Goal Plate

The Goal Plate, also known as Clear Panel (クリアパネル), Bonus Panel (ボーナスプレート) or Signpost, is a gimmick that appears in the Sonic the Hedgehog series. Surmised, Goal Plates are simple-looking gray signs with an image on each side that mark the end of a level. In gameplay, the face of the Goal Plate will spin when the player passes through the signpost, and after a while it stops spinning, indicating the completion of the Act or Zone.

As of Sonic Adventure 2, Goal Plates have been superseded by other types of goals, though they still continue to appear in various titles.

Description
Goal Plates usually consist of a gray signpost which rests upon a spinning plate with many different images on it.

Goal Plates can typically be found at the end of the first, second and sometimes third Act of a Zone. In other games however, they appear at the end of random levels that are not counted as Acts. The Goal Plate, in the early titles for the Genesis, are usually set on a linear route. Upon passing the Goal Plate, the player will have finished its level. Passing the Goal Plate will at the same time cause the face of the Goal Plate to start spinning for a while, after which it will show a new image, indicating the completion of the level. While the images shown on the Goal Plate may vary from game to game, they usually have an image of Dr. Eggman on one side and one of the character being played as, which is revealed as the sign is passed, on the other. It is unknown, however, if these images are normal or mechanized, since 8-bit titles reveal some Goal Plates with an empty, back plate. This implies that the picture on the front plate changes while spinning.

Since its introduction, several games has added several different gimmicks tied to the Goal Plate that can be utilized by the player. Sometimes, the pictures on Goal Plates are seen movíng.

After several main series appearances, the Goal Plates were replaced by Capsules and eventually Goal Rings (as of Sonic Adventure 2). Despite that, Goal Plates have made several appearances later on, such as in Sonic the Hedgehog 4 and Sonic Generations.

Sonic the Hedgehog (1991)
The Goal Plate was first featured in both versions of the original Sonic the Hedgehog. In the 16-bit version, Goal Plates are situated at the end of the first and second Act of each Zone. The front displays the face of Dr. Robotnik until the player runs past it. This causes the Goal Plate to spin, and the image on the sign to change to a picture of Sonic. Both of these pictures have yellow backgrounds. If the player has over fifty Rings when reaching the Goal Plate, a Giant Ring leading into the Special Stage can be seen floating in the air to the right of the Goal Plate.

The 8-bit version of the game also features the Goal Plate (called "Bonus Panels" (ボーナスプレート) in this game), which appears at the end of the first two Acts of each Zone. However, when the player moves past the Goal Plate (which shows a picture of a red question mark on a yellow background by default), it flies into the air and spins. The Goal Plate then falls down and stops spinning, after which it will display a randomized picture. Depending on the picture shown, the player is given a certain reward:

Regular Zones aside, the Bonus panels also appear at the end of the Special Stages.

Sonic the Hedgehog 2
In Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (and its add-on continuation Knuckles the Echidna in Sonic the Hedgehog 2), the Goal Plate's appearance and function stay much the same, with its front displaying the typical image of Dr. Robotnik by default.

In this game, the Goal Plates are only seen at the end of each Zone's first Act (except for Metropolis Zone, where it appears at the end of both the first and second Act). The Goal Plate is also not seen in Sky Chase Zone, Wing Fortress Zone or Death Egg Zone, which have only one Act each. After running past the Goal Plate, the Goal Plate's picture will change to one of the characters currently being controlled.

The 8-bit version of the game features a Goal Plate (which go by the name "Bonus Panel" (ボーナスプレート) again) at the end of first and second Act of each Zone. In this game, the post section on the Goal Plate has red, blue and gray colored stripes. Like in Sonic the Hedgehog (8-bit), the Goal Plate starts out by displaying a picture of a red question mark on a yellow background, but will fly into the air once the player passes it, spin, and land with a random picture showing on the front. Depending on the picture it shows, the player may or may not be given a reward:

Sonic the Hedgehog CD
In Sonic the Hedgehog CD, the Goal Plate retain its function from the original Sonic the Hedgehog. In this game, the Goal Plates are situated at the end of the first and second Zone of each Round. The Goal Plates also now have wide initialization support on the bottom. Before getting passed, the Goal Plate depicts Dr. Robotnik giving the player a thumbs down. After passing the Goal Plate however, it will depict Sonic smiling and giving the player a thumbs up. If the player has fifty Rings when they reach the Goal Plate, they are able to enter the Special Stage via the Giant Ring floating in midair on the right of the signpost.

Before the signpost, the player also runs past a smaller post stating "Goal" on its plate.

Sonic Chaos
In Sonic Chaos, the Goal Plate (referred to as the "Bonus Plate" (ボーナスプレート) again) appears once more, this time at the end of the first and second Act of each Zone. Here, they start out by showing an image of Dr. Robotnik. In this game, the Goal Plate is depicted with a design similar to the one it had in Sonic the Hedgehog 2.

When the player runs past the Goal Plate, it flies up into the air, rotates, and lands with a new picture depicted on it. In addition, the player's overall speed, which is apparently based on the completion time of the Act, is seen tallied above the Goal Plate in kilometers per hour. The highest overall speed possible is 999 km/h. If the counter has three same numbers (for exp. 555 km/h), the player earns an extra life.

A random picture is displayed when the Goal Post lands, and certain pictures give certain bonuses:

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 & Knuckles
In Sonic the Hedgehog 3, its sequel Sonic & Knuckles and the lock-on Sonic the Hedgehog 3 & Knuckles, the Goal Plates make another appearance. In this game, the Goal Plates are no longer situated on the ground at the end of an Act. Instead, they come twirling down from the top of the screen following the defeat of the first Act's sub-boss (and, in most Zones, at the position of the sub-boss when it was destroyed).

Jumping into the Goal Plate while it is in the air causes it to bounce back up into the air. Every time the player bounces the Goal Plate upward, they gain 100 bonus points. If the Goal Plate happens to touch the ground in one of three specific spots, it will cause a secret Monitor to appear, containing either Super Rings or one of the three elemental shields. This means that the player can start the next Act with ten or twenty Rings, or they can be collected before the score tally if it would result in an extra life (having 90-99 or 190-199 Rings). Making an Item Box appear also causes the Goal Plate to bounce back up into the air. When it lands on solid ground again, the face of the character being played will appear on the Goal Plate, which will end the Act. Also, while it is possible to catch a glimpse of Dr. Robotnik on the Goal Plate during this process, it is impossible to have the Goal Plate land on his visage.

Sonic the Hedgehog Triple Trouble
In Sonic the Hedgehog Triple Trouble, the Goal Plate, which is referred to as the "Bonus Panel" (ボーナスプレート) once more, made yet another reappearance. In this game, they are featured at the end of first and second Act of each Zone. These Goal Plates have a gray post with a blue winder below the plate.

To begin with, the Goal Plate will depict an image of Dr. Robotnik. Once the player passes the Goal Plate though, it flies up in the air, spins, and lands with a random picture displayed on it. Depending on the picture it shows, the player may or may not be given a reward:

Sonic Drift 2
In Sonic Drift 2, when the player wins the race, a Goal Plate will drop down from the top of the screen to mark the finish line. Goal Plates in this game have a simple gray design with a Sega logo on its back. When the Goal Plate lands, it will depict a picture of the character currently controlled by the player.

Knuckles' Chaotix
In Knuckles' Chaotix, completely different-looking Goal Plates are featured. These Goal Plates have a sharp red post and a three-dimensional feel. Also, unlike other games, Goal Plates are now featured at the end of the four first Acts in each Zone, while the fifth Act of each Zone usually ends after defeating a boss. A Goal Post also appears at the end of Isolated Island, which has only one Act. Giant Rings leading to the Special Stage also float above the Goal Plate if the player has fifty Rings when they complete the Act. If the player does not jump into the Giant Ring in time though, it will disappear.

Before it is spun, the Goal Plate shows the head of the plate, which depicts a yellow Dr. Robotnik silhouette on a black background. After the player has touched the Goal Plate however, the front side is revealed, which depicts a green background, a white spiky center, and the word "CLEAR" in the middle written in yellow, blue, and red letters.

Sonic Blast
In Sonic Blast, the Goal Plate gimmick goes by the name "Bonus Plate" (ボーナスプレート). In this game, the Goal Plates appear at the end of the first and second Act of each Zone. This time around. they take on a similar look from Sonic the Hedgehog Triple Trouble with the blue winder at the bottom of plate, although the winder appears lighter in coloration by comparison.

Before the Goal Plate is passed, the front side of the Goal Plate is shown to be empty. Like in Sonic the Hedgehog Triple Trouble, a random picture is shown on the back of the Goal Plate after the player has passed it. Depending on the picture it shows, the player may or may not be given a reward:

Yellow Desert Zone Act 2 has a Goal Plate set on the left side of the entire Act.

Sonic the Hedgehog Pocket Adventure
In Sonic the Hedgehog Pocket Adventure, the Goal Plate appears at the end of the first Act of most Zones. In this game, the Goal Plate drops down to the ground after the player runs past the end, where it rotates for a few seconds before revealing an image of Sonic on a yellow background, much like in Sonic the Hedgehog 3. This makes Sonic the Hedgehog Pocket Adventure the only game in the Sonic the Hedgehog series in which a picture of Eggman is not shown on a Goal Plate. A Giant Ring leading into the Special Stage also appears on the right side of the Goal Plate if the player is holding fifty Rings at the end of the Act.

Sonic Advance
In Sonic Advance, the Goal Plates appear once more. This time around, the Goal Plate is referred to as the Clear Panel (クリアパネル). In this game, they appear at the end of the first Act of most Zones; there is no Goal Plate in Egg Rocket Zone, as the player completes the Zone by jumping inside a turbine at the top of the rocket.

In Sonic Advance, the Goal Plates are gray with the Eggman Empire's symbol on one side. The image on the back is not shown because the camera follows the playable character as the score is tallied, meaning the player does not get to see if anything else may come up. In VS. Mode however, the player's character stops by the Goal Plate as it reveals a two-fingered "peace" sign.

Sonic Jump (2005)
In Sonic Jump, the Goal Plates are situated at the end of each Act, which is at the very top of the stage. The player must land on the surface on which the Goal Plate is situated in order to spin the Goal Plate and complete the Act. In this game, the front of the Goal Plates are identical to how they appeared in Sonic Advance. After spinning however, the Goal Plates will show a gray image of Sonic.

Sonic Jump 2
In Sonic Jump 2, the Goal Plates are found in the same locations (at the end of the game's Acts) where they serve the same purpose and behave like they did in Sonic Jump. In this game, the Goal Plates depict an image of Dr. Eggman on a yellow background before they are spun, and an image of Sonic on a yellow background after they are spun.

Sonic Jump (2012)
In the 2012 remake of Sonic Jump, the Goal Plates are found in the same locations (not including the Boss Acts) where they serve the same purpose and behave like they did in previous Sonic Jump titles. In this game, the Goal Plates depict an image of Dr. Eggman before they are spun, and an image of the playable character after they are spun.

Sonic Jump Fever
In Sonic Jump Fever, the Goal Plates appear once more, although they only appear in the Zone once the timer runs out. In this game, the Goal Plates depict an image of Dr. Eggman by default. However, unlike in other games, the Goal Plates will not spin when the player gets to the end of an Act.

Sonic and the Black Knight
In Sonic and the Black Knight, a variation of the Goal Plate is featured at the end of most Missions. These Goal Plates feature a plain wooden design, and say "GOAL" on the plate. Because the player only has to run in front of this Goal Plate to complete the level, the sign does not spin and the other side is not seen.

Episode I
In Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I, the Goal Plate appears at the end of the first, second and third Act of most Zones. In this game, they retain a simple gray appearance with different plate pictures. Much like in previous games, an image of Eggman on a black background is displayed on the front of the plate before the player passes it. After the player passes it, the plate will spin and reveal an image of Sonic on a yellow background. Also, if the player possesses at least fifty Rings when reaching the Goal Plate, a Giant Ring leading into the Special Stage can be seen floating in the air to the right of the Goal Plate.

Episode II
In Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II, the Goal Plate appears at the end of the first, second and third Act of most Zones. The only first Acts that do not feature Goal Plates are Sky Fortress Zone and Death Egg mk.II Zone. In terms of design, they are identical to how they appeared in Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I, except there is a wide initialization support at the bottom of the Goal Plate, like in Sonic the Hedgehog CD.

In this game, the Goal Plates start out by showing an image of Eggman on a purple background. After passing them though, the Goal Plate will spin and reveal a new picture. In Single Player mode, this picture will be an image of Sonic on a yellow background. In Multiplayer Mode though, this picture will be an image of Tails on a blue background (if Tails touches the Goal Plate first). Also, if the player has at least fifty Rings when getting to the Goal Plate, a Giant Ring leading into the Special Stage will appear on the Goal Plate's right side.

Sonic Generations
In Sonic Generations, the signpost gimmick is referred to as both the "Goal Post" and "Goal Plate". In both versions of the game, the Goal Plates appear at the end of the first Act of every stage.

In both versions of the game, the Goal Plate is very similar to those in the original Sonic the Hedgehog; it is a simple gray sign that shows an image of Eggman until it is spun from the player passing it, after which it will show an image of Classic Sonic. The Goal Plates also include an extra animation for Sonic's side of the plate. It is also worth noting that the handheld version's Goal Plates show Modern Eggman, but the console/PC version's Goal Plates show Classic Eggman instead. Also, in the handheld version, hitting the Goal Plate every ten times without letting it touch the ground awards the player with multiples of ten Rings.

In the console/PC version of Sonic Generations, there are two Challenge Acts that involve taking the Goal Plate to the end of the Act. In both Challenge Acts, if the Goal Plate lands on the ground or on a platform for a short amount of time, it will add five seconds to the player's overall time. After that, if Sonic does not hit the Goal Plate, Classic Eggman (still on the Goal Plate) will laugh at the player.

Sonic Mania
In Sonic Mania, the signpost gimmick (referred to as the "Goal Plate" ) appears at the end of Act 1 of each Zone after defeating the sub-boss. In some Zones, they will fall from the top of the screen like in Sonic the Hedgehog 3 and Sonic & Knuckles. In other Zones, they are placed on the ground. These Goal Plates, which depict an image of Dr. Eggman by default, will spin into the air when touched by the characters while they are running at sufficient speed, like in the Master System and Game Gear games. Like in Sonic the Hedgehog 3, the Goal Plate can be touched in mid-air before landing for a hundred points and will reveal hidden Monitors if it lands in a specific spot. The Act ends once the Goal Panel lands, upon which it will show a portrait of the playable character that briefly gestures in victory.

Sonic Forces
In Sonic Forces, the Goal Plates appear at the end of the Stages for Classic Sonic that do not count as boss battle Stages. Like in the original Sonic the Hedgehog, the front displays the face of Dr. Eggman on an orange background until the player runs past it. This causes the Goal Plate to spin, and the sign will display a picture of Classic Sonic on a yellow background. The Goal Plates also include an extra animation for Classic Sonic's side of the plate.

Time Warp Plate
Time Warp Plate is a variation of the signpost. Unlike normal signposts, these variants can be found at various places in the first and second zones of each round. There are two versions of the Time Warp Plate: one's plate reads "Past" and the other's plate reads "Future". This indicates whether or not the player will travel back to the past or ahead to the future. After running past a Time Warp Plate, the player must build enough momentum to travel in time. They first appeared in Sonic the Hedgehog CD.

Goal Signpost
The goal signpost is another variation of the signpost. It appears moments before the player reaches the signpost. Time travelling is prevented on the right side of the post. The goal signpost indicates that the player is about to finish the level and locks the screen, preventing the player from backtracking the zone. They first appeared in Sonic the Hedgehog CD.

Unused content
In earlier game appearances, there is unused content related to the Goal Plate inside the games' coding, including Goal Plate pictures different from those that can be seen in the game. Some Goal Plate pictures are slightly different at a pre-release version of the game. The unused content is as follows:
 * The Nick Arcade prototype of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 has completely different Goal Plate plates of Sonic and Tails, who look directly at the viewer, similarly to the Robotnik one in the final game.
 * Sonic's pose on the Goal Plates in the Sonic CD 510 prototype is slightly different, displaying a nicer look and a different hand pose at the same time.
 * By using Game Genie codes ASCA-AAHC + ASCA-BA9Y in Sonic the Hedgehog 3, the player can use Knuckles, who turns out to be just like Sonic. However, the Goal Plate in the first Act changes to Knuckles with Sonic's palette. This can also be done by glitching and restarting the game in the locked-on versions of Sonic the Hedgehog 3 & Knuckles.
 * Sonic the Hedgehog Triple Trouble would have featured a plate with Fang posing on a red background. The purpose of this plate variation is unknown.

Trivia

 * In Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 and Sonic Advance, if the player moves beyond the Goal Plate in the air, the plate of the Goal Plate still starts rotating around  However, in Game Gear titles, the player is able to move to the right side of the Goal Plate without causing it to spin.
 * In Sonic the Hedgehog CD, Collision Chaos Zone 2 is the only Round in which there are two Goal Plates; hence, there are two goals the player can finish the Zone with.
 * In both versions of the original Sonic the Hedgehog, Eggman's yellow cape is not seen on the Goal Plate.
 * Sonic Blast is the only game among all Game Gear/Master System titles in which Super Sonic has made an appearance on a Goal Plate.