User:Ultrasonic9000/Sandbox


 * For the power-up in the Sonic Boom video games, see Shield (Sonic Boom).

The Shield (バリア), also known as the Barrier (バリア) and Blue Shield (バリア), is an Item Box power-up that appears in the Sonic the Hedgehog series. When the player obtains this power-up, the playable character receives a shield that can negate one instance of damage.

Since its introduction, the Shield has become one of the most recurring Item Box power-ups in the Sonic series. The effects of the Shield have as well remained mostly untouched, like the Super Rings and Power Sneakers. In several games though, it has possessed different features. The Shield is also the first and original of all the shield-type power-ups.

Description
Item Boxes containing Shield usually either contain or display an icon depicting a sphere that is colored either green or blue. When the player obtains the Shield, a protective bubble will typically appear around the playable character. This bubble will prevent the playable character from losing Rings, or even a life if they hold no Rings, when they get hit by an enemy attack, touches an enemy, or runs into a damage-inducing hazard. When taking damage with the Shield equipped, the Shield disappears and the player is usually knocked slightly backwards without taking damage while gaining temporary invulnerability for a few seconds. However, the Shield cannot protect the playable character from losing a try when falling into a bottomless pit, being crushed, drowning, or in case they get a Time Over. Also, in contrast to its successors, the Shield does not grant the player any additional abilities, although, unlike certain elemental shields, it will stay in place in case the player goes underwater.

Under normal circumstances, a familiar sample will play when the Shield is obtained from an Item Box. Usually, the Shield will also remain active until the playable character takes damage or the level ends. In some games (particularly those released on mobile devices) though, the Shield only lasts for a limited time.

The color of the Shield's protective bubble has varied over the course of the Sonic series without any logical reason; while it is translucent in most games, it is typically either light blue or green. In one instance, it has even been colorless.

Sonic the Hedgehog (16-bit)
The shield power-up made its first appearance in the 16-bit version of Sonic the Hedgehog, where it is referred to as Shield (バリア). In this game, Video Monitors containing the Shield display an icon that shows a blue sphere with a light blue center.

When obtaining the Shield in gameplay, the playable character gets surrounded by a washed-out blue bubble. Its animation also shows it blinking in and out of existence constantly.

Due to the "Spike Bug" in the original version of Sonic the Hedgehog, spikes are able to bypass the playable character's protection and can cause them to lose their Shield, Rings, and life in rapid succession.

Sonic the Hedgehog (8-bit)
In the 8-bit version of Sonic the Hedgehog, the shield power-up is called Shield (バリア) once again. In this game, video monitors containing the Shield display an icon that shows a blue sphere with a white center.

When obtaining the Shield in gameplay, the playable character gets surrounded by a translucent bubble with bright blue edges. Its animation also shows it blinking in and out of existence constantly. In comparison to their 16-bit counterparts, the Shields in this game are smaller and brighter.

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (16-bit)
In the 16-bit version of Sonic the Hedgehog 2, the shield power-up is once again called Shield (バリア). In this game, monitors containing the Shield display an icon that shows a blue sphere with a light blue center.

When obtaining the Shield in gameplay, the playable character gets surrounded by a bubble with a tint of dark blue that constantly displays ripples across its surface. Its animation also shows it blinking in and out of existence constantly. In Knuckles the Echidna in Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (the lock-up version between Sonic the Hedgehog 2 and Sonic the Hedgehog 3) however, the Shield is colored grey instead of blue.

While playing as Super Sonic, the Shield's icon on the monitor changes to a golden-yellow, matching Super Sonic's color scheme; if the player obtains this Shield, it will be the same golden-yellow color. This is due to Sonic and the Shield sharing the same color palette in the game. The same thing can happen in Knuckles the Echidna in Sonic the Hedgehog 2, where the Shield starts glowing pink just like Super Knuckles does.

Sonic the Hedgehog CD
In Sonic the Hedgehog CD, the shield power-up is called Shield (バリア) once more. In this game, monitors containing the Shield display an icon that shows a blue sphere with a light blue center.

When obtaining the Shield in gameplay, the playable character gets surrounded by a washed-out and swirling blue bubble. Its animation also shows it blinking in and out of existence constantly.

Knuckles' Chaotix
In Knuckles' Chaotix, the shield power-up is named Shield (バリア) yet again. In this game, Monitors containing the Shield display an icon that shows a blue sphere with a light blue center.

When obtaining the Shield in gameplay, the playable character gets surrounded by a solid blue bubble that possesses a spinning effect. Its animation also shows it blinking in and out of existence constantly. However, the Shield is only given to whichever of the two player-controlled characters breaks the Monitor, leaving the other vulnerable to attack. Also, while the Shield is in effect, its Monitor icon can be seen on the bottom of the screen, which indicates that the Shield is active.

Sonic Blast
In Sonic Blast, the shield power-up is once again named Shield (バリア). In this game, TVs containing the Shield display an icon that shows a blue sphere with a light blue center. Also, while the Shield can be obtained from its standard TVs, the player can also obtain it from ??? TVs at times.

When obtaining the Shield in gameplay, two small white starts begin circling around the playable character instead of a bubble-based shield appearing around them. In terms of gameplay, the Shield is featured from Red Volcano Zone and onwards.

Sonic Adventure
In Sonic Adventure, and its remake Sonic Adventure DX: Director's Cut, the shield power-up is referred to as Shield (バリア) yet again. It also marks the Shield's first appearance in a 3D Sonic title. In this game, Item Boxes containing the Shield hold an icon that shows a green bubble.

When obtaining the Shield in gameplay, the playable character gets surrounded by a translucent dark green bubble.

Sonic the Hedgehog Pocket Adventure
In Sonic the Hedgehog Pocket Adventure, the shield power-up is once again called Shield (バリア). In this game, the item boxes containing the Shield display an icon that shows a light blue sphere with a white center.

When obtaining the Shield in gameplay, Sonic gets surrounded by a bubble with a tint of dark blue that constantly displays ripples across its surface. Its animation also shows it blinking in and out of existence constantly.

Sonic Adventure 2
In Sonic Adventure 2, and its remake Sonic Adventure 2: Battle, the shield power-up is named Shield (バリア) once again. In this game, Item Boxes containing the Shield hold an icon that shows a green bubble.

When obtaining the Shield in gameplay, the playable character gets surrounded by a translucent dark green bubble akin to the one that appeared in Sonic Adventure.

Besides obtaining the Shield from Item Boxes, the player will also automatically obtain a Shield (or a Magnetic Shield) when they pass through a point marker while holding 90 Rings or more.

Sonic Advance
In Sonic Advance, the shield power-up is referred to as Barrier (バリア). In this game, boxes containing the Barrier display an icon that shows a green bubble.

When obtaining the Barrier in gameplay, the playable character gets surrounded by a swirling dark green bubble. Its animation also shows it blinking in and out of existence constantly.

Sonic Advance 2
In Sonic Advance 2, the shield power-up is referred to as Shield (バリア) yet again. In this game, boxes containing the Shield display an icon that shows a green bubble.

When obtaining the Shield in gameplay, the playable character gets surrounded by a swirling dark green bubble. Its animation also shows it blinking in and out of existence constantly.

Sonic Advance 3
In Sonic Advance 2, the shield power-up is called Shield (バリア) once more. In this game, Boxes containing the Shield display an icon that shows a green bubble.

When obtaining the Shield in gameplay, the playable character gets surrounded by a swirling dark green bubble. Its animation also shows it blinking in and out of existence constantly.

Sonic Heroes
In Sonic Heroes, the shield power-up is known as Barrier (バリア) once again. In this game, Item Boxes containing the Shield hold an icon that shows a green bubble. Also, while the Barrier can be obtained from its standard Item Boxes, the player can also obtain it from Floating Item Boxes.

When obtaining the Barrier in gameplay, the playable character gets surrounded by a rainbow-colored bubble, although only the sides of this bubble can be seen. In addition to this, the bubble retains its earlier incarnations' green tint. Also, when obtained, the Barrier is always placed on the lead playable character so if the player changes their team's leader, the new leader will have the Barrier transferred over to them.

When Team Rose uses their Team Blast, Flower Festival, they will grant themselves a Barrier power-up.

Shadow the Hedgehog
In Shadow the Hedgehog, the shield power-up is once again known as Barrier (バリア). In this game, Item Boxes containing the Barrier hold an icon that shows a green bubble.

When obtaining the Barrier in gameplay, the playable character gets surrounded by a nearly invisible and pulsating green bubble.

Sonic Rush
In Sonic Rush, the shield power-up is named Barrier (バリア) again. In this game, Item Boxes containing the Barrier display an icon that shows a green bubble. Also, while the Barrier can be obtained from its standard Item Boxes, the player can also obtain it from Floating Item Boxes.

When obtaining the Barrier in gameplay, the playable character gets surrounded by a spinning and translucent green bubble.

Sonic Rush Adventure
In Sonic Rush Adventure, the shield power-up is called Barrier (バリア). once more. In this game, Item Boxes containing the Barrier display an icon that shows a green bubble.

When obtaining the Barrier in gameplay, the playable character gets surrounded by a spinning and translucent green bubble.

Sonic the Hedgehog (2006)
In Sonic the Hedgehog (2006), the shield power-up is referred to as the Shield in the western manuals. However, it is not mentioned in the Japanese manual. In this game, Item Boxes containing the Barrier display an icon that shows a green bubble. However, the Shield itself does not appear in the game despite being listed in the game's manual, having been left disabled within the game's files.

Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games
In the Nintendo DS version of Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games, the Shield serves its standard purpose. However, its usual mechanics have been modified slightly for the game's Event-based playstyle.

In gameplay, the Shields appear exclusively during the Dream Race and Dream Long Jump Dream Events where they can be obtained randomly from. In Dream Race, the Shields make the user invincible to one item or hurdle, and in Dream Long Jump, they give the user protection against one hit from a shell and keep the wind from affecting them.

Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games
In the Nintendo DS version of Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games, the Shield serves its standard purpose. However, its usual mechanics have been modified slightly for the game's Event-based playstyle.

In gameplay, the Shields only appear in the Ski Shooting and Super Sonic Downhill Dream Events. In Ski Shooting, the Shields can be used against the Egg Hammer's attacks in the final round by shielding the user against the lightning that will strike if they do not shoot the Egg Hammer before it slams down its hammer. In Super Sonic Downhill, the Shields are collected throughout the course. When obtained, they take effect immediately and protect the player from obstacles.

Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games
In the Wii version of Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games, the Shield serves its standard purpose. However, its usual mechanics have been modified slightly for the game's Event-based playstyle.

In gameplay, the Shields make their only appearance in the Dream Fencing Dream Event where they can be obtained randomly from.

Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games
In the Wii U version of Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, the Shield serves its standard purpose. However, its usual mechanics have been modified slightly for the game's Event-based playstyle.

In gameplay, the Shields are only seen during the Duel Beach Volleyball Duel Event. In Duel Beach Volleyball, the Shields protect the user from one attack.

Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity
In Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity, the shield power-up is once more named Shield in the western manuals. In this game, Item Boxes containing the Shield display a blue icon that shows a green and black bubble surrounded by green electricity. Furthermore, the Shield Item Boxes only appear in Survival Battle.

When obtaining the Shield in gameplay, the playable character gets surrounded by a green bubble with green electricity running along its surface. Its primary purpose is to prevent the user from losing Hit Points (in Sudden Death mode) or allowing an opponent to gain a point for hitting the player (in Points Battle). The Shield will instantly dissipate if the player falls off the field, however.

Sega Superstars Tennis
In Sega Superstars Tennis, the shield power-up is named Shield once more. In this game, Item Boxes containing the Shield display an icon that shows an animated blue bubble.

In gameplay, the Shield only appears during Sonic the Hedgehog-related mini-games and side missions, where their Item Boxes randomly drop down from the sky and land on the playing field. When obtaining the Shield, the playable character gets surrounded by a swirling light blue bubble.

Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing
In Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing, the shield power-up is called Shield again. In this game, the Shield is identified with an icon that depicts a dark green bubble with faint electricity running along its surface. This time around, the Shield is obtained at random from Item Boxes on the race tracks. It makes an appearance in both the console/PC and Nintendo DS version of the game.

In gameplay, the Shield is not automatically activated upon obtaining it. Rather, the player has to activate it manually. When using the Shield, the playable character get surrounded by a translucent green bubble with a visible ring swirling around its surface. Also, in addition to the Shield protecting from attacks, it also keeps other racers outside of the Shield. However, the Shield only lasts for a limited time in this game and will eventually expire. In the console/PC version of the game, the Shield lasts for about eight seconds, and in the Nintendo DS version, it lasts for about five seconds.

Episode I
In Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I (and by extension Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode Metal), the shield power-up is once more called Shield (バリア). In this game, Item Boxes containing the Shield display an icon that shows a green bubble.

When obtaining the Shield in gameplay, the playable character gets surrounded by a translucent and glowing green bubble. Also, if Sonic transforms into Super Sonic while the Shield is active, the Shield will stay around Super Sonic.

Episode II
In Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II, the shield power-up is again referred to as Shield (バリア). In this game, Item Boxes containing the Shield display an icon that shows a green bubble.

When obtaining the Shield in gameplay, the playable character gets surrounded by a translucent, glowing and pulsating green bubble. In addition, the Shield is given to both characters in the main scenario (this includes Sonic, whom the player controls, and Tails, who accompanies Sonic) when obtained. However, the characters' Shields are independent of one another, meaning that when one character loses their Shield the other will keep theirs. Also, if Sonic transforms into Super Sonic while the Shield is active, the Shield will stay around Super Sonic.

Sonic Colors
In the Nintendo DS version of Sonic Colors, the shield power-up made an appearance. In this game, Item Boxes containing the Shield display an icon that shows a green bubble.

Sonic Generations
In Sonic Generations, the shield power-up is referred to as Shield once again, and appears in both the console/PC and Nintendo 3DS version of the game.

In the console/PC version of Sonic Generations, the Shield is identified with a round green icon that displays a swirling green bubble. However, the Shield does not appear as an Item Box power-up in the stages. Instead, it appears as an equipable Skill for Classic Sonic that can grant up to two Shields during one stage Act. This "Shield" Skill can be bought from the Skill Shop for 1,200 Skill Points from the beginning of the game and can be equipped to Classic Sonic at the cost of sixty Skill Points. To grant Classic Sonic a Shield with this Skill during a stage Act, the player has to press /. When obtaining the Shield in gameplay on this version of the game, Classic Sonic gets surrounded by a colorless bubble with white edges.

In the Nintendo 3DS version of Sonic Generations, the Shield appears as an Item Box power-up. In this game, Item Boxes containing the Shield display an icon that shows a green bubble. Also, while the Shield can be obtained from its standard Item Boxes, it can also be received as an extra skill after playing Versus Mode online. When obtaining the Shield in gameplay on this version of the game, Classic Sonic gets surrounded by a translucent green bubble.

Sonic Jump (2012)
In the 2012 remake of Sonic Jump, the shield power-up is once again called Shield. In this game, TVs containing the Shield display an icon that shows a green bubble. Also, this time around, Shields are obtained randomly from TVs.

When obtaining the Shield in gameplay, the playable character gets surrounded by a translucent green bubble. However, the Shield only lasts for a limited time in this game and will eventually expire. Also, losing the Shield via damage does not grant invulnerability, despite the fact that losing one's Rings does grant said effect.

Sonic Jump Fever
In Sonic Jump Fever, the shield power-up is once again called Shield. In this game, TVs containing the Shield display an icon that shows a green bubble that resembles a plastic ball. Also, like in the 2012 remake of Sonic Jump, Shields are obtained randomly from TVs.

The Shields in Sonic Jump Fever can be obtained from TVs by any playable character, except by Knuckles. When obtaining the Shield in gameplay, the playable character gets surrounded by a translucent green bubble. However, the Shield only lasts for a limited time in this game and will eventually expire. To show how much time the Shield has left, a circular energy gauge will appear on the bottom of the screen when the Shield is active, which will deplete for each second the Shield is active. However, by upgrading the Shield Power-Up for a character, the player can increase the Shield's duration.

Sonic Dash
In Sonic Dash, the shield power-up is once more referred to as Shield. In this game, Item Boxes containing the Shield display an icon that shows an animated blue bubble. Also, Shields are once again obtained randomly from Item Boxes.

When obtaining the Shield in gameplay, the playable character gets surrounded by a translucent green bubble. However, the Shield only lasts for a limited time in this game and will eventually expire. However, by upgrading the Shield Power-Up for a character, the player can extend the Shield's duration.

Sonic Lost World
In Sonic Lost World, the shield power-up makes an appearance in the Wii U/PC version of the game. In this version of the game, Item Boxes containing the Shield hold a light blue bubble.

In gameplay, Shield power-ups do not appear in the Zones. Instead, they can be obtained through other means, outside of the Zones. On the Wii U version, they can be obtained and shared on the Miiverse. They can also be rewarded by completing missions on the PC version. Once obtained, the Shield will be stored away for the player to use later in the Zones. During these Zones, the player can open the Item Bag and select the Shield to instantly bestow it onto the playable character.

Sonic Runners
In Sonic Runners, the shield power-up is named Shield again. In this game, Item Boxes containing the Shield hold a light blue bubble.

The Shield in Sonic Runners makes an appearance as both a regular Item Box power-up, which can be found in the stages, and an Equippable Item, which can be purchased for 1,000 Rings and equipped to a playable character before a run and then activated whenever the player wants during a run. When obtaining/activating the Shield in gameplay, the playable character gets surrounded by a light blue, sphere-shaped energy field. However, the Shield only lasts for a limited time in this game and will eventually expire. Its duration depends on the level of the character using it; the higher the character's level, the longer the Shield will last. Worth noting is that SHields which have been equipped to a playable character before a run will last twice as long as a Shield found in a stage. Also, Buddies like the Erazor Djinn can gant a free Shield for every X Combo. The duration of a Shield is displayed by a circular and blue energy gauge (akin to the Wisp Gauge) that appears next to the playable character whenever the Shield is in effect and will deplete for every second the Shield is active.

Sonic Mania
In Sonic Mania, and its expansion Sonic Mania Plus, the shield power-up is called Blue Shield (バリア). In this game, Item Boxes containing the Blue Shield display an icon that shows a blue sphere with a white center. Also, while the Blue Shield can be obtained from its standard Item Boxes, the player can also obtain it as a prize that is earned when playing in the Pinball Stage.

When obtaining the Blue Shield in gameplay, the playable character gets surrounded by a translucent and swirling blue bubble.

Sonic Forces: Speed Battle
In Sonic Forces: Speed Battle, the shield power-up makes another appearance. In this game, the Shield is identified with an icon depicting a light blue energy sphere.

The Shield in Sonic Forces: Speed Battle is an unique type of Item that every playable character in the game can use. In addition, the Shields are obtained randomly from Item Boxes in this game.

When obtaining the Shield in gameplay, this power-up will not activate automatically. Instead, the player has to press its icon on the bottom of the screen. Once activated, the playable character get surrounded by a light blue energy bubble. However, the Shield only lasts for a limited time in this game and will eventually expire. The duration of a Shield is displayed by a circular energy gauge that appears on top of the Shield's icon in the player's inventory (on the bottom of the screen) whenever the Shield is in effect and will deplete for every second the Shield is active.