Earth


 * This article is about the planet in the game series. For the equivalent in Archie Comics continuity also referred to as "Sonic's world", see Sonic's World.

The earth (地), also referred to as Sonic's world (ソニックの世界), is the main planet and overall setting in the Sonic the Hedgehog series. The planet was originally unnamed except in other media, in which most early continuities instead took place on the fictional planet Mobius. With few exceptions, the planet's name in the games was never mentioned; however, games were generally assumed to take place on an Earth-like planet, with some locations based on real-world places. The English translators of Sonic Adventure 2 opted for earth, which has been reused in many scripts afterwards.

Concept
Sonic the Hedgehog was created as a mascot for Sega, replacing its former mascot Alex Kidd. In order to maximize the appeal of the new character, his background (and the planet on which he lived) was given no detailed information in any of the initial games of the series (from the first game through to Sonic R). This allowed the separate branches of the company (Sega of Japan, Sega of America and Sega of Europe) to each create its own stories to fit third-party sponsors such as comics and TV series.

The name Mobius was adopted by western cartoons and comics. However, since the release of Sonic Adventure, which featured more human interaction than previous games, the term began to diminish in the context of the games. The name "Mobius" is sometimes believed to have originated from a mistranslation of a 1992 Yuji Naka interview, but Sega of America had been using the name since at least 1991.

Overview
Humans are the dominant species of the earth coexisting with animals and plants just like the real-world modern day Earth. However a number of fictional deities are also present on the planet, such as Chaos, Solaris and Dark Gaia (along with its counterpart Light Gaia, nicknamed Chip). The term Mobian is sometimes used in other continuities such as comics and cartoons to describe Sonic the Hedgehog and other anthropomorphic animals, although the term really refers to people who hail from Mobius (according to Sonic X, these sapient animal-like creatures are aliens from an unknown planet). Regardless, humans and "Mobians" live peacefully and are often affiliated with each other. Examples of this include Rouge the Bat and Shadow the Hedgehog both being part of the human military force Guardian Units of Nations (GUN).

Although many countries have been seen (especially in Sonic Unleashed), the country most games take place in appears to be the fictional United Federation, based on the United States of America. In the capital Central City lies a White House-like building with the President as the head of state. Its main military is GUN, which is shown to be a brutal "shoot now, ask questions later" organization that strive for justice but are often clouded in judgment. Some of the planet's larger cities seem to be very advanced and futuristic, as robots and breakthrough technology are commonplace especially to GUN, who create weapons, robots and air fleets primarily to combat the notorious Dr. Eggman. Cutting-edge cities like Grand Metropolis, Metal City and Monopole hold robots, flying cars, Extreme Gear and transport tubes. However, there are vast portions of nature preserved from the clutches of technology - which Dr. Eggman often seeks to corrupt.

History
The earth came into existence in the beginning of time. In that era, Dark Gaia and Light Gaia came to reside on it. Following a constant cycle, Dark Gaia awakens once every couple of millions of years to destroy the earth and Light Gaia then restores it in an event known as the time of awakening. The two of them would then return to sleep in the Earth's core until they can awaken to continue the cycle.

Over 4,000 years ago, there were two warring civilizations of Echidnas known as the Knuckles Clan and Nocturnus Clan. In order to overcome their foes, Pachacamac, the leader of the Knuckles Clan, attempted to steal the mighty seven Emeralds from the Chao. His civilization was almost completely wiped out by their guardian Chaos in the process after he transformed into a terrible monster. Afterwards, the large jewel was known as the Master Emerald, and the other smaller ones were called Chaos Emeralds.

In that same time, a series of sentient weapons, the Gizoids, were created by the Nocturnus Clan, one of which was thought to have destroyed the "Fourth Great Civilization." In actuality, this Great Civilization was the tribe themselves, and they were all really pulled into a different dimension known as the Twilight Cage after conquering nearly all of the ancient world.

The alien Black Doom of the Black Arms seems to have been observing the planet for aeons, as he has warped Glyphic Canyon to it over 2,000 years ago. His people's home, the Black Comet, passed by the Earth every fifty years. However, it was eventually destroyed by the Eclipse Cannon when they posed a threat to the citizens of the world.

Fifty years before the present, aboard the Space Colony ARK, Professor Gerald Robotnik was forced by the President of that time to create the Ultimate Life Form. Aided by Black Doom, they created Shadow the Hedgehog. Gerald also studied the Gizoid, Chaos, and at least one Chaos Emerald. Later, GUN invaded the ARK and either imprisoned or killed all those related with "Project Shadow". This was because of their fear of Professor Gerald Robotnik's work. Gerald's granddaughter Maria Robotnik, who had become very close to Shadow, was killed and Shadow was sent to the surface. Gerald was later found and imprisoned on Prison Island under the pretense of disappearance, and heavily implied to have been executed by firing.

The planet has recently been constantly pained by the professor's grandson, Dr. Ivo Robotnik, who also goes by the alias Dr. Eggman. It was also attacked by the monster Chaos, threatened with impact by the falling ARK, invaded by the Black Arms, nearly sucked into a giant black hole (twice), broken apart and plagued by the hyper energy organism Dark Gaia, and had its very existence in space-time threatened on multiple occasions. All disasters have been stopped by Sonic and his allies who use the powers of the Chaos Emeralds to protect the world time and again.

Parallel timelines
Silver the Hedgehog hailed from an alternate future where the planet has been largely destroyed by Iblis. With the help of Mephiles the Dark, he travelled back to Sonic's time. When Mephiles reunited with Iblis to become Solaris, he sought to destroy all of past, present and future existance. Sonic, Shadow and Silver transformed into their Super States and defeated Solaris. After that, the moment in time when Solaris was just born as a small flame appeared before Sonic and Princess Elise of Soleanna. She blew it out, believing that this event would be prevented from ever happening. With the sole exception of Blaze the Cat, no one remembered this negated timeline.

There is also another dimension that is home to Blaze the Cat, Marine the Raccoon and the Coconut Crew. This dimension is in close proximity to Sonic's world in the present day. Though the planes of reality do not cross, travel between the two is possible via special means such as the Sol Emeralds.

Christmas Island
According to the Sonic the Hedgehog Technical Files, this is Sonic's birthplace. This is one of the few instances in which a specific real-world location has been referred to in the video game continuity. It may refer to either Christmas Island, Australia, or to Kiritimati.

South Island
Where Sonic began his first adventure in Sonic the Hedgehog and where the famous Green Hill Zone is located.

West Side Island
Where Sonic the Hedgehog 2 took place. According to the original Japanese backstory (which was referenced in subsequent games), Miles "Tails" Prower first met Sonic here.

Little Planet
This is where the events of Sonic the Hedgehog CD took place. It appears over Never Lake for one month out of the year. It is also the home of the Time Stones.

Angel Island
Previously known as simply the Floating Island, it is home to Knuckles the Echidna and also the location of the Master Emerald's Piller. Approximately 4000 years ago, it was once part of the land which became Mystic Ruin.

Station Square
A large seaside city that was home to many humans and famous for its train station, hotel, coast, casino district, and amusement park. Amy Rose lived here and had an unseen downtown apartment. It was defended by Sonic the Hedgehog and Miles "Tails" Prower from the villainous Dr. Eggman, but it was still almost completely destroyed by Perfect Chaos prior to his defeat by Super Sonic.

Mystic Ruins
A group of ancient Echidna ruins located in a jungle in the mountains just a quick train ride away from Station Square. Tails has a workshop located here, overlooking the edge of a cliff.

Prison Island
GUN's high security island, where Gerald, Shadow and even Sonic were once all prisoners at separate times. Dr. Eggman successfully managed to infiltrate it to blow up in Sonic Adventure 2 with just his mecha and the newly-formed ragtag crew of Shadow and Rouge. Although destroyed, the island remains as a toxic waste dump as seen in Shadow the Hedgehog.

GUN Fortress
The headquarters of Guardian Units of Nations appears in Shadow the Hedgehog. In one outcome, the President is taken there for safety when the attack Central City. This underground fortress is heavily guarded by three mother computers, armed security cameras, and an immeasurable number of GUN troops and machines. It is located in a mountain near the sea, as seen on the platform where the goal ring is located.

Central City
The capital of the United Federation and home to the President. As seen in Sonic Battle, Amy Rose has relocated here after the Station Square disaster, and her room is littered with Sonic's mug.

Soleanna
The city of water, a beautiful and elegant city on the water. It was led by the Duke of Soleanna, but in the parallel timeline which led to his death it was ruled by his daughter. It is unknown if he is still alive in the current timeline.

Sonic Unleashed Locations
Levels exist in the game Sonic Unleashed spanning seven continents, all of which are based on real-world locations. Each stage is placed on a different continent on Earth. These locations (excluding Eggmanland) include:


 * Apotos: This port town is well known for its ocean side view and its big windmills, as well as its Chocolate Chipped Cream Sundae Supreme. Its architecture is influenced by the Cycladic-styled architecture of Greek cities, like the real Greek island of Mykonos, which is also famous for its windmills.
 * Mazuri: Exotic wild animals are a frequent sight near this village built on reddish-brown soil. The level is inspired by certain places and aspects from Africa. For example: the sandy buildings of Timbuktu, Mali, the savannas of the Serengeti Plains, and the big baobab trees from Madagascar. The large buildings of sand and mud are actually large representations of mosques (Islamic worshiping temples).
 * Spagonia: The world's art capital and home to a university that attracts those in search of knowledge. It appears to be based on various cities in Western Europe. It features clock towers that resemble Big Ben from Britain, and the aqueducts, streets, houses, and cathedrals resemble those from Spain, France and Italy.
 * Holoska: Covered in snow, this northern land is gripped by extreme cold and dotted with houses built out of ice. It is an icy location, most likely based on the Inuit villages of the Arctic and Alaska (due to the name). Its environment is inspired by that of the Antarctic due to the penguins and giant whales found there.
 * Chun-nan: This small town in the mountains has passed down its pork bun recipe for generations. It is inspired by Chinese-type tradition and appearance. It includes a run along what looks like the Great Wall of China.
 * Shamar: A town of ruins and ancient customs, now celebrating (at the time of Sonic Unleashed) the Feast of Sun and Moon, a festival where the people of Shamar switch their daily life to nocturnal. The celebration is to honor the moon and the morning sun. This desert landscape is inspired by Middle Eastern themes, like Petra, Jordan.
 * Empire City*: A melting pot of diverse folk and ideas. All who come here dream of making it big. This location is a high-rise metropolis based on New York City where Sonic is shown to run between skyscrapers. It includes a run on what looks like the Brooklyn Bridge. It is possible that Empire City could be another part of Station Square, as both locations are based off of New York City. Does not exist outside the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions of the game, limiting the game's locations (outside the starting village) to one area per continent in the Wii and PlayStation 2 versions.
 * Adabat: This village is an architectural marvel, built atop the water in a jungle strewn with ancient ruins. This level is inspired by Angkor and Thailand. It contains many flowing rivers, waterfalls and high cliffs.

Archie Comics
In the Sonic the Hedgehog comic series and its spin-offs published by Archie Comics, the planet Mobius was originally earth. In the early 21st century, earth received its first contact with an alien race, the Xorda. However, the Xorda ambassador was captured and dissected by humanity, and the aggressive Xorda race declared war on earth. Though some of humanity managed to preserve themselves with the Hidden City Initiative, the end of the earth came when the Xorda attacked with their Gene Bombs, breaking all forms of life down to their basic components. Thousands of years later, this combined biomatter gave birth to the Mobian race, who would repopulate the earth and rename it Mobius.

Sonic the Comic
Earth appeared in the British series Sonic the Comic, but in this continuity it is considered entirely separate from Sonic's home planet of Mobius. In an early Sonic's World strip, the Kintobor Computer claimed that Mobius was in a small galaxy that was "117,63222 light years from Earth", in a parallel dimension, in a different time zone and the whole region is made up of dark matter.

Despite this, later stories revealed that travel between the two worlds was possible. Amy Rose and Tekno the Canary crash-landed on Earth in a space ship after being teleported across the universe accidentally. During this short stay, they were mistaken for aliens. They befriended a human named Professor Cratermass and earned the enmity of Colonel Granite, the deranged commander of Operation Starwatch, who believed they were the vanguard of an invasion fleet. Amy and Tekno managed to escape and teleport back to Mobius with some help from Professor Cratermass, who deleted the teleportation program afterwards so that Colonel Granite couldn't follow. Amy and Tekno encountered Granite again on Earth during their trips through the Ring of Eternity, and as a result of this story, rogue British military forces led by Colonel Granite subsequently invaded Mobius before being hurled out by the spirit of the planet itself. An even later story showed that, due to their highly similar ecosystems, Earth and Mobius were twin planets.

Sonic X
In Sonic X, it is revealed that Sonic, his friends and Eggman originate in an alternate reality version of Earth. A long time ago, Sonic's world and Earth were once one, but a cataclysmic event split the planet into two and sent them to different dimensions. The flow of time in Sonic's world is considerably slower than on Earth, with one month in Sonic's world equaling an entire year on Earth.

When Sonic came to Earth, the two worlds began to merge into one once again, which would ultimately stop the flow of time completely, thus forcing Sonic and co. to return to their world.

Sonic Boom
In Sonic Boom franchise, earth is where the series takes place. In this media, this planet resides in the Sonic Boom World and holds a mysterious past that has spawned both legends and lore alike. Its surface consists mostly of lush and wild nature filled with jungles, mountains, undersea civilizations, cloud cities, and all kinds of other environments. The earth has very little urbanization and most of the residents live in and around a Village. The series centers around Bygone Island where Team Sonic fight against Dr. Eggman to keep the doctor from achieving domination over the planet.

The majority of the planet's population is made up of anthropomorphic animals, though humans like Dr. Eggman are also present. While civilization here is predominantly rustic, with buildings made of wood, stones and rope, modern commodities such as ice cream stands, airplanes, televisions and as well highly advanced technology are also found here, though in much lesser quantity. A few places on the planet, like Dr. Eggman's lair and the Ancients' civilization, are highly futuristic and technological areas.

While the inhabitants celebrates New Year, they do not appear to have holidays like Easter, Halloween, Christmas, or Groundhog Day.

Trivia

 * A common misconception is that Japanese materials have always explicitly named Sonic's planet Earth. However, virtually all instances of earth (地) really have multiple meanings (such as surface, ground, etc.), so a more accurate and less confusing translation would probably be "the planet" since the implication is that it suggests a life-sustaining home world. Japanese sources ultimately do not use the literal word Earth (地球) to directly refer to the planet.
 * Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood is the first and only game in the series so far to use the terms earth, Sonic's world and "Sonic's World".
 * In an interview, Takashi Iizuka said that the Sonic games takes place across two worlds―one is human, and one is set on the non-human side, the latter which Sonic Colors takes place in. However, Iizuka did not confirm of whether this means the games literally take place across two different versions of the earth (like in Sonic X) or across different societies. Aaron Webber, the PR and Social Media Manager of Sonic the Hedgehog, to his understanding, confirms it is the former. Furthermore, they are apparently separated by a gate.