#there are things i like about Sonic I swear

[clockwise-works]

This is gonna be a weird one, but one thing I've never understood about the Sonic Community is how we go about talking about Sonic Heroes.

For those who don't know, Sonic Heroes was the first mainline Sonic game to be released on all major platforms. It's important to acknowledge that this was an absolutely important step the franchise took, because it ended up introducing tons of new audiences to Sonic, namely Nintendo fans who were once Sonic fan's "rivals." I will always give Heroes props for that, HOWEVER.

Whenever people go about reviewing or discussing the game, when bringing up its more buggy nature and lack of polish, people almost ALWAYS have to specify which version of the game they're playing, and if not they get accused of purposely playing the worse versions (PS2 AND Windows).

And like, 1. That shouldn't matter in the slightest. Yes, some versions of the game are more broken, which is undeniable, but those releases were still official ways to play the game. They fully intended of audiences playing those versions, and so I've always felt it is more than fair to base your opinion around the edition you played. I'm sorry, but players shouldn't have to seek out a "better" version to make their experience more tolerable. And while YouTube reviewers ARE offering their own personal experience, that experience is still valid and serves as an overall assessment of the game, in which issues the overall player base of the game most likely experienced for themselves too.

And 2. People are WAY too quick to dismiss the PS2 version of the game when realistically? The PS2 was the BEST SELLING system, meaning the PS2 port was the most easily accessible version of the game to buy. Yes, Nintendo fans were introduced to Sonic through Heroes and the multiple compilation titles released around that time, but the GameCube just wasn't in as many homes as the PS2. I think it's unfair to write off the version of the game that was released on the best-selling system, most likely ensuring most people played THAT version, just because it's more broken.

And realistically, I can't imagine casual gaming consumers having the foresight to know that the PS2 version would be released in that quality. Nowadays, most people know that Switch ports of triple A games are lesser quality because it's more common knowledge that the Switch is significantly less powerful than even the Xbox One and PS4. Gaming info prior to release is also way more accessible. Comparatively, there's really no way people could have known the PS2 port would've been the worst version. The PS2 wasn't widely known to be less powerful with lower quality 3rd party games, because it really wasn't. The gap between it and the GameCube were minimal. So there can't even be an argument that casual unassuming gamers purposely bought the worst version just to portray the game in a bad light.

And I think that's important. When talking about a game, it's also important to talk about its impact when released. In fact we hear this all the time, like how earlier I brought up how Sonic Heroes is applauded for introducing Sonic to new audiences, or Colors "fixing" Sonic's reputation following 06, Secret Rings, Black Knight, etc. If we're going to bring up the timeframe when games released to properly understand the landscape when it released and its effects on that landscape, then we also have to account for the things I brought up one paragraph earlier. That people couldn't have known the most accessible version of the game was the worst one. It's important to remember all that when talking about its issues because that means that release was the general experience most had, that the PS2 version can't be written off because "people know it's worst one."

Like yeah, in hindsight, we all know that, but that doesn't invalidate a completely legit way people experienced the game, and have a right to criticize the game for. If you hear people talk about their issues with Heroes, and your first thought is "well, you probably played the PS2 version" as if that's some sort of retort to their completely valid way of playing and valid way of critiquing the game, then I think your an asshole.

Did the game do important things for the franchise? Undeniably yes. But can people write off a legitimate and valid way to play the game just because some releases were "more buggy" and are nowadays common knowledge? No.

Oh, and the game being "rushed following Adventure 2's release" doesn't excuse the bugs and lack of polish either. They sold a game, fully intending people to play that game in that condition, and therefore, people have a right to base their opinions off that condition. Does it add context as to why the game and many other rushed games are the way they are? Yes, but that doesn't justify or nullify and criticism of said issues.

[multicolour-ink]

Thinking about how Sonic didn't believe for a second that he was big brother material, then meeting Tails and being like "You're my sibling now". T-T

[sonknuxadow]

it just hit me that the movie is coming out next month imgonna throw upppppppp

[celtrist]

Why does Vassago already have merch, we haven't even met him yet

[maskofnova]

Sonic twitter is so fucking miserable, holy shit.

[cheetahsprints]

(If you don't like mentions of a slash ship featuring certain anthro hedgehogs just scroll past!!!! Quickly!!!)

TL;DR (You can skip this blurb if you want the full story)

I went from being like neutrally aware of the Sonic franchise characters' existence to totally obsessed practically overnight with Shadow and Sonadow. Went full speed ahead brainrot on them because of a freaking dream where cartoon (unspecified) Sonic & co accidentally entered the dimension of live action Sonic. Shenanigans ensued, most notably a dreambrain-hatched live action Shadow fighting his cartoon version because of his attitude toward Sonic & co.

(End of TL;DR)

[Text wall below for details]

A few nights ago I had a random as hell dream about Sonic the hedgehog and I am now here I have watched freaking Sonic Prime on Netflix because the mental images wouldn't leave me alone so I treated it like a weird message from the universe e send Help

My only previous interactions with sonic stuff was some person I followed on twitter for something else posting art of it (mega long time ago), watching the sonic live action movies why I have no idea (super long time ago), and that joke game that went surprisingly hard The Murder of Sonic the Hedgehog which I completed even though the minigames to progress got hard AF for me (pretty long time ago) and like even before all that I knew of Sonic from ads, memes, and various posts on social medias. But I didn't fully engage with it.

Side note: the twitter posting was mostly sonadow and I would look it over like uh-huh ok the vibes check out and just keep scrolling like lsdfkjdskl but that is pretty much the main reason I knew Sonic/Shadow existed but at the time I didn't actively seek it out or try to learn more.

Onward...

My brain is so so so weird and the dream was somewhat vivid like watching a movie omg where the live action sonic and pals met the cartoon versions of the characters?? even though I never watched any of the cartoons before??? as such it wasn't a specific series, I just knew it in the dream they were from a generalized cartoon universe

Specifically it was Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles in the movie group, while the cartoon group had Amy and Rouge instead of the other two alongside Sonic, who I only even really knew about because of the April Fool's game. And Shadow was also there in both groups because why not I guess and they (the Shadows) fought each other because the movie one thought the cartoon one was a jerk lmao idk? Yeah my subconscious decided it couldn't wait for Sonic 3 and made up its own version of movie Shadow.

Early in the dream there was also a little kid clone of Sonic who belonged with the cartoon group. There were some cute interactions but in nonsensical dream fashion that character just disappeared later like he was never there lol

…There was some plot about the cartoon group needing to get back to their dimension because Sonic accidentally got them blasted into the movie one somehow... after watching Sonic Prime I'm like my dream was so FREAKISHLY similar to that show's plot, but I SWEAR I knew nothing about the premise of SP before the dream. Although, in the dream they were like... multidimensional travellers doing hero stuff and had met other variants before, just this time it wasn't intentional and it messed something up.

Uh getting off track... (which the dream itself did a lot tbf)

Anyway, what I remember is the movie dimension made the cartoon group look in the more realistic style so at first Shadow thought the actual movie group were the ones from his dimension (Shadow & Amy got separated from Sonic & Rouge) and was rude to them because he was so ticked off blaming Sonic for being a dumbass and yelling at Tails for not preventing whatever happened or something, so actual movie Shadow appeared like. don't talk to my friends that way asshole and beat the absolute shit out of him. There was an explanation Tails gave that the movie Shadow was more powerful for some reason I don't remember and Amy told cartoon Shadow to stop trying to beat him. But yeah bro was so pissed movie Sonic had to step in and physically stop him because he wouldn't listen to and/or overpowered anyone else. He reminded Shadow that the other Shadow was still him, in a sense.

Cartoon Sonic and Rouge appeared and Sonic started bickering with cartoon Shadow. but the movie versions were best friends so they were watching them like wtf is wrong with y'all. Movie Shadow got fed up quickly and punched cartoon Shadow again and stood protectively in front of both Sonic versions bristling and wouldn't take his eyes off his counterpart. Cartoon Shadow was so goddamn confused by Shadow's protectiveness and asked how Sonic had made movie Shadow his loyal bodyguard (derogatory) Amy and Rouge like explained the backstory to the movie crew, which is fuzzy to me but it was something along the lines of, Shadow had been brainwashed to rival Sonic, tricked to think that Sonic was evil (unbeknownst to that Sonic who in his pov had this random edgy hedgehog start attacking him out of nowhere during a mission) and they had a lot of intense fighting before Shadow found out the truth. But the two of them never quite got over the misunderstanding. Listen I didn't know Shadow's backstory, literally none of it, but I have read the wiki since ok

Meanwhile movie Shadow, in the dream, was made and raised in a lab and similarly believed he was made as Sonic's rival/equal. Behind the scenes some government thing or whatever were afraid of Sonic's power and wanted a backup plan. But some evil guy stole and unleashed Shadow. At first it was basically just a duel, Shadow admired Sonic, but the evil guy had put a chip in his head that when activated made him try to kill Sonic. Eventually he was subdued and the chip deactivated- and despite everything Sonic insisted Shadow come with him to his home and the rest was history. This unfolded in like flashback style.

There was a funny part where Shadow questioned Sonic's home like "What kind of base of operations is this?" In a very unimpressed tone. Sonic said sarcastically "Oh, sorry if you were expecting my own Fortress of Solitude." And I guess Shadow was allowed to watch tv because he got the reference and shot back "Does that make me Lois Lane?" Didn't make a whole lot of sense sdlfkjds but movie Shadow delivered this line very confidently and flirtatious and just walked away leaving Sonic shocked LOL

And then later Shadow complained that the government people would always rewind and loop the villainy parts and he never got to see if Lois and Clark kissed (It's been too long since I watched any Superman movies so I couldn't tell you if this makes sense) and Knuckles teased him for being a romantic, and then the whole team binge watched every Superman movie.

In the "present" at some point movie Sonic and Shadow pulled their alternate versions aside and like told them off for being mean to each other lmao cartoon Sonic was kinda like uwu I didn't know Shadow had feelings he's like a lone wolf and like was surprised by his counterpart's vehemence. Movie Sonic told cartoon Sonic that Shadow can be a great friend if you give him a chance. I don't remember the Shadowses convo much but it was a lot more chill despite the fighting before (though still prickly) because Shadow's reasons were more valid and it was more of a pep talk from movie Shadow that if he opened up more it might give the others around him more opportunity to know and accept him.

I remember there was this one specific heavy emotional line in the dream that stuck with me when I woke up said by cartoon Shadow about Sonic, "He's my best friend but I'm obviously not his" DFKLJDSKJ

Additional small detail that movie Sonic and Shadow had known each other for over 2 years during dream events. And they were quite close and in sync. But still bantery

My brain basically conjured a LITERAL FANFICTION in my sleep and I have been thinking about it a lot What's hilarious is I knew next to fuck all about these characters my brain pulled the plot points of this dream out of its ass

Typed out, this dream probably sounds a lot longer than it was... the "scenes" just felt oddly detailed for how mashed together and quick passing they were.

But yeah I kept thinking about the dream and like daydreaming more scenes and it somehow turned even more into Sonadow (like, I imagined Cartoon Sonic & Shadow finding out in a very abrupt way that the movie versions were an item. <- to my delight I did find a fic with a premise very similar to this just not movie universe related. Also played with the idea of Sonic and/or Shadow accidentally kissing the wrong counterpart in their excitement at being reunited which Awakened Some Things for the receiver of the unexpected passion😂 )

The dream kinda acted as a base that inspired daydreams to spiral out from my brain without permission but I just... mentally jumped into it because ships sometimes grab you like that.

And Sonic Prime made my sprouting interest worse, basically fuel to the fire, so now I am obsessed with them... like what a fucking way to get into a ship

[wc-m0ch4]

Really enjoy the theory that Sonic x Shadow Generations was named that way so that search results would show the game instead of Sonadow

This is particularly because of how much more Sonadow fanart/edits/fanfics I've been seeing as of late BECAUSE of the title LMAO

[movie-robotnik-positivity]

I’m excited about the Mario Movie, but it does make me sad to see everyone turn on the Sonic movies for not being as faithful or referential. 

Faithfulness alone doesn’t make a good movie. If you’re going to criticize these movies then judge them for what they are, don’t just disregard them because don’t care to the fanservice-y Marza animated masterpiece that only exists in your head. 

[ikari-shinsei]

These drawings look really cool, and I'm sure it was an epic moment in the comics, but when I look at these images, I can't help but think 'This feels so empty without Super Shadow there with them.'

It's like there's a piece of a puzzle that's missing and without it, all that's left is just an incomplete picture.

[apotelesmaa]

I think “tsukasa cusses (said fuck in law evading rock)” and “Tsukasa does not cuss (feels like he needs to set a good example)” can coexist actually. Tsukasa cusses around ppl his age + nene (she wore him down by bullying him) and emu (after the 9000th jumpscare she subjected him to in the first month of knowing him he gave up) but if they’re saki’s age or younger he’s like I need to be a big brother/be responsible and set a good example as a future star.

[bonestrouslingbones]

ok unsolicited demons say swears show review for episodes 5&6 that came out yesterday: the pacing is HORRENDOUS and feels like they wrote an episodic show before they remembered it was supposed to be serialized and had to very loosely try to stitch everything together. however i am genuinely surprised at how solid some of these plot points are and i think some could be really good if they were just given some time to take a goddamn BREATH

[jouska-the-deer]

If I had a nickel for every time I got into a fandom for something that was overly bashed by the internet to the point that I can't avoid seeing the hate even while I'm actively trying I'd have two nickels.

Which isn't a lot, but it's weird that it happened twice.

[luescris]

THE.... THE NEWS ABOUT THE SONIC FRONTIERS UPDATES WE'RE GETTING.... HOLY FUCK.

NEW STORY???!??! NEW CHARACTERS?!!?!? GOOD GOD I NEED MY OWN SWITCH LITE SO BAD I DON'T EVEN CARE IF IT TAKES UP ALL MY MONEY TO GET ONE NEXT YEAR

AND ITS ALL FOR FUCKING F R E E

AAAAAAAAAAAA

[sonknuxadow]

ive joked about it before but man i really am the only person on earth who remembers the gun commander is a character that exists arent i . because the other day when the shadow panel was happening and the voice actors were talking about their characters and how they were eachothers only friend and maria was completely isolated from other people i was like What about the gun commander . and i havent seen anyone else point the contradiction out . lmao

[mayday-jd]

part 2 of my trolls (2016) rambling wooo

—————

• I. FUCKING. HATE. CREEK.

and apparently I'm not the only that feels this which ngl is to be expected BUT I LOATHE THIS GUY

only what I can describe as pure horror hit me when I realized poppy liked this man like GIRL.. TELL ME THIS IS A JOKE.

does she ever say?? no

but have I deducted that she in fact had a crush on creek?? yes.

for the record I have never liked creek even when I first watched this movie when it came out I remember finding this guy arrogant WHICH HE SO IS

I'm turning into branch but guys he's literally the worst I could talk about him for hours purely fueled by my hatred towards him

and his hans ass fucking fucking betrayal scene the comparison to hans even fits cuz he used poppy's trust (and I'm pretty fucking sure he knew she liked him) against her to betray her

words cannot describe how happy I was when he fucking died

• I do think it's sweet how all the trolls lose their colors/all of their happiness when their princess loses hers

it really shows how connected they are and how much they all love each other they're kinda like a big ol' family

but why does branch look different than the rest of them even after they all go emo™???

maybe it's a color palette thing cuz they didn't want branch to actually be black and white like they made the trolls but then shouldn't they add grey to their colors instead like they did branch to make it consistent??

or maybe it's even if branch stopped being happy and seemingly lost all his colors he never truly did cuz "there's happiness inside everyone sometimes they just need someone to help them find it" so him not being completely black and grey portrays that in his design

or maybe I'm just trying to make sense of a design choice like this cuz it doesn't make sense in my brain lol

• the end of the movie is kinda goofy ngl but idk it's still fun

personally I just can't get over the use of 'can't stop the feeling!' by justin timberlake who surprise surprise voices branch and was an executive producer for this movie

apparently he officially released the song 2 days after the movie got released but I remember seeing the music video/hearing the songs before ever watching the movie

maybe I didn't watch trolls when it first came out idk 🤷

either way I giggle when I reach the end and they all just sing the song cuz it's just so absurd lmaoo

[sage-nebula]

While Sonic did raise Tails, I think it's also important to remember that he was a kid / is a teen himself, that he was a big brother raising a little brother, and that they are also best friends.

What I mean by this is, Sonic didn't—and doesn't—act like a traditional parent to Tails. How could he, when he had no example to follow? Why would he, when that would inhibit his own fun?

Sonic, age 11, would roar with laughter hearing the tiny 4-year-old next to him repeat after him, "yeah, fuck you, Robuttnik!" in his squeaky baby voice because preteen big brothers think it's hilarious when their toddler little brothers swear.

Preteen Sonic, whose diet consists of chili dogs and Chaos Cola, and who thinks that that's the perfect diet because it tastes the best and he doesn't know what a nutrient even is, would have no reason to tell Tails to eat vegetables or fruits because, well, he doesn't need to, so why does Tails?

And grounding? At any age, forget about it. If he grounds Tails, then Tails can't come on an adventure with him. Sonic would feel he's punishing himself with that one.

Honestly, most of the time, Sonic is on board with what Tails wants anyway. When other adults raise an eyebrow (if they do), Sonic agrees with whatever Tails's reasoning is for why he's doing what he's doing. Example:

Vanilla: "Tails, while I admit your knowledge of this machinery far exceeds my own, I still have concerns about you handling such explosive, radioactive materials. You're too young; it's not safe."

Tails: "It's perfectly safe. I only handle it in my underground fallout bunker and I'm always in full hazmat whenever I use it. You don't have to worry."

Vanilla: "Sonic?"

Sonic: [gestures at Tails] "He's got his bunker and his suit."

Tails: "I'm fine."

Sonic: "He's fine."

Vanilla: [sighs]

It's for the best, because if Sonic ever did try suggesting something wasn't age-appropriate for Tails—or that Tails shouldn't do this-or-that—Tails has the perfect counter due to his upbringing. Example:

Tails: [watching a rated-R science-fiction movie while editing schematics on the Miles Electric]

Sonic: "Should you be watching that? Seems a bit . . . mature for an eight-year-old?"

Tails: "Should I have helped fight the Death Egg Robot four years ago? Seems a bit mature for a four-year-old."

Sonic: "Touché, little bro. Carry o—actually, scoot over; this one looks interesting."

Sonic raised Tails, yes, but not in the way a traditional parent raises a child. He did his best, but he was a kid / teen raising a kid / teen and so things like "don't swear" and "eat a balanced diet" and "only G-rated cartoons" weren't exactly priorities. And even bedtime . . . Sonic teases Tails about his sleep schedule, but he's home sporadically and Tails is a Big Kid now; so long as he's not falling asleep on adventures, Sonic figures Tails can handle that himself.

Of course, none of this is to say Sonic doesn't care about Tails—he does, of course he does!—or that he didn't help Tails with important milestones when raising him. He was the one who taught Tails how to read and write. But he also respects Tails, and perhaps most importantly, is a teenager who wants to have fun with his kid brother / best friend. And that, in turn, is what keeps their relationship from really resembling that of a parent and child. Because they aren't; they're brothers-who-are-best-friends. And that's pretty darn special in its own right.