User:Ultrasonic9000/Sandbox

The Homing Attack (ホーミングアタック) is a move that appears in the Sonic the Hedgehog series. It is a technique that allows the user to swerve during a Spin Jump, automatically zeroing in and striking a nearby enemy with a midair Spin Attack.

To date, the Homing Attack is one of Sonic the Hedgehog's most recognizable trademark attacks. Since its debut, others have picked up the move as well, making it one of the most frequently used techniques in the series.

Description
When performing the Homing Attack, the user first targets a foe or object from midair. The user then curls into a spinball and launches straight into the target. After hitting, the attack's force will cause the user to bounce off the target. The user will then usually strike a pose. Also, when performing the Homing Attack, the user typically leaves a colored aura trail in their wake. The color of this trail depends on the user.

In gameplay, as its name implies, the Homing Attack allows the user to home directly into a nearby enemy with a target-seeking attack. However, it can only hit one target at a time. If it hits an enemy or breakable object, the Homing Attack will inflict damage. In addition, if used on a row of targets, the technique can be chained to both attack and skip across said targets after the Homing Attack makes the player bounce off them, which can be use to traverse certain sections of a level which are otherwise inaccessible. Aside from enemies, the Homing Attack can also be used to quickly target other objects, such as Springs, Grind Rails, Balloons, and Item Boxes. When hitting gimmicks like Springs and Grind Rails however, the Homing Attack's "bounce off" motions will get negated by the gimmicks' functions.

In case the target starts moving as the Homing Attack is executed, it can still catch up with no problem. However, in games like Sonic Unleashed and Sonic Generations, if the target is moving at the same rate as the user, like a boss, the user will stop chasing the target after about four seconds and cancel the Homing Attack. Regardless, some games increase the speed of the Homing Attack. Also, the "bounce off" motions that occur have varied from game to game.

In gameplay, the Homing Attack will generally attack the closest target whom the user of the Homing Attack is facing towards while within the Homing Attack's range. As such, by using the characters' movement controls when launching the Homing Attack, the player will have limited control of the direction of the Homing Attack when there is more than one possible target. Also, a general rule about the Homing Attack is that it cannot target something that is located above the user, meaning the playable characters has to get on level or above what they seek to attack in order for the Homing Attack to lock onto it. Also, in the early games in the Sonic series, there were no indication of what had been targeted by the Homing Attack. As of Sonic and the Secret Rings however, a targeting reticle/cursor now appears above those whom the Homing Attack has targeted. If there are no targets within the Homing Attack's range when the move is executed however, then the player will (in most cases) perform the Jump Dash instead.

In some games, the Homing Attack can send lesser enemies flying backward for a while before they blow up. If these flying enemies hit an enemy or breakable object that is in their flight path, then these recipients will be destroyed as well.

Sonic 3D Blast
In Sonic 3D Blast, the Homing Attack (or what could be considered a predecessor to it) was featured as a technique exclusive to Sonic named the Sonic Blast Attack, or just the Blast Attack (ブラストアタック), although it was not an intrinsic ability of Sonic at this point. To use the Sonic Blast Attack in gameplay, the player has to possess a Gold Shield.

In gameplay, much like the Homing Attack, the Sonic Blast Attack causes Sonic to home straight into a nearby enemy for an attack. However, the Blast Attack cannot chain attacks. Also, Sonic cannot jump dash with this move when there are no enemies nearby and will instead go straight down to the ground. To perform the Sonic Blast Attack in gameplay, the player must press the following buttons during a jump while near an enemy:

Sonic Adventure
In Sonic Adventure and its remake Sonic Adventure DX: Director's Cut, the Homing Attack was officially introduced. In this game, it is primarily used by Sonic the Hedgehog and Super Sonic. It is also used by Metal Sonic, but only in Sonic Adventure DX: Director's Cut. When using the Homing Attack in this game, the user leaves a colored trail. The user will also stay in spinball form after the Homing Attack makes them bounce off their target.

During the Character Conflicts with Sonic, Sonic will attempt to attack the player with the Homing Attack.

To perform the Homing Attack in gameplay, the player has to press / in mid-jump while near a possible homing target.

Sonic Adventure 2
In Sonic Adventure 2 and Sonic Adventure 2: Battle, the Homing Attack is used primarily by Sonic and Shadow in the main storyline. It can also be used by Metal Sonic and Amy, but only in the game's multiplayer mode. When using the Homing Attack in this game, the user leaves a colored trail. The user will also perform various tricks after the Homing Attack makes them bounce off their target.

During the boss fights with Sonic/Shadow, the boss will use the Homing Attack while they jump around or to attack the player.

To perform the Homing Attack in gameplay, the player has to press / in mid-jump while near a possible homing target. In addition, the player can cancel the Homing Attack in mid-flight by pressing the attack button. When canceled, the character will keep their current velocity, uncurl, and no longer home in on the target.

Sonic Advance 2
In Sonic Advance 2, the Homing Attack is used exclusively by Sonic. When using the Homing Attack in this game, rather than leaving a colored trail, Sonic leaves color-shaded afterimages in his wake.

To perform the Homing Attack in gameplay, the player must press while jumping near a possible homing target.

Sonic Advance 3
In Sonic Advance 3, the Homing Attack is used by Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles. In this game, the move retains its traits and visual presentation from Sonic Advance 2.

For the respective characters to use the Homing Attack, they must each be paired up with Cream the Rabbit. To perform the Homing Attack in gameplay with Sonic and Tails, the player must press in mid-jump while near a possible homing target. Knuckles on the other hand, will automatically use the Homing Attack whenever he gets close to an enemy while using the Mid-Air Glide.

Sonic Heroes
In Sonic Heroes, the Homing Attack is a Speed Formation maneuver used primarily by Sonic on Team Sonic, Amy on Team Rose, Shadow on Team Dark, and Espio on Team Chaotix. When using the Homing Attack in this game, the user leaves a colored trail. The user will also perform a variety of flips or spins after the Homing Attack makes them bounce off their target.

In gameplay, when performing the Homing Attack, the user's teammates will occasionally follow through with the maneuver, thereby tripling the Homing Attack's attack power. Curiously, while in Speed Formation, the user's teammates can reach enemies with their Homing Attacks that are otherwise too high above the player's character to reach with their Homing Attack, even when the enemies are right above them. This breaks the general rule that one cannot aim a Homing Attack at targets at higher elevations than the character.

By collecting blue Power Cores during gameplay, the player can increase the power and nature of the Homing Attack. The levels of power are as follows:
 * Level 0: The attack causes one hit point of damage to the targeted enemy. When used, it leaves an aura trail from the respective character.
 * Level 1: The attack causes two hit points of damage to the targeted enemy. When used, rings are projected from the user's aura - Sonic, green; Shadow, magenta; Amy, blue; Espio, orange.
 * Level 2: The attack causes three hit points of damage to the targeted enemy. When used, the projected rings become larger.
 * Level 3: The attack causes three hit points of damage to the targeted enemy. The attack also simultaneously triggers the same effects as a Tornado Jump. When used, it showcases the effects from Rocket Accel.

To perform the Homing Attack technique in gameplay, the selected team must be in Speed Formation. The player then has to press ///[Spacebar] during a jump or fall while near a possible homing target to execute the Homing Attack. In addition, the player can cancel the Homing Attack in mid-flight by pressing the attack button. When canceled, the character will, like in Sonic Adventure 2, keep their current velocity, uncurl, and no longer home in on the target.

Also worth noting is that when in Power Formation, the Speed and Fly characters on the team will automatically Homing Attack nearby enemies

Sonic Rush
In Sonic Rush, the Homing Attack is only used by Sonic. When performing the Homing Attack in this game, Sonic leaves no colored trail or afterimages in his wake. He also does not perform any tricks after the Homing Attack makes him bounce off his target.

Gameplay-wise, the Homing Attack works like it did in the Sonic Advance series. It also cannot be used on Springs and Grind Rails, although it can still target Item Boxes. To perform the Homing Attack in gameplay, the player has to press during a jump while near a possible homing target. It cannot be activated if the player uses a gimmick (like a Spring or a Ramp) to get into midair however.

Sonic Rush Adventure
In Sonic Rush Adventure, the Homing Attack is again only used by Sonic. In this game, the Homing Attack works and looks exactly like it did in Sonic Rush, except that Sonic stays in spinball form after bouncing off his targets. Like in Sonic Rush, to perform the Homing Attack in gameplay, the player has to press during a jump while near a possible homing target.

Shadow the Hedgehog
In Shadow the Hedgehog, the Homing Attack is primarily used by Shadow. It is also used by the Shadow Androids in the game's multiplayer. When performing the Homing Attack in this game, the user leaves a colored trail. The user will also perform a variety of flips after the Homing Attack makes them bounce off their target.

The Homing Attack is also used by Sonic in the stages where he appears as Shadow's partner. Also, during the boss fight against Diablon and Sonic, Sonic will use the Homing Attack to attack the player. However, Sonic's Homing Attack can here get canceled out with the player's own Spin Jump or Homing Attack. Interestingly, Sonic is able to aim a Homing Attack at targets at higher elevations than himself, despite the fact that Sonic has to be a bit above his targets in other games. This even works when Sonic is directly above an enemy/target, where in that case a Jump Dash would occur instead under normal circumstance.

In gameplay, the player's Homing Attack does minimal damage to enemies. To perform the Homing Attack in gameplay, the player has to press // during a jump or fall while near a possible homing target.

Curiously, if one player in multiplayer launches a Spin Dash away from another's Homing attack, it is shown that they cannot escape it, unless they block it with another Spin Attack-derived move (or being shielded by certain obstacles that can be destroyed by a Jump Dash and Homing Attack alike; which as it also applies to any target that will put Shadow in a Homing Attack state, any object that can be destroyed can block the Homing Attack and cause one to bounce off of it despite not being target-able).

Sonic the Hedgehog (2006)
In Sonic the Hedgehog (2006), the Homing Attack is used by both Sonic and Shadow. When using the Homing Attack in this game, the user only leaves a faint color trail, although they still emit a bright glow; Sonic in particular emits a rainbow-colored glow in this game rather than his standard blue. The user will also perform a single body flip after the Homing Attack makes them bounce off their target.

In gameplay, hitting certain lesser enemies with the Homing Attack will result in said enemies being sent flying backwards for a moment before they blow up. If these enemies hit a breakable object or lesser enemy while flying, then they will get destroyed too (or at least take damage). To perform the Homing Attack in gameplay, the player has to press / in midair while near a possible homing target.

Sonic Rivals
In Sonic Rivals, the Homing Attack is used by all five playable characters. When using the Homing Attack in this game, the user leaves a colored trail. Also, when bouncing off lesser enemies after hitting them with the Homing Attack, the user will stay in spinball form. If the player hits an opposing rival character with the Homing Attack however, the user will instead strike a pose after they bounce off of them.

In gameplay, the Homing Attack has a relatively short range. To perform the Homing Attack in gameplay, the user has to press in midair while near a possible homing target.

Sonic Rivals 2
In Sonic Rivals 2, the Homing Attack is available to all eight playable characters. In this game, the move retains its traits and visual presentation from Sonic Rivals. To perform the Homing Attack in gameplay, the user has to press / in midair while near a possible homing target.

Sonic and the Secret Rings
In Sonic and the Secret Rings, the Homing Attack is only used by Sonic. When using the Homing Attack in this game, Sonic does not curl into a spinball. However, he does leave a colored trail and will perform various tricks after bouncing off his target.

In gameplay, the Homing Attack is a Skill avilable from the beginning of the game that costs ten Skill Points to be equipped. The game also features a number of additional Skills that allow the player to customize the Homing Attack's mechanics:
 * Homing Dash: Enables the player to attack again after launching a succesful Homing Attack
 * Homing Cancel: Lets the player negate a Homing Attack by pressing.
 * H-Expand: Increases a Homing Attack's range
 * Fire Lock-On: Lets the player target Fire Souls with the Homing Attack.
 * Homing Stability: Decreases a Homing Attack's recovery time.
 * Expert Attack: Experience is gained with each Homing Attack.
 * Homing Bonus: Bonus experience for defeating multiple enemies with Homing Attack.

To perform the Homing Attack in gameplay, the player first has to press while near a possible homing target to perform a slide and find a green cursor placed upon the target. Next, perform a jump to lock-on to the target in midair (locked when the cursor turns red), then quickly flip the Wii Remote in a forward direction for the Homing Attack.

Super Smash Bros. Brawl
In Super Smash Bros. Brawl, the Homing Attack is Sonic's neutral special move. In this game, several of the Homing Attack's mechanics have been changed. In addition, the move takes longer to perform here. The player can tap the attack or special button to attack sooner but with less accuracy and power. The attack can also be steered to a certain extent.

When used, Sonic curls up into a ball, hovers briefly while slowly moving upwards and grunting, then shoots towards the opponent closest to him. If there are no foes within the attack's range, Sonic will instead simply shoot downwards at a diagonal angle. Whether or not the move hits, Sonic will stall after it is used. This move can be used an unlimited amount of times in the air, so it is effective for getting back onto the stage after being launched. If two Sonics (or Kirbys with Sonic's ability) attack each another with this move, they will slowly jump upwards until they reach the top of the screen. It also possesses a unique quality in that it tries to hit the opponent's side facing away from Sonic by traveling over them. This means that it only hits effectively when the opponent is moving away from him on the ground, or traveling towards him in the air.

Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U
In Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U, the Homing Attack returned as Sonic's neutral special move. In this game, it retained its mechanics from Super Smash Bros. Brawl. It also received the following Special Move customizations, granting it three variants to be used in battle:
 * 1) Homing Attack (Default): Jump into the air, and then home in on the closest fighter (if there's one in range).
 * 2) Stomp: Jump into the air before slamming straight down with a meteor smash.
 * 3) Surprise Attack: A faster Homing Attack with less range and power than normal. When not locked on to a target, it rises upwards slightly.

Sonic Unleashed
On both versions of Sonic Unleashed, the Homing Attack is used exclusively by Sonic the Hedgehog in the daytime. When performing the Homing Attack in this game, Sonic leaves a colored trail. Sonic will also perform a variety of flips and tricks after the Homing Attack makes him bounce off his target.

In gameplay on the Wii/PlayStation 2 version of Sonic Unleashed, hitting certain ground-bound enemies (like the Egg Fighters) with the Homing Attack will result in said enemies being sent flying backwards a few meters before they blow up. Also, if the player connects enemies and certain gimmicks in succession via Homing Attacks, it will trigger Action Chains, which fill the Boost Gauge.

In gameplay on the Xbox 360/PlayStation 3 version of Sonic Unleashed, certain ground-bound enemies like the Egg Fighters will be sent flying backwards a distance when hit by the Homing Attack. If these enemies hit a breakable object or enemy while flying, then they will get destroyed too.

To perform the Homing Attack in gameplay, Sonic must first get airborne by either jumping or utilizing a gimmick while near a possible homing target. Then, when a cursor (a red one on the Wii/PlayStation 2 and a green one on the Xbox 369/PlayStation 3) appears above the target, use one of the following commands to execute the Homing Attack:

Episode I
In Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I, the Homing Attack is used by Sonic and Super Sonic. When performing the Homing Attack in this game, Sonic sets off with a burst of speed while leaving behind a colored trail. He also performs a single flip after the Homing Attack makes him bounce off his target.

To perform the Homing Attack in gameplay, the player must first get into midair while near a possible homing target. Then, when a red cursor appears above the target, press / to execute the Homing Attack.

Episode II
In Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II, the Homing Attack is used by Sonic and Super Sonic again. In this game, the Homing Attack works and looks exactly like it did in Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I, except that Sonic will perform different tricks after bouncing off his targets. In the game's additional episode, Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode Metal, the Homing Attack is available to Metal Sonic as well.

To perform the Homing Attack in gameplay, the player must first get into midair while near a possible homing target. Then, when a red cursor appears above the target, press / to execute the Homing Attack.

Sonic Colors
In both versions of Sonic Colors, the Homing Attack is mainly used by Sonic. On the Wii version however, it is also used by Super Sonic and the Virtual Hedgehogs.

When performing the Homing Attack on the Wii version, the user leaves a colored trail. The user will also perform a variety of tricks after the Homing Attack makes them bounce off their target. When performing the Homing Attack on the Nintendo DS version, Sonic leaves afterimages in his wake instead of a colored trail. Sonic will also stay in spinball form after the Homing Attack makes him bounce off his target.

In gameplay on the Wii version, hitting certain ground-bound enemies (like the Egg Pawns) with the Homing Attack will result in said enemies being sent flying into midair before they blow up. On the Nintendo DS version, the Homing Attack displays no outstanding traits in gameplay.

To perform the Homing Attack in gameplay, the player must first get into midair while near a possible homing target. Then, when a red cursor appears above the target, use one of the following commands to execute the Homing Attack:

Sonic Generations
In both versions of Sonic Generations, the Homing Attack is used by Modern Sonic and Classic Sonic, as well as Modern Super Sonic on the console/PC version of the game. When performing the Homing Attack in this game, the Sonics leaves a colored trail. The Sonics will also perform a variety of tricks after the Homing Attack makes them bounce off their target.

In gameplay on the console/PC version of Sonic Generations, Modern Sonic and Modern Super Sonic can use the Homing Attack by default. Meanwhile, Classic Sonic can only perform the Homing Attack when he has the "Homing Attack" Skill equipped. Also, in Modern Sonic's case, there is a Skill called "Serial Homing" that lets him chain Homing Attacks faster. In addition, hitting certain ground-bound enemies with the Homing Attack will result in said enemies being sent flying into midair before they blow up.

In gameplay on the Nintendo 3DS version of Sonic Generations, the Homing Attack is available to Modern Sonic from the beginning of the game. Classic Sonic on the other hand unlocks it after defeating the Big Arm. It should be noted that if Classic Sonic attempts to use the Homing Attack on the Big Arm while it moves into the background, Classic Sonic will either hit it or go right past it, depending on the timing.

To perform the Homing Attack in gameplay, the Sonics must first get into midair while near a possible homing target. Then, when a reticle (a red one on the Nintendo 3DS and a green one on the console/PC) appears above the target, press /// to execute the Homing Attack:

Sonic Lost World
In both versions of Sonic Lost World, the Homing Attack is used mainly by Sonic and his Super State. On the Wii U exclusively, the Virtual Hedgehogs are also capable of using the Homing Attack.

When performing the Homing Attack on the Wii U/PC version of the game, the user leaves a colored trail. The user will also stay in spinball form after the Homing Attack makes them bounce off their target. When performing the Homing Attack on the Nintendo 3DS version, Sonic leaves a colored trail as well, but he will perform no special tricks after bouncing off his target.

To perform the Homing Attack in gameplay, the player must first approach a target until a target mark (a red one on the Wii U/PC version and a yellow/red one on the Nintendo 3DS version) appears above it. The player then has to jump to lock onto the target and press the following buttons while in midair to execute the Homing Attack:

By targeting multiple targets, or just targeting a single target multiple times, the player can launch a Focused Homing Attack. This attack lets the player attack multiple targets in a row or launch an extra powerful Homing Attack at a single enemy.

Sonic Forces
In Sonic Forces, the Homing Attack is only used by Sonic, Super Sonic and Shadow (the two latter of whom are only available through DLCs). When performing the Homing Attack in this game, the user leaves a colored trail while surrounded in buzz saw-shaped aura. The user will also perform a variety of tricks after the Homing Attack makes them bounce off their target.

To perform the Homing Attack in gameplay, the player must first get into midair while near a possible homing target. Then, when a green reticle appears above the target, press // to execute the Homing Attack.

Fire Claw
The Fire Claw is Blaze the Cat's equivalent of the Homing Attack. When performing the Fire Claw, Blaze launches herself forward whilst spinning horizontally and holding one hand out in front of her to attack her foes. The move allows Blaze to home in on nearby enemy and like the Homing Attack, the move can be chained. This move first appeared in Sonic the Hedgehog (2006).

Focused Homing Attack
The Focused Homing Attack is a turbo-charged version of the Homing Attack. When performing this move, the user either locks onto multiple targets and launches a series of Homing Attacks at them, or they lock onto a single target multiple times and then launch an extra powerful Homing Attack that can deal significant damage. This move first appeared in Sonic Lost World.

Homing Dash
The Homing Dash is a non-offensive variant of the Homing Attack. When first introduced, it was a passive ability that allowed the user to chain Homing Attacks. It later appeared as move that cannot hurt Knights of the Underworld, but allows the user to zero in on targets. This move appears in Sonic and the Secret Rings and Sonic and the Black Knight.

Homing Smash
The Homing Smash is the White Gem's Custom Action, which is used exclusively by Sonic the Hedgehog. When performing this move, Sonic hangs in mid-air before dashing at his opponent with a Homing Attack that possesses increased range and power. This move first appeared in Sonic the Hedgehog (2006).

Jump Dash
The Jump Dash is a quick dash performed in midair. The move is performed whenever a player uses the Homing Attack when there are no enemies in the vicinity. The move lets the user move forward a bit, but it also takes the user out of a spin, so if the user collides with an enemy, they will (in most cases) take damage.

Light Speed Attack
The Light Speed Attack is a variant of the Homing Attack that resembles a cross between the Homing Attack and the Light Speed Dash. When performing the Light Speed Attack, the user destroys all nearby enemies with series of Homing Attacks at light speed. This move first appeared in Sonic Adventure.

Maximum Heat Knuckles Attack
The Maximum Heat Knuckles Attack is Knuckles the Echidna's personal variant of the Light Speed Attack. When performing the Maximum Heat Knuckles Attack, Knuckles glides into all surrounding enemies at high speed, taking them out in one fell swoop. This move first appeared in Sonic Adventure.

Wire Attack
The Wire Attack is a move used by the Avatar. It is very similar to the regular Homing Attack, but instead of launching themselves at the enemy, the Avatar uses their grappling wire to hook on to an enemy, pull themselves towards it and kick off. This move first appeared in Sonic Forces.

Trivia

 * Since Sonic Unleashed, Sonic will strike one of five poses after hitting five targets in succession with the Homing Attack.
 * In some games, as long as the Homing Attack hits anything damageable, the character will bounce off. Thus in some cases, it is possible for the Homing Attack to be blocked by other targets that cannot be locked on, such as breakable walls in Shadow the Hedgehog, though this happens rarely.
 * A glitch in various games, using the move can cause the player to circle around the enemy several times instead of actually hitting the enemy.
 * Another glitch (in Sonic Unleashed especially), using the move can make the player clip through their target and not hit it, or just miss it completely.
 * In Super Smash Bros. Brawl, depending on the circumstances, Sonic can go under a stage (like Final Destination) and perpetually use the move to move around under it.
 * Super Smash Bros. Brawl is the only game where Sonic cannot choose which opponent to attack and the move itself has a delay.