Catapult (runway)

The Catapult, also known as the runway, is a gimmick that appears in the Sonic the Hedgehog series. It is a ramp-like object exclusive to the Sonic Riders series that can initiates Air Riding for those capable of performing it.

Description
Catapults take the form of ramp-like objects, although the details of their design differs from game to game.

In gameplay, launching off a Catapult will result in the playable character automatically initiating the Air Ride maneuver, allowing them to fly through midair and through Dash Rings/Accelerators for a short time. However, the Catapult only works for the characters who are capable of the Air Ride manuever. Who that is depend on the game.

Sonic Riders
In Sonic Riders, the Catapult is referred to as the runway. In this game, they are simple ramps in the road. Although the Catapults' design and color scheme vary slightly between each level, they are all marked with a distinctive yellow arrow symbol made up of thin lines.

In Sonic Riders, Catapults can only be utilized by Flight Type characters or other characters riding on certain Extreme Gears are able to perform Air Ride.

Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity
In Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity, this gimmick is referred to as the Catapult for the first time. In this game, they are transparent ramp panels that raise up from the ground when a playable character approaches. These panels have yellow frames with black recesses, white triangular arrow marks with red outlines on top of the panels, a red front edge, a gray foot edge, and a vertical split down the middle.

In Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity, Catapults can only be utilized by SCR-HD and racers that ride on Air Ride or Yacht type Extreme Gears or Board type Extreme Gears with the Air Ride or Yacht Gear Part activated.

Sonic Free Riders
In Sonic Free Riders, this gimmick is referred to as the Catapult again. In this game, the Catapults look and behave exactly like they did in Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity. This time around, Catapults can only be utilized by those with active Air Ride Skill Gear Part equipped to their Extreme Gear.