Metal Sonic

Metal Sonic (メタルソニック) is the secondary antagonist in the Sonic the Hedgehog series. He is an evil Badnik version of Sonic the Hedgehog and undoubtedly Dr. Eggman's deadliest creation, built for the sole purpose of destroying Sonic. Deployed during Eggman's operations on Little Planet, Metal Sonic confronted Sonic in battle and lost, though he would repeatedly return to challenge Sonic and his allies. Modeled with extreme accuracy after Sonic, Metal Sonic not only resembles his template but can also imitate his moves and achieve velocities matching and even exceeding that of Sonic.

While mostly serving as Eggman's obedient and silent enforcer, Metal Sonic is an intelligent machine with a very dark side. A cold-hearted, aggressive and ruthless killer, he is obsessed with proving his superiority to Sonic and eliminating him for good to the point where he has rebelled against Eggman more than once to achieve his goal. However, he always fails in the end. To this day, Metal Sonic continues to be one of Sonic's most formidable foes.

Appearance
Metal Sonic was created in the image of Sonic the Hedgehog and is thus mostly built of blue metal. He has a yellow circular depression in his chest with a black center, mirroring the peach skin on Sonic's chest. His head has metal fins resembling Sonic's quills and a pair of triangular "ears." Metal Sonic has a muzzle, shoulder plates, upper arms, legs, and fingers made out of silvery metal. His palms are black, while the backs of his hands are square yellow plates. His forearms and lower legs are blue metal like his head and torso, and he has red feet with white stripes designed to resemble Sonic's shoes. He has optic sensors with black sclera and red irises.

Following Sonic Rivals 2, Metal Sonic received a slight update in design which made him taller and gave him a more ellipsoid torso. He also gained more detailed hands, a brilliant blue paint job, joints on his arms and legs, and sharper eyeholes.

Sonic the Hedgehog CD
Metal Sonic's debut was in Sonic the Hedgehog CD for the Sega CD console. In this game, he is under the control of Dr. Robotnik and is sent back in time to change the past so that Robotnik can rule the future. Later, he kidnaps Amy Rose, who had been following Sonic. At Stardust Speedway Zone, he challenges Sonic to a race rather than a traditional boss battle, with Robotnik on their trail and chasing Sonic with a death laser. Periodically, he uses one of two moves - if Sonic is ahead of him, he will explosively accelerate with the V. Maximum Overdrive Attack, which will make him go four times as fast temporarily and attempt to blast through Sonic. If Sonic is behind him, he'll instead use the Ring Spark Field, which is an electric attack that has a wider range but requires him to decelerate.

If Sonic does not reach the goal in time, the door will close as the scientist shoots Sonic with the death laser, resulting in the loss of one life, while the robotic duplicate looks on and mockingly mimics Sonic's smug finger wave. If Sonic succeeds, the door will close in front of Metal Sonic - which causes him to crash and fall off the platform. Robotnik retreats, allowing Sonic to finally rescue Amy and proceed to the last zone. In the Japanese manual, it was claimed that he had all the abilities of the original Sonic and more, but in the game, he does not demonstrate this.

Sonic the Hedgehog Triple Trouble
Metal Sonic appears as a surprise boss Sonic or Tails must face in Sonic the Hedgehog Triple Trouble. Unlike Sonic the Hedgehog CD, it is not a race; it is an actual battle, though Metal Sonic uses his flight and evasion to attack. After being defeated, he wanders off and isn't seen for the rest of the game.

Knuckles' Chaotix
Metal Sonic's next major appearance was in Knuckles' Chaotix, where Dr. Robotnik attempts to absorb the Chaos Rings' powers to wreak havoc in the Newtrogic High Zone. According to the Japanese manual, Metal Sonic was highly damaged when he fought Sonic, so Dr. Eggman moved his CPU into a replacement body known as Metal Sonic Kai (メタルソニック改), which was constructed with Dark Ring power. During this time, Eggman inserted a component in Metal Sonic, allowing him to utilize the Plasma Pulse Attack.

Metal Sonic can also make an appearance if the player stays in one place for one minute in a level. Metal Sonic can either load the V. Maximum Overdrive Attack or Plasma Pulse Attack into the player, who will temporarily lose the Combi partner. Once again, he has an unorthodox boss battle in which the goal is to stop his machine so it lands on a "damage" mark. After being defeated by the Chaotix Crew, he leaves with Robotnik, leaving a massive, red version of himself (possibly his first transformation, although this is not made clear). In the bad ending, this monstrosity destroys the island.

Sonic the Fighters
Metal Sonic appears as the last stage boss character in Sonic the Fighters, with Eggman as the bonus stage enemy. In this appearance, he demonstrates not only a powerful laser-type move that emits from the hole in his body but also borrows certain moves from other playable characters (possibly the first signs of his ability to copy his foes). After he and Eggman are defeated, they escape the Death Egg II before it explodes and heads back to the planet below. Another version, called Mecha Sonic Model No.29, appears in the intro.

Sonic R
Metal Sonic is an unlockable playable character in Sonic R. To unlock him, the player must find the Sonic Tokens in the Resort Island course, finish the race in at least 3rd place, and then beat him in a one-on-one race against him. Here, the chrome copy plays like an alternate version of Sonic, being faster and slightly harder to steer, but is not quite as fast as Super Sonic. Unlike Sonic, he can't double jump, but thanks to his boosters, can run across water for a short time, which the normal Sonic is incapable of doing.

Sonic Adventure
Metal Sonic makes a cameo in Sonic Adventure, resting inside a stasis tube in one of Dr. Eggman's hideouts in Mystic Ruins along with a second model of Mecha Sonic from Sonic the Hedgehog 2. Metal Sonic also appears in a flashback during the opening cut scene of Amy's story where she is remembering him chasing after her and Sonic in locations resembling the early versions of both Windy Valley and Sky Chase.

In Sonic Adventure DX: Director's Cut, Metal Sonic becomes playable after collecting all the emblems. He controls exactly like Sonic but has different visual effects and sound effects.

Sonic Heroes
Metal Sonic appeared as the main antagonist of Sonic Heroes. After betraying Dr. Eggman and assuming his identity as a disguise, he copies the physical data (and/or abilities) of all the heroes, Froggy and Chocola to assume his ultimate form, Metal Madness and later Metal Overlord. This not only dramatically increased Metal Sonic's power but gave him shape-shifting abilities and a new appearance (a cape, sharp tipped shoes and longer spines on his head), dubbed Neo Metal Sonic. He manages to achieve this through the use of Chocola, due to the Chao having a connection to Chaos, the destructive water god from Sonic Adventure, and Froggy, who periodically had Chaos' tail in Sonic Adventure. In his Metal Overlord form, he transforms into a mechanical dragon-like entity that has one eye over the other.

After he is defeated by Team Super Sonic in his Metal Overlord form, he reverts to his original form. Sonic then challenges Metal Sonic to a future rematch and races away. Metal Sonic then passes out cold; he is last seen being lifted off the ground by Omega, who exchanges a glance with Shadow. What they both have in mind for the metallic hedgehog is never told. At some point afterward, Eggman re-obtains him and reprograms him to be obedient.

Sonic Rivals
Metal Sonic appears seemingly reprogrammed by Eggman Nega to serve him and stop Sonic, Knuckles, Shadow and Silver from stopping him in Sonic Rivals. Metal Sonic is also playable and can be unlocked by either completing story mode with every character, or by collecting the Metal Madness, Metal Overlord, and Neo Metal Sonic cards. Metal Sonic's signature move is called "Copycat" where he uses his opponent's signature move. He also defends Eggman Nega's Flagship.

Sonic Rivals 2
Metal Sonic returns in Sonic Rivals 2, this time he is playable from the start. Reprogrammed by Dr. Eggman, Metal Sonic appears as a mindless servant, unable to talk (save for various mechanical noises); however, Eggman can talk through Metal via a communicator. Despite not being able to talk, Metal can still hear and follow orders. Metal is sent out by Eggman and teams up with Shadow to stop Eggman Nega from releasing the Ifrit, a destructive monster from an alternate dimension. The cutscenes involving him occasionally glimpse into his thought process, showing he's capable of prioritizing goals. During the game, it is revealed that Eggman placed a Chaos Emerald in Metal Sonic (to hide it from Nega and possibly add extra power to the robot). Eggman Nega also makes his own version of Metal Sonic; Metal Sonic 3.0.

After the teams defeated the Ifrit, everyone escaped through the portal except Shadow, Metal Sonic, Eggman Nega, and presumably Metal Sonic 3.0. However, Metal Sonic scratches open his chassis, revealing a Chaos Emerald inside. Shadow then used the Chaos Emerald to warp both himself and Metal Sonic out of the Ifrit's dimension with Chaos Control, leaving Eggman Nega trapped inside.

This is the only game where he plays a heroic role. However, this is because he is working for Eggman, who at the time considers Eggman Nega and the Ifrit a bigger threat to him than Sonic, and likely returns to his evil ways when Eggman does.

Sonic Free Riders
Metal Sonic is a playable character and the true main antagonist of Story Mode in Sonic Free Riders. He disguised himself as a robot named E-10000B and joined Shadow and Rouge as a Team Dark member tricking them into believing he wanted to help them win the Grand Prix while he actually wanted to copy their and the other teams' abilities. Eventually, he reveals himself (much to Eggman's surprise, who didn't know Metal Sonic had betrayed him once more) and challenged Sonic to a race to prove he is stronger than him. Sonic manages to beat Metal Sonic, who in turn runs away, probably planning up his next scheme since he is now free of Eggman's control.

Sonic Generations
Metal Sonic appears as the first rival boss in Sonic Generations, sporting his classic design.

Classic Sonic finds him in the Hub World as the robot challenges him to a race for the purple Chaos Emerald. The boss fight is very different, as Eggman isn't chasing the two and Metal Sonic destroys the road before the boss fight. They race in Stardust Speedway, just like they did back in Sonic the Hedgehog CD. He regains the V. Maximum Overdrive Attack to gain bursts of speed and the chance to attack his non-mechanical namesake, as well as blasting through the streetlights on either side of the road for them to land on Sonic. After these attempts, he slows down as he has put too much power into his attacks and short-circuits, needing a moment to recharge, giving Sonic the chance to strike him onto the road. After a certain number of hits, Sonic finishes Metal Sonic off by kicking him at the sky (or a tunnel depending on where you are) with the robotic doppelganger creating a fantastic explosion.

For the 3DS version of Sonic Generations, Classic Metal Sonic is the boss battle of Casino Night.

Sonic the Hedgehog 4
Metal Sonic appears in Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II as one of the main villains, the other being Dr. Eggman. He is first fought in White Park Zone, then in Sky Fortress Zone, and finally twice during the first act of Death Egg mk.II Zone. He is also the only playable character in the additional episode to Sonic the Hedgehog 4, named Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode Metal, which tells the story of Metal Sonic's return after the events of Sonic the Hedgehog CD.

It is revealed that after the events of Sonic the Hedgehog CD, Metal Sonic was left on Little Planet severely damaged for at least one year. Eggman restored his functionality and sent him to Mad Gear Zone to repair him. Once fully repaired, Metal Sonic intended to get his revenge on Sonic for his humiliating defeat. He traveled to Lost Labyrinth Zone and found a gemstone, which Dr. Eggman was looking for, and its mystic energies made Metal Sonic more powerful than ever. With this new power absorbed, Metal Sonic barraged out of the ruin and journeyed through Casino Street Zone in pursuit of Sonic. He would later arrive at Splash Hill Zone, only to find Tails' rocket on the ground and Sonic flying off on the Tornado at the end of the Zone. Metal Sonic electrifies himself to scare off the animals that were liberated from a nearby Capsule that Sonic opened previously, and steals the rocket to give chase, marking his return in Episode II.

Metal Sonic confronts Sonic and Tails for the first time since his return in the White Park Zone, riding in on Tails' rocket before abandoning it. Despite being equipped with the newfound deadly energy, he is defeated. Metal Sonic would battle the duo once again in his own aircraft, the Metal Carrier, in Sky Fortress Zone. He attacks the heroes from the background as they ride the Tornado in Act 1, before confronting them head-on in the boss stage. After being defeated a second time, he flees toward the Death Egg mk.II Zone, where Dr. Eggman assists him as he fights Sonic and Tails for a final time. Losing the battle, Metal Sonic would challenge his organic counterpart to another race later on in the stage, but Sonic would inevitably beat him to the finish line, causing him to crash into the electrified door that closes behind the winner and fall to his defeat, similar to their first battle in Stardust Speedway. It is unknown what becomes of him, although it is presumed that Eggman salvaged him and restored him, as Sonic Heroes takes place chronologically after Sonic the Hedgehog 4.

Sonic Runners
In Sonic Runners, Metal Sonic acted as Dr. Eggman's bodyguard and enforcer while the doctor conducted his various schemes for world domination. Unlike the more incompetent Orbot and Cubot, Metal Sonic proved much more capable in keeping Team Sonic at bay whenever they tried to interfere with Eggman's schemes, although he always lost to the team in the end.

When Eggman enacted his final plan ―a Brainwashing Laser powered by the Chaos Emeralds to enslave the world with― Metal Sonic received a rushed upgrade from Eggman that made him more powerful, but also more prone to overheating. Metal Sonic used his upgrade to set Team Sonic back in their attempts to stop Eggman, until the team used the weaknesses of his upgrade against him. Later, before Team Sonic's showdown with Eggman, Metal Sonic challenged Sonic to a series of races. In the end, Metal Sonic overheated from the races, leaving him out of commission. Because they ended up with a tie however, Sonic promised Metal Sonic they would settle the score later.

Sonic Mania
Metal Sonic appears in Sonic Mania once again as the boss of Stardust Speedway Zone. He is first seen in Press Garden Zone on a computer monitor used by Dr. Eggman. Shortly thereafter, Eggman used his newly found power, the Phantom Ruby, to send the heroes - Sonic, Tails and Knuckles - to Stardust Speedway's past.

Travelling to the present, the heroes encountered a Metal Sonic Projector, after destroying it, the real Metal Sonic appeared and began his assault. He chased the heroes along a path running alongside a giant Eggman-shaped tower, stopping to use a generator to produce Silver Sonics to assist him battle. After the heroes destroyed the generator, Metal Sonic continued to chase them up the path. After finally reaching the top, Metal Sonic deployed a wall of spikes that chased the heroes as they battled. After taking heavy damage, Metal Sonic crashed into the very same wall he used against the heroes, causing his defeat and destroying the wall in the process.

Sonic Forces
Metal Sonic is scheduled to make an appearance in Sonic Forces as one of Dr. Eggman's henchmen after the Eggman Empire conquered the world.

Sonic Drift 2
Metal Sonic appeared as a playable character with a racing car called Blue Devil in Sonic Drift 2. He is the only newcomer that was around but not included in the original Sonic Drift.

Sonic Adventure 2
Metal Sonic's appeared as an unlockable multiplayer character in Sonic Adventure 2, and subsequently a standard multiplayer character in Sonic Adventure 2 Battle. In the Dreamcast version, he is a carbon copy of Shadow. Hence, he could perform Chaos Spear and Chaos Control using ring energy and has the same aura shield when performing Spin Attacks. He would learn a stronger version of this technique in Sonic Heroes. In subsequent ports, each 2P character is made more unique, thus he has his own attributes. For one, he can accelerate to a higher top speed than Sonic, Shadow, and Amy. He can also project a Black Shield, which is similar to the Ring Spark Field he had in Sonic the Hedgehog CD and can jump at a laughably high altitude. The drawback is that he no longer has any other special attacks of his own, only being given a speed boost at certain ring counts. However, the Black Shield can protect against the special attacks of his opponents, such as Sonic Wind or Chaos Spear, but it can not protect him from Time Stop and Chaos Control. Metal Sonic cannot maneuver while using the Black Shield, but he does maintain his momentum and can exceed max speed when using it before landing on a dash panel.

Sonic Pinball Party
Metal Sonic appears as an opponent in the Story Mode of Sonic Pinball Party.

Super Smash Bros. Brawl
Metal Sonic appears as one of the collectible Stickers in Super Smash Bros. Brawl.

Sega Superstars Tennis
In the Scrap Brain Zone court in Sega Superstars Tennis, Metal Sonic is in the stands on the side watching the match.

Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games
Metal Sonic is one of 4 new playable characters in the Mario & Sonic Olympic series. He is a speed type and rivals with another new character, Bowser Jr. In the DS Adventure Tour, Metal Sonic is one of the major antagonists, joining Bowser and Eggman's side in trying to stop Mario and Sonic from rescuing the Snow Spirits.

He and Bowser, Jr. have arranged special missions for Mario and Sonic. When the player has completed them, when you visit Blitzland, Metal Sonic and Bowser Jr. will pretend to be remorseful.

Wii version
Metal Sonic reappears as a playable speed type character in Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games.

In his minigame, he, along with Orbot and Cubot, want to play a royal game, where the player must win the crown.

In his other minigame, he wants players to run a marathon.

3DS version
Metal Sonic appears in the 3DS version of Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games, but unlike previous installments, there are five separate "teams," each comprised of four characters. Metal Sonic is part of the Tricksters team, the other three being Dr. Eggman, Wario, and Waluigi. In Story Mode, he is helping Dr. Eggman and Bowser, who are trying to prevent the Olympics from happening because they thought Mario and Sonic were trying to keep them out of the Olympics. Sometime in the story, he breaks Waluigi's "Waluigiscopes," which were actually a regular pair of binoculars. Waluigi challenges Metal Sonic to have him pay for them (plus a meddling tax). However, when Waluigi wins, Metal Sonic runs off without paying, so Waluigi chases after him (with Luigi and Charmy following them, who were watching them face off). Eventually, Waluigi meets up with Wario, who was chasing Dr. Eggman because the doctor's fog would prevent him from setting up a store where he could make money, and asks him to help obtain money (while adding that to the Waluigiscopes and the meddling tax), so Wario decides to join him (for his own reasons). They then meet up with Metal Sonic and Eggman who battle them in an Olympic challenge while Mario and Luigi watch.

After winning they destroy the machine and Mario asks them to keep an eye on Eggman while he and the others head for the stadium. Later, Eggman escapes, but Metal Sonic is not seen with him.

Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing
Metal Sonic is the first (and only) official downloadable character in Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing. Metal Sonic is available as a part of a special DLC pack which also includes the Egg Hanger course (which takes place in the Death Egg Zone), exclusively for the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 versions. His All-Star Move is "Maximum Overdrive" which deploys two pads that fly in front of him, emitting lightning bolts between them.

Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed
Metal Sonic appears in Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed as part of the Bonus Edition DLC, along with OutRun Bay. He drives an alien-like ATV similar to his Metal Overlord transformation, with futuristic versions of a jet-ski and a hang-glider for water and air transformations respectively.

Sonic Runners
Metal Sonic appeared as a playable Speed/Mech Type character in Sonic Runners. He could perform a triple jump and boosts Enemy Bonus by 200%.

It is noted that, while previously rebellious, Eggman recently managed to get Metal Sonic back under control. Metal Sonic is also part of the story's narrative. He first appears in Episode 20: Sonic the Villain 1. In this chapter, all the Animals and Omochao had become afraid of Sonic and run away from him. As Sonic and co. progress, they come across a mysterious figure and come to the conclusion that there's an impostor posing as Sonic and terrifying the Animals. The trio set up a trap, using Tails as bait, and discover that the impostor is Metal Sonic. However, the robot speeds off before Sonic can confront him.

In Episode 20: Sonic the Villain 2, the three pursue Metal Sonic and come across Eggman. After defeating him, Sonic attempts to destroy the device Eggman used to control the robot, but before he is able to do so, Metal Sonic intervenes and attacks the three, allowing him and Eggman to escape.

Personality
Despite being built to match Sonic the Hedgehog in all aspects, Metal Sonic is vastly different from his organic counterpart in terms of personality. Rather than a fun-loving, cool, and carefree attitude, Metal Sonic is a violent, aggressive, cold-hearted, and intelligent killing machine with a large superiority complex. While he is meant to be another of Dr. Eggman's mindless robot slaves, Metal Sonic possesses an AI that allows him to make choices on his own, granting the robot sentience (though he is still restricted by his programming). This trait, however, has Metal Sonic only used to fuel his dark desires to carry out his goals of destruction and domination and allowed his programming more than once to evolve beyond what had been intended.

At most times, Metal Sonic is quiet, emotionless, and completely obedient to Dr. Eggman. However, in truth, he carries a deep desire of vengeance inside him, making him one of Sonic's more threatening foes. When facing a foe, Metal Sonic is at most times never the one to talk or rant and instead remains quiet and coldly serious, making him a silent killer in a literal sense.

Metal Sonic's most dominating trait is his absolute hatred and obsession with his counterpart Sonic. Being programmed with the sole purpose of surpassing and destroying Sonic, Metal Sonic is completely obsessed with the belief that he is superior to Sonic in every way. Therefore, Metal Sonic's greatest desire is proving to the real Sonic that he is better than him in any field and to eventually defeat him once and for all.

When it comes to facing Sonic, Metal Sonic is single-minded in his determination to defeat Sonic to the point of obsession; nothing else seems to matter to him except proving himself the better of the two. Though Metal Sonic has been known to claim that he has other motives behind his actions, as seen in Sonic Heroes where he desired world domination, it can all be traced back to his wish of proving himself superior to Sonic, and, by extension, all others. As hinted in Sonic Generations, even when newly created, Metal Sonic displayed a fierce desire to defeat Sonic, no matter how much he was going to fail.

As Metal Sonic continued to fail in his efforts to defeat Sonic, Metal Sonic's desire to defeat Sonic evolved into a burning hatred for his organic doppelganger, which only made him more determined to beat Sonic, even if it meant going against his creator's orders. As an example, after being beaten by Sonic on Little Planet and returning to Earth about a year later in Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II, Metal Sonic had developed a lethal grudge against Sonic and sought to settle the score and went onboard the Death Egg mk.II to challenge Sonic to a rematch. With each defeat, however, Metal Sonic's hatred for Sonic grew larger and larger, eventually spiraling out of control.

In Sonic Heroes, Metal Sonic's hatred and desire to beat Sonic reached its peak, allowing the robotic hedgehog to grow beyond his original programming and to gain full self-awareness and sentience, showing himself as a ruthless, controlling, arrogant, and cunning rogue with no regard for others. Also, his desire to prove himself superior to all else led to Metal Sonic gaining an insatiable lust for power and a desire to conquer the world and establish a robot kingdom, with him as its ruler. These actions, however, merely served as a front for Metal Sonic's original purpose, which was to gain the power needed so that he could finally defeat Sonic. Shortly after his defeat in Sonic Heroes, however, Metal Sonic was stripped of his independence through the suppression of his corrupt programming by the Doctor himself, resulting in the return of Metal Sonic's former self. Despite this, Metal Sonic's independence resurfaced in Sonic Free Riders when he disguised himself as Team Dark's E-10000B, even without Dr. Eggman's knowledge and stealing the doctor's data to beat Sonic in Extreme Gear racing.

Following Metal Sonic's acquiring of full self-independence in Sonic Heroes, the robot himself descended into madness through his hatred for Sonic, beginning to believe that he was the real Sonic and that the original Sonic was his copy. Supposedly, Metal Sonic's obsession with the real Sonic and the belief that he is better than him made him think that this made him the real Sonic. It can also be thought that Metal Sonic thinks that even though he was created, he believes he's the real Sonic. It is unknown whether he has maintained this part of his personality after the suppression of his sentience.

Despite his many defeats and having his beliefs shaken, Metal Sonic never gives up on his goals and will always pursue them with relentless determination and will take any means necessary, no matter how many setbacks. As long as Metal Sonic's ultimate goal is to defeat the real Sonic, Metal Sonic will always come back to face Sonic and his friends, and he will not rest until he has carried out his purpose of destroying Sonic forever and proving himself the superior of the two of them once and for all.

Physical abilities
Modeled with extreme accuracy after Sonic, Metal Sonic has powers and abilities similar to Sonic, making Metal Sonic one of Eggman's most dangerous creations. He is also credited as the strongest robot Eggman has ever invented.

Metal Sonic shares Sonic's super speed, lightning-fast reflexes and agility that allows him to react to threats at supersonic speed, and physical strength which is sufficient enough to tear metal apart. By utilizing a combination of a powerful propulsion system and the jet engine in his torso, Metal Sonic can match and even surpass Sonic's speed. By overloading his circuits, Metal Sonic can achieve four times the speed of Sonic's, reaching that of Mach 5 speeds. However, he cannot sustain this for long without risking his own destruction. In addition to Sonic's standard abilities, Metal Sonic has numerous other capabilities. These include firing laser blasts from the intake on his stomach, telescopically extendable limbs, and the ability to generate near-impenetrable force fields and powerful energy surges from his body. He also wields sufficiently sharp claws. Plus, by utilizing his jet engine, Metal Sonic can achieve high-speed flight and interplanetary travel, even in a damaged state. Metal Sonic's arguably most impressive skill is his ability to replicate the traits of others, similar to the Gizoids. By scanning and copying the life data of others, be it either robots or organic creatures, Metal Sonic can immediately and flawlessly copy and mimic other people's skills and abilities, such as Chaos Powers, ESP, super strength, invisibility, etc. This makes Metal Sonic's ability set near-indefinite.

In Sonic Heroes, Metal Sonic also demonstrated the ability to shape-shift, which allows him to change his appearance and body structure. When shape-shifting, Metal Sonic can perfectly imitate the physical form and voice of even organic creatures, such as when he posed as Sonic when he kidnapped Froggy and Chocola.

Techniques and moves
Besides sharing many of Sonic's abilities, Metal Sonic can also utilize several of Sonic's signature techniques and moves, such as the Spin Attack where Metal Sonic curls tightly into a concussive ball while in locomotion to damage, mow down, or burrow through obstacles and foes. Other moves include the Homing Attack, where Metal Sonic jumps and homes in on a target; the Spin Jump, where he curls into a ball to attack opponents on contact; and the Spin Dash, where he shoots himself forward as a ball at high speeds to break barriers or mow down enemies, albeit in a far more deadly circular saw motion. He can also utilize the Light Speed Dash and the Light Speed Attack for either exploration or attacks.

Metal Sonic also possesses powerful techniques exclusive to himself. His V. Maximum Overdrive Attack allows him to accelerate to his maximum speed while reportedly penetrating anything in his path, although extended use can be detrimental. He can also use an area-of-effect attack called the Ring Spark Field, where he unleashes an electrical field that can burn through thick metal, though the attack drains so much of his energy that his mobility decreases. To defend himself, Metal Sonic can perform the Black Shield, an energy field that protects him from virtually all harm.

When copying opponents' data, Metal Sonic can use his Copycat technique to instantly replicate and execute the signature attack of his opponents perfectly, such as Chaos Control.

Neo Metal Sonic
Metal Sonic assumed the form of Neo Metal Sonic for the majority of Sonic Heroes while he copied the other teams' data. While most of Neo Metal Sonic's abilities remain unknown, he is known to be able to shape-shift and has the ability to shoot lightning bolts from his hand.

Metal Madness
Using the data from Team Sonic, Team Rose, Team Dark, Team Chaotix and Chaos, and as well as parts of Eggman's other machines, Neo Metal Sonic can transform himself into a super powerful version of himself called Metal Madness. In this form, Metal Sonic possesses a flamethrower, missile launchers, a whip-like tail with spikes, and claws that can shoot spikes and crystals. In this state, he is so powerful that even with the seven Chaos Emeralds, according to Eggman, the chances of beating him was slim.

Metal Overlord
After completing his transformation as Metal Madness, Metal Sonic became Metal Overlord. In this form, he sprouts wings, thus gaining the power of flight and the ability to use Chaos Control. In this form, he becomes so powerful that even Super State users cannot harm him directly.

Color Powers
By harnessing different variants of Hyper-go-on from Wisps, Metal Sonic can use specific Color Powers to transform into a certain form, such as a drill, a laser, or even an asteroid, each one possessing its own unique abilities. So far, Metal Sonic has been able to transform into the Cyan Laser, Yellow Drill, and Indigo Asteroid. However, these transformations require a steady supply of Hyper-go-on to be maintained.

Specifications

 * Main CPU: LIPS AI Eggman Custom Chip. Located in the head, this processor contains three output links. The internal CPU contains a system that is capable of executing mathematically logical enactment and a simultaneous analog neuro-connection between all components. In short, this allows Metal Sonic to react very quickly to certain situations.
 * Sub CPU: Neo Super DFX Chip, containing a five-link system connecting to all major body components governs the power control system. A Next Risk Chip Series III, with eight basic loading ports in each eye unit, utilizes RGB imaging in the optical area.
 * Frame: Monocoque titanium
 * Color coating: Reinforced blue metal tektite
 * Main engine: 250cc, 4-valve Orgon Fusion Engine
 * Max power: 55ps/6800rpm
 * Max torque: 7.54Kg-m/4000rpm
 * Secondary engine: Tesla Power Coil which produces electricity through electromagnetic induction.
 * Max power: 256 Kw
 * Secondary power supply: Chaos Emerald

Sonic the Comic
In the United Kingdom's official Sonic publication, Sonic the Comic, "Metal Sonic" was relegated to the character's title, and Sonic's robot double was redubbed with the name of "Metallix" (hence, he was "Metallix, the Metal Sonic").

Metallix first appeared in the magazine's adaptation of Sonic CD, in which it was destroyed by Sonic. However, it was later revealed that this first Metallix was merely one of a vast brotherhood of identical robots, known collectively as the Brotherhood of Metallix. Ruled by a giant red-and-gold Emperor Metallix, the Brotherhood captured the Omni-Viewer, allowing them to travel back in time, and erase Doctor Robotnik from history. Since it had been Robotnik's assistant Grimer who built the Metallix robots, and Robotnik had contributed only a self-destruct mechanism, the Brotherhood was able to conquer Mobius, leaving Sonic in the unenviable position of having to travel back in time and ensure that Robotnik existed. With the timeline restored, Sonic was forced to ally with Robotnik to defeat the Brotherhood of Metallix once and for all.

Archie Comics
In the Sonic the Hedgehog comic series and its spin-offs published by Archie Comics, various Metal Sonic models have appeared. The first Metal Sonic was created by Dr. Ivo Robotnik and raced Sonic as part of one of Robotnik's traps, but was destroyed at the end of the race. This model would return a couple of times to antagonize Sonic and his allies, before getting reformed. He later returned with the new name "Shard the Metal Sonic" to aid the heroes of the Kingdom of Acorn.

A new series of Metal Sonics was later re-created from scratch by Dr. Eggman which would become fierce foes that Sonic and his allies would confront regularly. Ounit, in particular, traveled to Sol Zone but was destroyed there. After its defeat, it was rebuilt as Captain Metal, a robotic pirate, and rival of Captain Whisker.

Following the Super Genesis Wave, a new Metal Sonic would be introduced in the new continuity with a history more closely mirroring that of the game universe.

Sonic the Hedgehog: The Movie
Metal Sonic starred in Sonic the Hedgehog: The Movie as Sonic's main rival. In this movie, they had a mind link and were able to hear each other's thoughts. He mainly communicated in bleeps and other such robot-like noises and was depicted as being more powerful than Sonic in this incarnation, besting him whenever they fought. Near the end of the movie, Metal Sonic was influenced by Sonic's thoughts and sacrificed himself to save the President and Old Man Owl.

The personality of this Metal Sonic is slightly different than his game counterpart. He seems to be rather sane and acts rather solo than compared with his role as servant to Dr. Eggman and himself in Sonic Heroes. Nearing the end, he falls into a volcanic precipice after an epic battle with Sonic. Sonic attempts to save him, but Metal telling him "there is only one Sonic". He is then melted in the magma, and this implies that Metal, though he was programmed for evil, is fully sentient and autonomous.

Sonic Boom
In the Sonic Boom, Metal Sonic appears in both the TV series and the video games Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric and Sonic Boom: Shattered Crystal. Like in other media, he is a creation and servant of Dr. Eggman.

In Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric, Metal Sonic served Dr. Eggman as his main enforcer in his orchestration of the release of Lyric the Last Ancient. However, when Eggman ordered Metal Sonic to take care of Lyric once he proved too dangerous, Lyric took control of the robot. Metal Sonic was then sent to retrieve one of the Chaos Crystals but was defeated by Team Sonic.

Allies

 * Dr. Eggman (Creator) (Occasionally)
 * Shadow the Hedgehog (Occasionally)
 * Orbot
 * Cubot
 * Infinite (Sonic Forces)
 * Zavok (Sonic Forces)
 * Chaos (Sonic Forces)

Enemies

 * Team Sonic
 * Sonic the Hedgehog (Organic template and arch-enemy)
 * Miles "Tails" Prower
 * Knuckles the Echidna
 * Team Dark
 * Shadow the Hedgehog (Sometimes)
 * Rouge the Bat
 * E-123 Omega
 * Team Rose
 * Amy Rose
 * Cream the Rabbit
 * Big the Cat
 * Chaotix
 * Vector the Crocodile
 * Espio the Chameleon
 * Charmy Bee
 * Silver the Hedgehog
 * Dr. Eggman (Occasionally)
 * Dr. Eggman Nega
 * Metal Sonic 3.0

Theme songs

 * "What I'm Made Of..." - Crush 40, played during the battle against Metal Overlord
 * "Never Let It Go (Death Egg's Eye)", played during the battle against him in Sonic the Fighters.
 * "Metal Sonic" - Howard Drossin, from the Virtual Sonic album.
 * "Look-a-like" - Riu Konaka, from the Sonic the Hedgehog: The Movie
 * Metallic Madness - The Japanese music of this Round during present time is played during Metal Sonic's All-Star move, Maximum Overdrive.
 * Stardust Speedway Bad Future - Initially the stage music for the Stardust Speedway Bad Future zone, the Japanese music became his boss theme in Sonic Generations and is used in the final race against Metal in Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II at the end of Death Egg Mk II Zone act 1. The US version also got two remixes, one unlockeable from Sonic Generations and one as his boss theme for Sonic Forces.
 * Versus Metal Sonic - Played during the battles against Metal Sonic at White Park Zone and Sky Fortress Zone in Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II. A remix is also heard when Metal Sonic uses his All-Star move in Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed.

Reception
Metal Sonic has proven to be one of the most popular villains in the Sonic franchise. GameDaily placed Metal Sonic 13th on their "Top 25 Video Game Robots" list, describing him as Dr. Eggman's "greatest creation" and praising the strength of his abilities. According to a poll on Sonic Channel, Metal Sonic is the most popular villain in the series, and the second most wanted character for future appearances, beaten only by Shadow the Hedgehog. However, critics like IGN's Tal Blevins referred to Metal Sonic as "a Sonic cyborg twin just to piss you off."

A Metal Sonic vinyl statue produced by Jazwares was distributed at Comic-Con 2009 for $17.

Trivia

 * In promotional art for Sonic the Hedgehog CD, Metal Sonic's irises were red, but in the game, they are grey (or yellow during his V Maximum Overdrive attack).
 * Metal Sonic has a mouth on the cover of Sonic CD. Interestingly, this even applies in the game's remakes.
 * The help file included with the initial PC port of Sonic CD claims that some early material refers to Metal Sonic as Mecha Sonic. This is considered a mistake, as Mecha Sonic never officially referred to Metal Sonic.
 * In the western release of Sonic & Knuckles, the Sonic robot fought by Sonic, and later as the final boss of Knuckles story was Metal Sonic. In the Japanese version this robot was instead Mecha Sonic, and this was later used for the western version many years later.
 * Though Metal Sonic is playable in Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games, in the DS version he is also a boss character.
 * In the DS version of Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games, his winning animation mistakenly shows him with green eyes instead of red.
 * Metal5.jpg Sonic was planned to appear in the canceled game [[Sonic X-treme]] as a boss. Like the game's other bosses, his appearance in this game was unusually large in order to make him easier to hit. Due to this game's cancellation, Metal Sonic didn't get a Sega Saturn appearance until Sonic R. Metal Sonic is the only boss in Sonic X-treme whose 3D model was found in the Sega Saturn SDK.
 * Metal Sonic's pose during the ending of Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I looks just like his pose in Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games.
 * Metal Sonic rarely speaks. His voice is only heard during Sonic Heroes while in any of his transformations (Neo Metal Sonic, Metal Madness, and Metal Overlord, as well as when he is disguised as Eggman).
 * Interestingly, he shares Sonic's voice actor, Ryan Drummond.
 * He also speaks with a text bubble in Sonic Generations, even though it was previously believed that the capability of speech was an ability exclusive to Sonic Heroes.
 * Metal Sonic's 2D Sonic Channel artwork looks similar to his Sonic Rivals 2 pose.
 * Metal Sonic has more alternate forms than any other antagonist in the Sonic the Hedgehog series.
 * Metal Sonic is the most recurring robot in the series.
 * In the game Spiral Knights, players who purchased a copy of Sonic CD on Steam before 31 January 2012 received a Metal Sonic costume for their knight. This costume was also available to purchase in-game.
 * In Sonic Generations, Metal Sonic is the only rival that does not appear in the Center of Time before Modern and Classic Sonic confronted the Time Eater, or appearing at the party within completion of the game.
 * There is evidence to support that he was at one point going to appear in Sonic the Hedgehog (2006) and even be playable, but at some point was scrapped. Said evidence can be found here.
 * In the original Sonic the Fighters, Metal Sonic is not playable. However, Metal Sonic is one of three characters to be added to the playable roster in the HD re-release.
 * In Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed, he is one of four characters to drive an ATV; the other three are Beat, Knuckles, and Joe Musashi.
 * Oddly enough, Metal Sonic can drown when he is played in Sonic Adventure, despite being a robot and therefore not requiring air. This may be due to how in this title, he is based on Sonic in all but his model, and therefore may not have had drowning removed.
 * In Sonic Adventure 2, if one player plays as Shadow, and the other as Metal Sonic, his shoes will produce the light from his jet-boosters as Shadow runs/jumps.