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Metal Sonic

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Metal01 32.png
Sonicchannel metal.png
Metal Sonic
First seen: Sonic the Hedgehog CD (1993)
Species: Eggman's robots
Gender: None (attributed as male)
Height: 765.4mm (2'51") (in Sonic the Hedgehog CD)Media:SonicCD MCD JP manual.pdf[1]
100cm (3'3") (as of Sonic Channel profile)[2][fn 1]
Weight: 125.2kg (276 lbs)Media:SonicCD MCD JP manual.pdf[1][2]
Created by: Kazuyuki Hoshino
For the similarly named robot in the Mega Drive titles, see Mecha Sonic. For the robot that appears in the opening cinematic of Sonic the Fighters see Rocket Metal. For Eggman Nega's own Metal Sonic, see Metal Sonic 3.0. For boss fights and other uses, see Metal Sonic (disambiguation).

Metal Sonic (メタルソニック), a metallic duplicate of Sonic the Hedgehog, is a reoccurring antagonist in the Sonic the Hedgehog series of video games and related media. Introduced in 1993's Sonic the Hedgehog CD, he has become a cult favorite for fans of the series, and a staple in Sonic's rogues gallery.

Character conception

Sonic Retro emblem.svg Main article: Sonic the Hedgehog CD/Development
The classic Metal Sonic design, as used in Sonic CD.

After the initial success of Sonic the Hedgehog, it was only natural that Sega would want to make a follow up using their new mascot not only on its flagship console, but also the forthcoming Mega-CD, in an effort to give it the killer app that would hopefully make it succeed. While Yuji Naka and Hirokazu Yasuhara went off to the west to work with the Sega Technical Institute to create Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Naoto Ohshima, the original designer of Sonic the Hedgehog, stayed behind in Japan. Assembling his own production staff, work soon began on what would become Sonic the Hedgehog CD. Wanting to stay true to the visual style of the original while adding their own flair to show off what the Mega-CD could do, designer Kazuyuki Hoshino was tasked with creating a strong rival for Sonic.

While it may be possible that Hoshino knew of STI's plans of using a mechanical version of Sonic somewhere in the game, Hoshino went in a completely different direction in the development of what would become Metal Sonic. His sleek design fit in not only with the world of Sonic CD, but also complemented the idea that Dr. Eggman would want to create a capable robot to counter his greatest adversary. From his use in the game, and the amount of advertising given to Metal Sonic, he was promoted to be an adversary on the same level as Eggman, if not more so. Between Mecha and Metal Sonic, Metal would soon become a fan favorite, resulting in his eventual starring role in Sonic Heroes. Hoshino redesigned his most famous creation, giving Metal the updated look he sported in the main body of Heroes.

In video games

Origin of Metal Sonic

Sonic the Hedgehog discovers the first Metal Sonic holographic projector in Palmtree Panic.
A battle for all time...

Created by the evil genius Dr. Eggman, Metal Sonic was designed to accomplish what Eggman had failed to do - defeat Sonic the Hedgehog. Built sometime between the events of the original Sonic the Hedgehog and its CD sequel, Metal was meant to be not just Sonic the Hedgehog's equal, but surpass him. Using a custom chipset and A.I. developed by Dr. Eggman, the doctor devoted much more attention to Metal than any of the other members in his robot army. With Metal Sonic at his side, Dr. Eggman set his sights on the mysterious Little Planet that appears over Never Lake only one month out of the year.

It was sometime after Eggman began the process of transforming the Little Planet into his personal paradise that Sonic showed up at Never Lake, not because he was aware of Eggman's schemes but because he wanted to witness the phenomenon himself. Once Sonic came into view of the Little Planet and saw it transformed into a mechanical wasteland, tethered to the Earth by a long chain, he didn't have to see the mountainside bearing Eggman's face to know who was behind it. Eggman, instantly aware of Sonic's appearance, figured it would be the perfect opportunity to test out his latest creation, setting Metal Sonic loose onto the planet.

Metal Sonic's first order of business, and his first meeting with Sonic, was in Collision Chaos, where Metal quickly kidnapped Amy Rose, the young hedgehog girl that had foretold of a fateful encounter between her and her idol. Now having not only to save the Little Planet and recover the Time Stones but rescue Amy as well, Sonic and Metal would not encounter each other in the game again until the final moments of Stardust Speedway, where Sonic and Metal Sonic competed against each other in a race. Even though Metal was sometimes able to pull ahead, in the end he was no match for his worldly counterpart, and fell into the trap that was meant for Sonic. Even though he was destroyed, Eggman salvaged Metal's components, rebuilding him and occasionally setting him against his adversary from time to time, making him a permanent staple of Eggman's army.

It must be noted that Metal Sonic has only strayed from Eggman in three instances, first being the events in Sonic Heroes, second in Sonic Rivals (when he is taken over by Eggman Nega), and third being Sonic Free Riders. After each of these instances, however, Dr. Eggman has been able to restore Metal Sonic into his ranks.[3]

Personality

Metal Sonic, floating silently in Dr. Eggman's base. From Sonic Adventure.
Metal Sonic chases Sonic the Hedgehog inside the Atomic Destroyer Zone.

Although both his physical structure and programming are based on his namesake, Metal Sonic is far from the wisecracking, fun-loving and carefree being that is Sonic. Instead, he is a cold and heartless mechanism, created for the sole purpose of destroying the original Sonic, even transforming himself to try and get the upper hand.[4] He is desperate to beat Sonic in a race to prove who is the superior Sonic.[5][6] Most of the time Metal Sonic doesn't talk, allowing his actions to speak louder than words. Upon receiving his Neo hardware upgrade, Metal Sonic disguised himself as Dr. Eggman and started acting identical to his creator in battle. Meaning, he could have copied Dr. Eggman's megalomania along with his appearance.[7] Neo Metal Sonic now wanted all living things to kneel before him, seeing himself as a supreme being, and not being afraid of anything anymore. He felt it was also appropriate for a robotic lifeform to rule over a robot kingdom. He viewed the original Sonic as his loathsome copy, and he was the real Sonic.[4]

Also, just like his namesake, Metal can be confused if he enters water, although his metallic frame is waterproof.

Abilities

Because he was made to match Sonic in all ways, Metal Sonic's most defining trait is his incredible speed, able to achieve a velocity that equals Sonic's. The process Metal uses to accelerate up to four times faster than Sonic, "V. Maximum Overdrive Attack," also creates white-blue sparks which he can use to defend himself. The only drawback is that Metal is unable to maintain this for too long, else he'd self destruct. Another of his attacks, the "Ring Spark Field," creates a similar protection as the "V. Maximum Overdrive Attack" but without the fear of destruction. However, this attack causes Metal Sonic to slow down, which can hamper his performance.[8] Metal Sonic is also able to fly with the power of the turbines in his back, although he is not often seen using them this way, more often using them to kick-start boosting.

An upgraded version of Metal Sonic, referred to as Metal Sonic KaiMedia:Chaotix_32X_JP_manual.pdf[9], appears in Chaotix. After being destroyed in his previous confrontation with Sonic, Metal Sonic's main and sub CPU were recovered by Dr. Eggman and installed into a spare body, reborn by Dark Ring power. Though visually identical to his original form, this new body boasts a Plasner, granting Metal Sonic the ability to shoot a Plasma Pulse Attack from his chest.

Just as Sonic is able to transform into Super Sonic, Metal Sonic has the ability to transform himself into radically different forms, depending on the circumstances. However, similar to Super Sonic, Metal is unable to maintain these forms for extended periods of time, at the end defaulting to his classic design. The first of these transformations occurs in the final moments of the game Chaotix, where Metal Sonic is the final boss encounter of the game. After Knuckles and the rest of the Chaotix face off against the standard Metal Sonic in the Newtrogic High Zone, the playfield changes, revealing a radically different Metal Sonic. He possesses a far larger, more menacing appearance, his traditional blue hue now a red similar to Knuckles. With swinging limbs and a powerful beam that can be fired from his chest similar to the penultimate boss of Sonic & Knuckles, he can only enter this state through the use of a large Dark Ring.

The next two known transformations of Metal Sonic were both featured in the game Sonic Heroes, in which Metal Sonic had a major role as the primary villain. The form he holds through most of the game is Neo Metal Sonic. The main difference is in his proportions, making him elongated in all of his features, including his spikes. Along with shoulder epaulettes and a billowing cape, this version of Metal Sonic is built upon his new-found ability to absorb data and shapeshift. Throughout most of the game, Neo Metal Sonic is not seen in his proper form but masquerading as Dr. Eggman, his creator. As he fights against each of the four teams, he absorbs their lifeform data, making him a stronger, more formidable opponent.

The final boss encounter of Sonic Heroes, and the latest form of Metal Sonic, is called Metal Overlord, a freakish-looking and extremely menacing metallic form that bares little resemblance to the classic Metal Sonic style. Having successfully absorbed Sonic, Tails, Knuckles and Shadow's data, and elements of Chaos taken from the kidnapped Froggy and Chocola, he becomes something much closer to Perfect Chaos and Biolizard than Sonic the Hedgehog. After Metal Overlord is defeated, he reverts back to the classic Metal Sonic form.

In other media

Just as Sonic the Hedgehog, Metal Sonic has been adapted to fit into various media based on the franchise.

Sonic the Hedgehog (Archie comics)

Metal Sonic facing off against Sonic the Hedgehog.

Originally labeled as "Mecha Sonic," Metal Sonic made his debut in the 25th issue of the Sonic the Hedgehog series published by Archie Comics. Being an adaptation of Sonic CD, Sonic met Metal in a similar way, encountering each other in the Collision Chaos Zone. However, all traces of the Little Planet are removed, instead the zones being just more locations on the planet Mobius. Having kidnapped Amy Rose and Tails to get Sonic's attention, Dr. Robotnik sets his latest invention, Metal Sonic, against the blue blur. The two immediately start racing through Stardust Speedway, but Sonic is able to go faster than he has ever before, much to the surprise of Metal who subsequently self-destructs in an attempt to match his speed.

Metal would make his next appearance in another game adaptation, the Knuckles Chaotix special, where Robotnik, having rebuilt Metal, puts him up against Knuckles and the rest of the Chaotix. With the assistance of an item known as the Power Gems, Metal transforms into Titan Metal Sonic, although he is quickly defeated by Knuckles. Metal Sonic would not show up again until after the series' Sonic Adventure adaptation, where, having rebuilt himself with the remains of the Power Gem, lures Sonic and Tails to Mount Mobius, an active volcano. Though he originally intended to finish off the duo, seeing them help each other out caused him to overcome his programming and help save them from the situation he put them in, albeit at the cost of his own existence, his metallic structure succumbing to the lava.

The current Dr. Eggman in the series would eventually build a new Metal Sonic from scratch, who went up against Shadow the Hedgehog in a battle that spanned three universes - the traditional Archie one, the world of Sonic X, and the home dimension of Blaze the Cat. However, with help from Blaze and Marine the Raccoon, Metal was once again destroyed.

Sonic the Comic

Sonic Retro emblem.svg Main article: Metallix

The Fleetway-made Sonic the Comic sees Metal Sonic debut with a different name, "Metallix". This became a catch-all term for Dr. Robotnik's robots based on the main cast, with models based on Sonic, Porker Lewis and Knuckles the Echidna.

Sonic the Hedgehog (anime)

Hyper Metal Sonic, recovering from attack in Sonic the Hedgehog.

Metal Sonic's first animated appearance, the OVA Sonic the Hedgehog begins with Sonic's metallic doppelganger floating motionless, Dr. Eggman referring to his creation as Hyper Metal Sonic throughout the entire movie. Only needing Sonic's Life Data to bring Metal to life, Dr. Eggman concocts a plan to trick Sonic into entering his base, Eggmanland, and attacking what Sonic thinks is the Robot Generator. In reality, it is a device that scans Sonic the Hedgehog, inputting into Metal Sonic all that is Sonic. During their initial encounter, Hyper Metal is able to best Sonic, although not defeat him.

In the aftermath, Hyper Metal Sonic, while still attacking Planet Freedom, begins acting strangely, going into Sonic's home and dressing the only one there, Old Man Owl, in Sonic's favorite clothes. Discovering this, Miles "Tails" Prower concludes that the data Eggman copied from Sonic was not only his skills and abilities, but his thoughts and memories. Indeed, Sonic and Hyper Metal soon gain an almost psychic connection, one able to feel what the other is, making them evenly matched. At the end of the second episode, Hyper Metal Sonic, realizing there can only be one Sonic, sacrifices himself to save Planet Freedom and the Land of the Sky, Sonic's influence beating out Dr. Eggman's programming.

Sonic Boom

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Sonic the Hedgehog (IDW comics)

During the Eggman War, the doctor upgraded Metal Sonic back into his Neo Metal form to be used in the final battle, but his upgrade wasn't completed in time and his creator went missing. With Eggman's bio-data and personality, Neo Metal Sonic decided to take over the Badnik army in Eggman's place[10]. After learning Knuckles had left Angel Island, Neo Metal realized the Master Emerald was unguarded and he could take it[11]. He transformed Angel Island into his own fortress to take over the world with[12] and used the power of the Master Emerald to transform into Super Neo Metal Sonic[13] and later Master Overlord once he had acquired Shadow's data[14], but was ultimately defeated by the Resistance and reverted back into his normal form[15]. He then went back to Dr. Eggman after he was found by Dr. Starline and ultimately restored Eggman's memories[16].

Metal Sonic would continue to make appearances in the comic from time to time, either to clash with Sonic[17][18] or to form a temporary truce with him under Eggman's orders to stop a greater threat such as Zavok[19] or Surge[18].

Miscellaneous

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  • The E-10000R robots in Sonic Riders, although they share the look of their creator Dr. Eggman, are actually running on a modified form of Metal Sonic's internal structure, helping to explain how they are able to compete against Sonic and company.

Specifications

An itinerary of Metal Sonic's robotic specifications at form part of his official Japanese-language Sonic Channel profile, and in the Japanese manual for Sonic CDMedia:SonicCD MCD JP manual.pdf[1]. These specifications are actually reasonably accurate for what a machine of Metal Sonic's capabilities might require:

  • Outer Armor
Strength Enhanced Navy Blue Metal Tektite
  • Main Computer
Artificial Intelligence ROBOTNIK Custom Chip
Internal CPU has a conversation system capable of high mathematical logic enactment. At the slightest sign of danger, the neuron connections simultaneously inform each section of the body to correspond. In short, this allows him to react quickly to certain situations.
  • Sub Computer
The power control system is governed by the Neo Super FX DSP Chip (which has a 5 link system connecting to each section of the body). The TV picture imaging compensation unit is the Next Risk Chip Series 3 Model (each eye has an 8 link system utilizing RGB imaging).
  • Main Engine
255 cc, 4 Valve Organ Fusion Engine
Maximum Output: 55ps/6800rpm
Maximum Torque: 7.54 kg-m/4000rpm
  • Secondary Engine
Tesla Power Coil, which produces electricity by means of electro-magnetic induction
Maximum Output: 256kW

Appearances

Video games

Television series and films

Comic books

Theme songs

Voice actors

Footnotes

  1. Metal Sonic was the first character in the series to have an official height. Sonic's height was established as 100cm in 1998 with Sonic Adventure. When Metal Sonic received a character profile on Sonic Channel, its height was adjusted to match Sonic.

References


Characters in the Sonic the Hedgehog game series
Recurring characters
Heroes Sonic (Super, Starfall, Hyper, Darkspine, the Werehog, Excalibur) | Tails (Super) | Knuckles (Super, Hyper) | Amy (Super, Hyper) | Mighty (Super) | Ray (Super) | Espio | Charmy | Vector | Cream | Big | Blaze (Burning) | Silver (Super) | Sticks
Anti-heroes/Neutrals Shadow (Super) | Rouge | E-102 Gamma | E-123 Omega | Jet | Wave | Storm
Villains Dr. Eggman | Metal Sonic (Rocket, Neo, 3.0) | Mecha Sonic (8-bit, Mk. II, Mk. III, Super) | Fang | Tails Doll | Metal Knuckles | Chaos (Perfect) | E-Series | ZERO | Biolizard (Finalhazard) | Black Doom (Devil Doom) | Eggman Nega | Orbot | Cubot | Deadly Six (Zavok, Zazz, Zomom, Master Zik, Zeena, Zor)
Teams Sonic/Heroes | Rose | Dark | Chaotix | Babylon
Other Animals (Flicky) | Froggy | Chao (Hero, Dark) | Tikal | Pachacamac | Omochao | Chaclon | Gerald & Maria Robotnik | President | King Boom Boo | Cheese | Chocola | Vanilla | G.U.N. Commander | Wisps | Mother Wisp
One-off characters
Heroes Emerl | Marine | Lumina Flowlight | Chip | Shahra | Knights of the Round Table | Caliburn | Yacker | Avatar | Barry | Trip (Super)
Anti-heroes/Neutrals Bean | Bark | Shade | Merlina | Sage
Villains Witchcart | Hocke-Wulf | Bearenger | Carrotia | Battle Kukku Army (15th, 16th, Dr. Fukurokov) | E-101 Beta | Void | Chaos Gamma | Gemerl | Shugo-hei | Iblis | Mephiles | Solaris | Erazor Djinn | Captain Whisker | Johnny | Master Core: ABIS | Ix (Super) | Dark Gaia | King Arthur | Hard Boiled Heavies | Infinite | The End | Mirage Express
Teams Vector | Eggman
Other Birdie | Illumina | Secretary | Elise | Duke of Soleanna | Sonic Man | Coconut Crew | Vikings | Professor Pickle | Wentos | Don Fachio | Dodon Pa | Koco | Ancients | Conductor | Conductor's wife | Ariem | Heavy | Bomb | Tiara Boobowski | Honey