Miles Tails Prower

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Tails first appeared in the 8-bit version of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 for Master System and Game Gear, developed by Aspect, which released before the 16-bit version. His design won an internal character design contest at Sega's AM8 division in Japan. Yamaguchi designed him to be a beginner-oriented sidekick, inspired by the kitsune from Urusei Yatsura and the dynamic between Piccolo and Gohan in Dragon Ball. To appeal to Japanese audiences, he was given two tails, a visual nod to the Japanese folkloric kitsune. While Sega of America resisted the name Miles Prower, Marketing Director Al Nilsen crafted a backstory that convinced the team to keep it as his legal name while using Tails as a nickname. In Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Tails was an AI companion who always stayed on-screen in single-player mode; direct control over his flight mechanics was not introduced until Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (1994). Most media depicts him as having been bullied for his intelligence and twin tails until befriending Sonic, whom he looks up to as a role model.

In Their Own Story

Below, the metallic hum of Eggman's latest fortress echoed against the ancient trees. He gripped the controls tightly, his twin tails spinning instinctively behind him to stabilize the craft in a sudden gust. "Sonic, I'm clearing a path!" he shouted into the comms, his voice steady despite the chaos. With a burst of engine power, he dove toward the enemy base, ready to prove that even the smallest hero could change the course of history. In Sonic Generations, Tails celebrated Sonic's birthday before the Time Eater warped him through time holes to Green Hill. There, he met his classic counterpart and accompanied both Sonics to defeat Eggman and Robotnik. From swimming underwater in Sonic 3 to piloting the Cyclone mech in third-person shooting segments during Sonic Adventure 2, Tails has consistently proven that courage and intelligence are just as powerful as raw speed.

Reader's Guide

Miles Prower is defined by his transition from an insecure outcast to a confident hero and master engineer. Initially driven by admiration for Sonic, Tails eventually found his own identity as a vital pillar of Team Sonic, often serving as the team's pilot and technical expert. His primary power stems from his unique physiology; by spinning his two tails rapidly, he can generate enough lift to fly without mechanical aid. Beyond flight, his genius-level intellect allows him to build advanced aircraft, repair complex machinery, and hack into secure systems, making him indispensable in battles against Dr. Eggman's robotic armies. Defining moments include his debut in Sonic the Hedgehog 2, gaining flight control in Sonic the Hedgehog 3, and starring in solo titles like Tails Adventure (1995) and Tails' Skypatrol (1995). He also plays a crucial role in Team Sonic as their flight-type character in Sonic Heroes, capable of carrying both Sonic and Knuckles. In Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, he appeared as a supporting character, while in Tokyo 2020, he helped free friends from a device known as Tokyo '64.

Did You Know?

• Tails' real name, Miles Prower, is a pun on the phrase "miles per hour."
• His two tails were specifically inspired by the Japanese folkloric kitsune to make the design more impactful for Japanese audiences.
• In Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (1992), Tails could only be controlled by a second player in two-player mode; in single-player mode, he followed Sonic via AI and could not fly independently. Direct control over Tails' flight was
• Tails is not universally capable of swimming underwater; in many classic games he cannot swim, and in later 3D games Sonic cannot swim while Tails can.
• The character's name change from Miles Prower to Tails was a compromise suggested by Sega of America marketing director Al Nilsen.

Origins and Design Philosophy

The anthropomorphic fox known as Tails was conceived by Yasushi Yamaguchi during an internal competition at Sega Technical Institute for Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (1992). The design aimed to create a sidekick who would appeal to Japanese audiences while allowing siblings to play together cooperatively. Programmer Yuji Naka suggested the character should be endearing and beginner-friendly, drawing inspiration from kitsune folklore rather than serving as a rival. Yamaguchi's winning entry featured a fox with two tails, a visual choice inspired by the Phantasy Star character Myau to ensure impact. The dynamic between the blue hedgehog and the young fox was modeled after the mentor-student relationship of Piccolo and Gohan from Dragon Ball. Although Yamaguchi originally named the character Miles Prower as a pun on speed units, Sega of America executives felt the name would not resonate with Western markets. Marketing director Al Nilsen proposed the nickname Tails along with a supporting backstory to explain the moniker. Ultimately, a compromise was reached where Miles Prower remained his official full name while Tails served as his widely recognized nickname.

Character Traits and Abilities

Miles Prower is defined by his dual identity as a good-natured mechanical genius and a skilled pilot capable of flight. His most distinct physical trait is his pair of tails, which he spins rapidly like helicopter rotor blades to achieve aerial mobility. This ability allows him to traverse environments that are inaccessible to his friend Sonic, including swimming underwater, a feat the hedgehog cannot perform. Narratively, Tails is often depicted as having been bullied for his intelligence and unique physical features before meeting Sonic, whom he idolizes as a role model. He strives to emulate Sonic's heroism while leveraging his own technical aptitude to build vehicles and solve complex problems. This combination of flight mechanics and engineering prowess sets him apart within the franchise, transforming him from a simple follower into an essential partner who can independently navigate challenges.

Solo Ventures and Media Presence

While primarily known as Sonic's companion, Tails has headlined several standalone titles that highlight his unique capabilities. His first major solo appearance was in Tails and the Music Maker for the Sega Pico, followed by two Game Gear exclusives: Tails' Skypatrol and Tails Adventure. The former is a side-scrolling score-attack game released only in Japan, while the latter blends Metroid-style platforming with role-playing elements. In later entries like Sonic Adventure, he became one of six playable characters with gameplay focused on racing and exploration rather than just tagging along. Beyond video games, his likeness has permeated various adaptations, including comic books, television series, and films. His voice portrayal history is extensive, featuring numerous actors in Japanese dubs such as Ryō Hirohashi and English voices ranging from Christopher Welch to the current Colleen O'Shaughnessey, who also voiced him in the live-action Paramount Pictures franchise.

Cultural Impact and Legacy

Video game journalists widely regard Tails as one of the most iconic sidekicks in gaming history. His debut in 1992 marked a shift where secondary characters could possess unique mechanics, such as flight control which was fully realized in Sonic the Hedgehog 3. Unlike earlier AI-controlled companions who simply followed off-screen, players eventually gained direct control over his aerial maneuvers, establishing his uniqueness within the gameplay loop. Over three decades, he has remained a constant presence across merchandise and nearly every adaptation of the franchise. His evolution from a simple second-player option to a fully realized character with his own backstory, voice actors, and solo games demonstrates his enduring appeal. The compromise regarding his name also stands as a notable moment in localization history, blending Japanese design intent with Western marketing strategies to create a globally recognized mascot.