Eras UPDATE: Modern

ALL about the Modern Era

Era: Modern

Main Years: 2005-2010

Gameplay Type: The modern era is a much more experimental time for 3D and 2D games a like. 

Sonic returned to racing games in the Riders series, featuring new moves, tricks, and gimmicks. Sonic's venture to the Wii also meant several different styles. Sometimes the controls meant holding the remote sideways, sometimes it meant a nunchuck. Confusingly, the controls were almost always different. 

Sonic the Hedgehog, a game similar to the "adventure" style, would be released in 2006 for Sonic's 15th anniversary. Unfortunately, the development team was split apart and then rushed...the result being a game infamous for its numerous glitches. 

Sonic had more critical success with his 2D.5 handheld titles. Sonic Rush is notable for introducing the boost, which would soon become a Sonic norm. Sonic Unleashed was the first console game to feature the element, but the game also introduced a style more focused on fighting via the Werehog stages. 

Character Designs and Personalities: Sonic 06 slightly redesigned the main cast to fit better with the more realistic setting. In Sonic's case this meant height and shape a bit, making the character less round. The concept art reveals that they wanted to give Sonic a more realistic texture, though this was obviously cut. In 06, Eggman was designed to resemble a real human, but to to poor reception he never appeared this way again.      

Generally the same attitude that filled the previous era affected this one. In the Riders series, the Storybook series, and the Rivals series, a lot of the characters have sly remarks and memorable banter. Sonic 06 is a bit of an oddball due to the nature of the plot, making many of the characters act more serious or even passive. 

Sonic Unleashed and Sonic and the Black Knight have been praised for their particular versions of Sonic, which has been described as more serious without losing his flair.     

Story Type: Building upon some of the plots seen before, the Modern era made itself more mature with "darker" plots, though it had lighthearted moments. 

New villains like Eggman Nega, Mephiles, and the Erazor Djinn became threats equal to/greater than Eggman himself. Like with previous games, sometimes Eggman would actually help if there was a greater threat (though not always, or sometimes the result was betrayal). 

Like before Sonic also gained many new friends like Sharah, Caliburn, and Chip. After the success of Shadow, several new rival characters were created. Blaze the Cat would eventually become a friend, but makes her debut as a fiery rival. Jet the Hawk and the Babylon Rogues challenge Sonic in the air.  Silver the Hedgehog meets Sonic for the first time twice, and tries to fight him immediately in each case. And Johnny the...robot pirate...shark....thing...refused any emerald without a race.  

Visuals: While some games have aged better than others, for the first time the graphics aren't...crude. Although a lot of openings are actually also first cutscenes, they all look pretty well. While the standard cutscenes are usually nothing to brag about, the CG cutscenes have mostly aged amazingly well. Additionally Sonic Riders marked the return to 2D animation with its opening.     

The settings used a lot of diversity, relying even more on earth for inspiration. 06 used Venice as the base for Soleanna, and Unleashed used a number of locations and real-world landmarks to create similar ones. Common locations were cities, jungles, deserts, seascapes, castles, and snowy mountains.  

Music: Like with gameplay, the music experimented with different things. The Riders series dived into high-energy techno while the Rush games used samples and unique effects. The storybook games immersed themselves in themes of their fantasy worlds. 06 has a beloved OST with tracks that impress even the most critical haters. Unleashed has been called the best in the series, having a culturally inspired mix for day, night, and hub world locations. 

These years were filled with many different vocal themes. A distinct difference from the last era is Crush 40 (previously doing most of the main songs and being associated with Sonic). While they would still contribute to the games (especially Black Knight), they started to become associated with Shadow (after both Shadow the Hedgehog and Sonic 06).  Meanwhile many of Sonic's new songs like "His World,""7 Rings in Hand," and "Endless Possibilities," would be done by others.           

Voice Cast: Although much of the cast had already voiced the characters on Sonic X, due to the amount of new characters several other actors joined the main cast. 

Sonic, Shadow, and Jet were all voiced by Jason Griffith, while Eggman was voiced by Mike Pollock. Amy Palant voiced Tails, with Dan Green as Knuckles (as well as Storm, Mephlies, and Professor Pickle). Dan Green also began voicing Vector. Lisa Ortiz voiced Amy, while Bella Hudson took on the characters Wave the Swallow, Blaze the Cat, and Sharah the Genie. Silver was Pete Capella. 

Veronica Taylor (known for voicing Ash from Pokemon and April in 03 TMNT) was supposed to voice Princess Elise, but was replaced by "celebrity" actress Lacey Chabert (known for voicing Eliza in The Wild Thornberrys and Meg in the first season of Family Guy).   

The characters Merlina, Caliburn, and King Arthur were intended to be British. Sega chose the voice actors for these new characters (one actor being from Nights).  

Controversy 

After first taking over, the 4kids cast gained a lot of negativity from fans. Even though they had been voicing voicing the characters since 2003 (via Sonic X), most missed the previous cast that started with Sonic Adventure. Eventually fans warmed up to the new cast, with some being called better than the previous group. They also praised the improvements over the years. Whether Jason Griffith or Ryan Drummond was the better Sonic remains a common fan debate.      

In late 2010 with Sonic Free Riders, however, Sega decided to hire new actors, with the exception of Mike Pollock. As with the first time, the move did not sit well with fans. In particular fans were upset that Sega just offered Sonic's new voice actor, Roger Craig Smith, the job. Smith later clarified he did do an audition.  

 

Main Voice (Sonic): Jason Griffith

Memorable Theme Song (for Sonic): "His World" (from Sonic 06). 

Memorable Catchphrases (Sonic):  "ALRIGHT...Bring it on!" (Sonic Riders) "Alright, lets have some fun Solaris." (Sonic 06) "Sonic...BOOM!" (Sonic Rivals) "I'm not a rat!" "No problem" "This just isn't my day!" "Too Easy" "That was tight!" "Lend me your...POWER!" (Sonic and the Secret Rings) "Whoo!" Here...we...go!" "Feelin' Good." "Eh, can't win 'em all." (Sonic Unleashed) "Your too slow!" "Come on, step it up!" (Brawl) 

"I'm a hedgehog, pal, not a guinea pig."  (cartoon)

Cartoons and other Appearances: Since it aired a bit later and has a different tone, the 3rd season of Sonic X is arguably the cartoon of the modern era. The plot of the "darker" final season is less randomized and mainly focused on saving the universe from a threatening alien species, the Meterex. 

Years later, a 3-D animated short that tied-into Sonic Unleashed, "Sonic: Night of the Werehog," was created. It had a playful plot including Chip and ghosts. 

Archie created a new spin-off based on Sonic X, which was more successful than they expected, lasting for 40 issues. 

In 2006 the Archie comics turned a new page when Ian Flynn, now infamous in the Sonic-comic community, began writing for the comics. He tried to make the series more akin to the games, but also tried to "clean-up" what happened to the main "Sat Am" cast. He tried to heal the relationship between Sonic and Sally, recreated "Evil Sonic" as Scourge, and tied up many loose ends. 

In late 2009, Sonic Universe, another spin-off, was made. Through this series Flynn introduced and reintroduced many game characters like Blaze the Cat, Gamma, Omega, Marine, and the Babylon Rogues. With flashbacks, parts of the games were now partially adapted...although tie-ins would be limited to non-canon "in another time/place" one-offs.   

Sonic X (Leapster) OST Review

Summary

Yes, there was a Sonic X Leapster game. MY WONDERFUL MATH ROBOTS.  

Best Song: Angel Island

Runner-Up (s): Arial Automations

Does it sound like a poor quality mix of phone dials? Kinda,' but the tune is not bad. 

Worst Song: Station Square

Runner Up (s): Eggman's Super Sucky Machine

Eh, kinda' lame and still rough sounding. 

Final Ranking: E

It could almost sound like a old 90s game, with the tunes, but unfortunately it's no where near that quality and kinda' hard to listen to. 

Quote of the Month

 

"[Thinking]Cosmo certainly is special. I only wish I could tell her how I feel. [Aloud] You're so beauti--WAAAAH!"

"It's true, the stars are beautiful! I'm so happy right now, I feel like I could stand here starring at them forever."

"...So do I."

--Tails with Cosmo in "Mission Match-Up" (Sonic X, dub)

Changes: New Sonic Cartoon

AoStH

Rumors have been buzzing around the idea of a new Sonic cartoon. According to a deleted tweet from a while back, there will be a new 3-D animated Sonic TV show exclusive to Netflix in 2022 (same year as the Sonic movie 2).  

Speculation

Sat Am

Since it's arriving the same year as the Sonic movie, it's possible it will follow the tone, or possibly incorporate the same elements (humans, etc). Maybe it's even an extension of the movie-universe, but at this point there is so little information it's anyone's guess. 

Thoughts/opinions

Animation

Underground

I'm not looking forward to seeing another 3-D cartoon because it feels cheaper. Even the low-budget 90s DiC animation seemed livelier than Boom (which was--facially--expressive, but not much else). Sonic X seemed ideal at the time, but in retrospect it seems shabby to the modern shorts like Team Sonic Racing Overdrive (though those shorts were minutes long, and Sonic X--and the other cartoons--had to be hours). 

When I was younger I especially hated the idea of CGI Sonic. Even before the design changes, I already had it out for Sonic Boom because of this (and the Sonic Movie). My exploration of the modern games changed my mind...a bit: 

If the show sticks to Sonic's modern design and presents itself like the various openings of Sonic 06 and/or ANY cutscene of Sonic Unleashed, it will work. Night of the Werehog is proof.  

Characters

X

Every show has it's original characters. Scratch and Grounder! Sally Acorn! Sonia and Manic Hedgehog! Chris and Cosmo! Sticks! The "movie" has Sara, the movie has Tom Whashisname, and the comics have Sally and the free Tangle and Whisper. This show is bound to create a "mascot" for itself. 

The truth is, though, I hope they don't. Or at least not for the first season. The Sonic series has a HUGE cast. In the 90s, there wasn't many "well known" characters so they created their own. In the 2000s, the cast was growing while Sonic X was still being translated over! New characters will be fine, so long as they don't take away from the old ones. 

There are plenty of games to adapt and characters to introduce to new audiences (Blaze, Jet, Omega...even Silver).    

Plot

Boom

I'd like to see them adapt games again. It would be okay if they took a "loose" route for some (such as the Sonic X version of Sonic Battle or Archie's drawn out version of Unleashed, the "Shattered World Crisis"), but it would be nice to "re-introduce" or "remake" some of those storylines. 

Otherwise I'm pretty indifferent. I don't want it to be a comedy like Boom, where Eggman was not even a threat. At the same time, I don't want them to go "too dark" because it's going to be about a talking hedgehog (and that's what fan comics are for, right Evan Stanley and Gigi-D?).

Legacy

These are the ideal take-always from the cartoons past: 

Adventure of Sonic the Hedgehog: comedy without undermining the conflict

Sonic the Hedgehog: showing differences between characters but giving them reason to work together 

Sonic Underground: keeping a strong bond between main characters and a goal for the season/series

Sonic X: balancing a large cast while introducing more characters and elements from the games

Sonic Boom: referencing modern memes and "in-jokes" that appeal to the fans   

Not fond of the idea of Sonic being a "streaming" type of show, either. Sonic X was one of the few "non-cable cartoons" in it's day (not on Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, Disney, etc), and say what you will about 4kids, but I respected them for that. 

Uncle Chuck--The Legend

In early canon, "Uncle Chuck" was a very important character. A good inventor opposed to the malicious Dr. Robotnik, early works credit Chuck with inventing the "power shoes" (speed-up shoes) and "power rings" (rings). 

Of Sonic's relatives, he's the most reoccurring. The details change, but at its simplest, Chuck was close to Sonic and helped inspire him to take on Dr. Robotnik. 

Sat Am

In one of Sat Am's most emotional moments, Sonic reunites with his robotized Uncle Chuck and tries to use a power ring to save him. Eventually (in Season 2) they are able to restore his personality and Chuck is able to help them. However he remained robotsized on the outside. It was also revealed that "Charles" himself created the Robotsizer--to prolong life--but "Julian" Robotnik took the design for his own dark purpose. 

Underground

Uncle Chuck reappeared in Sonic Underground as a part of Sonic's origins. While his exact relation to Sonic/Aleena is not made clear, it's assumed (via appearance) that they are still related. At some point Sonic met Chuck in his early childhood, and after his adoptive family was robotisized (and his home burned to the ground), Chuck took him in. Chuck taught him to be a freedom fighter, but like his Sat Am counterpart he was robotisized. 

"Grandpa Chuck" of Sonic X

Despite relying more on the games and Sonic Team for background on Sonic X, some elements of Western canon leaked into the anime. One of these elements: Grandpa Chuck (Chuck Thordyke). Chuck is Chris' grandfather, rather than Sonic's uncle, and he's a human. However he shares his intelligence and talent for inventing. Over the series Chuck would grow closer to Tails, becoming a role-model with an almost uncle-like relationship to him.  

Comics

Uncle Chuck was faithfully adapted into the Archie Comics as Sir Charles the Hedgehog, brother of Sonic's father, Jules (and brother-in-law to Bernadette). Later in the series run, he was restored to his Mobian self, defended Sonic and the others as a member of a council, and helped with the Secret Freedom Fighters (featuring the likes of Sally's brother, Elias, and Silver the Hedgehog).  

Following the reboot, Sega created the condition that game characters could not have family members unless they already appeared in the games (such as Cream's mother, Vanilla).  Ian Flynn got creative and brought Charles back with the label "Uncle to Everyone," under the guise that his relationship to Sonic was adoptive (this character was allowed to return because he came from the Sat Am TV show, rather than Penders-written comic characters like Jules and Bernadette). 

Despite this, Sonic was shown to be very close to his "Uncle" and Charles likewise tried to look out for Sonic. Over the course of the Unleashed-adaptation, Charles was also revealed as a friend of Professor Pickle. His role in this series, though, would be his last.  

Uncle Chuck survived a comic reboot, appeared in 2 cartoons, and inspired another character. Many have tried to mimic the emotional bond between Sonic and Chuck, but the character remains one of the closest to Sonic, even visually. It's a shame the character's gone for now, but who knows? Perhaps he'll inspire someone else...

The Better Dark Sonic

Sonic has had many "evil" duplicates, from metal copies to a sunglasses-loving criminal. When Sonic himself transforms, though, fans tend to take notice. 

Fleetway Super Sonic, Darkspine Sonic, Sonic the Werehog...none really gained the same attention as "Dark Sonic/Dark Super Sonic" from episode 67 of Sonic X. 

The scene varies between versions, however.

The main difference is that in the original (Japanese) take, Sonic seems sadder. Seeing no other option, he gives himself to hatred and destroys the "test" Meterex with an angered cry. Again alone with Black Narcissus, he simply asks if that's what the dark Meterex wanted before Eggman intervenes. 

The English version paints a very different picture. Overwhelmed by the fake-emerald's power and his anger, his personality transforms just as radically as his appearance. Where his laugh had been sort of crestfallen or nervous in the Japanese version, in the dub it turns insane. Sonic seems to relish the idea of slaughtering the "test" Meterex. He quickly takes them out in a rage and tells Narcissus to "go back to the drawing board" before Eggman intervenes.

VS

I tend to see the "subvsdub" debate as an old argument, but it does kinda' tick me off people are still whinnying that the dub wasn't a complete copy of the original. 4kids had some strict rules that seem irrelevant nowadays, but it can't be changed now. 

Regardless, I view Dark Sonic as the time the Dub whole-heartedly did a better job than the original. 

Mr. Popular

And it may be the one time the world agrees with me. Dark Sonic grew popular because of the English version, I believe. It's a bit hard to judge for a couple reasons ("Dark Sonic" is not an official name--there is no official name and much of his popularity is expressed through fan art, which isn't an obvious indication). 

• However, altering the search tools to 2005 resulted in only 2 relevant results--both of the same origin. More results, including the Sonic Wiki, came up for after 2006, which is when the dub aired. In 2014 someone even made a SFM animated version of it. 
• Though now that I think about it, the Japanese version didn't air at all...hm...google?!
  
• His personality may have inspired Gigi-D's fan creation, Tainted Sonic, or maybe it even influenced whatever the hell Sonic.exe is (Creepypasta). 
• Anyway, Sonic X's popularity in the West is credited with granting the show a 3rd season. Of the Sonic cartoons, it may be the most popular or at least most recognized, as "Gotta Go Fast" has been associated alongside Sonic to the point that it's leaked way beyond Sonic X. 
• As further evidence for Dark Sonic specifically, youtube: 
• a video from 2008 of the 4kids scene has 1,678,589 views, while a 2013 video of the Japanese version only has 5,447. 
• a newer video of the Japanese version (2017) has 15,647, but the official TMS video (with the English version, 2020) managed to gather 5,061,416 views.

Now I don't usually care about what's popular or not, but I am pointing it out because fans of the original seem a bit more vocal and it a nice reminder that not everyone thinks "the dub ruined it."

Compared

What I get from the original: Sonic gives up, becomes a slave to his anger/despair and does what Narcissus wanted. Eggman saves him from falling further into the "Black Trap."

What I get from the 4kids one: Sonic loses control and uses his rage/power to become an unstoppable force...until Eggman interrupts.   

Sonic doesn't give up, not on purpose. As Chip described it in Sonic Unleashed, "You're too strong to lose yourself." In another case, after continuing to fight against a more powerful enemy Sonic simply put it, "I just gotta' do what I've gotta' do. That's all." 

So it seems a bit out of character for Sonic to surrender to desperation. The episode its still impactful--that scream-like attack as he shreds the second Meta'creep is extraordinary. But the personality (and ergo the transformation) is not as potent. 

In the 4kids version, Sonic is overwhelmed by the energy around him/his own his emotions. The transformation seems unintentional. This is more plausible--it's a lot like what happens when Sonic turns into "Darkspine Sonic" in Sonic and the Secret Rings. 

His personality makes the real difference, with his crazed actions reflecting the darker side of Sonic's attitude. It was obvious that Sonic enjoyed that power. The quick turn from just wanting to know his friends were okay to the violence-craving was a shock. Sonic's creepy laugh is especially fitting. 

Adding to the scene are the allusions to Shadow. A hint of Shadow's 4kids theme plays as Sonic transforms. Likewise, Eggman warns Sonic that if he lets fury take control, he'll always be angry, "just like another hedgehog we know." This implies that Sonic may have become more like Shadow (or worse) if he had lost Chris/Cosmo like Shadow lost Maria (adding more depth to the event).  

So

I know how ironic it is, with "the Molly episode" right after it. But the dub did it stronger, darker, and better.  

4kids probably didn't intend to create such an intense version of Dark Sonic. They probably hoped that the shift in dialogue would make it seem like Sonic was still the hero. Instead, for about a minute Sonic was a psychopath. Oops? 

Sonic 06 References/Easter Eggs

Despite being planned as a soft-reboot and wanting to bring Sonic back to his "roots," Sonic the Hedgehog (2006) was a complete failure among fans and new players a like. Though it may not be the horrendous monster everyone seems to call it, it was not the promised "Sonic-Next Gen." 

As a constellation prize, the 15th anniversary game still holds many hints at other games, even though it was supposed to be a "reboot." 

Notable Reoccurring Elements

• Invincibility
• 0 being a life
• Super Sonic
• Super Shadow
• Spindash
• Chaos Spear (modified)
• Flying
• Gliding
• Grinding
• Amy's Hammer

Sonic 1

• The platforms in Spring Yard Zone's boss fight are taken out by Robotnik, and the floor is also targeted in the Egg Wyvern boss fight. 
• The idea of Sonic having a having a human girlfriend originates here; in early plans Sonic had a girlfriend named Madonna. 

Sonic CD

• Time Travel is once again an important element.
• Crisis City revives the idea of a "bad future." 
• With the purple gem, Sonic can shrink and jump high. This idea is directly from Sonic CD's Metallic Madness, where Sonic is scaled down by a laser. 

Sonic 2

• The main theme "Sweet Dreams" is remixed and put at the credits in Sonic's story. 
• Aside from the game's new characters (such as Elise and Silver), Tails appears 3rd (after Sonic and Eggman), as he did in real life.  

Sonic 3

• Sonic snow boards in White Acropolis, as he originally did in Ice Cap. 

Sonic and Knuckles

• Lava Reef's fiery outside and darker inside may have inspired Flame Core. 

Sonic X-treme

• At one point Sonic's love interest--Tiara--was to be a princess, but that was later changed and the game was scrapped. This may have impacted the ideas for Sonic's new love interest, though.  

Sonic Adventure

• Both games are divided into "stories" revolving around different characters. 
• Wave Ocean closely resembles Emerald Coast. 
• The Orca reappears in Wave Ocean. 
• Once again there are chatty humans in hub worlds. 
• After meeting up with Sonic, Tails says "Long time no see, huh?" while after finding Tails in 06 Sonic says "Long time no see!"
• Iblis may have been inspired by Chaos, being an element-powered monster that transforms.
• Knuckles' treasure hunting skills are mentioned.
• Crisis City includes worn Chao in Space 3 signs; Sonic Adventure started the "Chao in Space" gag.   
• Adventure also had the first Chao Gardens, and there are signs in Crisis City mentioning a Chao garden.
• Eggman's "battleship" is another version of the Egg Carrier.  

Like in Station Square, New City was supposed to have cars. These can be found with the "Shadow New Town" glitch, but they crash into everything.  

Sonic Shuffle

• The theme of Light and Dark originated in this game. 

Sonic Adventure 2

• The "Solairs Project" was mostly likely intended as 06's "Project: Shadow."
• Flashbacks are used again. 
• Amy mistakes Silver for Sonic, just like she mistook Shadow for him. 
• GUN is present. 
• The president is mentioned.
• Rouge's treasure hunting skills are mentioned as well as used (in Kingdom Valley). 
• Rouge finds keys to move on; she hunted keys before in Egg Quarters. 
• Sonic rides a metal board in Crisis City, like in City Escape. 
• Sonic can preform a wind move with a gem. Sonic's first wind attack was from this game. 
• Eggman tricks Sonic into giving him the (fake) emerald with Amy as a hostage but traps him. He does the same with Elise except the emerald was real. 
• Canon's Core uses all playable characters except Shadow. End of the World uses all playable characters except Sonic and Blaze.

Sonic Heroes

• Eggman leaves Sonic a recording, similar to the beginning of Team Hero's story. 
• Amy turns invisible, something previously exclusive to Espio.
• Sonic "shares" his super state in both games.
• The version of the wind move for Sonic came from this game.
• Tails says "My head's spinning!" while going through loops in both games.  

Sonic Rush

• Inclusion of "new" character, Blaze the Cat.
• Blaze calling Silver naive is similar to her initial opinion on Cream.
• At the end of Blaze's story, she asks Cream, "We-We're friends, right?" Meanwhile in 06 Silver asks Blaze, "You're my friend, right?"
• The background for Princess Elise may be a nod to Blaze's fire/princess backstory. 
• One gem includes the "boost," though it does not work the same way as in Rush. 

Although there was not explanation for her presence, some unused voice clips suggest Blaze would have mentioned Sonic and talked to Amy.

Shadow the Hedgehog

• While fighting Mephiles, Shadow says, "I know who I am," directly referring to his repeated line, "this is who I am."  
• He also repeats the phrase "Who are you?! And how do you know my name...?"
• Shadow chases Eggman's train in Radical Train like with the Black Arms' tank in Lethal Highway's hero mission. 
• The Shadow/Sonic banter before Flame Core is not unlike the scene after Lethal Highway. 
• The punch/kick move preformed when without a gun is an early version of the move Shadow primarily uses in 06; he uses a version of Chaos Blast. 
• Shadow can/has to drive vehicles in some of the stages.
• Shadow drives through/destroys falling walls in both the GUN Fortress and later in Aquatic Base.
• Westopolis being a distressed city as the first level was echoed with Silver (Crisis City).    
• There is a fire tornado in Crisis City and a dusty one in Glyphic Canyon. 
• The tornado section of Crisis City for Sonic plays a lot like Cosmic Fall, including floating/moving/spinning platforms.  
• Shadow can get past a secret door after collecting 5 keys in each level. These keys resemble the ones Rouge has to find in Kingdom Valley. 
• Rouge comments on Death Ruins, expressing the desire to treasure hunt there some other time. In a similar way, she calls Tropical Jungle "Charming." 
• Shadow's theme is "All Hail Shadow." The original version was his hero-ending theme. 

Expert Mode implies that the Commander wanted to make amends with Shadow; Shadow works for GUN in 06. 

Sonic Riders

• While boarding the player must hold X before lifting off. This is how the jumps were handled in Sonic Riders (though control over tricks are not possible in 06). 

("Early") Sonic Cartoons/comics/etc

•  Sonic would often carry his love interest in a similar way to Elise (also present in Sonic CD).
• When Sara from the OVA wears her "wedding" dress, she and Elise visually look alike (pun intended). 
• Sally Acorn and Sonia the Hedgehog are both princesses, which may have inspired the title for Elise. 
• Despite the Mobian/tomboyish appearance, Sonic's (long-time) Western love interest, Sally, had reddish/brown hair and blue eyes, which may have influenced Elise to have those traits. 
• In the US, Amy was originally named Princess Sally, which again may have some influence on title. 
• Sonic introduces himself as "Sonic, Sonic the Hedgehog." He often did the same in Sonic X. 
• Shadow takes off his rings, something originating from Sonic X.
• There is a girl in the hub world who wears a shirt similar to Chris.
• The scene where Eggman sends Sonic & co to the future is similar to the 1st episode of Sonic X were he send them to another dimension (though it was not intentional in that case). 

Similarities to Sonic and the Secret Rings

The game was originally going to be a Wii version of 06 and was made at the same time.

• Sand Oasis is a level in Sonic and the Secret Rings. Two "secret" oasis-es can be found in Dusty Desert.  
• Sonic goes on an adventure with a human-like girl character, though just as a friend. 
• He tells both girls to smile. 
• Sonic is called a rat several times; Eggman calls him a rat in 06. 
• The Erazor mentions "Iblis."
• A character is killed and brought back to life. 
• The events of 06 are un-done by time travel and are forgotten or only partially remembered--as if it never happened. Since only he journeyed to the world, the events of Secret Rings are only remembered by Sonic, almost as if they never happened. 
• Both have a generally "darker" tone.

Best Villain? Part 4: The Eggman

Ivo Robotnik!

The most recognizable Sonic villain by far. Some say Eggman is the only villain the series needs (though even the character himself gets bored with the constant defeats). "Egg Salad" has had ups and downs, going from one extreme to another. The biggest challenge, it seems, is balancing his history and comedic traits while still making him a threat.

Sonic 1 introduced us to a dangerous foe, though his round appearance made him laughable, too. The classic era was spared of the funny/serious debate thanks to it's simplistic plot and balance.

Still, this was a problem bound to happen. It was even encountered in the Sonic cartoons. Adventures actually--despite being a slap-stick, funny show--was well balanced. Dr. Robotnik had a huge, ugly appearance and would do dumb things by mistake, but his hatred for Sonic seemed very real. His plans for Sonic gave the usually light-hearted show some tension.

HA

Sat Am set a very different standard. With Jim Cummings creepy voice and the different tone and script, Robotnik was a terrifying dictator. Though slightly redesigned, they couldn't mask his fat, (supposed to be funny) appearance. It was a sharp take on the character, but it didn't really fit with the Robotnik Sega created.

The OVA's version of Eggman/Robotnik was far more on the laughable side. Underground tried to compromise a bit by combining Sat Am Robotnik's forceful take and some of AoStH's mild stupidity. Unfortunately it wasn't a very memorable result. 

Then the problem hit the games. Sonic Adventure tied up the Eggman/Robotnik trouble, but this version of Ivo was more serious than expected. This continued for a while. He was now serious, but not quite as deadly sounding. He would often be over turned by other monsters or villains.

THE CREEPIEST THING ALIVE!

06 intended to make the character a threat again, reducing his comedic elements to an all time low and having him with sleeker, less cartoony robots. Unfortunately his "realistic" redesign is both creepy and hilarious as heck.

Unleashed also treated him in a similar way, but gave him a few funny moments. Generations let Eggman keep control over a monster and kept him as the main villain. Forces continued this.

Meanwhile games like Sonic Colors over-saturated his comedic energy. Though he was the main villain of the game, his constant presence and his failures (like trying to mind-control Tails) discredited his actions. And he made an Amusement Park that looks fun rather than the deadly trap seen in Unleashed.

06 and even Unleashed pushed the character too far one way, Colors and Lost World another. Adventure days and some of the other games are lackluster in comparison to either extreme.

So what's the balance?
The Movie gave the character a serious nature but left in a dance scene and other funny stuff, but he didn't feel like the same character.
Sonic Boom's Eggman is so far on the comedic side pretty much Sonic's friend. 
What does that leave?
Sonic X.

Sonic X handled Modren Robotnik--Eggman--the best. He would make jokes and use puns. He was also overconfident and bragged a lot. He's be defeated, but he's be back ("I'm like a bad penny. I always turn up." "I'm like a rubber ball. I keep bouncing back." etc).

But had his serious moments, too. He almost drowned Sonic. In the Season 1 finale, he beats the crap out of Sonic and dumps his body in the ocean. The adaptations of the Adventure games were handled with more energy. At the end of season 2 things started getting less serious, but the show was supposed to end...

Instead it came back with a threat bigger than Eggman, the Meterex--but the mad Doc wasn't out of the battle yet. He even joined the Meterex and gave them new technologies like the Star Shield. Still, realizing the intensity of the situation he helped Sonic at least twice.

The show had the freedom and time to show the different sides of Eggman. Maybe it's not possible to find that perfect balance in a game. Sonic Unleashed was close. Sonic Battle did a pretty good job.

Still, if one thing is for sure it's this: no villain will ever have the same determination (or history) against Sonic like Eggman does. 

BOMBS AWAY! YOU KNOW WHAT THEY SAY: THE MORE THE MERRIER! GET A LOAD OF THIS! I HATE THAT HEDGEHOG!

The Molly Debate (Part 5)

Episode 5: The More They Stay the Same...

Conclusion

I like to defend the dub because sometimes people draw conclusions without even giving it a chance. It could be worse. But this is a known weak point.

They should have worked around their rules without disrupting the story. I really wish they had done the original scene and put it on DVD as a special feature or something. Except for fan edits, we'll never see Molly's death in English.

So should 4kids' have censored Molly's death? Probably not. Should they be blamed for it? The show is like, 15 years old. Complaining about 4kids won't do anything--4kids is gone.

Should the entire dub be remembered for this and this only? No. Like it or not, it was Sonic X's success in the west that even allowed the series to go on for another season. So it can't be all bad, now can it?

The Verdict: The dub did not "ruin everything," but no, they shouldn't have changed the ending.

Cersorsh*t, in the first degree.  

So is the English "A Revolutionary Tale" episode worthless? No. It has some nice qualities, and the end game is the same--Shadow leaves Eggman and goes out on his own mission. It would be a good idea for fans to see the original, but the English version serves its purpose.

Besides, much as 4kids may be criticized for censoring, Sega themselves have strayed from "darker" or "deeper" stories in favor of silly, comical ones. Sonic was supposed to be tortured yet he's acting like a clown for most of Sonic Forces. Dub or Subbed, Sonic X treated Sonic more seriously than that.

Apparently being eaten by a tree is appropriate for TV-7, though? 

The Molly Debate (Part 4)

Before I draw any conclusions, this debate will look into "why" Molly's death may have been censored. 

Episode 4: Who Gave You the Key, Molly?!

Why this was "maybe necessary."

My number one guess as to why this happened: rules and mandates. I'm sure 4kids ("for kids") probably had some kind of mandate against showing a direct, on-screen death (Ya' know, kinda' like how Sega says Sonic can't cry in the comics).

This wasn't aimed at Sonic, though, but for the company as a whole. In some cases, 4kids completely cut episodes (of other shows). No doubt the same company that censored signs reading "Casino" or "House of Amy Rose" saw Molly being blasted out of the sky as too harsh.

It could been broadcasting rules, though. I remember Sonic X being rated TV-7, the same as, for example, Spongebob. Now think. Did anyone ever officially die on screen on Spongebob? The closest I can think of is Bubble Buddy letting the tide come in, but that wasn't "onscreen."

Point is Sonic X may have needed a higher raking for an on-screen death, and 4kids wanted to keep it at that level. Even "darker" Sonic games are for players of at least 10.

Sonic probably attracted an older audience than expected (much like a lot of things "Sonic"). They weren't accounting for such viewers.

My final theory: they saw Molly's death as a suicide. She viciously attacks the Meterex in a futile way after finding out everyone she trusted betrayed her. Suicide is an even deeper topic to expose to a younger audience, so cutting such a scene would make sense. However, if that were the case the dialogue could just be changed so her death would be more of an accident.

Hm...Conclusions? The answers are just up ahead...

The Molly Debate (Part 3)

Before I draw any conclusions, this debate will look at both sides. In this episode, the English version.

Episode 3: Just Like in That Story, Remember? 

What the Dub did good

Being the 4kids cast, I'm generally impressed with the voice acting. As I have mentioned before, Jason Griffith does a perfect voice for Shadow. Kathleen Delaney (Rouge) did all right. Bella Hudson (also known for voicing Blaze and Wave) voiced Molly as determined but vulnerable as well.

Shadow isn't nice, but he's not as cold-hearted as in the original. Sure, Shadow's an anti-hero, but he's not complete a$$4@!*, either. "Don't cry, Molly," is probably the best moment of the episode. Overall 4kids gave the audience the same sympathy for Shadow that SA 2 did by arguably writing the character better.

Molly was also portrayed with more confidence than her Japanese version, who seemed...determined, yet doomed. Rouge is portrayed with her usual flair, and if I recall accurately, some viewers got a kick out of the line, "some boob set a booby trap."

This version also named the planet Cascade. Pretty name, plus the Wiki doesn't have to call it "Molly's planet," ha.

Update: Another name was listed in Japanese on an Eyecatch card, but it's not actually spoken, giving English viewers the impression the planet had no name.

I also think 4kids was justified in censoring Rouge appearance a bit, because in this episode...

WTH?

They got a little too carried away.

lol they try.

Next up, Molly's "goodbye."

The Molly Debate (Part 2)

They were too lazy to eliminate the grave from this scene.

Before I draw any conclusions, this debate will look at both sides. In this episode, the original.

Episode 2: A Revolutionary Fail 

Why this was "totally unnecessary."

The original is has a deep moment for Shadow. It's like he loses Maria again--if Maria was a star-fighter pilot (or, uh, whatever it's called). It's a turning point for him, and explains why he became so focused on stopping the Meterex in later episodes.

Also, death is a part of life. Trying to shield away from it may cause more trouble than help.

Also, the deaths of other characters like Maria, Emerl, and Cosmo are not eliminated (though they were not as direct). Plus the video games had characters "die" or reach a fate equivalent (Sonic dumped that magic lamp in LAVA, I don't see how the Erazor Djinn could still be around).

What ELSE did the dub cut?

In addition to Molly's death scene and her grave, the other major change would be a conversation Rouge and Shadow have. In the Dub, it's worrying about the current situation--which is...okay. But there was a deeper discussion in the original.

Since her death was cut, of course her makeshift grave is also gone. Along with it is a brief comparison to Maria that was perhaps meant to imply Shadow's memory was back. 

The dialogue also makes the other Resistance members a bit more sympathetic.