Barrel (object)

Barrel  is a recurring gimmicks that made it's first appearance in ''Sonic the Hedgehog. ''It is a special variant of the containers that can be seen and used for various actions.

Description
Barrel doesn't have any special outfit that makes it differ from the one in real life. However, it has many use throughout the games such as hiding items, knocking characters and use it by Psychokinesis to destroy enemies. While it did not change in appearance in games, it's main objections has been differed however.

Sonic the Hedgehog (2006)
In Action stages, it is usually used by Silver the Hedgehog to attack his enemies, but unlike the Wooden Crates, this gimmick is good against enemies, however it is rarely seen in those stages.

In Town Missions, they appeared a lot in both town missions and Soleanna's hubs. It is also has major role in one of Silver's town mission called Apple Festival, where the player has to put the apples that he picked on them to win this mission. It should also be noted that when destroyed, they usually leave apples that can piked as well, however they are less useful in combats.

Sonic Unleashed
In Sonic Unleashed, they mostly appeared in hubs where they mostly hiding medals in them. In Action Stages, they can be seen hiding in some areas that are difficult to see and they mostly have Medals in them or other items. They can be destroyed by Sonic's Sliding attack. Also in Spagonia's night act, the player must enable a switch to make a large barrier open the door.

Sonic Generations
In Sonic Generations, it appeared in Rooftop Run and it's challenge acts. In this game, they are mostly used by the Egg Fighters as when they notice that Sonic is near of them, they will launch a large barrier that tracks the player and hurts him if he was knocked by it then, it falls to the bottomless pits. Also they are always regenerating. They can also be used by the player as the player can push them to clear his way from enemies.

In Barrel Ring Bonus act, A special type of Barrel appeared in the act which is gold and has rings with magnetic force that makes collecting Rings much easier.