The Cloud[1] is a gimmick that appears in the Sonic the Hedgehog series. It is a type of cloud in the sky which is used as a floating platform.
Description
The Clouds are small, yet surprisingly dense and spongy white clouds. In gameplay, when the player makes contact with them, the playable characters will automatically bounce off them in the direction they are facing, similar to Springs. The Clouds are always positioned in midair as platforms for the player, often providing shortcuts or giving a semi-solid surface for the player above a bottomless pit. Even after bouncing off a Cloud, the player still launch some attacks, like the Homing Attack.
Games appearances
Sonic & Knuckles
The Clouds made their first appearance in Sonic & Knuckles and the lock-on game Sonic the Hedgehog 3 & Knuckles. In this game, they are only encountered in Sky Sanctuary Zone. In comparison to other games, the Clouds are here rather small, being not much wider than Sonic.
Sonic Advance
In Sonic Advance, the Cloud gimmick appears exclusively in Angel Island Zone.
Sonic Generations
Sonic bouncing off a Cloud, from the console/PC version of Sonic Generations.
In the console/PC version of Sonic Generations, the Clouds' size differs between the Acts. In the first Act, they are very wide, while in the second Act, they have the same size as in Sonic & Knuckles. They are only encountered in both Acts of Sky Sanctuary.
When bouncing on the Clouds in this game, they make a puff of fog. Also, the height of their leaps differs between each. After bouncing from a Cloud, the player is free to utilize any attacks.
Sonic Lost World
In the Wii U version, PC version and Nintendo 3DS version of Sonic Lost World, the Clouds are much larger and often arranged in different rectangular sizes or even circles. They are found in Windy Hill, Tropical Coast, Frozen Factory and Sky Road.
When bouncing on the Clouds in this game, the player can hold down the jump button when Sonic touches the Clouds to charge up his jump, making him leap higher into the air while leaving blue afterimages. Such charged jumps can also be used to destroy nearby enemies. Additionally, the Clouds here can have items, collectibles and enemies on them. The Indigo Asteroid can also destroy them, but they will quickly respawn.
References
- ↑ BradyGames (1 November 2011). Sonic Generations Official Strategy Guide. BradyGames. p. 74. ISBN 978-0744013429.
