Insta-Shield

Demonstration of the W Kaiten Attack in Sonic the Hedgehog 3's Angel Island Zone.

Better known to laymen as the Insta-Shield, the W Kaiten Attack first debuted in Sonic the Hedgehog 3.

Jump, then jump again while in midair to perform a quick 360° slash that briefly expands Sonic's attack radius and renders him temporarily invincible.

This move was abandoned in Sonic Adventure has not been used since, due to the fact the "jump, then jump while midair" move was changed to the Jump Dash, or if enemies/items are nearby, the Homing Attack.

W Kaiten Effects

• Performing a W Kaiten with a fire shield causes Sonic to briefly turn into a fireball and fly across the screen at high speed.
• Performing a W Kaiten with a water shield makes Sonic bounce in his bubble.
• Performing a W Kaiten with a lightning shield makes Sonic jump twice, with sparks flying off of the shield.
• Performing a W Kaiten while being Super Sonic does nothing.
• Performing a W Kaiten while being Hyper Sonic causes all badniks on screen to be destroyed. Sonic is also propelled in much the same way as if he did the W Kaiten with a fire shield, but the player can control the direction of his flight with the D-pad.