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sonicblueartist · 1 year

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𝑴𝒚 𝑯𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒄𝒂𝒏𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝑨𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝑺𝒐𝒏𝒊𝒄 𝑪𝒓𝒆𝒘

Sonic - Amy - Knuckles - (Will add more in time)

Author Note: I wanted to share these with you~ Please don't forget these are all just my headcanons and consider this info before saying anything. Don't write I don't agree with this and such. Of course, you have the freedom to not like what I'm writing but these are all my headcanons, and I love them and I want to share them. I like criticism and criticism is neither good nor bad, but you need to know the short line between criticism and non-criticizing/scornful comments.👀

Masterlist

𝐑𝐄𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐃: Yes || No

Warnings: Cursing and some angst

Word Count: 3083

A/n: Does anyone want to be in the tag list?

TAILS

I headcanon Tails will outgrow everyone in the crew when he grows up. And because humans are naturally taller than most mobians, Tails will be taller than an average human with the same age as him.

He has Astraphobia, because no one ever teached him or went through with him when a thunderstorm appeared. He was naturally scared and now it has become a phobia.

He can play violin and guitar very well. Loves to listen to classical music while he is working.

He loves meat related foods! He can cook but not so well. Seeing it like some kind of creating new things like his inventions with new ingredients. So he likes it and doesn’t get bothered or tired/bored. He sometimes gets lost in it and makes a mess and some non-edible food. He decided to leave more complicated foods to professionals and stayed on to mixing chemicals only. He’s better at that. He lives alone so he had to know chores and such. But probably created a helper to make them deal with it so he can spend more quality time on his inventions.

I feel like there is more to Tails' past than we think. I headcanon he ran away from an orphanage trying to give him to ‘uncaring’ parents and he is tired of that. And maybe in those times he didn't like to talk much. Mostly because he doesn't see the need for it. He ran away from his village, from his bullies and uncaring, cruel glares, and built a treehouse for himself. After building that house, and constant stealing to survive and then trying to forget those hated memories he met Sonic. And after he grows up he forgets most of it because of the trauma.

I've been in an orphanage for as long as I can remember. I couldn't warm up to anyone no matter how many times I tried, I was always left behind and excluded.

I felt uneasy all the time. It felt like someone was going to come and shout at me any moment. That's why I always did the activities I liked in secret, afraid they were going to take them away from me too. The kids there were always so mean, always ostracized me because of my look, always destroying what I'm trying to do; like puzzles, books, small machines.

I was the youngest there most of the time. Even when I wasn't, when a new kid came, they were always chosen for a family, while I was always in the background. No one ever chooses me nor looks at my way. Even the caretakers were avoiding looking at my face, giving me what I needed and leaving. That's when I learned to take care of myself.

One day, to my surprise, a family adopted me. I thought that I would be happy with this situation and the hope once melted away, once again would bloom, but it didn't happen. The caregivers said I should be grateful for this and accused me of being ungrate. Maybe I was. I always dreamed that my life would be better if I had a real family, but it didn't. What did real family mean anyway? The people who loved you no matter what? The people who raised you or gave birth to you? What do friends actually mean? What does home mean? Is the place you call home where you were born? Or is it a place where you can be happy and peaceful?

None of these was what I saw and felt. I never knew.

The family I was given never took the chance to look after me, instead they kept arguing, and in the end, I couldn't stand it and ran away.

My life didn't get any better but at least I was free from the authority of adults. The bullying never stopped and I had to find somewhere to live in the time being as well as to steal things to live one more day -I also needed to avoid incase the orphanage hunted me down or the police- But no one seemed to notice my disappearance nor cared….. So it was all good? That was what I thought at least. But it wasn't what I really felt. I wanted to know how being loved felt like. I always envy those lucky kids with loving parents but I knew that was never going to happen to me. So there is no need to hope or dream for this anymore.

When I turned 8 my life was starting to come down, I was trying so hard to not lose it and clutch one hope that has been helping me to stay sane, wanting to taste the feeling of being loved. One day to be noticed… I have already finished reading all the books in the library nearby. And one day I wanted to do something for this world too. An invention that could leave a mark forever. Or a building or a book. I didn't want to just live like a ghost as a nobody.

And one day, my prayers answered when I met Sonic. Until that day I never once talked, finding nothing important/interesting to say nor I ever imagined someone would care to listen to what I had to say.

"Hey, little guy. What's your name?"

Tails thought about this, he knew in his documents at the orphanage that his real name was Miles Prower, but they called him Tails soooo many times that it had become so natural to him, he knew that was a nickname to ‘joke’ about his obvious difference but he didn’t care anymore. Till that day he was carrying that mutated tail of his as a burden but he never once could have imagined he would be so proud to have it, seeing it as a gift instead of an embarrassment after meeting Sonic. He knew who he was. Of course, he heard his heroism among the villagers and quickly became a fan himself. His actions were inspiring, he wished he could be more like him.

He stopped himself from using his real name a long time ago, seeing it didn’t change anything, even making it worse, they all bullied him about it too of course. When he was using it, everyone was making fun of it. He smiled, thinking that this nickname would be a more 'safe' and 'compatible' option. He was excited to finally meet a ‘hero’. Despite being insulted throughout his entire life, Tails has never lost his kindness and thoughtfulness. But he wouldn't be able to stand it if his idol also makes fun of it… so he needs to be quiet about some facts about himself. The thing he is so bad at, being quiet about something. What a big mouth he has….

For the first time, he felt hope. The kind eyes and the soft touches of his idol gave him the courage he had been lacking; his tails wagging, posture upright like a soldier, he was having a hard time holding himself back from bouncing in his feet, "My name’s Tails!" he finally shouted happily.

I think Tails becomes really nervous with his own tails around Sonic more often then he notices (back when they first met I mean, before Sonic kept encouraging him about them. He is actually always doing it ,on purpose or not, but not that often after he notices his lack of courage about them. Sonic loves that kid like a little brother there is no doubt about it. And he will forever praise him with every chance he gets) in some point nearly hating their existence but also afraid to lose them because you know, they are a part of him (would you like to cut a finger dear friend?), even tho he hates the thought.

When Tails first moved into Sonic's home (I headcanon Sonic at least owns one but never even takes his minutes to actually design or live in there. He doesn't even sleep in there. "I mean why sleep in a claustrophobic box instead of sleeping in an open field full of flowers and butterflies?" He eats outside all the time too even without paying lmao. The citizens know his heroic act and they want to return the favor by giving him anything he wants without asking for the return, even though Sonic feels bad about not giving what they deserve for their hard work, like money. He agrees in the end, without any choice to be given. He won't get a job and work, after all that’s not him. Yeah…. I do save their life all the time so I guess that works too? But he never does that so he can go around and get whatever he wants for free.) So Tails takes the action to start designing the house. That's something he is best at afterall. But when Sonic comes to check up on him. He didn't like the view he saw. At all.

He swallows a chilidog and cooly spoke, "Dude, why did you design the house like this?"

Tails fidget with his hands, ears dropping, "Oh, um… don't you like it? It's your main color, I thought-"

"That's the whole point! I LOVE IT! But I shouldn't love it this much."

Tails was really confused, "Huh�� why?"

After finishing his chili he grips his shoulders with a serious smile, "Tails, this is your house. You should design it, with your own color, whatever you desire. Maybe add your signature look or design a logo with your two tails. Show what makes you unique!! Maybe open the garage and start working on your mecanic/science stuff in there! Stop thinking about what others would love and start thinking about what you love to do!"

Tails was bewildered but more than happy to listen to him— To listen to himself. He designed the whole house as his color, changed the furnatures a little, placed his books here and there, and put the toys he collected in. (He loves collecting figures) He started to use the garage as his work space, sometimes fixing peoples machines to gain money so he can buy something for himself too. Simply to say this, Sonic is proud.

Suddenly everything he owns becomes his. Sonic doesn't mind at all. He wasn't using anything related to a 'stuck in place' anyway. Even when Tails found out about his plane he offered to use it. The kid was delighted.

Tails knew this wasn't the same when he built the treehouse. This time… Sonic was by his side. His big brother. Who loves him more than anything. Even though he knows this he couldn't help himself but have doubts. All his life no one ever actually loved him for real…. He is suspicious and angry at his mind for thinking such things. But it was eating him out no matter what.

When Sonic comes to crash in his house for a few days he becomes nervous. He is nervous because, every time they sit in the same room he becomes very aware of his two tails. Even though he tries to focus on something else, it doesn't work. He feels out of his skin. Everything cool about Sonic reminds him of everything disgusting about him.

And when he gets extremely nervous around him he loses control over his tails, as they trash anxiously around, they bump into something causing them to drop and crash on the ground. That was mostly his books or toys. He becomes really embarrassed when Sonic finds this funny(cute). He helps him to collect them anyway.

But Tails never gets over this, why does he have to embarrass himself all the time?

He couldn't find the answer to that.

One day he accidently crashes a vase in Amy's house. That was from the first time he met her. Sonic decided to introduce the two friends he loves dearly. Tails never once in his life felt out of place/out of his fur covered skin so so much. Even when Amy was so nice to him, acting like a big sister looking over her lovely little brother.

He wanted to cry that second, this was too much for him. He never made friends before, he couldn't believe he was actually doing it or not. And after he accidentally broke the vase in his anxious moments. He crashed down on the ground, trying to pick up all the broken pieces through his blurry vision and shaky hands, repeating the same word, 'sorry', while tears poured down from his eyes nonstop.

Amy and Sonic panicked and got really upset. Not to him. They were sad for what he had to face in his early ages.

They tried to ease him up, helping him and reassuring everything is fine. When Tails finally calmed down a little, they drank hot chocolate together as they talked about funny things. They both give the kit the kind looks he needed all his life, and with some beautiful compliments added he started crying once again. But this time he was really happy and at peace.

Embarrassed, he sips his hot chocolate muttering, "It's really hard to sit right with them…"

"Yeah, I can imagine. But that's what makes you unique and I think being different from others is much cooler than being normal if you ask me."

He wasn't comfortable in his own body yet. But he knew as long as he had his friends one day he would also feel comfortable and proud of himself.

With Sonic dragging the kit all around the world he went. He does get open up, even gets eager to meet with new people. And he finally confesses his real name to him and Sonic never once jokes anything about it. With all the bonding time they get together, Tails finds himself finally relaxing and easing on himself. He wasn't still as courageous as the hedgehog but he is trying at least, right? And that's what matters. He is trying his hardest.

He sometimes bonds with Amy too. She shares some pretty design ideas she owns. Some better clean up methods, and most importantly, Tails learned some cooking food techniques from her. (Tails also learns some gardening from Vanilla and Cream too. He reads a lot of books in his life. He had an idea of most things but never experienced it himself. Doing all this with his friends makes him feel so happy.)

I imagine Amy and Tails visit each other's houses to draw and have some fun (relieve some stress) a lot. Amy draws silly and nicely done little comics, sketches; while Tails makes scale drawings.

Physical, emotional, and psychological trauma can all play a factor with memory loss. So I headcanon that Tails forgets some things that happened in the past like when he gets his traumes from the worst places. Some of all is blurry, some of it he really can't remember. I think his memory is really strong. This is just how he copes with trauma. He easily forgets 'unimportant' things his brain allows. That also opens a place for him to learn more 'important' things.

He doesn't mostly sleep in bed, or doesn't (all the time) voluntarily go to bed himself. (He falls asleep on his deskwork lol) But when he does he always hugs something: a pillow, his tails, a plush toy(?), a blanket. It has become a habit from the past. Before he met Sonic, there wasn't much to keep him warm in the treehouse so he hugged the closest thing to him to keep himself warm.

His phobia about lightning evolved when in an orphanage no one actually took their time to talk to him about it and show affection towards him to make him understand that there is nothing to fear about. And after running away from there he became more scared when he was all alone in his handmade home. Especially since he is living in a tree. Maybe after bad weather and a literal nightmare for him he decided to live on the ground.

Tails left the house Sonic gave him and moved to another one that he took literally every design on his own (That house still exists in my headcanon and they use it as a vacation place). The house we see in the idw comics is his current home. The house that is shaped like his head (Like Starline said, Tails takes a lot after Eggman lmao. Even though they are enemies, you can still learn a lot from your enemies, especially from them ……and Tails admires him too….. Swearing to never do anything he ever did. Seeing his mistakes that’s also made him develop his own techs accordingly.)

He can and will get aggressive if the situation says so

Bold of you to assume he won't get cocky, I MEAN LOOK, LOOK WHO RAISED HIM. His comebacks are pretty good.

He is omnivores. Nothing else to say here. He prefers meat more though.

He has a less developed sense of taste than any of his friends.

He has a good balance. And have a good sense of direction. Can see very well at night. Can sense earth’s magnetic fields with his eyes too. He can be really sneaky and silent like a ghost while walking if he wants to.

If it’s someone he trusts he deceives easily if not he is not quick to convince.

Tails goes limp like a cat when someone picks him up by his scruff

Yes, Sonic needs some time off for himself but I see Tails more stressed. I mean I'm not comparing the two like Tails is more stressed and depressed he needs more attention and such, that's not what I'm saying. What I mean is Sonic is physically tired and Tails is mentally tired. That's what I think but this doesn't mean Sonic is also mentally hurt lol because he is but he is really good at dealing with that. He jokes, that’s how he copes with it. I MEAN THEY ARE FFFFING KIDS DEALING WITH A MAD MAN EVERY SECOND OF COURSE THEY CAN'T STAY SANE FOREVER THEY NEED DISTRACTION FOR THEMSELF. Not everyone is good with dealing trauma and such. Some are mentally stronger etc. And Sonic crew is definitely number one with dealing this

Sonic hibernates but Tails doesn’t. So when Sonic sleeps, Tails takes care of him. And Sonic is scared to go into hibernation because of Eggman but his friends reassure him all the time and urge him to do so. It’s not healthy after all.

Do Tails have insomnia? Uh, no. He just doesn’t have time. Cliche I know. He is nocturnal so he naturally doesn’t need to sleep at night so he works but because of daily life he doesn’t get his enough sleep as everyone is active and working so he goes along too. His sleeping schedule is dead.

In winter he grows a winter coat so during warm seasons (mostly in spring) he shed (molt) so much fur so he can blow that extra fur off.

Can speak multiple languages. He is also ambidextrous (Can use his both hands).

I think Tails loves to eat... anything practical. He is not a picky eater. Mainly because he is left alone to live his whole eight years by himself with no one to take care of him, so naturally he stole things and such. Whatever he can find, he counts himself lucky. He also makes things for himself like a home. I imagine him living in a tree house he made and with the stuff he stole to live. But he left all that life in the past after meeting Sonic and he swore to never steal or live by himself to crave for things. He doesn't want anyone's help with anything he has to do and make money legally by himself. He is rich thanks to his inventions and stuff and he can buy anything he wishes. He also uses most of his money donating to people in need. But he is mindful of what he eats... mostly. He doesn't like to eat a lot of what Sonic eats. He doesn't eat them because he thinks it's greasy and, he also doesn't eat anything he doesn't know what's in it. This includes junk food. There are times when he makes escapades, but that's it. He doesn't understand how Sonic ate so much, does the man have a blackhole instead of a stomach? Hey, it seems to him that Sonic's getting more appetite when he eats further and further.

#sonic the hedgehog #miles tails prower #tails the fox #sonic characters #knuckles the echidna #amy rose #allenwrites #headcanons #tails headcanons

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masked-lullaby · 10 months

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Hi, I have a few questions for you but you don’t have to answer if you’re not comfortable with it. A trigger warning for sexual trauma. Can DID occur without sexual trauma and if so how? If DID with sexual trauma happens how do you think it should be depicted along with how to depict healing from it? If I go through with the sexual trauma I intend to mostly imply it but I am not entirely sure how to make it clear. Lastly, do you think having sexual trauma in a Sonic story is too much or is it fine? I’m sorry if this was weird or uncomfortable so you don’t have to answer if you don’t want to, also I’m sorry if you already saw this I wasn’t sure whether I was supposed to send this to @sleepiedazed or @sheepydazed. I hope you have a nice day :)

@sleepiedazed at the moment doesn't work since Tumblr had a moment so we probably wouldn't be able to see the ask. So is fine to send to this blog! Thank you for the questions. /genuine

But yes, DID can happen without such trauma. Though we ourselves have that trauma, our system more so formed from a huge lack of support.

Though this is all of our personal experiences, it may be different for others so they are welcome to add on their experiences!

Pastry will put a read more that way people can skip this post easier since tags might not work or help since Tumblr is being a bit wonky. /information

I'll start with the Sonic story part. Personally as long as the content is warned properly and treated with respect. I'm good with it! Afterall, there's so much Sonic content with heavy HEAVY gore and other dark themes. So as long it is treated with respect. Im good with it! After all, sexual abuse is shown in a lot of kid's media [or well, when allowed to] to give awareness to children about abusers and such.

Now onto the DID aspects. For the DID that didn't directly formed from sexual trauma. More so our lack of support of mental issues that were caused by said trauma. So we broke off into a system to more so help ourselves. Our system presents more like Overt DID than Covert.

Though we do have aspects to our DID experience that is affected by our sexual trauma. Such as sexual protectors and alters who deal with hypersexuality symptoms and those with sexual repulsed [Or even both! They tend to go hand and hand, and hypersexuality is often just body betrayal.]. Alongside show off symptoms commonly caused by said trauma.

Not all media related to trauma has to depict healing as well, but it's often nice to have it included. Though it can be entirely optional and only just talk of the trauma itself and it's affects. Though with what I want depicted is respect for it and such.

I'll love to see hypersexuality and sexual repulsive reactions to be depicted and shown. Since they are common responses that often come together such as for ourselves. In a lot of spaces, hypersexuality is just seen as "Haha I love doing this thing" and such, when it is far from that.

I'll also love to see how it affected their life, how they react to things and so on. Even to how they dress or respond to things.

And with the more DID aspects. To have alters who deal with those trauma + stress responses to be treated as a part in any other system as their fellow alter members. Alongside sexual protectors shown as well and such.

Thank you for asking this. I hope Pastry's information helped. /genuine

DNI: Kink [Specifically Kink blogs and such, I'm a minor], Anti-Agere/Petre, Pro-Ship, Rad-Queer, Ableists, Sia + Autism Speaks Defenders, & overall general DNIs.

#dream inbox #sleepy mumbles #unsure how to tag this since Tumblr is not helping at all.

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beevean · 2 years

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Good day to you! Sorry to bother you, but do you know about that voice clip hidden in Sonic Frontiers game files where Sonic comments about regretting not sharing an umbrella with Amy? The clip is both in JP and EN, I already had heard it, cannot for the life of me find it at the moment, but seeing as you are a pretty dedicated, analytical Sonamy shipper, I wanted to bring attention to its existence, and how it was previously believed it was just an unused asset, but now, with the DLC confirmed, there's a high chance there's gonna be a Sonamy heavy scene related to the DLC 💙💖

Hello, good day to you :D

Oh no you give me too much credit fshjafhaskjfhkj I'm not a Sonamy analyzer at all, there are people way more dedicated than me (I have to tag my friend @latin-dr-robotnik, he's the residential Sonamy expert here), I just think they're cute <3

I haven't heard the clip in Japanese yet, but I had found it in English - not just the umbrella one, but the one where Sonic says "I should have made up my mind sooner"... mmh, about what, I wonder? 👀

From what I know, the mysterious voice clips in Frontiers (including the ones where Sonic is physically sick because of the Cyber corruption/erosion) are not "unused", merely very hard to trigger: you need to stay idle for 10 minutes. Maybe they'll patch them to not make them so obscure?

In any case, I'm glad that the DLC content will give Sonic Team a chance to include material they had to scrap due to development issues (because Frontiers screams "development issues", regardless of if you liked it or not lmao), but it's a bit too early for me to tell what the "new story" they promised will be.

Something about the way they framed the third image implies to me that they'll add a whole section to the part where Sonic gets completely corrupted: instead of the trio saving him after 10 seconds, maybe they'll go through an End Of The World-esque section in the Cyberspace, while Sage gets even more development. But it's just my theory and I could be wrong. I guess that it's what I'd do if I had the chance ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Anyway, truth to be told? I'm in no rush to see more of Sonamy in Frontiers, because while I don't particularly like Amy's arc, I sure like her interactions with Sonic. They're very chill and comfortable towards each other :) it's what I've been saying for a while now: they're just very close friends, mature enough to have morality discussions, supportive of each other, and Sonic even accepted Amy's hug <3

This is my vindication for that horrible scene in Generations where he's pushing her face away <3 yay, character development!

#sonic the hedgehog #sonamy #sonic frontiers

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skelebab · 1 year

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🦟 Hi! I reblog alot of posts and make art and occasionally fanfics :)

Feel free to tag me in things and send asks and requests! (i don't make anything nsfw, proship, etc. and I will block you if you ask me to)

Currently working on:

- mcu dc (hc) crossover fic (haven't posted any of it yet)

- 5+1 world's finest fic (also haven't posted)

Some fandoms I'm into:

-luca

-dhmis

-mml/pnf

-community

-undertale

-tmnt (2012 and 2018 mostly)

-mp100

-rotg

-atla

-sonic

-dc

And more! So you can expect a variety depending on what I'm currently hyperfixating on :)

Tags, side blogs, and moots below cut

Specific tags (I'll put them on this post so they're easier to find):

- art (my art stuff, I know I have some art that isn't properly tagged, but that stuff has been lost to time at this point)

- my writing (it's my writing, obv)

- my silly creature (my animal persona)

- playlist (any playlists or music I decide to share)

- goodnight everybody (I put this on posts when I'm planning on going to bed, I'm normally exhausted when I add it so the posts can be a lil silly)

Side blogs:

@smudged-kaleidoscope (my account for personal stuff or random thoughts so they don't clog this one up anymore)

@antoniturtle (my rottmnt oc :D)

@mutant-teenage-turtle-ninjas (my tmnt version)

@mob-pirate-au (my mp100 au, nothing is really there yet, but there will be when my mob obsession comes back, I have a lot planned for it)

@tlrrottmntau (my future Mikey rottmnt au, yes I have 3 tmnt side blogs. Cry about it <3)

Fandom-related tags (also on this post)

- rottmnt human designs (exactly what it says, my rise human designs)

- spider troy (should technically be spider-troy but whatever, Troy Barnes from community as Spider-Man)

- time loop twins (my rottmnt time loop thingy)

- spray paint and stickers (my shellshocked au)

- skele sep au (my rottmnt sep au)

- batfam flock au (au where all the bat kids are Robin)

Super epic gamer mutuals for whom I would fight a thousand foes 💞💞💞

@roboobin

@gerawrd-xd

@obsidian-order-of-course

@kennethplus

@marsupialmode

@doppel-dean-er

@zenashisntgaming

@meowsogynist

@gayestclarinet

If we're moots and u wanna be added to this list just interact with this post :)

#i edit this post alot #so don't be confused if you notice changes lol #art #my writing #my silly creature #playlist #goodnight everybody #rottmnt human designs #spider troy #time loop twins #spray paint and stickers #skele sep au #batfam flock au

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starsquinkle · 1 year

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Welcome to my blog yall

this is my main blog

i’m a pretty cool guy u should follow

He/Him only please

I’m a big music and video games fan

i also like homestuck

Particularly big on Resident Evil and Nine Inch Nails, FOB

Also Sonic <3

HUGE fan of garfield (i have a large plushie and merchandise collection related to vintage garf things. ask me about my garfield stuff.)

My tags for organizing my blog: (might add more, will update)

#starsquinkle (All of my original posts, not reblogs)

#starsquinkle best reblogs (tag for my favorite things that ive reblogged so i can find them later)

#starsquinkle #starsquinkle best reblogs #starsquinkle fav ceramics

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moon-sparks-system · 2 years

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Greetings Earthlings & aliens alike !

We are the Moon Sparks, live from our Moon-centric system ! Kinda confused ? New around here ? Here's a few things to know (if I don't get lost into rambling again...) !

✪ Who will use this account ?

Well, members of the Moon Sparks system ! We figured out it could be nice for the whole system to get a sideblog instead of making a blog for each member as not everyone is as chronically online as the host-host, me, Léa/Léo/Kevin (also going by "Moon" to a few members). I guess I'm going to be the main writer of the pinned, haha. I'm the main host and the core I guess (we're still new to proper system terminology haha). I type like this ❢ You may see me use "❢" instead of "!" and a few kaomojis with flowers too. I'm a boyflux ace panromantic lad from France. As for other members, it depends on who wants to use the account ❢ We're like, about 30 members big ? That's a lot of potential bloggers, don't you think ? A few other people can write an intro, if they wish to.

Xx HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEY !!! >:D It's me, Exe !!! I talk like THIS !!! I'm apparently a co-host ?!! Didn't know keeping Léa awake was a system role LOL! XP Anyway I'm cool, I like chatting, feel free to hit me up to discuss stuff ! :D I do bite LOL, but I'm nice about it ! I have my own dedicated sideblog here ! Check it out, it's cool as fuck ! Uuuuugh I've already said a LOT on my own blog LOL, so check that instead. Oh and I'm not affiliated with Exetior, FNF or whatever. Just call me "Exe" or "X" and we'll be good ! xX

• Hiya ! I'm Bendy, another frequent fronter. You can call me "Ink Bendy", but don't call me "the Ink Demon" or worship me, even as a joke. "The little devil darlin'" is perfectly fine though, and much appreciated ! I'm a lad with he/him pronouns I guess ? I'm mostly unlabeled, outside of the clear and certain fact I'm asexual. And I believe I'm sex-repulsed, so beware of that ! •

It's Léa again to say we have members of all ages and identities, but you'll mostly see fellas from Sonic, Mario and somewhat OG Sonic.exe. We do have a few people with no source too (like me !).

✪ Do you have a DNI ?

Oh we're not very picky when it comes to that. Just in case you care about such things, here's a short list :

No TERFs, no alt-right, stuff like that, the classics ; bigots won't be tolerated

No "little space", "agere", age-regression focused blogs in any of our notes. Yes, even if you're SFW. It's mostly just because of me (Léa)

Uuuuugh the fucking "pro-shippers"/"anti-anti" people. Y'all nasty go away

No NSFW accounts. So many aces in this system, and a bunch of littles too. Please be mindful

We could add a few things related to specific triggers of our members in here, but it's better to not expose your triggers in public. if you're curious about something : send us a DM ! /nm

Also it's not really a DNI but just know we're not particularly looking for sourcemates, and Bendy has isssues with most BATIM peeps so I fear we're not gonna be able to bond over that ; but we can try to talk still ! It's just not a criteria when we try to make friends

✪ Anything else I should know ?

Ummmm...

We don't talk too much about the details of our system publicly yet, but you can send asks about it I guess ?

"Doubles" are typically fine, we don't bite about that.

The body is an adult & black, and that's basically the only things you'll get to know about it.

We have a Simply Plural ! We can give you our username in DMs ! It's not fully up-to-date but most members wrote their own bio there.

We're still figuring out our typing quirks...

If you need something tagged : just ask !

And I think that's it !

Have a nice day everyone !

#pinned post✭

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breadheaddoodles · 18 days

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HELLO! Welcome to my blog

This is the little corner of the internet that I have claimed as mine. I'm gonna be dumping my half finished art, random thoughts, little ramblings, and maybe some art of decent quality. So, hey! Maybe sticking around isn't a terrible idea.

What fandoms are you in?

I'm pretty active in both the Murder Drones and The Amazing Digital Circus communities, so most of the stuff I post will be related to those things.

I'm into Sonic the Hedgehog as well, but I'm not super active in that community anymore. You might get a little drawing or two, but don't expect much.

Other things I like are Animal Crossing, Minecraft, Pokemon, Lackidaisy, smaller shows by Liam Vickers and Gooseworx, Furries, and anything else I might add later. I probably won't post much about this stuff.

Who on EARTH are you?

You can call me BreadHead, or B.H. for short. I'm a self taught artist who thought Tumblr would be the best place to start staring my stuff (a decision that may or may not come back to bite me in the butt later in life).

I am genderfluid, demisexual, demiromantic, and pansexual. If that doesn't make any sense to you, that's okay. All you need to know is that I use any/all pronouns, so you an refer to me as he, she, they, ext.

Please keep in mind that I am still a MINOR. Please do NOT send me, tag me, or leave me anything in my inbox that I shouldn't be seeing.

DNI!

Ped0philes

Z0ophiles

MAPs

Homophobes/Transphobes

Anybody else who is gross, rude, or doing things that should be/probably are illegal that I didn't think of when I made this list.

You're an artist, so like, can you draw me?

Feel free to put art requests in my ask box. They can be almost anything (basically, please keep it responsible), but know that the quality of my drawings can and will very. I kinda like drawing things people want me to, and it'll sometimes help with art block.

Are you done yet?

I make a lot of grammar/spelling mistakes, so please correct me if you notice them.

I might post a bunch, then go dead for a month. Don't worry about that.

I'm still finding my art style, so don't be surprised if that changes a bunch.

I think that's everything.

Thanks for reading all this! I know its a lot, but I guess I wanted to explain some things. Have these digital fries because cookies are overrated 🍟

#I also like to add stupid tags lol

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sunsetcarnation264 · 2 years

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WIP game

Rules: post the names of all the files in your WIP folder regardless of how non-descriptive or ridiculous. Let people send you an ask with the title that most intrigues them and then post a little snippet of it or tell them something about it! And then tag as many people as you have wips. (You can make your own post or reblog this one!) I have deemed that this isn’t just for writing either. Sketch titles? Comics? Dnd campaigns? If you have an unfinished project, it counts!!

I saw this on @sweetcircuits‘s blog and I figured why not, I have WAY too many writing WIPs that I might not finish for a while so y’all can ask about them if anything interests you lol. The only things I won’t include are vent-y or NSFW stuff for what I hope to be obvious reasons. It’ll all be in the order of fandom so if you’re looking for a specific fandom, it’ll be in that order.

Writing WIPs

-The Conductor and The Singer (A Hat in Time)

-Dare Yori Suki Nano Ni (Ace Attorney. On-going, dorment)

-Feeling So Used, No Love Left To Lose (American Dragon: Jake Long)

-Should Be Loved (Amphibia)

-If I Told You I Loved You, What Would You Say? (Animal Crossing)

-I Got A Crush On You (Billy Hatcher and The Giant Egg)

-Four Chickens in Winter (Billy Hatcher and The Giant Egg)

-Golden Flames (Bunnicula, twin flame AU. On-going, dorment)

-Every Night, I Dream You're Still Here (Danganronpa) Finished, just haven’t properly cleaned it up yet.

-Through My Full-Blown Implosion, I'll Stay Golden And Retreat, Into My Sweetest Fantasy. (Deltarune)

-No Matter What They Say, You’ll Never Meet Another Me (DuckTales 2017, for Twitter Mutual)

-Opening The Closet Door (Kim Possible) Abandoned it, might pick it up again and redo the whole thing at some point

-Words on Pages (Phineas and Ferb. Soulmate AU)

-Obsession (She-Ra. Dark modern day coffee shop AU)

-Rose Gold Stars (Sonic The Hedgehog. Related and yandere AU)

-Of Now and Then (Spyro The Dragon. On-going)

-Every Breath You Take (Vocaloid)

-Habits (Are Hard To Break) (Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!)

I might add more to the list, might not, idk but either way keep an eye on this in case it ever gets edited. I wouldn’t doubt there’s more but they’re on my computer if they are and I’d have to open EVERYTHING to see what is and isn’t a WIP. There’s also AMV WIPs, but I ain’t boutta go through everything to see what I have and haven’t finished yet lol nope not today folks And I ain’t tagging people so if you wanna do this, go for it!

#Text

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notsafeforwisps · 2 years

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READ BEFORE INTERACTING

THIS IS A BLOG THAT CONTAINS MATURE CONTENT.

IT IS NOT SAFE FOR WORK, AND PARTICULARLY NOT SAFE FOR ANYONE UNDER THE AGE OF 18.

I completely understand if you are underage and want to ignore that, believe me, I've been there, but you could get us both in a lot of trouble by hanging around here. To cover my ass, I DO NOT CONDONE MINORS VIEWING THIS PAGE.

With that out of the way, hi. Welcome to my personal garbage bin. You know me as Void as your OP/mun/host/mod or whatever for the Voidhog AU or Rocket anywhere else, but on this page you may call me Ghost.

I'm here to provide supplementary material for anyone interested in a saucier side to Voidhog; an extension of the main trio's character arcs in the five years between the Origins fic and the main Voidhog blog.

I'm primarily interested in providing content around Silver, and from the poll I hosted it seems many people are with me, but let's break down exactly what I will and won't be showing here.

What to Expect from this Blog

Belly/Feedism/Weight Gain Kink: Primarily surrounding Silver, but sometimes including Sonic and Shadow as well. Usually accompanied by a healthy helping of Spoiling and Hurt/Comfort.

Bondage and Dom/Sub Sexplay: Primarily surrounding Shadow, with him occupying both positions. For general reference; Sonic doms everyone, Shadow doms Silver, and Silver generally subs. But they like to mix it up.

Actual NSFW Scenes: I'm going to be desperately dancing around tumblr's censors here, but I do plan on writing and illustrating explicit sex scenes. I need to make clear that two of these characters are not cis, and the sexual content will directly depict that. I WILL NOT TOLLERATE COMMENTS ABOUT THIS THAT I DEEM TRANSPHOBIC. ANYONE FOUND MAKING TRANSPHOBIC COMMENTS OR HARASSING PEOPLE WHO INTERACT WITH THE RELEVANT POSTS WILL BE BLOCKED, AND POSSIBLY REPORTED. If you find an instance of this that I have not seen, DM me with screenshots and let me handle the situation, don't interact with the perpetrator yourself.

What I will NOT be Posting

Mpreg

Non-con

Vore

Excessive abuse in relation to BDSM

Emetto (y'know, vomit and stuff)

Weight gain beyond the canon designs shown on the main blog

Content surrounding characters outside of the poly trio

This list was last updated on: 6/18/2022

This list is subject to change and updates. I will not tolerate requests or asks around this list of content I'm uncomfortable making and sharing, and anyone found repeatedly asking for anything on this list will be blocked.

How to Avoid Content you Don't Want to See

If you are looking to customize your experience with this blog, here is the comprehensive list of tags you should block:

The Unsafe Wisp Speaks | Any post that contains commentary or clarification from me, Ghost. I'd prefer you didn't block this one to stay informed about what's going on here or get clarification about this aspect of the AU, but I'll list it here anyway.

The Void Expands | Weight gain content

NSFV![Character] (age) | A sorting system for characters, with their current age specified in parentheses. For example, NSFV!Shadow (21), or NSFV!Silver (18).

Additionally, there are tags for the Void!Swap and Void!Shift counterparts. NSFVS for Void!Swap and NSFVSH for Void!Shift. In use, they'll look like this: NSFVS!Sonic (19), or NSFVSH!Shadow (23).

The Void Consumes | Feedism content and food porn

The Void Hungers | Hungry or borderline starving characters (setup for hurt/comfort down the line)

The Void Constricts | Bondage

The Void Dominates | Dom/Sub Sexplay

NSFV![Character] [Doms/Subs] | A sorting system for particular characters being in the dom/sub role. For example, NSFV!Sonic Subs, or NSFV!Silver Doms.

Unsafe Void | Explicit sex scenes

This list was updated on: 6/28/22

I am completely willing to add more tags and go back to change tags as needed to ensure y'all are only seeing what you want to. Just shoot me a DM or submit an ask with what specifications you want me to add. This list will be updated every time I add or change a tag.

I plan on adding all of this information to an easily accessible page on this blog's header as well, along with further clarification. I will gladly answer anyone's questions about any content shown (or not shown) on this blog.

How to Appropriately Interact with this Blog

If you want to interact with this page further than quietly observing and occasionally liking posts, here are my terms:

Sending Asks and Requests: You can send prompts and requests for me to draw or write short drabbles of. Alternatively, you can send asks to Sonic, Silver, and Shadow directly, and even choose to specify what age you want the characters to be when responding (the options range from 18-23).

Reblogging: I ask that you tag anything you reblog from here as mature, even if the particular post doesn't portray a sex scene. Also, please don't repost my work. If you want to share an artwork with someone, provide a link to the relevant post.

I believe that's everything. Thank you for spending the time to read through this TOS of sorts, and I hope you enjoy feasting on this garbage with me!

#the unsafe wisp speaks

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skull001 · 4 years

Note

Now that you mention it, is there a way that we can reintroduce Cream? We haven't seen her in action in a long time, maybe even make some changes with her relationship with Amy!

Personally I don’t think Cream needs much thought put into the reason she shows up, as it can easily be that she’s just tagging along Amy.

What I do think is needed is for Cream is just two things:

a) Her relation with Amy should be one where the more positive aspects of each character are emphasized (like in the Sonic/Tails dynamic) instead of the negative ones (Cream’s extreme niceness makes Amy look bratty/demanding, while Amy’s vibrant personality makes Cream look dull)

b) Cream needs to add something unique of her own to the cast, instead of being another “heart” type of character who does the same things Amy did, causing for Amy to not be allowed to be used at her full potential. Personally I think Cream’s character should be focused around her child-like curiosity and how naive she still is. Also it would help humanize her character if she could have some actual character flaws too.

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themoonstarwarrior · 4 years

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PLAYLIST SHUFFLE TAG!

Okay, so @viterbofangirl tagged me in this and I need to start learning to post my own shit, so what the hell, why not?

Rules: you can usually tell a lot about a person by the type of music they listen to! put your favorite playlist on shuffle and list the first 10 15 songs, then tag 10 people. no skipping!

(I couldn’t stop at 10 so I added 5 more, sue me)

I have very random music taste and I listen to my music on shuffle alot, so I made a playlist of the ones I like the most (that way I don’t hafta skip 150 songs to get to the one I feel like) so I’m gonna use that one.

1) History of Violence - Theory of a Deadman

Hoo boy starting off light huh?.... Yeah so, I was in the drive thru at Sonic when I first heard this on the radio and was immediately like “holy shit”. Instead of like metaphors and poetic subtlety, it’s just straight up like “here’s a poor abused woman who resorted to murdering her shitty boyfriend/husband cuz she couldn’t take it dum dum dum”. Even though the actual situation is not the same, this song is perfect for getting across the internal issues and turmoil of my character Mikey. Its so perfect I’m even planning to animate something for it...... if I ever get around to learning animation that is.....

2) The Vengeful One - Disturbed

Two songs in and I look kinda emo.... But hey this song is soooooo cathartic! I love me a good heavy rock song, and the drums and electric guitar are perfect for my ears to absorb. This song gives off a feeling of overwhelming power mixed with a coldness and disdain for the bad in the world. Obviously, thats not my usual temperment, but its an interesting one to explore! Especially when I’m trying to get into the head of characters that exude that like my OCs Spark or Ryu. Plus its fun to sing in the car X)

3) Enter Sandman - Metallica

Okay this one is just a classic! Same thing with the drums and guitar they both slap SOOOOO GOOD. I don’t really associate this song with any of my characters or fandom favorites, but it DOES give me a super strong urge to learn the drums. EXXXXXXXXIT LIIIIIIIIIIIIGHT! OFF TO NEVER NEVERLAND!!

4) We Are Giants - Lindsey Stirling ft. Dia Frampton

I don’t really to listen to music by band or artist, but I LOVE Lindsey Stirling!!! She’s probably my favorite musician! This is such a good song, especially for someone like me. Its a positive song that talks about feeling alone in a crowd and unimportant to the world, but how you really do matter and shouldn’t be afraid to dream big and shoot for the stars. It really speaks to me and the vocalization is so good (especially for singing), not to mention the official music video is animated and AMAZING!

5) Cetus - Lensko NCS

I dunno if anyone knows this song, but damn its good. Its one of those Royalty-Free songs that people look up for their channels, which is how I found it in the first place, but I loved it immediately. Its a peppy 8-bit electronic bop that turns a little Irish jig at the end and honestly I think if I ever start an animation channel I’m totally gonna use it! (Also go support Lensko he make good beats!)

6) Sanctuary - Utada Hikaru

I did not grow up with Kingdom Hearts, and only played KH2 within the past year n’ a half. But good God, the moment that Cinematic Opening came on and this song started playing I swear I astral projected into a daze of feelings without names. I know that “Simple and Clean” is the quintessential Kingdom Heart song that gives everyone feelings, but IMHO Sanctuary blows it out of the water. As beautiful as the animation was, or how curious the occasional backwards lyrics are, or how weird it is having high-res Goofy and Donald in what is essentially an anime opening, I really can’t be distracted from this song when I play.

7) Chemical Plant Zone (Rock Remix) - Zerobadniks

Chemical Plant Song is like, one of the TOP Sonic songs by popular vote (and we know how awesome the Sonic series is musically so thats saying something!), but I could never quite vibe with the normal 8-bit version. I think I first heard this as someone’s ringtone and was immediately like “THATS PERFECT THATS EXACTLY HOW I NEED IT!”. The rock makes the song soooo much better and honestly gives the song the perfect vibe. Unfortunately, it took FOREVER to find cuz none of the Rock Covers of this song were the right one. In fact, tbh, I’m not even sure whether Zerobadniks is the correct artist..... that’s just who everybody was crediting when I found it.

(imma include the link i found since its a little hard to find: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqJiZEM6aPI )

8) The Wolf - SIAMES

YOU WANNA TALK ABOUT ANIMATED MUSIC VIDEOS???? THIS IS A GOD-TIER ANIMATED MUSIC VIDEO. I found the video first, and seriously, if you haven’t seen it YOU NEED TO!!! The beat works perfectly with the images on screen and the story being portrayed is really intriguing, with the lyrics adding to atmosphere without necessarily describing the visuals shown. Even without the animation, the song itself is a banger. It bring to mind the feeling of intense motion forward, but unable to decide whether its movement TOWARD something or AWAY from something. I love listening to this on a nighttime drive.

9) Burn the House Down - AJR

If you ask me, the best way to make a pop song better is to add either violins or trumpets. For this song, it was definitely the trumpets that first caught my attention, and the rest of the song kept me listening. I don’t really know how to describe the vibe of this song, and I don’t have a specific character or story in mind when I listen to it, so its a little hard for me to talk about it. I think the best way I can describe this song and what draws me to it is a feeling of nonchalant go-with-the-flow attitude to shenaniganry. Almost an undertone of “We’re hooligans in a situation that we probably should get out of, but hey we’ve got life and each other so why worry?” At least that’s the closest I can get to a verbal description heh...

10) Slim Pickens Does the Right Thing and Rides the Bomb to Hell - The Offspring

DANCE, FUCKER, DANCE, LET THE MOTHERFUCKER BURN!!!

So this also has a KICKASS animated music video, but its technically combined with the song “Dividing by Zero”. Now the video works SO well with both, and the shifting artstyles reflect the differing tones of the songs PERFECTLY. However, I have a preference for both the animation and the song on the Slim Pickens half. Its fun to listen to and sing at the top of your lungs and its SO CATHARTIC. Again I cant really describe what my head does when I hear it, but I think you can probably feel a similar vibe if you watch the music video.

11) No Heaven - DJ Champion

The first time I finished the original Borderlands, I had been playing for days on end, had just finished a long battle with the Destroyer, and sitting back relieved to have beaten it and reflecting on how much I had enjoyed the adventure. Then this song started playing. For what I believe was forty minutes this song looped on my TV while the credits rolled. By the time the credits finished I was pulling up the song to listen to again! What an absolutely PERFECT cherry to add to this experience. This song perfectly encapsulated the chaotic, trigger-happy, morally ambiguous craziness that I had enjoyed and absorbed in this game. Every time I hear it now, I imagine myself in the wastelands of Pandora, driving haphazardly across the sandy dunes as my companions and I shoot and blow up everything in sight. You know, living the dream.......

12) Hit & Run (Wolfgang Lohr Remix) - The Electric Swing Circus

I fucking LOVE electro-swing! The electronic beats and rhythm blend so well with the wild and energetic freedom of swing. A lot of electro-swing gives me a vibe of wild movement, reckless abandon, and freedom from constraint. I think this song melds all of these feelings the best! As the last song might have indicated, despite my general nice and sweet temperament, there is a part of me deep down that is an absolute gremlin secretly enamored with chaos, insanity, and a general disdain for law and authority X). But whereas anything Borderlands related has a more “morality is an illusion blowing shit up is real” air about it, this song is far more peppy. More of a “good-hearted but insane” type of chaos, like an 100mph car chase where you end up sailing over the train tracks JUST as the train passes.

.... I may have gotten a bit off track lol

13) Kickstart my Heart - Motley Crue

I love this song, but I have to be VERY careful when and where I listen to this. I love songs that make me feel like I’m going a million miles per hour, like I’m gotdam Sonic the Hedgehog. Unfortunately, I may or may not have had multiple instances of listening to this song in the car and abruptly realizing that I’m going like 15mph above the speed limit...... So yeah, regardless of absolutely perfect it feels to play this song while speeding down a nearly empty highway, please be careful and drive responsibly!!!

14) I’m Born to Run - American Authors

Imma just up and say it. This song is a Sonic song; like not like actually from the series but a song for the character. This song encapsulates Sonic as a character better than some of his ACTUAL THEMES (and remember Sonic music are bangers!). Its a song about freedom, living life as it comes, and not letting anything slow you down. Frankly I’m surprised they didn’t make this song FOR the Sonic series, or even the movie! Speaking of which, ironically I heard this song right after watching the Sonic movie in theaters, so yeah there’s no way I can associate it with anything else.

15) Opa Opa - Antique

Oh, what a PERFECT way to end this list! This may be one of my absolute favorite songs of all time! I don’t remember exactly how I found this song... I think I had just relistened to Dalar Mehndi’s “Tunak Tunak Tun” and was looking for other catchy non-english songs and BOY HOWDY I found one! I know nothing about the band or what the song’s about (its in greek and i dont speak it), but this song is just a masterpiece of retro, pop, and dance sounds. This song feels like the musical and lyrical manifestation of dance and movement. I really REALLY wish I could dance JUST so I can express how happy and free this song makes me feel! This is the BEST song for me to end this list with!

***********************************************************************************

JESUS, this got long..... Sorry about that XD. It was fun though, and hopefully somebody was vaguely interested in my ramblings.

Guess I need to tag people now? How about @tharkflark1, @rockmilkshake, @neonbuck, @drawingsdrawingseverywhere, @birthgiverofbirds, @puccafangirl, @kalcat, @biblestudybussybopsbabey, @monstrous-milktea, and @memecage! I think there are a couple of people here I haven’t talked to though soooooo..... hi, I hope you don’t mind the tag X)

Anyway hope you enjoyed and/or want to do this too! This took for-fucking-EVER to type, so imma go fuck off and watch youtube or something now...

#music and remixes #viterbo i was gonna add you to the bottom list and then i was like SHIT SHE TAGGED ME XD so oh well #i may or may not have cheated just a bit but shut up these are the songs i had something to say about #moonstar wont shut up

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beevean · 4 years

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Sonic and speed: are we misunderstanding them?

This article was originally written in Spanish by @latin-dr-robotnik on his blog - you can read it here!

Today on SHP, I’d like to bring attention to a topic that I keep noticing being discussed everywhere (especially now during quarantine), and that somehow worries me: are we misunderstanding Sonic and his characteristic speed?

During these last few weeks there has been a new, relatively unusual explosion of videos and comments on the Internet regarding Sonic and, relevant for today, what is the best game or the best level. The simplest reason has to be the lockdown we’re going through, and which is leaving us with more time to play or think about those games we want to play, or never will. On the other hand, the most cynical side of me believes that this boom of Sonic-related content is because Game Apologist’s video about S3&K and Sonic in general was so popular, it sparked the “interest” of other creators (the video itself is great, and I elaborated my opinions on it here). Whatever the case, there is a greater discussion about Sonic going on right now, and I feel like it’s not directed where it should be.

Before starting: there are a bunch of videos that helped me shape a good part of the opinions I’m going to explain today. You don’t need to watch all of them, and they’re not mandatory to fully understand this article, but if after reading it you’re left wanting for more, or you’d like to hear different options, I’d recommend you watch these:

1. Sonic and Speed (Errant Signal)

2. The First Levels of Sonic Games (Super Bunnyhop)

3. SONIC the HEDGEHOG: How Level Design Can Break a Game (Broken Base Gaming)

4. How Sonic Mania Makes a Level (RelaxAlax)

5. City Escape is Peak Sonic Game Design (ZoomZike)

6. Lost Valley Is Not Peak Sonic Game Design (ZoomZike)

What is the problem?

In a series as big and ever-changing as Sonic’s, there is a wide repertory of formulas and possible answers to the question “how to design a game?”. In some cases we’re still looking for an answer, in others we’re looking for alternatives (I talked not too long ago about the accessibility of Sonic Mania and 2D Sonic in general – Spanish only!), and most of the time, the answer has already been given in the past.

This looking for answers in the past has taken us in many directions, like constantly looking back to Sonic Adventure to solve the great enigma that is 3D Sonic; but I’d add that the recent retrospectives about Sonic and its first 2D games have raised some criticism and questions that, while valid, end up muddling a formula that has proven itself to be effective and crucial in the design of everything related to Sonic.

What really worried me is the criticism about Sonic’s speed and the levels that are considered “slow”, and we’re going to delve into this.

The basic Principles of Sonic

Speed. Platforming. Exploration. These are Sonic’s basic Principles and have always been, from its beginning until today. These three concepts are at the core of not just the level design, but the games themselves as well. The best levels in the series know how to balance these aspects, and the best games are those that can keep a balanced flow, preventing the game from going too fast, and losing its exciting component along the way, or from going too slow and becoming boring, causing the player to lose interest. Naturally, in these games there have to be all sorts of levels: faster, more relaxed, more open and more labyrinthine, all coexisting in harmony and without going too far in one direction. Ignoring these Principles puts the quality of the levels at risk, and even our understanding of the character.

I would have put my own examples here, but just before starting to write this section I got some wonderful ones from Beevean. If you don’t remember her, she helped a lot with the article about the music of Classic Sonic, and I already warned her that if she kept posting examples this good, I would have had no choice but to feature her again. The discussion started from this post, and she says:

If you approach Sonic thinking its only characteristic is “gotta go fast”, the game you’re gonna get is Advance 2. The very flat, boring, “there’s no way to put normal obstacles in these levels so we’re gonna throw bottomless pits at the player until they get sick of them” Advance 2.

Some fast levels can be awful - Stardust Speedway is a disaster from a level design standpoint and the whole level seems to work against you. Some slow levels can be super fun - you rarely run in Lava Reef and you spend most of the time dodging obstables, but that doesn’t stop it from being one of the most beloved levels in S3&K. There’s no arbitrary reason that separates “good” levels from “bad” levels, it’s an amalgamation of many factors - plus of course your personal enjoyment.

And in her tags (because we both include more information in our tags than in our posts) she adds:

The levels that are widely considered bad usually put too much focus on one of the factors you mentioned.

Marble Zone is too slow and linear.

Luminous Forest is too fast and linear.

The Doom and Lost Impact are too labyrinthine.

And so on.

My personal example is Sonic Mania and its progression during the mid-game, from Flying Battery to Mirage Saloon:

Flying Battery is a long level, filled to the brim with speed and emotions, especially during Act 2. After beating the boss, the player is likely going to feeling exhausted after being thrown left and right, and so…

The following level is Press Garden. Act 1 is a relatively closed and relaxed level, but still moving at a reasonable pace. If the player is familiar with the level they can finish it quickly, but they still can take their time appreciating the view of the printing and the machinery of the zone. Act 2 enhances this, with an absolutely lovely view and an active but still relaxed flow…

Then there’s Stardust Speedway, which is divided into two completely opposite acts. Act 1 is a relatively fast level, but very relaxed and almost a Zen-like experience when the player lets himself be carried away by the starry night sky, and with a relative absence of lights or discomfort on the screen (enemies and obstacles aside). Act 2 is the other way around, a largely colorful, explosive, fast level (to the point that I, anything but a speedrunner, managed to finish the level in 31 seconds, 2:10 minutes if you include the fight with Metal Sonic), culminating in one of the longest, most intense bosses in the game that marks the halfway point of the adventure…

After such an exciting journey, the next level is Hydrocity, once again split in half with a calmer, more exploration-oriented Act 1, and an Act 2 that, similarly to the original level, is one of the most adrenaline-filled water levels in the series. The boss is intense as well, but verging on being tedious and not nearly as fast as the level itself…

And finally, Mirage Saloon. Every version of Act 1, regardless of the quality, are there to set up Act 2, a largely open, fast-paced level.

In short, the Mania experience is made of peaks and valleys of emotions and adrenaline, keeping the game to a reasonable pace and with a good dose of speed, exploration and platforming. The player can break the flow anytime to look for Giant Rings and other hidden goodies, and that doesn’t ruin the charm of the level. In the same way, the faster levels require the player to be familiar with them and to know how to platform to get the best results, without giving you free speed like it’s not worth it (looking at you, Advance 2).

Even the worst levels have the chance to redeem themselves, like for example Labyrinth Zone in the “Misfit Pack” Mania mod.

Breaking the Principles.

When a level or a game breaks the balance for too long, it might become too easy (the infamous “hold right to win”), too boring (the most common argument against Sonic 1 because of levels like Marble Zone and Labyrinth Zone), or too obtuse (the criticism against Sonic CD). The key word is “for too long”, as Beevean already explained how levels that prioritize one thing over the others can still be considered good stages by the majority of the fandom (example: Lava Reef, and I’d add Spring Yard and Final Egg).

As I said before, Mania shows us how there are levels that prioritize certain aspects, but only for a few minutes at a time. Mirage Saloon Act 1 for Sonic and Tails may be a slow, boring level, but it’s only 3 minutes long in a game that lasts 2-4 hours. Same goes for Carnival Night Act 2, a long, tedious level, but that is still a 4-9 minutes long interval before getting back on track with Ice Cap and Launch Base.

3D Sonic is a much more complicated situation, as every game has its pros and cons. Adventure 1 is one of the games that experiments the most with the Principles in a 3D plane, but it breaks the flow of the stages with the plot and hubs worlds to explore (which are pretty divisive even to this day; for the record, on this blog we’re pro hubs). Adventure 2 gets rid of the time-wasting hubs but each character focuses on one Principle at the time: Sonic and Shadow focus almost exclusively on speed with some platforming, Tails and Eggman on action and platforming, and Knuckles and Rouge are all about exploration (and RNG…). Sonic Unleashed does pretty much the same, just reintroducing the hub worlds, while Sonic Generations is at its core a balanced mix of speed, platforming and exploring (plus a much smaller hub between levels), and… well, I think I made myself clear. 3D Sonic is a mess of ideas that orbit around the fundamental Principles, but that for some reason are never kept consistent between games.

Going back to utterly breaking the Principles, there’s one level above all that destroys every one of those extremes, never taking the middle road and without worrying at all about what players might think of it. This level is…

Eggmanland

If Sonic Mania is a clear example of a relatively balanced flow, in its mid-game at least, Eggmanland may be the biggest example of what happens when each and every one of the Principles is taken to its extremes. Let me explain:

Speed: Eggmanland can be both too fast for the player to react, between QTE and super quick jumps that may lead to your death if you’re not fast enough (and you rarely will), or too slow of a slog to navigate (the long Werehog sections).

Platforming: Eggmanland can have too much tricky precision platforming, made even harder due to a lack of a drop shade (the second Werehog section is infamous for this), or it can throw stretches where you do almost nothing but hold X and maybe go through a QTE, which if failed lead to your death once again; at worst you have to wait, which sends us back to our previous point.

Exploration: Eggmanland can be a giant, confusing labyrinth (there is no shortage of stories of player getting lost in this behemoth of a level), and at the same time it can have some long linear room to room progression, separated by doors about as fast as Big the Cat.

I should say that, despite all of this, I love Eggmanland a lot, and same goes for Beevean; but this is something that has to do with what we mentioned before, personal preference. From a technical standpoint, and according to many players, Eggmanland is an absolute nightmare.

Are we misunderstanding Sonic?

Going back to the central topic of this article, I believe that I put enough emphasis on the importance of balance in Sonic, so let’s go back to the previous question: what is the problem?

In short, I disagree with the voices that call for redirecting Sonic towards “fast”, adrenaline-filled stages. These people, with their own retrospective, are doing some sort of revisionism with Sonic levels, automatically branding levels that aren’t as fast as others as “bad”. We’re ignoring the true value of platforming and exploring the levels, and the perception of the character is at risk.

Like Beevean said, looking at Sonic just as “gotta go fast” is, plain and simple, absurd. Sonic is much more than this restless teenager that, just like that movie with the bus, if he doesn’t run at speeds higher than 90 mph his heart will stop. Yes, going fast is a big part of his initial appealing and his way of life (“My stories only end when I stop running”); but when Sonic’s speed is brought up in these discussions, the rest of what makes the character is left outside: how much he admires nature and how much he likes to take a rest every now and then before the next adventure. Sonic OVA, Sonic Adventure, Sonic X and even Sonic Lost World’s ending show that Sonic is not just speed, but also rest, curiosity, exploration. There are even cases where the journey and the friends and memories made along the way are much more important than the destiny itself (Sonic Heroes, Sonic Unleashed), and on several occasions it’s been shown as an actual weakness of the character the fact that he would act recklessly and under the influence of the fateful “gotta go fast”. This aspect of Sonic’s attitude might probably be product of the aggressive marketing campaigns this character endured (ever since the Genesis “Blast Processing”), but it doesn’t tell the whole story, and it’s unacceptable to enforce this line of thought over everything we know about the character.

And to end this long section where I was hinting at one of the most important points of one of the most thoughtful games of the series, let’s not forget that Sonic is pretty aware that everything has a beginning and an end, because that’s the Nature’s way of things and we have to live life at its fullest, for it is finite. Running at top speed is just one of many ways Sonic lives his life, and his eyes will forever be filled, not so much with speed, but with curiosity.

Conclusions

To recap this long article, let’s remember that

Speed, Platforming and Exploration are the three basic Sonic Principles. The momentum in the games comes from the interaction between these elements.

Speed is not something that’s delivered for the sake of being delivered: it usually is a reward or an incentive to keep the player interested, engaged and excited for what’s to come.

Breaking the Principles impacts the experience of the game in many aspects… unless you’re Eggmanland and you’re breaking every single Principle in one level anyway.

To narrow Sonic down to just “speed” is to ignore everything else that this character represents. “Gotta go fast” is a facet of his design and personality, but not the only one.

Starting from this, we can sit down and discuss about “good” and “bad” levels in the series all day long, but I don’t think it’s necessary. Now that we’re about to discover what’s next for the series, I believe it’s important to clarify what Sonic represents in every stage, so that with some luck we can see better consistency and quality in his future adventures.

Speaking of this last point, I just remembered The Geek Critique’s series of Sonic retrospectives, another series of videos that inspired me and I found enlightening. Do you guys remember the videos I linked to at the beginning? Well, it’s time for you to watch them :P (if you want to, of course)

(I’d like to thank Beevean again for suggesting the best examples I could have needed. Seriously, she helped much more than it looks)

What do you guys think? What is the ideal Sonic level, and why? Do you agree that Sonic is much more than a speedy blue hedgehog? In the meantime, we’re hopefully going to see each other very soon. See you next time!

youtube

I feel this theme is strangely fitting to conclude this article, lol

After the Spanish article was posted, I reblogged with this:

To add something more, I was chatting with a friend of mine who pointed out that, for all the talk in the fandom that we want to see less linear levels, most of the fan favorites are pretty linear - Ice Cap, Speed Highway, City Escape, Rooftop Run… I told him that yeah, linearity isn’t a synonym of bad level design because linear levels can still be enjoyable: with these particular cases, what makes them different from a random Lost Valley is that they have other elements that make them stand out (snowboarding, running down a skyscraper, skateboarding through San Francisco, climbing the Big Ben…). Plus they have something to compensate for the linearity, like fluid platforming.

In the case of Ice Cap and Speed Highway, there’s also a contrast between their halves: IC Act 1 is cramped and heavy on platforming, while Act 2 is much faster and without many obstacles, almost as a reward; Speed Highway starts out as fast and exhiliarating, with little platforming getting in the way of running, but the At Dawn section is a short open space, to let the player catch their breath, to the point that even the music and the aesthetic are much more relaxed. So, as you said, the balance is kept, and when you add a memorable setting and music, you have a great level in your hands.

Thank you @latin-dr-robotnik for giving me the permission to post this! I just had to translate this fascinating article to share it with everyone :>

#sonic the hedgehog #game design #level design #long post

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