View source for Sonic the Hedgehog (series)

{{About|the series|the character|Sonic the Hedgehog (character)|other uses|Sonic the Hedgehog (disambiguation){{!}}Sonic the Hedgehog}}
{{pp-semi-indef}}{{pp-move-indef}}
{{refimprove|date=April 2015}}
{{Infobox VG series
|title=Sonic the Hedgehog
|state=
|show image=
|image=[[File:Sonic1.png|240px]]
|caption= Title screen from ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (1991 video game)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'', the first game in the ''Sonic'' franchise.
|genre=[[Platform game|Platform]], [[racing game|racing]], [[puzzle game|puzzle]], [[sports game|sports]], [[party game|party]]
|publisher=[[Sega]]
|spinoffs=
|website=http://www.sonicthehedgehog.com/<br/>http://sonic.sega.jp/
|creator=[[Yuji Naka]]
|artist=[[Naoto Ohshima]]
|first release version = ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (1991 video game)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]''
|first release date = June 23, 1991
|latest release version = ''[[Sonic Runners]]''
|latest release date = February 25, 2015}}

{{nihongo|'''''Sonic the Hedgehog'''''|ソニック・ザ・ヘッジホッグ|Sonikku za Hejjihoggu}} is a [[video game]] franchise created by [[Yuji Naka]], and is developed and owned by [[Sega]]. The franchise centers on a series of speed-based platform games, but several are spin-offs in different genres. The protagonist of the series is an anthropomorphic blue [[hedgehog]] named [[Sonic the Hedgehog (character)|Sonic]], whose peaceful life is often interrupted by the series's main antagonist, [[Doctor Eggman]]. Typically, Sonic—usually along with [[List of Sonic the Hedgehog characters|some of his friends]], such as [[Tails (character)|Tails]], [[Amy Rose|Amy]], and [[Knuckles the Echidna|Knuckles]]—must stop Eggman and foil any plans of world domination. The [[Sonic the Hedgehog (1991 video game)|first game in the series]], published in 1991, was conceived by Sega's [[Sonic Team]] division after Sega requested a mascot character; the title was a success and spawned sequels, and transformed Sega into a leading video game company during the [[History of video game consoles (fourth generation)|16-bit era]] in the early to mid-1990s.

Sonic Team has since developed many titles in the [[Media franchise|franchise]]. Prominent members of its initial staff included Naka, character designer [[Naoto Ohshima]], and level designer [[Hirokazu Yasuhara]]. Other developers of ''Sonic'' games have included Japanese [[Dimps]], American [[Sega Technical Institute]], [[Backbone Entertainment]], Big Red Button Entertainment, and [[Sanzaru Games]], Canadian [[BioWare]], and British [[Sumo Digital]] and [[Traveller's Tales]]. While the first games in the series were side-scrolling [[platform game]]s, the series has expanded into other [[Video game genres|genres]] such as [[action-adventure game|action-adventure]], [[fighting game|fighting]], [[racing video game|racing]], [[role-playing video game|role-playing]], and [[sports game|sports]]. The series has sold 150 million units as of November 2014,<ref name="segasammy.co.jp">http://www.segasammy.co.jp/english/ir/library/pdf/printing_annual/2014/all_ar2014_e.pdf</ref> making it one of the [[List of best-selling video game franchises|best-selling franchises of all time]].

==History==
{{cleanup-section|date=December 2014|reason=choppy, unsourced paragraphs later on}}
===Premise===
{{see also|List of Sonic the Hedgehog video games}}
Almost all games in the series feature a blue hedgehog named [[Sonic the Hedgehog (character)|Sonic]] as the central [[player character]] and [[protagonist]]. The games detail Sonic and his allies' attempt to save the world from various threats, primarily the evil genius [[Doctor Eggman|Dr. Ivo "Eggman" Robotnik]], the main [[antagonist]] of the series. Robotnik's aim is to rule the planet; to achieve this, he usually attempts to destroy Sonic and to acquire the powerful [[Chaos Emerald]]s.

===Sega Genesis and add-on devices (1991–1996)===
[[File:SonicTheHedgehog1.png|thumb|right|250px|Sonic runs through [[Green Hill Zone]], the first zone of ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' (1991).]]
The first ''Sonic'' game, titled ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (1991 video game)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'', was a [[platform game]] released in 1991<ref>{{cite web|first=Jason|last=Dobson|title=Sonic The Hedgehog Celebrates 15th Anniversary|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=9832|work=Gamasutra|publisher=Think Services|date=2006-06-23|accessdate=2009-08-27}}</ref> that featured protagonist Sonic running through the game's levels in order to stop Doctor Robotnik from taking over the world.<ref name="S1 IGN VC">{{cite web |last=Thomas |first=Lucas |url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/759/759086p1.html |title=Sonic the Hedgehog VC Review |publisher=IGN |date=January 26, 2007 |accessdate=February 10, 2011}}</ref> The game focused Sonic's ability to run and to jump at high speeds with the use of springs, checkpoints, and loops.<ref name="S1 IGN VC" />

Its sequel, ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 2]]'', a platform game released in 1992,<ref name="NeoSInfo">{{cite web |url=http://www.neoseeker.com/Games/Products/GENESIS/sonic_the_hedgehog_2/ |title=Sonic The Hedgehog 2 Neoseeker Profile |accessdate=2007-10-21 |work=http://www.neoseeker.com}}</ref> increased the overall size and speed of the series' gameplay<ref name="S2 IGN VC">{{cite web |url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/795/795640p1.html |title=Sonic the Hedgehog 2 Review - Wii Review at IGN |last=Thomas |first=Lucas |publisher=IGN |date=July 11, 2007 |accessdate=February 10, 2011}}</ref> and was the second best-selling Genesis game of all time.<ref>http://www.retrozoid.co.uk"/2010/.../sonic_the_hedgehog-3-sega-mega-drive/</ref> The game introduced Sonic's sidekick, [[Miles "Tails" Prower]], who followed Sonic throughout the game, and allowed a second player to control him in a limited fashion.<ref name="S2 IGN VC" /> and the "spin dash" maneuver, which allowed Sonic to boost forwards quickly when stopped.<ref name="S2 IGN VC" />

The next sequel, ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 3]]'', was a third platform game in the ''Sonic'' series released in 1994.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://cheats.ign.com/objects/006/006475.html |title=IGN: Sonic the Hedgehog 3 |work=IGN |publisher=IGN Entertainment, Inc}}</ref> The game introduced a temporary shield maneuver,<ref name="s3 vc gs">{{cite web|last=Provo|first=Frank|title=Sonic the Hedgehog 3 Review for Wii|url=http://www.gamespot.com/wii/action/sonicthehedgehog3/review.html|work=Gamespot|publisher=CBS Interactive, Inc|accessdate=February 26, 2011|date=September 12, 2007}}</ref> added new shield types to the series,<ref name="s3 vc rev">{{cite web |url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/819/819286p1.html |title=Sonic the Hedgehog 3 Review |last=Thomas |first=Lucas |date=September 11, 2007 |accessdate=February 11, 2011 |publisher=IGN Entertainment, Inc |work=IGN}}</ref> and allowed Tails to fly under a player's control.<ref name="s3 vc rev" /> It also introduced a new character, [[Knuckles the Echidna]], who served as an additional antagonist with Doctor Robotnik for the game.<ref name="s3 vc rev" />

''[[Sonic & Knuckles]]'', another platform game in the ''Sonic series'', was released later in 1994.<ref name="s&k review">{{cite web |url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/107/1070917p1.html |title=Sonic & Knuckles Review |last=Thomas |first=Lucas |date=February 22, 2010 |accessdate=February 11, 2011 |publisher=IGN Entertainment, Inc |work=IGN}}</ref> The game introduced Knuckles as a playable character with gliding and wall climbing abilities<ref name="s&k review" /> and allowed gamers to plug in ''Sonic the Hedgehog 3'' to the top of the ''Sonic and Knuckles'' cartridge as part of the game's "lock on" functionality. This allowed gamers to play the game as it was originally intended;<ref name="s&k review" /> the games were intended to be one title, but were split due to cartridge space and time constraints.<ref>[http://sost.emulationzone.org/sonic_3/interview/rogerhector.htm Interview with Roger Hector]</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://xbox.gamespy.com/articles/654/654750p4.html|title=Sega's Yuji Naka Talks!|publisher=GameSpy}}</ref>

[[File:Sonic and Knuckles Flying Battery.png|thumb|left|250px|[[Knuckles the Echidna|Knuckles]] explores Flying Battery, the second zone of ''[[Sonic & Knuckles]]'' (1994). The use of shields, checkpoints, and these basic level design and graphical assets were typical of the ''Sonic'' series' early years.]]
There were several ''Sonic'' games for the Genesis that were not [[2D computer graphics|2D]] platform games. ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog Spinball]]'', released in 1993, was a [[pinball]] simulation modeled after the Spring Yard and Casino Night Zones from the first two ''Sonic'' games.<ref name="spinball rev">{{cite web|last=Provo|first=Frank|title=Sonic Spinball Review for Wii|url=http://www.gamespot.com/wii/action/sonicspinballgen/review.html|work=GameSpot|publisher=CBS Interactive, Inc|accessdate=February 26, 2011|date=March 19, 2007}}</ref> The game, unlike general pinball simulations, had an overall goal of collecting all the [[Chaos Emeralds]] in each level and defeating the levels' bosses.<ref name="spinball rev" /> It was one of the few video games that had elements from the cartoons ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (TV series)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' and ''[[Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog]]''. ''[[Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine]]'' was a puzzle game similar to ''[[Puyo Puyo]]''<ref>{{cite web|last=Thomas|first=Lucas, M|title=Dr. Robitnik's Mean Bean Machine Review|url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/750/750424p1.html|work=IGN|publisher=IGN Entertainment, Inc|accessdate=February 26, 2011|date=December 11, 2006}}</ref> that was set in the ''Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog'' universe. ''[[Sonic 3D Blast]]'', an [[Isometric projection|isometric]], [[2.5D]] platform game<ref name="s3d review">{{cite web |url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/839/839435p1.html |title=Sonic 3D Blast Review |publisher=IGN Entertainment, Inc |work=IGN |date=December 4, 2007 |accessdate=February 26, 2011 |last=Thomas |first=Lucas M}}</ref> released in 1996 and developed by [[Traveller's Tales]],<ref>{{cite web|title=IGN: Sonic 3D Blast|url=http://cheats.ign.com/objects/000/000592.html|work=IGN|publisher=IGN Entertainment, Inc|accessdate=February 26, 2011}}</ref> featured Sonic running through pseudo-3D environments while trying to rescue [[Flicky|Flickies]] from Doctor Robotnik.<ref name="s3d review" />

The Sega Genesis had "add-on" systems that incorporated ''Sonic'' titles. ''[[Sonic CD]]'', released for the [[Sega CD]], was a 2D platform game<ref name="cd rev">{{cite web |last=Peeples |first=Jeremy |url=http://www.sega-16.com/review_page.php?id=1202&title=Sonic%20CD |title=Review: Sonic CD |date=June 27, 2004 |accessdate=February 26, 2011 |work=Sega-16 |publisher=Sega-16}}</ref> released in 1993.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://cheats.ign.com/objects/005/005586.html |title=IGN: Sonic CD |accessdate=February 26, 2011 |work=IGN |publisher=IGN Entertainment, Inc}}</ref> The game introduced the characters [[Amy Rose]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Smash it Up! - Sonic Team |last=Thomas |first=Lucas M |date=October 12, 2007 |accessdate=February 26, 2011 |work=IGN |publisher=IGN Entertainment, Inc |url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/827/827234p1.html}}</ref> and [[Metal Sonic]] and featured levels that differed depending upon whether Sonic was in the past, present, or future time frames.<ref name="cd rev" /> ''[[Knuckles Chaotix]]'', a [[Spin-off (media)|spin-off]] released in 1995 for the [[Sega 32X]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/games/32x/knuckles-chaotix/ |title=Knuckles Chaotix for Sega 32X from 1UP |accessdate=February 26, 2011 |work=1UP.com |publisher=}}</ref> featured Knuckles and a new group named [[Chaotix]] fighting against Dr. Robotnik.<ref name="chaotix rev">{{cite web |url=http://retro.ign.com/articles/862/862183p1.html |title=Knuckles Chaotix Review |work=IGN Retro |publisher=IGN Entertainment, Inc |last=Fahs |first=Travis |date=March 26, 2008 |accessdate=}}</ref> The game featured a two-player cooperative system in which the on-screen characters were connected by magic rings.<ref name="chaotix rev" /> There was also ''Sonic Eraser'', a puzzle game released exclusively on Sega Game Toshokan in 1991.

Due to the success of ''Sonic'' games on the [[Sega Genesis]], the series was introduced to the [[Sega Master System]] and [[Sega Game Gear]]. Sega began by releasing ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (8-bit)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'', a [[2D computer graphics|2D]] [[platform game]], in 1991.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://cheats.ign.com/objects/008/008985.html |title=IGN: Sonic the Hedgehog (1991) |work=IGN |publisher=IGN Entertainment, Inc |accessdate=February 28, 2011}}</ref> The game featured Sonic's ability to run and to jump at high speeds like its Mega Drive/Genesis counterpart but with notably different [[video game design|level design]] and music.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/896/896255p1.html |title=Sonic the Hedgehog (Master System Version) Review |publisher=IGN |date=August 4, 2008 |accessdate=February 10, 2011 |last=Thomas |first=Lucas}}</ref> Sega later released ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (8-bit)|Sonic the Hedgehog 2]]'' another 2D [[platform game]], in 1992. The game differed from its Genesis counterpart with different levels and music and by not including a "spin dash" maneuver. It also featured a different storyline in which Doctor Robotnik kidnaps Tails, who is non-playable in the Master System/Game Gear version.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/896/896255p1.html |title=Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (Master System Version) Review |publisher=IGN |date=December 8, 2008 |accessdate=February 10, 2011 |last=Thomas |first=Lucas}}</ref> [[Sonic Chaos|''Sonic Chaos''/''Sonic and Tails'' (Japan)]], released in 1993,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/gamegear/action/sonictails/index.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=gsbottomnav&tag=quicklinks;summary |title=Sonic the Hedgehog Chaos for GG |accessdate=February 28, 2011 |work=GameSpot |publisher=CBS Interactive, Inc}}</ref> was similar to the earlier two Sega Master System/Game Gear ''Sonic'' games, but featured Tails as a playable character.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/950/950034p1.html |title=Sonic Chaos Review |publisher=IGN |last=Thomas |first=Lucas |date=February 2, 2009 |accessdate=February 10, 2011}}</ref> A sequel, [[Sonic Triple Trouble|''Sonic Triple Trouble''/''Sonic and Tails 2'' (Japan)]], a 2D platform game, was released in 1994<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/game-gear/sonic-the-hedgehog-triple-trouble |title=Sonic the Hedgehog: Triple Trouble for Game Gear (1994) |work=MobyGames |publisher=MobyGames |accessdate=February 28, 2011}}</ref> for the Game Gear and introduced a new character, [[Fang the Sniper|Nack the Weasel]], who, along with Knuckles and Doctor Robotnik, raced to collect the [[#Chaos Emeralds|Chaos Emeralds]]. One of the last games for the Sega Game Gear, ''[[Sonic Blast]]'', was released in 1996<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/sonic-blast |title=Sonic Blast for Game Gear (1996) |accessdate=February 28, 2011 |work=MobyGames |publisher=MobyGames}}</ref> and featured [[Pre-rendering|prerendered]] sprites.

Several spin-off ''Sonic'' games that were not 2D platform games were also released. ''[[Sonic Labyrinth]]'', released for Game Gear in 1995,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/sonic-labyrinth |title=Sonic Labyrinth for Game Gear (1995) |work=MobyGames |publisher=Moby Games |accessdate=February 28, 2011}}</ref> featured an isometric view and slower exploration-based gameplay that resulted from Robotnik's replacing Sonic's shoes with "Speed Down Boots." ''[[Sonic Drift]]'' was a [[kart racer]] released in 1994.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/sonic-drift |title=Sonic Drift for Game Gear (1994) |work=MobyGames |publisher=MobyGames |accessdate=February 28, 2011}}</ref> It later had a sequel, ''[[Sonic Drift 2]]'', which was released in 1995.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/sonic-drift-2 |title=Sonic Drift 2 for Game Gear (1995) |work=MobyGames |publisher=MobyGames |accessdate=February 28, 2011}}</ref> Tails also received two spin-offs. ''[[Tails' Skypatrol]]'', released in 1995,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/tails-skypatrol |title=Tails' Skypatrol for Game Gear (1995) |work=MobyGames |publisher=Moby Games |accessdate=February 28, 2011}}</ref> allowed players to control an always-flying Tails. ''[[Tails Adventure]]'', released in 1995,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/tails-adventure |title=Tails Adventure for Game Gear (1995) |work=MobyGames |publisher=MobyGames |accessdate=February 28, 2011}}</ref> featured a mix of platforming and [[Role-playing video game|RPG]] elements.

===Sega Saturn (1996–98)===
Few ''Sonic'' games were released for the [[Sega Saturn]], and none were a standard platform game originally made for the system. ''[[Sonic 3D Blast]]'' was released in 1996<ref>{{cite web |url=http://cheats.ign.com/objects/000/000573.html |title=IGN: Sonic 3D Blast |work=IGN Cheats |publisher=IGN Entertainment, Inc |accessdate=February 28, 2011}}</ref> alongside the Genesis version. Like its Genesis counterpart, the Saturn edition used [[isometric projection|isometric]], [[2.5D]] graphics, but it added [[Full motion video|FMV cut-scenes]], enhanced music and visual effects,{{citation needed|date=February 2011}} and a real-time 3D special stage.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://implantgames.com/?p=453 |title=Sega Saturn Review: Sonic 3D Blast |work=IMPLANTgames |publisher=IMPLANTgames |author=Kris |date=September 10, 2009 |accessdate=February 28, 2011}}</ref> ''[[Sonic Jam]]'', a compilation released for the Saturn in 1997, contained the original ''Sonic the Hedgehog'', ''Sonic the Hedgehog 2'', ''Sonic the Hedgehog 3'', and ''Sonic & Knuckles'', as well as a "Sonic World" mode, which allowed the player to control Sonic in a small 3D world.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://cheats.ign.com/objects/001/001784.html |title=IGN: Sonic Jam |accessdate=February 11, 2011 |publisher=IGN Entertainment, Inc |work=IGN}}</ref> The Sonic World was mainly a means of accessing the disc's multimedia features, which included character artwork, the soundtrack, and Japanese Sonic videos.<ref>{{cite web |last=Rubenstein |first=Glenn |url=http://www.gamespot.com/saturn/action/sonicjam/review.html |title=Sonic Jam Review for Saturn |work=GameSpot |publisher=CBS Interactive, Inc |date=July 10, 1997 |accessdate=March 1, 2011}}</ref> ''[[Sonic R]]'', a foot racing spin-off and also the ''Sonic'' series' first fully 3D game,<ref name="r rev">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/saturn/sonic-r |title=Sonic R Review for the SATURN |work=Game Revolution |publisher=Atomio Online, LLC |accessdate=March 1, 2011}}</ref> was released in 1997 for the Saturn<ref>{{cite web |url=http://cheats.ign.com/objects/001/001900.html |title=IGN: Sonic R |accessdate=February 11, 2011 |publisher=IGN Entertainment, Inc |work=IGN}}</ref> and ported to the PC in 1998.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/search.html?qs=sonic+r&om_act=convert&om_clk=gssearch |title=Sonic R for PC |work=GameSpot |publisher=CBS Interactive, Inc |accessdate=March 1, 2011}}</ref>

The [[Sega Technical Institute]] attempted to develop a Sonic game for the Saturn called ''[[Sonic X-treme]]''. It was originally intended to compete with [[Nintendo|Nintendo's]] ''[[Super Mario 64]]'' and [[Sony|Sony's]] ''[[Crash Bandicoot (series)|Crash Bandicoot]]''. However, due to time constraints and issues between [[Sega Technical Institute|STI]], the Japanese division of Sega, and Sonic Team, the project was canceled in the latter months of 1996.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://retro.ign.com/articles/877/877660p2.html |title=Sonic X-treme Revisited |work=IGN |publisher=IGN Entertainment, Inc |page=2 |accessdate=February 12, 2011 |last=Fahsb |first=Travis}}</ref>

===Dreamcast (1998–2001)===
[[File:SonicAdventure2Grinding.JPG|thumb|Sonic grinds a rail in City Escape, the first level of ''[[Sonic Adventure 2]]''.]]
''[[Sonic Adventure]]'', a launch title for the [[Dreamcast]], was released in 1998 in Japan and 1999 in North America.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamefaqs.com/dreamcast/198694-sonic-adventure/data |title=Sonic Adventure Release Information for Dreamcast|accessdate=February 20, 2011 |publisher=CBS Interactive Inc. |work=Gamespot}}</ref> The game was the first in the series to feature voice acting. ''Sonic Adventure'' was re-released for the [[GameCube]] and [[Personal computer|PC]] as [[Sonic Adventure DX Director's Cut|''Sonic Adventure DX: Director's Cut'']] in 2003<ref>{{cite web |url=http://cube.ign.com/objects/490/490243.html |title=IGN: Sonic Adventure DX: Director's Cut |publisher=IGN Entertainment, Inc |accessdate=February 22, 2011 |work=IGN}}</ref> and, in late 2010, ported to [[Xbox Live Arcade]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://xbox360.ign.com/objects/076/076865.html |title=Sonic Adventure (2010) on Xbox 360 |publisher=IGN Entertainment, Inc |work=IGN |accessdate=February 22, 2011}}</ref> and [[PlayStation Network]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ps3.ign.com/objects/076/076867.html |title=IGN: Sonic Adventure |work=IGN |publisher=IGN Entertainment, Inc |accessdate=February 22, 2011}}</ref> Its sequel ''[[Sonic Adventure 2]]'' was released for the Dreamcast in 2001, and was the last game in the series to be released for the Sega platform.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sonic Adventure 2 - Dreamcast Review at IGN|url=http://uk.ign.com/articles/2001/06/22/sonic-adventure-2|author=Chau, Anthony|accessdate=February 22, 2011 |date=June 22, 2001 |publisher=IGN Entertainment, Inc |work=[[IGN]]}}</ref> In 2002 it became the first game in the series to appear on a Nintendo platform when it was ported – with several enhancements – to the GameCube as ''[[Sonic Adventure 2: Battle]]'',<ref>{{cite web |url=http://cube.ign.com/articles/324/324321p1.html |title=IGN: Sonic Adventure 2: Battle - GameCube Review at IGN |accessdate=February 22, 2011 |date=February 8, 2002 |last=Mirabella III |first=Fran |publisher=IGN Entertainment, Inc |work=IGN |page=1}}</ref> and in October 2012 it was ported to Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network with a version released on [[Steam (software)|Steam]] in November the same year.

The only other Dreamcast ''Sonic'' game was ''[[Sonic Shuffle]]'', which was released in 2000 and featured [[cel-shaded]] graphics and a board game concept similar to that of the ''[[Mario Party (series)|Mario Party]]'' series.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sonic Shuffle - Dreamcast Review at IGN |url=http://dreamcast.ign.com/articles/164/164711p1.html |date=November 15, 2000 |accessdate=February 22, 2011}}</ref> Dreamcast sales began to decline after the launch of the [[PlayStation 2]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://retro.ign.com/articles/102/1021947p10.html |title=IGN Presents the History of Dreamcast |publisher=IGN Entertainment, Inc |work=IGN Retro |date=September 9, 2010 |last=Fahs |first=Travis |accessdate=February 22, 2011 |page=10}}</ref> and therefore few ''Sonic'' games were released for the system. 

''[[Sonic the Hedgehog Pocket Adventure]]'' was also released on [[SNK Playmore|SNK]]'s [[Neo Geo Pocket Color]] portable console,  made in the same style of the Genesis/Mega Drive era of games.

===Move to non-Sega systems (2001–06)===
After the Dreamcast, Sega ceased producing its own video game hardware, focusing solely on manufacturing software for the [[Nintendo GameCube]], followed by releases for the [[PlayStation 2]] and [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]].

Sonic's transition to the [[Game Boy Advance]] was completed with ''[[Sonic Advance]]'', the first original Sonic title released for a Nintendo console. The game featured 2D platforming, similar to the original Genesis titles, and new gameplay mechanics from more recent ''Sonic'' titles as well, such as grinding on rails.<ref>{{cite web|last=Harris|first=Craig|title=Sonic Advance Review - Game Boy Advance Review at IGN|url=http://gameboy.ign.com/articles/324/324071p1.html|work=IGN|publisher=IGN Entertainment, Inc|accessdate=June 3, 2011|date=February 5, 2002}}</ref> It was released in late 2001 in Japan and early 2002 elsewhere,<ref>{{cite web|title=Sonic Advance Related Games, Sonic Advance Similar Games - Gamespot.com|url=http://www.gamespot.com/gba/action/sonicadvance/similar.html?mode=versions|work=GameSpot|publisher=CBS Interactive, Inc|accessdate=June 3, 2011}}</ref> and ported to [[Nokia]]'s [[N-Gage (device)|N-Gage]] on October 7, 2003, as ''SonicN''.<ref>{{cite web|last=Navarro|first=Alex|title=Sonic N Review, SonicN N-Gage Review - GameSpot.com|url=http://www.gamespot.com/ngage/action/sonicn/review.html?tag=summary%3Bread-review|work=GameSpot|publisher=CBS Interactive, Inc|accessdate=June 3, 2011|date=December 12, 2003}}</ref> Two sequels, ''[[Sonic Advance 2]]'' and ''[[Sonic Advance 3]]'', followed in March 2003 and June 2004, respectively.

Between ''Sonic Advance 2'' and ''Sonic Advance 3'', two other Sonic games were released: ''[[Sonic Battle]]'', a 3D [[fighting game]], and ''[[Sonic Pinball Party]]'', a pinball simulation. The last Sonic game was released for the Game Boy Advance is ''[[Sonic The Hedgehog Genesis]]'' on 2006, which features the original Genesis game and the 15-anniversary mode with the Spin Dash.

The first game released for the GameCube was ''[[Sonic Adventure 2: Battle]]'', followed by ''[[Sonic Adventure DX: Director's Cut]]'', each ports from the Dreamcast. Sega later released ''[[Sonic Heroes]]'', the first Sonic game made for the GameCube, PlayStation 2, and Xbox. It was released on all three systems on December 30, 2003 in Japan, with American and European releases following soon after. The game was similar to that of the ''Adventure'' games, although the player now controlled the lead character of a team of three, with the other two following behind. The player could then switch to a new leader at any time in order to use that character's special abilities.

''[[Shadow the Hedgehog (video game)|Shadow the Hedgehog]]'' was released in late 2005 in North America and was used a similar more advanced engine that ''[[Sonic Heroes]]'' used. It focused on [[Shadow the Hedgehog]] as he tried to uncover his past. The game contained multiple paths and endings, as the player chose to take good or evil paths for each level. It also added wielding weapons and driving vehicles to 3D platforming.

''[[Sonic Riders]]'' was the first ''Sonic'' racing game since ''Sonic R''; in contrast to the previous title, the characters used hoverboards, bikes, and skates rather than racing on foot.

Due to the extended life cycle of the PlayStation 2, it also received ports of ''[[Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity]]'' and ''[[Sonic Unleashed]]''. Two Sonic games appeared on the [[PlayStation Portable]]: ''[[Sonic Rivals]]'' and its sequel, ''[[Sonic Rivals 2]]''. Both titles were [[2.5D]] style games.

===Modern era (2006–present)===
There were a number of different ''Sonic'' games released for the [[Nintendo DS]]. The first was ''[[Sonic Rush]]'', released in 2005, featuring gameplay similar to the ''Sonic Advance'' series. It received a sequel, ''[[Sonic Rush Adventure]]'', in 2007, which featured some additional new elements, such as the driving of jet skis and submarines. Along with the Wii, the DS saw the beginning of the [[Mario]] and Sonic crossover games. The first, ''[[Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games]]'', was released in late 2007, and featured characters from both series competing in Olympic-themed mini-games. Its sequel, ''[[Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games]]'', was released in October 2009, and featured an emphasis on winter-based sports.

''[[Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood]]'', a spin-off released in September 2008, was a turn-based role playing game developed by [[BioWare]].

[[File:Sonic and the Black Knight Blaze gameplay.png|thumb|right|250px|Sega took the series in a number of very different directions in the late 2000s and early 2010s. This screenshot of ''[[Sonic and the Black Knight]]'' (2009) shows [[Blaze the Cat]] (in the role of [[Percival]]) attacking enemies with her sword, which uses motion controls. The game involves little platforming, is set in the world of [[King Arthur]], and features hand-drawn cutscenes.]]
During this timeframe, Sega took the franchise in a number of different directions. First was ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (2006 video game)]]'', which was released in November 2006 for the [[Xbox 360]] and December 2006 for the [[PlayStation 3]]. It continued in the ''Sonic Adventure'' direction, but was heavily criticized for being sloppy and rushed for the launch window of both consoles. ''[[Sonic Unleashed]]'' was released in 2008 for the Xbox 360, Wii, PS2 and PS3. While possessing the same name and rough themes, the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions were markedly different games from the Wii and PS2 versions.

While the prior game in the era continued the use of numerous playable characters and play styles, the following games would return to only have Sonic playable. ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I]]'', an episodic high-definition 2D game akin to the 16-bit Sonic games, was developed for the [[PlayStation Network]], [[Xbox Live Arcade]], [[WiiWare]]. ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II]]'' was released in 2012 for PlayStation Network, Xbox Live, Android, iOS, and Windows Phones. ''[[Sonic Colors]]'' a game for the Wii, was released in November 2010. It introduced a power-up system in the form of alien beings called "Wisps". ''[[Sonic Generations]]'' was developed by [[Sonic Team]] for Xbox 360, PS3, PC and [[Dimps]] for [[Nintendo 3DS]] which was released in November 2011, featuring both modern and classic interpretations of Sonic.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tssznews.com/2011/04/07/next-sonic-trailer-released-shows-cgi-classic-sonic|title=Next Sonic Trailer Released, Shows CGI Classic Sonic|author=Tristan Oliver|publisher=TSSZ}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sega.com/sonicgenerations |title=Sonic Generations |publisher=Sega.com |accessdate=2013-08-13}}</ref>

During this time, the franchise also moved into several new spin-off series. The ''Storybook'' series, which combines Sonic gameplay with the story and setting of famous books, comprises two games only released for the Wii: ''[[Sonic and the Secret Rings]]'' (released in 2007) and ''[[Sonic and the Black Knight]]'' (released in 2009).

Another spin-off series resulted from Sega's collaboration with [[Nintendo]] and their [[Mario (series)|''Mario'' series]] of video games. In the ''[[Mario & Sonic (disambiguation)|Mario & Sonic]]'' titles, characters from the ''Sonic'' and ''Mario'' universes compete in [[Olympic Games]]-themed minigames. The three games in this series are ''[[Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games]]'' (released November 2007), ''[[Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games]]'' (October 2009) and ''[[Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games]]'' (November 2011). Separately from that series, Sega also collaborated with Nintendo to include Sonic the Hedgehog in their 2008 Wii fighting game ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]''.<ref>[http://www.smashbros.com/en_us/characters/sonic.html]{{dead link|date=August 2013}}</ref>

''[[Sonic Colors]]'', released in November 2010, expanded further on the ''Rush'' series gameplay with the addition of the use of "Wisps", which gave Sonic various new power-ups and gimmicks.

''[[Sonic Free Riders]]'' was released in November 2010 as a follow-up to the ''Sonic Riders'' series, and was developed exclusively for Xbox 360's [[Kinect]] system. Later on, ''[[Sega Superstars Tennis]]'' for the [[Wii]], [[Xbox 360]], [[PlayStation 3]], [[PlayStation 2]] and [[Nintendo DS]] was released in 2008 and ''[[Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing]]'' for the [[Wii]], [[Xbox 360]], [[PlayStation 3]], [[Nintendo DS]] and [[Personal Computer|PC]] and [[iOS]] was released in 2010, followed by a sequel in 2012.

Even early in the system's life cycle, a number of Sonic games were announced for the [[Nintendo 3DS]]. At [[E3 2010]], an untitled ''Sonic'' game was announced for the system, which later turned out to be a portable version of ''[[Sonic Generations]]''. A third installment of the Sonic and Mario crossover series, ''[[Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games]]'' was also released for the 3DS.<ref>{{cite press release|title=London's Calling Mario & Sonic |publisher= Sega/Nintendo|date=2011-04-21| url=http://www.sega.com/news/?n=5048|accessdate=2011-04-21}}</ref> ''[[Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed]]'' was released for the 3DS in February 2013, and for the [[PlayStation Vita]] in November 2012.<ref name="ign">{{cite web|author=var authorId = "" by Daniel Krupa IGN UK |url=http://ds.ign.com/articles/122/1224011p1.html |title=IGN - SEGA Unveils Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed |publisher=Ds.ign.com |accessdate=1 May 2012}}</ref>

In October 2012, ''[[Sonic Jump]]'' was released on [[iOS]], and in March 2013, ''[[Sonic Dash]]'' was released.<ref>[http://www.vg247.com/2013/03/01/sonic-dash-announced-for-mobile-platforms Sonic Dash announced for mobile platforms]</ref>

In May 2013, Sega announced that a version of ''[[Sonic Lost World]]'' would be released on the 3DS.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/sonic-lost-world-confirmed-for-wii-u-3ds/|title=Sonic Lost World confirmed|date=2013-05-17|publisher=joystiq.com|accessdate=2013-05-17}}</ref> 

''[[Sonic Boom: Shattered Crystal]]'' was released for the Nintendo 3DS as a 3DS counterpart of ''[[Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric]]'' for the Wii U. They were both released on November 11, 2014.

In May 2013, Sega announced a partnership with Nintendo, which established that the next three Sonic titles would be developed exclusively for the Nintendo 3DS and [[Wii U]], with Nintendo publishing the titles in Europe and Australia. The first games to be released was ''[[Sonic Lost World]]'' in 2013, followed by  ''[[Mario & Sonic at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games]]'' by the end of the year.  ''[[Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric]]'' for the Wii U, and ''[[Sonic Boom: Shattered Crystal]]'' for the 3DS, based on the new ''[[Sonic Boom (TV series)|Sonic Boom]]'' franchise, together formed the final installment(s) in the exclusivity agreement.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2013-05-17-sega-europe-hands-sonic-publishing-duties-to-nintendo|title=Nintendo to publish Sonic titles|date=2013-05-17|publisher=gamesindustry.biz|accessdate=2013-05-17}}</ref><ref name="franchiseblog" /> In the last quarter of 2014, Sonic also returned as a fighter in both installments of ''[[Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U]]''.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2013/10/sonic_the_hedgehog_confirmed_for_super_smash_bros_on_wii_u_and_3ds |title=Sonic The Hedgehog Confirmed For Super Smash Bros. On Wii U And 3DS |first=Damien |last=McFerran |date=2013-10-01 |publisher=Nintendo Life |accessdate=2013-12-28}}</ref>

===Compilations===
{{main|Compilations in the Sonic series}}

==Characters==
{{expand-section|date=September 2014}}
{{main|List of Sonic the Hedgehog characters}}
The ''Sonic'' series has an extensive cast of recurring characters. Among the most frequently recurring and significant ones are protagonist Sonic, his antagonist Eggman, his sidekick Tails, his rival and friend Knuckles, his friend and self-proclaimed lover Amy, and his antihero doppelganger Shadow.

==Common features==
[[File:SonicRing.jpg|A ring|thumb]]

===Rings===
One distinctive feature of ''Sonic'' games are the collectible golden rings spread throughout the levels. This gameplay device allows players possessing at least one ring to survive upon sustaining damage from an enemy or hazardous object; instead of dying, the player's rings are scattered. In most ''Sonic'' games, a hit causes the player to lose all of the rings, although in certain games a hit only costs a set number of rings such as ten or twenty.<ref name="STH1manual Rings">{{cite manual|title = [[Sonic the Hedgehog (1991 video game)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]|section = Reach for the Rings|sectionurl = |version = English|publisher = Sega|accessdate = 2009-03-14|quote = p. 4}}</ref><ref name="ShTH1manual screen">{{cite manual |title = [[Shadow the Hedgehog (video game)|Shadow the Hedgehog]]|section = 1P Game: Viewing the Game Screen|sectionurl = |version = English|publisher = Sega| date = |accessdate = 2009-03-14|quote = p. 19}}</ref> When the rings are scattered, the player has a short amount of time to recollect some of them before they disappear.

Some causes of death cannot be prevented by holding a ring, including being crushed, falling into a bottomless pit, drowning, and running out of time.<ref name="STH1manual Rings" />

In line with many platform games, collecting 100 rings usually rewards Sonic or any other playable character with an [[1-up|extra life]].<ref name="STH1manual Items">{{cite manual |title =[[Sonic the Hedgehog (1991 video game)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]|section =Items for Survival|sectionurl =|version =English|publisher =Sega| date =|url=|format =|id =|accessdate =2009-03-14|quote =p. 6}}</ref> Certain games in the series often reward the collection of 50 rings with [[Chaos Emerald]]s, access to the [[#Special Stages|Special Stages]] in which the Chaos Emeralds may be obtained, or utilization of a character's [[super transformation]].<ref name="STH1manual secret zone">{{cite manual |title =Sonic the Hedgehog|section =Secret Zone|sectionurl =|version =English|publisher =Sega| date =|url =|format =|id =|accessdate =2009-03-14|quote =p. 8}}</ref>

Rings have had other uses in various games as well, such as [[currency]] (''Sonic Adventure 2''), restoring health bars, (''Sonic Unleashed'') or improving statistics (''Sonic Riders'').

===Chaos Emeralds===
[[File:Szmaragdy emeralds.png|right|thumb|The seven Chaos Emeralds]]
The Chaos Emeralds are, in most games, seven [[emerald]]s with mystical powers; they are a recurring feature of ''Sonic'' games. The emeralds can turn thoughts into power,<ref name="SA ? story">{{cite video game|title= [[Sonic Adventure]]|developer= Sonic Team|publisher= Sega|date= |platform= |version= |level= "?" Story|language= |isolang= |quote=}}</ref> warp time and space with a technique called Chaos Control,<ref name="SA2 Shadow Profile">{{cite manual|author = Sega |title = [[Sonic Adventure 2]] Instruction Manual|section = Characters: Shadow |publisher=Sega|year=2002|accessdate=2008-07-09|quote=pp. 7}}</ref><ref name="Shadow Heroes Profile">{{cite manual|author = Sega |title = [[Sonic Heroes]] Instruction Manual|section = Team Dark |publisher=Sega|year=2004|accessdate=2008-07-09|quote=pp. 8}}</ref> give energy to all living things and be used to create nuclear or laser based weaponry.<ref name="STH1manual story">{{cite manual |title =[[Sonic the Hedgehog (1991 video game)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]|section =Prologue|sectionurl =|version =Japanese|publisher =Sega| date =|url =|format =|id =|accessdate =2009-03-14|quote = p. 4-5}}</ref>

They are the basis of many of the games' plots, and the player is frequently required to collect them all to fully defeat [[Doctor Ivo Robotnik|Doctor Eggman]] and achieve the games' "[[Outro (video gaming)|good endings]]", [[Super transformation|super forms]], or both. The methods used to acquire the Emeralds and the end-results after collecting them differ between titles in the series. Most early games require the player to find the emeralds in [[#Special Stages|Special Stages]],<ref name="STH1manual secret zone" /> while some modern games implement the emeralds as a plot element. In certain games, such as ''[[Sonic R]]'' and the 8-bit versions of ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (8-bit)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' and ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (8-bit)|Sonic the Hedgehog 2]]'', the player is required to find the Chaos Emeralds within the zones themselves.

The Master Emerald was introduced in ''[[Sonic & Knuckles]]'' as a plot element. It resides in a shrine on Angel Island and is guarded by [[Knuckles the Echidna]], as only those of the Echidna Tribe are able to control it.<ref name="Knux Channel profile">{{cite web |url=http://sonic.sega.jp/chara/knuckles/index.html |title=Sonic Channel|accessdate=2009-03-14 }} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> The power of the Master Emerald is what keeps Angel Island afloat in the sky.<ref name="STH3manual story">{{cite manual |title =[[Sonic the Hedgehog 3]]|section =Sonic's Adventure Continues|sectionurl =|version =English|publisher = Sega| date =|url =|format =|id =|accessdate =2009-03-14|quote = p. 4}}</ref> It can control the power of the Chaos Emeralds,<ref name="SA ? story" /> including neutralizing or amplifying their energies.<ref name="SA2 Hero Story WC">{{cite video game|title= [[Sonic Adventure 2]]|developer= Sonic Team|publisher= Sega|date= |platform= |version= |level= Hero Side: Wild Canyon|language= |isolang= |quote=}}</ref>

===Special Stages===
Usually, Special Stages were employed as a means of earning Chaos Emeralds.<ref name="STH1manual secret zone" /> Special Stages usually take place in [[Surrealism|surreal]] environments and feature alternate gameplay mechanics to the standard platforming of the main levels. The 16-bit ''Sonic the Hedgehog '' consisted of a giant rotating maze, which many considered a major technical achievement.<ref>[[Yuji Naka]]: "...the Mega Drive allowed this stunning demonstration of rotation during the bonus stages. This was said to be impossible on the hardware at the time." {{cite journal|date=September 2001  | title = The making of... ''Sonic The Hedgehog'' | journal = [[Edge (magazine)|Edge]] | issue = 101 | page = 121}}</ref> The most common special stages, however, were segments with the character running through a long tunnel to collect certain items. 3D "collect item" levels, as in ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 3|Sonic 3]]'' and ''[[Sonic & Knuckles]]'', used the same perspective but had Sonic collecting all the blue-colored orbs on the surface of a giant sphere. Finally, ''[[Sonic Advance 2]]'' employed a 3D ring-collecting stage, and ''[[Sonic Chaos]]'' (''Sonic and Tails'' in Japan) used a variety of gimmicks for its levels.
Since Emeralds of the 8-bit version of ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' were hidden in the main stages, the game's spring-filled Special Stages were merely used as a means of adding variety, increasing [[High score|score]] and earning continues. Similarly, ''[[Sonic 3 & Knuckles]]'', in addition to the main Special Stages, featured entirely optional bonus stages, one of which combined the rotating maze of ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (1991 video game)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' with the pinball gambling of ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (16-bit)|Sonic the Hedgehog 2]]''. ''[[Sonic Heroes]]'' contained an alternate Special Stage for a chance of earning additional lives.

===Super transformation===
A super transformation is a state certain characters go into that gives them incredible speed, near-invincibility and a change in color. In some games, characters are still vulnerable to being crushed, drowning, falling into a pit or running out of time. Depending on the type of transformation, the condition to attain such a form is an individual making contact with all of the Chaos Emeralds, the Sol Emeralds, or the Master Emerald.
[[File:Super Sonic Emerald.PNG|thumb|right|Super Sonic with the Master Emerald in the ending for ''[[Sonic & Knuckles]]'', moments after defeating the final boss in the Doomsday Zone]]
Super transformations first appeared in ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (16-bit)|Sonic the Hedgehog 2]]'', where Sonic transforms into Super Sonic if all seven Chaos Emeralds and fifty or more rings are held at the same time. While in Super Sonic form, one ring is lost for every second that passes, and Sonic reverts to normal if the number of rings drops to zero. In ''[[Sonic 3 & Knuckles]]'', Tails can also transform after gaining all seven [[Chaos Emeralds]] and [[Super Emeralds]]. Sonic and Knuckles can also transform into their hyper counterparts with the Super Emeralds.

In most 3D Sonic games starting with ''Sonic Adventure'', Chaos Emeralds are collected in non-interactive [[cut scene]]s as part of the story, with Super Sonic and other super characters only appearing in the final boss fights. Most 2D ''Sonic'' platform games, like the ''Advance'' and ''Rush'' series, have retained the gameplay-based emerald collecting, but still have Super Sonic only playable in the "Extra" boss battles. Recent games such as ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I|Sonic the Hedgehog 4]]'', ''[[Sonic Colors]]'',''[[Sonic Generations]]'',and ''[[Sonic: Lost World]]'' once again allow players to play as Super Sonic during normal stages, provided they have all the Chaos Emeralds.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tssznews.com/2010/03/05/sonic-4-achievements-revealed-super-sonic-returns|title=Sonic 4 Achievements Revealed, Super Sonic Returns|author=Tristan Oliver|publisher=TSSZ}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tssznews.com/2010/11/10/super-sonic-confirmed-playable-in-sonic-colors-stages|title=Super Sonic Confirmed Playable in Sonic Colors Stages|author=Tristan Oliver|publisher=TSSZ}}</ref>

[[Sonic the Hedgehog (character)|Sonic the Hedgehog]], [[Miles "Tails" Prower]], [[Knuckles the Echidna]], [[Metal Sonic]], [[Shadow the Hedgehog]], [[Blaze the Cat]], and [[Silver the Hedgehog]], are the characters that are known to be able to perform super transformations. Metal Sonic can also use the Master Emerald or Chaos Emeralds to turn Super, and Blaze, instead of using the Chaos Emeralds, uses the Sol Emeralds (her dimension's equivalent).

===Item boxes===
These are containers hold [[power-up]]s and appear frequently throughout the stages. An icon on each box indicates what it contains, and the player releases the item by destroying the box. In the early games, item boxes resembled television sets and could only be destroyed with an attack; in later titles, they became transparent [[Capsule (pharmacy)|capsule]]-like objects easily destroyed with one touch. Common items in boxes include rings, a barrier (or shield), invincibility, high speed (or power sneakers) and [[1-up]]s.

Ring boxes have a ring in the middle. When opened, they add a set amount of rings to the player's total.

The barrier is a spherical energy shield which surrounds and protects the player's character from one attack; when hit, the barrier is lost instead of rings or a life. In ''Sonic 3'', additional barriers were introduced which gave the player special abilities, such as the ability to magnetically attract rings and double jump, breathe underwater, resist fire.

Invincibility temporarily protects against damage done by enemies and obstacles, and allows the player to destroy enemies by touching them and not lose any rings. Death from crushing, falling, drowning and time-ups, however, are still possible.

High speed boxes give the player character enhanced speed for a limited time.

1-up boxes display the face of the player's character and give the player one extra life. In the event that a player loses a stage, this enables the player to restart the level at the starting point, or, if one has been passed, close to the last [[#Checkpoints|checkpoint]]. Multiple lives can be collected, generally up to 99.

Other item boxes featured include a box with Robotnik's face on it, which cause damage to whoever opens it, a "teleport box" (''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 2|Sonic 2]]'s'' 2-player mode only), which swapped both players' positions, and a skateboard box (''[[Sonic Generations]]'' only), which allows the player to ride a skateboard for a short time.

===Giant Rings===
Giant rings (Warp Rings) were featured in a few ''Sonic'' games, mainly from the 16-bit era. Rather than collecting them, as is the case with the smaller ones, they served as a portal to enter a [[#Special Stages|Special Stage]], where the player could collect one of the [[Chaos Emerald]]s. In ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 3]]'', if all Emeralds have already been found, touching them rewards the player fifty rings. In most games since ''[[Sonic Adventure 2]]'', these giant rings serve as the end level marker, which ends the level upon touching it.

===Checkpoints===
Checkpoints are items placed throughout the stages in ''Sonic'' games which serve mainly as progress markers. If the player runs through one, their progress through a level is "saved". If the player then loses a life on the same stage, they will start over at the last checkpoint passed. Checkpoints also serve other uses in various games, such as entering [[#Special Stages|Special Stages]] in ''Sonic the Hedgehog 2'', and leveling up in ''[[Sonic Heroes]]''. In the 2D games, checkpoints take the appearance of posts, while in 3D games they are either small gates or pads on the ground.

===Springs===
Springs are a staple in the ''Sonic'' series. They are scattered throughout the levels and serve to catapult the player at high speeds in a particular direction. Sometimes they allow the player to proceed further in the level, while other times they are used to hinder the player, usually by sending Sonic towards a dangerous area. ''Sonic Unleashed'' in particular features springs with Dr. Eggman's face on them that launch Sonic towards danger or hinder his progress. Springs serve as one of Sonic's special moves in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]''.

===Animals===
In addition to [[anthropomorphic]] animals, the ''Sonic'' universe is also populated with more conventional animals. These small animals are often used by Dr. Eggman as "organic batteries" to power his robot armies. The trapped animals can usually be freed by hitting the robot and destroying its metal case. In ''Sonic Adventure'' and ''Sonic Adventure 2'', the small animals can be given to Chao, altering their appearance and attributes.

A [[Flicky]] is one of the most prominently used animals in Eggman's experiments. This small bird's first appearance in a game predates Sonic. Flicky and its [[Flicky|respective game]] were alluded to in ''[[Sonic 3D|Sonic 3D Blast]]''.

==Music==
Numerous composers have contributed [[video game music|music]] to the ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' series. [[Masato Nakamura]] of [[J-pop]] band [[Dreams Come True (band)|Dreams Come True]] was responsible for the music of the first two 16-bit games. ''[[Ys (series)|Ys]]''/''[[Streets of Rage]]'' composer [[Yuzo Koshiro]] composed the tunes for the first 8-bit title, except for what was retained from the 16-bit version.

Sega's in-house music company, [[Wave Master]], composed the majority of the music in later titles. One Wave Master employee, [[Jun Senoue]], is a member of the band [[Crush 40]], and through his ties to the band they have played the main [[theme tune]]s of both of the ''[[Sonic Adventure]]'' games, ''[[Sonic Heroes]]'', ''[[Shadow the Hedgehog (video game)|Shadow the Hedgehog]]'' and ''[[Sonic and the Black Knight]]''. ''Heroes'' and ''Shadow the Hedgehog'' also featured other bands, such as [[Julien-K]]. For the 2006 ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (2006 video game)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' game, Senoue and Crush 40 performed a remix of "All Hail Shadow" to play as [[Shadow the Hedgehog]]'s theme for the game.

[[Richard Jacques]], a frequent composer of music for [[Sega]] games, contributed to the [[soundtrack]]s of ''[[Sonic R]]'', the Saturn/PC version of ''[[Sonic 3D|Sonic 3D Blast: Flickies' Island]]'' and most recently, ''[[Sonic and the Black Knight]]''. Runblebee has performed songs for Sonic games such as ''[[Sonic Riders]]'' and ''[[Sonic and the Secret Rings]]'', and Steve Conte performed the ''Sonic and the Secret Rings'' main theme, "Seven Rings In Hand", as well as its ending theme "Worth A Chance".

On several recent games, well-known artists have contributed music to the series. For example, [[Bowling for Soup]] lead singer [[Jaret Reddick]] performed "Endless Possibility", the main theme of ''Sonic Unleashed'', and former [[Megadeth]] guitarist [[Marty Friedman (musician)|Marty Friedman]] played on "With Me", the final boss theme for ''Sonic and the Black Knight''. [[Cash Cash]] lead singer Jean-Paul Makhlouf performed the opening theme to ''[[Sonic Colors]]'' called "Reach for the Stars" as well as the ending theme "Speak with your Heart" with band member Alex Makhlouf.

==Other media==
===Animation===
A number of animated series have been made based on the ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' video games.

====''Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog''====
[[DIC Entertainment]]'s ''[[Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' was an American [[animated television series]] that was first broadcast in September 1993, and ran in [[cartoon]] [[Television syndication|syndication]] for a number of years afterward. It follows the escapades of Sonic and Tails as they stop the evil Dr. Ivo Robotnik and his array of vicious [[robot]]s from taking over the planet Mobius. The plots very loosely followed the style of the early video games series, but focused very little on character development.

====''Sonic the Hedgehog'' (1993)====
DIC also produced the second cartoon series, called ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (TV series)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' (referred to as ''Sonic SatAM'' by fans to distinguish it from ''Adventures''), which originally aired from September 1993 to June 1995. While ''Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog'' is known for its bright colors and whimsical humor, ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' featured darker, more dramatic stories which still constitute a departure from the tone of most of the ''Sonic'' games. This adaptation follows Sonic and his fellow 'Freedom Fighters' who attempt to liberate Mobius from the grip of Robotnik, who plans to robotocise everything. The ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (comics)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' comic book series by [[Archie Comics]] uses several characters from this series.

====''Sonic the Hedgehog'' (1996)====
A two-episode [[Original video animation|OVA]] series [[Sonic the Hedgehog (OVA)|under the same name]] based upon the game ''Sonic the Hedgehog CD'' and the video game series as a whole, was released in [[Japan]] in 1996. The episodes were combined and released in North America in 1999 under the name ''Sonic the Hedgehog: The Movie''. Unlike the games, this takes place on a world named Planet Freedom. It was the first to introduce an animated appearance of Knuckles the Echidna.

====''Sonic Underground''====
The cartoon ''[[Sonic Underground]]'' ran for 40 episodes<ref name="underground episodes produced">{{cite web |publisher=Hong Ying Animation |title=List of 1998 animated works |url=http://www.hong-ying.com/english/works/d3.2.htm |accessdate=2006-02-23}}</ref> in 1999, but bore little relation to other cartoons or video games. The last Sonic series from DIC Entertainment, produced by [[Les Studios Tex]], the show has a similar premise to ''Sonic the Hedgehog'', albeit in this version, Sonic is joined by two siblings, Manic and Sonia. Together they use the power of music to fight against Robotnik and eventually reunite with their mother.

====''Sonic X''====
''[[Sonic X]]'', a television [[anime]] series produced by [[TMS Entertainment]], is the longest-running animated series based on Sonic to date, spanning a total of 78 episodes. Bearing much more similarity to the video game franchise, the series revolves around Sonic, his companions, and his enemies, being warped to the human world, where Sonic meets a boy named Chris Thorndyke, who helps him and his friends fight against Eggman. The series originally aired in Japan between 2003 and 2004, spanning 52 episodes, though an additional 26 episodes aired elsewhere as early as 2005, and was licensed in North America and most other countries by [[4Licensing Corporation|4Kids Entertainment]]. [[Saban Brands]] later claimed the license in 2012, but it was dropped in 2014.

====''Sonic Boom''====
In October 2013, Sega announced on its blog that a new [[Computer animation|computer animated]] series, titled ''[[Sonic Boom (TV series)|Sonic Boom]]'', is being produced by Genao Productions and will begin airing 11-minute episodes on [[Cartoon Network]] in Fall 2014.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sonic Boom (Working Title) – A New Animated Series Coming Fall 2014|url=http://blogs.sega.com/2013/10/02/sonic-boom-working-title-a-new-animated-series-coming-fall-2014/?0=1|work=SEGA Blog|accessdate=4 October 2013|author=Kellie|date=2 October 2013}}</ref> On February 6, 2014, Sega announced that ''Sonic Boom'' will become a separate franchise in the ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' universe.<ref name="franchiseblog">{{Cite web|url=http://blogs.sega.com/2014/02/06/sega-launches-new-franchise-strategy-for-sonic-the-hedgehog-with-sonic-boom/|title=SEGA Launches New Franchise Strategy for Sonic the Hedgehog with Sonic Boom|accessdate=6 February 2014|date=6 February 2014|website=Sega Blog|publisher=Sega}}</ref> The new franchise includes two new ''Sonic Boom'' video games to preclude the TV series, and it uses redesigns of all the major characters exclusively within the franchise.<ref name="franchiseblog" /><ref name="IGNboom">{{cite web|last=Karmali|first=Luki|title=SEGA Announces Sonic Boom: New Game, TV Show and Toys|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/02/06/sega-announces-sonic-boom-new-game-tv-show-and-toys|work=IGN|publisher=IGN Entertainment|accessdate=6 February 2014|date=6 February 2014}}</ref> [[Cartoon Network]] began to air the series starting from November 8, 2014.

===Film===
====''Wreck-It Ralph''====
Sonic, Tails and Eggman also appear in the 2012 [[Disney]] animated movie, ''[[Wreck-It Ralph]]''. In the movie, Sonic has a small speaking role, voiced by [[Roger Craig Smith]], Tails briefly appear as an image, while Eggman makes a non-speaking appearance as part of Bad Anon, the support group for video game villains.

====Theatrical film====
On June 10, 2014, a film based on the ''Sonic'' series was announced. It is being produced by [[Neal Moritz]] on his [[Original Film]] banner alongside [[Takeshi Ito]] and Mie Onishi. Toby Ascher is executive producing, and the film is being written by Evan Susser and Van Robichaux. It's being produced as a joint venture between [[Sony Pictures]] and [[Marza Animation Planet]]. The film is expected to be a live-action and CGI hybrid.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/sonic-hedgehog-movie-works-at-710867|publisher=''[[Hollywood Reporter]]''|title='Sonic the Hedgehog' Movie in the Works at Sony|date=June 10, 2014|last=Siegel|first=Tatiana|accessdate=June 10, 2014}}</ref>

===Comics===
{{Further2|[[List of Sonic the Hedgehog printed media]]}}
A number of Sonic the Hedgehog [[comic book]]s and [[manga]] have been produced.

====Manga====
The [[Sonic the Hedgehog (manga)|''Sonic the Hedgehog'' manga]] series, published in [[Shogakukan|Shogakukan's]] ''Shogaku Yonensei'' was written by [[Kenji Terada]] and illustrated by Sango Norimoto. The manga, which started in 1992, was about a hedgehog boy named Nicky who can turn into Sonic the Hedgehog. Sonic fights Eggman, with Tails tagging along to help him.

====British comics====
''[[Sonic the Comic]]'' was a British comic published by [[Fleetway|Fleetway Editions]] between 1993 and 2002. Labeled "The UK's official Sega comic", in addition to Sonic the Hedgehog stories it also included comic strips based on other Sega games such as ''[[Ecco the Dolphin]]'' and ''[[Decap Attack]]''. The main series of Sonic stories had their own unique storylines and characters, compared to other Sonic media.

====American comics====
''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (comics)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' is an ongoing series of American comic books published by [[Archie Comics]], which has spawned sister series ''[[Knuckles the Echidna (comics)|Knuckles the Echidna]]'' (discontinued) and ''[[Sonic Universe]]''. All of Archie's ''Sonic''-related publications take place in the same [[fictional universe]], which incorporates aspects of the video games and [[Sonic the Hedgehog (TV series)|Sonic the Hedgehog: the Animated Series]] in addition to elements unique to that comic universe. Archie Comics also published a ''[[Sonic X (comics)|Sonic X]]'' comic book that supplemented the [[Sonic X|animated series of the same name]]. It began in November 1992 and was originally meant to be a four-part series; however, due to the positive reaction to the series' announcement, it was extended to ongoing status before the first issue premiered. The comic borrowed elements from the animated series' first two seasons and characters from the ''Sonic Adventure'' storyline. Some comics were published in the [[Jetix#Magazine|Jetix Magazine]], in [[UK]] and [[Italy]].<ref>http://www.parkproductions.co.uk/zeoranger/merch/mags/jetix/mag1.htm</ref> A new [[Sonic Boom (comics)|comic series]] based on the ''[[Sonic Boom (TV series)|Sonic Boom]]'' animated series and games began in 2014.

==Reception and legacy==
{{VG Series Reviews
|updated = February 4, 2011
|game1 = [[Sonic the Hedgehog (1991 video game)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' (1991)
|gr1 = (GEN) 86<!-- Please only use two digits of precision, per [[Template:Video game reviews/doc#Guidelines]] -->%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/genesis/454495-sonic-the-hedgehog/index.html |title=''Sonic the Hedgehog'' Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref><br />(PS3) 80%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/ps3/626325-sonic-the-hedgehog-psn/index.html |title=''Sonic the Hedgehog'' Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref><br />(X360) 78%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/xbox360/933063-sonic-the-hedgehog-live-arcade/index.html |title=''Sonic the Hedgehog'' Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref><br />([[Sonic the Hedgehog (8-bit)|SMS]]) 75%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/sms/563499-sonic-the-hedgehog/index.html |title=''Sonic the Hedgehog'' Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref><br />(iOS) 70%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/iphone/948546-sonic-the-hedgehog/index.html |title=''Sonic the Hedgehog Genesis'' Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref><br />(GBA) 33%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/gba/934134-sonic-the-hedgehog-genesis/index.html |title=''Sonic the Hedgehog Genesis'' Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref>
|mc1 = (X360) 77<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/sonic-the-hedgehog-live-arcade |title=''Sonic the Hedgehog'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref><br />(GBA) 33<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/game-boy-advance/sonic-the-hedgehog-genesis |title=''Sonic the Hedgehog Genesis'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref>
|game2 = [[Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (16-bit)|Sonic the Hedgehog 2]]
|gr2 = (GEN) 88%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/genesis/563343-sonic-the-hedgehog-2/index.html |title=''Sonic the Hedgehog 2'' Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref><br />(X360) 82%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/xbox360/943242-sonic-the-hedgehog-2/index.html |title=''Sonic the Hedgehog 2'' Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref><br />([[Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (8-bit)|SMS]]) 73%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/sms/588143-sonic-the-hedgehog-2/index.html |title=''Sonic the Hedgehog 2'' Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref><br />(iOS) 61%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/iphone/600767-sonic-the-hedgehog-2/index.html |title=''Sonic the Hedgehog 2'' Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref><br />(PS3) 60%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/ps3/627553-sonic-the-hedgehog-2/index.html |title=''Sonic the Hedgehog 2'' Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref><br />([[Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (8-bit)|GG]]) 50%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/gamegear/586808-sonic-the-hedgehog-2/index.html |title=''Sonic the Hedgehog 2'' Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref>
|mc2 = (X360) 82<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/sonic-the-hedgehog-2 |title=''Sonic the Hedgehog 2'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref><br />(iOS) 60<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/ios/sonic-the-hedgehog-2 |title=''Sonic the Hedgehog 2'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref>
|game3 = [[Sonic the Hedgehog CD]]
|gr3 = (X360) 84%<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/xbox360/640857-sonic-cd/index.html |title=''Sonic the Hedgehog CD'' Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref><br />(PS3) 78%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/ps3/640856-sonic-cd/index.html |title=''Sonic the Hedgehog CD'' Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref><br />(iOS) 89%<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/iphone/640921-sonic-cd/index.html |title=''Sonic the Hedgehog CD'' Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref><br />(PC) 50%<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/pc/198696-sonic-cd-1995/index.html |title=''Sonic the Hedgehog CD'' Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref>
|mc3 = (iOS) 93<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/ios/sonic-cd |title=''Sonic the Hedgehog CD'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref><br />(X360) 82<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/sonic-cd |title=''Sonic the Hedgehog CD'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref><br />(PS3) 80<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-3/sonic-cd |title=''Sonic the Hedgehog CD'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref>
|game4 = [[Sonic the Hedgehog 3]]
|gr4 = (GEN) 89%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/genesis/586472-sonic-the-hedgehog-3/index.html |title=''Sonic the Hedgehog 3'' Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref><br />(X360) 78%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/xbox360/960798-sonic-the-hedgehog-3/index.html |title=''Sonic the Hedgehog 3'' Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref>
|mc4 = (X360) 79<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/sonic-the-hedgehog-3 |title=''Sonic the Hedgehog 3'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref>
|game5 = [[Sonic & Knuckles]]
|gr5 = (GEN) 88%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/genesis/586468-sonic-and-knuckles/index.html |title=''Sonic & Knuckles'' Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref><br />(X360) 66%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/xbox360/971809-sonic-and-knuckles/index.html |title=''Sonic & Knuckles'' Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref>
|mc5 = (X360) 69<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/sonic-knuckles |title=''Sonic & Knuckles'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref>
|game6 = [[Sonic 3D Blast]]
|gr6 = (SAT) 67%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/saturn/198693-sonic-3d-blast/index.html |title=''Sonic 3D Blast'' Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref><br />(GEN) 59%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/genesis/586469-sonic-3d-blast/index.html |title=''Sonic 3D Blast'' Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref><br />(PC) 56%<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/pc/198692-sonic-3d-blast/index.html |title=''Sonic 3D Blast'' Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref>
|mc6 = -
|game7 = [[Sonic Adventure]]
|gr7 = (DC) 87%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/dreamcast/198694-sonic-adventure/index.html |title=''Sonic Adventure'' Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref><br />(GC) 64%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/gamecube/589413-sonic-adventure-dx-directors-cut/index.html |title=''Sonic Adventure DX Director's Cut'' Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref><br />(PC) 62%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/pc/919284-sonic-adventure-dx-directors-cut/index.html |title=''Sonic Adventure DX Director's Cut'' Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref><br />(PS3) 53%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/ps3/997575-sonic-adventure/index.html |title=''Sonic Adventure'' Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref><br />(X360) 52%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/xbox360/997574-sonic-adventure/index.html |title=''Sonic Adventure'' Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref>
|mc7 = (GC) 57<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/gamecube/sonic-adventure-dx-directors-cut |title=''Sonic Adventure DX Director's Cut'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref><br />(PS3) 50<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-3/sonic-adventure |title=''Sonic Adventure'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref><br />(X360) 48<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/sonic-adventure |title=''Sonic Adventure'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref>
|game8 = [[Sonic Adventure 2]]
|gr8 = (DC) 83%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/dreamcast/291597-sonic-adventure-2/index.html |title=''Sonic Adventure 2'' Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref><br />(GC) 72%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/gamecube/533012-sonic-adventure-2-battle/index.html |title=''Sonic Adventure 2 Battle'' Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref><br />(PS3) 72%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/ps3/677333-sonic-adventure-2/index.html |title=''Sonic Adventure 2'' Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref><br />(X360) 66%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/xbox360/674874-sonic-adventure-2/index.html |title=''Sonic Adventure 2'' Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref>
|mc8 = (DC) 89<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/dreamcast/sonic-adventure-2 |title=''Sonic Adventure 2'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref><br />(GC) 73<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/gamecube/sonic-adventure-2-battle |title=''Sonic Adventure 2 Battle'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref><br />(PS3) 65<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-3/sonic-adventure-2 |title=''Sonic Adventure 2'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref><br />(X360) 60<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/sonic-adventure-2 |title=''Sonic Adventure 2'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref>
|game9 = [[Sonic Advance]]
|gr9 = (GBA) 83%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/gba/516689-sonic-advance/index.html |title=''Sonic Advance'' Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref>
|mc9 = (GBA) 87<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/game-boy-advance/sonic-advance |title=''Sonic Advance'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref>
|game10 = [[Sonic Advance 2]]
|gr10 = (GBA) 86%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/gba/561898-sonic-advance-2/index.html |title=''Sonic Advance 2'' Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref>
|mc10 = (GBA) 83<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/game-boy-advance/sonic-advance-2 |title=''Sonic Advance 2'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref>
|game11 = [[Sonic Heroes]]
|gr11 = (Xbox) 75%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/xbox/914713-sonic-heroes/index.html |title=''Sonic Heroes'' Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref><br />(GC) 74%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/gamecube/914714-sonic-heroes/index.html |title=''Sonic Heroes'' Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref><br />(PS2) 71%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/ps2/914712-sonic-heroes/index.html |title=''Sonic Heroes'' Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref><br />(PC) 60%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/pc/920675-sonic-heroes/index.html |title=''Sonic Heroes'' Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref>
|mc11 = (Xbox) 73<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox/sonic-heroes |title=''Sonic Heroes'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref><br />(GC) 72<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/gamecube/sonic-heroes |title=''Sonic Heroes'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref><br />(PS2) 64<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-2/sonic-heroes |title=''Sonic Heroes'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref><br />(PC) 66<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/sonic-heroes |title=''Sonic Heroes'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref>
|game12 = [[Sonic Advance 3]]
|gr12 = (GBA) 81%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/gba/918892-sonic-advance-3/index.html |title=''Sonic Advance 3'' Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref>
|mc12 = (GBA) 79<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/game-boy-advance/sonic-advance-3 |title=''Sonic Advance 3'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref>
|game13 = [[Sonic Rush]]
|gr13 = (NDS) 83%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/ds/920803-sonic-rush/index.html |title=''Sonic Rush'' Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref>
|mc13 = (NDS) 82<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/ds/sonic-rush |title=''Sonic Rush'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref>
|game14 = [[Sonic the Hedgehog (2006 video game)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' (2006)
|gr14 = (X360) 49%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/xbox360/929717-sonic-the-hedgehog/index.html |title=''Sonic the Hedgehog'' Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref><br />(PS3) 46%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/ps3/929718-sonic-the-hedgehog/index.html |title=''Sonic the Hedgehog'' Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref>
|mc14 = (X360) 46<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/sonic-the-hedgehog |title=''Sonic the Hedgehog'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref><br />(PS3) 43<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-3/sonic-the-hedgehog |title=''Sonic the Hedgehog'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref>
|game15 = [[Sonic Rush Adventure]]
|gr15 = (NDS) 80%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/ds/939095-sonic-rush-adventure/index.html |title=''Sonic Rush Adventure'' Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref>
|mc15 = (NDS) 78<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/ds/sonic-rush-adventure |title=''Sonic Rush Adventure'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref>
|game16 = [[Sonic Unleashed]]
|gr16 = (PS2) 67%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/ps2/945728-sonic-unleashed/index.html |title=''Sonic Unleashed'' Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref><br />(Wii) 66%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/wii/945572-sonic-unleashed/index.html |title=''Sonic Unleashed'' Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref><br />(X360) 61%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/xbox360/945571-sonic-unleashed/index.html |title=''Sonic Unleashed'' Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref><br />(PS3) 56%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/ps3/945570-sonic-unleashed/index.html |title=''Sonic Unleashed'' Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref>
|mc16 = (PS2) 66<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-2/sonic-unleashed |title=''Sonic Unleashed'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref><br />(Wii) 66<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/wii/sonic-unleashed |title=''Sonic Unleashed'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref><br />(X360) 60<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/sonic-unleashed |title=''Sonic Unleashed'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref><br />(PS3) 54<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-3/sonic-unleashed |title=''Sonic Unleashed'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref>
|game17 = [[Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I]]
|gr17 = (Wii) 75%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/wii/972792-sonic-the-hedgehog-4-episode-1/index.html |title=''Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1'' Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref><br />(X360) 75%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/xbox360/972791-sonic-the-hedgehog-4-episode-1/index.html |title=''Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1'' Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref><br />(iOS) 74%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/iphone/610286-sonic-the-hedgehog-4-episode-1/index.html |title=''Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1'' Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref><br />(PS3) 73%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/ps3/972790-sonic-the-hedgehog-4-episode-1/index.html |title=''Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1'' Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref><br />(PC) 60%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/pc/657996-sonic-the-hedgehog-4-episode-i/index.html |title=''Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1'' Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref>
|mc17 = (Wii) 81<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/wii/sonic-the-hedgehog-4-episode-1 |title=''Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref><br />(PS3) 74<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-3/sonic-the-hedgehog-4-episode-1 |title=''Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref><br />(X360) 72<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/sonic-the-hedgehog-4-episode-1 |title=''Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref><br />(iOS) 70<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/ios/sonic-the-hedgehog-4-episode-1 |title=''Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref>
|game18 = [[Sonic Colors]]
|gr18 = (Wii) 78%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/wii/997173-sonic-colors/index.html |title=''Sonic Colors'' Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref><br />(NDS) 78%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/ds/997172-sonic-colors/index.html |title=''Sonic Colors'' Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref>
|mc18 = (NDS) 79<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/ds/sonic-colors |title=''Sonic Colors'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref><br />(Wii) 78<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/wii/sonic-colors |title=''Sonic Colors'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref>
}}

The ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' franchise was awarded seven records by Guinness World Records in ''Guinness World Records: Gamer's Edition 2008''. The records include "Best Selling Game on Sega Systems", "Longest Running Comic Based on a Video Game" and "Best Selling Retro Game Compilation" (for ''[[Sonic Mega Collection]]''). In the ''Guinness World Records: Gamer's Edition 2010'', the ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' series was listed number 15 out of the top 50 video game franchises. In December 2006, [[IGN]] ranked ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' as the 19th greatest series of all time, claiming that "although recent 3D entries in the series have been somewhat lacking, there is no denying the power of this franchise."<ref>{{cite web|title=The Top 25 Videogame Franchises|url=http://gameboy.ign.com/articles/749/749077p2.html|publisher=IGN|date=December 4, 2006|author=The News & Features Team|accessdate=July 21, 2010}}</ref>

A common criticism has been that the variant gameplay styles found in recent 3D titles have strayed from the formula of the original series.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/news/208508/why-sega-doesnt-care-when-sonic-sucks|title=Why Sega doesn't care when Sonic sucks|author=Alicia Ashby|publisher=GamePro|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20100808054712/http://www.gamepro.com/article/news/208508/why-sega-doesnt-care-when-sonic-sucks|archivedate=2010-08-08}}</ref> Specifically, the series' jump to 3D has been noted as a declining point.<ref>{{cite web|title=Where Did Sonic Go Wrong?|url=http://retro.ign.com/articles/955/955741p1.html|last=Buchanan|first=Levi|date=February 20, 2009|publisher=IGN|accessdate=January 22, 2010}}</ref> In late 2010, Sega delisted several below average ''Sonic'' titles, such as the poorly received ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (2006 video game)|Sonic the Hedgehog (2006)]]'', in order to increase the value of the ''Sonic'' brand after positive reviews for the games ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I|Sonic the Hedgehog 4]]'' and ''[[Sonic Colors]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mcvuk.com/news/41217/Sub-standard-Sonics-de-listed|title=Sub-standard Sonics de-listed|author=Christopher Dring|publisher=MCV}}</ref> An article on Yahoo Games titled ''Then and Now: Game Characters Evolved'' including many video game icons (Lara Croft, Master Chief, etc.) stated: "With numerous bad games on his resume, Sega’s speedy mascot has had a hard time recapturing the form that put him on top of the gaming world in 1991. So perhaps it’s best that his next game -- [[Sonic Generations]] -- lets the blue blur travel back in time to his younger days." <ref>{{cite web|url=http://games.yahoo.com/photos/then-and-now-game-characters-evolved-1311644547-slideshow/sonic-the-hedgehog-photo.html |title=SONIC THE HEDGEHOG &#124; Then and Now: Game Characters Evolved - Yahoo! Games |publisher=Games.yahoo.com |accessdate=2013-08-13}}</ref>

{{clear}}

{{VG Series Reviews
|updated = November 28, 2014
|game1 = [[Sonic Generations]]
|gr1 = (PS3) 79%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/ps3/627223-sonic-generations/index.html |title=''Sonic Generations'' Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref><br />(X360) 79%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/xbox360/627224-sonic-generations/index.html |title=''Sonic Generations'' Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref><br />(PC) 78%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/pc/646475-sonic-generations/index.html |title=''Sonic Generations'' Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref><br />(3DS) 70%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/3ds/630992-sonic-generations/index.html |title=''Sonic Generations'' Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref>
|mc1 = (X360) 77<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/sonic-generations |title=''Sonic Generations'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref><br />(PC) 77<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/sonic-generations |title=''Sonic Generations'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref><br />(PS3) 76<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-3/sonic-generations |title=''Sonic Generations'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref><br />(3DS) 66<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/3ds/sonic-generations |title=''Sonic Generations'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref>
|game2 = [[Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II]]
|gr2 = (iOS) 74%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/iphone/671184-sonic-the-hedgehog-4-episode-ii/index.html |title=''Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II'' Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref><br />(PS3) 63%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/ps3/623292-sonic-the-hedgehog-4-episode-ii/index.html |title=''Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II'' Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref><br />(X360) 61%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/xbox360/623294-sonic-the-hedgehog-4-episode-ii/index.html |title=''Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II'' Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref><br />(PC) 52%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/pc/668384-sonic-the-hedgehog-4-episode-ii/index.html |title=''Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II'' Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref>
|mc2 = (iOS) 66<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/ios/sonic-the-hedgehog-4-episode-ii |title=''Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref><br />(PS3) 63<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-3/sonic-the-hedgehog-4-episode-ii |title=''Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref><br />(X360) 61<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/sonic-the-hedgehog-4-episode-ii |title=''Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref><br />(PC) 54<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/sonic-the-hedgehog-4-episode-ii |title=''Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref>
|game3 = [[Sonic Lost World]]
|gr3 = (WIIU) 62%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/wii-u/715775-sonic-lost-world/index.html |title=''Sonic Lost World'' Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref><br />(3DS) 60%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/3ds/715776-sonic-lost-world/index.html |title=''Sonic Lost World'' Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref>
|mc3 = (WIIU) 63<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/wii-u/sonic-lost-world |title=''Sonic Lost World'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref><br />(3DS) 59<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/3ds/sonic-lost-world |title=''Sonic Lost World'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=February 4, 2011}}</ref>

<!--
|game4 = [[Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric]]
|gr4 = (WIIU) 32%<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/wii-u/761332-sonic-boom-rise-of-lyric/index.html|publisher=[[Game Rankings]]|title=Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric|accessdate=November 26, 2014}}</ref>
|mc4 = (WIIU) 31<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/wii-u/sonic-boom-rise-of-lyric|publisher=[[Metacritic]]|title=Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric|accessdate=November 26, 2014}}</ref>
|game5 = [[Sonic Boom: Shattered Crystal]]
|gr5 = (3DS) 39%<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/3ds/761333-sonic-boom-shattered-crystal/index.html|title=Sonic Boom: Shattered Crystal|work=[[GameRankings]]|publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]|accessdate=November 28, 2014}}</ref>
|mc5 = (3DS) 43<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/3ds/sonic-boom-shattered-crystal|publisher=[[Metacritic]]|title=Sonic Boom: Shattered Crystal (3DS)|accessdate=November 19, 2014}}</ref>

-->
}}

{{clear}}

===Sales===
<!-- PLEASE ONLY ADD SOURCED SALES TOTALS, and stop removing Shadow the Hedgehog. -->
{| class="wikitable"
|+'''Units sold (as of June 2011)'''
|-
! Year
! Title
! Platform(s)
! Sales
|-
| 1991
| ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (1991 video game)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]''
| [[Mega Drive|Mega Drive / Genesis]]
| 15 million<ref name="segasaturnuk">{{cite press release|url=http://www.segasaturn.co.uk/games/pal/N/nights/index.html}}</ref><ref>{{cite video|url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mFs2v7XM4o|title=Sonic the Hedgehog GameTap Retrospective Pt. 3/4|time=1:21}}</ref>
|-
| 1992
| ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (16-bit)|Sonic the Hedgehog 2]]''
| Mega Drive / Genesis
| 6 million<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gamasutra.com/features/20060804/boutros_05.shtml|title=Sonic the Hedgehog 2|work=A Detailed Cross-Examination of Yesterday and Today's Best-Selling Platform Games |page=5|accessdate=2006-12-08|date=2006-08-04|first=Daniel|last=Boutros|publisher=[[Gamasutra]]}}</ref>
|-
| 1993
| ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog Spinball]]''
| Mega Drive / Genesis
| 1 million in US<ref name="businesswire">{{cite web|url=http://forums.sega.com/showthread.php?99947-Sega-of-America-in-the-early-1990s|title=BUSINESS WIRE: SALES YEAR FOR SEGA'S GENESIS, GAME GEAR AND SEGA CD|work=Accessed via [[factiva]]|accessdate=2010-11-06|first=|last=|publisher=[[Business Wire]]}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="2" | 1994
| ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 3]]''
| Mega Drive / Genesis
| 1.02 million in US<ref name="magicboxus">{{cite web|url= http://www.the-magicbox.com/Chart-USPlatinum.shtml|title=US Platinum Videogame Chart|publisher=The Magic Box|accessdate=2008-08-03| date=2007-12-27}}</ref>
|-
| ''[[Sonic & Knuckles]]''
| Mega Drive / Genesis
| 1.24 million in US<ref name="magicboxus" />
|-
| 1998
| ''[[Sonic Adventure]]''
| [[Dreamcast]]
| 2.5 million<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gamasutra.com/features/20060804/boutros_07.shtml|title=Sonic Adventure |work=A Detailed Cross-Examination of Yesterday and Today's Best-Selling Platform Games|accessdate=2006-12-08|date= 2006-08-04 |author=Daniel Boutros |publisher=[[Gamasutra]]}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="2" | 2001
| ''[[Sonic Adventure 2|Sonic Adventure 2 Battle]]''
| [[Nintendo GameCube|GameCube]]
| 1.7322 million{{#tag:ref|''Sonic Adventure 2 Battle'': 1.44 million in US,<ref name="magicboxus"/> 192,186 in Japan,<ref name="garaph_series">{{cite web|url=http://garaph.info/softwaregroup.php?grid=61|title=Sonic|publisher=Garaph (Japan)|date=2001-12-20 to 2012-01-30|accessdate=2012-04-13}}</ref> 100,000 in UK<ref name="elspa"/>|group = n}}
|-
| ''[[Sonic Advance]]''
| [[Game Boy Advance]]
| 1.515 million{{#tag:ref|''Sonic Advance'': 1.21 million in US,<ref name="magicboxus"/> 204,542 in Japan,<ref name="garaph_series"/> 100,000 in UK<ref name="elspa"/>|group = n}}
|-
| 2003
| ''[[Sonic Mega Collection]]''
| GameCube
| 1.453 million{{#tag:ref|''Sonic Mega Collection'': 1.38 million in US,<ref name="magicboxus"/> 72,967 in Japan<ref name="geimin2003">{{cite web|title=2003 Japan Charts|url=http://geimin.net/da/db/2003_ne_fa/index.php|publisher=Geimin|accessdate=13 April 2012|archiveurl=http://translate.google.co.uk/translate?sl=ja&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fgeimin.net%2Fda%2Fdb%2F2003_ne_fa%2Findex.php|archivedate=13 April 2012}}</ref>|group = n}}
|-
| rowspan="2" | 2003
| ''[[Sonic Heroes]]''
| [[PlayStation 2]]/[[Xbox (console)|Xbox]]/GameCube
| 1.73 million{{#tag:ref|''Sonic Heroes'': 1.08 million in US,<ref name="magicboxus"/>
600,000 in UK,<ref name="elspa">{{cite web|url=http://www.elspa.com/?i=3942|accessdate=2009-02-03| publisher=[[Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association]]|title=ELSPA Sales Awards|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20100213011415/http://www.elspa.com/?i=3942|archivedate=2010-02-13}}</ref> 48,899 in Japan<ref>{{cite web|url=http://garaph.info/softwareindividual.php//gid/3130|title=Sonic Heroes - PS2|publisher=Famitsu|accessdate=2010-04-03}}</ref>|group = n}}
|-
| ''[[Sonic Mega Collection Plus]]''
| PlayStation 2/Xbox
| 1.74 million in US & UK{{#tag:ref|''Sonic Mega Collection Plus'': 1.44 million in US,<ref name="magicboxus"/> 300,000 in UK<ref name="elspa"/>|group = n}}
|-
| rowspan="2" | 2005
| ''[[Sonic Rush]]''
| Nintendo DS
| 1 million{{Citation needed|date=July 2014}}
|-
| ''[[Shadow the Hedgehog (video game)|Shadow the Hedgehog]]''
| PlayStation 2/GameCube/Xbox
| 1 million<ref>{{cite web|title=More Good News for the Game Industry|url=http://www.gamespy.com/articles/709/709046p1.html|publisher=[[GameSpy]]|last=Kuo|first=Li C.|date=May 17, 2006|accessdate=January 31, 2009}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="2" | 2007
| ''[[Sonic and the Secret Rings]]''
| [[Wii]]
| 2 million{{Citation needed|date=July 2014}}
|-
| ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (1991 video game)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]''
| [[Mobile game|Mobile]]
| 8 million in US & EU<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mcvuk.com/news/30705/Sonic-rings-mobile-success |publisher=[[Market for Home Computing and Video Games]] |author=Ben Parfitt |accessdate=2008-05-29 |date=2008-05-29 |title=Sonic rings mobile success}}</ref>
|-
| 2008
| ''[[Sonic Unleashed]]''
| PlayStation 2, Wii, [[Xbox 360]], [[PlayStation 3]]
| 2.45 million<ref name="figures">{{cite web |title=Financial Results|url=http://www.segasammy.co.jp/japanese/pdf/release/200903_tanshin_20090513_final.pdf#page=7|publisher=[[Sega Sammy Holdings]]|format=PDF |page=7|date=2009-05-13 |accessdate=2009-09-11|language=Japanese}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="2" | 2010
| ''[[Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing]]''
| PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii, [[Nintendo DS]]
| 1.07 million<ref name="sega_march10">{{cite web |title=Appendix of Consolidated Financial Statements Year Ended March 31, 2010|url=http://www.segasammy.co.jp/english/pdf/release/20100514_hosoku_e_final.pdf#page=5|publisher=[[Sega Sammy Holdings]]|format=PDF |page=5|date=2010-05-14 |accessdate=2012-04-13}}</ref>
|-
| ''[[Sonic Colors]]''
| Wii, [[Nintendo DS]]
| 2.18 million<ref>{{cite web|title=Appendix of Consolidated Financial Statements Year Ended March 31, 2011|url=http://www.segasammy.co.jp/english/pdf/release/1103appendix_e_final.pdf#page=3|publisher=[[Sega Sammy Holdings]]|accessdate=13 April 2012|page=3|date=May 13, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.computerandvideogames.com/287223/news/vanquish-sells-820000-copies/ |title=Vanquish sells 820,000 copies |author= Tom Ivan |date=February 4, 2011|work=[[Computer and Video Games]] |accessdate=February 18, 2011}}</ref>
|-
| 2011
| ''[[Sonic Generations]]''
| PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]], [[Nintendo 3DS|3DS]]
|1.63 million<ref name="sega_dec11">{{cite web |title=Appendix of Consolidated Financial Statements 9 Months Ended December 31, 2011|url=http://www.segasammy.co.jp/english/pdf/release/20120203_tanshin_hosoku_final_e.pdf#page=6|publisher=[[Sega Sammy Holdings]]|format=PDF |page=6|date=2012-02-03 |accessdate=2012-04-13}}</ref><ref name="gamasutra">{{cite web|last=Rose|first=Mike|title=Sega Sammy profits hit by weak game sales|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/40088/Sega_Sammy_profits_hit_by_weak_game_sales.php|publisher=Gamasutra}}</ref>
|-
| 2012
| ''[[Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed]]''
| PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii U, [[Nintendo 3DS|3DS]]
| 1.36 million<ref>{{cite web|title=Sega Sammy posts fiscal net profit|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/sega-sammy-posts-fiscal-net-profit-aliens-colonial-marines-shi/|publisher=joystiq|last=Kuo|first=Li C.|date=May 10, 2013|accessdate=May 18, 2013}}</ref>
|-
| 2013
| ''[[Sonic Lost World]]''
| Wii U, Nintendo 3DS
|710,000<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.segasammy.co.jp/english/pdf/release/2014_4q_presentation_e_final.pdf|title=FY Ended March 2014  Full Year Results Presentation|publisher=Sega Sammy Holdings|date=2014-05-12|accessdate=2014-07-18|page=21}}</ref>
|-
! colspan="3" style="text-align: center;" | ''[[Mario & Sonic (disambiguation)|Mario & Sonic]]'' (sub-series)
! 21.7 million{{#tag:ref|''Mario & Sonic'' series: 21.7 million
*''Mario & Sonic'' series as of April 2011: 19 million ({{cite press release|title=London's Calling Mario & Sonic |publisher= Sega/Nintendo|date=2011-04-21| url=http://www.sega.com/news/?n=5048|accessdate=2011-04-21}})
*''[[Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games]]'' as of March 19, 2012: 2.7 million<ref name="mario_sonic_london"/>|group = n}}
|-
| 2007
| ''[[Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games]]''
| [[Wii]], [[Nintendo DS]]
| 11.31 million<ref>{{cite web|url= http://gamersblog.guinnessworldrecords.com/_The-Godfather-of-Gaming-is-Back/BLOG/2348305/4121.html|title=The 'Godfather' of Gaming is Back!|accessdate=2010-05-31|date=May 2010|publisher=''[[Guinness World Records]]''|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5q9EO6YBt|archivedate=2010-05-31}}</ref><ref name="worldwide">{{cite web|url= http://kotaku.com/5026683/another-mario-sonic-collaboration-in-the-works|title=Another Mario Sonic Collaboration in the Works?| accessdate=2008-07-30|last=Crecente|first= Brian|date=2008-07-18|publisher=Kotaku}}</ref>
|-
| 2009
| ''[[Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games]]''
| Wii, Nintendo DS
| 6.53 million<ref name="sega_march10" /><ref>{{cite web|title=Sega Posts Decline In Nine Month Game Sales|url=http://edge-online.com/news/sega-posts-decline-in-nine-month-game-sales|publisher=''[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]]''|last=Ivan|first=Tom|date=February 5, 2010|accessdate=April 20, 2010|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20101011232625/http://www.next-gen.biz/news/sega-posts-decline-in-nine-month-game-sales|archivedate=2010-10-11}}</ref>
|-
| 2011
|''[[Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games]]''
| Wii, Nintendo 3DS
|2.7 million<ref name="mario_sonic_london">''Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games'': 2.7 million
*2.4 million of Wii version in US & Europe as of February 3, 2012 ({{cite web|last=Rose|first=Mike|title=Sega Sammy profits hit by weak game sales|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/40088/Sega_Sammy_profits_hit_by_weak_game_sales.php|publisher=Gamasutra|date=February 3, 2012|accessdate=2012-03-16}})
*265,932 in Japan as of March 19, 2012 ({{cite web|title=Japan sales of Mario sports games (based on Famitsu data)|url=http://garaph.info/softwaregroup.php?grid=66|publisher=Garaph|accessdate=4 April 2012|date=2012-03-19}})</ref>
|-
! colspan="3" style="text-align: center;" | '''Series total'''
! '''85.69 million'''{{#tag:ref|Series total:
*Series total as of June 2011: 80 million ({{cite web|title=Sonic the Hedgehog celebrates his 20th birthday|url=http://www.videogamer.com/xbox360/sonic_generations/news/sonic_the_hedgehog_celebrates_his_20th_birthday.html|publisher=[[VideoGamer.com]]|accessdate=14 April 2012|date=2011-06-23}})
*''[[Sonic Generations]]'': 1.63 million<ref name="sega_dec11"/>
*''[[Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games]]'': 2.7 million<ref name="mario_sonic_london"/>
*''[[Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed]]'': 1.36 million|group = n}}
|}

{{-}}

==See also==

*[[List of Sonic the Hedgehog video games|List of ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' video games]]
*[[List of best-selling video game franchises]]
*''[[Freedom Planet]]'' – an indie 2D platformer similar to the series

==Footnotes==
{{Reflist|group=n}}

==References==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==External links==
{{Sister project links | wikt=no | commons=Category:Sonic the Hedgehog | v=no | q=no | s=no | b=no | display=''Sonic the Hedgehog''}}
; Official
* [http://www.sonicthehedgehog.com/ Sonic the Hedgehog] Official International website
* [http://sonic.sega.jp/ Sonic Channel] Official Japanese website

;Commercial
*[http://www.gamespot.com/videos/the-history-of-sonic-the-hedgehog/2300-6153169/ ''GameSpot'' video: The History of Sonic]
*[http://www.gamingtarget.com/article.php?artid=5102/ Gaming Target: Sonic: A History - From South Island to Cosmic Eternity]

{{Sonic games}}
{{Sonic characters}}
{{Sonic features}}
{{Franchises owned by Sega Sammy Holdings}}
{{Portal bar|Sega|Video games|border=yes}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Sonic The Hedgehog (Series)}}
{{Wikipedia}}
[[Category:Fantasy video games]]
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[[Category:Video game franchises|Sonic the Hedgehog series]]
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