Spin Dash


 * For other uses of the term, see Spin Dash (disambiguation).

The Spin Dash (スピンダッシュ), also called the Super Spin Dash (超スピンダッシュ), is a move that appears in the Sonic the Hedgehog series. It is a variant of the Spin Attack where the user blasts forward with a revved-up Spin Attack from a stationary position. It is also one of Sonic's trademark techniques.

Since its introduction, the Spin Dash has become one of the most well-known and frequently used moves throughout the series.

Description
The Spin Dash was developed by Sonic, who claimed that it came to him one day during his "Genesis days" when he tried combining a somersault with running.

The Spin Dash, for all intended purposes, is a move that lets the playable characters dash off from a standstill. When performing the Spin Dash, the user first crouches down and curls up into a tight concussive ball or cutting disk. The user then starts charging up the Spin Dash from a stationary position by spinning rapidly on the spot and gaining potential energy before taking off into a high-speed rolling attack, dealing incredible damage to whatever they collide with. The move can be used for both attacking foes and simply travelling at high speeds.

Some users have their features fluttering behind their curled form when using the Spin Dash, such as Tails' twin-tails and Cream's rabbit ears. Also, there are alternate poses one can assume when launching the Spin Dash; Espio would whirl around like a tornado, and Vector would curl into a spiky wheel when they performed the Spin Dash in Knuckles' Chaotix. When revving up the typical Spin Dash, the user also normally assumes an oval shape.

In gameplay, while using the Spin Dash, the playable character can damage or shred through any unprotected enemy they collide with, break through walls and other weak obstacles, and dash up steep slopes or through shuttle loops without having to build up running momentum. It is also faster and lasts longer than the Spin Attack. Also, while revving up the Spin Dash, the playable character usually deals out damage to any enemy that makes contact with them. However, the characters are not invulnerable while Spin Dashing, as colliding with spikes and other hazards or getting crushed still causes damage.

In the 2D side-scrolling Sonic games, the Spin Dash is typically charged by pressing down on while the character is standing still and tapping the Jump button. After gaining enough potential energy, the player must release the down button to launch the Spin Dash. Some games have different ways to do the move, however; most 3D titles have the Spin Dash assigned to a single button because the directional controls are used to move the characters around the fields.

While the Spin Dash has become a trademark move for Sonic the Hedgehog, some characters can also use it and have even created their own variations of it.

Sonic the Hedgehog (1991)
The Spin Dash does not appear in the original release of Sonic the Hedgehog, but has been included in the game's ports and re-releases a total of four times:


 * Sonic Jam: On the Sega Saturn port of Sonic the Hedgehog featured in the Sonic Jam game compilation, the Spin Dash was added as an optional feature for Sonic. While the move allows the player to finish Zones faster, it also creates a potential glitch in Green Hill Zone: when passing through Winding Tunnels with the Spin Dash, the screen might not scroll fast enough to keep up with Sonic, resulting in him dying from hitting its bottom (as if it were a bottomless pit). To perform the Spin Dash in gameplay, Sonic must first stand still. Hold then down on and press // to charge the Spin Dash. Keep tapping // to build up momentum, and let go of  to dash off.
 * Sonic the Hedgehog Genesis: On the Game Boy Advance port of Sonic the Hedgehog named "Sonic the Hedgehog Genesis", the Spin Dash works much like it always has, except that while revving it up, Sonic remains vulnerable to damage inflicted on him by Badniks colliding with him. To perform the Spin Dash in gameplay, Sonic must first stand still. Hold then down on and press / to charge the Spin Dash. Keep tapping / to build up momentum, and let go of  to dash off.
 * Sonic the Hedgehog (2013): On the iOS and Android port of Sonic the Hedgehog, the Spin Dash works much like it always has. However, it cannot be used to its fullest since the Zones are not designed for it. The unlockable characters Tails and Knuckles are also able to perform it as well (when enabled).
 * 3D Sonic the Hedgehog: In the Nintendo 3DS port of Sonic the Hedgehog named 3D Sonic the Hedgehog, the Spin Dash is featured as well. In this port, the Spin Dash can be toggled off and on (which requires a game reset), and is on by default. However, Sonic can still take damage by colliding with a moving Badnik while revving up the move in this version.

Sonic the Hedgehog 2
The Spin Dash made its official debut in the 16-bit version of Sonic the Hedgehog 2, where it is referred to as the Super Dash Attack (スーパースピンダッシュ). In this game, it is used by Sonic, Super Sonic, and Tails.

To perform the Spin Dash in gameplay, the playable character must first stand still. Hold then down on and press // to charge the Spin Dash. Keep tapping // to build up momentum, and let go of to dash off.

Sonic the Hedgehog CD
In Sonic the Hedgehog CD, the Spin Dash is referred to as the Super Spin Dash, and is used only by Sonic. In this game, when Sonic does the Spin Dash, he is shaped like a ball instead of an oval.

In gameplay, the Spin Dash is different from its depictions in the previous game and subsequent 2D titles. Firstly, revving up the Spin Dash does not confer invulnerability to attack. Secondly, to perform the Spin Dash in gameplay, the player has to press down on while Sonic is standing still and hold // for a few seconds; releasing  after that will make the playable characters take off. If the player releases too early, Sonic will just stand up instead of taking off.

On the 2011 remaster's option menu, the player is able to switch the Spin Dash method to "Genesis" mode, the style of the Spin Dash is performed in Sonic the Hedgehog 2. Since Tails is also a playable character in this remaster, he can perform the Spin Dash as well.

Sonic Chaos
In Sonic Chaos, the Spin Dash is referred to as the Super Spin Dash (スーパースピンダッシュ), and is used by both Sonic and Tails. Curiously, when performing the Spin Dash in this game, Tails' twin-tails does not flutter behind his curled form..

Because the Zones in the game are short, the Spin Dash can be useful. There are also secret passages behind walls in the Zones which can be broken easily with the Spin Dash. To perform the Spin Dash in gameplay, the playable character must first stand still. Hold then down on and press / to charge the Spin Dash. Keep tapping / to build up momentum, and let go of to dash off.

Sonic the Hedgehog Spinball
In both the 16-bit and 8-bit versions of Sonic the Hedgehog Spinball, the Spin Dash is referred to as the Super Spin Dash, and is used exclusively by Sonic.

In gameplay, Sonic can perform the Spin Dash in the platforming sections of the pinball areas, where it can be useful to burst back to the pinball sections. To perform the Spin Dash in gameplay, Sonic must first stand still. Hold then down on and press either // on the 16-bit version, or / on the 8-bit version to charge the Spin Dash. Keep tapping // or / to build up momentum, and let go of to dash off.

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 & Knuckles
In Sonic the Hedgehog 3, its add-on continuation Sonic & Knuckles and the lock-on Sonic the Hedgehog 3 & Knuckles, the Spin Dash appeared as a move used by all three games' playable characters. In Sonic the Hedgehog 3, the move is known as the Spin Dash Attack (スーパースピンダッシュ), and in Sonic & Knuckles it is known as just the Spin Dash (スーパースピンダッシュ).

In Sonic the Hedgehog 3, the Spin Dash is used by Sonic, Super Sonic, and Tails. In Sonic & Knuckles, the move is available to Sonic, Super Sonic, Knuckles, and Super Knuckles. Lastly, in Sonic the Hedgehog 3 & Knuckles, the Spin Dash is used by all five previously-mentioned characters, and Hyper Sonic, Hyper Knuckles, and Super Tails as well. To perform the Spin Dash in these games, the playable character must first stand still. Hold then down on and press // to charge the Spin Dash. Keep tapping // to build up momentum, and let go of to dash off.

There are moments in these games when the Spin Dash can prove useful, like rotating Platform-raising Wheels in Marble Garden Zone; pushing rocks more easily in Sandopolis Zone; using Transports in Lava Reef Zone; and flying through a Ring Shooter in Death Egg Zone.

Sonic the Hedgehog Triple Trouble
In Sonic the Hedgehog Triple Trouble, the Spin Dash is referred to as the Super Dash Attack (スピンダッシュ), and can be performed by both Sonic and Tails. Like in Sonic Chaos, Tails' twin-tails do not flutter behind his curled form when using the Spin Dash.

In gameplay, there are gimmicks named Spin Coasters which the player can ride. While riding the Spin Coasters, the player can make them accelerate by Spin Dashing.

To perform the Spin Dash in gameplay, the playable character must first stand still. Hold then down on and press / to charge the Spin Dash. Keep tapping / to build up momentum, and let go of to dash off.

Knuckles' Chaotix
In Knuckles' Chaotix, the move was officially referred to as the Spin Dash (スピンダッシュ). In this game, Knuckles, Espio, Mighty and Vector can perform it. When Espio performs the Spin Dash however, he twirls around like a tornado. Similarly, Vector curls into a spiky wheel instead of a ball when he performs the move.

In gameplay, the Spin Dash can be useful in conjunction with the game's Ring Power mechanic. Also, the playable characters are sent to the game's stages by Spin Dashing on a launching platform which moves forward and hurls the characters to the chosen stage.

To perform the Spin Dash in gameplay, the playable character must first stand still. Hold then down on and press  to charge the Spin Dash. Keep tapping to build up momentum, and let go of  to dash off.

Tails Adventure
In Tails Adventure, Tails is able to perform the Spin Dash under certain circumstances. When performing the Spin Dash in this game, Tails' twin-tails will not flutter behind his curled form.

In order to unlock the Spin Dash, Tails must find the Sonic item in Caron Forest and equip it to himself. With this move the player can easily destroy breakable walls.

To perform the Spin Dash in gameplay, the player must first hold down to roll into a stationary spin. Hold then left or right, and let go of  to dash off.

Sonic Labyrinth
In Sonic Labyrinth, the Spin Dash is referred to as the Spin Dash, Super Spin Dash, and Super Sonic Spin Dash. This time, the move is used by Sonic only.

The Spin Dash ties into the game's narrative this time around. Unable to run fast or jump high due to Dr. Robotnik's Slow-Down Boots, Sonic realized he could still get around fast by using his Spin Dash. As such, the Spin Dash plays a vital role in the gameplay.

To perform the Spin Dash in gameplay, the player must first press and hold / to rev up the Spin Dash. Small black and white arrows indicate Sonic's speed (the more arrows there are, the faster he will go). A yellow and white arrow indicate the direction Sonic will head in. Change the direction by using. When both the speed and direction is set, release / to dash off. If the player is in the middle of a Spin Dash and need to stop however, press / to skid to a halt.

Sonic 3D Blast
In Sonic 3D Blast, the Spin Dash is referred to as the Sonic Spin Dash or just the Spin Dash. Once again, the move is only used by Sonic.

In gameplay, there are devices that automatically send Sonic Spin Dashing through loops and ramps. There are also many hidden passages behind specific breakable walls that can be broken with the Spin Dash. Like Lava Reef Zone in Sonic & Knuckles, there are also blue transports in Volcano Valley Zone which work by doing the Spin Dash on them.

To perform the Spin Dash in gameplay, Sonic must first stand still. Press and hold then / to rev up the Spin Dash. Afterward, release / to dash off.

Sonic Blast
In Sonic Blast, the Spin Dash is referred to as the Sonic Spin Dash (スーパースピンダッシュ). In this game, it is a move both Sonic and Knuckles can perform.

To perform the Spin Dash in gameplay, the playable character must first stand still. Hold then down on and press / to charge the Spin Dash. Keep tapping / to build up momentum, and let go of to dash off.

Sonic R
In Sonic R, the Spin Dash (and the Spin Attack) is referred to as the Spin Dash Roll. In this game, it can be used by Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and Super Sonic.

In gameplay the player can use the Spin Dash to get an extra boost of speed at the beginning countdown of the race. To perform the Spin Dash in gameplay, the playable character must first stand still. Hold then down on and press.

Sonic Adventure
In Sonic Adventure and its remake Sonic Adventure DX: Director's Cut, the Spin Dash is a move exclusive to Sonic. In this game, the Spin Dash can be loaded to perform both the Light Speed Dash and the Light Speed Attack.

Sonic can be seen using his trademark move in several cutscenes, the most notable times being at the start of his story to follow the police and in the ending of the Final Story, where Sonic can be heard using it to follow Dr. Eggman.

To perform the Spin Dash in gameplay, press and hold /// to rev up with a stationary spin, then release to dash off. While rolling, tap /// again to revert to standing posture without losing speed. In addition, Sonic can easily perform another Spin Dash while rolling, so he does not need to stop.

Sonic the Hedgehog Pocket Adventure
In Sonic the Hedgehog Pocket Adventure, the Spin Dash appeared again as a move exclusive to Sonic. To perform the Spin Dash in gameplay, Sonic must first stand still. Hold then down the lever and press / to charge the Spin Dash. Keep tapping / to build up momentum, and let go of the lever to dash off.

Sonic Shuffle
In Sonic Shuffle, the Spin Dash is Sonic's Special Movement Ability. In practice, it allows Sonic to move twice as far if he plays the same number for two consecutive turns. This means, that if Sonic moves three Spaces on one turn, then plays a second 3, he can move six spaces on that turn. However, Sonic cannot use the Spin Dash two times in a row, meaning that if he plays a third 3, he will only move three Spaces.

Sonic Adventure 2
In Sonic Adventure 2 and its remake Sonic Adventure 2: Battle, the Spin Dash appears as a move exclusive to Sonic and Shadow. In the Dreamcast version, Metal Sonic and Amy Rose are also able to do the Spin Dash. In Sonic Adventure 2: Battle it was replaced by different advantages, such as Metal's Black Shield and Amy needing less Rings to perform special attacks (such as Storming Heart).

Before Sonic and Shadow acquire any Level Up Items in their respective stories, their Spin Dash sounds are much more high-pitched than they are once the first Level Up Item is acquired.

To perform the Spin Dash in gameplay, press and hold /// to rev up with a stationary spin, then release to dash off. In addition, the playable characters can easily perform another Spin Dash while rolling, so they do not need to stop.

Sonic Advance series
The Spin Dash has appeared in the Sonic Advance games. In all three games, Sonic, Tails and Knuckles can use it. It can be done by ducking, pressing  and then releasing (the button can also be tapped a few times rapidly to build up more speed). In Sonic Advance 2, Cream the Rabbit and Amy are able to do the Spin Dash, although Amy can only charge her running speed, similar to the Super Peel-Out. All characters can do the Spin Dash in Sonic Advance 3 although in Amy's case, she needs to be partnered with Sonic the Hedgehog in order to do so.

Shadow the Hedgehog
In Shadow the Hedgehog, Shadow can perform a Spin Dash similar to how he can in Sonic Adventure 2. The player has to press down / to load and then release it.

Sonic Rush games
The Spin Dash appears in both Sonic Rush and Sonic Rush Adventure as one on Sonic's moves. Blaze the Cat has a variation called Burst Dash. Like in the Sonic Advance games, the player has to duck, press / and then release. As boosting is introduced in these games, the Spin Dash has become a sort of slower technique to get start-up speed.

Sonic the Hedgehog (2006)
The Spin Dash appears in Sonic the Hedgehog (2006) as one of Sonic's moves. To perform it, the player must press and hold / to charge up the Spin Dash before releasing the button to initiate it. Sonic can't jump or perform any other moves while rolling around, and must a few seconds until he either stops rolling or cancels the move by pressing /. The player can also Spin Dash while using the Red Gem, Purple Gem and Sky Gem.

Sonic Rivals games
In both Sonic Rivals and Sonic Rivals 2, every character can do a Spin Dash during races, including Rouge the Bat, Silver the Hedgehog and Espio the Chameleon. Similarly to Sonic R, the player can also Spin Dash during the beginning countdown to get extra speed for the race.

Super Smash Bros. series
The Spin Dash appears as one of Sonic's movesets in Super Smash Bros. Brawl and Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U. In Super Smash Bros. Brawl, the Spin Dash has 3 variations of this move: his down special (the original attack; called the Spin Charge), his forward special (a slower dash that does not need to charge and begins with a hop to aid in recovery) and his down smash (a rapid Spin Dash back and forth).

Sonic Unleashed
While Spin Dash does not appear in the Xbox 360/PlayStation 3 version of Sonic Unleashed, Sonic can Spin Dash at the start of day stages in the PlayStation 2/Wii version of the game. If timed properly, Sonic will start the level with a free unit of boost energy; otherwise he will trip and fall. Touching Dash Pads while boosting will also play this animation in the PS2/Wii versions.

Sonic the Hedgehog 4
The Spin Dash is featured in both episodes of Sonic the Hedgehog 4. Sonic can perform it in both episodes and Tails can do it in second episode. It works similar to the Sonic Rush games; however, in the first episode, the move will not roll Sonic down the hill or help him go up ramps completely. This was later fixed in Episode II. Metal Sonic can perform the Spin Dash in Episode Metal. Sonic and Tails can be also seen doing the Spin Dash in the loading screen of Episode II. Additionally, a new variation of the Spin Dash called the Rolling Combo appears as one of Sonic and Tails' Tag Actions.

When using Tilt Controls in the mobile versions of the games, the player can perform a Spin Dash by touching Sonic and holding down on the screen before releasing.

Sonic Colors
The Spin Dash appears in the Nintendo DS version of Sonic Colors as one Sonic's moves. The Spin Dash can be activated like it was in the Sonic Rush games. Sonic can also perform a variation of the Spin Dash while under the effects of the Pink Wisp in the Wii version of the game.

Sonic Generations
The Spin Dash returns in all versions of Sonic Generations as one of Classic Sonic's moves. There are two ways to perform it: the player can do it the traditional "crouch and tap-the-jump button" way (hold down and repeatedly tap / or by pressing/tapping / while still. Oddly, the Spin Dash in the game is more powerful than before, essentially serving as Classic Sonic's equivalent to Modern Sonic's Boost.

When Modern Sonic touches a dash panel, he will ll briefly use the Spin Dash, much like in the Wii/PS2 version of Sonic Unleashed. Unlike in Sonic Unleashed, however, Sonic doesn't have to touch the dash panel while boosting to activate the Spin Dash; the animation plays when Sonic runs over a Dash Panel at a certain speed. Modern Sonic can also somewhat use it freely when drifting, as he Spin Dashes to drift in the game. Classic Sonic can use a skill that enables him to Spin Dash longer.

Sonic Lost World
In Sonic Lost World, the Spin Dash returns as one of Sonic's main moves, where it is used in a more traditional manner in a 3D game for the first time since Sonic Adventure 2. Pressing activates the Spin Dash, while pressing and holding down  again will allow Sonic to continuously Spin Dash, similar to the Boost. Sonic can also perform the Spin Dash while running on walls or ceilings for an extra boost.

The Spin Dash in this game mainly serves the same purposes as it did in earlier games; to allow Sonic to reach his full momentum. Spin Dashing is the fastest way for Sonic to move around in this game, as speed control is a primary part of the gameplay in Sonic Lost World. In the Wii U version, Sonic will quickly lose his momentum while Spin Dashing on icy terrain due to the slippery surface. However, in the Nintendo 3DS version, Sonic will maintain his momentum when performing the Spin Dash on icy terrain. Notably, Sonic Lost World marks the first game in which the Spin Dash appears in a CGI cutscene.

Sonic Mania
In Sonic Mania, the Spin Dash can be performed by Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles. To perform the Spin Dash in gameplay, the player has to execute the following actions:

During the battle with Metal Sonic, Metal Sonic will attempt to use his Spin Dash against the player.

Sonic Forces
In Sonic Forces, the Spin Dash is only usable to Classic Sonic. When performing it in this game, Classic Sonic will be enveloped in a blue aura. To perform the Spin Dash in gameplay, the player has to Crouch (either by pressing // or by pressing down) and then pressing // repeatedly.

Burst Dash
The Burst Dash is a move performed by Blaze the Cat. It is similar to Espio's Spin Dash as Blaze assumes a tornado formation, but she revs up by standing and charging the fire at her feet and is instead surrounded by fire.

Dark Spin Dash
The Dark Spin Dash is a move performed by Shadow the Hedgehog. In terms of performance, it is identical to the regular Spin Dash. It is used exclusively in Shadow the Hedgehog to access the Red Slime paths for transportation and shortcuts.

Drop Dash
The Drop Dash is a variation of the Spin Dash performed by Sonic the Hedgehog in Sonic Mania. When using this move, the user immediately sets off into a Spin Attack when landing on the ground in spinball form.

Rolling Combo
The Rolling Combo is a combination move exclusive to Sonic and Tails. When performing this move, Sonic and Tails join together in a spherical formation to form a larger and more powerful version of the Spin Dash. This move only appears in Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II.

Spin Charge
The Spin Charge is a variation of the Spin Dash performed by Sonic the Hedgehog in Super Smash Bros. Brawl. It functions similarly to how the Spin Dash worked in the 2D titles, where the player has to charge it up by repeatedly press the attack button.

Spin Slash
Spin Slash is a variant performed by Sonic the Hedgehog in the unreleased Sonic X-treme. It was an upgraded Spin Dash.

Super Smash Bros. Spin Dash variants
In Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U, every character gets two variants of their normal four special moves. Sonic's Spin Dash special can be switched out for the Hammer Spin Dash, a move that buries opponents if hit, and the Burning Spin Dash, a version that surrounds Sonic in fire. His down special, the Spin Charge, also has two variants. They are the Auto-Spin Charge, a move that charges by holding the button down rather than rapidly pressing it, and the Gravitational Charge, a move that pulls and pushes opponents around Sonic.

Sonic the Hedgehog: The Movie
The Spin Dash has only been seen once in Sonic the Hedgehog: The Movie as Tails manages to corrupt Hyper Metal Sonic's data with Robotnik's navigator, Sonic quickly loads Spin Dash and knocks Hyper Metal Sonic to far away.

Sonic X
The Spin Dash in Sonic X has been performed numerous times during the series run, mainly performed by Sonic and Shadow.

Sonic Boom
The Spin Dash also appears in the Sonic Boom franchise. In this media, it is only used by Sonic the Hedgehog.

The Spin Dash first appeared in Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric, where it is one of Sonic's usable moves in gameplay. In this game, it can both be used to attack enemies and as well utilize different gimmicks, such as the Spin Ramp and Spin Ball.

Archie Comics
The Spin Dash was used many times as the signature move of Sonic. After the Super Genesis Wave, it seems to have become a common technique - with even characters such as Big the Cat using it.

IDW Publishing
In the Sonic the Hedgehog comic series published by IDW Publishing, the Spin Dash appear as one of Sonic the Hedgehog's moves.

Trivia

 * The North American manual of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 suggests that Tails created the Spin Dash (referred to as the "Super Dash Attack") first while imitating Sonic's performances.
 * The Spin Dash's animation is meant to symbolize the wheel of a car during a burnout.
 * The Spin Dash has a different sound effect of Spin Attack in the beta version of Sonic the Hedgehog 2. It has been changed to its own sound effect in the final version of the game as it sounds more efficient.
 * Tails' tails don't move along while his body is rolling during the Spin Dash or Spin Attack in earlier games and Sonic Advance games. This happens in a similar way with Cream's ears during the Spin Dash.
 * In the French Sonic & Knuckles guide, the Spin Dash is named Sonic Boom.
 * Tiara Boobowski was stated to be able to perform the Spin Dash in Sonic X-treme. However, because of the game's cancellation, this never happened.
 * Sonic can be seen doing Spin Dash in Sonic the Hedgehog Screen Saver.
 * In Sonic the Hedgehog Genesis, which is a port of the original game, features an anniversary mode feature, which includes the Spin Dash movement for Sonic.
 * When using the Pink Wisp in Sonic Colors (or in Sonic Generations), Sonic as the Pink Spikes Color Power can perform a move similar to the Spin Dash as it bursts out as a curling ball from a standing position.
 * In most games, a colored aura or streak surrounds/trails the character using the Spin Dash.
 * In the Wii U version of Sonic Lost World, the wind-up animation (Sonic's ball form becomes a slanted oval) and the release animation (he reverts to a perfect circle again) of the Spin Dash occur in reversed order. This change was not made in the 3DS version.