Drift

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

The Drift^[1][2] (ドリフト, Dorifuto^?), also called the Sonic Drift^[3] (ドリフト^[4], Dorifuto^?, lit. "Drift"),  is a technique that appears in the Sonic the Hedgehog series. It is a move used exclusively by Sonic the Hedgehog, which he uses to make sharp turns while moving at high speeds.

Description

When performing the Drift, Sonic creates friction to one of his sides while either sliding or spinning at high speed, causing his direction to shift rapidly in a smooth curve without him losing much of his momentum.

In gameplay, the Drift is useful for the player when they have get through tight turns at high speeds. In addition, it can be combined with the Boost to amplify its speed and power.

Game appearances

Sonic Unleashed

The move first appeared in Sonic Unleashed where it is referred to as the Sonic Drift.^[3] It is only usable to Sonic in the gameplay of the daytime Stages. When drifting in this game, Sonic leans down on one arms while pushing his feet sideways in the opposite direction.

By drifting, the player is able to recharge the Ring Energy Gauge/Boost Gauge, though the mechanics differ between game versions: On the Xbox 360/PlayStation 3 version, the Ring Energy Gauge is constantly charged while drifting, but only in small amounts equivalent to the amount of energy required to boost. On the Wii/PlayStation 2 version on the other hand, drifting charges more of the Boost Gauge at once, but only if it is pulled off correctly for long enough (which is referred to as a "Drift Bonus").

To perform the Sonic Drift in gameplay, the player has to use the following controls:

PS2	Wii (remote)	Wii (Classic Controller)	Wii (GameCube Controller)	PS3	Xbox 360
+ L Stick ◀/▶	+ Control Stick ◀/▶	y Button + L Stick ◀/▶	+ Control Stick ◀/▶	/ or + L Stick ◀/▶	/ or + L Stick ◀/▶

Sonic Colors

In the Wii version of Sonic Colors, the move's name was changed to Drift.^[1] When drifting in this game, Sonic leans down on one arms while pushing his feet sideways in the opposite direction, much like in Sonic Unleashed, except that Sonic here shoot rainbow-colored sparks from his feet (similar to the Boost).

In Sonic Colors, the Drift is only useable in parts with curved points where the Drift icon is displayed on the screen. While drifting in this game, the move is more "slippery" and difficult to use than in Sonic Unleashed, but the player earns 3.000 points per-second with a maximum of 100.000 points per Act. It can also be used to crash into enemies and objects. In Super Sonic's case, he cannot use Drift in the "Drift sections", but he can use the Super Sonic Boost easily and with more control.

To use the Drift in gameplay, the player has to use the following controls:

Wii Remote with Nunchunk	Wii Remote Sideways	Classic Style	GameCube Controller
+ Control Stick ◀/▶	+ +Control Pad ◀/▶	b Button + L Stick ◀/▶	+ Control Stick ◀/▶

Sonic Generations

In the console/PC version of Sonic Generations, the move is referred as Drift,^[2] and is only usable to Modern Sonic. When drifting in this game, Sonic revs into a Spin Attack as he turns, much like when charging the Spin Dash.

In Sonic Generations, the Boost Gauge will be charged constantly in small doses while drifting, much like in Sonic Unleashed. The Drift is also easier to control than in Sonic Unleashed and can be used to attack enemies. Also, when using the Drift as Super Sonic, the aura of the move will be changed from blue to golden. In addition, Sonic can also use Drift when riding a Snowboard or a Cart.

To use the move in gameplay, the player has to use the following controls:

Xbox360	PlayStation 3	PC
/	/	[1]/[3]

In other media

IDW Publishing

Main article: Drift (IDW)

In the Sonic the Hedgehog comic series published by IDW Publishing, the Drift is a move used exclusively by Sonic the Hedgehog. It first appeared in Sonic the Hedgehog #4, specifically during a battle Sonic had with a battalion of Badniks.

Trivia

• In the Xbox 360/PlayStation 3 version of Sonic Unleashed, 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.

• In Sonic Forces, a Drift-like maneuver is used by the Avatar. This maneuver is an automatic move used by the Avatar in the Avatar Stages and Tag Stages when they have to get through a sharp turn.

References