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Minecart

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Minecarts are objects that appear in various games throughout the Sonic the Hedgehog series, usually in underground-themed levels following the same principles as they would do in real life. Depending on the game they are featured in, they can be useful vehicles that will carry the player's character to different destinations, or harmful obstacles that the player must avoid.

Game appearances

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (8-bit)

Minecarts made their first appearance in Under Ground Zone and Gimmick Mt. Zone from the 8-bit version of Sonic the Hedgehog 2. The player can jump into a minecart to start it moving, and ride it along the tracks laid throughout the stage. If the cart rolls into spikes, it will destroy them completely. The cart will keep rolling until it hits a wall, at which point it will break apart and disappear.

Sonic Adventure

In this game, minecarts are found in the Mystic Ruins Adventure Field where they are simply used as a means of being transported to different areas. One minecart is found out in the open in the station area, which will take the player to the jungle when entered. Another minecart, found inside the cave near Tails' Workshop, will transport the player to the Mystic Ruins Chao Garden.

Sonic Advance 3

Minecarts in this game are featured as gimmicks found in Twinkle Snow. They are fully automatic and will carry a single character across short railway sections when entered. Once they reach the end of the track, they will crash and the player can continue through the level.

Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I

The minecart stage in the iOS release.

Minecarts also appear in Lost Labyrinth Zone from Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I, with their use and function differring between versions. In the iOS/Android versions of the game, Sonic rides a minecart throughout the entirety of Act 2, which the player moves by using motion controls to tilt the stage, and occasionally having to press the Jump button to make the minecart jump over steps, Badniks and other obstacles.

The motion-controlled minecart was featured in prototypes of the console versions such as the PartnerNET build, where it had been a source of controversy among fans. As a result, the second Act was completely redesigned and the minecart was given a much smaller role. Instead, the minecart appears in short, sporadic sections and moves forward automatically, with the player only being able to make the minecart jump over obstacles before crashing at the end of the track.

References