#well espio cleans

[artsyrosie]

LOVE to headcanon that Silver lives in the shed behind his garden. Great of this panel in the latest IDW Sonic issue to support my theory.

Also

[skaruresonic]

"These guys really treat mental illness with all the tact and decorum of a bull in a fucking china shop."

That what it feels like to me as well when I read those comics, like Surge trauma dump only to this Sonic treat her as a "gimmick" and the treatment Whisper get especially in Urban Warfare got me baffled.

I mean, it's not that surprising considering Flynn treats amnesia like an internal switch that 180s your personality when even the games don't do that. Chip doesn't lose his Light Gaia abilities, nor does Shadow become the life of the party, but Eggman gets sapped on the head and suddenly he's building toys for kids. Sonic receives the same treatment and he's sipping tea, pinkie raised, with Blaze.

In that case, the worst that can be said about it is that they're treating the subject matter too flippantly. But sometimes when they try to be Deep(tm), they wind up mangling this stuff in such a hamfisted manner that it becomes offensive. Like, yes, we get it, we fans love drama, but not like this, man.

Why is Whisper forced to offer Tangle the bigger apology for being triggered by Tangle's insensitive remark?

Why is Sonic's response to people in pain to go "I'll beat your ass until you decide to shape up" and "OH SO YOU THINK WE SHOULD MURDER EVERYONE HUH ESPIO?" Why does he sound like a freaking abuse apologist when he insists to Kit that Surge is "hurting herself"?

Why is the piece entitled "intrusive thoughts" when Lanolin does not seem to be least bit perturbed by them? Intrusive thoughts are ego-dystonic, meaning they're the opposite of what you usually stand for. You might think, for instance, "kill your dog" if you really love your dog, because you would never do such a thing.

Brains are weird. They cook that shit up extra spicy just to prepare you for the worst-case scenario (not that anxiety and the like are so clean-cut and rational, ofc, but that's the most basic gist). If your intrusive thoughts don't distress you, then they're just... thoughts, with no more moral weight than any other thought you have.

That is to say, if Lanolin was in any way suffering ego dystonia from her thoughts of causing an accident to hurt Sonic, we would have seen some pushback, some internal struggle, but no. She shows zero signs of compunction. She acted on those thoughts. The text describes it as "intrusive thoughts" while the subtext suggests rationalization. And sending those implications can potentially be dangerous to impressionable readers.

This is a case where, although I don't think ABT meant harm, he probably also didn't realize how dangerous it can be to conflate someone who intends harm and rationalizes it with someone who would never act on their violent thoughts.

[whitecatindisguise]

Secondary Heroes

8. Reaching Out

Silence filled the small worn-out hut at the outskirts of Central City, the only sounds being quiet cricketing from outside. None of the occupants of the room spoke, each buried in their own thoughts.

It was well into the night by the time Tails finished retelling the events started several weeks ago. Through all the time Kitsunami didn't speak even once, sitting on the old sofa next to the fox. His Hydro-Pack was on his lap, the fennec practically hiding himself behind the device. The only interaction that happened with the aquamarine Mobian were the nods at Tails whenever the fox asked for a confirmation whether his recollection was true.

Now that the explanation was over, the two foxes sat on the sofa, nervously awaiting the reaction from the other duo on the opposite side of the room. Tails was barely able to keep his namesakes from trashing agitatedly as he looked between Vector and Espio.

Charmy fell asleep not long after the yellow-furred genius had begun speaking. Not wanting to have the fox stop and then pick up the story, which the detectives could already see was causing enough stress for the both Mobians, they laid the bee on another couch in the corner of the room, Espio leaving only for a moment to retrieve a pillow and blanket from the other room.

"So," Espio spoke, catching the attention of all still-awake occupants of the room. He looked at Kitsunami, the fennec shrinking at the attention. "You and your partner, Surge were first tailed and then attacked by a former military unit, out of which only you came out relatively unscathed. You found Tails and asked him for help, probably because he's the only one you could go to. Tails agreed and you left in a hurry, not even cleaning up your workshop which was trashed by both your and Kitsunami's mistake." The chameleon squinted his eyes a little at that. It was clear that he didn't quite believe that part of the explanation, but he opted to leave it out for later. "You managed to break into Eggman's base and find the information about the unit that attacked you but you need help finding out who hired them to capture you and Surge," he finished, looking at the fennec.

"That's the gist of it," Tails confirmed, while Kitsunami resorted to simply nodding. He looked much calmer now, but the chameleon could still see the way his body was tense.

Read more on AO3

[rkwritingprojects]

Chaotix's Relations with Cream & Vanilla

Though he always tries to claim otherwise, Vector loves and adores Vanilla and Cream both. He always finds the time and the money to help the two of them out amidst their jobs and down time, even if it can sometimes cause problems for them.

He often looks after Cream whenever Vanilla has some chores or errands that she would like to take care of on her own, and Amy can't look after her. Though the two of them do butt heads sometimes, Vector wouldn't have it any other way, as it makes him proud that she stands up for what she believes in.

As for Vanilla, he misses her and her assistance with the Chaotix, but tries not to let that get in the way of any decisions that he needs to make in regards to bothering her. After all, she has her life, and they have theirs. This certainly doesn't stop him from poking her on occasion to satisfy a whim.

Charmy sees Vanilla and Cream both as female relative figures in his life. As he lives with other guys most of the time, he finds it great to be able to go visit, have some home-based cookies, and have fun with Cream doing various things. He also helps out sometimes, if they seem to need it. The bee tends to be the one helping with the roof of their home, cleaning out the gutters and, with Vanilla keeping an eye on him, fixing various, basic things around the house.

He usually ends up sneaking off from the Chaotix base just to meet up with Cream and hang out with the rabbits until it gets dark, then returning home and saying that he was busy taking care of various things.

Espio and Vector both know where he actually goes, but never calls him out on it. As he is a child as well, and it gives them time to take care of various matters of their own without him around.

Espio has a more neutral stance on Vanilla, as her leaving had left him peeved. It was during one of their most important missions, let alone they never had a chance to find someone that could help them in the same way she did. However, that frustration has tempered into a mutual respect for her. A mother must care for their child, and a ninja for their duties after all.

As for Cream, Espio finds her politeness and proper manners to be a bit of a surprise for children her age. After all, Charmy has been nothing like her, and Tails constantly treated Sonic as an older brother/mentor. Her determination to do what she thinks is right is also admirable to him, though he has to admit that she sometimes doesn't think through on what she's doing. Still, better spirited than not having a strong will.

[true-blue-sonic]

O i saw your writings can you make me one about espilver and their precious relashionship

i love your writings

Thanks for the compliments!💕 I haven't written in a few days, so that sounds nice! Do you have any specific ideas or can it be about anything? ^-^

I can already provide some headcanons:

Espio seems quite stuck-up with his feelings and not really like a person who can easily share what is bothering him with others, and Silver can be equally wary. They trust they can confide in each other when there is something on their mind!

On nights where Silver can't sleep because of nightmares or just his terrible sleeping schedule, Espio takes him downstairs to get him a cup of tea or a hot chocolate <3

Everyone is very surprised by Silver's immaculate knowledge on ninja weaponry, how to clean them, the best ways to throw them, their various deadly aspects, etc etc. They immediately concede afterwards that it actually is not at all weird he knows this, but still, it's always funny in an odd way to see Silver calmly clean a handful of kunai and shuriken because he wanted to surprise Espio with a neat arsenal.

Silver furthermore is the ONLY person Espio trusts to touch his weaponry.

On occasion, Silver asks Sonic if they can go to some pretty new place (often with lots of flowers and other such nature; Sonic is 100% the guy who knows all the best areas for sight-seeing, he comes everywhere), so Silver can later take Espio along to it as well. They might even take a picnic basked with a blanket and tasty stuff along if the place is farther away, so they can make it a whole-day excursion.

[espilver-week]

"There's something about nature-loving boys"

Last October we had 💜🤍Espilver Week 2023🤍💜, and we set up some polls to ask Espilver fans about their favorite everything for this ship✨

"Where would be the best place for their date?"

Over one-third of people chose Countryside 🏞 (Staying at home 🏡 was a close second!). A lot of people would agree that they are, especially Silver, fascinated by the beauty of nature. That being said, let's see why is that!✨

Everything about the lush & peaceful world

Silver (06) was hailed from a ruined future where the sun couldn't reach and plant-life being scarce. Seeing lush green and breathing refreshing air for once would be such an amazing experience. Even the dry desert couldn't stop him from awing at the peace and beauty the world provides! (Nearly 20% of voters also wanted Silver & Espio to go to the beach for a date!) The countryside definitely provides plenty chances of getting amazed and generally have a good time together!✨

Mod thinks, whether Silver's future is good or not (Sonic 06/Sonic Channel profile/etc. states Silver came from a ruined future, while Sonic Colors/TSR/etc. hinted that Silver's future is good), his love for the world would not falter. Silver values perseverance, and he wants to keep not only the plants, but the people, and things they value and love, safe, in a world with no disasters. Born during an apocalypse, Silver possibly only heard of the good times from others, having regular meals, hanging out for fun outside, breathing clean air, seeing a clear blue sky... Silver himself might not understand it himself, but his innate sympathy for the people extends to the things they had hoped to see again. He wanted to see the bright world because the people wanted to. He wished the world haven't lost everything to the flames, haven't reduced to ashes. Even if it was impossible to reverse time, and he had accepted reality and adapted pragmatic survival, he'd still hold on to this "fantasy" of an absolution for this world. And if he truly have a chance to save the world, he'd surely take it, press on no matter how much it might make, and finally bring hope to the people that yearned for life itself. Each stem grown from the soil represents brilliant life that shimmers with hope. Now Silver sees them all over the mountains and plains. It must be a dazzling view.

Camping usually takes place in the wild, after all

Classic Espio's bio told us 好き��もの：キャンプ (Likes: Camping), and usually people camp in the wilderness... That's... to be honest, a very simple reason to explain his love for nature. Arguably, camping can be "camping with a tent in a nature park for fun", or "camping in a well hidden place to catch you committing crimes in 4K". The reason why Espio likes camping has never been stated and it was all up to fans to interpret as they would.

If we do not count classic era and instead look into the current one, Espio being able to do Leaf Swirl would be as convincing as Vector knowing how to cook. Little indicates whether or not Espio adored nature very much besides the fact that leaves came from trees. Maybe it's only a medium to animate the strong gust of wind Espio could create.

Still, it just doesn't seem right to say Espio doesn't like going to the countryside. Camping as an activity is too afflicted with the purpose of getting closer with the nature, you must've liked the wilderness enough to say camping is your favorite activity. Same with Leaf Swirl, not flashy with light streaks, but unnoticeable yet fascinating like a leaf getting carried by a swift wind. Blends in with nature as if he has always been a part of it. So, it wouldn't be fair to disregard it as simply an effect for his moveset.

The nature seen at a countryside is not only trees and grasses, but the atmosphere it carries as well. Mod thinks, they both like the wilderness with different reasons. Silver loves it because it represents a peaceful world for him, while Espio enjoys it for its absense of needless noise and matters, as well as harmony for his spirit. No matter what it is, both of them can be themselves best when hanging out in a place they resonate with.

It is really nice to know people prefer the countryside as the place to go as well! It really suits them because they can talk their hearts out through their same interest.

Of course, there can be many more reasons of why from other Espilver shippers, and mod would love to see everyone's take on how their dates would be like! ✨

Do they talk about their troubles? Do they spar together as training? Would they talk about plants the whole day?

(Tumblr accidentally posted this unfinished post instead of saving it as draft for two times already. Apologies to those that saw this post publishing and deleting for days 🙏 There will be more posts extending on current topics or new ones in the future, stay tuned!)

[totaleclipse573]

Ok but I love that Espio and Tangle adopted, that feels so fitting for them honestly😭💕

May I ask what species Rocket is? Mayhaps some fun facts as well?👀

Rocket's a dog, a Dalmatian specifically! Also, sure! Glad you love him as much as I do <3

He's about 10 years old

Tangle was the one to find him, and she quickly grew to care for the young pup

Rocket would totally take naps on Tangle's tail at a younger age. When he's old enough though, he and his mother have a fun game in which Tangle spins around as fast as she can while Rocket holds on. Espio is very concerned

I could see Espio teaching Rocket some of the "ways of the ninja" only for him to accidentally kick some household items to the floor and break them. TANGLE IS SO PROUD OF HER LITTLE MAN but they should probably get that cleaned up

Tangle styled the top tuft of the fur on his head to look like a bit like hers, just because. It was for fun the first time but Rocket liked the look and kept it that way.

[misty-lake101]

Live and Learn AU - Headcanons

Hey guys! I haven't updated Live and Learn for moment cause life has been so busy and now I have COVID which absolutely sucks! But I am trying to work on the next few chapters. I'm not sure how long it will be, but until then, I thought I'd give y'all some headcanons in the meantime! They mainly pertain to everyone's career choices and house habits so you'll get an idea of their dynamic.

Sonic - Major: Sports Communication

Sonic cannot cook. Period. All of his roommates agree that leaving him unsupervised in the kitchen is a fire hazard. He tends to order takeout more and microwaves leftovers. But as he got older and was forced to manage his money a little more, he did learn a few basic things at least. The fact that he’s on a meal plan with the college helps as there are some places that serve decent food. Given how athletic he is, It’s a wonder he’s managed to stay healthy this whole time.

He’s also a huge slob. His room is a disaster and he’s the type to just throw his clothes on the floor when he gets back, and then toss it in the laundry at the last minute. He's also that person who can easily find items in a messy room, but feels lost when the place is sparkling clean.

Sonic and Shadow were on rival sports teams in high school. They didn’t see each other for awhile after graduation, but then meet again when Shadow transfers to GMU and becomes their roommate.

Silver - Major: Pre-medicine

Grew up in foster care, and therefore not used to treating a place like his own home. He used to always have a mindset of ‘I'm in someone else’s house and have to follow their rules’. Moving in with Sonic changed that for the better, of course. But of all the inhabitants, he is the most flexible as far as habits go. Like Sonic, his own room can get pretty messy, but he's more conscious of others and therefore a little better at keeping common spaces clean.

He mostly relies on his college’s meal plan but over time, is trying to learn how to cook. He's pretty bad at it too, but it's more because no one taught him anything. Espio uses his restaurant job to his advantage to help him in this area.

His sleep cycle can be a mess since he works night shift for his job. Keeping days of the week and dates straight is often a challenge and he often has to be reminded that no, it's Saturday morning - not Friday night. His daily routine depends on his class/work schedule or what he feels like doing that day. Without that as some kind of structure, he can have almost no concept of time

Shadow - Forensics, but at some point, Undecided

Being in military school and having a strict guardian as well as a chronically ill and severely immunocompromised sister resulted in some extreme habits for Shadow.

He is the epitome of a neat freak. Every nook and corner of the house will be subject to a good vacuuming and mopping if he can help it. He’s an early riser and has a specific morning routine. Comically, these things end up being a source of conflict between him and Sonic when he first moves in.

Unlike Sonic and Silver, Shadow is very good at cooking and becomes the de-facto chef of the house. He's very adept at everything from basic to gourmet meals and knows how to tailor in dietary restrictions of all kinds. He also won't allow anyone but Amy to help him out in the kitchen.

Amy - Nursing, but is thinking of changing her career

At the start of the story, Amy's life was a bit of a mess before she moved in with Sonic and Silver. She lived with three girls in another house and they were generally pretty awful to her, as was her boyfriend. After thirteen months of that, she moved out early when the stress reached a boiling point.

Yet in terms of house habits, she (and to a certain extent, Silver too) is the obligatory "how am I the most normal one here???"

She generally gets along with everyone. Though she and Sonic dated briefly in school, there's no bad blood between them and they're good friends. She bonds very quickly with Silver since they're both in the medical field and can understand each other's struggles that are unique to that career. Silver also looks to her a lot for dating advice. Amy has a pretty civil relationship with Shadow and they gradually become very good friends as well.

Her house habits don't really have anything too extraordinary about them. She's pretty good with cleaning up after her self and is flexible with others. Amy's expectations aren't very high beyond, "please clean up after yourself" and "don't do the nasty in shared spaces and leave 'evidence' of it".

When Shadow first moved in, he and Sonic would bicker a lot. Amy did her best to stay out of it, but there were times she had to intervene. When this happened, she and Silver would take turns deciding who would be the one to break them up.

[beachhouse2000]

💝 and 📓 for Espio?

HIII!!!!!! thank u for the ask! also sorry for blocking you I have no idea how long it was until i noticed but it was an accident JHYGWTFTGH

Ahhhhh Espio love language, something I think about probably multiple times daily. This could be extremely long if I took the time to go as in depth as possible, but obviously I'm not going to do that!

Also like 5 sentences in I immediately start talking about espilver in this soo just a warning idk

I think Espio probably has a more indirect love language most of the time and probably gets easily embarrassed by public shows of affection because he's just kind of insecure like that. I think his primary love language towards others is probably acts of service. For the chaotix that means cleaning up for them and doing things like making sure they have groceries every week, as well as tucking charmy into bed when vector is having a particularly rough night or staying up a bit later until all the paperwork is done. With Silver I think he probably leans a bit more into the emotional support side of that as well as just following him around and helping how he can on missions and stuff! :3 Personally my favorite espilver dynamic is how they are portrayed in rivals 2, and in that game Espio is basically doing exactly what I described, following silver around and helping him with his mission, as well as literally robbing sonic for him. I also think that although Espio does not appear to be particularly touchy with anyone (similar to silver) I do think he would quite enjoy physical affection in private with a romantic partner, especially if they are warm because he's a cold little guy and chameleons are just like that. Also I don't think he would complain to small amounts of affection in public like hand-holding. I also think he has a tendency to just lurk around the people he cares about even if they aren't doing anything directly with him. he soaks in their energy JHGFGHJK

OKAY THAT WAS LONG hobbies one now :3

Honestly, Espio already has a pretty long list of hobbies in canon already, like playing the shamisen, reading, and probably practicing the 17 languages he's fluent in (according to the wiki he apparently likes camping too, seems like it fits, but no idea where that came from if anyone knows lmk). It's kind of hard to think of new ones for him because he already does so many things! Being fluent 17 languages probably means he writes a lot of different things in a lot of different languages, otherwise the skill would probably be lost! So I would say Espio is most definitely a writer and he has probably filled dozens of notebooks with everything from shopping lists to poetry. Also I think it would be silly if Espio chose to teach Charmy another language as well as english, mainly because teaching children multiple languages is beneficial, but also because Espio needs to keep practicing too!

thank u for asking :3 I like to think about Espio quite often, and I checked the wiki for the source of the camping interest and it says it was in a Knuckles Chaotix manual so that makes sense as to why I haven't heard about it before!

[siennaditbot]

So normal about this commission I got from @trekkerac <33

It's a scene from my oc x canon fic "Vulpecula & Lacerta" on AO3 :>

In short: Slushie has had enough of being a useless crybaby and wants to learn to fight to protect herself and others, and Espio doesn't think she can do it. He turns invisible and reappears with the kunai against her throat. She pushes it away, absolutely determined to prove her worth.

I'll drop the whole scene under the cut <3

Vector was half-asleep in his chair, and Espio was meditating in the corner. They roused when Slushie entered the room.

“Hello, thanks again for, you know, saving the world and all”, she smiled nervously.

Vector waved it off.

“Eh, it’s what we’re here for. What’s up?”

Slushie sat down on the couch and considered her words for a moment.

“I’m here to make a trade.”

“Trade? What’cha got in mind?”

“I can make you ads, draw composites, bake things and maybe even clean, whatever you need.”

“And..?”

She tightened her trembling fists.

“I want you to teach me how to fight.”

“I’m against it”, Espio immediately pointed out, getting properly seated as well. He looked at her with sharp, analytical, and slightly disappointed eyes.

“C-can you tell me why?”

“I saw how you acted during the pandemic. You were always crying. You stood behind everyone else, not able or willing to do anything. You’re naïve, emotional, and a little too airheaded.”

She really had to fight back the tears, not wanting to give him the satisfaction of proving him right.

“That’s exactly why I’m asking. Do you think I’m proud of myself?”

Espio shifted in his seat and defiantly crossed his arms. Her eyes were icy, yet burning.

She turned to Vector.

“I’m strong. I grew up carrying trees up a mountainside. I can jump at least two stories high. I might not want to use my arms because I am an artist, but I know my legs are powerful enough to cause damage.”

“Why the sudden interest? One would think that most would want to avoid heading into action after all that happened.”

“I thought I was fine with being on the sidelines. I felt like I was finally useful when I started helping the Restoration. But when push came to shove again, I was still the useless crybaby who hid in the corner waiting for others to save her. I’m done with that. I’m done!”

She counted to 10 to calm down like she used to back in White Park, and started again.

“I don’t know how to fight, but I do know that I can learn. I just need a little training.”

“Being able to fight doesn’t mean that you can do it when it really matters”, Espio sneered again, still obviously against the idea.

“Stop grilling the girl, Espio. She’s clearly trying.”

Vector leaned forward in his chair.

“Do you think you’re capable of keeping yourself together in a moment of crisis?”

She had to think for a moment.

“I think I’ll be able to, with a little practice. I’ve done a few years of customer service, if that counts.”

“Hardly.”

Espio suddenly disappeared and soon reappeared, holding a kunai against her throat.

“Can you think under pressure or when in danger?”

She gulped, but the panic in her eyes soon turned into anger again. She reached for the hand holding the weapon and pushed it away from her, despite his struggles.

She was still holding the kunai-wielding hand when she spoke to him, the searing blue fire in her eyes taking him off his guard for a brief second. She was almost snarling at him.

“I want to. So I came here.”

Her voice was low. Defiant, challenging, and, most of all, determined. She wasn’t going to let anyone underestimate her again.

Vector sighed as Espio went to sit back down.

“I guess there’s no harm in trying. And having someone who can actually draw-”

Both he and Espio briefly shot a look at Charmy. Was the 6-year old in charge of advertising and composites…?

“-would be helpful. We’d gladly accept the other offers as well.”

“Really?” both Slushie and Espio turned to ask, with opposite reactions.

“There’s no shame in trying to become better. I thought you for sure would appreciate the drive, Espio.”

“Hmph.”

“I’ll work hard to not disappoint you all.”

“Ehh, relax, kid. We’ll whip you up into a fighter yet”, Vector grinned, before realizing something.

“Wait, aren’t you officially a part of the Restoration? Why not ask them?”

“I thought about it, but...I didn’t want to bother them. They’re spread thin getting everything back in shape again. And…”

“And?” Charmy finally spoke up as well, curiously peeking out from behind the couch.

“I saw you three in action. You were really cool, and… and I wanted to be more like you. You’re fighters, but you aren’t an armored force. You’re just… yourselves, and you’re still helpful. Able to make a difference just by being brave and trying your best. Does… does that make sense?”

“I think so! Being a hero means being brave, no matter who you are!”

“The kid said it. You don’t have to join the army to help. And being among the everyday citizens makes us faster to act when needed.”

“Yeah. I promise I will do my best to get braver. Cream told me everyone has the power to change things, and that I just have to find it in myself.”

“She’s not wrong”, Espio sighed. “Let’s just hope that you’re able to do that.”

Slushie shot an annoyed look at him. He really didn’t believe in her, huh?

She chose to ignore him and walked to Vector’s desk to shake hands with him.

“You get two months, okay? If you still end up crying in the corner by the end of it, you’ll have to find something else to do. That sound good?”

“...Yeah. I wouldn’t want you to waste your time dealing with someone like that, anyway”, she managed to say with a small smile. That seemed to lift the mood slightly, and Vector gave her a good slap on the back, causing her to stumble a few steps forward.

She reminded Charmy about the cinnamon buns, and he eagerly brought them out. Espio went to make everyone some tea.

Slushie decided to leave, so they could properly figure out what to do with her.

[alicemichelle297]

The Murder of Sonic the Hedgehog (2023) review

When I cranked out my 4000 word review of Sonic Frontiers, I thought that would be the last I talked about a Sonic game for awhile. After all, there were no more games planned to be released any time soon and I didn't figure I'd have much to say about the Frontiers DLC for example. So until I worked on some retro reviews for the series, I figured it'd be on the backburner for a few weeks.

Imagine my surprise when the Sonic social media team released their own game for April Fool's Day: The Murder of Sonic the Hedgehog.

And the best part is it's great!

I've never really been one for visual novels, though I am aware of them. I think the only VN in my Steam library is Long Live the Queen (and I wouldn't expect a review of that any time soon, by the way), but I've seen others including some dating simulators on YouTube so I'm familiar with the genre to an extent.

Story

It's Amy's birthday and she's arranged for everyone to join her for a murder mystery dinner party on a luxury train, the Mirage Express.

Sonic, Knuckles, Shadow, Vector, Espio, Rouge and Blaze are all given roles and costumes to match and are asked to put on a mystery for Amy, playing the role of a journalist, and Tails, a detective, to solve.

You play as a poor anthropomorphic animal on their first day working for the Mirage Express. You help Tails sort through the clues and keep the party going.

Gameplay

It's a visual novel, so the gameplay is very simple. Most of the time, you're just going to be reading dialogue and choosing between two dialogue options to advance the story.

During investigation segments, you'll be given a widescreen view of the room and use your mouse pointer to search for clues. Some things are of no consequence, but you never know what you might find.

Then, once you've found enough clues, it's time to confront and interrogate your suspect. The game starts you off easy with a mystery about Amy hiding something from you and Tails before you move on to solving the murder of Sonic.

At key points in the interrogation, you'll have to pick a piece of evidence to support your accusation and then play a mini-game on the "DreamGear" to think through your argument.

The DreamGear mini-game is an isometric style platforming challenge. It's actually interesting to see Sonic at this angle because it hasn't really been done before.

You simply have to jump over hazards like spikes and explosives and collect enough rings to clear the challenge. The first mini-game only requires 10 rings to clear, but by the end of the game you'll need to collect 100 rings to beat the game.

On the bright side, if you just can't get the hang of moving left to right at this awkward angle, you can actually decrease the game's speed and the ring requirements by percentages in the options menu. Perfect for people who are more used to visual novels and not platforming games, not that I know why anyone who doesn't like platforming would be interested in a Sonic game.

Presentation

I. Love. This. Art.

The art director, Min Ho Kim, perfectly renders these characters in a clean and expressive art style.

Each character is dressed up in a costume for Amy's party and yet each one fits their real personalities in a fun way. Tails in a Sherlock Holmes costume just looks right, and Blaze being a tycoon of industry is just fancy enough to suit the inter-dimensional princess. Sonic dressed up as a ship captain weirdly suits him but I half-expected him to start calling us "Old Sport."

The environments are all colorfully and creatively done. Some of the background details are such cute and random references to the wider franchise that the whole game becomes a treat for longtime fans.

The dialogue has plenty of nods to past games, as well, including Sonic Forces and Sonic Frontiers, adding to the streak of recent content forming a consistent continuity. Is this game canon? Probably not, but it's still positioned itself in the IDW/post-Forces continuity, which I'm loving so far.

The Verdict

Is this a bit over-kill for a review of a free Steam game that was literally an April Fool's joke? Yes.

Does it deserve this much attention? Yes.

The Murder of Sonic the Hedgehog is a love letter to the entire fandom and it's an easy recommendation from me. Download it now on Steam (while you can, I'm guessing) for Windows and macOS.

[smashingveteransandnewcomers]

"Easy. Robotic Arms. During events they can perform a variety of tasks, and are responsible for cleaning up messes afterwards." Espio began "The arms can also detect weapons or explosives being brought onto the train, ensuring passenger safety."

"Well, that explains why I saw Team Hooligan get thrown off before we picked you guys up..." Gadget comments. "Seems like he aced that question, thought..."

Team Trinity Side Stories: A Murder Mystery on Rails

@smashingveteransandnewcomers

The Mirage Express, a high class express train that is well known for its excellent service and even its top of the line train. They're also famous for holding interactive murder mystery parties and escape rooms. Pretty much everyone has heard about it. But today is a day that everyone on board this train will never forget. Especially the newest recruit to the express train's staff, a quokka named Barry. They were just arriving in the Dining Car as they finished writing their name on their nametag

"I hope people can read my chicken scratch... But at least I seem to be early... I was afraid Inwas going to be late..." Barry mumbled to themselves before they looked around the car

[fastfists]

Knuckles is protective over those he cares about (and especially those he has feelings for/is in love with). It’s not cause he doesn’t think they can’t hold their own or are capable fighters  — very well aware they can kick someone’s ass well and hard when it comes down to it  — hell, he admires that in them.

No, the reason he is as protective as he is and will put himself in harms way for them is very simple. He doesn’t like seeing them get hurt in the slightest. If he can prevent that happening, even if he knows they can handle it, he will take every hit he can for them.

[true-blue-sonic]

Is Silver allowed to babysit Charmy and how does it go?

He absolutely is; in a world of Espilver, I headcanon he stayed home to watch Charmy when Espio and Vector were off for TMOSTH, haha. And I've written it into a few fics before! I can imagine the two of them to be good pals: Silver can easily keep up with Charmy in the air, and though he's not always on board with Charmy's shenanigans, Charmy is in awe enough of Silver's powers to listen to him... somewhat! But just like how Charmy thinks Shadow is the coolest person to have graced the world ever, I figure he might have a similar opinion on Silver and his epic mind powers and lack of problems with blowing things up. That definitely helps Silver to keep the order!

That being said, something I adore writing in my fics is Espio and/or Vector coming home to a house that is only standing still by the power of a miracle, and Silver needing to throw in some mad psychic last-minute cleaning of basically everything as to not have either be suspicious, lol. Vector and Espio know what's going on still, Silver's not at all subtle, but the former two figure that all is well if neither Silver or Charmy is hurt. Nor do they want to know just what those two have been up to! So overall the babysitting goes well, if "well" includes causing massive chaos and minor property dishevelling. But Charmy and Silver have fun with it, and thus they'll both keep it up for as long as they can!

[darkchaogarden-blog]

Vector abstains from drugs and alcohol, claiming it’s because he wants to set a good example to Espio and Charmy. Charmy thinks it’s just to impress Vanilla, but Espio knows the truth: Vector was a heavy drinker and smoker in the past, always coming home from deejaying blackout drunk or high as a kite. It got to a point where Espio threatened that if he came home like that again he would tell Vanilla, as well as take Charmy and leave. After considerable effort, Vector got sober and started his detective agency. Every year, Espio writes a poem to Vector in celebration of staying clean.

[mrspritestories]

Sonic The Hedgehog: A Sunny Reunion (Silver x Jet)

A pair of futurist shoes landed on the checkered hills of the stunning coastline of Seaside Hill.

Its white beaches with clear blue skies were quite a sight that Silver wasn’t accustomed to. It was amazing feeling the bright sun on his skin and even watching it reflect on the blue ocean which inhabited the large orcas.

A feeling of temptation crept into his brain, whispering in his ear to dive into the clean and salty waters, but he instantly pushed it away. There was no time to do that, as he was met with a shocking truth.

He was incredibly lost.

Even being a time-traveling hedgehog had its issues. In reality, he wasn’t used to this current timeline. Every place he went was so different and safe, unlike the catastrophe back at home. So many details stuck out, and even though that should give him an advantage, it sadly wasn’t the case.

In fact, he just so happened to stumble into this gorgeous zone by complete accident.

A wearily sigh escaped the hedgehog after having to use his teviewsnesis powers for a highly long time. Not once during his travels did he come across someone he was friends or acquaintances with. It was pretty mysterious indeed, but as he seemed to be in a secure zone, he might as well rest a little to catch his stamina.

Perhaps he might come across a familiar face.

And yet, in a surprising twist, as he walked through the smooth sand of the shore, it seemed that not even a new face was located far or near.

He was entirely alone.

Kicking the sand, he stopped to admire the view once more, but in a more meditative state.

“Man…”. The white hedgehog began, talking out loud to himself. “Where is everyone? I’m sure I hopped into the right timeline!”. He paused to cross his arms. “No sign of Sonic… Or Blaze and Espio… And even Shadow… This is so weird”. He moved his eyes to look at the blue skies. “At least this place looks normal… I wonder why there’s no one around”.

Before going on with his pointless monologue, his back was poked by some sort of soft but firm texture, frightening the poor hedgehog.

“Ah~! Well! Well! We’ve met again, Silver the Hedgehog!”.

At first, the hedgehog was frozen stiff due to his shaky stance of being out of nowhere touched. Yet, as he scrutinized the squawking sound in his head, he immediately turned around, hoping the voice belonged to whom he thought it did.

And lo and behold, it was none other than the cunning and egotistical green bird himself, Jet the Hawk; the leader of the Babylon Rogues and acclaimed worldwide champion of extreme gear competitions.

It was quite a coincidence to catch sight of him on such a beautiful shore.

Well, in all honestly, in Silver’s opinion, it made quite a lot of sense.

“J-Jet~! Wow! Long time no see! I haven’t seen you since we last faced off in the Grand Prix!”. He cheerfully exposition as his tail waggled with a mind of its own.

The green hawk cackled in his typical smug way as he folded his arms. "Oh, you had yet to know I am full of surprises when it comes to getting the drop on my rivals~”.

‘Rivals?’.

It was strange, but somehow that word had quite a positive vibe in his head.

"Well, guess I walked onto that one~”. He chuckled. "But really, I wasn’t expecting to see you on this side of the world~! How’d you get here?”. He asked in awe, showcasing a warm grin.

“My board”. He nonchalantly answered, pointing at the hoverboard a little far away from them, sticking out of the ground. “I… I just wanted to relax and be away from Wave and Storm for a while”. He explained, looking out in the distance. “Those guys give me such headaches, and I couldn't handle their bickering any longer!”.

“Oh… Sorry to hear that�� Well, in my case, I’m super lost!”. For some odd reason, that phrase provoked the hawk to flinch. Yet, Silver kept going. "I’ve been trying to find Sonic and the others for a while, but… I have no clue where they could be”.

The bird was surprised, yet his expression instantly turned sour. "Hmph! W-Well, I assure you, Silver the Hedgehog, you might as well forget about those losers! If you ask me, if you can’t find them, then they don’t want anything to do with you! If I were you… I would drop it!”.

Such a retort confounded Silver until he began examining his bird friend. He noticed several marks around his body as if someone had given him a rough time. Despite that, the telekinesis hedgehog didn’t jump to any dreadful conclusions. That was until he stared at his handmade board and acknowledged it was leaning forward to a small hole in the sand.

Almost as if-

Putting two and two together, the hedgehog gasped. "Jet!! Did you crash?!”. He witnessed the bird let out a squawk, reversing his steps away from him. And that behavior alone was enough for him to approach, ensuring there were no severe injuries. "Are you okay?? What happened?!”.

Jet felt his body warm up at such caring nature, yet his facial expression was talking in an opposite language, pouting in a rather aggressive tone.

He tried to attain some personal space between them, but when he couldn’t, he let out an obnoxious groan. "I-I’m fine!! I did not crash!! Jet the Hawk doesn’t do failure!!”.

“Jet! You know you can tell me anything! I’m not going to make fun of you! That’s the last thing I would do! We’re friends, after all!!”.

‘Friends?’.

A rather strange word for the young bird.

Unfortunately, Jet pushed him away. "Ah! Friends!!". Scoffed the hawk. "That word means nothing to me! It’s such a sentimental weakness, and I’m not weak!! I am the fastest creature alive! Nothing gets by me! I always expect the unexpected! I-“.

A sudden aqua glow wrapped itself around the bird as he stared wide-eyed at his hedgehog friend, seeing one of his hands raised. Before Jet could object to this cruel act, he felt his body being thrown, causing him to screech loudly until stopping when he fell on the ocean’s shore. It is as if he was a basketball, but instead of a basket, he was dunked into the salty water.

Powering down on his telekinesis powers, Silver chuckled. "I’m guessing you didn’t expect that~?”. He smiled while lowering his hand. “C’mon, Jet… What’s wrong?”.

Jet stood up, growling at such audacity.

Until he sighed. “Fine!! My team and that stupid blue hedgehog with his little friends were racing, but I lost control of my board… and crashed…”. He sighed, walking onto the sand and sitting with his back facing him. “They forgot about me… I don’t even think Wave or Storm noticed”. Pausing on that, he looked away. “I thought I could beat that insufferable hedgehog… but he always manages to be one step ahead of me… It’s not fun!! I’m supposed to be the master of the extreme gears! Not him!! I was the one who mastered the skills!! But yet…”. He held his legs and leaned his head on them. “I…”. He lowered down further. “I’m a loser…”.

Not another peep was heard as Jet hid from the failure that was himself.

Embarrassed and repugnant.

Suddenly, a hand was placed on his shoulder, resulting in the hawk lifting his head and looking up to see the telekinesis hedgehog… warmly smiling at him.

“Jet… You’re not a loser~! Even the great must fall eventually! If you call yourself a loser, then I’m completely useless! I mean…”. He nervously beamed, slowly sitting down next to him. “I’m supposed to make sure our timeline doesn’t go rock bottom, yet I keep losing track of everything! Trusting the wrong people… making reckless decisions… but I learn from those mistakes and apply them to my next decisions. Like… I have done wrong, but I know I won’t screw up next time! You know?”.

A bright glitter was seen in the hawk’s eyes as he slowly smiled at the sheer sweetness coming from his riv-

No… His friend. His close friend.

Moving his eyes away, he automatically grabbed the hedgehog by the shoulder and passionately kissed his cheek. However, it was briefly. It was noticeable how dumbfounded the hedgehog reacted, not having enough energy to load whatever just happened in his brain.

Yet, a cute smile spread to his lips as he touched the smooched area.

“Silver!! Over here!!”.

Hearing his name being called out, the hedgehog turned around, only to see there was a delineation of someone coming from above.

It was Sonic the Hedgehog himself.

He jumped out of his board, proceeding to grab it in mid-air. “Hey, Silver! Long time no see~!”.

“Sonic!!”. He happily yelled, followed by standing up. “I’m glad to see you’re here! Jet and I were just talking, and w-“.

By the time Silver was about to look back at his companion, he was shocked to find that he was no longer there.

Jet had vanished out of thin air.

“Oh…”. Sighed a sad white hedgehog.

Sonic rubbed the tip of his ear, puzzled as to what was happening. “Aw, I’m sorry, Silver. Was Jet with you? Well, don’t worry about him, okay? That guy always preferred his privacy rather than chill out with others”. He paused. “Well, speaking of which; wanna tag along with us? Knux and Tails are waiting for me, and we are on our way to Station Square! We’re gonna have some lunch~!”.

The futuristic hedgehog hesitated at first but, seeing no sign of the green bird, opted to nod gradually. “Sure… Sounds fun”.

And thus, both hedgehogs left the beautiful Seaside Hill, unaware that the green hawk was hiding behind a stone ruin, as he held himself to keep his feelings in check.