Spin Attack

The Spin Attack, also called the Rolling Attack, is a move used in many games in the Sonic series.

What it does
In most Sonic games, the attack functions as the user's (especially Sonic himself) primary offensive move. The user takes on fetal position, and then rapidly somersaults forward. It's used to attack enemies as well as increase speed when going down a steep slope. When moving forward fast enough, it's even possible for the user to break through walls. Speed-type characters seem to be able to make the most out of the Spin Attack.

Spin Jump
This is probably the most commonly used variation of the Spin Attack. Also called the Rolling Jump, the Spin Jump enables the user to perform the Spin Attack while jumping. It's used to attack midair enemies around the user. Super Smash Bros. Brawl doesn't allow direct use of this attack since jumping doesn't harm enemies, but one of Sonic's midair attacks enable him to use the Spin Attack in the air.

Spin Dash
Also called the Super Spin Dash, the Spin Dash allows the user to instantly reach top speed. The user crouches, performs an oval-shaped Spin Attack to charge (this part is dubbed the Spin Charge), then dashes off in a high speed rolling attack. This is also used to attack enemies or break through walls. In Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Sonic has 3 variations of this move; his down special (the original attack), his forward special (allows Sonic to perform a small hop before dashing to aid in recovery), and his down smash (does two rapid Spin Dashes back and forth). This attack is also a frequently used one throughout the Sonic series.

Skid Attack
This attack is exclusive to Sonic, Shadow, Amy, Metal Sonic, and Espio. The user simply somersaults forward and then slides along the ground. It's not nearly as fast as the Spin Dash, but it's done as soon as you press the Melee Attack button, so it's ideal for close combat. It can be upgraded with the Flame Ring, which surrounds the user with fire while executing it.

Double Spin Attack
Originating in Sonic 3, the Double Spin Attack causes Sonic to rapidly spin in the air; fast enough that he is covered in a shield of supposed wind/electricity. For the split second it lasts, it extends the range of his standard Spin Attack and grants him invincibility. This attack was not seen again until Sonic Advance due to it being replaced by the Homing Attack in Sonic Adventure. The attack was originally known as the "Insta-Shield".

Homing Attack
This attack debuted in Sonic Adventure. It does what the name implies; whilst in the air, the character performs a high-speed Spin Dash towards the nearest enemy or Item Box. If there is no target nearby, the character just dashes in the air (dubbed the Jump Dash). Although the Homing Attack debuted in Sonic Adventure, similar attacks could be performed in Sonic 3 and Sonic 3D Blast: Flickies' Island with the help of special powerups. In Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Sonic uses this as his standard special move. This attack is probably the second most commonly used variation of the Spin Attack.

Light Speed Dash
This move also debuted in Sonic Adventure. It's exclusive to Speed-type characters. The move allows the user to perform a Spin Dash through a trail of Rings at the speed of light, and would also attack enemies in the line of Rings. In order to perform this move though, the user must have first obtained the Light Speed Shoes, which, according to Sonic Unleashed, are made from the same material from Rings themselves.

Light Speed Attack
This attack is exclusive to Sonic and Shadow. This move allows the user to use the Light Speed Dash on enemies, and works best when a lot of enemies are around the user. The user must have fully charged a Spin Dash before being able to perform the move, as a lot of energy is used when executing it. The user must have also obtained the Ancient Light powerup to perform the move.

Bound Attack
This attack can only be used by Sonic and Amy. It sends the user downward rapidly in a Spin Attack, and then bounces him/her back up. It's used to attack enemies below the user, as well as gain extra height when used repeatedly. The user must have first obtained the Bounce Bracelet to perform this attack