Somersault

The Somersault is a technique introduced in Sonic Adventure 2 and is used exclusively by Sonic the Hedgehog, Shadow the Hedgehog and Metal Sonic. Basically, the move involves the user attacking, while performing a somersault.

Usage
While standing still or moving at high speed, by pressing the action button, the user can perform the Somersault by flipping his body, and then proceed to attack with his legs. Once colliding, all enemies or weaker obstacles are destroyed. As shown in Sonic Adventure 2, this move can be enhanced with the right upgrade.

Sonic Adventure 2
The Somersault first apperance was in Sonic Adventure 2 and is only usable by Sonic and Shadow (and Metal Sonic, but outside the story) and is an ideal move for close combat. If timed correctly, the Somersault can be used in combo attacks. It is however, not as fast as the Spin Dash.

Beside offensive maneuvers, the Somersault can also be used to slide underneath hazards, into small openings in walls, climb steep hills and so forth. If Sonic and Shadow receives the upgrade Flame Ring, they can perform a stronger version of the Somersault called the Fire Somersault.

Sonic Advance
In Sonic Advance the Somersault comes in three steps, if pressing the B button at the right time, and is only used by Sonic. While moving forward and pressing the B button, Sonic goes into a grounded Spin Attack, which can still damage obstacles. Pressing the B button a second time while in the roll, makes Sonic perform a normal somersault, and pressing the B button a third time makes Sonic perform the Skid Attack. However, if pressing the A button while in the somersault, it makes Sonic do a back flip.