Jawz[1] (ジョーズ[2],Jōzu?), also known as Jawzun (ジョーズン,Jōzun?)[3][4] in Japan, is an enemy in the Sonic the Hedgehog series. It is a mass-produced, shark-based Badnik model created by Dr. Eggman which can travel through the air and underwater.
Appearance
The typical Jawz resembles a shark-themed torpedo. It has a blue metallic body with a silver underbelly. Its head also has a pair of bolts on each side resembling eyes and a mouth full of serrated teeth. It also has a dorsal fin, an anal fin, and a single turbine engine with a four-winged propeller on their rear.
In Sonic Colors, the general Jawz had a more detailed design with orange turbines and black eyes with yellow sclera. It also had two pelvic fins instead of an anal fin. The smaller variations of it in the same game were also turquoise instead of blue.
Game appearances
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 & Knuckles
In Sonic the Hedgehog 3 and its locked-on version Sonic the Hedgehog 3 & Knuckles, Jawz are encountered in Hydrocity Zone, where they usually appear in groups. In gameplay, they are either flying or swimming in a straight line, but make no effort to attack the player. If the player gets damaged by a Jawz however, it will self-destruct without releasing the animal inside of it. Nevertheless, they can still be dangerous if the player fails to notice them. Otherwise, they are easily defeated with the Spin Jump.
Sonic Colors
In both the Wii and Nintendo DS version of Sonic Colors, Jawz are encountered in Aquarium Park. In the Wii version, they are larger and swim around in the underwater sections, and will charge towards Sonic in a straight line once he gets too close. Smaller variations of the Jawz are also featured, which follow Sonic around underwater rather than in a straight line. Otherwise, the Spin Jump and the Yellow Drill can defeat them.
In the Nintendo DS version, only the blue variation of the Jawz appear. These Badniks usually swim around, but will start charging towards Sonic once he gets close. While they charge, the player cannot attack the Jawz without taking damage. Instead, the player has to attack them using the Yellow Drill.
Sonic Mania
In Sonic Mania, and its expansion Sonic Mania Plus, the Jawz appear as enemies. In terms of design, they look exactly like they did in Sonic the Hedgehog 3. In these games, they appear again both above and below the underwater sections in Hydrocity Zone.
In gameplay, the Jawz behave just like in their debut game: they move in straight lines and will self-destruct without releasing an Animal if they touch the player. Should the player destroy a Jawz before it self-destructs though, an Animal will be released.
Powers and abilities
Jawz can both fly and swim using a turbine engine. They also have a self-destruct function that activates after someone touches them.
In other media
Sonic Adventures
In the French Sonic Adventures comic book, Robotnik sent numerous Badniks (including Jawz) on a huge chase after Sonic and Tails when they escaped from his spaceship.
The name of the Badnik is a reference to the 1975 thriller film, Jaws.
Jawz' method of attack is similar to the Balkiry's, except it may come from both sides of the screen and blows up upon touch. In fact, if this Badnik does explode, then its animal will not pop out, similar to the Grabber.
In Sonic 3 & Knuckles, Jawz are only ever encountered exclusively within Act 2. They can be placed within Act 1 using Debug Mode. However, their sprite appears glitchy, instead using Blastoids' textures (the latter of which is exclusive to Act 1). It is likely that they use each other's sprite sheet in order to match with the corresponding Act's palette.
The character Johnny shares some similarities with Jawz, as both of them have shark and missile qualities (with Jawz being a torpedo and Johnny being more of a rocket).
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