Moto Bug


 * "Motobug" redirects here. For other uses, see Moto Bug (disambiguation).

The Moto Bug (モトラ) is an enemy in the Sonic the Hedgehog series. It is a mass-produced, ladybug-like Badnik model created by Dr. Eggman.

Moto Bugs are usually slow-paced robots that move around, which makes them very basic enemies. The Moto Bug is known for being the first Badnik that Sonic encountered and thus being the first enemy encountered in the entire series.

Appearance
The Moto Bugs resemble a robotic version of the typical ladybug, but much larger. The classic Moto Bugs have round red body armor with vents covering their backs and blue faces which come together with their bodies in an almost spherical shape. They also have cartoony black eyes, two white mandibles, and thick yellow antennae. Their source of locomotion is reliant on the simple wheel mechanism located in their undercarriages. A small engine with an exhaust pipe on both sides of their rear propels their wheels across the ground. They also have short arms with yellow forearms and a single claw at the tip.

The Moto Bugs that appeared during Eggman's uprising against Sonic were more mechanical in design and had longer claws. The Moto Bugs that later appeared during the Wisp incident and the Time Eater incident were much like the original Moto Bugs, but with black spots on their backs instead of vents and menacing cyan eyes. The Moto Bugs that later debuted during the Lost Hex incident returned to the original ones' design, but with brighter faces, normal-looking cyan eyes and two black spots on their backs.

During the Phantom Ruby incident, the Moto Bugs received a more militaristic design. In addition to their backs becoming white-gray (although their spot markings remained), they had smal blue exhaust pipes and small faces. They also had blue rims that went around the back of their necks, and black faces with red eyes. They also wore what appeared to be a visor with a red lens and antenas, and their wheels were being held in place by white discs with blue rims.

Sonic the Hedgehog (1991)
The first appearance of the Moto Bugs was in the original 16-bit version of Sonic the Hedgehog, where they served as enemies. In this game, the player encounters them in Green Hill Zone. In gameplay, these Badniks only move back and forth in their Zone, and will attempt to chase the player if they see them. However, they move very slowly. Other than that, the Moto Bugs are relatively harmless and can only hurt Sonic if he runs directly into them. The player can easily destroy a Moto Bug by Spin Jumping onto it or by running it over with a Spin Attack. Also, upon their destruction, they release an Animal.

The Moto Bugs also appear in the 8-bit version of the same game, where they can be encountered in Green Hill Zone. These Badniks can only be found in the first act of the Zone. They are shown to be incredibly small, but they otherwise just scroll along the ground in gameplay. Moto Bugs in the 8-bit version also do not have an Animals inside of them; this then goes on to be a tradition in Game Gear and Master System titles.

Sonic Drift 2
In Sonic Drift 2, the Moto Bugs appear as obstacles. In this game, they are referred to by their Japanese name, Motora. They can be encountered on the Hill Top track in gameplay, where they shift back-and-forth; if a racer collides with a Moto Bug, they will spin out of control and lose Rings.

Sonic Rivals 2
In Sonic Rivals 2, the Moto Bug made an appearance on the 67th collectible card in the game. To collect it, the player has to stay in first place during a race and win.

Sonic the Hedgehog 4
In Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I and Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode Metal, the Moto Bugs returned as enemies. In these games, they received a more modernized design. Their name was also spelled as "Motobug". The player encounters them in Splash Hill Zone and Episode Metal Act 4.

In gameplay, the Moto Bugs behave more or less just like they did in the original Sonic the Hedgehog, meaning they trundle around as usual and will begin chasing the playable character when they spot them. Much like in the first game, the Moto Bugs pose no real threat unless they are run into. Also, upon their destruction, they release an Animal.

Sonic Colors
In the Wii version of Sonic Colors, the Moto Bugs returned once more as enemies. In this game, they received another slight redesign that made them look more modernized and ladybug-like. The player only encounters them during the high-speed Quick Step sections in Starlight Carnival Act 1, Asteroid Coaster Act 4, and Terminal Velocity Act 1.

In gameplay, the Moto Bugs are able to keep up with Sonic, even while he is boosting. When they appear, they stick to the lanes they drive along without making any attempt to attack Sonic. The player on the other hand can attack the Moto Bugs by Quick Stepping into them, causing them to lose balance and be destroyed. When a Moto Bug is destroyed however, new ones will appear soon after to take its place. This will continue until the player leaves the Moto Bugs' sections or their Act is completed.

In Starlight Carnival and Asteroid Coaster, a variant of the Moto Bug will sometimes appear. This variant is larger and black with red spots. Despite the differences though, it is destroyed in the same way as regular Moto Bugs. Also, when this variant is destroyed, all the regular Moto Bugs that are present will be destroyed along with it.

Sonic Generations
In both the console/PC and Nintendo 3DS version of Sonic Generations, the Moto Bug returned as an enemy. In this game, they retained their design from Sonic Colors. In both versions of the game, the player only encounters the Moto Bugs in Green Hill.

In gameplay on the console/PC version, some Moto Bugs will remain stationary until Sonic approaches, at which point they will rev up their wheels to quickly ram into Sonic. This "charge time" is so lengthy, however, that it is rendered useless when subjected to an offensive maneuver from the player. In gameplay on the Nintendo 3DS version, the Moto Bugs simply move back and forth along the ground, like in the original Sonic the Hedgehog. Like always, the Moto Bugs are easily dispatched by a single hit from any of the player's attacks.

In the console/PC version of the game, there are also giant, indestructible Moto Bugs in the Knuckles: Horde of Enemies Challenge Act. These Moto Bugs cannot hurt Sonic, nor do they attempt to attack him, but they can propel Sonic high into the air if they are struck by an attack from a certain height, which is useful during these Moto Bugs' Challenge Act. A statue of the Moto Bug can also be unlocked in the console/PC version's Statue Room.

Sonic Lost World
In Sonic Lost World, the Moto Bugs were redesigned so that they resembled their original incretion, but with spots on their back and cyan eyes. During the game, Dr. Eggman's Badniks, the Moto Bugs included, got hijacked by the Deadly Six after the group betrayed the Doctor.

The Moto Bug is the most common enemy in the game. On the Wii U version of the game, the player encounters the Moto Bugs in Windy Hill Zone 1, 2, 3 and 4, Desert Ruins Zone 1, 3 and 4, Tropical Coast Zone 1, 2 and 4, Frozen Factory Zone 1, and Silent Forest Zone 1, 2 and 4. On the Nintendo 3DS version of the game, the player encounters them in Windy Hill Tutorial, Windy Hill Zone 1, 2 and 3, Desert Ruins Zone 1 and 2, Tropical Coast Zone 1 and 2, Frozen Factory Zone 1 and 2, Silent Forest Zone 2, and Sky Road Zone 3.

In gameplay, the Moto Bugs move mostly in groups. They usually putter around without cause until the playable character comes within proximity. At this point, they will gain a determined expression and home into the playable character at a slow speed. Like always, the Moto Bugs are easy to defeat, as they will destroyed by just one hit from any of the attacks in the player's arsenal. Also, upon their destruction, they release an Animal.

Sonic Runners
In Sonic Runners, the Moto Bugs appear as enemies. In this game, they retain their design from Sonic Lost World. They are also one the most common foes in the speed type characters' stages, where they are placed either separately or in groups. In gameplay, they either remain stationary or move back and forth.

Moto Bugs in Sonic Runners come in three types. Aside from the regular Moto Bugs, there are golden ones which grant 300 more points when defeated, and black ones called Super Moto Bugs which only Color Powers and Power Type characters can defeat. Also, any type of Moto Bug contain Animals inside them.

Sonic Runners Adventure
In Sonic Runners Adventure, the Moto Bugs appear as enemies. In this game, they retain their design from Sonic Lost World. The player encounters them in Green Hill and Sky Sanctuary.

In gameplay, the Moto Bugs either remain stationary or move slowly towards the player, much like they did in their previous title. Also, upon their destruction, they release an Animal.

Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games
In the Wii U version of Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, Moto Bugs appear as items in the Duel Beach Volleyball event. Here, they can move under the net and charge towards its opponent, decreasing 15 duel points for each hit. Players can jump over it to avoid its attack though.

Sonic Mania
In Sonic Mania, the Moto Bugs reappeared as enemies. In terms of design, they look exactly how they did in the original Sonic the Hedgehog. In this game, they only appear in Green Hill Zone. It terms of attack patterns, they behave just like in their debut by driving around on long areas of the ground. They are similarly easily destroyed by any attack. Also, upon their destruction, they release an Animal.

In addition to the Moto Bugs the player encounters in the Acts, a Moto Bug named "Jimmy" was utilized as a steed by the Heavy Rider in the game.

Sonic Forces: Speed Battle
In Sonic Forces: Speed Battle, Moto Bug serves as a Projectile Item that can only be obtained at random from Item Boxes.

Sonic Forces
In, Sonic Forces, Moto Bugs sport a modernized, militaristic redesign. The player encounters them in Lost Valley, Ghost Town, Luminous Forest, Green Hill, Aqua Road, Red Gate Bridge and Eggman's Facility.

The Moto Bugs are most commonly encountered in the 2.5D sections of the stages. In gameplay, they drive idly around until they spot the playable character. When they do, they will stop and rev up before charging at the playable character. If they miss, they will turn around and try again. Other than that, they are still as easily destroyed as back in their debut game.

On the water slides in Aqua Road and Eggman's Facility, deactivated Moto Bugs with their design from Sonic Lost World appear as drifting obstacles. If the playable character collides with them, the playable character will be pushed to the side, putting them as risk of falling off the water slides. However, these collision also destroy the Moto Bugs. Occasionally, a golden Moto Bug will also appear. These Moto Bugs require three hits to be destroyed, and when they are, they will release a prize, like a Super Ring or a Red Star Ring. Sometimes, this will also cause the next golden Moto Bug to spawn.

During the Metal Sonic and Infinite boss fights, the boss will gather Moto Bugs (who sport their designs from both Sonic Lost World and Sonic Forces) to protect themselves when the player gets close. These Moto Bugs can be knocked away with consecutive Homing Attacks/Wire Attacks or the Wispon.

Powers and abilities
The Moto Bugs are often considered the weakest Badniks created by Dr. Eggman. They come equipped with small claws, but hey have yet to be seen using them.

As seen during the Wisp incident, the Moto Bugs are able to move at speeds rivaling that of Sonic himself. They can also use their exhaust pipes like rockets to achieve flight.

Boing-o-Bot
The Boing-o-Bot is a blue, black and red variant of the Moto Bug. Design-wise, they are very similar to the Moto Bug, the main difference being the Spring on top of the Boing-o-Bots' backs. They first appeared in Sonic Chaos.

Lady Bug Boss
The Lady Bug Boss is a larger and more powerful variant of the Moto Bug. It is very similar to the Moto Bugs, but with treads instead of wheels and a Spring on top of their backs, like the Boing-o-Bots. It first appeared in Sonic Chaos.

New Motora
The New Motora is a updated model of the Moto Bugs that possesses a different paintjob, but otherwise uses the same attack patterns as the Moto Bugs. They first appeared in Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (8-bit).

Sunset Park Badnik
The unnamed Badnik of Sunset Park Zone is another variant of the Moto Bug. In terms of appearance, they look just like the regular Moto Bug. These ones, however, drive Spin Coasters, which others can take control of if they eliminate the Badnik driving them. They first appeared in Sonic the Hedgehog Triple Trouble.

Tentou
The Tentou is an aerial variant of the Moto Bug. These Badniks are capable of flight, sticking to walls and ceilings, and firing energy blasts. They first appeared in Sonic Advance.

Akatento
The Akatento is a ground-based variant of the Moto Bug. Despite being different models, the Akatentos look very similar to the Moto Bugs and have the same attack patterns. They first appeared in Sonic Advance 3.

Aotento
The Aotento is a blue, aerial-based variant of the Moto Bug. These robots possess flight capabilities for the purpose of allowing them to fly into an airborne enemies' flight path. They first appeared in Sonic Advance 3.

Sonic the Hedgehog Story Comic
The Moto Bug appears briefly in Sonic the Hedgehog Story Comic manga. At the beginning of Sonic the Hedgehog Story Comic Volume 3 story Sonic Rampage!!, a Moto Bug and Burrobot were sent by Dr. Eggman to beat down Sonic, but despite the their fierce nature, they were easily defeated.

Sonic the Comic
In the Sonic the Comic series published by Fleetway Editions, the Moto Bugs are a part of Dr. Robotnik's Badnik army. Over the comic's run, the Moto Bug's design would differ between issues. They are among the first generation of Badniks Robotnik produced and have threatened the people of Mobius since the earliest days of Robotnik's reign of terror.

Archie Comics
In the Sonic the Hedgehog comic series and its spin-offs published by Archie Comics, the Moto Bugs (here spelled as "Motobugs") were among the first generation of badniks produced by Dr. Robotnik, though they were eventually rendered obsolete by more advanced robots and got decommissioned. Those Motobugs that survived were left behind in various outposts until Mammoth Mogul instated them as workers in his casino.

Following the events of Worlds Collide, the Motobugs' history became nearly identical to that of their game counterparts.

Sonic X
In the Sonic X comic series published by Archie Comics, when Sonic got trapped in a virtual reality version of the Green Hill, a Moto Bug managed to get the drop on him. However, Sonic retaliated swiftly and released the Pocky inside of it.

IDW Publishing
In the Sonic the Hedgehog comic series published by IDW Publishing, the Moto Bugs are Badniks created by Dr. Eggman. Their past is virtually identical to their game counterparts' up until after Sonic Forces. After the war, the Moto Bugs began launching coordinated attacks on villages under a guiding force.

Sonic Boom
In the Sonic Boom franchise, the Moto Bugs (spelled as "Motobugs" in this media) are a mass-produced robot model created by Dr. Eggman. They serve both as Eggman's sentries and foot soldiers which the Doctor uses for his frequent attacks on Team Sonic and Seaside Island. However, they are not very powerful and are easily destroyed.

Merchandise
The toy company Tomy has released Moto Bug action figurine during the release of Sonic & Knuckles as it also includes a series of 21 Sonic figurines and these figurines came in packs of four under the Sonic & Knuckles label and were also released individually under a Sonic the Hedgehog label.

For the 20th anniversary of Sonic the Hedgehog, Jazwares decided to make figures of the characters and enemies from the series. A Classic Sonic was released and included a little Moto Bug figurine.

Trivia

 * Moto Bug appears in Sonic and the Black Knight in winning fan art.
 * In an unused character model of Sonic Colors, the Moto Bug is shown with a pair of tube-shaped weapons on its back that are seemingly meant to be used as weapons. However, this version of the Moto Bug never appeared in the game.
 * The Roaders in the Mega Man series bear a similar concept and purpose to that of the Motobug badniks.