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When performing the Leaf Swirl, Espio jumps into the air and does a body flip, while keeping his hands folded in front of his face. There, he creates a tornado effect that forms a cyclonic vortex of air filled with transparent leaves around him. At the same time, Espio combines this with a Ninja Leaf Swirl maneuver which invokes his innate ability to camouflage himself, turning him invisible.[1]
The effect of the Leaf Swirl depends on the type of enemy it is used on. If used on unprotected Egg Pawns, Egg Knights, or opposing playable teams, the Leaf Swirl sucks the opponents off their feet and flings them into the air, before they fall back down to the ground. Upon landing, they will take damage and be potentially stunned for a short time - for someenemies, this can even reveal their weak spots. If used on Egg Pawns or Egg Knights wearing shields, the Leaf Swirl will permanently blow off their shields, thus leaving them with a weaker defense. If used on larger or airborne enemies, the Leaf Swirl will make them disorientated at most, but will deal no damage.
In addition to affecting enemies, the Leaf Swirl makes Espio invisible towards enemies and the environment, which is signified by Espio turning transparent. While invisible, Espio cannot be detected by enemies, pass through Laser Field Blocks without getting hurt, and still attack enemies with his full moveset (aside from the Rocket Accel). However, while invisible, Vector and Charmy do not follow him and the player can still take damage. If Espio takes damage, uses the Leaf Swirl once more, the player changes the leader or activates Chaotix Recital, he will become visible again.
Aside from the aforementioned effects, the Leaf Swirl can also be used in conjunction with some of the gimmicks in Sonic Heroes, such as enabling the player to scale Poles or activate propellers.
To perform the Leaf Swirl in gameplay, Team Chaotix must be in Speed Formation with Espio as the leader. The player then has to press the action button (//) during a jump to use the Leaf Swirl. To use it on targets, Espio must be either near or above them.
Trivia
Espio's blue Leaf Swirl on the E3 release of Sonic Heroes.
In the E3 release of Sonic Heroes, the Leaf Swirl's winds were colored blue.
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) during a jump to use the Leaf Swirl. To use it on targets, Espio must be either near or above them.
