Quote of the Month

"I determine my own destiny."
--Shadow the Hedgehog, Sonic the Hedgehog (2006)

Quote of the Month

"I'm not a rat!"
--Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic and the Secret Rings

Quote of the Month

"How did you like my...beautiful technique?"
--Rouge the Bat, Sonic the Hedgehog (2006)

Keeping up with the Chao

Cheese, a well-known chao. 

Chao have appeared in many games but are only interactive in a few. So many people do not fully understand what they are (or how to pronounce their name!).

Chao ("Chow") are cute creatures raised as pets. Some talk but most utter baby noises or "chao-chao". They like to spend time roaming around, racing, and napping. They are born in eggs and are pretty customizable from there, though the most common form is blue with yellow highlights (the neutral chao).

Sonic Adventure first introduced us to these, with 2 per garden. The gardens are small areas, usually with some landscape and water, and they are where the chao generally live. Sonic Adventure 2 gave a new concept: hero and dark chao. Being raised by a hero character resulted in angelic traits, and spending time with a dark one gave the opposite.

The Tiny Chao gardens are the only other times we see the chao like this, although it is much more limited (small garden, no change in appearance, no racing, etc). Still cute though.
Other than that, it's mostly been cameos. The chao garden (if that's what it was) in Shadow the Hedgehog was pretty interesting...not to mention the "Chao in Space" series. Some chao are more known, such as Chocola or Cheese (Cream's buddy). Omachao, a "toy" chao, is an annoying little brat who tells you what to do in some games.

So what's up? Why don't we see chao like we used to?

A couple of points.

• Its hard to explain chao to new players while keeping the old ones awake.
• Do they fit in the story/match its tone? (Would a racing game like Sonic Riders benefit from raising chao--a rather slow process
• Are there substitute gimmicks (like feeding Chip or exploring wisps) 

So chao are adorable, fun, and creative. I've wasted way too much time with them. But I'd love them to return to their pet-like roles. Maybe Sega could make an app out if them. It'd beat Runners.

3D Classic Sonic--Hero from Hell

Sonic and his fat flicky friend. Big the Cat as a bird?

Art by me!

I've finished Sonic 3D Blast, thanks to the amazing "save" feature of Sonic Mega Collection Plus. Everyone is always praising Classic Sonic, but they only think of 1, 2, 3, & Knux, and CD. Maybe Chaotix, and now Mania. Everyone forgets the Gamegear titles, and, more relevant, the 3D ones.

There's a different side to Classic. 3D Classic.

Hard to control and annoying, 3D Classic's best feature seems to be his idle animations. The gold shield is useful, and gives a homing attack feel, but it--like the others--is extremely easy to lose. Once you get the hang of things, it's the Zones that start to take a toll, each becoming more torturous then the next (not to mention what happens when you lose your flickies--the fat green ones are especially annoying). The only "fun" levels are Volcano Valley and Diamond Dust.

And where's the rest of team hero? Tails and Knuckles are hiding around, waiting to steal your rings (to take you to the special stage--if you magically get 50 rings).

This version of Classic Sonic is often over looked. My advice--just play a modern game. It's not worth it. If you insist, then save yourself a lot of frustration and use the stage select.

Good Luck.

Quote of the Month

"Annihilate."
--Omega, Sonic Heroes

Livn' just for you...Sonic Couples

Sonic and his various love interests: (classic, left to right) Amy, Sally, Tiara, Breezie, Madonna; (modern) ) Amy, Sally, Rouge, Blaze, Elise. (Art By Me) 

Today were going over some of Sonic's relationships. Between the games, comics, and cartoons, Sonic has gotten around! Please note that for this occasion we're only talking about Sonic.

Sonamy

Sonic and Amy. This is the main couple in the Sonic series. Amy is crazy about Sonic and claims him as her boyfriend. Sonic usually runs away from her in response. Still, Sonic does care for Amy (but whether it's just as a friend is debatable). 

Sonally

Sonic and Sally. Although absent from the games (aside from a small cameo), Sally Acorn defiantly counts as one of Sonic's more notable relationships. In the comics, the two actually dated, and the two have kissed on numerous occasions. Being tomboy-ish and a natural leader, Sally is quite different from the hammer-wielding Amy. 

Sonlise

Sonic and Elise. Although Sonic's feelings aren't quite revealed, it's clear that Elise has a shy crush on the blue blur. After sharing a few romantic--and dangerous--moments, the two have a clear friendship. With Sega perhaps taking it too far, Elise kisses him in the final story to "save" him. 

Sonaze 

Sonic and Blaze. This is more implied. The fiery cat is the only girl to ever match Sonic. She's also the only in-game girl with a super transformation. The two have a strong friendship, and one has to wonder what Sonic meant by "this is for you" ( it's probably only a translation error, but if you google search "Sonic and Blaze" I guarantee you'll find them making out). 

Sonara

Sonic and Tiara. Tiara was a character created for the scrapped game Sonic Extreme, and she, too, was scrapped. Designed with an attitude, Tiara would have made an interesting addition to the Sonic cast. 

Madonnic 

Sonic and Madonna. Sonic was originally supposed to be in Sonic 1. She was either deemed "too Japanese" or "too cliche" (too much like Mario, who had a girlfriend). She either would have followed Sonic around (like Tails in Sonic 2) or been used as bait by Robotnik. 

Sonzie

Sonic and Breezie. Starting in AoStH ("Adventures of"), Breezie was the first and only character to cause Sonic to--well--act like Amy. The catch: she was really a robot working for Robotnik. She later returned and fell in love with Robotnik Jr, another robot creation. Years later she appeared in the Archie comics (though rather different--not a robot). With her Rouge-like personality and her change of heart, Breezie proved to be ahead of her time. 

Sonsara

Sonic and Sara. Sara, from the OVA ("the movie") is...well, most of the hate that gets thrown at Elise should go to this chic. She's annoying, bratty, and can't decide if she likes Sonic or Robotnik. And really, she has more of a relationship with Robotnik, Knuckles, or even Tails than Sonic himself. 

Souge 

Sonic and Rouge. Surprisingly, the two actually don't interact much. But when they do it's a lot of flirting. 

Rumors. 

Sonic and Sharha. It's believable ("the air is so hot in here") but I think it's just friendship (plus we all know she was with Erazor). Sonic and Merlina. Ultimately, I think Sonic would have to watch his back--Merlina was not as innocent as she appeared. Sonic and Helen. She seems too young for him (although she's Amy's age), and besides, she likes Chris (or he like her). Sonic and Bunnie. I know they did this for a while but considering Sally was in the same universe we all knew it wouldn't last. Sonic and Fiona. Same thing plus Fi was "no good!". Sonic and all the girls in AoStH. That show usually had a "girl of the week," so none were too serious. Sonic and Shade. I think she likes Knuckles. Sonic and Tikal. Same. Sonic and Cosmo. No, Vector, that isn't a thing. 

If you have an idea that I didn't include here, that's either because it's so preposterous I didn't even consider it, or I'm unaware of it (because it appeared in Sonic Boom or something).