Sonic the Hedgehog

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Sonic's origins trace back to 1990 when Naoto Ohshima drafted a design that became the new mascot after an informal poll in New York City favored a blue hedgehog codenamed "Mr. Hedgehog." Yuji Naka implemented a unique algorithm allowing sprites to move smoothly on curves, creating the signature loop-de-loop gameplay. Originally, Sonic was designed without swimming abilities as a deliberate gameplay design choice. Early concepts included fangs and a human girlfriend named Madonna, but Sega of America led by Madeline Schroeder "softened" these elements for an American audience. His personality was designed to be cool and confident, while his shoes combine Santa Claus and pop culture influences with red accents.

In Their Own Story

Sonic made a cameo in the 1990 arcade game *Rad Mobile* before starring in *Sonic the Hedgehog* for the Sega Genesis in 1991. He battles Doctor Eggman, who seeks to steal the mystical Chaos Emeralds to take over the world. In *Sonic CD* (1993), Sonic traveled through time and met Amy Rose and Metal Sonic. The 1994 games *Sonic 3* and *Sonic & Knuckles* introduced a rivalry with Knuckles, who was tricked into believing Sonic was a threat. When collecting 50 rings alongside all Chaos Emeralds, Sonic transforms into Super Sonic, gaining greater speed and strength while becoming nearly invincible until his rings deplete. In *Sonic Unleashed*, he assumed an alternative "Werehog" form to emphasize melee skills, though the design received negative fan response.

Reader's Guide

To play as Sonic, utilize his signature ability to curl into a ball for the Spin Attack, which serves as both locomotion and combat against enemies. Collect golden rings to protect yourself from damage; losing them leaves you vulnerable. Mastering speed is essential, as Sonic can run at supersonic velocities to traverse levels quickly. In *Sonic Adventure* (1998), Yuji Uekawa redesigned him with longer legs and drooping quills for 3D graphics, giving him green irises. For the 2006 game, his design was adjusted to look more adult-like to facilitate interactions with humans. Players can also access Super Sonic by gathering Chaos Emeralds. Voice actors have changed over time: Jun'ichi Kanemaru voices him in Japan, while English roles were held by Ryan Drummond, Jason Griffith, and Roger Craig Smith.

Did You Know?

• Sonic was originally codenamed "Mr. Hedgehog" (Mr.ハリネズミ) before an informal poll in a hotel room or Sega focus group selected his design over a dog and a Theodore Roosevelt look-alike.
• The character cannot swim because of a deliberate gameplay design choice, not solely due to a mistaken assumption about hedgehogs.
• Sonic's blue color was specifically chosen to match Sega's corporate color, while his red shoes were inspired by the contrast on Santa Claus's outfit.
• In *Rad Mobile* (1990), Sonic appeared only as a decorative ornament hanging from a rearview mirror before becoming playable in 1991.
• Naoto Ohshima pitched the concept to Sega higher-ups using a fictional story about a fighter pilot named "Hedgehog" who decorated his plane with images of the character.