Drop Dash

The Drop Dash (ドロップダッシュ, Doroppu Dasshu^?)^[1] is a move in the Sonic the Hedgehog series. It is a technique that, when used, makes the user to launch a midair Spin Dash.

Concept and creation

According to Christian Whitehead, the Drop Dash was designed with new players in mind.^[2] When testing out the game, he noticed a lot of new players, when reaching steep or tall slopes they could not get through, would resort to using the Spin Dash, thus causing them to come to a complete stop to charge it up. Thus, the Drop Dash was created so that players can maintain their momentum and keep the flow going without having to constantly stop to charge up a traditional Spin Dash.

Description

When performing the Drop Dash, Sonic curls into a ball (if he is not yet already in one) and begins rapidly spinning his body as he drops down to the ground, upon where he will be given an instant burst of speed, similar to a Spin Dash, and roll forward.^[1]

In gameplay, the Drop Dash is charged in midair when initiated. Doing so will cause Sonic to launch straight into a Spin Dash once he touches the ground.^[2] This allows the player to gain an instant and offensive speed boost just after a drop or jump from midair. However, the move cannot be performed if Sonic takes damage before landing, or if an elemental Shield is active.

Game appearances

Sonic Mania

The Drop Dash made its debut appearance in Sonic Mania (and its expansion Sonic Mania Plus) as a move used exclusively by Sonic the Hedgehog. If the move is executed while Sonic has transformed into Super Sonic, a mini-earthquake is set off when he hits the ground and the boost will be greater. To perform the Drop Dash in gameplay, the player has to execute the following actions. The move will then be initiated upon landing:

PS4	Switch	XONE	PC
Press and hold // during a jump	Press and hold // during a jump	Press and hold // during a jump	Press and hold [A] / [Q] / [S] during a jump

By collecting enough medalions in the Bonus Stages, this move can be replaced with the Super Peel-Out or the Insta-Shield by accessing the Options Menu in the Save Select. These options were originally only available on a "No Save" playthrough; however, as of Version 1.04/RC 1.05.0713, they are also available for use on saved files. Also, the player can also enter a hidden Level Select code that allows them to use all three moves.

Sonic Forces

In Sonic Forces, the Drop Dash is a move that is utilized by Classic Sonic. When using it in this game, Classic Sonic gets enveloped in a faint blue aura. To perform the Drop Dash in gameplay, the player has to press and hold // while in mid-air. Classic Super Sonic can also perform this move but unlike Sonic Mania, he does not perform a mini earthquake upon impact with the ground.

Sega Ages: Sonic the Hedgehog

In Sega Ages: Sonic the Hedgehog, the Drop Dash was added as an optional feature to the original Sonic the Hedgehog.

Trivia

• In a prototype of Sonic the Hedgehog 3, Sonic is able to use a move that is similar to the Drop Dash (performed by holding Up while in a jump).
• In Sonic and Knuckles Mecha Sonic uses a Drop Dash-like attack during his Boss fight.
• In Sonic Lost World, it is possible to use a move that is similar to the Drop Dash when the player keeps on jumping while using Spin Dash.
• In Sonic Mania, the sprites for the dust cloud created when releasing the Drop Dash are oddly labeled under the Explosions.gif file.

References