Light Speed Dash

Sonic using the Light Speed Dash in Sonic Generations

The Light Speed Dash (ライトスピードダッシュ, Raito Supīdo Dasshu^?), also simply known just as the Light Dash, is an ability that can be performed by Sonic and Shadow in certain games of the Sonic the Hedgehog series. It allows Sonic (or Shadow) to Spin Dash along trails of rings at light speed, even in mid-air, which can allow access to new areas. It first appeared in Sonic Adventure.

Game History

Sonic Adventure

In Sonic Adventure, the Light Speed Dash can be obtained when Sonic collects the Light Speed Shoes. To activate the move in this game, Sonic must charge up his Spin Dash until he says "Ready!" (this will end the spinning and allow Sonic to walk around as long as the action button is held). He can then approach a trail of rings and release the action button to travel along the path of the rings.

The Crystal Ring is an optional upgrade that halves the charging time needed to perform the Light Speed Dash.

The Ancient Light allows Sonic to perform the stronger move, the Light Speed Attack, which is performed the same way but now has the ability to damage multiple enemies.

Sonic Adventure 2

In Sonic Adventure 2, the Light Speed Dash is available to both Sonic (in the Hero story) and Shadow (in the Dark story). Sonic accesses the move when he, again, collects the Light Speed Shoes. Shadow must collect the Air Shoes to perform the same move.

Unlike in Sonic Adventure, Sonic only has to approach a trail of rings and press the action button as opposed to charging. Curiously, from this game and onward, the Light Dash is capable of damaging foes in the middle of a ring path and not just items.

Both characters can upgrade to the Light Speed Attack by collecting the Ancient Light.

Sonic Heroes and Shadow the Hedgehog

The Light Speed Dash in Sonic Heroes

In Sonic Heroes and Shadow the Hedgehog, both Sonic and Shadow has access to the Light Speed Dash from the beginning of the game.

Sonic the Hedgehog (2006)

File:Light Speed Dash.jpg

Sonic Using the Light Speed Dash in Sonic 06

In Sonic the Hedgehog (2006), both Sonic and Shadow can gain the ability to perform the Light Speed Dash by collecting the Light Chip. The move is required to reach the first stage as Sonic.

Sonic Unleashed

In the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions of Sonic Unleashed, Sonic once again accesses the Light Speed Dash by collecting the Light Speed Shoes. In the PlayStation 2 and Wii versions of the game, he has access to the move from the beginning of the game.

Sonic Colors

The Light Speed Dash once again appears in Sonic Colors. However, it is only useable while under the effects of the green Wisp.

Sonic Generations

The Light Speed Dash returns as one of Modern Sonic's normal abilities; however, it can only be performed near certain ring paths, which are surrounded by a clearly discernible ripple effect. Also, the button required to perform the move is shown.

Sonic X

In the Sonic X continuation, the Tornado X can release rings into a line called the Ring Tunnel, which Sonic then spin dashes through the tunnel. However, since there is only one other ring, one that lets Sonic spin dash, and does not get collected, Sonic does not collect the rings in the Ring Tunnel.