The Maria Mystery: "NIDS"

Due to the in-universe mystery behind Project Shadow and the different versions told in real life, questions regarding Maria are still left unanswered.

Episode 1: Backgrounds and Complications

NIDS Storyline

Maria first appeared in Sonic Adventure 2. A backstory was created for the character and Gerald's motivations for Project Shadow: NIDS.

• Maria had an illness known as "Neuro-Immune Deficiency Syndrome." 
• Part of the reason Professor Gerald agreed to work on the project was to help cure Maria. 
• Maria also had to live aboard the Space Colony Ark because of her illness.

Despite this, there are still details missing. Who were Maria's parents? Were they more like her or Eggman? How did Maria get NIDS?

Support and Contradictions 

To further complicate (or, perhaps, simplify) things, the backstory did not present itself in the actual game. She lived on the Ark with her grandfather; she befriended Shadow and helped him escape. Any other details are not spoken of directly.

Still, Sonic Battle briefly mentions the cause (not as "NIDS").

"The application to my granddaughter is imminent."
--the Professor's Journal (#4), Sonic Battle

The disease would only be mentioned by name in Sonic Chronicles. The game featured background information for new players.

"Professor Robotnik thought of his granddaughter Maria, who was suffering from an incurable disease known as Neuro-Immune Deficiency Syndrome."
--Codex, Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood

This officially makes the name "Neuro-Immune Deficiency Syndrome" rather than "Neuro-Immunodeficiency Syndrome."

However, the codex did list one piece of inaccurate information* and the DS title also took elements from the Archie comics. The game's ending also unresolved.

*It said Shadow and Sonic stopped Eggman at the end of SA2, but they stopped the BioHazard/BioLizard.

As a result, the information and the game itself is questionably canon.

Speculation: When helping Maria in Shadow the Hedgehog, Maria stops to catch her breath at the end (during the ranking). While this could simply that she can't keep up with Shadow, it's also possible this is a symptom of her "illness."

Maria with child-GUN Commander

More Speculation: Maria's friend, "Commander," has an odd appearance: grayish hair, one green eye and one blue eye. Even as a child he has gray hair. This makes me wonder if the he also had some illness like NIDS (or some genetic problem) that required his presence on the Ark. It would not be life-threatening, though, because he would live on 50 years later.

"Other Media"

The English version ("dub") of Sonic X does not include the NIDS plot. However, the Japanese ("original") version of Sonic X briefly mentions the basics of the situation:

"She had a disease that wouldn't allow her to leave [the Ark]."

--Shadow, Sonic X # 38 (Translated)

The Archie comics would mention NIDS directly as a motivator for creating Shadow (spelled as "N.I.D.S." or "Neuro-Immuno Deficiency Syndrome").

Real World Factors

One of the reasons NIDS was left out is because of the resemblance to AIDS. Some say NIDS was inspired by AIDS. Either way, this could have been controversial.

Conclusion

Is "NIDS" Canon?

If I have to give a straight answer, yes. The back-up evidence is weak and lacks an obvious presence. However, there is nothing to disprove the background story, and it's something that has appeared across different sources.

Consider it a bonus. Something to add depth and understanding to the story for those who want it. Personally, I believe this plot is more crucial for understanding Professor Robotnik than Shadow or even Maria. One of the main themes is whether Project Shadow was something menacing or hopeful, and this aids the latter.

Next Time... 

This is the beginning of the Maria mystery, her origins. Next I'll point out the small yet strange differences in her appearances...

The Maria Mystery Begins

Maria Robotnik is known as Shadow the Hedgehog's closest friend. She is also granddaughter to Professor Gerald Robotnik, the cousin to Sonic's sworn enemy, Ivo Robotnik ("Eggman"), and was friends with the future commander of GUN.

Basic Storyline

Professor Gerald Robotnik, as his title suggests, was a Professor. One of the most brilliant minds of the past, he inspired his grandson, Dr. Eggman. At some point, Gerald worked on the Space Colony ark and began Project Shadow.

Maria lived on the Ark with him. Maria played with a boy who is now known as "the Commander."

It's not known if there were other children on board, or the Commander's reasons for being there. It's possible he was the son of a researcher, a GUN solider, or perhaps there were "normal" people living on the Ark as well.

Maria became good friends with Shadow. In the Japanese version of Sonic X, Maria says he would watch over and protect them "like a shadow." In the small "Sonic Comic," by Sonic Channel, Maria chooses the name "Shadow" because shadows reveal light.

Eventually the government decided to "shut down" the colony and project. Maria died helping Shadow escape, leaving him with a promise. The event was covered up as "an accident" and blamed on the Professor.

Besides the memories and journals of those who knew her, only the description in Shadow the Hedgehog sheds official light on who she was.

"The professor's lovely granddaughter...who was like a sister to Shadow."
--Shadow the Hedgehog (guide)

The "Mystery"

While the basics of who Maria are known, her different appearances cause conflicting theories.

• Like Shadow, Maria was only meant to appear in SA2. When Shadow returned, his past was further explored. With the years between these games (and with the birth of other new ideas), she looked different and some events slightly changed.
• Maria made several, contradictory appearances with in Sonic X. The show may have influenced Shadow the Hedgehog.
• Some parts of the Japanese Sonic X would be changed or censored. Shadow the Hedgehog would also be slightly changed/censored when they decided to make it E 10+
• Maria's first appearance in the Archie comics was oddly off in design. Future appearances would ignore this and try to closer reflect the games. However, do to changing writers and artists, this Maria's appearance was inconsistent.

Next Time...

What is "NIDS" and is it a part of the story or not?

Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood Review

A review of the first and only Sonic RPG game. Rank will be posted at the end.

Summary:

 Although it can be tedious (especially in the beginning), this DS game proves interesting and entertaining.

Gameplay

• Yeah, not a fan. 
• Most of the game centers around battles that are hard to get the hang of. The biggest problem is the touch screen, I believe, because if the moves are not copied exactly, they don't have any weight. And the DS touch-screen isn't that good to begin with. I'm guessing it's impossible without a stylist.  
• I also think the "touch it like this and follow it like this" instructions are misleading. 
• In the beginning of the story, these fights are really annoying and tiresome. It's better towards the end, when the characters have more stats and better, POW-restoring chao. It can actually be fun, and the POW moves are cool, too. However I prefer the fights in Sonic Battle because they were straight-forward and not as lengthy.
• In some cases, the player has the chance to run. This is also annoying. If I don't want to fight, I should be able to opt out without wasting time and health. It's a little demeaning too, isn't it? But the enemies are so hard to avoid, it's the only way out of a fight. 
• There is nothing cool about it; it's running away and jumping over boxes.     
• I liked exploring the map (getting rings, etc), but at some points the depth was confusing. This was aided by the annoyingly constant population of enemies roaming the area, trying to start a fight. With less enemies, this could have been a lot better.         

Characters and Dialogue

• Sonic
• The player has the option of choosing how Sonic talks, which is an amusing feature that can result in different outcomes. 
• Although this is a neat feature and he has a fast dash, Sonic's attacks and defense seem rather weak for being the main, constant character. 
• Amy
• I think it's pretty cool that Sonic can either develop his relationship with Amy or completely reject her. 
• Rouge
• Rouge is the real star of this game. Not in gameplay--her words. Sarcastic, flirtatious, and brutally honest, Rouge's comments are priceless.   
• Tails
• Tails has grown up a little, but he still seems naive. 
• I feel like most of Tails' moves are worthless and it's kind of annoying how main of a character he is.  
• Big
• Big's comments are randomly funny. 
• His gameplay is probably better than his other appearances, but...
• NORTON. 
• I tracked down, what? Three random frogs... 
• Knuckles
• Knuckles makes a great entrance. Although the beginning revolved around rescuing him, Knuckles was prepared to rescue himself. 
• Knux is alright, but even though this is supposed to be a big game for him, he feels kinda' bland.  
• Cream (optional)
• Cream is a nice addition. Literally, she acts nice, as usual. 
• At first I thought her moves were worthless, but I found that they're very valuable and that she's the best support character. 
• Eggman
• I don't think anyone (save Tails) bought the whole "I'm reformed" act, so I wish they would have focused more on "the Muraders are more important." 
• Shadow
• Like with Knux, I kinda' expected more from Shadow. It was nice to hear how he cares about Omega, though.  
• Omega (optional)
• Similar to Knux, Omega is first "missing," and like the Echidna he makes it clear he's up for a fight. A move for the better, Omega's destructive personality is enhanced.  
• Shade
• The new character, Shade, has often been associated with "Juli-Su." Not that I know a lot about Juli-su anyway, but Shade seems more like a copy off of Blaze--at least personality-wise. Although she doesn't seem to be an introvert like lone-cat, Blaze, both are calm and respectful when they speak unless threatened. Shade also shares similarities Shadow, and her tough side with Knuckles. Overall Shade was a interesting mix of those characters, and it would be cool to see her again (but we likely never will).  
• The Leech Blade was an cool weapon, and her armored outfit and echidna design is unique.      
• Imperior IX
• Eh, he's kinda' lame. Like the Erazor Djinn, he think's he's all that and then pays for it. Not especially unique. 
• Other
• It would have been nice to see more of the Marauder's point of view. Were they mislead, like Shade, or are they just as malicious?
• The aliens and the whole "Twilight Cage" history was fascinating. 
• Pirates were also funny and made sense...sort of. 

Plot

• Early Chapters
• It starts rather slow despite an interesting premise. 
• I like the amount of characters, even the non-playable ones like the Commander. 
• However the "quests" or "side-missions" are disappointing.  
• Middle Chapters 
• Adding in more characters made the plot stronger without overwhelming it, but some feel used more than others. 
• The story picks up a bit in Metropolis and on Angel Island. 
• I feel like there should be more of a warning before going on to the other zones, but, well, there is a warning...
• More Middle Chapters
• I feel like things really heat up once the group crashes in the Twilight Cage.
• I like the background behind the aliens and how they all have to work together. It reminds me of Star Trek. 
• The missions slightly better.  
• Saving the game is important, though, because sometimes there's not a warning before a fight, and with the Kron and Zoah, things could get nasty.  
• Ending Chapters
• It felt like a lot of build up, so Super Sonic is a relief. 
• The story ends on a never resolved cliffhanger, and it's a real shame. 
• In Total
• Matching the RPG style, the Story was as fast or as complex as it could be. I personally found the background info fascinating. I wish there were more opportunities for the characters to talk to each other, though. 
• I can see this game being set later because of characters acting more mature.
• Although the whole "more echidna" plot is a big part of the game, it didn't felt like there was a lot more to it than that. For most of the game, even after Shade's reveal, the Marauders simply stay hidden behind amour, not that different from a robot.  

Music/Sound Effects

• Music
• I enjoyed the remixes that played in the different zones. 
• The battle music/running music/etc got annoying fast.
• Sound Effects
• I liked the inclusion of "Classic Sonic" sound effects, like the jump for example. 
• However the rest SUCKED. Generic, annoying, and I'm not sure what those voice-grunts were, but that's not the usual cast. They were the same for every character, too. Couldn't they have reused from Sonic Rush or Rivals or something? 

Graphic/Design

yikes

• I liked the art work and even the backgrounds. The little cutscenes were simple but good for a DS game I suppose. 
• The 3-D characters were ugly and not that great. 
• The attack's animation was fine, though. 

Final Thoughts

• The similarities with the comics don't seem that bad or obvious to me. I'm really not an expert on that stage of the comics, so it's hard to judge. But I don't think anyone was planning to "steal" the story, just reference it. If Penders wanted credit for creating or inspiring certain characters, that's one thing. Wanting to own and get paid for characters/stories created under licensed material is something else. And, yes, the lawsuit devastated the comics. But no one seems to remember it ruined the chance for a Sonic Chronicles sequel. 
• I think a sequel could have been good. A chance to fix the mistakes. They could have resolved it in a quick comic, at least.  
• Honestly, they could use Silver or the Chaos Emeralds instead of bringing back the Twilight Cage/Argus mystery. Then they could have Shade and resolve the cliffhanger without even mentioning the marauders, but it sounds like they are afraid of Penders. 
• And it's not like the comics didn't take inspiration from other things. The Twilight Cage is a similar to/a "copy" of the comic's "Twilight Zone," yet just look at that name. Rod Sterling, anyone?      
• And now, ten years later, sadly I think the Chronicles are gone for good. It didn't deserve that. 

Final Ranking (S is the best, F is the worst): C

The characters and story make this game very likable, but the gameplay does not.

Shth is better than Heroes (Part 1)

On the surface, Shadow the Hedgehog and Sonic Heroes share many similarities. Both were the same console generation. Their graphics are practically the same. Each includes a large cast of Sonic characters.

But while one is talked of in a fond, nostalgic tone, the other is ridiculed. Although it later received attention for "replay value," Shadow the Hedgehog was generally seen as a failed spin-off. I liked each of these games, but I'd rate Shadow the Hedgehog over Heroes any day.

Part 1 Attitude 

One of the sharpest differences between Shth and Heroes is the attitude the two emit.

Sonic Heroes was a team-based game, and it had a light and friendly atmosphere. The colorful menu design, the shared attacks, and even the rival fights all added to this. It generally kept the characters content, determined, and/or comical despite the on-going conflicts. The ending proved surprisingly serious, but it intensified the idea of teamwork. The end made it clear pulling through any crisis was possible with help from friends.

I'm not against Heroes' tone. It's fun and character-driven qualities make it easy to see why the game is a fan-favorite. Compared to Shth, though, it seems childish.

Shadow the Hedgehog's setting was less...happy. The "edgy" menu included dark colors, intense music, and shooting sound effects. The stages were often amid large fights or destruction, with Earth at a bleak point. While the story was not lacking occasional humor, it was much more serious and generally stayed that way through out. In the end, Shadow--and Shadow alone--has to save the day.

I agree Sega kinda' over-killed the "edginess." In many ways, that actually backfired and took away from the game being "more mature." However, the lighter, friendly mood would not be appropriate in this game. It may make sense for Sonic to find the bright-spot of an alien invasion, but not for Shadow. 

Sonic Heroes, like most Sonic games, is E for Everyone. Of course, while "everyone" is welcome to play it, the general target is kids...a point that is sometimes too obvious.

Shadow the Hedgehog was planned to be T (for Teens), but was quickly adjusted when the "E 10+" (everyone ten or older) rating became a thing. After it's release, many parts of the game were called too violent.

While creating a game balanced for different ages is ideal, I don't see the harm in acknowledging an older audience. Obviously a series about talking hedgehogs isn't going to be treated realistically, but when Sonic was first introduced, he was portrayed as the coolest videogame character. Cocky and edgy, Sonic easily set himself apart. Why shouldn't Shadow be allowed to do the same?

Shadow the Hedgehog tried to make itself unique from the Sonic series, and it did. It's a story about finding ones' self, making peace with the past, and debating what "right and wrong" means. When sat next to Sonic Heroes, these ideas easily win out over "the real super power of teamwork." 

Underground is Better than Sat Am (Part 1)

Part 1: Animation, Visuals, and Character design

Animation

Despite years between them, the animation in Sonic Underground and Sat Am are relatively similar. They were both made by the same company, DiC Entertainment (as well as AoStH). They both have common errors, as well as shared traits (like Sonic's feet turning into a ball as he runs). I'd have to say that music and running effects are a bit brighter and eye-catching, though, allowing Underground the win (barely).

Visuals

To match it's "darker" theme, Sat Am was accompanied by darker shades and hues than AoStH. Many of the settings are combinations of deep browns, greens, blues, and grays. There's something about it, though, that just seems very nineties-ish.
In the Archie comics, which had some of the same characters and locations, would notably lighten the designs over time. 

Underground, by contrast, chooses lighter tones than either of the previous (but not as light as the OVA). While Robotropolis is similar to on Sat AM, other locations varied with colors. Brighter scenes for sunny and desert-like locations, greens and grays in the grittier parts of cities. Everything looks a bit clearer, too.

The Sat Am technique was an interesting style, but I don't think it's aged as well.

Character Design

Sonic

Although I do prefer Sonic's darker blue, the Underground version took the design a bit closer to the games (I once heard that this was requested by Sega of Japan, but I'm not 100%). For one thing, his "mohawk" style that had been dominate previously was replaced with multiples "3-D" layers of spikes like in the games. He also has 5 fingers instead of the cartoon-ish 4 like in Sat Am. However, due to the cheap animation, the changes are not obvious.

His eyelids are actually blue, which is ahead of it's time (sort of) as modern Sonic's eyelids were, too. Sat Am's opening shows Sonic winking...and his eyelid is white. I don't recall if that was permanent, but since it was always in the opening it was a reoccurring error.

Robotnik

The design is almost identical. There are slight changes a fan would notice, but I don't like either. While trying to make the character more menacing, both seem to forget what the character looked like in the original game. The thin mustache may bother me the most.

Other Sat Am characters

Some of the freedom fighters have interesting designs. Bunnie's was ahead of her time (similar to both Cream and Rouge). The robotic parts were an intriguing element.

Sally's design always screamed 90s to me; the big artificial-red hair and later the (denim?!) jacket. I wished her head was more similar to Sonic's--as a chipmunk her mouth/nose is brought forward and it looks a bit awkward. Didn't age as well but it was alright (and with a few tweaks she fit right in). As far as her being "nude" it didn't seem like a big deal since she had a simple/young design (but with some of the takes in the comics and plus the direction fan art seemed to head, I defiantly understand her late-comic redesign).

Antoine's design disgusted me. It doesn't match the Sonic-style (and why give this guy a hefty shirt but leave Sally out in the cold?). I guess maybe it's trying to add to the character's background or maybe just make him look wimpy, but I'm not a fan of how bulky it is. His face has the "Sally nose" problem as well.

Rotor's generally tubby and unappealing. Just doesn't fit with the rest of the cast. Decluy is the worst because she's large and embarrassing. She looks straight out of Dragon Tales, and doesn't have many defining traits. I like Uncle Chuck, but he doesn't look that different from Sonic. Conversely, Sally's dad is oddly a different species (than her)?

Snivley's pretty ugly and aside from being almost-bald, he shares little with his uncle's appearance. While his pointy nose is amusing, when combined with his small height and gray skin it's hard to remember he's actually a human. Nagus was very ugly and lame in design. Swatbots were large and menacing, and some other the robots were (others silly), but there was little drawn from the actual genesis hits.

oh no

Guest characters were often animals of some kind, but I think they should have been more cartoonish. A horse-dude really sticks out in my mind as ridiculous. While some had clothes, it wasn't uncommon for them to appear awkwardly bare. One character, Lupe, had a cool design, but no one else stands out.

Other Underground Characters

Sonia's design is awesome, except her hair's still a little big. Almost a visual combo of Sally and (classic) Amy, she expresses her girly-girly yet tom-boy personality even in her clothes and style. I like the color scheme, and she also switches with different outfits in the show (the triplets would also wear different disguises). It kind of liked this because as a kid it would always bother me when cartoon characters would wear the same thing (plus I liked "pretty" stuff).

Manic's didn't age as well. I'm okay with the basics of his designs...spikes that may have been an extreme take on Tail's bangs, the red (kinda' reminded me of Sally) jacket. But the earrings and fanny-pack ware clearly a thing of the past.

I loved Queen Aleena's design--but the red coat and detailed-white dress not the big, mint-colored disguise. Aleena resembles her son but is clearly different (looking at you, Bernie), and taller, too.

Sleet and Dingo are extremely ugly and unappealing. The skull thing on Sleet and Dingo's shape-shifting abilities are interesting, but they're so nasty. The Oracle of Delphis is also strange in appearance, but not as bad. Swatbots are now red and purple, which takes away some of their credibility. Once again, the (bigger) robot designs go either way.

Bartleby

Guest characters would sort-of resemble animals. Mindy La Tor, for example, had a fox's tail, but had some human-ish elements. Cyrus is definitely a lion, but not everyone was so clear. Many background characters were also alien-ish, further confirming Mobius as an alien planet.

So...
Underground was definitely better with their main characters. Honestly Sat Am throws a close battle, but they just did not age as well. Neither shows are good with guest characters, but it comes down to strange vs awkward...Underground.

In Total

On one hand, it's not a fair fight. Sonic Underground came out years later. On the other, they're both made by DiC and it's a miracle there was any change at all. The art of the Sonic the Hedgehog cartoon was not bad, but Underground was a clear improvement.

Quote of the Month

"Let's go...HRAHHH!"
--Knuckles, Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity

Sonic Movie Easter Eggs and References

When I watched the Sonic movie, I managed to pick up on a few of the in-jokes.

So here's a list possible references I picked up on:

Sonic Levels

Green Hill

We see Sonic's old home as the first Sonic level, Green Hill Zone (complete with breaking land-bridges and loop-de-loops). The town on earth is called Green Hills, also named after the level. A bit of remixed music plays near the end of the movie--Green Hill Zone's theme.

Other Classic Stages

Sonic also mentions beaches and other locations, while his old dwelling resembles South (or possibly Angel) Island. The "Mushroom dimension" Sonic dreads has to be based on Mushroom Hill Zone (Sonic and Knuckles). A road sign labeled "Hill Top Rd" is named after the zone from Sonic 2. Sonic also goes to Egypt briefly, where many desert levels have been based (Sandopolis, etc).

Other Modern Stages

It's worth noting modern Sonic levels often mention characters as streets on their city levels, like Blaze RD (perhaps the "Hill Top" idea came from this). Sonic treks to San Francisco, where most of Sonic Adventure 2's locations were based. What is shown resembles many Sonic-city levels like "Empire City." Sonic also visits the Great Wall of China, where the Sonic Unleashed level Dragon Road was based.

Other Game Stuff

Sonic 3

The rings were inspired from the Giant Ring gimmick (the entrance to the special stages from the first game...as well as some of the others such as Sonic 3).

"Hold still you devil!"

"Commander Waters" may be some version of the video game's "Commander." The Commander, who debuted in Shadow the Hedgehog, is the head of the game's good-again/bad-again military, GUN ("Guardian Units of Nation"). Walters, who seems to be in a high spot in the US military, is the one who chooses Robotnik for the job of investigating Sonic (and later, embarrassed, works to cover the situation up).

Sonic's red shoes are similar to his soap shoes from Sonic Adventure 2.

The symbol on Sonic's bandanna is from the start of Sonic 1. Sonic also mentions having "an extra life." Having "lives" is a common Sonic element.

Sonic slowing/stopping time is an ability first used in Sonic and the Secret Rings ("Time Stop"), although slowing time had previously been established as a possibly with Chaos Control. Interestingly, while this is normal for "Movie Sonic," in the games Sonic usually needs a "skill" enabled or outside help before doing the move.

Sonic turning blue could be a version of the boost, while it's electric qualities could be a reference to Super Sonic or even the Lightening Shield.

Sonic also preforms the spindash, his signature move.

Miles Electric in Sonic Colors

Tails has a small device that he uses in his appearance, likely some version of the Miles Electric.

At the end of the movie, Robotnik is left in the Mushroom zone. This mirrored the ending of Sonic Generations where the Doctor was left in "White Space."

Nicknaming Robotnik "Eggman," is something Sonic did nearly two decades earlier in Sonic Adventure.

It's mentioned that Robotnik has a high IQ. Most game descriptions often state his IQ as 300.

One of the labels on Robotnik's break-switches reads "Badniks," which is what his robots are called.

Sonic also mimics parts from the games such as looking at his wrist and tapping his foot, "falling off," and posing like in Smash Bros. The moment when he slides under a truck is also similar to part of the Sonic Unleashed' opening. 

Sonic wanting a friend reflects the theme of friendship and teamwork the games often mention. This Sonic's origins are also similar to Blaze, who was likewise lonely had dangerous powers. However, she chose to isolate herself.

Tom Wachowski

It's likely a coincidence, but "Tom Wachowski" has a name similar to "Tiara Boobowski," the scrapped character from the scrapped game, Sonic X-treme.

Past TV shows, movies, comics   

Sonic with a Chilidog in Sonic and the Black Knight

Sonic eats and seems to enjoy Chilidogs, an occurrence that has been in practically every media since it's debut in Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog (and in the games' Sonic Unleashed).

Sonic with his guitar in Sonic Underground

Sonic is shown to own a guitar. Sonic playing a guitar has also been a reoccurring gag in many cartoons, playing it's biggest role in Sonic Underground. On similar lines, Sonic was supposed to be a singer in a band in the original Sonic 1, but the idea was scrapped for space.

Sonic shares a dislike of salt-water. In Sonic Underground, Sonic X, Sonic Boom, and in the Archie comics, Sonic was hydrophobic. Others have mentioned that he doesn't like water, and all of these drew on the fact that in the Sonic games, Sonic can not swim, run fast, or breathe long underwater.

"No time for Relaxation"

Sonic says, "Gotta' go Fast," and the unused theme of the movie shares the same name. This are both from the opening of Sonic X, which repeats "Gotta' go fast, gotta' go fast, gotta' go faster-faster-f-f-f-f-faster."

Sonic and Tom running from Robotnik

Sonic is called an "alien" and hunted from the government. This also happened in Sonic X. The idea of Sonic having a male human friend was also in Sonic X first, although Chris was much younger than Tom.

Sonic and Chris "on the run" in the end of Season 2

Complaining, Sonic mentions he doesn't even have any pants, which was a running gag on the show, Sonic Boom.

Sonic sneaks in a bar.

To avoid suspicion, Sonic dons a disguise. This was a re-occurring element in the cartoons that was most used (and used first) in Adventure of Sonic the Hedgehog.

Sonic as a Western Sheriff

A woman mistakes Sonic as wearing a mask, which would often happen in Sonic X (mistaken as a stuffed animal or costume).

Agent Stone with Robotnik

Robotnik has an underling, Agent Stone. The idea of Robtonik having a sidekick or two to do his dirty work has been used through out many cartoons and comics. The concept is also in the game Sonic Unleashed, with a robot who was later remade (as Orbot along-side a new character, Cubot, in Sonic Colors).

Robotnik with his latest "underling," Dr. Starline. 

A little girl gives Sonic his red shoes when she was concerned about his feet. This is a reference to early Sonic canon that Sonic needs his shoes because of the intense friction he endures while running.

Sonic in socks

This can be seen as early as Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog, where Sonic's feet smoked when he ran with out them. Other sources say Uncle Chuck was credited as the creator of Sonic's "power shoes" and that he created them for the same reason (and/or to make him faster).

"At the plate...Sonic! At the pitcher's mound...also Sonic!"

Sonic plays a game of baseball, ping-pong, and other games by himself. This has been a joke in the past, too. In Sonic Underground, for example, he plays tennis with himself on each side and also acts as the referee. 

"I hate it when I'm a sore loser."

Sonic's origin is somewhat resembles his in Sonic Underground:

In Sonic Underground, "Beginings," young Sonic lives with two adoptive parents who tell him to run and not to come back. The two are taken to be robotized, and the house is burned. Sonic runs back too late, but is found by Uncle Chuck.

In the movie, Long Claw--an Owl--acts as in a mother-like manor to a young Sonic. In a bad situation, she likewise tells him to run and not to come back. Sonic does run back, just barely missing his chance to return. Sonic was then on his own.

While I am not sure the real reason an owl was chosen (because owls as "wise?"), it's possible it was a reference to old man Owl from the first "Sonic Movie" (the OVA). There have been a few owls in Sonic before, but I fail to see any other connections.

Several Echidnas are seen as the villainous group that drives Sonic away from his home. While this could be a reference to the game's own ancient echidna clans, even that may have been inspired by the history in the Archie Comics.

Speaking of which, the character of Long Claw may not have been Sonic's actual mother because of one of Sega's mandates: video game characters cannot have family unless mentioned in the games. This rule, along with others, was created after the "Ken Penders lawsuit" (former comic writer making a mess). This isn't really a reference, but a possible explanation.

Sonic zips through many Flash comics, likely a nod to the fact that the hedgehog has appeared in several of his own series. In a short, comedic portion of the Archie Comics, Sonic even appeared similar to the Flash in a joke. 

Archie's "Warp Rings" (also based on the giant rings from the games) were very similar to the rings in this movie. They served as a means of inter-dimensional transport.

Sonic has a red race car bed, which must have been inspired from the comics.

The "blind him" move Sonic decides on is something that has been common in many of Sonic's appearances.

Real World  

The name Ivo Rotonik came from the US, while Eggman came from Japan. Later these names were combined so that his name was Ivo Robotnik and his nickname was "Eggman."

An old man draws a picture of Sonic, but it's really an image of Sanic, an online internet meme.

Sonic pretends he has a livestream...he does in the form of the "Sonic the Hedgehog" Youtube Channel. 

Having Sonic drive (and asking how he knew) may have been a jive at the common question some of the racing games caused: "why would Sonic drive a car?"

[End]

So that was more than I expecting to remember. I'm sure there's more and that people will catch on better when they release it on DVD...

I think it's pretty cool they added so much in and it makes me hopeful for the future. Still, it's hard to image that the same company that snuck "badnik" labels and "Sanic" in their move allowed that first design. I'm hoping they add in something that makes fun of it if they make a sequel. 

Sonic and ALSO Sonic