List of cameos and references

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Aside from Sonic's 60+ games, five cartoon series and 500+ comic books, the franchise has made a number of cameo appearances and references in other video games, movies, television shows and other non-Sonic related media. This section is dedicated to the cameos and references of the Sonic franchise in other video games.

1990s

Game Information	Description and cameos	Image
Rad Mobile (1991) Arcade	A cross-country racing game similar to OutRun, and Sega's first game on the System 32 hardware. Rad Mobile was actually released five months before the original Sonic the Hedgehog. There is a Sonic ornament hanging from the rear-view mirror, making this Sonic's first cameo appearance as well as his first ever appearance in a video game.
The Adventures of Quik and Silva (1991) PC	A platforming game from New Bits on The Ram (also known as Factor 5). The game infringes on the copyrights of multiple video game characters. In the game, Sonic is an enemy.
Sports Talk Baseball (1991) Sega Mega Drive	A Baseball game from Sega. Hit the ball high enough and you can catch a glimpse of Sonic on the billboards above the stadium.
Joe Montana II: Sports Talk Football (1991) Sega Mega Drive	A football game with copious amounts of digitized speech. The sequel to Joe Montana Football. Sonic occasionally appears on the megatron after a touchdown is scored.
Art Alive! (1991) Sega Mega Drive	A Sega digital art game similar to Wacky Worlds Creativity Studio. Sonic appears in three poses as "paste" graphics.
Ayrton Senna's Super Monaco GP II (1992) Sega Mega Drive	A Monaco GP racing game featuring the name and likeness of six time winner Ayrton Senna. The sequel to Super Monaco Grand Prix. In the world championship mode, Sonic runs across the bottom of the screen at the rival select menu.
OutRunners (1992) Arcade, Sega Mega Drive	The third iteration of Yu Suzuki's seminal 1986 racing game, OutRun. The game was released in a dual cabinet that could be linked with up to three others for a total of eight players. Two years later, the game was ported to the Mega Drive. Giant Sonic billboards line the side of the track in the first area. In the Sega Mega Drive version, Sonic and Tails fly by in a pair of Tornado planes and sprinkle the Sega logo onto the screen.
Sega Game Pack 4 in 1 (1992) Sega Game Gear	A collection of four sports-themed minigames. Only released in Europe. Sonic plays referee in the tennis game.
Wally wo Sagase! (1992) Sega Mega Drive	A collection of Where's Waldo puzzles. Only released in Japan. In one of the puzzles, a photo of Sonic is shown.
F1 (1993) Sega Master System	An F1 racing game from Domark. Only released in Europe. Sonic billboards line the sides of the Imola track.
Wimbledon Championship Tennis (1993) Sega Mega Drive	A sports title based on the most famous tennis event in the world. Sonic advertisements can be seen on the court borders.
Tom & Jerry: The Movie (1993) Sega Master System, Sega Game Gear	A platform action game based on Tom & Jerry: The Movie. Multiple Sonic posters appear on buildings in the background of level 2.
Ultimate Soccer (1993) Sega Mega Drive, Sega Game Gear, Sega Master System	A soccer game from Rage Software. Only released in Europe. Sonic appears in several icon graphics in the main menu. He also appears alongside the Sega logo at the beginning of the game.
J.League Pro Striker (1993) Sega Mega Drive	A soccer game from Sega. One of the first slew of titles to sport the J.League license, which had only just been established. At the splash screen, a soccer-kicking Sonic messes with the Sega logo. Incidentally, when Sega sponsored J.League team JEF United Ichihara, they used that same Sonic logo on the shirt.
Shining Force II (1993) Sega Mega Drive	The second in Sega's strategy RPG series. The original Shining Force was developed by Climax, but the next two sequels were developed by Sonic! Software Planning which later changed their name to Camelot due to often being mistaken for Sonic Team. After the final battle has been won and the credits have rolled, if the player lets the game sit on the closing scene for about five minutes, they can access a secret hidden battle. Bringing up the map shows that the arena is in the shape of Sonic as he appears in the Sonic! Software Planning logo.
Crazy Faces (1993) Sega Game Gear	An unreleased slide puzzle game for the Game Gear. The first puzzle in the prototype is a pixelated picture of Sonic on the Mega Drive's cover
Popful Mail: Magical Fantasy Adventure (1993) Sega CD, Super Nintendo Entertainment System, PC	Nihon Falcom's comical action RPG where the rambunctious Mail and her companions wreak havoc, hunt treasure, and eventually save the world. In an early cutscene, the heroine, Mail, examines a bulletin board which features a tiny Sonic drawing in the top-right corner.
Secret of Mana (1993) Super Nintendo Entertainment System	An RPG created by Squaresoft (now known as Square Enix). An animal enemy in the game named "Pebbler" is most likely based off of Sonic as it has blue quill-like features and red feet. It also attacks by spinning into a ball, like Sonic.
Formula One World Championship 1993 (1994) Sega Mega-CD	An F1 racing simulator from Sega. The game features a reproduction of the Donington Park Circuit from 1993 (the year of Sega's sponsorship). Sonic and Tails billboards can be spotted in the background of the Donington Park and Sega Park tracks.
Sega Channel (1994) Sega Mega Drive	A short-lived cable service where you had unlimited access to old and new games for the Genesis. Sonic would appear in the intro while booting up the Genesis with a Sega Channel Adaptor plugged in.
Crusader of Centy (1994) Sega Mega Drive	An action RPG that is very openly similar to Nintendo's Legend of Zelda games. Stroll along the Anemone Beach area in the early part of the game to encounter Sonic catching some rays on a lounge chair. Talk to Sonic and he says: "Tsk...Tsk...! I'm a gallant hedgehog. Don't mess or you'll get burned"
Daytona USA (1994) Arcade, PC, Sega Saturn, Dreamcast	A popular Sega racing game, noted for its soundtrack. Sonic is carved into the side of a mountain on the Three-Seven Speedway track. He turns into Super Sonic on the replay.
Torarete Tamaruka!? (1994) Sega Game Gear	An action puzzle game based on the film of the same name. Sonic and Dr. Eggman can be seen as easter eggs.
The Amazing Spider-Man vs. The Kingpin (1994) Sega Mega-CD	This is a port of the original Sega Mega Drive action game of the same title, except this version has enhanced music and added full motion videos. In the game's FMV ending, a carving of Sonic's head can be spotted on a cave in the background.
Wacky Worlds Creativity Studio (1994) Sega Mega Drive	A simple cut & paste storybook game by Sega. Sonic and Tails grace the game's cover, Sonic acts as your guide through the various scenes, and Tails is thrown in as a "paste" graphic in the jungle area.
Pro Yakyuu GG League '94 (1994) Sega Game Gear	A baseball game that is a sequel to Pro Yakyuu GG League. Sonic is shown on a billboard at the starting screen.
Phantasy Star IV (1994) Sega Mega Drive	Finale to the Phantasy Star saga created by Sega and Sonic Team. In the game the player can find a book about a running Hedgehog, a clear reference to Sonic.
Gale Racer (1994) Sega Saturn	A Japanese port of the arcade game Rad Mobile. There's a Sonic ornament hanging from the rear-view mirror, just like in Rad Mobile. However in this Sega Saturn version, the ornament changes after every 100 races: Sonic is default, followed in order by Tails, Mighty, Eggman, Silver Sonic, Ray, Amy, Metal Sonic, Knuckles and Super Sonic.
Virtua Striker (1994) Arcade	The first installment of Sega's popular arcade soccer series. The game's match ball, designed after the Adidas Questra (the 1994 World Cup ball), has Sonic drawn in its black triskelions.
Jazz Jackrabbit (1994) PC	A mascot driven Platform game. In the game's instruction booklet, Jazz wishes he could be like other easy video games that defeat enemies by just jumping on them. Sonic then appears behind him threatening to call his lawyer.
Mickey Mania (1994) Sega Mega Drive, Sega Mega-CD, Super Nintendo	A 16-bit platformer starring Disney's popular mascot, Mickey Mouse. Both Sonic and Tails' names are featured in the game's credits as nicknames for Tony Parks and Phil Snape.
Mega Turrican (beta) (1994) Sega Mega Drive	A 16-bit shooter game. In the Beta version, Sonic and Mario are in the background tiles of the first stage. These tiles were never used in the actual game.
Streets of Rage 3 (beta) (1994) Sega Mega Drive	A Sega brawler game. The 3rd and final installment of the Streets of Rage series. In the Beta version, Sonic appears on a Sega billboard in the background. However this was cut out of the final product for unknown reasons.
Stack Columns (1994) Sega System C2	A puzzle game in the Columns series from Sega AM1. The background scene for the Las Vegas tournaments depicts "SegaSonicS" casinos. A statue of Sonic can be seen behind one of the casinos.
Premier Manager (1995) Sega Mega Drive	A soccer management simulator from Gremlin. Only released in Europe. The player can decorate their stadium with Chaotix logos.
Bug! (1995) Sega Saturn	A rail-based 3D platformer created by Realtime Associates and published by Sega. One of the bonus rounds in stage 2, Reptilia, has Bug racing head-to-head against Sonic.
Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest (1995) Super Nintendo Entertainment System	Sequel to Rare's hit Donkey Kong Country, a platform action game. In Cranky's Video Game Heroes awards, under a sign reading "NO HOPERS" lies an unmistakable pair of red shoes.
Bugs Bunny in Double Trouble (1995) Sega Mega Drive	A platforming game starring cartoon icon Bugs Bunny. In a level of the game, Bugs will come across sneakers resembling Sonic's shoes, which seem to have been abandoned. The left shoe taps up and down similarly to Sonic's iconic waiting pose.
Virtua Fighter 2 (1995) Sega Saturn	The sequel to Sega AM2's 3D Fighter game, Virtua Fighter. In the Sega Saturn version, the player can pit Jacky Bryant against Sarah Bryant (or vice versa) to access a hidden stage called Chicago. There is a brick wall in the background with graffiti all over it, including a doodle of Sonic.
Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island (1995) Super Nintendo Entertainment System	An adventure game centering around the Yoshis trying to help Baby Mario. One of the enemies Harry Hedgehog, is a fast moving, blue hedgehog, much like Sonic. When Yoshi gets to close, Harry Hedgehog will swell up and become impossible to swallow. Harry Hedgehog could be Nintendo's response to Sega's constant insults toward them.
Uniracers (1995) Super Nintendo Entertainment System	Unicycle racing video game. Entering Sonic's name into the name selection screen causes the game to call your choice "Not Cool Enough". This is due to Nintendo's rivalry with Sega at the time.
Cool Riders (1995) Arcade	A 2D/3D racing game from Sega that uses digitized sprites made popular in American arcade games such as the Cruis'n series and Mortal Kombat series, both by Midway. When a player finishes a race and reaches the high score table, there are mini-Sonic and Tails head icons that can be used for a player's initials.
Metal Head (1995) Sega Genesis	A 3D mecha simulation shooter video game developed and published by Sega. A poster of Sonic was shown on a building.
Clockwork Knight 2 (1995) Sega Saturn	The sequel to "Clockwork Knight", a side scrolling platform game about a toy trying to save his love interest. A Sonic toy is shown in one of the levels.
A Hard Day's Night (1995) NEC PC-98	An erotic visual novel game released exclusively in Japan. In the background of a room scene a toy that resembles Sonic can be seen.
Fighters Megamix (1996) Sega Saturn	A 3D fighting game featuring characters from AM2's Virtua Fighter 2 and Fighting Vipers. A slew of more obscure Sega series are also represented. Bark the Polar Bear and Bean the Dynamite from Sonic the Fighters appear as hidden characters, along with the South Island and Aurora Icefield (albeit without the ice walls) arenas (strangely, Aurora Icefield features the background music of Flying Carpet). Bean and Bark can be unlocked after clearing the "Muscle" submode of the arcade mode. They play like the regular Virtua Fighter characters in the game, though Bean can use his bombs. Bark's alternate costume is a Santa Claus outfit, while Bean's is the original Bin from Dynamite Dux.
Super Mario RPG (1996) Super Nintendo Entertainment System	A 3D RPG with Mario collecting seven Star Pieces. In Booster Tower, one of the pictures looks somewhat like Eggman, even sporting his famous pince-nez glasses and long red-brown mustache, but has a hat. That picture is on the far left.
Premier Manager 97 (1996) Sega Mega Drive	The follow-up to Gremlin's soccer management sim. Only released in Europe. You can decorate your stadium with Sonic & Knuckles logos.
Neko Daisuki! (1996) Sega Game Gear	A virtual pet sim where players raise a kitten into cathood. Only released in Japan. The player, cat character has decorated his/her room with a poster of Sonic.
Last Bronx (1996) Sega Saturn, PlayStation 2, Arcade	A 3D weapons-based fighting game from AM3. In Tommy's stage (Cross Street), you can see a poster of Sonic on one of the buildings in the background.
Sega Ski Super G (1996) Arcade	A skiing game from Sega. On the first round of the Standard Course (White Forest), a giant Sonic snow sculpture looms over the track.
WaveRunner (1996) Arcade	A jet ski game from Sega. The player character sports a stylized Sonic insignia on the back of his life jacket.
Christmas NiGHTS (1996) Sega Saturn	A holiday-themed demo version of Sonic Team's Sega Saturn game, NiGHTS into Dreams. One of the unlockable bonus features puts the player in control of Sonic in a Spring Valley time attack. The boss, Puffy, is replaced with a giant rubbery Dr. Robotnik, along with the Sonic the Hedgehog CD final boss music.
Fighting Vipers (1996) Sega Saturn	A fast paced 3D fighting game. In the opening movie of the Sega Saturn version, Sanman's pile of toys sports a model of the Lunar Fox, the spaceship Tails built to reach the Death Egg in Sonic the Fighters.
	Also in the pile are toys based on other Sonic the Fighters characters, such as mirror version of Honey the Cat, Mecha Sonic Model No.29 in rocket mode and Bark the Polar Bear.
Sega Super GT (1996) Arcade	A SEGA Racing game, similar to Daytona USA. In the Dolphin Tennul Race Course, right before entering a tunnel, you see a billboard on your left. This billboard depicts Sonic and Tails in a race car, one of the images found in Sonic the Hedgehog The Screen Saver.
Le Mans 24 (1997) Arcade	A Sega Racing game, similar to Daytona USA. Sonic appears as a playable racer in a red buggy, and he is available by entering a cheat code. A billboard with the Sonic's head from the Project Sonic logo can also be seen alongside one of the tracks.
Virtua Striker 2 (1997) Arcade	The second in Sega's popular arcade soccer series. At the team select screen, press: down-right, start, down, left, start, right, start, right, down-left, start, down, start, start, start. This accesses the secret MVP Yuki Chan team, which includes Bean the Dynamite from Sonic the Fighters. Bean himself is the mascot of F.C Sega and can also appear on the goalkeeper's jersey.
Harley-Davidson & L.A. Riders (1997) Arcade	A driving game featuring Harley-Davidson motorcycles. The objective is to ride to checkpoints around Los Angeles under a time limit. At the gate of the mansion in Beverly Hills, Sonic is featured on several stone blocks.
Sega Saturn de Hakken! Tamagotchi Park (1998) Sega Saturn	A 2D Tamagotchi game with several Sega character cameos, including Alex Kidd, Flicky and Sonic as Sonictchi.
Burning Rangers (1998) Sega Saturn	A 3D action video game developed by Sonic Team, set in the future where fire is the primary hazard of mankind and you play as a specialised fire-fighter to save lives and extinguish fires. Lead Phoenix has a blue sticker that resembles Sonic's head on his extinguisher.
SpikeOut (1998) Arcade	A 3D fighting game game for up to 4 players. It was never released in the US or ported to any home consoles. It has had a few sequels and spinoffs. One level contains a large statue of Sonic, with the walls also featuring Sonic artwork.
Dirt Devils (1998) Arcade	A 3D off-road racing game that was never released for any home consoles. Sonic's head is seen on the "Agile, But Tricky" machine, the Euro-Prototype.
L.A. Machineguns: Rage of the Machines (1998) Arcade	Follow-up to Gunblade NY. A light gun shooting game with machine guns. Sonic appears along with the Sonic Adventure logo in the form of a neon sign in the Las Vegas stage.
Sega Bass Fishing (1999) Dreamcast, Arcade, Wii, Xbox 360, PS3, PC	A virtual fishing game with a rod & reel controller. A rod & reel peripheral was released specifically for the Dreamcast version. Many years later, the game was released for Nintendo Wii. Complete all 5 tournaments in consumer mode to unlock the Sonic lure.
Neon Genesis Evangelion: Girlfriend of Steel (1998) PlayStation, Sega Saturn, PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable, PC, Macintosh	A video game based on the anime/manga series Neon Genesis Evangelion. Sonic's face appears on a mug in the game.
Toy Commander (1999) Dreamcast	An action game for the Dreamcast developed by No Cliché and published by Sega. A page from Sega Calendar 1998 with Sonic on it can be seen, but has been edited to say 1999.
NBA 2K (1999) Dreamcast	The first in Visual Concepts' (currently owned by 2K) popular basketball series. Players can create a team called the "Hedgehogs." The logo features Sonic holding a basketball, and the home court has a giant Sonic textured onto the floor.
ChuChu Rocket! (1999) Dreamcast	A fast-paced puzzle game from Sonic Team. Clear all 25 puzzles in the Stage Challenge mode, and you can have the normal Chu-chu's replaced with Chao.
Shenmue (1999) Dreamcast	Players control Ryo Hazuki in his continent-spanning search for the man who killed his father. A very unique and richly detailed adventure game in which traditional mechanics take a backseat to exploration. Scattered around Yokosuka's three major areas you'll find gashapon machines which contain various toys based on Sega lore. In Sakuragaoka in front of Abe's Store you'll find the Sonic machine, where you can obtain figures based on Sonic the Fighters. The series includes two models of Sonic along with one of Dr. Robotnik and the other playable characters such as Tails, Fang, Amy Rose, Knuckles, Bark and Bean. Win fourth prize on the Dobuita Tomato store raffle and you could score the rare Super Sonic or Metal Sonic figurines. In front of the You Arcade in Dobuita and also in the New Yokosuka Harbor Tomato store lounge, you can find the Wakuwaku Sega World machines, which contain figurines from all eras of Sega history. Among the toys in this machine are NiGHTS (two models), as well as a Chao set.
Pac-Man World (1999) PlayStation	Rev-Roll is a technique used by Pac-Man is reminiscent of Spin Dash. Also, the final boss, Toc-Man is similar to Metal Sonic.

2000s

Game Information	Description and cameos	Image
Jet Set Radio / Jet Grind Radio (2000) Dreamcast, Game Boy Advance	An in-line skating game in which the player starts a graffiti gang of "rudies" called the GG's. They fight for turf with rival gangs in Tokyo-to by tagging their territory with graffiti, all while trying to evade the city's police force. Players can tag with stock art of the characters (Sonic, Dr. Eggman, Tails, Knuckles, Amy Rose, E-102 Gamma, Big and Chao) from Sonic Adventure via Internet download. Sonic also appears on a billboard in the game's ending cutscene.
	One of the characters, Garam, wears a necklace with a skull on it. The art director of the game, Ryuta Ueda, hinted in an interview that it's Sonic's skull.
Phantasy Star Online (2000) Dreamcast, GameCube, Xbox, PC	A network action RPG from Sonic Team. With a rare item called the "Chao soul", Mags can be raised to look like a Chao or Omochao. A rare weapon called the "Sonic Knuckle", when equipped, looks just like Knuckles' gloves. Sonic, Tails, Knuckles and Eggman have made cameo appearances in the online lobbies on several occasions, and there have also been downloadable quests in which you interact with the heroic trio.
Spyro: Year of the Dragon (2000) PlayStation	In the level Crystal islands, the character Moneybags will say he's a magician and will open the bridge behind him. If you decline his offer, he will say not to anger a magician or he will "turn you into a blue hedgehog or something."
Derby Owners Club (2000/2001) Arcade	An arcade horse racing simulator by the Sega AM3 team. One of the race tracks in the game, called "G1 Sega", has a large inflatable Sonic balloon on the center on the track. It is surrounded by spinning rings.
Illbleed (2001) Dreamcast	Survival horror with a unique premise that emphasizes scripted traps over actual fighting. One of the game's bosses, named "Zodick the Hellhog", is a big blue beast that bears more than a passing resemblance to Sonic. The Japanese Sega Saturn startup sound can be heard before and after the battle. He spouts gold Rings when he takes damage. After his defeat, it is revealed he is a robot, and one of the scientists controlling him is voiced by Ryan Drummond.
Segagaga (2001) Dreamcast	A role-playing simulation game in which players manage the affairs of a struggling video game company called Sega. Sonic appears with some other well-known Sega mascots in the opening, such as Alex Kidd and Amigo and among the possible tasks in the game is the development of a title called "Sonic the Hedgehog.". At one point, Sonic appears with Tails in the air, when he drops down, he takes the player on a wild run. He also appears when Alex Kidd was telling his story about being replaced by the blue hedgehog. At one point, the player also fights Sonic.
Alien Front Online (2001) Dreamcast	Dreamcast game originally released for the console in 2001. In the game, players use armored vehicles to fight tense battles staged in large, interactive arenas. A Sonic Billboard can be spotted during gameplay.
Shenmue II (2001) Dreamcast, Xbox	The return of Ryo Hazuki where he goes out of Japanese suburbia and into the city of Hong Kong in search of Lan Di, his father's killer. The same Sonic the Fighters gashapon machines (Sonic, Dr. Robotnik, Tails, Fang, Amy Rose, Knuckles, Bark and Bean) are back: the first is located in front of the Tomato convenience store in Wan Chai's Golden Qr. Two more can be found in Kowloon: the first right outside Ren's Hideout on Dragon St., and the second is in Dimsum Qr. at the entrance to Thunder House. The rare Super Sonic and Metal Sonic figures can now be acquired as prizes in the potato chips, chocolates, or caramels you can purchase at grocery stores.
	When in the Moon Child Orphanage located in the Moon Child Bldg. in Kowloon, a drawing resembling Sonic & Tails can be seen hanging up on the wall.
Beach Spikers (2001) GameCube, Arcade	An all-girl volleyball game from AM2. The final stadium in the arcade mode features a giant, volleyball-bearing Sonic statue looming in one corner of the field.
Virtua Striker 3 (2001) Arcade, GameCube	The third iteration of Amusement Vision's popular soccer series. The "F.C. Sonic" team, one of several hidden teams in the game, stars Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Amy, Eggman (who serves as the team's goalkeeper) and a group of Chao as players while a polygonal Yuji Naka watches from the sidelines as the team's manager. In the Ver. 2002 update (and console conversion), the Chao group includes a Hero and a Dark Chao (the other four Chao are Neutral).
Virtua Cop 3 (2001) Arcade	The third iteration of AM2's popular light gun shooting series. Sonic appears on the tutorial screen.
Billy Hatcher and the Giant Egg (2003) GameCube, PC	An egg-rolling platform game from Sonic Team. A number of Sonic Team stars feature as hidden egg animals, including Sonic, Tails, Knuckles and a Chao. Amigo, Kapu-Kapu and NiGHTS also appear as egg animals.
Virtua Fighter 4: Evolution (2003) PlayStation 2	Sega's own 2D Fighting game, sequel to Virtua Fighter 4. Various pictures of Sonic are featured on SEGA World Arcades.
Virtua Quest (2004) PlayStation 2, Gamecube	A spin-off of the Virtua Fighters series. While still a fighting game it is mostly an RPG. On the Twin Axis server there is a golden statue of Sonic just after meeting Toka. Bit will say the statue has a secret and after hitting a sequence of buttons, the statue will become Super Sonic and drop a Hunters Badge.
Feel the Magic: XY/XX (2004) Nintendo DS	An offbeat collection of minigames from Sonic Team, played through the eyes of a nameless helmeted hero as he struggles to win the affections of a shapely silhouette girl. Start the game with either Sonic Advance or Sonic Advance 2, Sonic Advance 3, Sonic Pinball Party or Sonic Battle in the Game Boy Advance slot to unlock a Sonic hat or Chao hat for the game's unnamed female lead. The hat can also be unlocked by clearing Hell mode, the hardest difficulty setting. One of the minigames called "Chaser" has Wide Springs on it's courses.
Asterix & Obelix XXL 2: Mission Las Vegum (2005) PlayStation 2, PC, PSP	An action adventure game from Atari based on the popular French comic series Astérix le Gaulois. Mission Las Vegum is rife with videogame parodies of all manner, including several Sonic spoofs. One faction of Roman warriors wears blue headgear that resembles Sonic spines, along with Sonic's trademark red shoes. They carry gold Rings.
OutRun 2006: Coast 2 Coast (2006) PlayStation 2, Xbox, PC, PSP	An enhanced port of AM2's coin-op OutRun 2. A golden Sonic statue and billboards featuring Sonic can be seen in the background of the Casino Town stage.
Virtua Fighter 5 (2006) Arcade, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360	Fourth installment to the Virtua Fighter series. In Quest Mode you can visit various locations based on actual Sega owned arcades such as SegaWorld or Club Sega. Most of these places decorated with images of Sonic.
Phantasy Star Universe (2006) PlayStation 2, Xbox 360, PC	The sequel to Sonic Team's Phantasy Star Online. Lobbies are decorated yearly to coincide with Sonic's birthday (June 23) with cameos by Sonic and Tails. Giant statues of Sonic, Tails, Amy Rose and Knuckles also appear.
Puyo Puyo! 15th Anniversary (2006) PlayStation 2, Nintendo DS, Wii, PSP	The 15th anniversary addition of the Puyo Puyo series. Once "Sonic style puyo" is unlocked, the puyo will resemble the heads of Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Amy Rose, Silver and Chao.
Sega Rally Revo (2007) PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC	An offroad racing video game, the 4th installment of the Sega Rally series. A Shadow the Hedgehog car can be made available in the game. The design seems to be based on Shadow the Hedgehog, but oddly, the artwork is from Sonic the Hedgehog (2006).
Crash of the Titans (2007) Mobile Phone, Game Boy Advance, PlayStation 2, Wii, PSP, Nintendo DS, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3	A platform game in which the player controls Crash Bandicoot, whose main objective is to rescue his sister, Coco, and save his home, the Wumpa Islands, from being destroyed by the main antagonist's gigantic robot. The Ratnicians sometimes make a reference to Sonic, when they say: "You'd think he was a moving fast blue hedgehog or something." Note: This reference re-appears in Crash: Mind Over Mutant.
The Simpsons Game (2007) PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii, Nintendo DS, PSP	A video game based on the popular TV show, The Simpsons. Throughout the game there are a number of references and parodies to popular video games. Sonic appears in the Simpsons Game in the level Enter the Cheatrix as a washed up has been, walking on a hamster wheel. He says many funny lines such as "I miss the 90's, everybody loved me then" and "I forget why I hated Eggman so much" or even "That Shadow version of me. Nicest guy in the world. Completely misunderstood". Towards the end of the game, the Simpsons escape the video game world and Mario, Sonic and others go with them, back to Springfield.
Sega Splash Golf (2008) PC	An online golf game from Sega. Sonic and Tails cameo as caddies along with a Green Hill Zone course and a set of clubs modeled after Sonic, Tails, Knuckles and Dr. Eggman.
Bangai-O Spirits (2008) Nintendo DS	The sequel to the N64 and Dreamcast action game, Bangai-O. One of the enemies is a robot named Fast Bot. It's blue, can curl into a ball, and rush forward while dealing massive damage.
Samba de Amigo (2008) Wii	The musical rhythm game Samba De Amigo was also worked on by Sonic Team. In Career mode, after beating normal mode you unlock hard mode. The first set of Songs in hard mode is called "Sonic's challenge". Sonic's challenge consists of the songs "Mambo #5", "Low Rider" and "Un Aguardiente". All three songs take place in green hill zone and have Sonic dancing alongside Amigo. The Chao appear in multiple other levels sometimes driving flying saucers. There is also a set of Sonic dance sounds that can be unlocked if you clear the song "Jump in the Line" in Amigo's Challenge.
The Incredible Hulk (2008) PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC, Wii, Nintendo DS	A 3D platform adventure game based on the 2008 movie The Incredible Hulk. Since the game is copyrighted by Sega, if the player jumps to random buildings, they can view a special Sonic the Hedgehog billboard featuring him in poses from Sonic Channel and Sonic and the Secret Rings.
LittleBigPlanet (2008) PlayStation 3	A puzzle platformer video game, centered around user-generated content. Compatible with LittleBigPlanet 2, LittleBigPlanet Vita, LittleBigPlanet Karting and LittleBigPlanet 3. There are many add on skins that players can use to customize Sackboy in this game. Five skins from the Sonic the Hedgehog series have been made available to download in Japan in 2009. The five skins are Sonic, Sonic the Werehog, Knuckles, Tails and Dr. Eggman. These skins along with a set of Sonic the Hedgehog (1991) decals were released in the US and Europe in 2010.
Reset Generation (2008) PC, N-Gage 2.0	An action-puzzle game developed by RedLynx, and published by Nokia in 2008. All 10 playable characters are parodies of characters from popular game franchises, with the Hedgehog being a obvious reference to Sonic.
Taiko no Tatsujin (2008) Mobile phones	A series of rhythm games created by Namco. One of the games is set in Splash Hill Zone with Sonic, Dr. Eggman and a some Moto Bug, Burrobot and Shellcracker Badniks to go with the beat with.
Destroy All Humans!: Path of the Furon (2008) PlayStation 3 (PAL region only), Xbox 360	A third person shooter that is the third installment of the Destroy All Humans! which lets you play as an alien who came to Earth to cause massive destruction and havoc in 5 open worlds set during the 1970s. After the end of the 23rd mission, Crypto and Pox begin coming up with video game ideas. One of the ideas Crypto suggests is a video game about "A hedgehog who can run really fast and... uh...", but Pox rejects all his ideas telling him to leave video game ideas to him (Crypto's other ideas references Super Mario Brothers and Halo).
Wario Land: the Shake Dimension (2008) Wii	A Nintendo game in 2008 starring Wario. Enemies called Bandineros wear shoes that resemble Sonic's shoes.
Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA (2009) PlayStation Portable	The first video game of the series with the same name, a music/rhythm video game series developed by Sega and Crypton Future Media which features Vocaloids, a series of singing synthesiser software and songs created using these Vocaloids, most notably the virtual idol Hatsune Miku. In the Miku's Room feature of the game, one of the obtainable items is a Mega Drive containing the cartridge of the original Sonic the Hedgehog.
Bayonetta (2009) PlayStation 3, Xbox 360	An action game where you play as a witch who fights angels, that contains references to other games, mainly Sega games. The game starts at a funeral of a man named "Eggman the Destroyer". Due to amount of game references in the game, this is most likely a reference to Dr. Eggman. However, according to an interview with the game's creator, Hideki Kamiya, he stated that it was completely random and he didn't even know that Sonic's enemy was called Eggman. The game's currency, Halos, bear a striking resemblance to Gold Rings. When Enzo is explaining about the jewels known as the Eyes of the World, a gem that looks a great deal like the grey Chaos Emerald is shown.

2010s

Game Information	Description and cameos	Image
Valkyria Chronicles II (2010) PlayStation Portable	An tactical role-playing game set in the middle of a war between various nations. A tank with artwork of Sonic from Sonic Channel is present on one of the tanks the player controls.
Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA 2nd (2010) PlayStation Portable	In the second game in the Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA series, Amy's signature Piko Piko Hammer appears in the accessories room. It is unlocked if the player clears "Sound" in easy mode. It is also vocaloid Kagamine Rin's favorite item as a gift.
Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World: The Game (2010) PlayStation 3, Xbox 360	A side-scrolling beat-'em-up game based on the popular comic book series and film. One of the power ups in the game is a game called Speedy the Porcupine, the description reads: Blast through seven zones at high speed. As with the book, Ramona's 4th ex, Roxie explodes into a flurry of woodland creatures, there is also a cheat that makes the same thing happen when any enemy is defeated. Said cheat is the same code for Level Select in Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (up, up, down, down, up, up, up, up).
Transformice (2010) Browser	Transformice is a browser game. In the shop, players are able to buy hats with quills shaped like Sonic and Shadow's and a skin based on Tails.
Virtua Tennis 4 (2010) PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita, Xbox 360, Wii, Microsoft Windows	The third sequel to Sega's tennis game franchise, Virtua Tennis. It is known as Sega Professional Tennis: Power Smash 4 in Japan. You can unlock a tennis racket the shape of Sonic's head.
Poker Night at the Inventory (2010) Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X	A poker Game with 4 great game icons playing with the player himself. Strong Bad comments on Tycho's hair being "a greasy hedgehog" quickly saying it is not associated with any video game license, this was liable to be a Sonic reference because he said something about a "video game license."
Farm Hokkorina Mobile phones	A farm game in which you take care of animals, plots, food and such other casual activities. In it's upgrade, a Sonic version is playable for 2012. As Sonic, you can run around and even take a nap. You can get the entry ticket to the hotel in the game without any work.
Hyperdimension Neptunia PlayStation 3 (2011)	A turn-based JRPG that stars Neptune, an amnesiac goddess that represents Sega, as she travels through the entire world with her newfound companions to save the world of Gamindustri from an unknown threat. After waking up in a seemingly empty void, Neptune tries to call out for anyone and mentions that she will not be blamed for "collecting rings floating by the ground". Another reference was present in one of the sub-events on the nation of Planeptune, where a herd of "speedy blue hedgehogs" run past by the heroines. The group observes that the herd went to a pachinko-resembling building, referencing the frequent casino-themed levels in the series at the time. These references are not present in the Hyperdimension Neptunia Re:Birth 1 remake.
Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA Extend PlayStation Portable (2011)	The third Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA video game. In celebration of Sonic's 20th anniversary, Hatsune Miku sports a Sonic the Hedgehog costume named Sonic Style (ソニック スタイル, Sonikku Sutairu?). This costume is also included as an in-game costume (called "Modules") Hatsune Miku can wear in her appearances in the music promotional videos (PVs) of the songs in Project DIVA: Extend. Additionally, a loading screen featuring artwork of Hatsune Miku wearing Sonic Style in a similar style to Sonic Channel illustrated by Yuji Uekawa is also included in the game as a loading screen. The Sonic Style Module also appeared in Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA Arcade, its updated edition Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA Arcade Future Tone and its PlayStation 4 port, Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA Future Tone.
Spiral Knights PC	An MMO created by SEGA and Three Rings where players defeat enemies as robotic knights. Metal Sonic appears as a costume for those who purchased a copy of Sonic the Hedgehog CD on Steam before January 31, 2012. The costume was also available for in-game purchase in that time. Tails' tails also appeared as a wearable accessory, but were only available through in-game purchase.
Fun Run iOS, Android	A multiplayer racing game where players can race friends as various animals. Players can purchase an item called "Sanik" that looks like Sonic's shoes.
Hyperdimension Neptunia mk2 PlayStation 3 (2012)	A sequel and reboot of the Hyperdimension Neptunia JRPG series. One of Nepgear's Rush combo skill is named "Blue Sonic". This combo skill would become one of the recurring combo skills in the main series and remakes.
Game Dev Tycoon (2012) PC	A business simulation game which begins in the 80s where the player manages a video game development company. The words written on the whiteboard resembles Sonic's characteristics; "cool", "edgy" and "hedgehog" (strikethrough).
Samurai & Dragons (2012) PlayStation Vita	The first free-to-play, card-based strategic fighting game developed by Sega, that was only made available in Asia. On November 29, 2012, a Samurai & Dragons: Deluxe Package set was released and contained rare Sonic-themed cards.
Skullgirls (2012) PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, Mac, Linux, Arcade, iOS, Android	. The characters in the game all have over twenty different color palettes each. Palette seventeen for two of the DLC characters, Fukua and Big Band, are based on characters from the Sonic series. The palette for Fukua is based on Shadow the Hedgehog, and the palette for Big Band is based on Big the Cat. Fukua's default colors are also based on the Glitch Sonic palette from Sonic the Hedgehog 2.
	As seen in concept artwork, the DLC character Robo-Fortune was going to have a palette based on Metal Sonic, but it was never used. In the game itself, one of the character's pre-round introduction lines is "I will battle you as many times as it is necessary", a reference to Metal Sonic's quote when challenged by Sonic in Sonic Generations.
Super Monkey Ball: Banana Splitz (2012) PlayStation Vita	. A DLC for the game includes a model of Sonic the Hedgehog to place in Stage Creation Mode.
Grand Theft Auto V (2013) PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC, PlaStation 4, Xbox One	An action game in which the player plays as 3 different criminals. There is a jewelry with the name SuperSonic the ultra fast ring specialist.
Gran Turismo 6 (2013) PlayStation 3	The sixth installment of the popular racing simulator franchise that features over 1,000 licensed cars, realistic world circuits, city locations and car physics. On the modern Fuji Speedway tracks (F, GT), there is a Sonic advertisement on the billboard bridge next to the SEGA logo right after the start/finish line.
Dragon Coins (2013) iOS, Android	Coin-based RPG mobile game published by Sega Networks in Japan, released later in the west on 2014. To promote the Japanese release of Sonic Lost World in October 22, 2013, Sega held the "Sonic Lost World Special collaboration event" that consists a daily mission titled "Eggman Rokuonishu". The event lasted between 22 October to 30 October 2013 exclusively to Japanese players. By completing this special mission, the player would encounter the boss. Sonic, Tails, Knuckles and Amy would be all be used as part of the monster team to battle against Deadly Six and numerous Badniks.
Puyo Puyo Quest (2013) iOS, Android	A free-to-play puzzle game developed and released by Sega in 2013. A collaboration event with the Sonic the Hedgehog series was released on January 23- January 29, 2017. It included a mini-story and character cards of Sonic, Tails, Amy, and Knuckles, along with a limited edition Sonic character card that was only available in the Ring Collection Festival event from January 25-January 29, 2017. A second event called Dr. Eggman Rush began on February 8, 2017. Egg Pawns, Moto Bugs and Crabmeats made appearances as enemies, with Dr. Eggman and Shadow as a primary antagonists and Green Hill Zone served as a background stage. Chili dogs and Sonic's shoes were collectable items, while the Spin Attack, Energy Ball, Spiral Upper and the Piko Piko Hammer were moves used by Sonic, Tails, Knuckles and Amy respectively. Music, such as the song Beyond the Speed Of... from Sonic Runners Original Soundtrack, was played inbetween the stages. Lastly, special cards of the main protagonists wearing costumes of Sonic, Tails, Amy and Shadow were made available.
Tiny Death Star (2013) iOS, Android	A Star Wars-themed version of the popular building sim game Tiny Tower. In the Workout Center floor, a (non-customizable) Bitizenified-looking Nautolan can be seen jogging on one of the treadmills and has tentacles that resemble Sonic's spines.
Dengeki Bunko Fighting Climax (2014) Arcade, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita	A crossover 2D fighting game developed by Ecole/French Bread, known creator of the games Melty Blood and Under Night In-Birth in collaboration between Sega and light novel Dengeki Bunko as part of 20th anniversary, which is also part of Virtua Fighter 20th anniversary. It features Green Hill as a stage named as "SONIC THE HEDGEHOG Stage", based on it's Act 2 appearance from Sonic Generations. The music for the stage is a remix of the Seaside Hill theme by Jun Senoue titled "Seaside B-Field".
Goat Simulator (2014) PC, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Android, iOS	A third-person perspective simulation game where you play as a goat. You can choose and unlock a variety of goats. A goat known as the Blue Streak has the ability to move fast, with R to charge blue and run at great speeds.
Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel (2014) PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Nvidia Shield,	A unique enemy known as the Phonic Kraggon is the target of the Phonically Challenged challenge where it will have a small chance of appearing in Serenity's Waste. While other Kraggons are fire or ice elemental enemies, the Phonic Kraggon is electric element. It's attack is the ability to rapidly roll and charge into enemies just like the Spin Dash. When hurt will occasionally drop some money and when defeated will make money fall around it, just like how Sonic loses his rings when hurt. In True Vault Hunter Mode, the "Phuper Phonic Kraggon" appears, other than being a gold recolour is still the same as before.
Puyo Puyo Tetris (2014) PlayStation Vita, PlayStation 3, Nintendo 3DS, Wii U, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, PC	In Puyo Puyo Tetris, similar to Puyo Puyo! 15th Anniversary, the game featured Sonic the Hedgehog-themed Puyos and Tetriminoes the player can use in place of the game's Puyos and Tetriminoes' default appearance.
Monster Hunter 4G / Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate (2014/2015) Nintendo 3DS	A Enhanced version of the RPG game Monster Hunter 4. An upcoming DLC for the 3DS Game where the Felyn dress up as Sonic and wields Excaliburn from Sonic and the Black Knight. Also announced was a Guild Card themed of Sonic.
Mario Kart 8 (2014/2015) Wii U / Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (2017) Nintendo Switch	The eighth installment in the main Mario Kart series. Version 4.0 allows the game to unlock a Sonic racing suit for Mii by using the Sonic amiibo. The Nintendo Switch port, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, allows this too.
Phantasy Star Online 2 (Japanese release) (2012/2014/2016) PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android	The 2012 sequel of Phantasy Star Online developed by Sega, that until 2020 was only available commercially in Japan and the Pacific Southwest. In June 10, 2015, Sonic Lobby was announced to be featured until June 24, similarly to one featured in Phantasy Star Universe. The lobby features floating golden Rings, Springs and statues of Sonic, Tails and Amy. Collecting Rings from the lobby makes a green Chaos Emerald appear on Sonic's hand. This resets whenever the player leaves the area.
	During that same time, Sonic Nyau can be found as enemies from the game, resembling closely like titular character and holding Extreme Gears from Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity. The Extreme Gear can be used as weapon after defeating him.
Dengeki Bunko Fighting Climax Ignition (2015) Arcade, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita	A Japan-exclusive updated release of the crossover 2D fighting game developed by Ecole/French Bread. Being an updated version, Green Hill returns as a playable stage. One of the Sega-themed stages added was Sehagaga Academy from the Sega Hard Girls anime adaptation Hi-sCoool! SeHa Girls, which has a Sonic statue rotating in the middle of the Academy, and a Chao figure sitting on the shelf.
Project X Zone 2 (2015/2016) Nintendo 3DS	A tactical role-playing game crossover between Capcom, Sega, and Bandai Namco Entertainment. In the game, couple of references to Sonic are made: at the start of Chapter 6, one of Ling Xiayou's lines is "Gotta go fast", one of the examples Ling Xiayou provides when telling the characters to look for inscrutable signs is "The Two-Tailed Fox" in chapter 21 and in chapter 34 Segata Sanshiro states he should have brought a Spring from the Spring Yard Zone.
Yoshi's Woolly World (2015) Wii U	By using the Sonic amiibo, players can change Yoshi's appearance identical to Sonic's.
Super Mario Maker (2015) Wii U	By using the Sonic amiibo or clearing 100 Mario Challenge on Expert or Super Expert as a random unlockable, Mario can use the Mystery Mushroom to transform into an 16-bit of Sonic. It uses sounds from the Genesis games, including "Act Clear" and "Game Over" from Sonic the Hedgehog 3. This feature is only available when the player is designing a level based on the original Super Mario Bros. game.
Minecraft: Story Mode (2015) Xbox 360, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Wii U, Nintendo Switch, PC, iOS, Android	In episode 5, "Order Up!", one of the optional potions Jesse can take to defeat Aiden is a speed potion which allows him/her to move faster and slow his/her perception of time. His/her one-liner for taking the potion is "Gotta go fast".
Megadimension Neptunia VII (2016) PlayStation 4, PC	The fourth main game and the seventh role-playing game in the Neptunia series. One of the sub-events exclusive to the promotional DLC character, God Eater, Uzume invites God Eater into going out to eat along with the Planeptune sisters. Neptune and Nepgear lead the group near to a jazz club called the "Blue Hedgehog", which is the nation's popular chili-dog restaurant. Uzume later challenges God Eater into a chili-dog eating contest which ended up with the gluttonous soldier eating more than 60 chili-dogs. Due to the amount of chili-dogs ordered, Neptune asks Nepgear if the Basilicom can cover the cost while labeling it as "business lunch expense", which the latter denies. This event is absent in Megadimension Neptunia VIIR, the VR-compatible remake of the game, due to all of the DLC characters for VII being absent.
Deus Ex: Mankind Divided (2016) PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC	An action role playing stealth game in which the player controls a cybernetically-enhanced human in a dystopian future. A game titled "Knuckles & Knuckles & Knuckles", complete with artwork of multiple Knuckles the Echidnas, can be seen inside a video game store within the game, referencing the "& Knuckles" meme. The artwork originates from the official Sonic the Hedgehog Twitter page in which it was used as part of a joke advertisement for a game with the same name. The official Deus Ex Twitter page responded with their approval of the tweet, as the faux release date for the game (2029) coincided with the setting of Deus Ex: Mankind Divided, leading to the inclusion of this cameo.
LEGO Dimensions (2016) PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Wii U, Xbox One, Xbox 360	Lego-themed action-adventure video game developed by Traveller's Tales and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, originally released for the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Wii U, Xbox One and Xbox 360. The June 2016 E3 trailer for the game confirms Sonic to be added alongside other franchises as becoming playable character. The Sonic Level Pack was released on November 18, 2016.
Monster Gear: Burst (2016) iOS, Android	A hunting action RPG where you fight monsters. Set in the Bukkibakka Kingdom, Doctor Eggman attempts to conquer the kingdom with the Tonkachi, drill-missles and various weapons. The battlefield is based after Green Hill Zone and you can get armor sets based on Sonic, Knuckles and Shadow. Caliburn, a Knuckles themed hammer and a sword themed after Shadow's Air Shoes is also available for the event.
Pewdiepie's Tuber Simulator (2016) iOS, Android	In this freemium simulation mobile game developed by Outerminds Inc., one of the unlockable items involves a shelf that has a figure resembling Sonic's appearance.
Super Toss the Turtle (2016) iOS, Android	In its line of characters which parody pop culture characters, one of them is Fast the Porcupine, a Sonic the Hedgehog parody.
Superdimension Neptune vs. Sega Hard Girls (2016) PlayStation Vita, PC	An original character made for the crossover is "Hatsumi Sega", or nicknamed as "Segami". Her design is mostly based on Sonic. On the back of the game's English cover of the PlayStation Vita version, one of the lines written is "Gotta go dash!", which is a reference to the Sonic X theme song, "Gotta Go Fast".
Daytona Championship USA (2016) Arcade	A sequel to the popular Daytona USA series of arcade racing games by SEGA, originally named as Daytona USA 3 before the title was changed due to backlash and was marketed as a remake of the original game instead. Sonic returns as a carved statue on the mountain on the Three-Seven Speedway track, instead of being a carving on the side of a mountain like in the original game. Sonic's design based on his modern appearances this time.
MegaTagmension Blanc + Neptune vs. Zombies (2016) PlayStation Vita, PC	While using the English voices, one of Neptune's lines when she dashes is "Gotta go fast", a reference to the Sonic X English theme song.
Yakuza 0 (2015/2017) PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PC	The upgrades that increase character running speeds are called "Gotta Go Fast".
Persona 5 (2016/2017) PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4	The description for Sonic Socks, an accessory available in TV shopping, reads: "Socks that let one run as fast as a hedgehog."
Hanjuku Hero: Aa, Sekaiyo Hanjukunare...! (2017) iOS, Android	A Japanese-exclusive real-time strategy video game where the player fights Egg Monsters. Following the re-release of the 1992 game, Dr. Eggman is featured as an exclusive boss.
Yakuza Kiwami (2016/2017) PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PC	A remake of Sega's first Yakuza game. In the Club Sega arcades, mini posters and vending machines can be seen with Sonic and and several other characters on.
Dragon City (2017) Facebook, iOS, Android	Originally from 2012. During its Video Game Island event in the summer of 2017, dragons modeled after video game characters can be collected. One of them is Bluebolt, modeled after Sonic the Hedgehog. Its baby form resembles Classic Sonic. Its description reads "When a cursed black smoke kidnapped his friends, the Bluebolt Dragon spent years on a mission to rescue them. Now that he's finished, he's come to Dragon City to show off his talent and speed!" (This dragon was later replaced with the Nineties Dragon.)
Neon FM (2017) Arcade, iOS, Android	Two music tracks from Sonic Mania, "Friends" and "Time Trials", appear as in the game as purchasable tracks. The artwork and description of both tracks contain references to the series. Coincdentally, a collaboration with Sega was made later on, despite not being related to Sonic, to include a track from their own arcade rhythm game.
Bubsy: The Woolies Strike Back (2017) PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, PC (Steam)	For the platforming game, Bubsy's official artwork depicts him in a pose similar to Sonic's trademark pose from the original Sonic the Hedgehog game. The game's launch trailer depicts Bubsy answering the door to a kid in a Sonic costume.
Cuphead (2017) Xbox One, PC (Steam)	One of the enemies in the game is very similar to Sonic in appearance and runs in a similar manner.
New Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony (2017) PlayStation 4, PC (Steam)	Monokuma, the mascot of the game indirectly references how Sonic always loses his rings when taking damage and his hate about Sonic and his games during the fourth Class Trial. The quote "I hate that Hedgehog!" is also a common catchphrase used by Dr. Eggman in various media. In the official [twitter ] of the Sonic franchise, Dr. Eggman replied about what Monokuma said and how he agrees with him.
SEGA Slots (2018) iOS, Android	A Vegas-styled gambling app that employs the use of well known Sega franchises, such as Super Monkey Ball and Golden Axe. Here, the Sonic the Hedgehog series has two slots. The "Sonic the Hedgehog" slot features Sonic chasing after Dr. Eggman in Green Hill Zone to save the captured animals while also earning payouts along the way. The "Sonic Casino Nights" slot features a "spin-to-win" mechanism in Casino Night Zone.
PAC-MAN (2016) (*update in 2018) iOS, Android	Mobile port of the 1980 arcade game. As part of the cross promotion that the Sonic the Hedgehog series had with the PAC-MAN series in February 2018, (in which PAC-MAN became a playable character in Sonic Dash) a Sonic themed maze pack titled "DASH!" became available in PAC-MAN. The mazes were designed to resemble Green Hill Zone while a Sonic sprite with running animation was in the place of PAC-MAN. The ghosts were replaced with red, orange, blue and pink colored Moto Bugs while Rings replaced Pac-Dots, Monitors replaced Power Pellets and animal friends replaced bonus items. The maze was only available until 20 March 2018, unless players managed to beat each maze in time.
Starbound (2016) PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Xbox One	2D survival sandbox set in a vast procedural universe. The player can enable the "Sonic Sphere" tech to transform into a ball and perform a Spin Dash-like dash by holding the transformation button.
	One of the items called Spikefist Mech Arm is also a reference to Death Egg Robot.
Two Point Hospital (2018)	Published by Sega. Sonic Mania appears in one of the two arcade machines available to decorate the hospitals.
Persona 5: Dancing Star Night / Persona 5: Dancing in Starlight (2018) PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita	Spin-off rhythm game featuring the central cast of Persona 5. In this game, the character Morgana is able to sport a Sonic the Hedgehog costume.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (2018) Nintendo Switch	The sixth installment of Nintendo's popular Super Smash Bros. fighting series. In this game, the fighter Incineroar has an alternate costume with colors that resemble those of Big the Cat.
Kyoutou Kotoba RPG Kotodaman (2018) Android, iOS	2018 free-to-play mobile RPG by Sega. Numerous Sega characters are featured as part of a crossover collaboration, and Sonic, Dr. Eggman, and Shadow are featured as guest playable characters. All of these Sonic characters are fully voiced by their respective seiyuus.
Baldi's Basics Classic (2018) PC	2018 free-to-play meta-horror game. Much of this game is inspired by Sonic's Schoolhouse, in terms of textures and hidden files. The appreciation gif of Baldi giving a thumbs up when the game is downloaded over one hundred thousand times is a direct reference to the screen in Sonic's Schoolhouse when the player beats a level with all correct answers.
Super Neptunia RPG (2019) Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Steam	A side-scrolling RPG spin-off of the Neptunia series. One of the swords that Neptune can equip was named directly after Omochao.
Monster Super League (2016) Android, iOS	2016 free-to-play mobile RPG. In 2019, an event called "Monster Super League X Sonic Festival" was announced. In this event, the Sonic characters Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Shadow and Silver can be collected as Astromons.
Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz HD (2019) Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Steam	Sonic appears as an unlockable playable character. He moves around in a blue ball. Instead of bananas, he collects Rings.
Dengeki Bunko: Crossing Void (2019) Android, iOS	A turn-based RPG developed in collaboration by 91Act and Sega. One of the music tracks that were reused from Dengeki Bunko Fighting Climax was the remix of the Seaside Hill theme, "Seaside B-Field".

2020s

Game Information	Description and cameos	Image
Black Mesa (2020)	On a list of names that the scientists gave to some of the aliens, the Houndeye is called "Sonic the Bull Dog", a reference to Sonic the Hedgehog.
Phantasy Star Online 2 (2020) (North American release) Xbox One, PC	To celebrate the North American release of the game, a collaboration with the Sonic series was made available of a bundle of Sonic-themed avatar items and many other rewards. The Sonic Lobby that first appeared in the Japanese version appeared in the Western versions during the duration of the Sega Legacy Scratch Ticket.
Kyoutou Kotoba RPG Kotodaman (2018) Android, iOS	The second Sonic-related collaboration for this mobile game by Sega. As part of Sega of Japan's promotions with the Sonic the Hedgehog film, Sonic was added as a playable character on March 19, 2020.
Chain Chronicle (2013) Android, iOS, PlayStation Vita	The first Sonic-related collaboration for this tower defense RPG by Sega. As part of Sega of Japan's promotions with the Sonic the Hedgehog film, Sonic was added as a playable character on March 27, 2020.
Puyo Puyo!! Quest (2013) Android, iOS	The second Sonic-related collaboration for this puzzle RPG by Sega. As part of Sega of Japan's promotions with the Sonic the Hedgehog film, Sonic was added as a playable character on 28 March 2020.
The Henry Stickmin Collection (2020) Steam	A collection of point-and-click adventure games. This series references the Sonic series in several ways. In Stealing the Diamond, Henry can use an item similar to a Shield. In another path, when Henry chooses a mushroom, a Ring can be seen. In Infiltrating the Airship, Henry uses a machine called the Robo Helper that resembles Tails. In the same game, choosing the Boost option during one of the paths has the Fail prompt reference "Gotta Go Fast". In Fleeing the Complex, Henry can use a Spring. In another path, he can use the "Speed Shoes". In Completing the Mission, Henry breaks a teleporter which teleports him to many places, including Green Hill Zone. Finally, in the same path, Henry can use an option of "super transformation" but fails because he does not have "6 more Emeralds."
Ninjala (2020) Nintendo Switch	A competitive online multiplayer action game. For season 2, a collaboration with the Sonic series was held which featured avatar items of Sonic, Tails, Knuckles and Dr. Eggman.
Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout (2020) PlayStation 4, Steam	A platformer battle royale game. During season 2, a crossover with the Sonic series was held which featured an outfit set of Sonic. The logo used for the promotional image is similar to the logo of the Sonic the Hedgehog film.
Puyo Puyo Tetris 2 (2020) Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, PS4, PS5, Steam	A sequel to the crossover puzzle game made by Sega. One of the bonuses advertised for pre-ordering the game is a pack of Item Cards based on the Sonic series, such as an iron ball, Shield and a Ring. The first major update of the game released on 14 January 2021 brought along four additional playable characters, one of which is Sonic the Hedgehog (reprised by Roger Craig Smith (in his final performance as Sonic) and Jun'ichi Kanemaru). In addition, "Tropical Resort - Act 1" from Sonic Colors was added as a music track, and avatars of Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Amy, Shadow, Dr. Eggman and Metal Sonic were included, with the artwork originating from their appearances in Puyo Puyo!! Quest. Moves that Sonic can use in the game include the Spin Attack, the Homing Attack, the Boost, the Blue Tornado, and a limit break that features him using the Chaos Emeralds to become Super Sonic. Sonic's lose artwork is designed after his E rank animation in Sonic Unleashed. Sonic's official artwork was made by a developer for the game who is also a Sonic fan. Another update released on 4 March 2021 added the Cash Cash remix of "Escape from the City" from Sonic Generations to the game.
Balan Wonderworld (2021) Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, PS4, PS5, Steam	A NiGHTS-esque 3D action platformer created by Yuji Naka and Naoto Ohshima. There are multiple references to the Sonic series. In the opening movie, when Balan runs around, his feet make a spinning motion like Sonic's in the Genesis games. He also makes a pose similar to Sonic's from the main artwork of Sonic Adventure. Leo, one of the two playable characters, has spiky hair that resembles Sonic's spines. When the Chrono Bunny costume is equipped, the player does Sonic's signature finger wagging pose.
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: The Game - Complete Edition (2021) Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PS4, PC, Stadia	An updated re-release of a sidescrolling beat 'em up game based on a graphic novel series. The physical release by Limited Run Games features a reversible cover. On one side of it, Scott mimicks the pose of Sonic from the cover of Sonic Adventure while the background pays homage to the Japanese box artworks for classic Sonic games on the Sega Mega Drive, like the reversible cover of the Japanese version of Sonic Mania Plus. A similar cover features Ramona with the Classic Edition of the game. The artwork was made by the creator of the series, Bryan Lee O'Malley, and Nathan Fairbairn.

References

Sonic the Hedgehog in other media

Printed media	Manga	Sonic the Hedgehog Story Comic (1991) · Sonic the Hedgehog (1992—1994) (The Adventures of SONIC the Hedgehog) · Dash & Spin Super Fast Sonic (2003—2005) · Dengeki Nintendo DS (Sonic World Adventure (2008), Sonic and the Black Knight (2009), Sonic Chronicles (2009), Sonic Colors (2010), Sonic Generations (2011))
	Comic books	Sonic the Hedgehog (promotional comic) (1991) · Sonic the Comic (1993—2002) · Sonic Sunday Strips (1993—1995) · Sonic the Hedgehog (Archie Comics) (1993—2017) (miniseries (1993), Princess Sally (1995), Tails (1995), Knuckles (1996), Sonic Quest (1996), Knuckles the Echidna (1997—1999), Sonic X (2005—2008), Sonic Universe (2008—2017), Sonic Boom (2014—2015)) · Sonic Adventures (1994) · Sonic Comic (2016) · Sonic the Hedgehog (IDW Publishing) (2018-) · Sonic the Hedgehog: Tangle & Whisper (2019) · Sonic the Hedgehog: Bad Guys (2020)
	Novels and picture books	Stay Sonic (1993) · Virgin Books (Sonic the Hedgehog in Robotnik's Laboratory (1993), Sonic the Hedgehog in the Fourth Dimension (1993), Sonic the Hedgehog and the Silicon Warriors (1993), Sonic the Hedgehog in Castle Robotnik (1994)) · Pense Bem: Uma Aventura Científica com Sonic the Hedgehog (1993) · Troll Associates (Sonic the Hedgehog (1994), Sonic the Hedgehog: Robotnik's Revenge (1994), Sonic the Hedgehog: Fortress of Fear (1995), Sonic the Hedgehog: Friend or Foe? (1995), Sonic & Knuckles (1995), Sonic X-Treme (1997)) · Ladybird (Sonic the Hedgehog Colouring Poster Book (1994), Sonic the Story (1994), Sonic the Hedgehog: Robotnik's Oil (1994), Sonic the Hedgehog: The Invisible Robotnik (1994)) · Watermill Press (Sonic the Hedgehog (1995)) · Golden Books (Sonic the Hedgehog: Sonic's Shoes Blues (1993), Sonic the Hedgehog 2: The Secret Admirer (1994), Sonic the Hedgehog 3: Up Against the Wall (1995), Sonic the Hedgehog: Double Trouble (1996)) · Sonic X books (2005—2007) (Meteor Shower Messenger (2005), Spaceship Blue Typhoon (2005), Battle at Ice Palace (2006), Aqua Planet (2006), Dr. Eggman Goes to War (2006), Desperately Seeking Sonic (2007)) · Where's Sonic? A Search-and-Find Adventure (2012) · Sonic Boom books (2015—2016) (Le partenaire ideal (2015), La machine à gaffes (2015), Pas de chance, Knuckles ! (2015), L'épouvantable Todd (2016), Sonic Superstar (2016), Une étrange météorite (2016)) · Sonic and the Tales of Deception (2018) · Sonic and the Tales of Terror (2018) · Meet Sonic! (2019)
	Other	Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Knitting Patterns (1992) · Sonic Adventure Gamebooks (1993—1996) · Ladybird (Sonic the Hedgehog Adventure Gamebook (1994—1995), Joke Book (1994), Where's Sonic? (1994), Where's Sonic Now? (1996), Puzzle Book 1 (1994), Puzzle Book 2 (1994)) · The Official Sonic the Hedgehog Yearbook (1993, 1994) · Sonic the Hedgehog Book (1992) · Sonic the Hedgehog Paint 'n' Marker Book (1993) · Look and Find Sonic the Hedgehog (1995) · Sonic the Hedgehog (Play-a-Sound) (1995) · How to Draw Sonic the Hedgehog & the Gang (1998) · The History of Sonic the Hedgehog (2012) · Sonic the Hedgehog Super Interactive Annual 2014 (2013) · Run, Sonic, Run! (2013) · Sonic: His Amazing History! (2016) · Sonic: The Ultimate Character Guide (2016) · Sonic the Hedgehog 25th Anniversary Art Book (2017) · Welcome to the World of Sonic (2018) · Sonic the Hedgehog Mad Libs (2018) · Race Against Chaos Sticker Activity Book (2018) · Sonic the Hedgehog Art & Design Book (2019)  · Sonic & Friends Sticker Activity Book (2019) · Sonic the Hedgehog Encyclo-speed-ia (2021)
Television and film	Animated shows	Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog (1993)  · Sonic the Hedgehog (1993—1994) · Sonic Underground (1999) · Sonic X (2003—2005) · Sonic Boom (2014—2017) · Sonic Prime (2022)
	Shorts	Sonic the Animation (1997) · Sonic: Night of the Werehog (2008) · Sonic Mania Adventures (2018) · Team Sonic Racing Overdrive (2019) · Chao In Space (2019)
	Other	Sonic - Super Hedgehog (1994) · Sonic Christmas Blast (1996) · Sonic the Hedgehog: The Movie (1996) · Sonic the Hedgehog (film series) (Sonic the Hedgehog (2020), Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (2022))
Miscellaneous		Alton Towers (Spinball Whizzer) · anniversaries (10th, 15th, 20th, 25th, 30th) · Cookie Crisp · conventions (Sonic Boom, Sonic Party 2002 Summer Festival, Summer of Sonic) · franchise's timeline · Guinness World Records · Honey Nut Cheerios · iTunes · Ken Penders' legal cases · cameo appearances and references · SEGA Republic (Sonic Hopper, Spin Gear) · Sonic Bible · Sonic Bowl · Sonic Generations of Skate · Sonic in Sydney · Sonic Parade Balloon · Toyland Tours