children.<ref>{{cite video game|quote='''Tails (translating Yacker's speech):''' "Mama gave us life and raised us. She even made the planet we live on."|title=Sonic Colors (DS)|date=November 16, 2010|publisher=Sega|developer=Sonic Team}}</ref> Wisps speak a common language that Sonic and Tails cannot understand,<ref>{{cite video game|quote='''Tails:''' I wish I knew what you were saying, little guy. Or gal. Or whatever you are.|title=Sonic Colors (Wii)|date=November 16, 2010|publisher=Sega|developer=Sonic Team}}</ref> though Tails builds a translation device in the game ''Sonic Colors''.<ref name="translator">{{cite video game|quote='''Tails:''' Oh. I was reconfiguring my hand-held into a translator so I can understand this guy.|title=Sonic Colors (Wii)|date=November 16, 2010|publisher=Sega|developer=Sonic Team}}</ref> Their Japanese and English name comes from Tails' translation of a word in their language;<ref>{{cite video game|quote='''Tails:''' He's from a race of beings called "Wisps."|title=Sonic Colors (Wii)|date=November 16, 2010|publisher=Sega|developer=Sonic Team}}</ref> other characters in the game refer to them as "aliens".<ref>{{cite video game|quote='''Sonic (to camera):''' I'll just stick with aliens if that's OK with everybody.|title=Sonic Colors (Wii)|date=November 16, 2010|publisher=Sega|developer=Sonic Team}}</ref><ref name="git"/> Wisps are composed of an energy force called "Hyper-go-ons",<ref name="quote">{{cite video game|quote='''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.|title=Sonic Colors (Wii)|date=November 16, 2010|publisher=[[Sega]]|developer=[[Sonic Team]]}}</ref> which they can use to phase into the body of playable protagonist Sonic and give him temporary elemental powers.<ref name="ign"/><ref>{{cite video game|quote='''Tails:''' Whoa! He phased right into your body, Sonic! Are you all right?|title=Sonic Colors (DS)|date=November 16, 2010|publisher=Sega|developer=Sonic Team}}</ref> They come in numerous breeds, each carrying one of many elemental powers known as "Color Powers".<ref name="ign"/> When Sonic collects a Wisp, he can use its power once at will; however, he can only carry one at a time.<ref>{{cite video game|quote='''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.|title=Sonic Colors (DS)|date=November 16, 2010|publisher=Sega|developer=Sonic Team}}</ref>

There are numerous types of Wisps, each with its own special ability. ''Colors'' introduced ten types between the [[Wii]] and [[Nintendo 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,<ref name="np"/> but Violet Wisps, which scale up Sonic's density to [[black hole]]-like levels and causes him to absorb enemies, obstacles, and rings, appear only in the DS version.<ref name="gi"/>

However, others appear in both versions, such as Yellow Wisps, which allow Sonic to drill underground and find otherwise inaccessible areas.<ref name="np" /> ''[[Sonic Lost World]]'' introduced more types of Wisps while keeping some old types.<ref name="ign2">{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/09/23/sonic-lost-world-why-slowing-down-is-a-good-thing|website=IGN|last=Cocke|first=Taylor|title=Sonic: Lost World: Why Slowing Down is a Good Thing|date=September 23, 2013|access-date=March 25, 2014|archive-date=April 13, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413210506/http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/09/23/sonic-lost-world-why-slowing-down-is-a-good-thing|url-status=live}}</ref> Among these are Magenta Wisps, which bounce Sonic across paths of [[musical note]]s by having the player tap them on the Wii U's touch screen,<ref name="joystiq">{{cite web|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2013/10/18/sonic-lost-world-wii-u-review-d6947e79/|publisher=Joystiq|last=Cowan|first=Danny|title=Sonic: Lost World review: Spin cycle (Wii U)|date=October 18, 2013|access-date=March 25, 2014|archive-date=March 16, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150316175317/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/10/18/sonic-lost-world-wii-u-review-d6947e79/|url-status=live}}</ref> and Black Wisps, which turn Sonic into a bomb that can roll over enemies and explode.<ref name="bomb">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/54258/previews/sonic-lost-world-preview/?page=2|magazine=Official Nintendo Magazine|date=September 8, 2013|last=Skrebels|first=Joe|title=Sonic Lost World preview|access-date=March 27, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141008000650/http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/54258/previews/sonic-lost-world-preview/?page=2|archive-date=October 8, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> The ''Colors'' 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.<ref name="colors">''[[Sonic Colors]]'' (Wii) [https://help.sega.com/entries/20893367-Sonic-Colors-Manual-Wii instruction manual] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140913020155/https://help.sega.com/entries/20893367-Sonic-Colors-Manual-Wii |date=September 13, 2014 }}, pp. 11–13.</ref>

In ''Sonic Colors'', Eggman builds an [[amusement park]] spanning the Wisps' planets under the pretense of making up for past transgressions.<ref name="plural" /><ref>{{cite video game|quote='''Eggman (over intercom):''' Welcome to Eggman's Incredible Interstellar Amusement Park, where you can enjoy five planets for the price of one!|title=Sonic Colors (Wii)|date=November 16, 2010|publisher=Sega|developer=Sonic Team}}</ref><ref>{{cite video game|quote='''Eggman (over intercom):''' This amusement park has been constructed entirely out of a sense of remorse for my past.|title=Sonic Colors (Wii)|date=November 16, 2010|publisher=Sega|developer=Sonic Team}}</ref> Suspicious, Sonic and Tails investigate and rescue two Wisps from Orbot and Cubot.<ref name="git">{{cite video game|level=Tropical Resort|quote='''Cubot:''' Yee-haw! Git along, li'l aliens!|title=Sonic Colors (Wii) |date=November 16, 2010|publisher=Sega|developer=Sonic Team}}</ref><ref>{{cite video game|quote='''Sonic:''' Because Eggman plus secretly built amusement park equals evil plot for us to foil.|title=Sonic Colors (Wii)|date=November 16, 2010|publisher=Sega|developer=Sonic Team}}</ref><ref>{{cite video game|quote='''Sonic:''' I'm not sure what's goin' on, but I'm sure of what I'm gonna do!|title=Sonic Colors (Wii)|date=November 16, 2010 |publisher=Sega|developer=Sonic Team}}</ref> One of them, a talkative male White Wisp named Yacker, tags along with Sonic and Tails during the game.<ref>{{cite video game|quote='''Tails:''' Okay, he said his name is Yacker.|title=Sonic Colors (Wii)|date=November 16, 2010|publisher=Sega |developer=Sonic Team}}</ref> It turns out that Eggman is converting Wisps to a corrupted, purple (Wii version) or violet (DS version) state to fuel a [[Brainwashing|mind control]] ray and control the universe.<ref>{{cite video game|quote='''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.|title=Sonic Colors (Wii)|date=November 16, 2010|publisher=Sega |developer=Sonic Team}}</ref><ref>{{cite video game|quote='''Eggman:''' And then I won't just control one little punk, but the whole universe. |title=Sonic Colors (Wii)|date=November 16, 2010|publisher=Sega|developer=Sonic Team}}</ref><ref>{{cite video game|quote='''Sonic:''' Whoa. This is where he converts them into the strange... negative... aliens with the freaky energy.|title=Sonic Colors (Wii)|date=November 16, 2010|publisher=Sega |developer=Sonic Team}}</ref> Sonic frees Wisps from their confines in each level,<ref>{{cite video game|quote='''Sonic:''' Think I'll go check them out, and maybe save some aliens.|title=Sonic Colors (Wii)|date=November 16, 2010|publisher=Sega|developer=Sonic Team}}</ref> then uses several of them to defeat Eggman at the end of the game.<ref>{{cite video game|quote='''Sonic:''' Thanks, but I had a little help during that last part. |level=Cutscene after final boss|title=Sonic Colors (Wii)|date=November 16, 2010|publisher=Sega|developer=Sonic Team}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{cite video game|quote='''Sonic:''' This might not end well.|title=Sonic Colors (Wii)|date=November 16, 2010|publisher=Sega |developer=Sonic Team|level=Cutscene after final boss}}</ref> Yacker frees the remaining Wisps, reverts them from their corrupted form, thanks Sonic and Tails,<ref>{{cite video game|level=Cutscene after final boss|quote='''Tails:''' Uh, he said, "thank you for saving us."|title=Sonic Colors (Wii) |date=November 16, 2010|publisher=Sega|developer=Sonic Team}}</ref> and leaves.<ref>{{cite video game|quote='''Tails:''' Oh great. He says, "goodbye, my friends. I have to go." Just when I got this thing working.|title=Sonic Colors (Wii)|date=November 16, 2010|publisher=Sega|developer=Sonic Team}}</ref> The DS version features Mother Wisp as a post-game boss, as she was corrupted by the corrupted Wisps' Hyper-go-ons.<ref>{{cite video game |quote='''Tails:''' She's back to normal! That's great, Yacker!|title=Sonic Colors (DS)|date=November 16, 2010|publisher=Sega|developer=Sonic Team}}</ref><ref>{{cite video game|quote='''Tails (translating Yacker's speech):''' "I won't! Mama and I will head home now. Thank you for all you've done!" |title=Sonic Colors (DS)|date=November 16, 2010|publisher=Sega|developer=Sonic Team}}</ref> Wisps have also appeared in the level "Planet Wisp" in ''Sonic Generations''<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/32614/sonic-generations-3ds-review/|magazine=[[Official Nintendo Magazine]]|date=November 24, 2011|last=Scullion|first=Chris|title=Sonic Generations Review: The game that teaches a new hog old tricks|access-date=March 27, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141008193634/http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/32614/sonic-generations-3ds-review/|archive-date=October 8, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> and the comics.<ref>{{cite comic|story=Sonic Colors|title=[[Sonic the Hedgehog (comics)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]|issue=219|date=November 2010 |publisher=[[Archie Comics]]}}</ref> Iizuka stated in an interview that the Wisps were added to ''Colors'' to "expand and strengthen the [[platform game|platform]] [[action game|action]] gameplay" without forcing the player to switch to other playable characters.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2010/10/11/sonic-team-talks-sonic-colours|website=IGN|author=|date=October 10, 2010|title=Sonic Team Talks Sonic Colours|access-date=March 25, 2014|archive-date=March 26, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140326042358/http://www.ign.com/articles/2010/10/11/sonic-team-talks-sonic-colours|url-status=live}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2010/06/17/e3-2010-sonic-colors-preview|website=IGN|title=E3 2010: Sonic Colors Preview|last=Gies|first=Arthur|date=June 16, 2010|access-date=March 25, 2014|archive-date=March 26, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140326042400/http://www.ign.com/articles/2010/06/17/e3-2010-sonic-colors-preview|url-status=live}}</ref> Iizuka has said that he now considers them a staple in the ''Sonic'' series.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.seganerds.com/2013/08/06/iizuka-color-powers-will-be-standard-in-future-sonic-games/|publisher=SegaNerds (interview with [[Takashi Iizuka (game designer)|Takashi Iizuka]])|date=August 6, 2013|title=Iizuka: Color Powers will be standard in future Sonic games|last=Miguel|first=Diogo|access-date=March 25, 2014|archive-date=March 31, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160331094957/http://www.seganerds.com/2013/08/06/iizuka-color-powers-will-be-standard-in-future-sonic-games/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Critics have given mixed opinions toward Wisps and their integration into ''Sonic'' gameplay. ''IGN''{{'}}s Arthur Gies called them "the big addition" to ''Sonic Colors'', outshining its polished physics and controls.<ref name="ign" /> Dave McComb of film magazine ''[[Empire (magazine)|Empire]]'' called them "cutesy" and "strange",<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.empireonline.com/reviews/reviewcomplete.asp?GID=755|magazine=[[Empire (magazine)|Empire]]|last=McComb|first=Dave|title=Sonic Colors|access-date=March 24, 2014|archive-date=October 19, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019212119/http://www.empireonline.com/reviews/reviewcomplete.asp?GID=755|url-status=live}}</ref> while John Meyer of ''[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]]'' found them "cuddly" and Dale North of ''[[Destructoid]]'' called them "a cute little alien race".<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.com/2010/11/sonic-colors-review/|magazine=[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]]|date=November 18, 2010|title=Sonic Colors Review|last=Mix Meyer|first=John|access-date=May 5, 2014|archive-date=September 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170922002608/https://www.wired.com/2010/11/sonic-colors-review/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.destructoid.com/e3-10-preview-sonic-colors-176492.phtml|website=Destructoid|last=North|first=Dale|title=E3 10: Preview: Sonic Colors|date=June 15, 2010|access-date=May 5, 2014|archive-date=May 5, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140505200424/http://www.destructoid.com/e3-10-preview-sonic-colors-176492.phtml|url-status=live}}</ref> Randy Nelson from ''Joystiq'' called them "plush" and speculated that they could easily lend their image to profitable merchandise.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/10/sonic-colors-review/|publisher=Joystiq|date=November 10, 2010|last=Nelson|first=Randy|title=Sonic Colors Review|access-date=May 5, 2014|archive-date=February 1, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150201073202/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/10/sonic-colors-review/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Positive attention has been directed at the variety of Wisps available in ''Sonic Colors'' and ''Lost 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."<ref name="ign">{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2010/11/08/sonic-colors-wii-review|website=[[IGN]]|last=Gies|first=Arthur|date=November 8, 2010|access-date=March 24, 2014|title=Sonic Colors Wii Review: Color us impressed.|archive-date=August 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170821215618/http://www.ign.com/articles/2010/11/08/sonic-colors-wii-review|url-status=live}}</ref> Reviewing the Nintendo DS version of ''Colors'', Tim Turi from ''[[Game Informer]]'' stated that "each adds an interesting new gameplay mechanic" to the game.<ref name="gi" /> Gies and Turi also praised the ability to revisit old levels with Wisps unlocked afterwards.<ref name="ign" /><ref name="gi">{{cite magazine|title=Sonic Colors: Dimps Crafts Another Amazing 2D Sonic Game|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/games/sonic_colors/b/nintendo_ds/archive/2010/11/09/sonic-colors-ds-review.aspx|magazine=[[Game Informer]]|last=Turi|first=Tim|date=November 9, 2010|access-date=March 24, 2014|archive-date=May 27, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120527142259/http://www.gameinformer.com/games/sonic_colors/b/nintendo_ds/archive/2010/11/09/sonic-colors-ds-review.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[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.<ref name="np">{{cite magazine |title=True Colors|pages=78–81|magazine=[[Nintendo Power]]|last=Thomason|first=Steve|date=November 2010|issue=260}}</ref> ''[[Computer and Video Games]]'' writer Chris Scullion described Wisps in ''Lost World'' as "familiar power-ups that emulate mechanics in [[Mario]]'s Wii adventures" as part of a larger, ambivalent point about the game being derivative of ''[[Super Mario Galaxy]]''.<ref name="itsamesonic">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/434038/reviews/review-sonic-lost-world-stumbles-at-high-speed-review/|magazine=[[Computer and Video Games]]|last=Scullion|first=Chris|title=Review: Sonic Lost World stumbles at high speed|date=October 18, 2013|access-date=May 5, 2014|archive-date=October 7, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141007214029/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/434038/reviews/review-sonic-lost-world-stumbles-at-high-speed-review/|url-status=live}}</ref>

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.<ref name="gi wii">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/games/sonic_colors/b/wii/archive/2010/11/09/sonic-colors-ds-review.aspx|magazine=Game Informer|last=Turi|first=Tim|date=November 9, 2010|title=Sonic Colors: Sonic Drops The Ball Juggling The Second And Third Dimensions|access-date=March 24, 2014|archive-date=September 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170922003851/http://www.gameinformer.com/games/sonic_colors/b/wii/archive/2010/11/09/sonic-colors-ds-review.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref> Justin Speer from ''[[GameTrailers]]'' thought similarly and added that the Wisps "don't really feel like they belong".<ref name="gt">{{cite web|url=http://www.gametrailers.com/reviews/uy405a/sonic-lost-world-review|publisher=[[GameTrailers]]|last=Speer|first=Justin|title=Sonic Lost World - Review|date=October 18, 2013|access-date=March 24, 2014|archive-date=September 24, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924053036/http://www.gametrailers.com/reviews/uy405a/sonic-lost-world-review|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Hardcore Gamer Magazine''{{'}}s review of ''Lost World'' stated that none of the Wisps make satisfying use of the Wii U's gamepad.<ref name="hardcore">{{cite web|url=http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2013/10/30/review-sonic-lost-world/60390/|magazine=Hardcore Gamer Magazine|title=Review: Sonic Lost World|date=October 30, 2013|access-date=March 25, 2014|archive-date=March 2, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140302190622/http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2013/10/30/review-sonic-lost-world/60390/|url-status=live}}</ref> Chris Shilling of ''[[Eurogamer]]'' found them to "lead to clumsy touchscreen or gyro interludes that kill a level's pacing."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-10-18-sonic-lost-world-review|website=[[Eurogamer]]|last=Shilling|first=Chris|title=Sonic Lost World review|date=October 18, 2013|access-date=March 24, 2014|archive-date=April 28, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160428075258/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-10-18-sonic-lost-world-Review|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Deadly Six=== Voiced by: :'''English:''' [[Travis Willingham]] (Zavok (2013–2017)), [[Patrick Seitz]] (Zomom, Zavok (2019–present)), [[Liam O'Brien]] (Zazz (2013–2020)), [[Robbie Rist]] (Zazz (2025)), [[Kirk Thornton]] (Master Zik), [[Stephanie Sheh]] (Zeena), [[Sam Riegel]] (Zor) :'''Japanese:''' [[Joji Nakata]] (Zavok), [[Yutaka Aoyama]] (Zazz), [[Chafurin]] (Zomom), [[Mugihito]] (Master Zik), [[Yumi Toma]] (Zeena), [[Yuki Tai]] (Zor) The {{Nihongo foot|Deadly Six|六鬼衆|Rokkishū|{{lit}} "Six Demons"|group=lower-alpha}} are a group of six Zeti, a species that has the ability to manipulate magnetic fields.<ref>{{cite video game|quote='''Eggman:''' The Zeti have an innate ability to manipulate magnetic fields.|title=Sonic Lost World|date=October 29, 2013|publisher=Sega|developer=Sonic Team}}</ref> Their exact origins are unknown, but prior to the events of ''Sonic Lost World'', Dr. Eggman takes control of the group in order to capture animals to create Badniks.<ref>{{cite video game|quote='''Eggman (to Zavok):''' I conquered you, didn't I?|title=Sonic Lost World|date=October 29, 2013|publisher=Sega|developer=Sonic Team}}</ref> He controls them and their powers with an item known as the Cacophonic Conch,<ref>{{cite video game|quote='''Eggman:''' My Cacophonic Conch was the only thing keeping those six maniacs in check.|title=Sonic Lost World|date=October 29, 2013|publisher=Sega|developer=Sonic Team}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite video game|quote='''Zavok:''' I must commend you on your invention though. We get stronger and stronger as we leech the life from your dying world.|title=Sonic Lost World|date=October 29, 2013|publisher=Sega|developer=Sonic Team}}</ref> While ''Sonic Lost World'' is the only game to feature all six members, individual members of the group have reappeared in subsequent games such as ''[[Sonic Forces: Speed Battle]]'', the ''Mario & Sonic'' series, and ''[[Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds]]''.

The members of the Deadly Six are {{Nihongo foot|'''Zavok''',|ザボック|Zabokku|group=lower-alpha}} a muscular, red-colored Zeti who acts as the group's leader;<ref>{{cite video game|quote='''Flag description (Zavok):''' Zavok is the strongest of the sinister Zeti and the leader of the Deadly Six.|title=Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games|date=June 23, 2016|publisher=Nintendo|developer=Sega Sports R&D}}</ref> {{Nihongo foot|'''Zazz''',|ザズ|Zazu|group=lower-alpha}} a lanky, pink-colored Zeti who is always ready for a fight;<ref>{{cite video game|quote='''Zavok:''' That's what I like about you, Zazz. Always ready for a fight, even before you know what you're fighting.|title=Sonic Lost World|date=October 29, 2013|publisher=Sega|developer=Sonic Team}}</ref> {{Nihongo foot|'''Zomom''',|ゾモン|Zomon|group=lower-alpha}} a gluttonous and dimwitted yellow-colored Zeti who is always seen eating; {{Nihongo foot|'''Master Zik''',|マスタージーク|Masutā Jīku|group=lower-alpha}} an elderly, blue-colored Zeti, the founder of the Deadly Six, and Zavok's mentor who is skillful in martial arts;<ref>{{cite video game|quote='''Description:''' Wise old Master Zik founded the Deadly Six many years ago.|title=Sonic Lost World|date=October 29, 2013|publisher=Sega|developer=Sonic Team}}</ref><ref>{{cite video game|quote='''Trivia card (Zavok):''' Who mentored Zavok--the leader of Dr. Eggman's Deadly Six--in martial arts? Master Zik.|title=Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020|date=November 1, 2019|publisher=Sega|developer=Sega}}</ref> {{Nihongo foot|'''Zeena''',|ジーナ|Jīna|group=lower-alpha}} a vain, green-colored female Zeti; and {{Nihongo foot|'''Zor''',|ゾア|Zoa|group=lower-alpha}} a nihilistic, purple-colored Zeti who is always seen holding a blue rose.

===Sage=== Voiced by: :'''English:''' Ryan Bartley '''Japanese:''' [[Megumi Hayashibara]] {{nihongo foot|Sage|セージ|Sēji|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} is an artificial intelligence created by Doctor Eggman that resembles a young white haired girl.<ref>{{cite web | last=Tolentino | first=Josh | title=Sega Talks About Sage in Sonic Frontiers | website=Siliconera | date=November 3, 2022 | url=https://www.siliconera.com/sega-talks-about-sage-in-sonic-frontiers/ | access-date=February 15, 2025}}</ref> She was introduced in ''Sonic Frontiers'', in which Eggman uses her to investigate the ruins of the Ancients, an alien race that brought the Chaos Emeralds to Earth.<ref name="Sonic World Story"/> 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.<ref>{{cite web | last=Greif | first=Zackari | title=Sonic Frontiers: Dr. Eggman's Relationship with Sage Explained | website=Game Rant | date=November 15, 2022 | url=https://gamerant.com/sonic-frontiers-dr-eggman-sage-family-relationship-history-egg-memos/ | access-date=February 15, 2025}}</ref> In the game's default ending, Sage sacrifices herself to help Sonic defeat the End, but is revived by Eggman using the Ancients' technology;<ref>{{cite web | last=Greif | first=Zackari | title=Sonic Frontiers' True Ending Explained | website=Game Rant | date=November 12, 2022 | url=https://gamerant.com/sonic-frontiers-sage-true-ending-explained-secret-final-boss/ | access-date=February 15, 2025}}</ref> in the "Final Horizon" update, she survives altogether.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Pooley |first1=Jack |title=10 Real Endings Hidden In DLC |url=https://whatculture.com/gaming/10-real-endings-hidden-in-dlc?page=7 |website=[[WhatCulture]] |access-date=April 9, 2025 |date=December 14, 2024}}</ref>

Following the release of ''Frontiers'', Sage made a cameo appearance in ''[[The Murder of Sonic the Hedgehog]]''<ref>{{cite web | last=McEvoy | first=Sophie | title=8 Easter Eggs You Might Have Missed In The Murder Of Sonic The Hedgehog | website=Game Rant | date=April 7, 2023 | url=https://gamerant.com/easter-eggs-missed-murder-sonic-the-hedgehog/ | access-date=February 15, 2025}}</ref> and appears as a playable character in ''[[Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds]]''.<ref name="eurogamer-reveal">{{Cite web |last=Nightingale |first=Ed |date=2025-02-12 |title=Sega reveals Sonic Racing: Crossworlds, follow up to Team Sonic Racing |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/sega-reveals-sonic-racing-crossworlds-follow-up-to-team-sonic-racing |access-date=2025-02-13 |website=Eurogamer.net |language=en}}</ref> Sage also appears in the audio drama series ''[[The Chaotix Casefiles]]''.

==Characters in other media== ===Sally Acorn=== Sally Acorn (voiced by [[Kath Soucie]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=From 'Looney Tunes' to 'Captain Planet': The 10 Most Iconic Characters Voiced by Kath Soucie |url=https://collider.com/best-kath-soucie-voice-roles/ |access-date=August 23, 2024 |website=[[Collider (website)|Collider]] |language=en-US |date=December 16, 2022|first=Tyler|last=Searle|archive-date=December 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221219065938/https://collider.com/best-kath-soucie-voice-roles/|url-status=live }}</ref>) is a red-haired brown [[chipmunk]] who appears as a major character in the 1993 [[Sonic the Hedgehog (TV series)|''Sonic the Hedgehog'' animated series]] and later in the [[Sonic the Hedgehog (Archie Comics)|Archie Comics series]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Harkin |first=Christopher Michael |date=May 22, 2022 |title=7 Characters Who Should Debut In The Sonic The Hedgehog 3 Movie |url=https://gamerant.com/sonic-the-hedgehog-3-movie-characters-that-should-debut/ |access-date=September 28, 2022 |website=Game Rant |language=en-US |archive-date=September 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220928165138/https://gamerant.com/sonic-the-hedgehog-3-movie-characters-that-should-debut/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Blackburn |first=Steven |date=May 29, 2022 |title=Sonic's Comic Series is Actually a Critique of Democracy (No Really) |url=https://screenrant.com/sonic-comic-democracy-critique-monarchy-archie/ |access-date=September 28, 2022 |website=Screen Rant |language=en-US |archive-date=September 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220928170808/https://screenrant.com/sonic-comic-democracy-critique-monarchy-archie/ |url-status=live }}</ref> She has also made minor cameos in the ''[[Sonic Spinball]]'' game and in the ''[[Adventures 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 of [[Resistance movement#Freedom fighter|freedom fighters]], whose goal is to restore peace to the Kingdom of Acorn taken over by Robotnik.<ref name=":0" /> Sally is known for being Sonic's childhood friend and love interest, with Sally fighting alongside Sonic in many cases.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sol |first=Dj |date=September 2, 2022 |title=Sonic The Hedgehog's 10 Closest Friends, Ranked |url=https://www.cbr.com/sonic-closest-friends-ranked/ |access-date=September 28, 2022 |website=CBR |language=en-US |archive-date=September 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220928170807/https://www.cbr.com/sonic-closest-friends-ranked/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=June 8, 2022 |title=Ranking the Sonic the Hedgehog Cartoon Series Before Sonic Prime |url=https://www.comingsoon.net/tv/features/1224490-sonic-the-hedgehog-cartoon-ranking |access-date=September 28, 2022 |website=ComingSoon.net |archive-date=September 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220928170807/https://www.comingsoon.net/tv/features/1224490-sonic-the-hedgehog-cartoon-ranking |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Scratch, Grounder, and Coconuts=== Scratch, Grounder, and Coconuts (voiced by Phil Hayes, [[Garry Chalk]], and [[Ian James Corlett]] respectively<ref name="aosthbtva">{{cite web|title=Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog (1993)|url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/tv-shows/Adventures-of-Sonic-the-Hedgehog/|website=Behind The Voice Actors|access-date=September 10, 2024|postscript=. A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information.|archive-date=June 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170607055552/https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/tv-shows/Adventures-of-Sonic-the-Hedgehog/}}</ref>) are recurring dimwitted Badniks created by Doctor Robotnik in the ''[[Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' series. The arrogant, [[chicken]]-like Scratch and the idiotic, [[Mole (animal)|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.<ref name="SonicPrimeCharacters"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/the-list/2019-05-11/.146553|title=The List - 8 Sonic The Hedgehog Cartoons That Are Probably Better Than The Movie|first=Lynzee|last=Loveridge|date=May 11, 2019|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=September 10, 2024|archive-date=May 11, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190511201642/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/the-list/2019-05-11/.146553|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://metro.co.uk/2020/02/28/sonic-hedgehog-movie-four-missed-fan-service-opportunities-12217566/|title=Sonic The Hedgehog Movie: four missed fan service opportunities|website=[[Metro (British newspaper)|Metro.co.uk]]|first=Michael|last=Beckwith|date=February 28, 2020|access-date=September 10, 2024|archive-date=September 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200921080037/https://metro.co.uk/2020/02/28/sonic-hedgehog-movie-four-missed-fan-service-opportunities-12217566/|url-status=live}}</ref> 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 from ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 2]]'', while Scratch is loosely based on the Clucker enemy from the same game.<ref>{{cite book|last=Flynn|first=Ian|author-link=Ian Flynn|title=Sonic the Hedgehog Encyclo-speed-ia|publisher=[[Dark Horse Comics]]|series=|edition=|date=December 14, 2021|language=English|url=|doi=|id=|isbn=978-1-5067-1927-6|mr=|zbl=|jfm=}}</ref>

Scratch, Grounder, and Coconuts have received mixed reception; while the ''Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog'' series proved polarizing to critics,<ref name="SonicPrimeCharacters">{{cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/sonic-prime-the-hedgehog-netflix-show-sally-acorn-blaze-the-cat/|title=Sonic Prime: 10 Characters We Need To See In The Sonic The Hedgehog Netflix Series|website=[[Screen Rant]]|first=Christopher|last=Capel|date=February 13, 2021|access-date=September 10, 2024|archive-date=February 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210218061252/https://screenrant.com/sonic-prime-the-hedgehog-netflix-show-sally-acorn-blaze-the-cat/|url-status=live}}</ref> the Badniks themselves have gone on to earn a [[cult following]].<ref name="nintendolife"/> The trio also make appearances in ''[[Sonic Spinball]]'', the ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (Archie Comics)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' comic series by [[Archie Comics|Archie]], and the ''Adventures''-based game ''[[Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine]]'' for the [[Sega Genesis|Sega Genesis/Mega Drive]] and [[Game Gear]], where they serve as bosses for the player to fight against.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.destructoid.com/the-irrefutable-undeniable-official-top-ten-sonic-games/|title=The irrefutable, undeniable, official top ten Sonic games|first=James|last=Sterling|website=[[Destructoid]]|date=June 25, 2011|access-date=September 10, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211016174903/https://www.destructoid.com/the-irrefutable-undeniable-official-top-ten-sonic-games/|archive-date=October 16, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Honey the Cat=== {{main|Honey (Fighting Vipers)}} {{nihongo foot|Honey the Cat|ハニー・ザ・キャット|Hanī Za Kyatto|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} is an orange cat wearing a red dress with wings. She is a fashion designer who promotes her clothing by entering fighting tournaments.<ref>{{cite book |page=20 |first=Ian |last=Flynn |publisher=[[Dark Horse Books]] |isbn=9781506719276 |date=2021-12-08 |title=Sonic the Hedgehog Encyclo-speed-ia}}</ref> She is based on the character of the same name from Sega's 1995 arcade fighting game ''[[Fighting Vipers]]'', and was created for inclusion in 1996's ''[[Sonic 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.<ref>{{cite web |website=[[1UP.com]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604202319/http://www.1up.com/do/feature?pager.offset=1&cId=3149135 |archive-date=2011-06-04 |url=http://www.1up.com/do/feature?pager.offset=1&cId=3149135 |access-date=2025-04-29 |page=2 |title=The Last Arcade Crusaders |first=James |last=Mielke |date=2006-03-31}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121230210852/http://blog.sega.jp/amcvt/?p=527 |url=https://blog.sega.jp/amcvt/?p=527 |website=[[Sega|sega.jp]]|archive-date=2012-12-30 |script-title=ja:Vol.15 *ハニー・ザ・キャット* |trans-title=Vol.15 *Honey the Cat*|last=Murayama |first=Tohru |language=ja|access-date=2025-05-04}}</ref> This reintroduction led to the character making subsequent appearances in Archie Comics' and IDW Publishing's ''Sonic'' comics.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://gamingbolt.com/lost-judgment-will-have-fully-playable-version-of-sonic-the-fighters |website=GamingBolt |title=Lost Judgment Will Have Fully Playable Version of Sonic the Fighters |access-date=2025-04-29 |date=2021-05-27 |first=Ravi |last=Sinha}}</ref><ref name="the gamer">{{cite web |website=[[TheGamer]] |title=''Sonic The Hedgehog'': 9 Characters Sega Should Bring Back |url=https://www.thegamer.com/sonic-the-hedgehog-characters-sega-should-bring-back/ |first=Alexandra |last=Johnson |access-date=2025-04-29 |date=2024-12-25}}</ref>

===Chris Thorndyke=== {{Nihongo foot|Christopher Thorndyke|クリストファー・ソーンダイク|Kurisutofā Sōndaiku|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} (voiced by [[Sanae Kobayashi]] in Japanese and [[Suzanne Goldish]] in English), usually called {{Nihongo foot|Chris,|クリス|Kurisu|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} is the main human protagonist of the ''[[Sonic 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.<ref name="nintendolife">{{Cite web |last=Plant |first=Gaz |date=October 18, 2013 |title=Feature: A Supersonic History of Sonic Cartoons |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2013/10/feature_a_supersonic_history_of_sonic_cartoons |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140818065606/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2013/10/feature_a_supersonic_history_of_sonic_cartoons |archive-date=August 18, 2014 |access-date=July 16, 2014 |publisher=NintendoLife}}</ref> Writing for THEM Anime Reviews, Tim Jones called Chris an "uninspired" and "bland" protagonist.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Tim |date=|title=Sonic X|url=https://themanime.org/viewreview.php?id=355|access-date=July 16, 2014|publisher=THEM Anime Reviews}}</ref>

===Sticks the Badger=== {{nihongo foot|Sticks the Badger|スティックス・ザ・バジャー|Sutikkusu Za Bajā|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} (voiced by [[Nika Futterman]] in English and [[Aoi Yuki]] in Japanese<ref name="SticksVA">{{cite web |title=Sticks the Jungle Badger Voices |url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Sonic-the-Hedgehog/Sticks-the-Jungle-Badger/ |website=Behind The Voice Actors |access-date=August 2, 2022 |postscript=. A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information. |archive-date=January 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230129140941/https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Sonic-the-Hedgehog/Sticks-the-Jungle-Badger/ |url-status=live }}</ref>) is an orange and brown [[badger]], first introduced in the animated ''[[Sonic Boom (TV series)|Sonic 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.<ref>{{cite web|last=Parker|first=Kellie|title=Introducing Sticks to the Sonic Boom Franchise|url=http://blogs.sega.com/2014/05/29/introducing-sticks-to-the-sonic-boom-franchise/|website=Sega Blog|publisher=Sega|access-date=February 27, 2016|date=May 29, 2014|archive-date=June 2, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140602003208/http://blogs.sega.com/2014/05/29/introducing-sticks-to-the-sonic-boom-franchise/|url-status=live}}</ref> She fights with wooden weaponry, mostly boomerangs, and has developed impressive athletic abilities due to living in the wild.

Sticks appears in all of the ''Sonic Boom'' video games, appearing in a non-playable role in ''[[Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric|Rise of Lyric]]'' and as a playable character in ''[[Sonic Boom: Shattered Crystal|Shattered Crystal]]'', ''[[Sonic Boom: Fire & Ice|Fire & Ice]]'', and ''[[Sonic Dash 2: Sonic Boom|Sonic Dash 2]]''.

Sticks has also appeared in Archie's short-lived [[Sonic Boom (comics)|''Sonic Boom'' comics series]], as well as the ''[[Worlds Unite]]'' event, the 2nd Archie comics crossover between ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (Archie Comics)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' and ''[[Mega Man (Archie Comics)|Mega Man]]''.

She is described as "infantile" by Scott Thompson of ''[[IGN]]''<ref>{{cite web|last1=Thompson|first1=Scott|title=Running on Fumes|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/11/13/sonic-boom-shattered-crystal-review|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|access-date=February 27, 2016|date=November 13, 2014|archive-date=March 24, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160324005949/http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/11/13/sonic-boom-shattered-crystal-review|url-status=live}}</ref> and an "unlikeable idiot" by Becky Cunningham of ''[[GamesRadar]]'',<ref>{{cite web|last1=Cunningham|first1=Becky|title=Sonic Boom: Shattered Crystal Review|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/sonic-boom-shattered-crystal-review/|website=GamesRadar|publisher=Future plc|access-date=February 27, 2016|date=November 17, 2014|archive-date=March 24, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160324010314/http://www.gamesradar.com/sonic-boom-shattered-crystal-review/|url-status=live}}</ref> albeit a "nice addition" by Chris Carter of ''[[Destructoid]]''.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Carter|first1=Chris|title=Review: Sonic Boom: Shattered Crystal|url=http://www.destructoid.com/review-sonic-boom-shattered-crystal-284124.phtml|website=Destructoid|access-date=February 27, 2016|date=November 21, 2014|archive-date=March 24, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160324010449/http://www.destructoid.com/review-sonic-boom-shattered-crystal-284124.phtml|url-status=live}}</ref>

Sticks has appeared in other ''Sonic'' titles not associated with the ''Boom'' sub-series, such as ''[[Sonic Runners]]'' and ''[[Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games]]''. She is first mentioned in the main series in ''[[Sonic Frontiers]]'', where she is depicted as a close friend of Amy Rose.<ref>{{cite news|last=Foster|first=George|title=Sonic Frontiers Has References To Jet, Tangle, Cream, And More Of Sonic's Friends|url=https://www.thegamer.com/sonic-frontiers-jet-tangle-cream-blaze-sticks-references/|website=TheGamer|publisher=Valnet Inc.|date=November 11, 2022|access-date=November 22, 2022|archive-date=November 23, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221123030057/https://www.thegamer.com/sonic-frontiers-jet-tangle-cream-blaze-sticks-references/|url-status=live}}</ref>

{{anchor|Tangle the Lemur}}{{anchor|Whisper the Wolf}} === Tangle the Lemur and Whisper the Wolf === {{nihongo foot|Tangle the Lemur|タングル・ザ・リーマー|Tanguru za Rīmā|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} and {{nihongo foot|Whisper the Wolf|ウィスパー・ザ・ウルフ|Wisupā za Urufu|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} (voiced by Ashlyn Madden and [[Anairis Quiñones]] respectively<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-02-10 |title=Sonic fans can't handle these 2 long-awaited voice reveals |url=https://rollingout.com/2026/02/10/sonic-tangle-whisper-1st-voices-chaotix/ |access-date=2026-03-09 |website=rollingout.com |language=en-US}}</ref>) are major characters in IDW Publishing's ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (IDW Publishing)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' comic series who would later appear in the mobile games ''[[Sonic Forces: Speed Battle]]'' and ''[[Sonic Rumble]]'', before joining ''[[Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds]]'' as free DLC characters. They would also make recurring appearances within the audio drama series ''[[The Chaotix Casefiles]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lada |first=Jenni |date=2020-06-29 |title=Sonic Forces Tangle and Whisper Event Announced |url=https://www.siliconera.com/sonic-forces-tangle-and-whisper-event-announced/ |access-date=2026-03-09 |website=Siliconera |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2025-11-11 |title=Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is getting another three free characters, and yes one of them is NiGHTS |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/sonic-racing-crossworlds-is-getting-another-three-free-characters-and-yes-one-of-them-is-nights |access-date=2026-03-09 |work=[[Eurogamer]] |language=en}}</ref> Prior to ''Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds'', Tangle was previously mentioned in ''[[Sonic Frontiers]]'', which confirmed the canonicity of the comic series within the mainline games.<ref>{{cite news|last=Foster|first=George|title=Sonic Frontiers Has References To Jet, Tangle, Cream, And More Of Sonic's Friends|url=https://www.thegamer.com/sonic-frontiers-jet-tangle-cream-blaze-sticks-references/|website=TheGamer|publisher=Valnet Inc.|date=November 11, 2022|access-date=November 22, 2022|archive-date=November 23, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221123030057/https://www.thegamer.com/sonic-frontiers-jet-tangle-cream-blaze-sticks-references/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Tangle is a grey and white [[ring-tailed lemur]] who can use her large elastic [[prehensile tail]] as an additional limb. She first appeared in IDW's ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' #4<ref>{{Cite web |last=Yehl |first=Joshua |date=2018-01-24 |title=Sonic the Hedgehog's Newest Ally Is Tangle the Ring-tailed Lemur |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/01/24/sonic-the-hedgehogs-newest-ally-is-tangle-the-ring-tailed-lemur |access-date=2026-03-09 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref> and is often a source of [[comic relief]]. Whisper is a blonde [[wolf]] with a white and brown face who wields a unique multi-mode Wispon, a type of weapon introduced in ''[[Sonic Forces]]'' that utilizes the power of Wisps.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Blackburn |first=Steven |date=2022-10-06 |title=Sonic Is Finally Justifying One of the Franchise's Worst Games |url=https://screenrant.com/sonic-colors-wisps-idw-comics-whisper-wolf/ |access-date=2026-03-09 |website=[[Screen Rant]] |language=en}}</ref> First appearing in IDW's ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' #8<ref>{{cite comic |title=[[Sonic the Hedgehog (IDW Publishing)|Sonic the Hedgehog]] |issue=8 |story=Silent Support |date=August 2018 |publisher=[[IDW Publishing]] |writer=[[Ian Flynn|Flynn, Ian]] |artist=Stanley, Evan |colorist=Herms, Matt |letterer=Lee, Shawn |editor=Joe Hughes, David Mariotte}}</ref>, she suffers from [[Post-traumatic stress disorder|PTSD]] due to a past tragedy, and is thus shy and reserved in contrast to Tangle's high-energy and optimism.

Reception to both characters has been highly positive. Fans who [[Shipping (fandom)|ship]] the two together have speculated that they are [[Lesbian|lesbians]], a theory unconfirmed by Sega but supported by the comics' staff.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bevan |first=Rhiannon |date=2023-07-07 |title="Majority" Of Sonic Comic Writers Think Tangle And Whisper Are Gay |url=https://www.thegamer.com/sonic-the-hedgehog-idw-tangle-whisper-ship-gay-canon/ |access-date=2026-05-25 |website=The Gamer |language=en}}</ref> They received their own four-issue miniseries, IDW's ''Tangle & Whisper'', in 2019<ref>{{Cite news |date=2019-08-01 |title=''Sonic the Hedgehog: Tangle and Whisper'' #1 |url=http://www.multiversitycomics.com/reviews/sonic-tangle-and-whisper-1/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240813062629/http://www.multiversitycomics.com/reviews/sonic-tangle-and-whisper-1/ |archive-date=2024-08-13 |access-date=2026-03-09 |work=Multiversity Comics |language=en-US}}</ref>, and merchanidise of them has since been released as well.

===Tom and Maddie Wachowski=== Thomas Michael "Tom" Wachowski ({{IPAc-en|w|ə|ˈ|k|aʊ|s|k|i}}) (portrayed by [[James Marsden]]) and his wife Madeleine "Maddie" (portrayed by [[Tika Sumpter]]) are the two main human protagonists in the live-action [[Sonic the Hedgehog (film series)|''Sonic'' film series]] by [[Paramount Pictures]] and its spin-offs.

Tom is the sheriff of Green Hills, Montana, while Maddie is the local veterinarian. The two were first introduced in ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (film)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'', where they become adoptive parents to Sonic and aid him in his quest to stop Robotnik.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://variety.com/2018/film/news/james-marsden-sonic-the-hedgehog-movie-1202825952/|title=James Marsden to Star in 'Sonic the Hedgehog' Movie (EXCLUSIVE)|last=Kroll|first=Justin|date=May 30, 2018|website=Variety|access-date=May 29, 2024|archive-date=May 31, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180531125505/https://variety.com/2018/film/news/james-marsden-sonic-the-hedgehog-movie-1202825952/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://variety.com/2018/film/news/tika-sumpter-sonic-the-hedgehog-movie-james-marsden-1202836306/|title=Tika Sumpter Lands Female Lead in 'Sonic the Hedgehog' Movie (EXCLUSIVE)|last=Kroll|first=Justin|date=July 7, 2018|website=Variety|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612122132/https://variety.com/2018/film/news/tika-sumpter-sonic-the-hedgehog-movie-james-marsden-1202836306/ |archive-date=June 12, 2018 |access-date=August 12, 2018}}</ref> They subsequently appear in the [[Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (film)|second]] and [[Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (film)|third film]], taking on similar parental roles for Tails and Knuckles.<ref name="Movie3Cast">{{Cite web |last=Bankhurst |first=Adam |date=February 2, 2024 |title=Sonic the Hedgehog 3 Adds Krysten Ritter, Cristo Fernández, Alyla Browne, and More |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/sonic-the-hedgehog-3-adds-krysten-ritter-cristo-fernndez-alyla-browne-and-more |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240202171109/https://www.ign.com/articles/sonic-the-hedgehog-3-adds-krysten-ritter-cristo-fernndez-alyla-browne-and-more |archive-date=February 2, 2024 |access-date=February 2, 2024 |website=[[IGN]] |language=en-US}}</ref> Both also made appearances in the spin-off [[IDW Publishing]] ''Sonic the Hedgehog 2: The Official Movie Pre-Quill'' comic, while Maddie appears in the first episode of the live-action spin-off show, ''[[Knuckles (TV series)|Knuckles]]''.<ref name="KnucklesShowProduction">{{Cite web|last=Kroll|first=Justin|date=February 15, 2022|title=''Sonic The Hedgehog'' Universe Continues To Grow As Sega And Paramount Sign Off On Third Film As Well As A 'Knuckles' Spin-Off Series In The Works At Paramount+ With Idris Elba Reprising Role|url=https://deadline.com/2022/02/sonic-the-hedgehog-sega-paramount-third-installment-knuckles-spin-off-series-idris-elba-1234933921/|access-date=February 15, 2022|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|archive-date=February 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220215220856/https://deadline.com/2022/02/sonic-the-hedgehog-sega-paramount-third-installment-knuckles-spin-off-series-idris-elba-1234933921/|url-status=live}}</ref> Tom was also a playable skin in the ''Sonic the Hedgehog [[Minecraft]]'' DLC, with Maddie making a cameo appearance.<ref name="MinecraftMovieDLC">{{Cite web |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/04/minecrafts-sonic-dlc-gets-a-free-update-adds-new-zone-movie-skins-and-more |title=Minecraft's Sonic DLC Gets A Free Update - Adds New Zone, Movie Skins And More |last=Doolan |first=Liam |date=April 8, 2022 |website=NintendoLife |access-date=May 29, 2024 |archive-date=May 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240529004132/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/04/minecrafts-sonic-dlc-gets-a-free-update-adds-new-zone-movie-skins-and-more|url-status=live}}</ref> Both also made appearances in the promotional Sega Genesis game cartridge for ''Sonic the Hedgehog 3'' in the 'Characters' section.<ref name="Sonic3MovieCartridge">{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/paramount-made-a-sega-genesis-cartridge-just-to-tease-a-sonic-the-hedgehog-3-trailer-next-week|title=Paramount Made a Sega Genesis Cartridge Just to Tease a Sonic the Hedgehog 3 Trailer Next Week|last=Valentine|first=Rebekah|date=November 22, 2024|website=IGN}}</ref>

=== Agent Stone === Agent Stone (portrayed by [[Lee Majdoub]]) is a secondary human antagonist featured in the live-action [[Sonic the Hedgehog (film series)|''Sonic'' film series]] by [[Paramount Pictures]].

Stone is depicted as an assistant and [[sidekick]] to Dr. Ivo Robotnik. In the [[Sonic the Hedgehog (film)|first film]]'s script, Stone was initially written as a minor character for Robotnik to talk to in order to further [[Exposition (narrative)|exposition]] within the story, but actor [[Jim Carrey]]'s [[Improvisational theatre#In film and television|improvisation]] on set prompted Majdoub to portray the character as a [[sycophantic]] subordinate to Robotnik.<ref name="agentstonewapo">{{Cite news |last=Park |first=Gene |date=February 21, 2020 |title=Lee Majdoub, 'Sonic the Hedgehog's' breakout star, talks 'shipping' and diversity in the country's biggest movie |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/video-games/2020/02/21/lee-majdoub-sonic-hedgehogs-breakout-star-talks-shipping-diversity-countrys-biggest-movie/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200306102856/https://www.washingtonpost.com/video-games/2020/02/21/lee-majdoub-sonic-hedgehogs-breakout-star-talks-shipping-diversity-countrys-biggest-movie/ |archive-date=March 6, 2020 |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Gheciu |first=Alex Nino |date=2024-12-20 |title='Sonic 3' star Lee Majdoub says Jim Carrey helped turn his bit part into a breakout role |url=https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/movies/sonic-3-star-lee-majdoub-says-jim-carrey-helped-turn-his-bit-part-into-a/article_615f9ecf-499d-556f-8a12-6891e4d20160.html |access-date=2025-01-04 |website=Toronto Star |language=en}}</ref> Stone reappears in the [[Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (film)|second 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,<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2021-09-30 |title=Sonic the Hedgehog 2 confirms return of fan favourite |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a37807007/sonic-the-hedgehog-2-agent-stone-return/ |access-date=2025-01-04 |website=Digital Spy |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref name="Lawrence">{{Cite web |last=Lawrence |first=Briana |date=2022-04-08 |title=Agent Stone Pining After Robotnik Is Even More Obvious in 'Sonic 2' |url=https://www.themarysue.com/agent-stone-robotnik-sonic-2/ |access-date=2025-01-04 |website=The Mary Sue}}</ref> and also returns in the [[Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (film)|third film]] with a larger role, shown to have been looking after Robotnik during the time between the two films.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Deckelmeier |first1=Joe |last2=Hullender |first2=Tatiana |date=2024-12-21 |title=Sonic The Hedgehog 3's Lee Majdoub Explains How Agent Stone Becomes A Third Wheel In His Dynamic With Robotnik |url=https://screenrant.com/sonic-the-hedgehog-3-lee-majdoub-interview/ |access-date=2025-01-04 |website=Screen Rant |language=en}}</ref> Stone also appears in the spin-off ''Sonic the Hedgehog 2: The Official Movie Pre-Quill'' comic,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Campbell |first=Victoria |date=2022-05-04 |title=10 Questions The Sonic Pre-Quill Comic Answers |url=https://www.cbr.com/questions-sonic-pre-quill-comic-answers/ |access-date=2025-01-04 |website=CBR |language=en}}</ref> and in the promotional SEGA Genesis game cartridge for ''Sonic the Hedgehog 3'' in the 'Characters' section.<ref name="Sonic3MovieCartridge" />

Agent Stone has been well received by the [[Sonic the Hedgehog fandom|''Sonic'' fandom]], who have frequently depicted him in [[fan art]] and [[fan fiction]], often while [[Shipping (fandom)|shipping]] him with Robotnik.<ref name="agentstonewapo" /><ref name="Lawrence"/><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Treese |first=Tyler |date=2022-05-23 |title=Sonic the Hedgehog 2 Interview: Lee Majdoub on Agent Stone's Evolution and Fandom |url=https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/features/1222967-sonic-the-hedgehog-2-lee-majdoub-interview |access-date=2025-01-04 |website=ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More |language=en-US}}</ref> Majdoub has positively acknowledged the fandom response to the character,<ref name="agentstonewapo" /><ref name=":2" /> 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.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Treese |first=Tyler |date=2022-12-01 |title=Violent Night Interview: Writers Pat Casey & Josh Miller on Keeping Santa Heroic |url=https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/features/1251118-violent-night-interview-pat-casey-josh-miller |access-date=2025-01-04 |website=ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More |language=en-US}}</ref>

==Notes== {{Notelist}}

==References== {{Reflist|30em}}

==External links== * [https://web.archive.org/web/20251206032155/https://sonicthehedgehog.com/fastfriendsforever/ Page for Fast Friends Forever marketing campaign] on the ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' website, which contains character profiles (archived) * [https://sonic.sega.jp/SonicChannel/character/ Character profiles] on Sonic Channel {{In lang|ja}} * [https://web.archive.org/web/20090217221441/http://www.sega.com/sonic/globalsonic/post_allabout.php?article=soniccharacters Character profiles] on Sonic Central (archived) {{Sonic the Hedgehog}} {{Authority control}} {{Portal bar|Video games|border=yes}}

[[Category:Sonic the Hedgehog characters| ]] [[Category:Anthropomorphic animals in video games]] [[Category:Lists of Sega characters|Sonic the Hedgehog]]