Drift


 * This article is about the move used to get through tight turns. You may be looking for the game, Sonic Drift.

"Sonic spins while turning, allowing him to turn tight corners at high speed."

- Sonic Generations, instructional booklet.

The Drift (ドリフト), also called the Sonic Drift, is a move used by Sonic the Hedgehog. It first appeared in Sonic Unleashed. When performing this move, Sonic can make sharp turns when moving at high speeds.

Sonic Unleashed
This move, where it is called "Sonic Drift" is used to get through tight turns found throughout the game's levels and can also be used to fill the Ring Energy bar in the Xbox 360/PlayStation 3 versions. In the Wii/PlayStation 2 versions, Sonic has to perform the Sonic Drift more often, the move is also much sharper, and using it long enough will give the player a "Drift Bonus", if performed correctly. To perform it, the player has to use the button below while moving the control stick to left or right:

Sonic Colors
The move can also be performed in Sonic Colors, where its name has been changed to "Drift", but can only be performed at certain curve points, which an icon appear atop the screen. The physical features for the drift is different as it has rainbow sparks shoot out of it (similar to the Sonic Boost in this game) which is in equalization to the theme of Sonic Colors. The drift becomes more "slippery" and difficult, and it does not raise the boost gauge, although it does earn the player extra points. It can also be used to crash into enemies and objects.

Sonic Generations
This move can also be performed in Sonic Generations, but only while playing as Modern Sonic. In Sonic Generations, when Sonic uses the move, it looks similar to a Spin Attack. Like in Sonic Colors, it can be used to attack enemies. In this game, it is performed using the LT/RT trigger (Xbox 360), L2/R2 trigger (PS3) or the 1/3 number keys (PC).

The Drift is more controlled in this game more than in ''Sonic Unleashed. ''Also, the player can add the Sonic Boost to it, to increase it's power. Drifting increases the Boost Gauge too, if the player does not use the Sonic Boost with it. If the player takes control of Super Sonic, the aura of the move will be changed to golden, unlike before.

Trivia

 * In Sonic Unleashed (PS3/Xbox 360 version), it is possible to cross water surfaces without using the Boost if the player simply uses the Drift and constantly alternates Sonic's direction, much like snaking in other games with a drifting mechanic.