Catapult


 * For the catapult launcher in Sonic and the Secret Rings, see Catapult (Sonic and the Secret Rings).

Catapults (カタパルト), also called as Ramps in Sonic Generations, are another variations of springs, which have flat plate on the bottom, while on the plate is another one, that is colored red and white. Between the plates is small spring set to make above plate bouncy. These plates are most of the time seen on the edges of small or large cliffs, while even hanging on cliffs as the lateral rod behind two plates is hanging the object on near edge. Looking from the side of the small rod can be notice a familiar symbol on it as well.

Catapults are first seen in the 16-bit version of Sonic the Hedgehog 2. While it functions more differently than normal Springs, Catapults are still able to bounce its user, but only to the different direction. The player is able to be launched far or short distance depending on, if the player is running. If the player stops and jumps directly to the Catapult, it only launches poorly high.

Sonic the Hedgehog 2
In Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Catapults are seen to be featured at Chemical Plant Zone, Aquatic Ruin Zone and Mystic Cave Zone. While running towards the catapult, the player flies straight ahead without have to stop or jump on it. The closer the player gets to the end of the catapult, the further he/she bounces. If the player bounces on a catapult at one point, it also gains more bounce power.

In Aquatic Ruin Zone, Catapults are seen to be placed either on top of loops, wide inconstant places or underwater sections, where they are able to bounce the player really high enough to dive out the underwater section to the soil.

Tails' Skypatrol
Completely different looking and with functioning Catapults are seen in Tails' Skypatrol, in which they have four blue blocks with white right arrows and single handle on them. When the player touches the handle, Tails will got fly forward at high speed, similar to Dash Panels.

Sonic Pocket Adventure
Many years later, traditional catapults make another appearance only in Sonic the Hedgehog Pocket Adventure and where they can only be found at Aquatic Relix. Catapults function identically like they did in Sonic the Hedgehog 2, but they are much more rare objects than in previous appearances.

Sonic Generations
Catapults are next seen in console/PC versions of Sonic Generations. It can be seen in Classic Sonic acts Chemical Plant, Speed Highway, City Escape, Seaside Hill and Rooftop Run. Catapults work similarly to the ones in Sonic the Hedgehog 2. However, some of the catapults bounce the player to another section of the zone and/or over bottomless pits, similar to ramps in modern acts.

Trivia

 * In the instruction manual for PC version of Sonic Generations, both Catapults and Ramps are listed and called as Ramps in their item description. While having slightly similar role in the game, both Catapults and Ramps function differently than it is entrusted to.