List of recurring characters from Sonic the Hedgehog (games)

This is a list of characters who have appeared in multiple games of Sega's video game franchise, "Sonic the Hedgehog"; further information on characters have appeared in one game only may be found in that game's article. The characters are listed in alphabetical order.

Amy Rose

nihongo|Amy Rose|エミー・ローズ|Emī Rōzu, once known as Rosy the Rascal, is a young, bright and overly-cheerful female hedgehog, frequently shown to be completely in love with Sonic. Amy was not created by Sonic Team; instead, a prototype version of her appeared in the "Sonic the Hedgehog" manga published on September 23, 1992, and there she was literally "the girlfriend of Nikki (Sonic)", as the description translates.fact|date=August 2008 Her first appearance in the games was in "Sonic CD", introduced and kidnapped by Metal Sonic. Here, she had the nickname "Rosy the Rascal" and was named "Princess Sally"Story Background, instruction manual for "Sonic CD", Sega Mega-CD version] in the Western manuals, in order to tie in with the cartoon. After this appearance, she became known as Amy. Her first playable appearance was in "Sonic the Fighters" as Rosy the Rascal, and "Sonic Adventure" as Amy Rose. Both times, she uses her weapon of choice, the "Piko Piko Hammer", to defend herself during her quest, as well as swing her hammer furiously from frustration.Amy's profile from the Sonic Adventure manual]

Babylon Rogues

The Babylon Rogues are a fictitious group of avian thieves. The known members of the group consists of Jet the Hawk, Wave the Swallow and Storm the Albatross. Their only playable appearances to date are in Sonic Riders, and its sequel, .

Jet the Hawk

nihongo|Jet the Hawk|ジェット・ザ・ホーク|Jetto za Hōku is a 14-year-old green hawk. Sources describe him as the leader of the Babylon Rogues,cite web |url=http://sonic.sega.jp/chara/jet/index.html |title=Sonic Channel |accessdate=2008-07-09 |work=Characters: Jet |publisher=Sega |date= ] who is nicknamed the "Legendary Wind Master"cite manual|author = Sega |title = Sonic Riders Manual|section = Characters |publisher=Sega|date=2006|accessdate=2008-07-09|quote=pp 7] due to his mastery of Extreme Gear.cite web |url=http://www2.sega.com/gamesite/sonicriders/ |title=Sonic Riders official website |accessdate=2008-07-09 |work=Characters: Jet |publisher=Sega |date= ] This mastery comes from his forefathers, and Jet is the best in the techniques. His skills make him a possible match to Sonic the Hedgehog, whom he considers a rival. Jet is aware of his duties as leader but must sometimes be helped by his team. Filled with extreme pride, the thing he likes most other than treasure is himself. He despises losing and those who are faster or more confident than him and fights using Bashyo Fans.

Storm the Albatross

nihongo|Storm the Albatross|ストーム・ザ・アルバトロス|Sutōmu za Arubatorosu is a 19-year-old hulking albatross. He is described as the muscle of the Babylon Rogues and Jet the Hawk's "right hand man."cite manual|author = Sega |title = Sonic Riders Manual|section = Characters |publisher=Sega|date=2006|accessdate=2008-07-09|quote=pp 9] The strength of his loyalty to Jet is greater than any other and he hates rivals to the team.cite web |url=http://sonic.sega.jp/chara/storm/index.html |title=Sonic Channel |accessdate=2008-07-09 |work=Characters: Storm |publisher=Sega |date= ] When he is angry, he becomes destructive; and the raw power of his physical strength makes up for his lower intellegence and lack of speed.cite web |url=http://www2.sega.com/gamesite/sonicriders/ |title=Sonic Riders official website |accessdate=2008-07-09 |work=Characters: Storm |publisher=Sega |date= ] With his quick temper, he may stutter when flustered, and he hates having to wait.

Wave the Swallow

nihongo|Wave the Swallow|ウェーブ・ザ・スワロー|Uēbu za Suwarō is an 18-year-old purple swallow. Offical profiles say that like her father was for the previous generation of the Babylon Rogues, she is the current team's mechanic.cite web |url=http://www2.sega.com/gamesite/sonicriders/ |title=Sonic Riders official website |accessdate=2008-07-09 |work=Characters: Wave |publisher=Sega |date= ] Gifted in this craft, she is a superb mechanic who's knowledge of Extreme Gear surpasses both Miles "Tails" Prower and Dr. Eggman.cite manual|author = Sega |title = Sonic Riders Manual|section = Characters |publisher=Sega|date=2006|accessdate=2008-07-09|quote=pp 8] Because of this knowledge, she is full of confidence.cite web |url=http://sonic.sega.jp/chara/wave/index.html |title=Sonic Channel |accessdate=2008-07-09 |work=Characters: Wave |publisher=Sega |date= ] She hates thick-headed or stupid people and notices everything, but her advice tends to be understandable only to her. Although she looks on Jet the Hawk as an "unreliable younger brother" and can be quite stubborn, she follows his leadership.

Big the Cat

nihongo|Big the Cat|ビッグ ・ザ ・キャット|Biggu za Kyatto is a giant purple cat with yellow eyes who first debuted in "Sonic Adventure" on the Dreamcast. Big is laid-backcite manual|author = Sega |title = Sonic Adventure Instruction Manual|section = Characters: Big the Cat |publisher=Sega|date=1999|accessdate=2008-09-08|quote=pp. 28] and easygoing, which is reflected in his speech.cite manual|author = Sega |title = Sonic Heroes Instruction Manual|section = Team Rose |publisher=Sega|date=2004|accessdate=2008-09-08|quote=pp. 11] Strong but gentle and a little slow,cite web |author=Sega of America |publisher = Sega of America |url=http://www.sega.com/sonic/globalsonic/post_allabout.php?article=soniccharacters |title=Big's official character profile from Sega of America |accessdate=2008-03-22] he lives a normally peaceful life in the jungle with his best friend "Froggy." He loves fishing, and he is never without his favorite rod and lure. He appeared in various games as one of the main playable characters, or by making cameos.He first appeared in Sonic Adventure, where he was after his best friend, Froggy, who swallowed a Chaos Emerald, and Chaos tail. With the help of Sonic he was able to stop Chaos and save Froggy, later helping Sonic defeating him permanently, by giving him one of the Chaos Emeralds. Next, he appeared in Sonic Heroes as part of Team Rose, in an attempt to save Froggy and Chocola (Cheese's twin brother), who had been kidnapped by Metal Sonic, in an attempt to gain Chaos's data, and helped stop Metal Madness. He appears in as a playable character. He made cameo appearances in Sonic Adventure 2, Sonic and the Secret Rings, Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games as one of the referees. He has been voiced by Syun Yashiro and Takashi Nagasako in Japanese, and Jon St. John and Pete Zarustica in English.

Froggy

nihongo|Froggy|カエル-クン|Kaeru-kun|"Kaeru-kun" is a frog, and the best friend and buddy of Big the Cat. He has been rescued by Big when he has gone missing or undergone a strange transformation.

Blaze the Cat

nihongo|Blaze the Cat|ブレイズ ・ザ ・キャット|Bureizu za Kyatto is a princess and the defender of the Sol Emeralds. She is portrayed as withdrawn and disciplined when interacting with strangers, though more intimate towards friends. She has pyrokinetic abilities that she is able to utilize in physical attacks during close combat and she can send out long range blasts of fire. She can also propel herself by forming a fiery tornado around her body. She can utilize the Sol Emeralds to transform into Burning Blaze. Blaze's lavender fur becomes peach, her gloves and shoes become engulfed in purple flames, and she becomes surrounded by an aura of fire. She is voiced by Nao Takamori in Japanese media and Bella Hudson in English media.

Blaze debuts in "Sonic Rush" as a playable character along with Sonic. [ [http://www.sonic-rush.net/en/index.html Sonic Rush ] ] She arrives in Sonic's dimension from another dimension along with the Sol Emeralds. While searching for the Emeralds, she befriends Sonic, Tails, and Cream the Rabbit, and helps them stop Dr. Eggman and Eggman Nega before returning to her dimension. She returns in "Sonic the Hedgehog" as Silver the Hedgehog's friend during the future of Sonic's dimension. The two fight against Iblis and attempt to fix their ruined world by traveling back in time. Blaze eventually seals Iblis within her body, is consumed by a gold aura and disappears in the air and apparently dies, however she came back to life because Sonic the Hedgehog turns back time so none of the events of the game happened and Blaze never sealed Iblis inside of her. She acts as a main character in "Sonic Rush Adventure", where Sonic and Tails are transported to her dimension and help her retrieve the "Jeweled Scepter". [cite web|url=http://www.sega.com/gamesite/sonicrushadv/|title=Sonic Rush Adventure|accessdate=2008-07-09|publisher=Sega] She is an unlockable character in the "Sonic and the Secret Rings" party mode and "", and a playable character in "Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games".

Chaos

nihongo|Chaos|カォス|Kaosu is a Chao mutated by the Chaos Emeralds that acts as a guardian for its species and provides clear water around the altar of the Master Emerald.cite web |url=http://sonic.sega.jp/chara/chaos/index.html|language=Japanese |title=Chaos's profile| work=Sonic Channel |publisher=sonic.sega.jp|accessdate=2007-01-22] He is a water-like being that can easily manipulate his own body, allowing him to stretch his limbs and liquefy himself. Without any Chaos Emeralds, he is known as Chaos 0, and as he absorbs the emeralds, he transforms into six more numbered forms, and eventually becomes the large "Perfect Chaos".

After the Echidna tribe attempts to steal the Chaos Emeralds, harming various Chao in the process, Chaos absorbs the negative energy of the Emeralds, becomes Perfect Chaos and causes chaos until being sealed inside the Master Emerald with Tikal. He is released thousands of years later in "Sonic Adventure", so Dr. Eggman can use him to conquer the world. Chaos, still filled with negative energy, absorbs Chaos Emeralds given to him by Eggman, and after Eggman is defeated, Chaos absorbs the last emerald and becomes "Perfect Chaos." He is defeated by Sonic, which purifies Chaos, and allows him to leave peacefully with the spirit of Tikal. He reappears in "Sonic Adventure 2" as a bonus character and in "Sonic Battle" as a playable character.

Chaotix

The Chaotix are a group who debuted in the game "Knuckles' Chaotix" as the main characters, and they have since established their own detective agency. The Chaotix are presented as a somewhat dysfunctional group and are often used in stories to add a sense of comedy to otherwise serious situations.

Charmy Bee

Charmy Bee is a young and childish bee that acts as the "scatterbrained funny-kid" of the Chaotix. He is cheerful, curious, playful, careless, and greatly energetic, often talking about things no one else cares about.cite web |url=http://sonic.sega.jp/chara/charmy/index.html |title=Sonic Channel |accessdate=2008-07-10 |work=Characters: Charmy |publisher=Sega |date= ] Charmy's fooling around makes the rest of the detective agency staff look un-professional, and he is generally seen as a "cute mascot." Despite an innocent, good-natured and light-hearted personality, he'll use his stinging tail on the rare occasion that he gets angry.

Espio the Chameleon

Espio the Chameleon is a purple chameleon, who is an expert ninja. He is described as the "guardian of honor" of the Chaotix.cite web |url=http://sonic.sega.jp/chara/espio/index.html |title=Sonic Channel |accessdate=2008-07-10 |work=Characters: Espio |publisher=Sega |date= ] He has a "militaristic discipline" while also being quiet and laidback.cite manual|author = Sega |title = Sonic Heroes Manual|section = Team Chaotix |publisher=Sega|date=2003|accessdate=2008-07-10|quote=pp 12] Confident in his skills, opinionated and self-obsessed, he revels in training and self discipline. He is not concerned by danger, and often yearns to face it in order to use his ninja skills. With his extensive training in ninjutsu and an ability to turn himself invisible, he is able to move around unnoticed. However, a blunder like a sneeze could cause him to inadvertently become visible.

Mighty the Armadillo

Mighty is a black and red armadillo which debuted in the arcade game SegaSonic the Hedgehog, and later appeared in the 32X game Knuckles' Chaotix. The character is described as a traveler who loves nature and desires to see every place.cite manual|author = Sega |title = Knuckles' Chaotix Japanese Manual|section = Characters |publisher=Sega|date=2003|accessdate=2008-09-03|quote=pp 7] Mighty hates weaknesscite manual|author = Sega |title = Knuckles' Chaotix English Manual|section = Characters |publisher=Sega|date=2003|accessdate=2008-09-03|quote=] and violence. He prefers to be gentle but undergoes a drastic change and is quite capable when needed.

Vector the Crocodile

Vector the Crocodile (ベクター・ザ・クロコダイル, Bekutā za Kurokodairu) is a large, strong crocodile. He is the "head honcho", and the brains, of the Chaotix Detective Agency.cite manual|author = Sega |title = Sonic Heroes Manual|section = Team Chaotix |publisher=Sega|date=2003|accessdate=2008-07-10|quote=pp 13] Divided between being "bossy" and "easy-going," his rough speech and outward appearance mask his clear reasoning and ability to resolve cases.cite web |url=http://sonic.sega.jp/chara/vector/index.html |title=Sonic Channel |accessdate=2008-07-10 |work=Characters: Vector |publisher=Sega |date= ] For the right price he'll take on most jobs, unless they involve doing something immoral. Vector has a strong sense of justice and kindness, despite his argumentativeness. He often does unpaid work due to his charitable nature, leaving the agency constantly short on money. Vector hates having to work for the landlord, but he enjoys singing, and his trademark is a set of headphones. He is physically very strong and his powerful jaws are a formidable weapon.

Cream the Rabbit

nihongo|Cream the Rabbit|クリーム・ザ・ラビット|Kurīmu za Rabitto is a rabbit constantly accompanied by her Chao, Cheese. Their names were based on "cream cheese."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|accessdate=2008-07-07 |format=HTML ] Cream is portrayed as being naive because of being brought up like a princess by her mother, Vanilla.cite manual|author = Sega |title = Sonic Heroes Manual|section = Team Rose |publisher=Sega|date=2003|accessdate=2006-04-17|quote=pp 11] She always politely minds her mannerscite manual|author = Sega |title = Sonic Heroes Manual|section = Characters |publisher=Sega|date=2002|accessdate=2008-07-10|quote=pp 3] but sometimes acts childishly. Cream can achieve flight for short periods of time by flapping with her two large ears. Cream is voiced by Sayaka Aoki in all Japanese media, and Rebecca Handler (previously Sarah Wulfeck) in English media.

Cream's first appearance was a cameo in Sonic Adventure DX, where she is seen flying through Station Square and dropping the key to the Ice Cap level. Her first playable appearance is in "Sonic Advance 2", as the first character saved from Eggman. [Harris, Craig, [http://uk.gameboy.ign.com/articles/372/372037p1.html Sonic Advance 2] "IGN", September 24, 2002, Accessed March 10 2008] She returns in "Sonic Heroes" as part of Team Rose along with Amy Rose and Big the Cat. [Casamassina, Matt, [http://uk.ps2.ign.com/articles/444/444479p1.html Sonic Heroes: Progress Report] , "IGN", December 5, 2003, Accessed Mar 10 2008] She joins with them to search for Cheese's sibling, Chocola, and helps stop Metal Sonic. She is a playable character within "Sonic Battle", where she befriends Emerl and teaches him about emotions. She is a playable character in "Sonic Advance 3", and befriends the rebuilt Gemerl. She becomes friends with Blaze the Cat during "Sonic Rush", teaching her about friendship. She is unlockable in "Sonic Riders", ', and the "Sonic and the Secret Rings" Party Mode. She is also due to make an appearance in ' as a playable character.

Cheese the Chao

nihongo|Cheese|チーズ|Chīzu is a blue neutral chao and the constant companion of Cream, following her wherever she goes. He distinguishes himself from other chao with a red bow-tie, and he often attacks for Cream by ramming into her adversaries.cite web |url=http://sonic.sega.jp/chara/cream/index.html |title=Sonic Channel |accessdate=2008-07-10 |work=Characters: Cream the Rabbit & Cheese |publisher=Sega |date= ] Cheese was created in order for Cream to keep her intended "sweet girl" personality and thus avoid directly attacking enemies.

Vanilla the Rabbit

nihongo|Vanilla the Rabbit|ヴァニラ・ザ・ラビット|Vanira za Rabitto is a cream-colored rabbit, introduced with Cream the Rabbit as Cream's doting mother in "Sonic Advance 2", and first named in Sonic X.

Doctor Eggman (Dr. Robotnik)

nihongo|Doctor RobotnikSega (1991). "Sonic the Hedgehog" instruction manual (English version), pp. 4] |ロボトニック|Robotonikku, also known by his alias, nihongo|Doctor EggmanSega (1999). "Sonic Adventure" instruction manual, pp. 31] |ドクター・エッグマン|Dokutā Egguman, is a the main antagonist of the series. First 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. Eggman frequently appears as the boss of almost every level in most of the 2D games, in a different machine each time.

When Sega petitioned its research and development department to create a character who would replace Alex Kidd as their company mascot, a caricature of Theodore Roosevelt was also among the proposed designs, but lost to Sonic the Hedgehog, and eventually became the basis for Dr. Eggman. [cite web |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 |year=1992 |month=October |accessdate=2007-06-28] He is a self-proclaimed or certifiable genius with an IQ of 300.Sega (2001). "Sonic Adventure 2" instruction manual, pp. 9] Sega (2004). "Sonic Heroes" instruction manual, pp. 14] 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 |accessdate=2008-03-26] 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).Sega (2005). "Shadow the Hedgehog" instruction manual, pp. 8]

Eggman Nega

Eggman Nega (ドクター・エッグマン "Egguman Negau") is Doctor Eggman's dimensional counterpart. His clothes are somewhat reminiscent of Eggman's original outfit. Eggman Nega is the arch-enemy of Blaze the Cat. He has been the main villain in every game he has appeared in, and is fought as the final boss in "Sonic Rush", "Sonic Rivals", "Sonic Rivals 2", and "Sonic Rush Adventure", though in the Sonic Rush games, Dr. Eggman is fought alongside Eggman Nega, making them both the main villain of those games. His name is a play to the word "negative". Nega is Dr. Eggman's ally in the Sonic Rush Series, but his enemy is the Sonic Rivals series. The relationship between the two Eggmans differs between the two sub-series. In Sonic Rush, Eggman Nega is Dr. Eggman's direct dimensional counterpart from Blaze's dimension. In the Sonic Rivals games, Eggman Nega says that he is a descendant of Eggman from the future rather than another world. Oddly, just like Vanilla, all of his appearances are on handheld systems.

EggRobo

Eggrobo is an egg-shaped humanoid robot resembling Dr. Eggman. They first appeared as enemies in the game Sonic & Knuckles. In Sonic's storyline in that game, they only appeared as standard badnik enemies in the Sky Sanctuary Zone, after being seen launched from the Death Egg.

They are rather more prominent in Knuckles' storyline, however, as one Eggrobo in particular replaces Eggman as the end-of-zone boss in every level up until the Hidden Palace Zone, with the exception of Flying Battery Zone, which instead had Eggman. This Eggrobo also appears in cutscenes in the game. At the beginning of the game, while Knuckles is relaxing along with some of his animal friends, the Eggrobo drops a bomb in their midst that scares his friends away. This Eggrobo is destroyed by Mecha Sonic in the Sky Sanctuary Zone (the final level in Knuckles' storyline). The Eggrobo restrains Knuckles, allowing Mecha Sonic to charge at him, but Knuckles breaks free and Mecha Sonic destroys the Eggrobo instead.

An Eggrobo later appears in Sonic R as an unlockable character. It has abilities similar to Dr. Eggman's, though Eggrobo is slow for an unlockable character. It is unlocked by getting all the golden coins in the "Regal Ruins" level. An Eggrobo appears in Sonic Adventure 2 as a kart racing VMU Download with his own stage, and again in the Gamecube port as Rouge the Bat's unlockable sub kart, obtained by getting all the emblems of Rouge's missions.

E-Series

The E-Series is a fictional group of robots in the "Sonic the Hedgehog" series of video games. They are created by the games' antagonist, Doctor Eggman, who uses them in his quest to conquer the world. They are more powerful than normal badniks, and are used by Eggman as a kind of elite trooper.

E-100 Zero

E-100 Zero is the first E-100 series robot. He was created by Dr. Eggman, and was given the order to capture the Chaos Emerald from Amy's Flicky friend, Lily. He first appeared in Sonic Adventure, and later returned in Sonic Advance. During his time in Sonic Adventure, he was the main Villain in Amy's story of the game, where he repeatedly tried to capture Lily, but, Amy did her best to protect her. At one point of the game, he even captured Amy, and Lily, and brought them to the Egg Carrier. By the end of Amy's story, she had destroyed him. In Sonic Advance, it appears as if Eggman had rebuilt Zero, as he appeared in special stages, trying to prevent Sonic from getting the seven Chaos Emeralds. It was never explained weather this was the same E-100, or an entirely different one.

E-102 Gamma

E-102 Gamma is one of the E-100 series robots created by Eggman. He is given the mission to collect Chaos Emeralds for Chaos after defeating his sibling robot, E-101 Beta. After witnessing the fate of Beta, Gamma decides to turn against Eggman and "rescue" the other E-Series robots by defeating them and releasing the small animals used to power them. He eventually battles and defeats an upgraded Beta, which leaves Gamma mortally wounded. They both end up destroyed, which releases two related Flickies that join with the other Flicky under the care of Amy Rose. He reappears as a playable character in "Sonic Shuffle" after being "revived with the power of dreams."

E-102 Chaos Gamma, a new, remodeled version, appears as a playable character in "Sonic Battle". He is powered by a shard of a Chaos Emerald, and battles Emerl several times in order to become stronger. He eventually forms a bond with Emerl, but remains loyal to Eggman. E-102 Gamma is voiced by George Nakata in Japanese media, Steve Broadie in the English version of "Sonic Adventure", Deem Bristow in the English version of "Sonic Shuffle", and Jon St. John in the English version of "Sonic Battle".

E-123 Omega

nihongo|E-123 Omega|オメガ|"Omega" is the last of Doctor Eggman's E-100 series robots, specifically designed to contain and control Shadow the Hedgehog. In his first appearance in "Sonic Heroes", Eggman seals Omega within an abandoned base, along with Shadow, until Rouge the Bat accidentally releases Shadow from his stasis pod.cite web|url=http://sonic.sega.jp/chara/omega/index.html|title=E-123 Omega's Official Character Profile|language=Japanese] Infuriated at being sealed, Omega decides to team up with the two to obtain revenge on Eggman and prove that he is Eggman's most powerful creation.cite manual|author = Sega |title = Sonic Heroes Manual|section = Team Dark |publisher=Sega|date=2004|accessdate=2008-07-08|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.] He returns with the same goal in "Shadow the Hedgehog", and teams up with Shadow in certain levels to destroy Eggman's robots. During "Sonic the Hedgehog", he is playable after Rouge orders him to support Shadow many years in the future. [cite video game|title=Sonic the Hedgehog 2006 |developer=Sega |publisher=Sega |platform=PS3, Xbox 360 |level=Crisis City |language=English |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.] He is be playable as an optional unlockable character in " found in metropolis".cite web|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=190471|author=NGamer Staff|title=DS Previews: Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood|accessdate=2008-06-09|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.]

Omega has an array of weapons concealed in his arms, including machine guns, flamethrowers, missile launchers, and energy cannons. He can also retract his hands in order to attach a spinning Shadow and Rouge in their place, either using the two as melee weapons or firing them. Omega can use jet boosters built into his back to help accelerate and hover. He also has a range of sensors in order to detect and locate enemies. Omega is voiced by Taiten Kusunoki in all Japanese media, and Maddie Blaustein (previously Jon St. John and Andrew Rannells) in English media.

Fang the Sniper

:"For information on the version of Fang as seen in the American "Sonic the Hedgehog" comics, see Minor villains in Sonic the Hedgehog (comic series)#Nack the Weasel.":"For his appearance in Sonic the Comic, see List of characters in Sonic the Comic#Nack the Weasel."

nihongo|Fang the Sniper|ファング・ザ・スナイパー|Fangu za Sunaipā, also known as Nack the Weasel, is a purple wolf weaselcite 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 |accessdate=2008-01-23] that first appeared in the Game Gear video game "Sonic Triple Trouble". His character is a treasure hunter in search of the Chaos Emeralds; however he doesn't know of their true power and merely wants to sell them for profit.cite manual|author = Sega |title = Sonic Triple Trouble Manual|section = Characters |publisher=Sega|date=1994|accessdate=2008-09-02|quote=] He is a slick, sneaky and mischieviouscite manual|author = Sega |title = Sonic & Tails 2 Manual|section = Characters |publisher=Sega|date=1994|accessdate=2008-09-02|quote= pp 30] character who will steal the Emeralds for an easier job. Fang tries hard to outwit others, but is held back by naivety and often fails. He is often seen with his air-bike, the Marvelous Queen.

The character was known as "Fang the Sniper" in the Japanese game, Sonic & Tails 2, but was named "Nack the Weasel" in the English version, Sonic Triple Trouble. "Nack" was used in the comic books he also appears in. Games released after "Sonic Triple Trouble" have called him "Fang", regardless of language.

Fang the Sniper has appeared in "Sonic Triple Trouble", "Sonic Drift 2", "Tails Adventures", and "Sonic the Fighters". In addition, he was set to appear in "Sonic X-treme" as a boss character, but did not due to its cancellation. He was also mentioned in a DVD-ROM Flash comic that came with "Sonic and the Secret Rings".

Guardian Units of Nations

The Guardian Units of Nations, [The meaning of the abbreviation is confirmed in the manual for "Shadow the Hedgehog" and the [http://www.shadow-the-hedgehog.com/en/base.html official "Shadow the Hedgehog" website] .] often abbreviated to G.U.N., is a fictional organization featured in the "Sonic the Hedgehog" video game series.

Its status within the "Sonic the Hedgehog" canon (aside from its "Sonic X" incarnation) is that of a worldwide military/emergency law enforcement federation, somewhat similar to NATO and Marvel Comics' S.H.I.E.L.D..

Commander

The G.U.N. Federation's highest ranking officerGUN Commander's bio from Shadow the Hedgehog (game) manual] is the Commander (also known as the General), who appeared in "Shadow the Hedgehog". Described as having a "heart of stone," he has complete confidence and an iron will. He has a grudge against Shadow, blaming him for Maria Robotnik's death.

Knuckles the Echidna

nihongo|Knuckles the Echidna|ナックルズ・ザ・エキドゥナ|Nakkurusu za Ekiduna is both Sonic's friend and rival. First introduced in the Genesis game Sonic the Hedgehog 3, Knuckles lives on Angel Island, which hovers in the sky due to the power of the Master Emerald. As the last surviving member of the Echidna people who once inhabited the island, his duty is to guard the Emerald. If Sonic exemplifies the wind, then Knuckles is the mountain: stern and anchored to his duty.Sega.jp, [http://sonic.sega.jp/chara/cream/index.html Cream and Cheese's Official Character Profile] , URL Accessed April 17, 2006.]

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.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|accessdate=2008-02-28 |format=HTML ] A character with many different abilities and skills, he is physically one of the strongest characters of the "Sonic" series.cite web |url=http://www.sonic-city.com/en/characters/knuckles/index.html |title=Sonic City|accessdate=2008-03-04 |format=HTML ] His strength and mastery of martial arts, specialising in punches, enables him to perform feats such as shattering boulders with his fists, whilst he can trap air under his dreadlocks in order to glide for short distances. .

Maria Robotnik

nihongo|Maria Robotnik|マリア‧ロボトニック|Maria Robotonikku is a character that appears in flashbacks during "Sonic Adventure 2", "Sonic X" and "Shadow the Hedgehog". She is the granddaughter of Professor Gerald Robotnik, and is the cousin of Doctor Robotnik. Maria suffers from the illness known as "NIDS" (Neuro-Immune Deficiency Syndrome), which was incurable at the time. Gerald takes on Project Shadow in order to save her. Soon after Shadow is created, the two bond deeply, though it is short-lived as G.U.N. soon raids the ARK, leaving Maria dead. Before her death, she encases Shadow in an escape pod, and asks him to bring hope to humanity and give humans a chance to be happy. This experience scars Shadow for life, but ultimately his determination to keep his promise to Maria leads him to become friends with Sonic and save the Earth multiple times. She is voiced by Yuri Shiratori in Japanese, Shelly Fox in "Sonic Adventure 2", and Bella Hudson in "Sonic X" and "Shadow the Hedgehog".

Metal Sonic

nihongo|Metal Sonic|メタル ・ソニック |Metaru Sonikku is a robotic version of Sonic created by Dr. Eggman. His earliest appearance was as one of the final bosses in "Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (16-bit)" aboard the Death Egg. He first appears in his current guise in "Sonic the Hedgehog CD", with orders to change the past by Eggman. He returns in "Knuckles' Chaotix", where he attempts to obtain the Chaos Rings, but he is stopped by the Chaotix. He appears as a boss in "Sonic Triple Trouble" and "Sonic the Fighters". He is playable in "Sonic Drift 2" and "Sonic R", and a bonus character in "Sonic Adventure" and "Sonic Adventure 2". He acts as the main antagonist of "Sonic Heroes", where he transforms himself into Neo Metal Sonic. His appearance changes vastly and he uses a ability to transform into other beings in order to manipulate the main characters. He betrays Eggman, and uses data he collects to transform into more powerful forms. After being defeated, he contemplates not being able to defeat Sonic, returns to his original form, and he is taken away by Omega and Shadow. Eggman reobtains him and reprograms him to be obedient. He returns as an enemy in "Sonic Rivals", and appears as a playable character in "Sonic Rivals 2", acting under Eggman's orders.

Metal Sonic is able to match the speed of Sonic by using an engine to propel himself. He also has several of Sonic's abilities, along with being able to copy the abilities of others, such as Knuckles' strength and Silver's psychokinesis powers. He usually only communicates with a series of electronic noises, though he is able to speak in his Neo form. The form also grants him the ability to transform into the large "Metal Madness" and "Metal Overlord" forms after collecting enough data, which grants him various projectiles and the endurance to match Super Sonic. In "Sonic Rivals 2" Eggman Nega creates a black and yellow copy of Metal Sonic called Metal Sonic 3.0. Metal Sonic plays a primary role in Sonic The Movie, acting as a major villain, built by Dr. Robotnik to destroy Sonic. Sonic and Metal Sonic share a mental bond, capable of feeling the same thing as each other, both physically and emotionally. Metal Sonic ultimately perishes in the conclusion of the movie, melting in a laval pool, deciding there is "only one Sonic". Metal Sonic is voiced by Junichi Kanemaru in the Japanese version of "Sonic Heroes" and Ryan Drummond in the English version.

Miles "Tails" Prower

nihongo|Miles Prower|マイルス・パウアー|Mairusu Pauā, better known by his alias nihongo|Tails|テイルス|Teirusu, is a young fox who is Sonic's best friend and sidekick. His name is a pun on "miles per hour", a reference to the famed speed of the "Sonic the Hedgehog" series. He is able to use his two tails to propel himself into the air like a helicopter for a limited time. Yasushi Yamaguchi, originally the main artist and zone designer for Sega's Sonic Team, designed Tails for an internal competition for a sidekick to Sonic. His first appearance was in "Sonic 2" for the Game Gear, where he was kidnapped by Robotnik for a "hefty" ransom, and was first made playable in the Genesis version of "Sonic the Hedgehog 2".

Tails has also starred in games without Sonic. His first solo game was "Tails' Skypatrol", a puzzle-like game for the Game Gear released exclusively in Japan. This was followed by "Tails Adventures" later the same year, a platformer with RPG elements. [ [http://www.greatgamesexperiment.com/game/TailsAdventure Play Tails Adventure on Great Games Experiment ] ] Frequently portrayed as a sweet-naturedSega (1999). "Sonic Adventure" instruction manual, pp. 20] and humble foxSega (2004). "Sonic Heroes" instruction manual, pp. 7] , Tails used to be picked on because of his twin tails, before he met Sonic.cite web |author=Sonic Team |publisher = Sega of Japan |url=http://sonic.sega.jp/chara/tails/ |title=Tails's official character profile |accessdate=2007-09-20]

Omochao

nihongo|Omochao|オモチャオ|Omochao is a robotic Chao with a propeller on its head. Omochao was introduced in "Sonic Adventure" as part of the Chao Races, and it later appeared in "Sonic Adventure 2", where he serves as an in-game manual to teach players how to play the game. Since then he has appeared in a multitude of "Sonic" games, such as a guide in the training level and instructions for what everything does in Sonic Heroes, or as a type of gun in Shadow The Hedgehog, a referee Sonic Riders, a collectable card, and referee in Sonic Rivals 2, a referee in Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games, giving hints in Sonic Advance 3, and as supporting character in multiplayer of Sonic and the Secret Rings.

President

The President is the head of state of the United Federation, a fictional nation similar to the United States. He resides in Central City, in a building very similar to the White House. He first appeared in "Sonic Adventure 2", when Sonic and Tails catch up to his limousine in order to use his computer to pinpoint the location of Dr. Eggman, as the doctor had contacted the President seconds earlier. He is then briefly mentioned by Rouge the Bat during "Sonic Heroes"; if Team Dark stays still for some time, she will say "I haven't seen the President lately." He reappears in "Shadow the Hedgehog", where he holds an admiration for Sonic and Shadow for previously saving the world, and appears in several cutscenes trying to deal with the alien invasion of the Black Arms. His presence in the Shadow the Hedgehog game is much more emphasized than in earlier appearances, as he is a major representative to the player on G.U.N. (Guardian Units of Nations)'s actions. Shadow attempts to assassinate the President in one story of the game. In the ending, the President concludes that Professor Gerald Robotnik was actually a hero to the world and should be praised.

Secretary

The President's Secretary' is seen in "Sonic Adventure 2" with the President in his limousine. She appears to be oblivious to the events happening around her when Sonic and Tails leap into the limo to pick up Eggman's coordinates. In "Shadow the Hedgehog" she speaks to the President via an answering machine in several cutscenes, and during Expert Mode, she twice reminds him of his casual meetings (such as sharing tea) with other world leaders. In Sonic Adventure 2: Battle, she could be unlocked as an easter egg for the in-game theme.

Professor Gerald Robotnik

Professor nihongo|Gerald Robotnik|ジラルド・ロボトニック|Jirarudo Robotonikku is the grandfather of Maria Robotnik and Dr. Robotnik, as well as the creator of Shadow the Hedgehog, Space Colony ARK, the Biolizard, Artificial Chaos, and various other projects. Fifty years before the main series, he attempts to create the "Ultimate Life Form" under the funding of the United Federation, hoping that it can help cure Maria's illness. He fails various times until meeting with the alien, Black Doom, and using his DNA to create Shadow. He learns of Black Doom's true plan (to destroy the planet), and prepares the ARK to act against Black Doom when the time comes. Later, G.U.N. decided Gerald's experiments were dangerous to humanity, and board the ARK to shut them down, killing Maria in the process. This caused Gerald to lose his grip on reality, and create plans to crash the ARK into the planet. He is then captured by the government and executed. He is voiced by Chikao Ōtsuka in Japanese, Marc Biagi in the English version of "Sonic Adventure 2", and Mike Pollock in "Sonic X" and "Shadow the Hedgehog".

Rouge the Bat

nihongo|Rouge the Bat|ルージュ・ザ・バット|Rūju za Batto is a white, female bat who made her first appearance in "Sonic Adventure 2" in 2001, and who has been featured in several games since. She is depicted as a professional treasure hunter devoted to the pursuit of jewelsSega (2004). "Sonic Heroes" instruction manual, pp. 9] , calling herself the "World's Greatest Thief". She has a tendency to ignore abstract morality or manners for potential profitcite web |url=http://www.sega.com/sonic/globalsonic/post_allabout.php?article=soniccharacters |title=Sonic Central/about/characters|accessdate=2007-07-07 |format=HTML ] ; her "feminine charm" makes her appear careless, but she is actually scheming and manipulative.. Additionally, she serves as a part time spy for the government's G.U.N. Federation. She fights using kicks, especially her signature "Screw Kick," and she can fly using her wings.cite web |url=http://sonic.sega.jp/chara/rouge/index.html |title=Sonic Channel Official Profile for Rouge the Bat|accessdate=2007-01-25 |format=HTML ]

hadow the Hedgehog

nihongo|Shadow the Hedgehog|シャドウ・ザ・ヘッジホッグ| Shadō Za Hejjihoggu is an artificially created life form in the design of a male, anthropomorphic hedgehog, similar to Sonic.cite web |url=http://www.sega.com/sonicchronicles/us/index.php |title=Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood |accessdate=2008-08-18 |work= |publisher=Sega.com |date= ] His trademark hover skates propel him at extreme speeds that rival those of Sonic, whose form he resembles.

Considered the second most popular character in the seriescite web|url=http://sonic.sega.jp/event/016/index.html|title=Sonic Channel Official Popularity Poll|language=Japanese] , he has featured in a variety of media, including his own self-titled game. He first appeared in the game "Sonic Adventure 2", in which it is explained that he was created fifty years prior to the game's events, in an attempt to create "The Ultimate Life Form". Shadow was released from suspended animation by Dr. Eggman, who hoped to use him to conquer the world; however, he tricked Dr. Eggman into collecting all of the Chaos Emeralds and nearly destroyed the Earth. At the end of the game, he falls through the atmosphere, seemingly dead. In later games he is cloned by Dr. Eggman, and consistently appears without memory of his past.

ilver the Hedgehog

nihongo|Silver the Hedgehog|シルバー・ザ・ヘッジホッグ |Shirubā za Hejjihoggu is a hedgehog from many years in the future of the main timeline. He first appeared in "Sonic the Hedgehog". His individual episode revolves around him traveling back in time with Blaze the Cat to find Sonic the Hedgehog, known to them as the "Iblis Trigger", who they believe is the cause of their world being destroyed in the future. Over the course of the game, Silver learns the truth about the "Iblis Trigger", and how his world can be saved from destruction.After the defeat of Solaris, the time-god born from the merge of Iblis and Mephiles the Dark, time was reset as if Solaris never existed. Due to this, Iblis and Mephiles were never born and Silver's future was never thrown into chaos. He is one of the main characters in Sonic Rivals and Sonic Rivals 2. He is unlockable in "Sonic and the Secret Rings" and "". [ [http://www.sega.com/gamesite/sonicriderszg/ Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity - Shift into Zero Gravity!] ] He is also briefly seen in Super Smash Bros. Brawl, going around the loop in the background of Sonic's Green Hill Zone stage. [http://www.smashbros.com/en_us/stages/stage27.html]

Silver's primary ability is psychokinesis. He is able to levitate objects and use them as projectiles, levitate, and fly. He can also fire shock waves that temporarily paralyze his enemies. He is able to use many standard abilities similar to those of Sonic and Shadow and he can utilize Chaos Control in order to warp through time and space. He is able to transform into "Super Silver" by using the power of the Chaos Emeralds. His eyes turn red, his fur becomes a white gold color, and he becomes able to use a special "Shield of Light" to draw in and throw any object within a large circular field.

Silver was created in order to utilize the new physics engine added to "Sonic the Hedgehog", and, while given similar gameplay elements to Sonic and Shadow, provides vastly different gameplay with his unique abilities. The design team developed over fifty different concepts for the character, including using Sonic's "scarf like hair" with more volume, which led to Silver originally being a mink. They felt that a mink wouldn't blend in with the rest of the characters, so they decided to make Silver a hedgehog instead. Orange was orignially decided for his fur, but they soon decided on white-gray. While developing the character models and textures, they focused on using the hardware to develop the textures rather than just use white-gray, which lead to Silver's color and name. [http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/735/735501p1.html IGN: Creating Silver the Hedgehog]

onic the Hedgehog

nihongo|Sonic the Hedgehog |ソニック・ザ・ヘッジホッグ|Sonikku za Hejjihoggu, trademarked "Sonic The Hedgehog",cite book|last=Kent|first=Steven|authorlink=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|pages=428|chapter=Chapter 23|quote=the "t" in "Sonic the Hedgehog is capitalized. Sega marketing wizard Al Nilsen had the "the" registered as Sonic's middle name.] is the protaganist of the series. Developed as a replacement for their existing Alex Kidd mascot, his first appearance was in the first game of the Sonic series, "Sonic the Hedgehog", for the Sega Mega Drive, also known as the Genesis in North America. Known as the world's fastest hedgehog, Sonic's greatest strength is his running speed, which is faster than the speed of sound, whilst many of his abilities are variations on the tendency for hedgehogs to roll into tight balls for protection with the addition of spinning his body.

As Sega's mascot and one of the key reason's for the company's success during the 16-bit era of consoles, Sonic is one of the most recognizable video game characters in the world. As Sega's mascot, Sonic has also been used as a symbol for the company's various sponsorships. Sonic was one of the three game characters inducted on the inaugural Walk of Game class in 2005.cite web |author= |publisher = |url=http://www.walkofgame.com/inductees/inductees2005.html |title=Walk of Game 2005 inductees |accessdate=2008-04-02 ]

Tikal the Echidna

nihongo|Tikal|ティカル|Tikaru is the daughter of Chief Pachacamac in the same tribe as Knuckles the Echidna descends.cite web | author= Sonic Channel| title=Tikal's official profile| work= | url= http://sonic.sega.jp/chara/tikal/index.html | accessdate= March 20| accessyear= 2007 ] She first appears in "Sonic Adventure" and returns in "Sonic Adventure 2" as a bonus character. Thousands of years before the main events of the series, she opposes her father's power-hungry ways in invading other countries. [cite web | author= Panhistoria.com| title=Tikal's profile from the official Sonic Adventure strategy guide| work= | url= http://www.panhistoria.com/Stacks/Novels/Character_Homes/home.php?CharID=4076| accessdate= March 12| accessyear= 2006 ] She eventually comes into contact with Chaos and a group of Chao at the shrine of the Master Emerald, who accept her due to her friendliness to them. After Pachacamac raids the shrine, angering Chaos, Tikal recites an ancient poem about Chaos, sealing her spirit along with Chaos in the Master Emerald. [cite web | author= Sonic Channel| title=Chaos's history| work= | url= http://sonic.sega.jp/chara/chaos/index.html | accessdate= March 20| accessyear= 2007 ] Several thousand years later, Dr. Eggman shatters the Master Emeralds and awakens the angry Chaos and Tikal's spirit. Tikal helps the main characters defeat Chaos, and then returns to the Emerald with Chaos. [cite video game|title=Sonic Adventure |developer=Sonic Team |publisher=Sega |date=1998-12-23 |platform=Sega Dreamcast] Tikal's Japanese voice-overs are done by Kaori Asoh, while Elara Distler did her English voice in Sonic Adventure and Sonic Adventure 2, as Bella Hudson did her voice in the English language version of Sonic X.Her name is based off of the South American town and ruins of the same name which, the ruins in Sonic Adventure strongly resemble.

References

In addition to information taken from the "Sonic the Hedgehog" games themselves, content from the instruction booklets of the U.S. and Japanese versions of the games were also used as references for this article.reflist|2