Spin Attack

The spin attack, also known by various other names such as the Super spin attack, Super Sonic spin, and in one variant, the spin jump, refers to the ability of Sonic and others to curl into a ball as an offensive and/or defensive maneuver.

First introduced in Sonic 1, the spin attack has been referenced in virtually all Sonic-related media.

History

Sonic 1

This maneuver has been known by many names over the years. The Sonic 1 instruction manual refers to it as the Super Sonic Spin Attack, as at the time, Sonic was the only character who could perform the ability. In this game, it refers to Sonic's ability to curl into a ball while running, shielding him from and allowing him to defeat otherwise harmful enemies. To perform this attack, simply press while in motion (a minimum velocity is required).

This maneuver will increase Sonic's speed while traveling down declines, but will decrease his speed on level ground (as he can no longer propel himself forward, and instead relies on inertia). While in this curled-up state, Sonic's hedgehog quills are displayed prominently, allowing him to destroy most enemies by plowing through them.

In the same game the name also referred to Sonic's ability to jump, while simultaneously performing the spinning maneuver. This was his primary form of attack in the game, and can be performed by pressing the , , or buttons while on the ground. The longer you hold down the button, the farther up he jumps.

Onward

The 2 abilities from Sonic 1 appear in virtually all Sonic games. Once new characters were introduced into the franchise with the same spin ability, Sonic's name was dropped from the maneuver. The word "Super" is used randomly and inconsistently, obviously used to make Sonic's trademark ability seem cooler.

In Sonic 2, the rolling was "to spin" and the jumping "to spin jump" on the initial control page, then both as the Super Spin Attack on the next page of Super Stunts; Sonic's partner, Tails, can also perform the maneuver, hence the removal of the Sonic name. Sonic 3, its sequel which introduced Knuckles into the franchise, again uses this name for both.

Sonic CD refers to the jumping as the Spin Attack on the control page, and the rolling as the Super Spin Attack on the Sonic's Super Stunts page.

Games after this generally cease referring to the move specifically. Although the ability is present in virtually all Sonic games, they often only mention the ability to jump, as well as the ability introduced in Sonic 2 known as the spin dash.