Editing Sonic (SSB4)

|name         = Sonic

|image       = [[Image:Sonic SSB4.png|250px]]

|game         = SSB4

|ssbgame1     = SSBB

|ssbgame2     = Ultimate

|ranking = 7

'''Sonic''' ({{ja|ソニック|Sonikku}}, ''Sonic'') is a playable character in ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]''. His return to the series was announced on October 1st, 2013 during a [[Nintendo Direct]].<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xdk6IKbIJa0 Nintendo Direct - 10/1/2013]</ref> Sonic is one of the six third-party characters in the game, alongside fellow [[Sega]] representative {{SSB4|Bayonetta}}, [[Capcom]]'s {{SSB4|Mega Man}} and {{SSB4|Ryu}}, [[Bandai Namco]]'s {{SSB4|Pac-Man}}, and [[Square Enix]]'s {{SSB4|Cloud}}. He was the second third-party character to be revealed in the game, and is the first third-party [[veteran]] in the series.

In the English version, Sonic is now voiced by Roger Craig Smith, albeit via recycled voice clips from games such as ''Sonic Generations'', ''Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games'', and ''Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed''. This reflects Smith's succession of Jason Griffith as Sonic's voice actor, who voiced Sonic from 2005 until 2010.

 

Sonic is currently ranked 7th out of 55 on the [[tier list]], placing him in the A tier and tying him with {{SSB4|Fox}}. This is a significant improvement over Sonic's mid-tier placement in ''Brawl'', where he was ranked 22nd out of 38. In reference to his attributes in the ''Sonic'' universe, Sonic has the fastest [[dash]]ing speed in the game, which is complemented by his [[special move]]s allowing him to attack while moving with little fear of reprisal, giving him a powerful [[approach]] and [[neutral game]]. The majority of Sonic's moveset also has improved utility, most notably in regard to his KO potential.

Owing to his newfound and retained strengths that outweigh his flaws, Sonic has attained a large playerbase, and consistently achieves strong results in tournaments.

Sonic is a [[Weight|middleweight]] that, like in his home series, possesses outstanding mobility. He fittingly boasts the fastest [[dash]]ing speed in the game, yet also possesses the seventh fastest [[walk]]ing speed, while his [[air speed]] is tied with {{SSB4|Mario}} and {{SSB4|Donkey Kong}}'s for the ninth fastest in the game. When coupled with his below-average [[falling speed]] and above-average [[gravity]], Sonic has nigh-omnipresence; even in spite of his very slow [[air acceleration]], his other attributes enable him to travel at a blinding speed across any stage. This, in turn, makes Sonic able to easily and effectively utilize a hit-and-run playstyle. To round out his outstanding mobility, Sonic is capable of [[wall jump]]ing.

Sonic also has a strong air game. Neutral aerial is a great combo starter when [[Short hop fast fall L-cancel#Short hop fast fall|SHFF]]'d, thanks to its long-lasting hitbox, fairly low landing lag, and launching angle. Forward aerial is useful for [[edge-guarding]] and, in certain instances, can combo into itself on-stage at low percentages, thanks to its [[auto-canceling]] window and Sonic's fast air speed. Up aerial possesses KO potential near the upper [[blast line]] and is great for combos, while its auto-canceling window makes it deceptively safe. Back aerial's clean hitbox is powerful, making it one of his few reliable KOing options like his up aerial. Lastly, down aerial is a [[stall-then-fall]]; although it is Sonic's least effective aerial, it has noticeably less ending lag compared to other stall-then-falls, and its clean hitbox can [[meteor smash]] aerial opponents.

Sonic's neutral attack, tilt attacks, and throws have decent damage outputs and minimal lag, which make them hard to [[Punishment|punish]]. Incidentally, his grab game is decent overall. While none of his grabs excel in speed and each of them have average ranges, they are still fairly easy to land thanks to his mobility. Sonic's [[pummel]] is quick and has an average damage output, which allows him to rack up a fair amount of damage before throwing an opponent. Down throw is a [[semi-spike]] and has high base knockback, which make it excellent for setting up edge-guards and [[tech-chasing|tech-chases]]. Back throw, like his down throw, has high base knockback, but KOs much earlier than his other throws, especially if it is used while near the edge. It also moves Sonic backward, which makes it useful for setting up an immediate edge-guard attempt.

However, Sonic has some weaknesses, most noticeable his KO potential. Despite having been noticeably improved since ''Brawl'', his KO potential is held back by his most reliable KOing options (smash attacks, clean back aerial, and up aerial) requiring good positioning and, aside from up aerial, having noticeable start-up and ending lag. His forward and up smashes are also burdened with low base knockback, which forces them to be used for KO attempts later instead of earlier. Despite his outstanding mobility, Sonic also has trouble landing without the use of Homing Attack or Spring Jump, owing to his forward, back, up and down aerials have at least 21 frames of landing lag. This is further exacerbated by his very slow air acceleration leaving him susceptible to [[juggling]].

Sonic has many beneficial [[Character customization|custom moves]] at his disposal. Stomp can meteor smash opponents, making it more useful for edge-guarding. Hammer Spin Dash can [[bury]] opponents during start-up, allowing for follow-ups that Spin Dash would not permit. In comparison, Burning Spin Dash deals much more damage and its lower jumps leave Sonic less vulnerable after landing a hit. Auto-Spin Charge removes the need for button mashing in order to charge and has a deceptive charging animation that does not reveal when the move starts losing power, the latter of which makes it suitable for mindgames. Lastly, Gravitational Charge has a [[wind]] effect that [[Wind#Pulling attacks|pulls]] opponents in front of Sonic toward him, making it easier for him to hit them. However, it also [[Wind#Pushing attacks|pushes]] away opponents behind him, which can make it more difficult for them to punish him directly.

Overall, Sonic is a character with incredible offensive prowess that must force opponents to make a mistake in order to safely rack up damage and use his excellent mobility to avoid heavy punishment. Despite receiving nerfs from game updates, Sonic remains a strong choice for competitive play, with professionals such as {{Sm|KEN}}, {{Sm|6WX}}, and {{Sm|komorikiri}} consistently achieving great results with him.

Sonic has received a mix of [[buff]]s and [[nerf]]s in the transition from ''Brawl'' to ''SSB4'', with the former significantly outweighing the latter, but was overall buffed. The most noticeable improvement has been to his KO potential, which was a crippling weakness in ''Brawl''. A number of his attacks have had their knockback increased: his smash attacks are now reliable KOing options, while his back throw now possesses KO potential. Up throw also had its knockback increased; when coupled with its much lower damage output and the changes to [[hitstun canceling]], it has become an even more reliable combo starter.

Lastly, a number of Sonic's moves have been improved from being ineffective and situational to possessing utility: forward tilt is better at spacing and starting [[Tech-chasing|tech-chases]]; his new dash attack is better at [[Punishment|punishing]] and ending his tech-chases; his new down smash is a [[semi-spike]] that has a consistent damage output and much less start-up lag; and his neutral aerial is now a capable combo starter when [[Short hop fast fall L-cancel#Short hop fast fall|SHFF]]'d.

However, Sonic also received minor nerfs. His recovery was worsened in two particular ways: [[Spring Jump]] now covers less vertical distance, and Homing Attack can no longer be used repeatedly without landing on the ground again. Sonic is also slightly hindered by the removal of [[Dash attack canceled up smash|DACUS]], which would have supplemented his newly buffed up smash to the point of making it a viable approach option, and possibly his most viable KOing option. The ending lag for his KOing options have also been considerably increased, which makes them riskier. Lastly, Sonic's KO and damage racking potentials have been worsened via game updates. However, none of these nerfs are significant enough to hinder his considerably higher viability.

*{{change|Sonic's design is now based on his appearance as of ''Sonic Unleashed''. His quills are now slightly shorter and significantly less fluid; his mouth is now positioned on the side of his muzzle by default; and his irises are spread slightly further away from each other. Additionally, Sonic's fur and skin are now slightly more vibrant, and his eye color is now slightly more subdued. Lastly, his shoes now have a polished finish.}}

*{{change|[[Idle pose]]s' animations have slightly changed. Sonic's expression now remains unchanged throughout their durations.}}

*{{change|Side [[taunt]]'s animation has slightly changed. Sonic now grins throughout its duration, instead of grinning and then quickly assuming a stern expression.}}

*{{change|First [[victory pose]] has slightly changed. The blue Chaos Emerald now levitates in Sonic's hand after he grabs it, instead of directly touching his hand.}}

*{{change|Sonic now faces the foreground regardless of whether he is facing left or right.}}

*{{buff|Sonic's [[fast fall]]ing speed is faster (2.0 → 2.32). This improves his air game and makes him less susceptible to juggling.}}

*{{buff|Neutral attack's last hit deals 1% more damage (3% → 4%).}}

*{{buff|Forward tilt's second hit has increased base knockback (10 → 30), improving its spacing potential.}}

*{{nerf|Forward tilt has increased ending lag (frame 35 → 36).}}

*{{nerf|Up tilt deals less damage (3% (early)/4% (hit 1)/7% (hit 2) → 2% (hit 1)/6% (hit 2)). Its second hit also has a shorter duration (frames 18-20 → 18-19) and its early hitbox has been removed.}}

*{{buff|Up tilt has decreased ending lag (frame 50 → 40).}}

*{{nerf|Down tilt has a shorter duration (frames 6-9 → 6-7).}}

*{{change|Down tilt's angle has been altered (80° (near)/70° (mid)/[[Sakurai angle|361°]] (far) → 361° (all)). This improves its spacing potential, but removes its combo potential.}}

*{{buff|Down tilt can now [[lock]] at low percentages. Its chance of [[tripping]] has also increased (10% → 20%).}}

*{{buff|Sonic has a new dash attack, a Spin Dash followed by a flying kick. Compared to the previous dash attack, it has more knockback. Unlike the previous dash attack, it hits multiple times. These differences make it more effective at [[Punishment|punishing]] and [[tech-chasing]].}}

*{{nerf|Dash attack has more ending lag (frame 43 → 62) compared to the previous dash attack.}}

*{{buff|Forward smash has increased knockback growth (98 → 101), improving its KO potential.}}

*{{nerf|Forward smash has increased ending lag (frame 45 → 48) and a shorter duration (frames 18-22 → 18-20).}}

*{{change|Sonic now grunts when using forward smash, instead of saying "Go!"}}

*{{buff|Up smash's last hit has increased knockback (70 (base)/153 (growth) → 80/165), significantly improving its KO potential.}}

*{{buff|The weakening of [[Smash directional influence|SDI]] makes up smash significantly more difficult to escape from.}}

*{{nerf|The removal of [[Dash attack canceled up smash|DACUS]] significantly hinders up smash's approach potential.}}

*{{buff|Sonic has a new down smash, a split kick. Compared to the previous down smash, it deals consistent damage (12% (early)/9% (clean)/7% (mid)/5% (late) → 12% (front/back)), and has less start-up (frame 17 → 12) and ending lag (frame 58 → 55). Unlike the previous down smash, it is a [[semi-spike]], making it significantly more effective at [[edge-guarding]].}}

*{{change|Down smash has different knockback (40 (base)/100 (growth) → 55/63 (front), 50/80 (back)) compared to the previous down smash.}}

*{{nerf|Down smash has a shorter duration (frames 17-37 → 12-13) and less range compared to the previous down smash.}}

*{{buff|Clean neutral aerial deals 1% more damage (11% → 12%). Neutral aerial also has a larger hitbox and now launches opponents at 75°, improving its combo potential.}}

*{{nerf|Neutral, back, and down aerials have increased landing lag (12 frames → 16 (neutral), 9 frames → 30 (back), 30 frames → 38 (down)).}}

*{{nerf|Forward aerial deals less damage (1%/2% (hits 1-5)/4% (hit 6) → 0.8%/3%), although its last hit's knockback growth was compensated (120 → 135). It also has increased ending lag (frame 36 → 46).}}

*{{buff|Forward aerial has decreased landing lag (30 frames → 26).}}

*{{change|Forward aerial now has a [[normal]] effect, instead of a [[slash]] effect.}}

*{{buff|The weakening of SDI makes forward aerial significantly more difficult to escape from.}}

*{{buff|Back aerial deals 1% more damage (13% (clean)/9% (late) → 14%/10%), although its knockback growth was somewhat compensated (94 (clean)/90 (late) → 90/100). This improves its clean hitbox's KO potential and its late hitbox's spacing potential.}}

*{{nerf|Back aerial has increased ending lag (frame 37 → 38) and auto-cancels later (frame 29> → 33>).}}

*{{nerf|Up aerial's second hit has altered knockback (63 (base)/90 (growth) → 66/82), hindering its KO potential. Up aerial also has a shorter duration (frames 14-18 → 14-15).}}

*{{buff|Up aerial has decreased landing lag (22 frames → 21) and auto-cancels earlier (frame 19> → 16>).}}

*{{change|Up aerial's animation has slightly changed. Sonic no longer twists around when performing the scissor kick.}}

*{{nerf|Down aerial has increased start-up (frame 16 → 17) and landing lag (30 frames → 38). It also has a shorter duration (frames 16-37 → 17-32) and auto-cancels later (frame 39> → 41>).}}

*{{buff|Due to its angle being altered (37° → 285°), clean down aerial is now a [[meteor smash]]. These changes improve its edge-guarding potential.}}

*{{nerf|Standing and pivot grabs have increased ending lag (frame 29 → 31 (standing), frame 35 → 37 (pivot)).}}

*{{nerf|Pummel deals 1% less damage (3% → 2%).}}

*{{nerf|Forward throw deals 2% less damage (9% → 7%), although its base knockback was compensated (60 → 100).}}

*{{buff|Back throw deals 1% less damage (8% → 7%), although its knockback growth was compensated (60 → 79). This grants it KO potential at high percentages in spite of its lower damage output.}}

*{{buff|Up throw deals 6% less damage (12% → 6%), although its knockback was compensated (65 (base)/70 (growth) → 92/80). Its angle has also been altered (100° → 92°). When coupled with the changes to [[hitstun canceling]], these changes improve its combo potential at low to medium percentages.}}

*{{change|Down throw deals 1% less damage (8% → 7%). This improves its tech-chasing potential, but hinders its edge-guarding potential.}}

*{{nerf|The removal of [[chain grab]]bing hinders down throw's damage racking potential.}}

*{{change|[[Homing Attack]] no longer deals consistent damage (8% → 5%-12%), although its knockback growth was compensated (80 → 90).}}

*{{buff|Homing Attack has decreased start-up lag (frame 51 (non-inputted)/frame 26 (inputted) → 34/22).}}

*{{nerf|Aerial Homing Attack can only be used once instead of repeatedly, hindering its recovery potential.}}

*{{change|A missed Homing Attack propels Sonic farther.}}

*{{nerf|[[Spin Dash]]'s roll and jump deal less damage (7%-10% → 6%-7% (roll), 7% → 3% (jump)), hindering its damage racking potential.}}

*{{change|Spin Dash's short hop is significantly faster. This improves its combo and mindgame potential, but hinders its recovery potential.}}

*{{buff|Charged Spin Dash can now be held while jumping, improving its mindgame potential.}}

*{{change|[[Spring Jump]] covers slightly less vertical distance, but can now [[Edge sweet spot|edge sweetspot]] some time after being used.}}

*{{buff|Spring Jump has increased intangibility frames (frames 10-14 → 5-13).}}

*{{change|Grounded Spring Jump's spring remains on-stage for a shorter amount of time (240 frames → 235).}}

*{{buff|Sonic can immediately reuse Spring Jump after landing on a grounded spring, slightly improving its safety.}}

*{{buff|Aerial Spring Jump's spring now lingers after it hits an opponent.}}

*{{change|{{GameIcon|ssb4-3ds}}Spring Jump's animation has slightly changed. Sonic now scowls during the ascent, instead of grinning.}}

*{{buff|The removal of the [[grab release glitch]] allows Sonic to re-use Spring Jump if he has been grabbed in midair.}}

*{{buff|[[Spin Charge]] has improved combo potential.}}

*{{nerf|[[Super Sonic]] deals less damage (13% (idle)/18% (ram) → 5% (idle)/6%-14% (slow to fast ram)/16% (fastest ram)) and has decreased knockback, slightly hindering its KO potential.}}

*{{change|Super Sonic's fastest ram's angle has been altered (90° → 70°).}}

*{{change|Sonic now says "Super Sonic style!" upon activating Super Sonic, instead of "Now I'll show you!"}}

Sonic has been nerfed by game updates. Update [[1.0.6]] severely decreased the knockback growth of his back throw, which was one of his most potent KOing options, as well as slightly toning down his damage racking ability by lowering the damage outputs of Spin Dash's rolling and jumping hitboxes. Update [[1.0.4]] increased the ending lag of his forward smash, while updates [[1.0.8]] and [[1.1.0]] decreased the knockback growth of his up smash and forward smash, respectively.

However, Sonic also received somewhat noticeable buffs. Update 1.0.4 removed the [[grab release glitch]], which enables Sonic to re-use [[Spring Jump]] if he is grabbed in midair. Update 1.0.8 decreased his down aerial's ending lag, which made it easier to avoid [[self-destruct]]ing with, and thus more reliable for edge-guarding when it is sweetspotted. Lastly, Sonic's multiple hit attacks benefit from the changes to shield mechanics brought about by updates 1.1.0 and [[1.1.1]]. Although the nerfs to Sonic's KOing options and damage racking potential have slightly toned down his offensive presence, many professional players have shown that he is still a very viable character regardless.

*{{nerf|Back throw's knockback growth decreased|90|79, hindering its KO potential.}}

*{{nerf|[[Spin Dash]]'s roll and jump deal less damage|7%-10% (roll)/7% (jump)|6%-7%/3%, hindering its damage racking potential.}}

*{{nerf|Burning Spin Dash's [[invincibility]] removed.}}

*{{nerf|Up smash's last hit's knockback growth decreased|177|165, hindering its KO potential.}}

*{{buff|Down aerial's ending lag decreased|frame 50|46, restoring its ending lag from ''Brawl''.}}

*{{nerf|Forward smash's knockback growth decreased|106|101, hindering its KO potential.}}

*{{buff|Floor attack's [[shield damage]] increased|1|10.}}

|neutralname=&nbsp;

|neutraldesc=The Punch + Punch + Kick combo from ''Sonic the Fighters''.<ref name="NeutralAttack">[https://miiverse.nintendo.net/posts/AYMHAAABAADMUKlaH3dcbA Pic of the Day: October 8, 2013]</ref> Its first hit can be [[jab cancel]]ed reliably into any tilt attack, and is capable of [[Lock#Jab lock|jab locking]].

|ftiltname=&nbsp;

|ftiltdesc=The Horse Kick from ''Sonic the Fighters''. It hits twice, has minimal start-up lag, and can be angled. Altogether, these traits make it useful for spacing, starting [[Tech-chasing|tech-chases]], or as an [[out of shield]] option.  

|utiltname=&nbsp;

|utiltdesc=A {{s|wikipedia|540 kick}}, similar to {{SSB4|Captain Falcon}}'s up smash. Its decent vertical range makes it a fairly useful anti-air attack, although it has poor horizontal range. It can also combo into a short hopped forward aerial at 0%-40%, and into a [[Spring Jump]]-assisted forward aerial at 80%-90%. However, the former is reliable only against heavyweights and fast-fallers; the latter is consistently reliable only against middleweights; and both are heavily reliant on [[Directional influence|DI]]. It resembles the Skip Kick from ''Sonic the Fighters''.

|dtiltname=

|dtiltdesc=A legsweep. It can potentially [[Tripping|trip]] opponents and, if used repeatedly in succession, will slowly move Sonic forward. It resembles the Leg Throw from ''Sonic the Fighters''.

|dashname=

|fsmashname=&nbsp;

|fsmashdesc=The Wind-Up Punch from ''Sonic the Fighters''. It has high knockback growth, deceptive range, and can be angled, all of which make it one of Sonic's most viable KOing options. However, its very low base knockback makes it better suited for KO attempts later instead of earlier. It also has noticeable start-up and ending lag, making it risky if used unwisely. It KOs middleweights at 102% while near the edge of {{SSB4|Final Destination}} in {{for3ds}}, and at 92% in {{forwiiu}}.

|usmashname=&nbsp;

|usmashdesc=A jumping Spin Dash. It hits multiple times, with its last hit having extremely high knockback growth, and grants [[intangibility]] on frames 18-20. However, its last hit has average base knockback, which makes it better suited for KO attempts later instead of earlier. Its last hit KOs aerial middleweights at 120% from anywhere on Final Destination in the ''3DS'' version, and at 110% in the ''Wii U'' version.

|dsmashname=&nbsp;

|dsmashdesc=A split kick, similar to {{SSB4|Fox}} and {{SSB4|Falco}}'s down smashes. It has the lowest amount of start-up lag out of Sonic's smash attacks and hits on both sides, which make it useful for punishing rolls. It is also a [[semi-spike]], which makes it very useful for edge-guarding, especially when landing its back hit. Its back hit KOs middleweights at 122% while near the edge of Final Destination in the ''3DS'' version, and at 108% in the ''Wii U'' version. However, it lasts for only 1 frame and has considerable ending lag. Its front hit also KOs later than its back hit because of its below-average base knockback and knockback growth.

|nairname=

|nairdesc=Curls up into a ball and spins while slightly undulating up and down. In addition to being a reliable follow-up from [[Spin Dash]], [[Spin Charge]], and Spring Jump-assisted combos, its launching angle makes its clean and late hitboxes into useful combo starters at low to medium percentages when [[Short hop fast fall L-cancel#Short hop fast fall|SHFF]]'d. It resembles the Air Spin from ''Sonic the Fighters'' and the Insta-Shield, an attack that debuted in ''Sonic the Hedgehog 3''.

|fairname=

|bairname=

|bairdesc=A hook kick. Its clean hitbox's impressive damage output and high knockback growth make it one of Sonic's most viable KOing options, especially when used for edge-guarding. Its clean hitbox KOs middleweights at 118% while near the edge of Final Destination in the ''3DS'' version, and at 107% in the ''Wii U'' version. However, it has moderate start-up and ending lag, as well as high landing lag.

|uairname=

|uairdesc=A scissor kick. Its very large auto-cancel window makes it deceptively safe and easy to avoid its fairly high landing lag. In addition to being a reliable follow-up from Spin Dash, Spin Charge, and Spring Jump-assisted combos, it is a viable KOing option near the upper blast line, especially as a follow-up from Spring Jump. Its second hit KOs middleweights at 133% while near the upper blast line of Final Destination in the ''3DS'' version, and at 118% in the ''Wii U'' version.

|dairname=

|dairdesc=A diagonal flying kick. It is a [[stall-then-fall]], but unlike the majority of other stall-then-falls, it is relatively safe to use off-stage thanks to it having noticeably less ending lag in comparison. It can also [[meteor smash]] aerial opponents on frames 19-22, but not grounded opponents. It resembles the Stomp Dive from ''Sonic the Fighters'' and the Sonic Rocket from ''Sonic Battle''.

|grabname=

|pummelname=

|fthrowname=

|bthrowname=

|bthrowdesc=Quickly backflips repeatedly with the opponent in tow before performing the {{s|wikipedia|tomoe nage}}, a Judo throw. It is Sonic's only throw with consistent KO potential and, prior to update 1.0.6, was one of the strongest back throws in the game. As of update 1.0.6, it KOs middleweights at 173% while near the edge of Final Destination in the ''3DS'' version, and at 165% in the ''Wii U'' version.

|uthrowname=

|dthrowname=

|floorfname=

|floorbname=

|floortname=

|edgename=

|ssdefdmg=6%-7% (dash), 5% (initial jump), 3% (jump)

|ssdefdesc=Curls up into a ball, performs a [[short hop]], and then starts rolling toward the opponent at a fast speed. Holding the special button [[charge]]s it up and increases its speed. In addition to granting intangibility on frames 1-6, it boasts impressive combo and [[mindgame]] potential, thanks to its ability to be followed up with any aerial attack, and its ability to be canceled via shielding, respectively. It also boasts horizontal recovery potential when it is [[Jump-canceling|jump-canceled]] immediately upon releasing the special button; this turns the dash into a "Spin Shot", a quick, long-ranged short hop that can be performed either on the ground or in the air.

|dsc2desc=[[Wind#Pulling attacks|Pulls]] opponents in front of Sonic toward him and [[Wind#Pushing attacks|pushes]] opponents behind Sonic away from him.

|fsdesc=Gathers the Chaos Emeralds and uses them to attain his Super Transformation from the ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' games. When activated while very close to an opponent, the Chaos Emeralds will damage the opponent. Upon being activated, Sonic is invincible during its duration, and can fly in any chosen direction, depending on where the [[Control stick|control stick/circle pad]] is tilted. The longer the control stick is held in a certain direction, the faster and more damaging his ramming attack will be.

|desc-side=Performs the Super Peel Out, a technique that debuted in ''Sonic the Hedgehog CD'', while saying "Sonic Speed!" ({{ja|遅すぎだぜ！|Oso sugi da ze!}}, ''You're too slow!'').

|desc-down=Performs the [[wikipedia:Windmill (b-boy move)|windmill]], a breakdancing move, while saying "C'mon!" both in English and Japanese.}}

|desc-2=Turns towards the player and waves his finger in a patronizing manner while smiling. It resembles an animation he uses after clearing an Act or defeating a boss in ''Sonic the Hedgehog 3''.

|victory-desc=The Mission Clear jingle from ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' (2006), which is an orchestrated remix of the Act Clear jingle from ''Sonic the Hedgehog 3''.

|desc-2=Sprints off-screen and then sprints back on-screen before giving a thumbs up and saying "That was almost too easy!" In Japanese, he says "{{ja|モタモタしてると置いてくぜ!|Motamota shi teru to oite ku ze!}}" (''Leaving behind to be dawdling!'')

==In competitive play==

====Inactive====  

*{{Sm|Blue|USA}} - One of the best Sonic players in the United States before switching to {{SSB4|Mewtwo}} and {{SSB4|Charizard}}.

*{{Sm|Mew2King|USA}} - Rare counterpick. Placed 4th at [[The Come Up]]. Has wins over {{Sm|6WX}} and {{Sm|Meekspeedy}}.

Sonic was initially perceived as a high-tier character, thanks to his buffs largely mitigating most of the weaknesses he had in ''Brawl''. While his newfound KOing options would be nerfed in game updates, Sonic's playerbase has nevertheless managed to display many different and effective playstyles. In addition to enriching Sonic's metagame, the likes of {{Sm|6WX}}, {{Sm|KEN}}, {{Sm|Komorikiri}}, {{Sm|Seagull Joe}}, {{Sm|SuperGirlKels}} have also resulted in him achieving very strong tournament results.

Sonic's highly favorable perception and continued success resulted in him being ranked 6th on the first and second iterations of the [[tier list]], and then 5th on the third tier list. Although Sonic dropped to 7th on the fourth and current tier list, he nevertheless remains a very viable character.

==[[List of Super Smash Bros. 4 character trailers#Sonic|Reveal trailer]]==

 

==Trophies==

 

:'''Sonic'''

::{{flag|North America}} ''The main star of the Sonic the Hedgehog series. He's an easygoing hedgehog who blows past the competition with his speed. Seriously, on the ground he's faster than anyone else in Smash Bros. Use this to your advantage, avoiding blows while landing lightning-fast attacks.''

 

::{{flag|Europe}} ''A certain hedgehog from a certain series you just might have heard of. Unlike most hedgehogs, he's incredibly fast. Like most hedgehogs, however, he can't swim. He's by far the fastest runner of all the fighters, so take advantage of that by making sure no one gets the chance to hit him. (Just try not to end up in the water.)''

 

{{Trophy games|console1=none|game1=Sonic the Hedgehog (06/1991)|console2=WiiU|game2=Sonic Lost World (10/2013)}}

 

::{{flag|North America}} ''Sonic's up special Spring Jump lets him reach great heights by jumping on a spring, becoming invincible for a moment. He can't use any other specials during the jump, but he can attack or dodge. This move's great for returning from a long launch. Other fighters can use the spring, though!''

::{{flag|Europe}} ''Sonic's Spring Jump up special lets you bounce to great heights and briefly makes you invincible at the start. You can't use other specials while in the air, but you can use normal attacks, dodge and so on. It's great for getting both back to the stage and out of tough spots, but just remember that everyone else can use the spring too!''

{{Trophy games|console1=none|game1=Sonic the Hedgehog (06/1991)|console2=WiiU|game2=Sonic Lost World (10/2013)}}

:'''Super Sonic'''

::''The Chaos Emeralds are said to hold enough power to control the whole world. It's that power that turns Sonic into Super Sonic. He turns a glorious golden color and can fly at nearly the speed of light. In his Final Smash, this high-speed flight damages anyone who gets in its way and can even launch them!''

SonicTheHedgehogTrophy3DS.png|Classic (3DS)

SonicTheHedgehogAltTrophy3DS.png|Alt. (3DS)

SonicTheHedgehogTrophyWiiU.png|Classic (Wii U)

SonicTheHedgehogAltTrophyWiiU.png|Alt. (Wii U)

SuperSonicTrophyWiiU.png|[[Super Sonic]]

Sonic_meteor_smash.gif|Using his down aerial to [[meteor smash]] {{SSB4|Marth}}.

Spindashcharging.gif|Using Spin Dash.

[[File:Sonic_double_mouth.jpeg|thumb|Sonic's double mouth glitch.]]

*Sonic's [[dash]]ing speed is so fast that if he were to be to customized with all speed-based equipment and used both a [[Bunny Hood]] and [[Superspicy Curry]], he would outrun the [[Spirit Train]].

**Additionally, an unedited Sonic using Superspicy Curry dashes at the exact same speed as the water slide in the Flood Chamber of [[Kalos Pokémon League]], which causes him to dash in place.

*Despite having existing 8-bit sprites from the ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' games released on the {{s|wikipedia|Master System}} and [[wikipedia:Sega Game Gear|Game Gear]], {{SSB4|Pac-Man}} and {{SSB4|Duck Hunt}}'s [[newcomer]] posters depict Sonic's 16-bit sprite from the Genesis/Mega Drive version of ''Sonic the Hedgehog''.

*In non-Japanese versions of {{forwiiu}}, Sonic reuses his voice clip from ''Super Smash Bros. Brawl'' when he is in the water because of {{for3ds}}' lack of swimming.

**This results in his voice reverting to his previous voice actor, Jason Griffith, as well as being one of four reused voice clips of him in ''SSB4'' (the others used when Sonic is [[asleep]], his up taunt, and one of his attacking grunts). However, Jason Griffith is not listed in the credits because of this developmental oversight.

*The European description for Sonic says ''"Unlike most hedgehogs, he's incredibly fast. Like most hedgehogs, however, he can't swim."'' This is incorrect on both counts. Like dogs, cats and most mammals, hedgehogs swim reasonably well. And while it is rare to see a hedgehog run, since they usually conserve their energy by strolling or curling into a motionless ball when threatened, their top speed is nevertheless respectable for their body size.

 

[[Category:Sonic (SSB4)]]

[[Category:Third party characters]]