I always found him more on the side of chaotic good. He doesn't care about law, authority, or tradition. He does things his way. Neutral good is someone who works with the authorities when possible, but doesn't feel anchored to them. Chaotic neutral would be if he didn't try to do the right thing and only did things his way. His desire to always do what he thinks is the right thing no matter the consequences is what makes him solidly good and chaotic.
This is probably the reason why I loved the characterization of Movie Sonic in thr recent Sonic Movie. He impacted Tom in many ways, even giving him a purpose of being a cop. In the beginning of the movie, Tom has said that he wanted to save someone in a life and death situation and when Sonic came into his life, he got what he wanted. Sonic's situation gave Tom a reason to stay in Green Hills instead of leaving to San Francisco. His high energy and free spiritness changed Tom and allowed him to care for the little blue alien like a father cares for his son. And I freaking love that. 😊
IcyBirdPenguin And Tom also impacted Sonic, who started off all alone in the world. Sonic wanted friends, and ended up gaining a new family, when Tom and his wife Maddie took him in, and welcomed him into their home. Which was a bittersweet ending.
I wholeheartedly agree, they did a great job characterising sonic, especially considering this was an introduction to Sonic as a movie character. I believe we will have a more cool and confident Sonic in the sequel who will inspire Tails to be a hero and hopefully Knuckles as we saw echidnas in the first movie.
Another aspect I love about the movie following that is how well Robotnik mirrors Sonic as his arch nemesis. Sonic grows sad in his isolation and hates being lonely, he desperately wanted to fit in and join people while Robotnik looks down upon all his fellow humans, talks them down at every chance, is more than happy to be by himself and that's why Tom telling him that Sonic was more human than he could ever be carries such impact. The ending with him stranded on the Mushroom Planet all by himself going nuts is a great contrast to Sonic finding his place in a family.
This is one of the best examinations of Sonic's character I've ever seen. Nailed it on the head - and the Black Knight clip is a great example, on top of a great example of Jason's mastery of Sonic's voice. He sounded as cool and confident as he acted, without it sounding inauthentic.
@@thepowerisyetunknown7710 Let's be glad he was recast before the story quality dropped. Would you really want Griffith' Sonic voice with Sonic's current personality?
Don't forget some of the Pre Genesis wave issues, where Sonic had a really good chemistry with other character and had to deal with relationship issues.
I dunno, those don't scream "Sonic" to me. If it's not in a game, it's not the canon character or characteristics to me, personally. Even the Sonic movie, which could technically fit into a canon timeline, I wouldn't consider part of the lore unless somehow confirmed via the games. It's fine for these things to co-exist, but they do all give us different versions of Sonic, but I think most people consider video-game Sonic the proper one.
Sonic was always lighthearted, but it was his signature edge that made him stand out. It pains me to hear people say that Sonic shouldn't be edgy because he's just cartooney, but without it, he's just another generic cartoon character. You're literally taking away what made him Sonic. I hear all the time, "the classic games were never edgy, it was the marketing and tv shows that were". Marketing is suppose to aim towards an audience. The fact that the marketing is edgy, is proof that Sonic's audience loves that teenage edge. Most people who say this sound like they've only played Green Hill zone. Sonic CD had apocalyptic futures. Sonic 3 had the first zone caught on fire. The game is about a teenager who fought against an adult enslaving his friends into mindless robots, taking away their freedom, the exact thing that Sonic fights to protect. Sonic's audience will always be kids, but it was mature and smart enough for teenagers and adults as well.
Back in my day Sonic was a Shonen Protagonist, & was actually cool. Unfortunately 10 years ago he was reduced to being a complete joke to please people who were never even fans of the series. From what I understand Sonic's Downfall was all the combination of Sega of America's stupidity & the influence of those blasted Critics. Sega of Japan was too occupied with Yakuza to save the Sonic Series 10 years ago from the people with no understanding of the series. Sonic was never meant to be a silly cartoon animal series, the way it has been treated for the past decade. I'm a fan of the Adventure Games & enjoyed much of the 4kids Era as well & I feel the same pain from people falsely claiming that stuff. Also their treatment of excellent characters in the Sonic Series to justify their flawed "Just Sonic" mentality. That's even worse when you consider how they completely ignore the characters who are far worse that were introduced in the 2010s decade like Orbot, Cubot, The Deadly 6, & a few others. Critics took advantage of the reception to Sonic 06 & used their influence to completely terraform the series, making the worst decade of Sonic's career happen.
@@WaterKirby1994 Orbot could've had some development. Instead of making him and cubot diet Bocoe and Decoe, give them personality, edge, with a mix of comedy relief.
@@SteveCrafts2k Orbot & Cubot weren't really designed to be characters that could be taken seriously though. At least several of the badniks had designs that actually looked like they could pose a threat.
Sonic broke away from GUN twice, but that was to prove his innocence, and he fought a king, but that was a tyrannical king who was using the Forces of the underworld. Even as recent as the movie, it was a little more rowdy out of control like a kid, but Sonic only unintentionally started the bar fight because some punk bullies were picking on him and his pal, and he ended that whole fight just as soon as it started
On a few occasions Eggman has been the legitimate authority, but Sonic couldn't care less. He's doing what he thinks is right no matter the consequences.
@@thedarkmaster13 Yeah he's doing what he truly thinks is right. Like even confronting Merlina And like he might seem like a jerk, like he did with Princess Sally sometimes, but it's because he thought his way would be best He legitimately cares for people, best seen in his interactions with human characters
@@TokyoDrift456 i believe that in Sonic Movie he's still 15, because it wouldn't make sense a 2 year old being able to think like a over-confident child but i think the real reason he acts like a child in the movie, is because he grew up without anyone to take care of him, but him, afterall Longclaw didn't stay with him enough to teach him how he should be cautious when around other people that seek for his power, so he grew like a Teenager but with a Childish Personality compared to other Teenagers his age, but he never left behind the fact that he was supposed to hide his powers like Longclaw Taught him. Because if that wasn't the case, probably he wouldn't be as Responsible as he is in the Movie.
I loved when you mentioned that Sonic does not change. I'm actually working on a video with ideas for Sonic Adventure 3 (shameless plug) and that's actually something that I mention in the video: Sonic should not have an arc. I was actually inspired by this one video from the channel Just Write called "Writing Characters Without Character Arcs." It basically goes over how your protagonist doesn't need to change in order to be an interesting character. Such examples include Gladiator, The Hunger Games, and Paddington; these are stories about good people, inspirational heroes that positively affect the world around them. That's how I've always seen Sonic!
While not an arc, definitely a flip. What do I mean by a flip? Everyone has two sides to their personality - Sonic's is his good-heartedness and his adventurous, albeit cocky side. One good flip from SA2 shows he's against the odds so against him, he admits defeat, but doesn't lose his energy, but rather show off that he is a humble soul as well as adventurous. Let me elaborate: In Adventure 2, Sonic's smug and cocky when Eggman threatens Amy for the final chaos emerald. Sonic believes he can get away with the fake emerald, only for a capsule trap to spring and capture him. For the first time, Eggman's outsmarted Sonic and the team, with Tails accidentally slipping that Sonic has the real emerald. Finally, able to be clear of his pest, Eggman prepares to jettison him to space. Sonic doesn't start begging, but he's already accepted that he may not make it out alive, but he goes out telling Amy to be independent and for Tails, his longest bro, to remain healthy and carry out what Sonic stood for. He's not changed but simply shown a more somber side. He knows he's been outsmarted and no longer has the leverage to get himself out of the situation. He's accepted he may not make it out, but still tries, despite having little hope. Once he's performed Chaos Control with a fake emerald, he's still in low energy mode, in disbelief and grateful for his life, but then Sonic realizes he still has time to put an end to the eclipse cannon. At that point, his energy flips back on, and he's his usual self, fighting his way through the last minutes that remain before the Eclipse Cannon can fire again. Rather than having an arc where the personality changes, have a flip where the other side of the personality shows more than the other. This proves that a character can bounce back from a lower point can make them seem more robust than already established, given you don't Mary Sue it.
In fact, Sonic does have an arc, the Flat Character Arc. Where the character that has this arc doesn't change but they change the world and others around him/her. Thanks TotallyNotMark.
This video and this comment and reply thread totally gets Sonic and I am so appreciative of that, thank you everyone for the insight, great stuff. I really wish the movie understood this and I hope in the sequel they change him into the real Sonic and do something like this, like it should be done.
Another thing that defines Sonic from other protagonists is that while he never changes and still inspires people, he doesn't let the cockiness get to his head so easily because he knows when the situation doesn't require his jokes. But when Eggman starts his tricks, it's time for fun. And you'll know it's Sonic when you hear the words, 'Gotta Go Fast'.
Sonic was too cocky in Unleashed's intro. Granted, he was the most fast/powerful he's ever been up to that point. He drops his guard as Super Sonic, the emeralds were drained of power, the Earth was split into pieces and Eggman was able to achieve his dream from SA1: Eggmanland. I love it though bc it really brought a maturity and dimension to his character. Over the course of the game Sonic doesnt act with the unstable levels of cockiness he had in the intro.
It's finally good to see someone understanding Sonic's flat character arc type. I say this because I see many people saying that modern sonic is too bland and should be as emotional as the Archie comic ver. or as childish and kid friendly as the movie version, when in reality what they need to do is just get his character to act the way he was depicted in games prior.
I find it funny how people complain about Sonic the Hedgehog (acting jealous of Tails when dating Fiona Fox, forgetting Amy Rose’s dates yet being possessive of her when she’s with someone else, gaslighting Knuckles, always being jealous of Shadow, misogynistically putting down and beating up Rouge, etc) yet when Sonic’s friends do bad things as well, they justify it by acting like it’s what makes them human (Tails acting out of cowardice like in Sonic Forces and Amy Rose hitting Sonic with her stupid hammer just because he only sees her as a friend (yet when she only sees him as a friend and won’t let her date someone else it’s worse to SonAmy fanbrats), Knuckles acting way dumber than he actually is, Rouge kicking (and kissing) people to get what she wants, Shadow being Edgy the Hedgy which are all misinterpretations of what the characters are supposed to be and used to be like Tails going from shy to confident, Amy Rose having more layers than just her crush on Sonic, Knuckles having both brains and brawn, Shadow being anything but a murderer, Rouge being a loyal sister figure of Team Dark that even respects her rivals, etc)
@@kieranstark7213 Are those real complaints people have of the character? That's pretty strange since the only "negative traits" so to say that I've seen from the games is just him: being cocky, stubborn and playfully boastful towards his rivals and enemies. Though for the dating Amy thing, the only one I remember was at the end of S&tBK where she thought he was making excuses of going inside a book too skip on their plans. Though yeah I agree about friends ones, where it feels they have regressed in personality or that some traits just got over exaggerated.
@@autobotstarscream765 that is pretty true, but in mainline games, Mario isn't anywhere as expressive as Sonic is. Luigi is probably more close to the expression levels of Sonic characters than Mario is, but in the RPG games, he definitely is a lot more expressive.
@@shadyfsmusics In the main games, yeah, I agree. Now, if there's a character who's ALWAYS been as expressive as the Sonic characters from Day One, it's definitely Wario. That being said, I'm an old-school Wario fan. I never really cared for WarioWare. Wario Land and the other platformers are more my thing.
Whow. I didn't even notes that Sonic was out of character.. thanks for opening my eyes bro. First with Shadow, then with Tails and Knuckles, then the others, and now Sonic. Thanks bro. I owe ya.
He's also capable of dropping his attitude when the situation gets serious. Look at SA2 when he escapes from near death and is both worried about Tails and Amy and angry at Eggman, or after Shadow sacrifices himself when Rouge asks where he is and Sonic just looks down and shakes his head. Contrast that with Forces, where he gets freed after months of being tortured and immediately starts making the same bad jokes he's made all decade as if nothing happened. When you have a character like this, it's important to know when they actually need to drop the attitude and get serious, THIEVES IN TIME.
@@Bobb11881 yet he shows more emotion than he showed this last decade and also he feels hopeless and like a failure not everything has to be about crying
"I know life doesn't last forever and it's sad, but that's why we gotta life to the fullest in what time we have, at least that's what I figure." Still affects me to this day. And I was only a toddler around the time the game came out.
Honestly, this is a character type I really feel is missing nowadays. The Paragon protagonist who inspires other characters by doing the right thing. I feel that writers try too hard make their main characters flawed. A flat characters can work if they have an enduring charm to them. But if that's the case, are they truly flat, then?
"I feel that writers try too hard make their main characters flawed." Because they're afraid of being lambasted as mary sues, especially if your character is a female.
I think the blue bur himself put it best: "I'll never look back. I've got no regrets, cause time doesn't wait for me. I choose to go my own way." What you see is what you get. An adventure loving teenager with a an attitude and a heart of gold to go with it. That's Sonic the Hedgehog.
I really hope sonic’s personality shifts back to how it was in the earlier 2000’s. I miss how sonic was a cool character with snarky remarks, an attitude, the courage to leap into action no matter how crazy things may be, fun but when sonic got serious the unstoppable force, and the noble hedgehog who would help those in need no matter the shape or size or what they’ve done in the past if the time calls for it
I honestly wish more characters had that “good edge” you talked about. I’m sick of good guys being portrayed as pushovers or naïve or low on self-esteem. It’s good for characters to have flaws, don’t get me wrong, but why do so many heroes these days seem to fit that mold? Why are these traits and being a good person seen as synonymous? Why can’t a hero be confident in their cause without being a jerk? Why can’t they have snark or a sense of humor? It’s just kind’ve a bummer.
I mean characters that start out believing a certain lie are way more relatable than characters that have a certain belief for the intirety of the story.
Hell Sora from Kingdom Hearts had that edgey snark in I and II back in the 2005, seriously the fact he laughed when Pete mentioned Maleficent will conquer all the world's for him and told him he, Donald and Goofy killed her with a smirk. Or his snarkiness towards Axel when he commented he preferred if the Dusk Nobodies were on his side by suggestion Axel is feeling regret betraying the Organization. But when DDD and III came out you kinda don't see that anymore for some reason
“Cause the pressures of this world, they can take their toll, and it’s hard to get away when they take their hold. The only way to break free is to break the mold!” (Couldn’t help it lol)
I also like how other forms of media have given Sonic a backstory. The Archie Comics did it, Sonic Underground did it, and even the Sonic movie did it. Imagine if he was given a backstory within the game continuity.
My personal origin is that Sonic grew up as a rambunctious and adventurous kid born with a unique quirk to run at high speed who would always get himself into dangerous situations that he miraculously survives due to his speed. His Optimistic spirit is what gave his fellow hedgehogs hope in their boring lifestyles. When Eggman began to rose to power and started conquering the world. Everyone was hopeless and pessimistic, except for the Blue Blurr. Defeating Eggman for the first time gave him a loyal following. Amy Rose chief among them.
I actually think Sonic works best without a backstory. I used to want one for him but it doesnt fit imo. Sonic is a character always rooted in the present unlike Shadow and Silver. Past defeats or victories over Eggman dont plague his mind and he always looks forward. Its why I love any Sonic ending where Sonic runs off somewhere bc it fits him so well (Adventure 1, Unleashed, Forces). Like its meant to be. Tails has a past, Knuckles does, Sonic does not. Sonic's past doesnt matter. Kinda like Peter Parker's parents
Spot on. Ugh, he had his character intact in Black knight. He had heart, and could have genuine moments. Instead of the constant comedian since Colours.
_"Instead of the constant comedian since Colours."_ You mean a god-awful, cringe inducing Peter Griffin wannabe for manchildren? Because that's literally Sonic since Colors.
What’s this? Sonic getting praised over Amy “How dare you make an excuse to forget my date!” Rose in S&tBK?! Eat your heart out, SonAmy fans who like to demonize Sonic and seeing Modern Tails furiously yell at hin for standing up for her like in Sonic Lost World and the Archie Comics!
Shadow: "Sonic... I think I may have realized who the real Edgy Hedgy is. I think it might be you!" (Also, listening to later Jason Griffith in "Sonic and The Black Knight", he actually sounds really good.)
Such true words about such a hero. Sonic remains the same but inspires others by being his best self, he's an inspiration, he's a friend, he's Sonic The Hedgehog.
Midway through the video and I'm glad to know I'm not alonein noticing that sonic always helped other characters to grow, intentionally or not,but never changed himself(which makes the slight change in personality in the movie unsurprising to me). He's a perfected character. He has his faults, but no internal conflict to overcome,he's got his life together so to speak.
Sonic is a perfect example of a Positive Flat Character Arc Who changes the World around him for the better. Everyone Who interacts with him undergoes a change no matter if good or evil. Shadow, Tails, Knuckles, Amy even guys like Silver and evil Characters like Infinite and Metal Sonic in Sonic heroes.
Princess TT meanwhile on Sonic Rush THIS TIME IMMA LET IT ALL COME OUT! THIS TIME IMMA STAND AND SHOUT! IMMA DO THINGS MY WAY! IT’S MY WAY! MY WAY OR THE HIGHWAY!
Overall, you strongly defend the vision Yuji Naka had for the Sonic characters. I have been enjoying these character videos. As I grow older and revisit these games, I see ways they influenced my character and beliefs. And that is a good thing.
@@Janon743 whichever one was more prominent in the adventure style games starting with sonic adventure. I like both but I was introduced to this franchise via sonic adventure.
@@peterhub1 Akinori Nishiyama writer of SA1 and Shiro Maekwa (changed some things and made Sonic more cooler) writer of SA2 are to thank for that they pretty much set the direction of who Sonic is especially Shiro Maekwa.
Sonic reminds me of Dante from Devil May Cry 3. They're rebellious teenagers love to live life in accordance with their own beliefs have an easygoing joking side but also have a strong sense of justice, empathetic and can always be counted on to do the right thing.
god, someone who finally sees sonic the same way as i do!! youre really good at character analysis man. its really sad that they ruined what made sonics character so good in the more recent games, along with all of the other characters. sonic is a really well written character in my eyes. even though hes always unchanging and hasnt gotten character development, hes a really good character. sonic, to me, doesnt need character development like the other characters do. i tend to overanalyze some scenes and there are a lot of scenes where sonic seems so,,, sincere? the japanese versions of the games also tend to make his characterization way better as well. my favourite scene for sonics character is always going to be the end of team sonics story in sonic heroes. the only scene from any game (from what i know) where its implied, even if it was just a tiny bit, that he was doubting himself for a while. the sonic movie also expanded a lot on his character and god it was really good. the movie did him so well, now if only the games can do the same.. anyways, this video is really awesome!! im definitely subscribing.
Nice job bringing Black Knight as an example. I love Sonic personality in that game so much and it seem like you do too. Let's hope that next time the story writter have "step it up" or change the writter.
I like how Sonic, despite his high self-esteem, knows when to step down from high pedestal and support others first. He knows he’s awesome and he tries to spread it to those around him rather than make it all about himself; at least, that’s what I see.
What you're describing is a textbook paragon hero. They don't change much, but their constant positivity and inability to make bad decisions is what makes all the grounded, realistic, human characters around him shine brighter. He's at his best when there's a supporting cast around him who can bounce off his edge. Otherwise, you get stories like the newer ones, which are flat and lifeless.
I always get a big smile on my face every time I see this video, it helps remind me why I love this blue fuzzball so much and why even to this day he's still one of my all time favorite heroes and role models!
Everything you mentioned about him is what made me a Sonic fan since I have memory. He really did inspire me to the point of somehow "turning" like him and being the sonic of my school , family , and life. I really do notice the affect I have on other people and myself everyday. It's awesome
With you showing the picture of Donte in about the bad edge makes me think of my own wee head canon thing for the Sonic movie when they go to the bar and we see him with the cowboy hat. I've not actually see it but pretty much how I envisioned it going Tom: Somebody get this hedgehog a cowboy hat *Dante who's sitting at the bar - and not being laughed out of the place - overhears this request and throws a Faust hat onto Sonic's head with the pin point accuracy he's known for, because Faust Hats for everyone!*
This is a great video 👍, also a great video analysis on sonic himself. I feel like the 2010s really ruined sonic's character. Colors and onward hes so annoying and comes of sonding like a douchbag instead a young snarky hero. Hopefully in the 2020s they will finally get sonic's character right along with everybody else.
@@SuperSonicWarrior93 yeah Roger doesn't have that young energetic voice that the previous two had. They should bring back Ryan or at least get the guy who voice sonic in the movie.
@@SuperSonicWarrior93 I personally prefer Jason Griffith's performance, though Ben Schwartz in the movie was pretty good and Roger Craig Smith can pull it off alright. The one voice I don't get why people want a reprisal of is Jaleel White from the 90s cartoons that were produced in the West. I mean, I know it's a nostalgia thing and the idea of Sonic (and Sonia and Manic in Underground) being voiced by Urkle is surreally funny, but it starts wearing thin after a while and it just doesn't do it for me.
When you said Sonic doesn't change I IMMEDIATELY thought of Totally Not Mark and am glad that you knew and brought him up. I'll def leave a like for that
It reminds of the the sonic OVA like how sonic still tried to save metal from the magma even if metal could have pulled him down with him. He still acted and tried to save him.
Alot of people ask me how did I get so deep into the Sonic fandom I say because of the charecters especially Sonic they inspire me and take me back to a time where I was a kid I still play the classic Sonic games to this day idc if I'm 22 years old Sonic will always be my go to game series
"What do you think about when you hear the word 'edge' or 'edgy'?" Me: Sasuke. Definitely. *Shows Sasuke* Me: *USBASDVAJyyzbaUysUHh I am the Chosen One*
I know everyone makes fun of sonic being cheesy and "too cool" but to me he'll always be the lovable and inspiring blue friend he always has been to me💙
So I just discovered this channel, and holy crap your content is good! I'm an avid sonic fan as well and I'm glad to see more channels tackling the characters and story.
Honestly, since colors, I haven't considered that to be sonic at all, Jason Griffith and Ryan Drummond are what I consider as sonic, and Sega has really lost there way
Thanks so much for this video, especially the shoutout to when Sonic fought Tabuu as the mysterious unsung protagonist of The Subspace Emissary of Super Smash Bros. Brawl he was, such epic times like these the world needs far more of.
Sonic is pretty rebellious and egotistical, but he also has a heart of gold and he will always be there for his friends! Its no wonder why Amy has a thing for the Blue Blur.😎😊
_"What you see is what you get: just a guy that loves adventure! I'm Sonic the Hedgehog!"_ -Sonic the Hedgehog, 2001 *_"HaHaHa BaLdY mCnOsEhAiR!!!"_* -Sonic the Hedgehog, 2010/2013/2017/2019 This is how not to do a character development.
@@tiruliru1189 "This is my power. I'm not gonna use it to run away anymore. I'm gonna use it to protect. My. Friends." Sonic the Hedgehog 2020 I just quoted that to give hope to the fandom
Their is a major difference however,unlike goku,sonic doesn't like being held down,while goku has no problem settling down,sonic settling down is his worst nightmare besides water,besides while goku is mostly naive as a disadvantage,sonic has a major ego.
Ahmad Kazan Sonic is way more heroic and pure than Goku. Sonic spends way more time helping and saving people than Goku does and Goku tends to put everyone’s life in danger like the tournament of power for example.
@@jaydenlenzy3487 Don't forget that time he had the chance to end the WHOLE BUU ARC, hadn't it been for him letting the new-generation attempt that chance. His risk-taking is a major character flaw that the other characters brushed away
I kind of like Goku a bit more honestly. I like the fact that despite Goku's age, he can at times act like an excited child when facing a new opponent. He's basically a man child, but when things get dire he does get serious. Unfortunately, I think too much of Dragon Ball's character traits have rubbed off on the Sonic characters. Shadow, Knuckles, Silver, and Amy are nearly one to one with Vegeta, Piccolo, Trunks, and Chi-Chi.
You managed to hit right on the very tip of why I like Sonic the Hedgehog so much and why he's my favorite fictional character of all time. How come you managed to get this but Sega has forgotten this over the past 10 years.
I want Sonic back, the real Sonic. Who knows when he'll return, if ever, but I really hope he does (with Ryan or Jason's voice as well... God I hope not with Roger's 🙃)
There's absolutely nothing wrong with Roger Craig Smith as a voice actor. Listen to him in the Twitter Takeovers, he totally gets what makes Sonic tick. It's just the material he's given to work with. Hell, at one point he explicitly says that.
@@Randoman590 exactly in The twitter takeover Sonic points out the reason he's been given corny obnoxious dialogue for the past decade are cuz of the scripts he was given
The thing that I think is coolest about Sonic is how he gives absolutely zero shits who thinks he’s the good guy and who thinks he’s a villain. As a kid I really wanted to be “good” and obsessively chased the validation of authority figures in my life, and it was only a few years ago that I truly realized, if all you care about is being “good” than you’ll only ever be as good as the people around you. As someone who’s now trying to go through life committed to his own definition of what’s right, and will consider other perspectives without letting them control him, I see that same idea in Sonic’s character. He lives by what he thinks is right, not what others approve of, and if the whole world proclaims that he’s a monster for his commitment to fighting tyranny and more importantly, enriching others’ lives, he says “guess I can’t be the hero every time.” That’s what makes him truly cool in my book.
The best depictions of Sonic: -Classics (incl. CD) -Adventure series -Advance/Rush/Riders series -Heroes -'06 -Storybook series -AoStH -SatAM -Underground -Sonic OVA -Sonic X -Sonic Boom TV -Sonic Movie -Archie and IDW Worst depictions: -Colors -Generations -Lost World -Boom: Rise of Lyric -Forces -Team Sonic Racing -Team Sonic Racing Overdrive
@@sambridgers9543 Unleashed should be on the “Best depictions” list ins YW as of Sonic Underground Sonic (power to you if you like him in SU, but here, I think that while it’s nothing compared to his worst depictions, he still was an outdated “cool kid” in this) and the Ken Penders version of Sonic should have landed on the “Worst descriptions” list because praising Ken Penders’ Sonic comics is like ignoring flaws in the main Archie Comics (re: Betty & Veronica) with the “They’re for teenagers” excuse.
I'm making a shonen manga and the main character has similar personality traits with sonic except he actually develops over the story and becomes more mature as a person.
When people think "Edgy" they usually mean a different kind of Edge, Like Shadow, Shadow the Hedgehog is more traditionally edgy, but (When written by a decent writer) is generally still a good edge.
@@obd9660 Sonic is for ppl of all ages but back in the 2000's they appealed to teenagers and young adults more. Trying to appeal to dumbass kids is a bad idea
Sonic has always been my favorite character and I love that the adventure games and even some of dark era games (Mainly Black Knight) gave him the best characterization that's who sonic the hedgehog is
Out of all the voice actors Sonic has had, my most favorite of them all being Ryan Drummond. I also liked Jaleel White and Ben Schwartz. Martin Burke and Jason Griffith were ok. But I personally cannot stand Roger Craig Smith as Sonic. No offense to him, but he makes Sonic sound like some 40 year old man, trying to relive his high school years.
I agree fully. Ryan Drummond was best, and I’d be pretty stoked if Ben Schwartz could be the next in-game Sonic. I’m so tired of Roger, he was okay in Colors but all his performances in later games are just the worst.
TurboPikachuX For real though. The most recent time we heard Roger’s Sonic voice was recently, in that trailer promoting the Sonic Racing mobile app. In honor of Team Sonic Racing. And I seriously hope that’ll be the last time we ever hear Roger’s wack ass Sonic voice.
Jalon Tillmon I know it’s my opinion. I’m not trying to force it on you. Also, never call me “honey” ever again. Only women are allowed to say that to me. Lol.
@@TurboPikachu TBH I don't think it's Roger I like it's the awful voice direction I mean check out his other voices like Batman and I blame the person who motivated him to sound so awful It's like they told him to put no effort into the voice simply cuz it's a kids game. He had potienal not to be The Baldy McNoisehair, In your Face, bOuNcE PaD Ur mom voice.
2:02 A true understanding of Sonic's character is knowing that his brief moment of thought was not about if he had time to help the kid, but probably more along the lines of "Can I take a dragon?" before immediately deciding "Guess I'll find out."
And yet Caliburn calls Sonic a fool for trying to help the kid and Amy Rose (and the rest of Sonic’s friends) doesn’t believe Sonic’s true story but would rather tell the story to break women’s hearts?! Jerks!
A lot of my friends say I’m like Sonic. Since I try to see the best in others, and I think positive. I always try to do the right thing and help my friends who think negative see the light
Your right Sonic inspired all his friends to be heroes just like him! Tails used to be Sonic’s sidekick but later gets his own identity as a super hero of in his own right. Amy also becomes independent and always wants to help others! Sonic is a great character and inspired all his friends and everyone around him to be better then they were and I respect Sonic for that.
Compared to Goku, Sonic is far from a flat character since he has transformations that can completely change his personality. Normal Sonic has the signature edge Super Sonic (to me) acts a bit serious/quieter than base Sonic Dark/Spine Sonic *do I even need to say?* Fleetway is technically was Sonic and he was what people thought Shadow was but 100x more dangerous (with a werehog twist (If Sonic actually turned completely evil from Dark Gaia's influence)) Speaking of werehog, he seems a bit more angrier than normal Sonic
Just wanted to point out the best way (in my opinion) to make Sonic tell jokes. Put heavy emphasis on sarcasm and make him use his sharp tongue and cool vocabulary, the best example I can think of is the infamous line "way to go, knucklehead"
Hey man keep up the great work with your Sonic character analysis videos I always learn and enjoy the way you present these characters. Can you do video on what makes Blaze the Cat or Amy Rose interesting characters?
Yeah, Sonic the Hedgehog was a misunderstood hero (even his friends like Tails, Amy, Knuckles, Chris Thorndyke, Cream, Shadow, etc yelled at him even at times when he didn’t do anything wrong. I don’t mind their existence in itself, but just as long as they’re written like it’s a Sonic Adventure game) before Sonic Colours came along when he went from heroic jerk (which means that despite having some personal qualities that may not sit well with everyone, the charm that he had was so real they could easily outshine the worst of him) to a jerky hero (meaning someone who thinks he’s a hero despite the fact that he thinks he deserves all the credit even if his friends did all the work for him (which was no longer the case back then, but just imagine if it happened even then!). This is mainly evident in Sonic Forces when they no longer called him out whenever he ACTUALLY did bad things because they now bow down to the flanderized version’s every whim!).
@@kieranstark7213 Oh, Sonic does deserve all the credit. His friends don't do ANYTHING in the games. The problem with Sonic specifically is that it doesn't matter weather he deserves the credit or not, he's still an annoying, egotistical jerk
@KIAN Oh trust me, I'm aware, and I hate that this is how Sonic is written. But it is drastically different from how Sonic was in something like Unleashed. It's kinda like Sega writers developed into Sonic's new character, rather than Sonic himself. You know what I mean?
maybe its just that i grew up playing it, but sonic colors kinda works with the stand around cutscene bit. i just see him trying to enjoy his time in the space planet amusement park while at the same time saving multiple worlds, where the other "stand around scene" games don't get to make such an excuse
Your description of good edge reminded me of The Doctor (Doctor Who) because he/she does what he/she enjoys (visiting other planets with a companion) but still does what's right and makes people the best version of themselves. Edit: The reason I said he/she is because the 13th doctor is female unlike the other 13 (the doctor from the time war still is the same person but he wasn't called the doctor because of what happened at the end of the war I won't spoil it if for some reason you haven't watched it)
@Kian another great line: "Every world has its end. I know that's kinda sad, but... That's why we gotta live life to the fullest in the time we have. At least, that's what I figure"
No wonder Amy Rose furiously chased after Sonic the Hedgehog in Sonic and the Black Knight for forgetting their date (when he didn’t, as shown in the beginning of the story)! Because she was jealous of his necessary personality and stronger powers and that his story was true!
The songs used are "Chaos Jam" from Virtual Sonic and "Burning Way Past Cool". They're listed in the end credits.
As in It Doesn't Matter says, Sonic does things his own way, but he also tries to find the right way
exactly.
Josiah Sepulveda Perfect example
I always found him more on the side of chaotic good. He doesn't care about law, authority, or tradition. He does things his way. Neutral good is someone who works with the authorities when possible, but doesn't feel anchored to them. Chaotic neutral would be if he didn't try to do the right thing and only did things his way. His desire to always do what he thinks is the right thing no matter the consequences is what makes him solidly good and chaotic.
thedarkmaster13 I think he swings between them, he worked with authorities because their goals aligned in Shadow
He finds the right way his own way!
Sonic is basically "Screw the rules just don't be a jerk"
Yeah
Yea
Unwithering I like that
Libertarians be like
Above comment beat me to it. Sonic would definitely be libertarian or at least classical liberal with political views
This is probably the reason why I loved the characterization of Movie Sonic in thr recent Sonic Movie. He impacted Tom in many ways, even giving him a purpose of being a cop. In the beginning of the movie, Tom has said that he wanted to save someone in a life and death situation and when Sonic came into his life, he got what he wanted. Sonic's situation gave Tom a reason to stay in Green Hills instead of leaving to San Francisco.
His high energy and free spiritness changed Tom and allowed him to care for the little blue alien like a father cares for his son. And I freaking love that. 😊
IcyBirdPenguin And Tom also impacted Sonic, who started off all alone in the world. Sonic wanted friends, and ended up gaining a new family, when Tom and his wife Maddie took him in, and welcomed him into their home. Which was a bittersweet ending.
I wholeheartedly agree, they did a great job characterising sonic, especially considering this was an introduction to Sonic as a movie character. I believe we will have a more cool and confident Sonic in the sequel who will inspire Tails to be a hero and hopefully Knuckles as we saw echidnas in the first movie.
At the hotel, he said he will protect the entire building. then he fell asleep.
@@exr879 That is not what he said. He said he'd stay up all night.
Another aspect I love about the movie following that is how well Robotnik mirrors Sonic as his arch nemesis. Sonic grows sad in his isolation and hates being lonely, he desperately wanted to fit in and join people while Robotnik looks down upon all his fellow humans, talks them down at every chance, is more than happy to be by himself and that's why Tom telling him that Sonic was more human than he could ever be carries such impact. The ending with him stranded on the Mushroom Planet all by himself going nuts is a great contrast to Sonic finding his place in a family.
This is one of the best examinations of Sonic's character I've ever seen. Nailed it on the head - and the Black Knight clip is a great example, on top of a great example of Jason's mastery of Sonic's voice. He sounded as cool and confident as he acted, without it sounding inauthentic.
I miss Jason so much :(
@@thepowerisyetunknown7710 Let's be glad he was recast before the story quality dropped. Would you really want Griffith' Sonic voice with Sonic's current personality?
Don't forget some of the Pre Genesis wave issues, where Sonic had a really good chemistry with other character and had to deal with relationship issues.
I dunno, those don't scream "Sonic" to me. If it's not in a game, it's not the canon character or characteristics to me, personally. Even the Sonic movie, which could technically fit into a canon timeline, I wouldn't consider part of the lore unless somehow confirmed via the games.
It's fine for these things to co-exist, but they do all give us different versions of Sonic, but I think most people consider video-game Sonic the proper one.
I prefer Ryan, he gave that confident attitude that made him the best Sonic
Sonic was always lighthearted, but it was his signature edge that made him stand out. It pains me to hear people say that Sonic shouldn't be edgy because he's just cartooney, but without it, he's just another generic cartoon character. You're literally taking away what made him Sonic. I hear all the time, "the classic games were never edgy, it was the marketing and tv shows that were". Marketing is suppose to aim towards an audience. The fact that the marketing is edgy, is proof that Sonic's audience loves that teenage edge. Most people who say this sound like they've only played Green Hill zone. Sonic CD had apocalyptic futures. Sonic 3 had the first zone caught on fire. The game is about a teenager who fought against an adult enslaving his friends into mindless robots, taking away their freedom, the exact thing that Sonic fights to protect. Sonic's audience will always be kids, but it was mature and smart enough for teenagers and adults as well.
Back in my day Sonic was a Shonen Protagonist, & was actually cool. Unfortunately 10 years ago he was reduced to being a complete joke to please people who were never even fans of the series. From what I understand Sonic's Downfall was all the combination of Sega of America's stupidity & the influence of those blasted Critics. Sega of Japan was too occupied with Yakuza to save the Sonic Series 10 years ago from the people with no understanding of the series. Sonic was never meant to be a silly cartoon animal series, the way it has been treated for the past decade.
I'm a fan of the Adventure Games & enjoyed much of the 4kids Era as well & I feel the same pain from people falsely claiming that stuff. Also their treatment of excellent characters in the Sonic Series to justify their flawed "Just Sonic" mentality. That's even worse when you consider how they completely ignore the characters who are far worse that were introduced in the 2010s decade like Orbot, Cubot, The Deadly 6, & a few others. Critics took advantage of the reception to Sonic 06 & used their influence to completely terraform the series, making the worst decade of Sonic's career happen.
@@WaterKirby1994 Orbot could've had some development. Instead of making him and cubot diet Bocoe and Decoe, give them personality, edge, with a mix of comedy relief.
@@SteveCrafts2k Orbot & Cubot weren't really designed to be characters that could be taken seriously though. At least several of the badniks had designs that actually looked like they could pose a threat.
WaterKirby1994 oh wow Critics are the worse
People should look back to digimon.
Sonic broke away from GUN twice, but that was to prove his innocence, and he fought a king, but that was a tyrannical king who was using the Forces of the underworld. Even as recent as the movie, it was a little more rowdy out of control like a kid, but Sonic only unintentionally started the bar fight because some punk bullies were picking on him and his pal, and he ended that whole fight just as soon as it started
Not two mention eggman was a gov agent\scientist
On a few occasions Eggman has been the legitimate authority, but Sonic couldn't care less. He's doing what he thinks is right no matter the consequences.
@@thedarkmaster13 Yeah he's doing what he truly thinks is right. Like even confronting Merlina
And like he might seem like a jerk, like he did with Princess Sally sometimes, but it's because he thought his way would be best
He legitimately cares for people, best seen in his interactions with human characters
i think Sonic in the movie is younger than game Sonic, in the games he's around 15, in the movie he's 12
@@TokyoDrift456 i believe that in Sonic Movie he's still 15, because it wouldn't make sense a 2 year old being able to think like a over-confident child but i think the real reason he acts like a child in the movie, is because he grew up without anyone to take care of him, but him, afterall Longclaw didn't stay with him enough to teach him how he should be cautious when around other people that seek for his power, so he grew like a Teenager but with a Childish Personality compared to other Teenagers his age, but he never left behind the fact that he was supposed to hide his powers like Longclaw Taught him. Because if that wasn't the case, probably he wouldn't be as Responsible as he is in the Movie.
I loved when you mentioned that Sonic does not change. I'm actually working on a video with ideas for Sonic Adventure 3 (shameless plug) and that's actually something that I mention in the video: Sonic should not have an arc.
I was actually inspired by this one video from the channel Just Write called "Writing Characters Without Character Arcs." It basically goes over how your protagonist doesn't need to change in order to be an interesting character. Such examples include Gladiator, The Hunger Games, and Paddington; these are stories about good people, inspirational heroes that positively affect the world around them.
That's how I've always seen Sonic!
While not an arc, definitely a flip. What do I mean by a flip? Everyone has two sides to their personality - Sonic's is his good-heartedness and his adventurous, albeit cocky side. One good flip from SA2 shows he's against the odds so against him, he admits defeat, but doesn't lose his energy, but rather show off that he is a humble soul as well as adventurous. Let me elaborate:
In Adventure 2, Sonic's smug and cocky when Eggman threatens Amy for the final chaos emerald. Sonic believes he can get away with the fake emerald, only for a capsule trap to spring and capture him. For the first time, Eggman's outsmarted Sonic and the team, with Tails accidentally slipping that Sonic has the real emerald. Finally, able to be clear of his pest, Eggman prepares to jettison him to space. Sonic doesn't start begging, but he's already accepted that he may not make it out alive, but he goes out telling Amy to be independent and for Tails, his longest bro, to remain healthy and carry out what Sonic stood for.
He's not changed but simply shown a more somber side. He knows he's been outsmarted and no longer has the leverage to get himself out of the situation. He's accepted he may not make it out, but still tries, despite having little hope. Once he's performed Chaos Control with a fake emerald, he's still in low energy mode, in disbelief and grateful for his life, but then Sonic realizes he still has time to put an end to the eclipse cannon. At that point, his energy flips back on, and he's his usual self, fighting his way through the last minutes that remain before the Eclipse Cannon can fire again.
Rather than having an arc where the personality changes, have a flip where the other side of the personality shows more than the other. This proves that a character can bounce back from a lower point can make them seem more robust than already established, given you don't Mary Sue it.
@Lightning2153 As a writer, I appreciate the video recommendation.
In fact, Sonic does have an arc, the Flat Character Arc. Where the character that has this arc doesn't change but they change the world and others around him/her. Thanks TotallyNotMark.
This video and this comment and reply thread totally gets Sonic and I am so appreciative of that, thank you everyone for the insight, great stuff. I really wish the movie understood this and I hope in the sequel they change him into the real Sonic and do something like this, like it should be done.
Another thing that defines Sonic from other protagonists is that while he never changes and still inspires people, he doesn't let the cockiness get to his head so easily because he knows when the situation doesn't require his jokes. But when Eggman starts his tricks, it's time for fun. And you'll know it's Sonic when you hear the words,
'Gotta Go Fast'.
he has literally never said that.
@@Squishito It was a figure of speech.
Sonic was too cocky in Unleashed's intro. Granted, he was the most fast/powerful he's ever been up to that point. He drops his guard as Super Sonic, the emeralds were drained of power, the Earth was split into pieces and Eggman was able to achieve his dream from SA1: Eggmanland. I love it though bc it really brought a maturity and dimension to his character. Over the course of the game Sonic doesnt act with the unstable levels of cockiness he had in the intro.
It's finally good to see someone understanding Sonic's flat character arc type. I say this because I see many people saying that modern sonic is too bland and should be as emotional as the Archie comic ver. or as childish and kid friendly as the movie version, when in reality what they need to do is just get his character to act the way he was depicted in games prior.
Its not that its bland, just that it sucks
@@hwanniggles187 yeah looking at Lost Worlds and forces I gotta agree with you on that one.
@@vohloo9797 Same.
I find it funny how people complain about Sonic the Hedgehog (acting jealous of Tails when dating Fiona Fox, forgetting Amy Rose’s dates yet being possessive of her when she’s with someone else, gaslighting Knuckles, always being jealous of Shadow, misogynistically putting down and beating up Rouge, etc) yet when Sonic’s friends do bad things as well, they justify it by acting like it’s what makes them human (Tails acting out of cowardice like in Sonic Forces and Amy Rose hitting Sonic with her stupid hammer just because he only sees her as a friend (yet when she only sees him as a friend and won’t let her date someone else it’s worse to SonAmy fanbrats), Knuckles acting way dumber than he actually is, Rouge kicking (and kissing) people to get what she wants, Shadow being Edgy the Hedgy which are all misinterpretations of what the characters are supposed to be and used to be like Tails going from shy to confident, Amy Rose having more layers than just her crush on Sonic, Knuckles having both brains and brawn, Shadow being anything but a murderer, Rouge being a loyal sister figure of Team Dark that even respects her rivals, etc)
@@kieranstark7213 Are those real complaints people have of the character? That's pretty strange since the only "negative traits" so to say that I've seen from the games is just him: being cocky, stubborn and playfully boastful towards his rivals and enemies. Though for the dating Amy thing, the only one I remember was at the end of S&tBK where she thought he was making excuses of going inside a book too skip on their plans.
Though yeah I agree about friends ones, where it feels they have regressed in personality or that some traits just got over exaggerated.
No wonder Sonic's a more interesting and engaging character than Mario.
Mario has similar qualities to Sonic in the RPGs, though.
Mario also doesn't change himself, but rather those around him.
@@autobotstarscream765 that is pretty true, but in mainline games, Mario isn't anywhere as expressive as Sonic is. Luigi is probably more close to the expression levels of Sonic characters than Mario is, but in the RPG games, he definitely is a lot more expressive.
@@shadyfsmusics In the main games, yeah, I agree. Now, if there's a character who's ALWAYS been as expressive as the Sonic characters from Day One, it's definitely Wario. That being said, I'm an old-school Wario fan. I never really cared for WarioWare. Wario Land and the other platformers are more my thing.
@@KingdomHeartsBrawler Yes, Wario is probably the MOST expressive Mario character, not counting Boswer in the RPGs (that's almost cheating ngl!)
Whow. I didn't even notes that Sonic was out of character.. thanks for opening my eyes bro. First with Shadow, then with Tails and Knuckles, then the others, and now Sonic. Thanks bro. I owe ya.
Cooler ikr everyone in the 2010’s is out of character
He's also capable of dropping his attitude when the situation gets serious. Look at SA2 when he escapes from near death and is both worried about Tails and Amy and angry at Eggman, or after Shadow sacrifices himself when Rouge asks where he is and Sonic just looks down and shakes his head. Contrast that with Forces, where he gets freed after months of being tortured and immediately starts making the same bad jokes he's made all decade as if nothing happened. When you have a character like this, it's important to know when they actually need to drop the attitude and get serious, THIEVES IN TIME.
true 2010 Sonic sucks
@TheTrueGamer66 it ain’t Rogers fault it’s the writers fault for ruining Sonic
His portrayal on the idw comics are awesome too (battle for the angel island and obviously the metal virus comics)
@@turaychu He's literally not allowed to show emotion or lose in those comics.
@@Bobb11881 yet he shows more emotion than he showed this last decade and also he feels hopeless and like a failure not everything has to be about crying
"I know life doesn't last forever and it's sad, but that's why we gotta life to the fullest in what time we have, at least that's what I figure."
Still affects me to this day.
And I was only a toddler around the time the game came out.
''What you see is what you get! Just a guy that loves adventure! I'm Sonic The Hedgehog!''
Honestly, this is a character type I really feel is missing nowadays. The Paragon protagonist who inspires other characters by doing the right thing. I feel that writers try too hard make their main characters flawed. A flat characters can work if they have an enduring charm to them. But if that's the case, are they truly flat, then?
exactly!
"I feel that writers try too hard make their main characters flawed."
Because they're afraid of being lambasted as mary sues, especially if your character is a female.
And that kids is how you perfectly do a character in-depth video in less than 10 minutes
What a legend
I think the blue bur himself put it best: "I'll never look back. I've got no regrets, cause time doesn't wait for me. I choose to go my own way."
What you see is what you get. An adventure loving teenager with a an attitude and a heart of gold to go with it. That's Sonic the Hedgehog.
I really hope sonic’s personality shifts back to how it was in the earlier 2000’s. I miss how sonic was a cool character with snarky remarks, an attitude, the courage to leap into action no matter how crazy things may be, fun but when sonic got serious the unstoppable force, and the noble hedgehog who would help those in need no matter the shape or size or what they’ve done in the past if the time calls for it
IDW and Frontiers got you covered.
I honestly wish more characters had that “good edge” you talked about. I’m sick of good guys being portrayed as pushovers or naïve or low on self-esteem. It’s good for characters to have flaws, don’t get me wrong, but why do so many heroes these days seem to fit that mold? Why are these traits and being a good person seen as synonymous? Why can’t a hero be confident in their cause without being a jerk? Why can’t they have snark or a sense of humor? It’s just kind’ve a bummer.
I always admire characters who always stay true to themselves without compromising their identities.
Erick McGee oh I love that!
I mean characters that start out believing a certain lie are way more relatable than characters that have a certain belief for the intirety of the story.
Hell Sora from Kingdom Hearts had that edgey snark in I and II back in the 2005, seriously the fact he laughed when Pete mentioned Maleficent will conquer all the world's for him and told him he, Donald and Goofy killed her with a smirk.
Or his snarkiness towards Axel when he commented he preferred if the Dusk Nobodies were on his side by suggestion Axel is feeling regret betraying the Organization. But when DDD and III came out you kinda don't see that anymore for some reason
“Cause the pressures of this world, they can take their toll, and it’s hard to get away when they take their hold. The only way to break free is to break the mold!” (Couldn’t help it lol)
This is the PERFECT description of the character dude, youreally do your research.
This is also incredibly motivating, I feel pumped now!
I also like how other forms of media have given Sonic a backstory. The Archie Comics did it, Sonic Underground did it, and even the Sonic movie did it. Imagine if he was given a backstory within the game continuity.
he kind of sort of had an implied one in SA2 if you really look into it, I don't think Sega wants it to be canon anymore though.
@@Squishito Coming back to this video. What was the implied backstory for Sonic in SA2?
@@SuperSonicWarrior93 That he may have been the one made on the Ark by Eggman's grandad and Shadow was a clone or something.
My personal origin is that Sonic grew up as a rambunctious and adventurous kid born with a unique quirk to run at high speed who would always get himself into dangerous situations that he miraculously survives due to his speed. His Optimistic spirit is what gave his fellow hedgehogs hope in their boring lifestyles. When Eggman began to rose to power and started conquering the world. Everyone was hopeless and pessimistic, except for the Blue Blurr. Defeating Eggman for the first time gave him a loyal following. Amy Rose chief among them.
I actually think Sonic works best without a backstory. I used to want one for him but it doesnt fit imo. Sonic is a character always rooted in the present unlike Shadow and Silver. Past defeats or victories over Eggman dont plague his mind and he always looks forward. Its why I love any Sonic ending where Sonic runs off somewhere bc it fits him so well (Adventure 1, Unleashed, Forces). Like its meant to be. Tails has a past, Knuckles does, Sonic does not. Sonic's past doesnt matter. Kinda like Peter Parker's parents
Spot on. Ugh, he had his character intact in Black knight. He had heart, and could have genuine moments. Instead of the constant comedian since Colours.
I agree
_"Instead of the constant comedian since Colours."_
You mean a god-awful, cringe inducing Peter Griffin wannabe for manchildren? Because that's literally Sonic since Colors.
What’s this? Sonic getting praised over Amy “How dare you make an excuse to forget my date!” Rose in S&tBK?! Eat your heart out, SonAmy fans who like to demonize Sonic and seeing Modern Tails furiously yell at hin for standing up for her like in Sonic Lost World and the Archie Comics!
Shadow: "Sonic... I think I may have realized who the real Edgy Hedgy is. I think it might be you!"
(Also, listening to later Jason Griffith in "Sonic and The Black Knight", he actually sounds really good.)
I miss Jason Griffith
Such true words about such a hero. Sonic remains the same but inspires others by being his best self, he's an inspiration, he's a friend, he's Sonic The Hedgehog.
Thanks again for making this video. The 2010’s ruined Sonic’s character, which is another reason why the 2010’s games deserve to be retconned.
@Ultra Z all except for blaze,big and cream because they just don't exist anymore
@Ultra Z The only characters who haven't been ruined were Silver, Blaze, Rouge, Cream, etc. but even then they are either absent, or memed.
Midway through the video and I'm glad to know I'm not alonein noticing that sonic always helped other characters to grow, intentionally or not,but never changed himself(which makes the slight change in personality in the movie unsurprising to me). He's a perfected character. He has his faults, but no internal conflict to overcome,he's got his life together so to speak.
Precisely. He found his Inner Balance long ago. Now. he is just living his life in happiness.
perfectly said u two.
1:51
I just realized that the child uses Amy's voice.
I never recognized it as a child...
Its Amy but Amy is the Lady of the Lake in the story, so she's testing Sonic.
Sonic is a perfect example of a Positive Flat Character Arc Who changes the World around him for the better. Everyone Who interacts with him undergoes a change no matter if good or evil. Shadow, Tails, Knuckles, Amy even guys like Silver and evil Characters like Infinite and Metal Sonic in Sonic heroes.
"I did it my way." - Frank Sinatra
Princess TT meanwhile on Sonic Rush
THIS TIME IMMA LET IT ALL COME OUT!
THIS TIME IMMA STAND AND SHOUT!
IMMA DO THINGS MY WAY!
IT’S MY WAY!
MY WAY OR THE HIGHWAY!
Overall, you strongly defend the vision Yuji Naka had for the Sonic characters. I have been enjoying these character videos. As I grow older and revisit these games, I see ways they influenced my character and beliefs. And that is a good thing.
Is it the Yuji Naka or Naoto Ohshima vision?
@@Janon743 whichever one was more prominent in the adventure style games starting with sonic adventure. I like both but I was introduced to this franchise via sonic adventure.
@@peterhub1 Akinori Nishiyama writer of SA1 and Shiro Maekwa (changed some things and made Sonic more cooler) writer of SA2 are to thank for that they pretty much set the direction of who Sonic is especially Shiro Maekwa.
This here sums up why Sonic is one of my favorite video game character of all time. It's _His World_ we're just living in it.
Sonic reminds me of Dante from Devil May Cry 3. They're rebellious teenagers love to live life in accordance with their own beliefs have an easygoing joking side but also have a strong sense of justice, empathetic and can always be counted on to do the right thing.
Could you imagine a Sonic game directed by Hideyaki Itsuno?
Jahquest Anderson ikr characters like these are amazing
I guess you could say Shadow is Vergil, they both started with a heated rivalry and then ended with a friendly rivalry.
@@DarthSigma86 due to the simplicity of current games post 2010 Shadow arguably has a heated rivalry
@@donathan2933 Unfortunately.... "sigh" so much for development.
god, someone who finally sees sonic the same way as i do!! youre really good at character analysis man.
its really sad that they ruined what made sonics character so good in the more recent games, along with all of the other characters. sonic is a really well written character in my eyes. even though hes always unchanging and hasnt gotten character development, hes a really good character. sonic, to me, doesnt need character development like the other characters do.
i tend to overanalyze some scenes and there are a lot of scenes where sonic seems so,,, sincere? the japanese versions of the games also tend to make his characterization way better as well.
my favourite scene for sonics character is always going to be the end of team sonics story in sonic heroes. the only scene from any game (from what i know) where its implied, even if it was just a tiny bit, that he was doubting himself for a while.
the sonic movie also expanded a lot on his character and god it was really good. the movie did him so well, now if only the games can do the same.. anyways, this video is really awesome!! im definitely subscribing.
Even Bugs Bunny had an edge
And that’s what makes him a positive influence on Sonic the Hedgehog! 😄
@@kieranstark7213 exactly
final boss of the black knight + all the story implications behind it... possibly the #1 best representation of sonic. the whole game was, really
Nice job bringing Black Knight as an example. I love Sonic personality in that game so much and it seem like you do too. Let's hope that next time the story writter have "step it up" or change the writter.
agreed the Black Knight was one of the last good potrayals of Sonic
Too bad Colors made him into a god-awful Seinfeld wannabe.
I like how Sonic, despite his high self-esteem, knows when to step down from high pedestal and support others first. He knows he’s awesome and he tries to spread it to those around him rather than make it all about himself; at least, that’s what I see.
What you're describing is a textbook paragon hero. They don't change much, but their constant positivity and inability to make bad decisions is what makes all the grounded, realistic, human characters around him shine brighter. He's at his best when there's a supporting cast around him who can bounce off his edge. Otherwise, you get stories like the newer ones, which are flat and lifeless.
I always get a big smile on my face every time I see this video, it helps remind me why I love this blue fuzzball so much and why even to this day he's still one of my all time favorite heroes and role models!
Everything you mentioned about him is what made me a Sonic fan since I have memory. He really did inspire me to the point of somehow "turning" like him and being the sonic of my school , family , and life. I really do notice the affect I have on other people and myself everyday. It's awesome
It's his world and everyone's along for the ride
This is why sonic will always be my favorite
not gonna lie, this made my day. knowing that I grew up knowing sonic's true colors before sonic colours (my first game was heros / rush btw)
Im glad there are ppl out there that truly understand sonic the hedgehog. I appreciate you my dude.
With you showing the picture of Donte in about the bad edge makes me think of my own wee head canon thing for the Sonic movie when they go to the bar and we see him with the cowboy hat. I've not actually see it but pretty much how I envisioned it going
Tom: Somebody get this hedgehog a cowboy hat
*Dante who's sitting at the bar - and not being laughed out of the place - overhears this request and throws a Faust hat onto Sonic's head with the pin point accuracy he's known for, because Faust Hats for everyone!*
This is a great video 👍, also a great video analysis on sonic himself. I feel like the 2010s really ruined sonic's character. Colors and onward hes so annoying and comes of sonding like a douchbag instead a young snarky hero. Hopefully in the 2020s they will finally get sonic's character right along with everybody else.
Superhedgehog 64 And hopefully they get Ryan Drummond back as Sonic’s voice actor for the games. Roger Craig Smith sucks as Sonic.
@@SuperSonicWarrior93 yeah Roger doesn't have that young energetic voice that the previous two had. They should bring back Ryan or at least get the guy who voice sonic in the movie.
Superhedgehog 64 They especially need to get Ryan back for this rumored Sonic Adventure remake.
@@SuperSonicWarrior93 I personally prefer Jason Griffith's performance, though Ben Schwartz in the movie was pretty good and Roger Craig Smith can pull it off alright. The one voice I don't get why people want a reprisal of is Jaleel White from the 90s cartoons that were produced in the West. I mean, I know it's a nostalgia thing and the idea of Sonic (and Sonia and Manic in Underground) being voiced by Urkle is surreally funny, but it starts wearing thin after a while and it just doesn't do it for me.
SonicDDRFreak They should’ve got Jaleel White to voice Classic Sonic in Generations and Forces. Instead of leaving him mute.
When you said Sonic doesn't change I IMMEDIATELY thought of Totally Not Mark and am glad that you knew and brought him up. I'll def leave a like for that
It reminds of the the sonic OVA like how sonic still tried to save metal from the magma even if metal could have pulled him down with him. He still acted and tried to save him.
Alot of people ask me how did I get so deep into the Sonic fandom I say because of the charecters especially Sonic they inspire me and take me back to a time where I was a kid I still play the classic Sonic games to this day idc if I'm 22 years old Sonic will always be my go to game series
Sonic isn’t about being relatable, he’s about being inspirational
"What do you think about when you hear the word 'edge' or 'edgy'?"
Me: Sasuke. Definitely.
*Shows Sasuke*
Me: *USBASDVAJyyzbaUysUHh I am the Chosen One*
It's similar to how Spongebob influences his characters to grow and develop while the titular character stays happy go lucky ever since.
I know everyone makes fun of sonic being cheesy and "too cool" but to me he'll always be the lovable and inspiring blue friend he always has been to me💙
So I just discovered this channel, and holy crap your content is good! I'm an avid sonic fan as well and I'm glad to see more channels tackling the characters and story.
Honestly, since colors, I haven't considered that to be sonic at all, Jason Griffith and Ryan Drummond are what I consider as sonic, and Sega has really lost there way
true
Thanks so much for this video, especially the shoutout to when Sonic fought Tabuu as the mysterious unsung protagonist of The Subspace Emissary of Super Smash Bros. Brawl he was, such epic times like these the world needs far more of.
I never heard of Good Edge, so I’m glad you made this.
Sonic has a flat positive character art he doesnt change but he changes other for the better
Sonic is pretty rebellious and egotistical, but he also has a heart of gold and he will always be there for his friends! Its no wonder why Amy has a thing for the Blue Blur.😎😊
"What you see is what you get: just a guy that loves adventure! I'm Sonic the Hedgehog!"
Sonic the Hedgehog 2001
_"What you see is what you get: just a guy that loves adventure! I'm Sonic the Hedgehog!"_
-Sonic the Hedgehog, 2001
*_"HaHaHa BaLdY mCnOsEhAiR!!!"_*
-Sonic the Hedgehog, 2010/2013/2017/2019
This is how not to do a character development.
@@tiruliru1189 "This is my power. I'm not gonna use it to run away anymore. I'm gonna use it to protect. My. Friends."
Sonic the Hedgehog 2020
I just quoted that to give hope to the fandom
You say it! Everybody has his own annoying part but also his Heroic,
And Sonics Heroic side is epic ♡
This is why sonic is my favorite character ever
I just found your channel and I just want to say that I love your vids!
Thanks
I love that Sonic has a lot of similarities with dragon ball cause to me, Sonic is pretty much Goku.
Their is a major difference however,unlike goku,sonic doesn't like being held down,while goku has no problem settling down,sonic settling down is his worst nightmare besides water,besides while goku is mostly naive as a disadvantage,sonic has a major ego.
Ahmad Kazan Sonic is way more heroic and pure than Goku. Sonic spends way more time helping and saving people than Goku does and Goku tends to put everyone’s life in danger like the tournament of power for example.
@@jaydenlenzy3487 Don't forget that time he had the chance to end the WHOLE BUU ARC, hadn't it been for him letting the new-generation attempt that chance. His risk-taking is a major character flaw that the other characters brushed away
MrJerkdude Goku is pretty selfish while Sonic is completely selfless so that makes Sonic a way more pure hearted heroic character than Goku is.
I kind of like Goku a bit more honestly. I like the fact that despite Goku's age, he can at times act like an excited child when facing a new opponent. He's basically a man child, but when things get dire he does get serious.
Unfortunately, I think too much of Dragon Ball's character traits have rubbed off on the Sonic characters. Shadow, Knuckles, Silver, and Amy are nearly one to one with Vegeta, Piccolo, Trunks, and Chi-Chi.
Dreamcast Era Sonic the Hedgehog was one of my favorites, too!
You managed to hit right on the very tip of why I like Sonic the Hedgehog so much and why he's my favorite fictional character of all time. How come you managed to get this but Sega has forgotten this over the past 10 years.
They follow ultra strict guidelines laid out by IGN and Game Informer.
@@charactersin-depth3472 usual IGN.
@@charactersin-depth3472 fucking hate thos trashy, biased nitpicking excuses for "critics"
true that sonic my fav mascot
I want Sonic back, the real Sonic. Who knows when he'll return, if ever, but I really hope he does (with Ryan or Jason's voice as well... God I hope not with Roger's 🙃)
I know right? Roger's Sonic voice stinks >.
There's absolutely nothing wrong with Roger Craig Smith as a voice actor. Listen to him in the Twitter Takeovers, he totally gets what makes Sonic tick. It's just the material he's given to work with. Hell, at one point he explicitly says that.
@@Randoman590 exactly in The twitter takeover Sonic points out the reason he's been given corny obnoxious dialogue for the past decade are cuz of the scripts he was given
Sonic is one of the most obvious examples of a Chaotic Good character I know.
1:46 the reason I love Black Knight
he's one of the reasons why I go back to playing the games he's someone who's not afraid to take any risks from anything.
The thing that I think is coolest about Sonic is how he gives absolutely zero shits who thinks he’s the good guy and who thinks he’s a villain. As a kid I really wanted to be “good” and obsessively chased the validation of authority figures in my life, and it was only a few years ago that I truly realized, if all you care about is being “good” than you’ll only ever be as good as the people around you. As someone who’s now trying to go through life committed to his own definition of what’s right, and will consider other perspectives without letting them control him, I see that same idea in Sonic’s character. He lives by what he thinks is right, not what others approve of, and if the whole world proclaims that he’s a monster for his commitment to fighting tyranny and more importantly, enriching others’ lives, he says “guess I can’t be the hero every time.” That’s what makes him truly cool in my book.
Sonic is the best character in gaming history dont @ me
This is exactly what I've thought about Sonic over the last few years, why did Sega change the writers? I want writers like Shiro Maekawa back
same Pontac and Graff suck
Pontac and Graff suck. They basically dumbed down Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Amy, Dr. Eggman, and Shadow.
Bring Shiro Maekawa back!
That's why Sonic will always be my hero
The best depictions of Sonic:
-Classics (incl. CD)
-Adventure series
-Advance/Rush/Riders series
-Heroes
-'06
-Storybook series
-AoStH
-SatAM
-Underground
-Sonic OVA
-Sonic X
-Sonic Boom TV
-Sonic Movie
-Archie and IDW
Worst depictions:
-Colors
-Generations
-Lost World
-Boom: Rise of Lyric
-Forces
-Team Sonic Racing
-Team Sonic Racing Overdrive
Fully agree.
Wait, where's Unleashed?
@@sambridgers9543 Unleashed should be on the “Best depictions” list ins YW as of Sonic Underground Sonic (power to you if you like him in SU, but here, I think that while it’s nothing compared to his worst depictions, he still was an outdated “cool kid” in this) and the Ken Penders version of Sonic should have landed on the “Worst descriptions” list because praising Ken Penders’ Sonic comics is like ignoring flaws in the main Archie Comics (re: Betty & Veronica) with the “They’re for teenagers” excuse.
The same list I have of great and disappointing depictions of the Blue Blur!
I'm making a shonen manga and the main character has similar personality traits with sonic except he actually develops over the story and becomes more mature as a person.
When people think "Edgy" they usually mean a different kind of Edge, Like Shadow, Shadow the Hedgehog is more traditionally edgy, but (When written by a decent writer) is generally still a good edge.
4:06:
But hold on a minute, Sonic is for people of all ages, isn't he?
Usually, children are the ones that need a positive role-model, which is why the emphasis is on the younger audience.
@@g.masterlordoftheg-force4770 Any other franchises like this?
@@obd9660 Sonic is for ppl of all ages but back in the 2000's they appealed to teenagers and young adults more. Trying to appeal to dumbass kids is a bad idea
I love the music you used for this. The vitural Sonic music and the unused intro for satam.
i think its safe to say the sonic i grew up wit, aka our early 2000’s edgy sonic, is the sonic we’ll all love, hes the tru sonic
Sonic has always been my favorite character and I love that the adventure games and even some of dark era games (Mainly Black Knight) gave him the best characterization that's who sonic the hedgehog is
Out of all the voice actors Sonic has had, my most favorite of them all being Ryan Drummond. I also liked Jaleel White and Ben Schwartz. Martin Burke and Jason Griffith were ok. But I personally cannot stand Roger Craig Smith as Sonic. No offense to him, but he makes Sonic sound like some 40 year old man, trying to relive his high school years.
I agree fully. Ryan Drummond was best, and I’d be pretty stoked if Ben Schwartz could be the next in-game Sonic. I’m so tired of Roger, he was okay in Colors but all his performances in later games are just the worst.
TurboPikachuX For real though. The most recent time we heard Roger’s Sonic voice was recently, in that trailer promoting the Sonic Racing mobile app. In honor of Team Sonic Racing. And I seriously hope that’ll be the last time we ever hear Roger’s wack ass Sonic voice.
Jalon Tillmon I know it’s my opinion. I’m not trying to force it on you. Also, never call me “honey” ever again. Only women are allowed to say that to me. Lol.
@@TurboPikachu TBH I don't think it's Roger I like it's the awful voice direction I mean check out his other voices like Batman and I blame the person who motivated him to sound so awful It's like they told him to put no effort into the voice simply cuz it's a kids game. He had potienal not to be The Baldy McNoisehair, In your Face, bOuNcE PaD Ur mom voice.
@Jalon Tillmon Check my reply id really love to hear your opinions.
2:02 A true understanding of Sonic's character is knowing that his brief moment of thought was not about if he had time to help the kid, but probably more along the lines of "Can I take a dragon?" before immediately deciding "Guess I'll find out."
And yet Caliburn calls Sonic a fool for trying to help the kid and Amy Rose (and the rest of Sonic’s friends) doesn’t believe Sonic’s true story but would rather tell the story to break women’s hearts?! Jerks!
A lot of my friends say I’m like Sonic. Since I try to see the best in others, and I think positive. I always try to do the right thing and help my friends who think negative see the light
Your right Sonic inspired all his friends to be heroes just like him! Tails used to be Sonic’s sidekick but later gets his own identity as a super hero of in his own right. Amy also becomes independent and always wants to help others! Sonic is a great character and inspired all his friends and everyone around him to be better then they were and I respect Sonic for that.
Aw yeah, Sonic’s grooooooooovy!
Or was…
This is why I like Sonic
Compared to Goku, Sonic is far from a flat character since he has transformations that can completely change his personality.
Normal Sonic has the signature edge
Super Sonic (to me) acts a bit serious/quieter than base Sonic
Dark/Spine Sonic *do I even need to say?*
Fleetway is technically was Sonic and he was what people thought Shadow was but 100x more dangerous (with a werehog twist (If Sonic actually turned completely evil from Dark Gaia's influence))
Speaking of werehog, he seems a bit more angrier than normal Sonic
Just wanted to point out the best way (in my opinion) to make Sonic tell jokes. Put heavy emphasis on sarcasm and make him use his sharp tongue and cool vocabulary, the best example I can think of is the infamous line "way to go, knucklehead"
You made a great analysis as usual!
Black Knight, Unleashed, SA2, and Frontiers were Peak Sonic
Hey man keep up the great work with your Sonic character analysis videos I always learn and enjoy the way you present these characters. Can you do video on what makes Blaze the Cat or Amy Rose interesting characters?
Or even Rouge the Bat
Thanks. And I've been thinking about a Blaze video. Besides, it's way past time I do an episode entirely on a female character.
There`s just 1 quote from himself that can sum him up-- ``I`m just a guy who loves adventure, I`m *Sonic the Hedgehog!* ``
Sonic doesn't change.
He says while never bringing up anything after colors
Yeah, Sonic the Hedgehog was a misunderstood hero (even his friends like Tails, Amy, Knuckles, Chris Thorndyke, Cream, Shadow, etc yelled at him even at times when he didn’t do anything wrong. I don’t mind their existence in itself, but just as long as they’re written like it’s a Sonic Adventure game) before Sonic Colours came along when he went from heroic jerk (which means that despite having some personal qualities that may not sit well with everyone, the charm that he had was so real they could easily outshine the worst of him) to a jerky hero (meaning someone who thinks he’s a hero despite the fact that he thinks he deserves all the credit even if his friends did all the work for him (which was no longer the case back then, but just imagine if it happened even then!). This is mainly evident in Sonic Forces when they no longer called him out whenever he ACTUALLY did bad things because they now bow down to the flanderized version’s every whim!).
@@kieranstark7213 Oh, Sonic does deserve all the credit. His friends don't do ANYTHING in the games. The problem with Sonic specifically is that it doesn't matter weather he deserves the credit or not, he's still an annoying, egotistical jerk
@KIAN Oh trust me, I'm aware, and I hate that this is how Sonic is written. But it is drastically different from how Sonic was in something like Unleashed. It's kinda like Sega writers developed into Sonic's new character, rather than Sonic himself. You know what I mean?
maybe its just that i grew up playing it, but sonic colors kinda works with the stand around cutscene bit. i just see him trying to enjoy his time in the space planet amusement park while at the same time saving multiple worlds, where the other "stand around scene" games don't get to make such an excuse
Your description of good edge reminded me of The Doctor (Doctor Who) because he/she does what he/she enjoys (visiting other planets with a companion) but still does what's right and makes people the best version of themselves.
Edit: The reason I said he/she is because the 13th doctor is female unlike the other 13 (the doctor from the time war still is the same person but he wasn't called the doctor because of what happened at the end of the war I won't spoil it if for some reason you haven't watched it)
for some reason I wish you played the infamous "It Was Never About Chivalry" clip from Sonic and the Black Knight
@Kian another great line: "Every world has its end. I know that's kinda sad, but... That's why we gotta live life to the fullest in the time we have. At least, that's what I figure"
No wonder Amy Rose furiously chased after Sonic the Hedgehog in Sonic and the Black Knight for forgetting their date (when he didn’t, as shown in the beginning of the story)! Because she was jealous of his necessary personality and stronger powers and that his story was true!
@@kieranstark7213 yeah, no. Sonic just didn't tell the story for some reason.
Remember when Sega was that adventurous?
Brawl did this, but smash 4 and ultimate just have him do a SMILE
*N I C E S M I L E*
2:07
NOOOOOO!!!!
YOU CAN'T JUST SLAY A DRAGON NOW! YOU WON'T MAKE IT TO THE LADY'S TESTS! WHAT ARE YOU DOING!
haha alright i'm on it
Why bother?