View source for Sonic R

I don't like this section being on the main Sonic R page... but I don't know where it should go, so I'm dumping it here. Mirroring the contents of old official Sonic websites is something we should do (when it's worthwhile), but a) we need the original Japanese version too and b) it needs its own page on the wiki with the view of being used as a source. Like how the interviews/press releases are handled on Sega Retro. -[[User:Black Squirrel|Black Squirrel]] ([[User talk:Black Squirrel|talk]]) 13:37, 6 September 2017 (CDT)

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==Resources==
===On Sonic Channel===
'''''[[Sonic Channel]]''''', the official Japanese-language website of Sonic the Hedgehog, hosted profiles for each of the ''Sonic R'' playable characters. A partial translation was compiled by [[Thrippa]]:

''<u>'''About Appearing Characters'''</u>''<br>
Each character possesses their own unique ability, and by means of this ability may be able to take differing routes where the road forks.

<u>'''Basic Characters'''</u><br>
Characters appearing at the start. These five contend in Grand Prix mode:

<u>Sonic the Hedgehog</u><br>
Well-known protagonist. His maximum speed is the highest among all characters. However, because his acceleration and grip performance is inferior to theirs, skill is required. When he rolls into a ball and does a spin dash, even faster speeds become possible. Additionally, with his double jump he may be able to leap over large obstacles such as rivers.

Key advice:
* For success at the starting point, do a spin dash.
* Regarding deceleration, use the {{L}}{{R}} buttons to the best of your ability for smooth cornering.
* Use the double jump to try to find new shortcuts.

<u>Miles 'Tails' Prower</u><br>
Yearning to be like Sonic, always along wherever Sonic goes. His maximum speed may be inferior, but his other abilities are relatively good. As with Sonic, when Tails curls into a ball, a spin dash is possible. Also, by spinning his two tails, he is able to fly, making bold short cuts possible.

Key advice:
* For invariable success at the start, use the spin dash.
* Flight time is unexpectedly short. Remember to take care when choosing a landing spot, to be able to make a good landing.
* Search for routes that allow Tails to make the best use of his propeller flight.

<u>Knuckles the Echidna</u><br>
Sonic's rival-like being. Regarding this character, all abilities are in balance. As with Sonic and Tails, the spin dash is possible when curled up. Also, gliding through the sky is possible; from a high place, he can fly further than Tails.

Key advice:
* For success at the starting point, do a spin dash.
* Glide from high places for shortcuts. Intense up-down along the course is particularly effective.
* With skillful turning, higher cornering stability is possible than with Sonic.

<u>Amy Rose</u><br>
Only female character. Tails remodeled her all-purpose car so she could drive it and participate in the race. This character is aimed at the beginner; maximum speed is low, but it accelerates nicely. Also she has a truly all-purpose car; she can even drive it on the water. And she is able to do a Turbo Dash, traveling at great speed for a set length of time.

Key advice:
* At the start, the Turbo Dash is indispensable.
* Her ground speed cannot outrun other vehicles, so to win, look for bold shortcuts across the water.
* Turbo Dash management is often the deciding factor. Using it recklessly will result in time loss.

<u>Doctor Eggman</u><br>
A wicked, genius scientist. He rides his familiar Eggmobile to participate. Since it floats in the air, its turning ability is very high and it can float over water too. Eggman is also able to throw bombs to attack other players.

[Appearance requirements] Become overall champion in Grand Prix mode to have Eggman appear on the Character Select screen.

Key advice:
* Turning ability is extremely high, so be careful on curves.
* Make full use of the hydroplane ability.
* At any rate, Eggman has a large build. Press the {{Z}} button to view the course from a different angle.

<u>'''Hidden Characters'''</u><br>
These characters will appear when their requirements are met. One must become a good player to handle them.

<u>Metal Sonic</u><br>
Eggman developed his secret weapon with the aim of exceeding Sonic in power and speed. His maximum speed is precisely equal to Sonic's, and his acceleration exceeds Sonic's. However, because of that overwhelming power, his turning ability is inferior. Considerable skill is necessary to operate him.

[Appearance requirements] Collect 5 tokens on Resort Island in Grand Prix mode and finish better than fourth place to begin a one-on-one match with Metal Sonic. Win this race and Metal Sonic will become a possible choice on the character select screen.

Key Advice:
* Low turning ability. You must decelerate to turn sharply without losing control.
* Due to inertia, traveling on water is possible. Falling in the water may cause Metal Sonic to become confused.
* Metal Sonic is not able to do a double jump, but his single jump is better than Sonic's.

<u>Metal Knuckles</u><br>
As with Sonic, Eggman prepared this secret weapon for the sake of overthrowing Knuckles, considering his existence to be a hindrance. Having the same power plant as Metal Sonic, speed and acceleration power are high, but like Knuckles, this robot can glide from high places.

[Appearance requirements] Collect 5 tokens in Reactive Factory in Grand Prix mode and finish better than fourth place to begin a one-on-one match with Metal Knuckles. Win this race and Metal Knuckles will become a possible choice on the character select screen.

Key Advice:
* Low turning ability. To turn without losing control, you must decelerate.
* Due to inertia, traveling on water is possible. Falling in the water may cause Metal Knuckles to become confused.
* From a high place, aim at a shortcut without pausing.

<u>Eggmanrobo</u><br>
Eggman created this robot intending to surpass his strongest robots, including the other Metals. However, it demonstrated its true strength on its first mission: thanks to its comical body, it ignores air resistance . . . Eggman boasts of the offensive abilities he gave it, and it still matches Metal Sonic's speed.

[Appearance requirements] Collect 5 tokens in Regal Ruin in Grand Prix mode and finish better than fourth place to begin a one-on-one match with Eggmanrobo. Win this race and Eggmanrobo will become a possible choice on the character select screen.

Key Advice:
* Low turning ability. Use {{L}}{{R}} Buttons effectively to struggle through corners.
* On the water, deceleration occurs immediately. Hurry to land to recover.
* Eggmanrobo has a huge body. When a course is difficult to see, press the {{Z}} button to change your viewpoint.

<u>Tails Doll</u><br>
As a last resort, Eggman manufactured this to catch Sonic unprepared. This, except for the power plant embedded in its head, is a mere stuffed animal, whose meager form nevertheless exhibits considerable ability in races due to its lightweight design. Still, it is also able to float in the air for a long time.

[Appearance requirements] Collect 5 tokens in Radical City in Grand Prix mode and finish better than fourth place to begin a one-on-one match with Tails doll. Win this race and Tails doll will become a possible choice on the character select screen.

Key Advice:
* Get accustomed to the feel of the light steering.
* Travel over the water completely without accident or deceleration? This is the only character able to do so. 
* Keep pushing the jump button to keep floating.

<u>Super Sonic</u><br>
By using the power of the Chaos Emeralds, Sonic's strongest potential abilities can be brought out. Surely the strongest and faster character, Super Sonic boasts overwhelming acceleration and maximum speed.

[Appearance requirements] After finishing at least 3rd in Grand Prix mode in Radiant Emerald, and collecting 7 Chaos Emeralds, Super Sonic will become a possible choice on the character select screen. However you are not able to keep Chaos Emeralds you pick up unless you come in first in that race.

Key Advice: 
*Generally high speed. First of all, get accustomed to this speed.
* Overall, Super Sonic will outstrip everyone, but cornering can be difficult.
* This character is the fastest, consequently small control errors become lethal errors. Slow down in moments of uncertainty.
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