Boost

The Sonic Boost (ソニックブースト) is a move used by Sonic the Hedgehog mainly in the games Sonic Rush, Sonic Unleashed, Sonic Colors and Sonic Generations (modern). To perform the Sonic Boost, the player will have to fill the "Boost Bar" in the bottom-left corner of the screen. The bar can be filled by collecting rings, performing the Sonic Drift, or stringing together tricks and attacks (Wii/PS2 versions only). While performing the Sonic Boost, Sonic gains limited invincibility and increased speed, plowing through enemies and object/obstacles but he'll still get hurt from hazards such as spikes. The Sonic Boost is limited by the energy in the Boost Bar; in the 360/PS3 version, the Sonic Boost can be performed at almost any time, even if there is a little bit of energy in the bar. In the Wii/PS2 versions, the bar is divided into three sub-bars (upgrades can increase the sub-bars to a maximum of six) and can only be performed when at least one of the bars is completely full. This move can also be used to collect rings that are just out of reach, as the rings will be attracted to Sonic, much like the Lightning Shield. In the 360/PS3 there is also an upgrade found in Chun-Nan called the Air Boost Shoes (in the Wii/PS2 versions, Sonic already has all the upgrades). This upgrade can only be reached by also getting the Wall Jump Shoes in Spagonia. With the Air Boost Shoes, Sonic will be able to use the Sonic Boost in the air, as opposed to doing an ineffective Homing Attack. This is used to reach the next Day Stage. This also serves to help the player find hidden alternate paths.

This move reappears in Sonic Colors, and looks similiar to the Wii/PS2 versions of Sonic Unleashed. In Sonic Colors, there is an effect seen to either side of Sonic, which also flashes colors of the rainbow. Unlike in Sonic Unleashed, Sonic can only fill the Boost Bar by releasing White Wisps from Wisp Capsules or by defeating Egg Pawns.

This move first appered in Sonic Heroes, in the special stages, where it can be used by all playable characters.