Heavy Shinobi

The Heavy Shinobi (ヘビーシノビ) is an antagonist that appears in Sonic Mania. A member of the Hard Boiled Heavies, the Heavy Shinobi is the enhanced version of an Egg-Robo created by Dr. Eggman after being struck with the power of the Phantom Ruby.

Appearance
Originally an Egg-Robo, the Heavy Shinobi received a makeover when he stumbled upon the Phantom Ruby. Decorated as a ninja, the Heavy Shinobi's design reflects that of a green haori with a yellow-triangular cross-pattern chest piece. This yellow cross pattern also appears on his hand and feet cuffs. He has a black bottom torso, red eyes, gray appendages, and green zōri-like forefeet. He also possesses a dark green scarf, keeping with the ninja aesthetic.

History
The Heavy Shinobi was originally an elite Egg-Robo who handled the most extreme tasks for his creator, Dr. Eggman. After detecting a mysterious energy source on Angel Island, Eggman sent the Heavy Shinobi and the other Hard Boiled Heavies to investigate. Upon reaching Angel Island, he and his troop excavated the energy source, the Phantom Ruby, just as Sonic the Hedgehog and Miles "Tails" Prower arrived. The Phantom Ruby promptly warped space-time around them, transforming the Heavy Shinobi into his ninja attire along with his troop. As a side effect of the ruby, the Heavy Shinobi and his team gained free wills and personalities of their own, though they were driven mad in the process.

The Phantom Ruby transported the Hard Boiled Heavies, along with Sonic, Tails, and a nearby Knuckles the Echidna, to the Green Hill Zone, where the troop fled with the gemstone. The Heavy Shinobi and his troop soon reunited with Eggman in the Zone, who tried to command the group. When they would not listen though, Eggman snatched the Phantom Ruby from their clutches. The Heavy Shinobi and his troop then fled the scene. The Heavy Shinobi would be the second Hard Boiled Heavy to fight against Sonic and co. Encountering them in Press Garden Zone, the Heavy Shinobi fought the heroes, only to be defeated, thus forcing him to retreat.

The Heavy Shinobi, now modified into the Phantom Shinobi, would later reappear to fight Sonic and co. again during their fight with the Phantom Egg.

Personality
The Heavy Shinobi is said to have gotten a couple of screws loose after receiving newfound power from the Phantom Ruby. Despite this, he, being the ninja of his troop, is elegant and elusive, only striking at the most opportune time. Like the other Hard Boiled Heavies, he wishes to do harm to Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles whether it be by orders from Eggman or by his own, chaotic nature.

Powers and abilities
The Heavy Shinobi can jump in an perfect arc and can also hold his entire weight with one foot, like an actual ninja.

Weapons
Most of the Heavy Shinobi's strengths come from his weapons. He wields an infinite number of Asterons as shurikens and possesses a sword that can instantly freeze whatever its blade touches.

Battle
The Heavy Shinobi is the boss of Press Garden Zone Act 2 and serves as the tenth boss overall in Sonic Mania. He is fought with Sonic, Tails or Knuckles at the end of Press Garden Zone Act 2.

Boss guide
Once the player arrives into a closed off arena, the Heavy Shinobi will appear in the middle of the arena. The goal here is not to hit the Heavy Shinobi immediately: patience is key. Wait until the Heavy Shinobi jumps into a Spin Jump-like arc. Upon hitting him, he will be stunned. The player must avoid confronting the Heavy Shinobi head-on though, as he will strike the player with his sword, which will instantly freeze the playable character. The Heavy Shinobi will also throw out, at maximum, three Asterons as shurikens at the player. These Asterons will hurt the player if they come in contact with them. In addition, the Asterons will self-detonate five seconds after their initial launch, causing them to release spikes that can damage the player as well.

Hit the Heavy Shinobi eight times and he will be defeated. The player can then proceed to the Capsule and finish the Zone.

Trivia

 * The Heavy Shinobi uses sound effects from The Revenge of Shinobi.
 * The Heavy Shinobi battle can be made easier if the player has a Flame Shield, as it makes the characters immune to ice.