User:Ultrasonic9000/Sandbox

The Power Sneakers (ハイスピード), also known as the Speed Shoes (スピードシューズ), Speed Up (スピードアップ), Super Shoes, Speed Boots (ハイスピード), Fleet Feet (ハイスピード), High Speed (ハイスピード), Sneakers (スピードブーツ), Shoes (スピードブーツ), and High-Speed Shoes (ハイスピード), are an Item Box power-up that appear in the Sonic the Hedgehog series. When the player obtains this power-up, their playable character's running speed and jumping height are temporarily increased.

Since their introduction, the Power Sneakers have become one of the most recurring Item Box power-ups in the Sonic series. As such, they have been featured in most platforming installments in the series, while their mechanics have remained virtually untouched. The Power Sneakers have also been featured in other modes of the games as well.

Description
Item Boxes containing Power Sneakers typically contain or display an icon depicting a singular shoe, which is identical to Sonic the Hedgehog's iconic footwear. Since this power-up's introduction, when the player obtains the Power Sneakers, the playable character will automatically be able to accelerate and move around (both by walking or running) at a much faster pace and leap higher than normal. Also, whilst the Power Sneakers are in effect, the background music for the level usually changes to either a more fast-paced version of itself, or in several modern Sonic games, a dedicated jingle. The latter sound effect is generally heard on platforms where increasing the speed of the music is not possible due to technical reasons.

The Power Sneakers usually lasts about 15–20 seconds, though the length of the Power Sneakers can differ between certain games; obtaining another Power Sneakers power-up while already under its effects can prolong the status and sometimes reset the jingle related to this power-up as well. After the time runs out, the Power Sneakers will fade off and the playable character's speed and jumping height will go back to normal.

Controlling the playable character after getting the Power Sneakers can be tricky or even slippery, since the increased speed requires that the player reacts in better time to the obstacles in the environment. As such, there is a higher chance that the player ends up crashing into enemies or obstacles after having obtained the Power Sneakers. Also, while the Power Sneakers are usually obtained from Item Boxes, there have been cases where the Power Sneakers can be obtained through other means, such as opening objects different from Item Boxes or through gameplay features.

Since Sonic Rush, the Power Sneakers have been absent in several Sonic games, particularly in the titles that make heavy use of the Boost technique, virtually replacing the item as a way to achieve extra speed and acceleration. In certain games. such as Sonic Generations and Sonic Lost World though, the Power Sneakers have been featured in same ways as they were in previous titles.

Sonic the Hedgehog (16-bit)
The Power Sneakers made their first appearance in the original 16-bit version of Sonic the Hedgehog. In this game, this power-up is referred to as Power Sneakers (ハイスピード). When obtaining the Power Sneakers in gameplay, the background music changes to a more fast-paced version of the theme song that was previously playing. This time around, the Power Sneakers' effects last for about twenty seconds.

In the original 1991 version of Sonic the Hedgehog, the picture of the Power Sneaker on the Power Sneakers' Video Monitors is shown to lack its white strap and gold buckle. In the 2013 remake of Sonic the Hedgehog however, that was partially fixed with the addition of a white strap to the Item Box's picture.

Sonic the Hedgehog (8-bit)
In the 8-bit version of Sonic the Hedgehog, the Power Sneaker power-up is named Power Sneakers (ハイスピード) again. When obtaining the Power Sneakers in gameplay, the background music changes to a more fast-paced version of the theme song that was previously playing. This time around, the Power Sneakers' effects last for about eighteen seconds.

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (16-bit)
In the 16-bit version of Sonic the Hedgehog 2, the Power Sneaker power-up is called Power Sneakers (ハイスピード) once more. When obtaining the Power Sneakers in gameplay, the background music changes to a more fast-paced version of the theme song that was previously playing. This time around, the Power Sneakers' effects last for about twenty seconds.

In the original 1992 version of Sonic the Hedgehog 2, the picture of the Power Sneaker on the Power Sneakers' monitors is shown to lack its white strap and gold buckle. In the 2013 remake of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 however, that was partially fixed with the addition of a white strap to the Item Box's picture.

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (8-bit)
In the 8-bit version of Sonic the Hedgehog 2, the Power Sneaker power-up is referred to as Power Sneakers (ハイスピード) once more. When obtaining the Power Sneakers in gameplay, the background music changes to that of a dedicated jingle. In addition, Sonic gets enveloped in an aura that is made up of a couple of sparkling white stars, like when using Invincibility. This time around, the Power Sneakers' effects last for about fifteen seconds.

Curiously, the Sega Master System version of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 features only a single Power Sneakers Monitor in the entire game, namely in Aqua Lake Zone Act 2. This power-up is removed and replaced with a Super Ring in the Sega Game Gear version.

Sonic the Hedgehog CD
In Sonic the Hedgehog CD, the Power Sneaker power-up is called Power Sneakers (ハイスピード) again. When obtaining the Power Sneakers in gameplay, the background music changes to that of a dedicated jingle. However, the Power Sneakers' theme differs between the releases of the game. In the Japanese and European releases, the theme is a remixed instrumental version of "Sonic - You Can Do Anything", and in the American releases, the theme is an entirely original track. This time around, the Power Sneakers' effects last for about twenty seconds.

Sonic the Hedgehog CD introduced waveform audio to the Sonic series, that plays music from the compact disc format. It is for this reason that the Power Sneakers have their own separated track in this game and in several other Sonic games after the Sega Mega Drive era.

Sonic Chaos
In Sonic Chaos, the Power Sneaker power up is referred to as Speed Shoes (スピードシューズ) in the Japanese manual. However, they are unnamed in western manuals. When obtaining the Power Sneakers in gameplay, the background music changes to that of a dedicated jingle. This time around, the Power Sneakers' effects last for about twenty seconds.

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 & Knuckles
In Sonic the Hedgehog 3, Sonic & Knuckles and the add-on continuation Sonic the Hedgehog 3 & Knuckles, the same Power Sneaker power-up make an appearance in all three installments. It is called High Speed (ハイスピード) in the Japanese manual of Sonic the Hedgehog 3, but goes unnamed in the western manuals for Sonic the Hedgehog 3. In Sonic & Knuckles however, the Power Sneaker power-up is referred to as the Super Shoes (ハイスピード). When obtaining the Super Shoes in gameplay, the background music changes to a more fast-paced version of the theme song that was previously playing. This time around, the Super Shoes' effects last for about twenty seconds.

In the Competition Mode of Sonic the Hedgehog 3 and Sonic the Hedgehog 3 & Knuckles, the Super Shoes are called Speed Up (スピードアップ) in the Japanese manual. However, they go unnamed in the western manuals. In this mode, the Super Shoes can be obtained from bubbles containing the Power Sneaker icon that float around on the race tracks by simply touching them.

Sonic Drift
In Sonic Drift, the Power Sneaker power-up is referred to as High Speed (ハイスピード) in the Japanese manual. No western name has been given for it. In this game, Item Boxes containing High Speed possess completely red screens.

When obtaining High Speed in gameplay, the playable character automatically receives a small forward dash. However, the background music does not change during this dash. In addition, the player can make Sonic trigger a speed boost identical to the High Speed by pressing up on while holding at least two Rings, although using this ability will cost two Rings.

Sonic Drift 2
In Sonic Drift 2, the Power Sneaker power-up is referred to as Dash (ダッシュBOX). Like in Sonic Dash, Item Boxes containing Dash possess completely red screens.

When obtaining Dash in gameplay, the player has to activate it manually by pressing up on. Once activated, the player receives a small forward dash. However, the background music does not change during this dash.

Both Sonic and Metal Sonic are able to trigger a speed boost identical to the Dash, except Metal Sonic's lasts longer. Sonic's speed boost can be triggered by pressing up on while holding at least two Rings, and Metal Sonic's can be triggered by pressing up on  while holding at least three Rings. However, using Sonic's speed boost costs two Rings to be used while Metal Sonic's costs three Rings to be used.

Sonic the Hedgehog Triple Trouble
In Sonic the Hedgehog Triple Trouble, the Power Sneaker power-up is named Power Sneakers (ハイスピードシューズ) once more. When obtaining the Power Sneakers in gameplay, the background music changes to that of a dedicated jingle. This time around, the Power Sneakers' effects last for about thirteen seconds.

Knuckles' Chaotix
In Knuckles' Chaotix, the Power Sneaker power-up is called Power Sneakers (ハイスピード) again. When obtaining the Power Sneakers in gameplay, the background music changes to a more fast-paced version of the theme song that was previously playing. Also, while the Power Sneakers are in effect, their Monitor icon can be seen on the bottom of the screen, which shows how long the Power Sneakers are active. This time around, the Power Sneakers' effects last for about twenty seconds.

In Knuckles' Chaotix, getting the Power Sneakers can make it easier for the player to gain more speed for both characters, but it makes it extremely hard for the player to stop running or moving in mid-air, since the Combi partner character can keep moving forward and pull the player with him due to the Ring Power.

Sonic Labyrinth
In Sonic Labyrinth, the Power Sneaker power-up is referred to as Sneakers (スピードブーツ). In this game, the Sneakers can be obtained from Power-ups when they assume a formation consisting of two blue triangles that are aligned horizontally.

When obtaining the Sneakers in gameplay, the icon for the Sneakers (which has a moving red boot on it) will appear briefly. The music also changes to that of a dedicated jingle. In addition, the background will flash blue and white for as long as the Sneakers are active. This time around, the Sneakers' effects last for about seventeen seconds. However, the Sneakers can be canceled out prematurely if the player picks up another Power-up.

Sonic 3D Blast
In Sonic 3D Blast, the Power Sneaker power-up is named High Speed (ハイスピード) in the Japanese manual. However, they are unnamed in western manuals. When obtaining the High Speed in gameplay, the background music changes to a more fast-paced version of the theme song that was previously playing. This time around, the High Speed's effects last for about twenty-two seconds.

Sonic Blast
In Sonic Blast, the Power Sneaker power-up is referred to as Shoes (スピードブーツ).

Sonic R
In Sonic R, the Power Sneaker power-up is called Fleet Feet (ハイスピード). In this game, Fleet Feet can be obtained at random by touching one of the Item Panels that lie scattered across the racing courses. Also, when obtaining Fleet Feet in gameplay, the background music does not change. Instead, the user will emit golden sparkles for as long as Fleet Feet is in effect. This time around, Fleet Feet last for about eight seconds.

Sonic Adventure
In Sonic Adventure and its remake Sonic Adventure DX: Director's Cut, the Power Sneaker power-up is known as High-Speed Shoes (ハイスピード). When obtaining the High-Speed Shoes in gameplay, the background music changes to that of a dedicated jingle. This time around, the High-Speed Shoes' effects last for about fifteen seconds.

Sonic the Hedgehog Pocket Adventure
In Sonic the Hedgehog Pocket Adventure, the Power Sneaker power-up is called Power-Sneakers (ハイスピード). When obtaining the Power-Sneakers in gameplay, the background music changes to a more fast-paced version of the theme song that was previously playing. In addition, the player can hear a small high jingle as after that music starts to speed up. This time around, the Power-Sneakers' effects last for about twenty-one seconds.

Sonic Adventure 2
In Sonic Adventure 2 and its remake Sonic Adventure 2: Battle, the Power Sneaker power-up is called High-Speed Shoes (ハイスピー ド) again. When obtaining the High-Speed Shoes in gameplay, the background music changes to that of a dedicated jingle, which is a remixed version of the High-Speed Shoes' jingle from Sonic Adventure. This time around, the High-Speed Shoes' effects last for about fifteen seconds.

Besides obtaining High-Speed Shoes from Item Boxes, the player will also automatically obtain them when they pass through a point marker while holding 80-89 Rings.

Sonic Advance
In Sonic Advance, the Power Sneaker power-up is called Speed Boots (ハイスピード). When obtaining the Speed Boots in gameplay, the background music changes to a more fast-paced version of the theme song that was previously playing. This time around, the Speed Boots' effects last for about twenty seconds.

In gameplay, the Speed Boots also appear in the Race multiplayer feature in VS Mode. During gameplay in this mode, the boxes cycle through the power-ups available, including the Speed Boosts.

Sonic Advance 2
In Sonic Advance, the Power Sneaker power-up is called Maximum Speed (MAXスピード). When obtaining Maximum Speed in gameplay, the background music changes to a more fast-paced version of the theme song that was previously playing. This time around, Maximum Speed's effects last for about twenty seconds.

In gameplay, Maximum Speed also appears in the Multi-Game Pak Mode multiplayer feature in Multiplayer. During gameplay in this mode, the boxes cycle through the power-ups available, including Maximum Speed.

Sonic Advance 3
In Sonic Advance 3, the Power Sneaker power-up is called Maximum Speed (MAXスピード) again. When obtaining Maximum Speed in gameplay, the background music changes to a more fast-paced version of the theme song that was previously playing. This time around, Maximum Speed's effects last for about twenty-one seconds.

In gameplay, Maximum Speed also appears in the game's Multi-Pak Battle multiplayer. During gameplay in this mode, the Boxes cycle through the power-ups available, including Maximum Speed. However, if the player opens a Maximum Speed Box while the Box is red and black and has its power-up icon upside down, then the player will struck with the opposite effect of the Maximum Speed, meaning their playable character's movements will be slowed down for about twenty-one seconds.

Sonic Heroes
In Sonic Heroes, the Power Sneaker power-up is referred to as High Speed (ハイスピード). When obtaining High Speed in gameplay, the background music changes to that of a dedicated jingle. This time around, High Speed's effects last for about fifteen seconds.

Sonic the Hedgehog (2006)
In Sonic the Hedgehog (2006), the Power Sneaker power-up is named High Speed (ハイスピード) once more. When obtaining High Speed in gameplay, the background music changes to that of a dedicated jingle, which is a remixed instrumental version of "His World". Curiously, this jingle is the same as Invincible's. This time around, High Speed's effects last for about fifteen seconds.

Noticeably, though High Speed is intended to be in the Action Stages, they mostly appear in multiplayer.

Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games
In Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games, the Power Sneaker power-up is named Speed Boost. However, its usual mechanics have been modified for the game's Event-based playstyle. It makes an appearance in both the Wii and Nintendo DS version of the game.

In gameplay, Speed Boosts appear exclusively during Dream Events where they can be obtained randomly from. In the Wii version of the game, Speed Boosts appear only in the Dream Race. When obtaining Speed Boosts in this Event, the playable character emits a blue aura and will be able to run faster for about five seconds. However, the background music will not change. In the Nintendo DS version of the game on the other hand, Speed Boosts only appear in the Dream Long Jump. When obtaining Speed Boosts in this Event, the playable character gets a longer speed boost.

Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games
In Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games, the Power Sneaker power-up is called High Speed Shoes. Like in Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games, the High Speed Shoes' standard mechanics have been modified so that their effects fit into the game's Event-based playstyle. In this game, they are used the same way as in the previous installment.

Sega Superstars Tennis
In Sega Superstars Tennis, the Power Sneaker power-up is named Speed Boost once more. In gameplay, Speed Boost 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 Speed Boost, the player receives the typical increase in speed, but the background music will not change. This time around, Speed Boost's effects last for about twenty seconds.

Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing
In Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing, the Power Sneaker power-up is referred to as High Speed Shoes once more. However, its usual mechanics have been modified for the game's car racing playstyle.

In this game, High Speed Shoes are obtained at random from Item Boxes on the race tracks. In some cases, the player can even obtain three sets of High Speed Shoes at the same time. In gameplay, High Speed Shoes are not automatically activated upon obtaining them. Rather, the player has to activate them manually. Also, when activating High Speed Shoes, instead of increasing the user's speed for several seconds, the user receives a noticeable speed boost that only lasts for about three seconds. In addition, the background music will not change while High Speed Shoes are in effect.

Noticeably, the player automatically starts with High Speed Shoes in their possession when starting out on in Ghost Race Trials.

Episode I
In Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I, the Power Sneaker power-up Is named Power Sneakers (ハイスピード) once more. When obtaining the Power Sneakers in gameplay, the background music changes to a more fast-paced version of the theme song that was previously playing. This time around, the Power Sneakers' effects last for about fifteen seconds.

In Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode Metal, the Power Sneakers' standard footweear icon on their Item Boxes is replaced with an icon of Metal Sonic's foot. This is a rare occurrence in the games, as the Power Sneakers' icon has always featured Sonic's footwear, even with other playable characters in the series.

Episode II
In Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I, the Power Sneaker power-up is once again called Power Sneakers (ハイスピード). When obtaining the Power Sneakers in gameplay, the background music changes to a more fast-paced version of the theme song that was previously playing. This time around, the Power Sneakers' effects last for about fifteen seconds.

Sonic Colors
In the Nintendo DS version of Sonic Colors, the power sneaker power-up makes another appearance where it serves its standard purpose.

Sonic Generations
In the console/PC version of Sonic Generations, the Power Sneaker power-up is yet again referred to as Power Sneakers. In this game, the Power Sneakers only appear in Classic Sonic's stage Acts and Challenge Acts. When obtaining the Power Sneakers in gameplay, the background music changes to a more fast-paced version of the theme song that was previously playing. This time around, the Power Sneakers' effects last for about fifteen seconds.

Worth noting is that the Power Sneakers play an important role in the High Speed Challenge and High Speed Challenge 2 Challenge Acts; in these Challenge Acts, the player has to make constant use of Power Sneakers Item Boxes, which respawn almost instantly after the player opens them, in order to get through the level fast enough. In addition, there is a Skill for Classic Sonic called "Power Sneakers" that can be bought from the Skill Shop and be equipped to Classic Sonic at the cost of sixty Skill Points. When using this Skill in regular Acts, the player can activate the Power Sneakers' effects at anytime by pressing /. This can be done twice over the course of a single stage Act.

Sonic Lost World
In Sonic Lost World, the Power Sneaker power-up makes a return appearance in both the Wii U/PC and Nintendo 3DS version of the game.

In the Wii U/PC version of the game, the Power Sneaker 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 Power Sneaker power-up 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 Power Sneaker power-up to instantly bestow it onto the playable character. When obtaining the Power Sneaker power-ups in gameplay, the background music changes to that of a dedicated jingle, which is a remixed instrumental version of "Reach for the Stars".

In the Nintendo 3DS version of the game, the Power Sneaker power-ups appear regularly in the Zones. When obtaining the Power Sneaker power-ups in gameplay, the background music changes to that of a dedicated jingle, which is a remixed instrumental version of "Reach for the Stars". On this version, the Power Sneaker power-up's effects last for about twenty-five seconds.

Sonic Mania
In Sonic Mania, and its expansion Sonic Mania Plus, the Power Sneaker power-up is called Power Sneakers (ハイスピード) yet again. When obtaining the Power Sneakers in gameplay, the background music changes to that of a dedicated jingle. In addition, the playable character will leave afterimages in their wake while moving around for as long as the Power Sneakers are in effect. This time around, the Power Sneakers' effects last for about twenty-two seconds.

Sonic Forces: Speed Battle
In Sonic Forces: Speed Battle, the Power Sneaker power-up is referred to as Power Sneakers again. In this game, the Power Sneakers appear as a Boost Item that can only be obtained at random from Item Boxes by Sonic and Shadow.

When obtaining the Power Sneakers 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 Power Sneakers will surround the user with a colored aura (blue/orange for Sonic/Shadow respectively). However, the background music will not change. The duration of the Power Sneakers in this game depends on the level of the character using it; when reaching level 2, 8 and 14 respectively, the Power Sneakers' duration will increase. The duration of the Power Sneakers is displayed by a circular energy gauge that appears on top of the Power Sneakers' icon in the player's inventory (on the bottom of the screen) whenever the Power Sneakers are in effect and will deplete for every second the Power Sneakers are active. However, the Power Sneakers' effects will end prematurely if the user falls into a bottomless pit or runs into an obstacle.

Sonic Forces
In Sonic Forces, the Power Sneaker power-up is, once again, called Power Sneakers. When obtaining the Power Sneakers in gameplay, the background music changes to a more fast-paced version of the theme song that was previously playing. This time around, the Power Sneakers' effects last for about eighteen seconds.

Rocket Shoes
The Rocket Shoes are Item Box power-ups. They are presented as basic Power Sneakers which have rocket motors on their heels. When obtained, they allow the playable character to fly through the air for several seconds until they wear off. However, the Rocket Shoes can only be used by Sonic. They only appear in Sonic Chaos and Sonic the Hedgehog Triple Trouble.

Slow-Down Shoes
The Slow-Down Shoes are a "power-down" item. They are presented as gray-scale versions of the basic Power Sneakers. They can be obtained directly from bubbles at the center of race tracks. When obtained, they decrease the regular speed of playable characters for several seconds. They only appear in the Competition Mode of Sonic the Hedgehog 3.

Propeller Shoes
The Propeller Shoes are Item Box power-ups. They are presented as basic Power Sneakers which have turbines on them. When obtained, they allow the playable character to move around faster and more freely while underwater for several seconds until they wear off. However, the Propeller Shoes can only be used by Sonic. They only appear in Sonic the Hedgehog Triple Trouble.

Jingles
When obtaining Power Sneakers, the background music in the level usually changes to a more fast-paced version of the theme song that was previously playing. In some games however, the background music gets replace with a jingle dedicated to the Power Sneakers. The games in which this occurs in and their associated jingles are as follows:

Trivia

 * The earlier 510 prototype of Sonic the Hedgehog CD is known to feature a different Power Sneakers theme, that is a tinny remix version of "Sonic - You Can Do Anything" from the opening animation. This version of the Power Sneakers theme was changed to a more energetic tune in the final version.