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The Moto Bug[5] (モトラ[6],Motora?), also spelled Motobug,[1][2] is an enemy that appears in the Sonic the Hedgehog series. It is a mass-produced, ladybug-based Badnik created by Dr. Eggman. They are most likely the best-known Badnik model for being the very first one that Sonic the Hedgehog encountered, and reappearing in many games, even as variants.[1]
The Moto Bugs resemble robotic versions of the typical ladybug, but much larger. The classic Moto Bugs have round red body armor with vents covering their backs and blue faces which come together with their bodies in an almost spherical shape. They also have cartoony black eyes, two white mandibles, and thick yellow antennae. Their source of locomotion is reliant on the simple wheel mechanism located in their undercarriages. A small engine with an exhaust pipe on both sides of their rear propels their wheels across the ground. They also have short arms with yellow forearms and a single claw at the tip.
The Moto Bugs that appeared during the first part of the Death Egg mk.IIincident were more mechanical in design and had longer claws. The Moto Bugs that later appeared during the Wispincident and the Time Eaterincident were much like the original Moto Bugs, but with black spots on their backs instead of vents and menacing cyan eyes. The Moto Bugs that later debuted during the Lost Hexincident returned to the original ones' design, but with brighter faces, normal-looking cyan eyes and two black spots on their backs.
During the War to Take Back the Planet, the Moto Bugs received a more militaristic design. In addition to their backs becoming bright-gray (although their spot markings remained), they had small blue exhaust pipes and small faces. They also had blue rims that went around the back of their necks, and black faces with red eyes. They also wore what appeared to be a visor with a red lens and antennas, and their wheels were being held in place by white discs with blue rims. Some Moto Bugs actually remained in their older design when encountered during the war.
Game appearances[]
Sonic the Hedgehog (1991)[]
In the 16-bit version of the original Sonic the Hedgehog, the Moto Bugs[5] (モトラ[6],Motora?) are enemies found exclusively in Green Hill Zone. In gameplay, these Badniks only move back and forth in their Zone but will attempt to chase the playable character if they see them. However, they move very slowly. Other than that, the Moto Bugs are relatively harmless and can only hurt the playable character if they run directly into them. The player can easily destroy a Moto Bug by Spin Jumping onto it or by running it over with a Spin Attack. Upon their destruction, they release an Animal and reward the player with 100 points.
In the 8-bit version, the Moto Bugs only appear in Green Hill Zone Act 1. These Badniks are shown to be incredibly small, but they otherwise just scroll along the ground. Moto Bugs here also do not have an Animal inside of them. They can be defeated with a simple Spin Attack. When destroyed, the player is rewarded 100 points.
In the animated intro to the version in Sonic Origins, a Moto Bug attempted to capture two Flickies, although Sonic destroyed it before it could succeed, also freeing a Flicky that was trapped inside it. This also led to Sonic learning from the three of Dr. Eggman's latest scheme of kidnapping South Island's animal population in order for them to power his Badniks.
Sonic Drift 2[]
In Sonic Drift 2, the Moto Bugs are referred to as Motora.[4] In this game, they as appear as obstacles on the Hill Top track in gameplay, where they shift back-and-forth; if a racer collides with a Moto Bug, they will spin out of control and lose Rings.
In gameplay, the Moto Bugs behave more or less just like they did in the original Sonic the Hedgehog, meaning they simply move forwards along the ground, stopping and reversing should they hit a cliff or obstacle, and will begin chasing the playable character when they spot them. They are likewise destroyed when hit once by any of the playable characters' attacks. Much like in the original Sonic the Hedgehog, the Moto Bugs pose no real threat unless they are run into. Also, upon their destruction, they release an Animal and reward the player with 100 points.
Sonic Colors[]
In the Wii version of Sonic Colors, the Moto Bugs returned once more as enemies. In this game, they received another slight redesign that made them look more modernized and ladybug-like. The player only encounters them during the high-speed Quick Step sections in Starlight Carnival Act 1, Asteroid Coaster Act 4, and Terminal Velocity Act 1.
In gameplay, the Moto Bugs are able to keep up with Sonic, even while he is boosting. When they appear, they stick to the lanes they drive along without making any attempt to attack Sonic. The player on the other hand can attack the Moto Bugs by Quick Stepping into them, causing them to lose balance and be destroyed. When a Moto Bug is destroyed, however, new ones will appear soon after to take its place. This will continue until the player leaves the Moto Bugs' sections or their Act is completed.
In Starlight Carnival and Asteroid Coaster, a larger variant of the Moto Bug with black and red spots named Black Moto Bug will sometimes appear. Despite the differences though, it is destroyed in the same way as regular Moto Bugs. Also, when this variant is destroyed, all the regular Moto Bugs that are present will be destroyed along with it.
Sonic Generations[]
In the console/PC version and Nintendo 3DSversion of Sonic Generations, Moto Bugs from somewhere across spacetime appear as enemies. In this game, they possess their design from the Wii version of Sonic Colors. In both versions of the game, the player only encounters them in Green Hill.
In gameplay in the console/PC version of the game, some Moto Bugs will remain stationary until Sonic approaches, at which point they will rev up their wheels to quickly ram into Sonic. This "charge time" is so lengthy, however, that it is rendered useless when subjected to an offensive maneuver from the player. In gameplay in the Nintendo 3DS version of the game, the Moto Bugs simply move back and forth along the ground, like in the original Sonic the Hedgehog. Like always, the Moto Bugs are easily dispatched by a single hit from any of Modern or Classic Sonic's attacks.
In the console/PC version of the game, there are also giant, indestructible Moto Bugs in the Knuckles: Horde of EnemiesChallenge Act. These Moto Bugs cannot hurt Sonic, nor do they attempt to attack him, but they can propel Sonic high into the air if they are struck by an attack from a certain height, which is useful during these Moto Bugs' Challenge Act. A statue of the Moto Bug can also be unlocked in the console/PC version's Statue Room.
Sonic Lost World[]
In the Wii U version, PCversion, and Nintendo 3DSversion of Sonic Lost World, the Moto Bugs return as enemies. In this game, they were redesigned so that they resembled their original incarnation, but with spots on their back and cyan eyes. During the games' events, Dr. Eggman's Badniks, the Moto Bugs included, got hijacked by the Deadly Six after the group betrayed the Doctor.
The Moto Bug is the most common enemy in the game. In the Wii U version of the game, the player encounters the Moto Bugs in Windy Hill Zone 1, 2, 3 and 4, Desert Ruins Zone 1, 3 and 4, Tropical Coast Zone 1, 2 and 4, Frozen Factory Zone 1, and Silent Forest Zone 1, 2 and 4. In the Nintendo 3DS version of the game, the player encounters them in Windy Hill Tutorial, Windy Hill Zone 1, 2 and 3, Desert Ruins Zone 1 and 2, Tropical Coast Zone 1 and 2, Frozen Factory Zone 1 and 2, Silent Forest Zone 2, and Sky Road Zone 3.
In gameplay in every version of the game, the Moto Bugs move about mostly in groups. They usually putter around without cause until the playable character comes within proximity. At this point, they will gain a determined expression and home into the playable character at a slow speed. They are also stationary at times, in places where the Homing Attack is necessary. Like always, the Moto Bugs are easy to defeat, as they will be destroyed by just one hit from any of the attacks in the player's arsenal. Also, upon their destruction, they will release an Animal.
Sonic Mania[]
In Sonic Mania, and its expansion Sonic Mania Plus, the Moto Bugs are enemies found in both Acts of Green Hill Zone. In gameplay, they retain their designs from the original Sonic the Hedgehog, although as of the Version 1.04/RC 1.05.0713 update and the release of Sonic Mania Plus, the blue armor on their "face" is now slightly brighter. Their behavior pattern is also the same as the one from their original appearance, and can thus be easily destroyed with a Spin Attack-related move. Doing so will release the Animals inside of them and award the player with 100 points.
Various destroyed Moto Bugs also make cameo appearances in the trash heaps in Flying Battery Zone. A Moto Bug, Jimmy, also serves as the Heavy Rider's steed.
The Moto Bugs are most commonly encountered in the 2.5D sections of the stages. In gameplay, they drive idly around until they spot the playable character. When they do, they will stop and rev up before charging at the playable character. If they miss, they will turn around and try again. Other than that, they are still as easily destroyed as back in their debut game.
On the water slides in Aqua Road and Eggman's Facility, deactivated Moto Bugs with their design from Sonic Lost World appear as drifting obstacles. If the playable character collides with them, the playable character will be pushed to the side, putting them as risk of falling off the water slides. However, these collision also destroy the Moto Bugs. Occasionally, a golden Moto Bug will also appear. These Moto Bugs require three hits to be destroyed, and when they are, they will release a prize, like a Super Ring or a Red Star Ring. Sometimes, this will also cause the next golden Moto Bug to spawn.
During the Metal Sonic and Infinite boss fights, the boss will gather Moto Bugs (who sport their designs from both Sonic Lost World and Sonic Forces) and Egg Pawns to protect themselves when the player gets close. These Moto Bugs can be knocked away with consecutive Homing Attacks/Wire Attacks or the Wispon.
Sonic Frontiers[]
In Sonic Frontiers, Moto Bugs appear as enemies in both Cyber Spacestages and the Open Zone, with their appearance being identical to the alternate design first seen in Sonic Colors when in Cyber Space, and with the Open Zone variant sporting a purple and cyan version of the same design. They are encountered in the Cyber Space stages 1-1, 1-4, 1-6 and 2-6, as well as Ouranos Island in the Final Horizon expansion. Their attack pattern is closely identical from previous mainline games with a simple ability of charging at the playable characters at medium speed after spotting them in sight.
In Sonic Dream Team, Moto Bugs appear as enemies and can be found exclusively in Nightmare Maze, with their appearance resembling that seen in Sonic Lost World. In this game, they patrol certain areas and charge at the playable characters when they get close to them.
In gameplay, the Moto Bugs' attack patterns involve them simply driving around on their respective platforms. To destroy a Moto Bug, the player must jump into it from below.
Sonic Dash[]
This section requires an expansion.
Sonic Runners series[]
Sonic Runners[]
In Sonic Runners, the Moto Bugs appear as enemies. In this game, they retained their design from Sonic Lost World. They are also some of the more common foes encountered in the Speed Type characters' stages. In gameplay, they either remain stationary or move back and forth, either separately or in groups.
The player can destroy the Moto Bugs with any move or offensive power-up in the playable characters' arsenal. When destroyed, a Moto Bug will grant the player 100 points.
Moto Bugs in Sonic Runners come in three types. Aside from the regular Moto Bugs, there are golden ones which grant 300 points when defeated, and silver ones that grant 200 points when eliminated and which only Color Powers, Invincible and the power type characters' dash attack can defeat. All three variations also contain Animals that are released when they are destroyed. The Moto Bugs also appear as part of several episodes' narrative, which features them being defeated time and time again by Team Sonic.
In gameplay, the Moto Bugs either remain stationary or move slowly towards the player, much like how they did in their previous title. Also, upon their destruction, they release an Animal.
In the Wii U version of the game, Moto Bugs appear as items that can be utilized by the playable characters in the Duel Beach Volleyball event. When a playable character utilizes a Moto Bug in this event, they will deploy a Moto Bug that will move under the net and charge straight ahead towards the playable character's opponent, stunning them and taking 15 duel points away for each hit. The playable characters can jump over the Moto Bug to avoid its attack though.
In the Nintendo 3DS version of the game, the Moto Bugs appear as obstacles in the Equestrian Plus event. During this event, they drive towards the playable character in rows of three. Jump over them as if they were regular obstacle, or the game will give the player a time penalty. They also appear as walls during the Golf Plus event on Hole 9, where they use their sprite appearance from the original Sonic the Hedgehog. If the playable character's golf ball hits a Moto Bug wall here, it will disappear and the golf ball itself will land safely on the lawn without falling onto unfavorable terrain.
In Sonic Forces: Speed Battle, these robots are referred to as both Motobugs[2] and Moto-Bugs.[3] In gameplay, they appear as both a Projectile Item and Trap Item that can only be obtained at random from Item Boxes by using certain characters.
Sonic Speed Simulator[]
In Sonic Speed Simulator, Moto Bugs were introduced in version 2.8 for the "First Anniversary Event". Here, they are placed around Green Hill and can be destroyed in one hit. In the event, the fourth quest to unlock Birthday King Sonic is to destroy 400 Moto Bugs. Like most enemies in the game, they do not attempt to attack the player, and will simply spin their wheels in place. This time around, they sport their design from Sonic Lost World.
Speed Sphere Challenge[]
In Speed Sphere Challenge, Moto Bugs are present as common enemies that walk around a set path. Like most of the other Badniks in the game, they cannot harm Sonic and can easily be defeated by simply rolling over them. Like the other Badniks, the Moto Bugs release an Animal upon being killed.
Personality[]
While built to serve as work drones, Moto Bugs possess a degree of sentience and personality traits. These traits include fawning over Dr. Eggman and trying to give him a great birthday on their own volition.[9] Despite that, the Moto Bugs are only able to comprehend simplistic tasks such as attempting to kill Sonic.[10]
Powers and abilities[]
Despite being far less advanced than other Badniks like those in the E-Series, the Moto Bugs' design allows them to perform tasks flawlessly.[11] They come equipped with small claws.
As seen during the Wispincident, the Moto Bugs are able to move at speeds rivaling that of Sonic himself. They can also use their exhaust pipes like rockets to achieve flight.[12]
IDW Publishing[]
In the Sonic the Hedgehogcomic series and its spin-offs published by IDW Publishing, the Motobugs do not possess any special abilities to speak of. However, they are equipped with claws sharp enough to cut shrubs with ease.[13][14]
The Akatento is a ground-based variant of the Moto Bug. Despite being different models, the Akatentos look very similar to the Moto Bugs and have the same attack patterns. They first appeared in Sonic Advance 3.
The Aotento is a blue, aerial-based variant of the Moto Bug. These robots possess flight capabilities for the purpose of allowing them to fly into an airborne enemy's flight path. They first appeared in Sonic Advance 3.
The Black Moto Bug is a slightly larger variant of the Moto Bug and acts the same as their normal counterparts. They first appeared in the Wii version of Sonic Colors.
The Boing-o-Bot is a blue, black and red variant of the Moto Bug. Design-wise, they are very similar to the Moto Bug, the main difference being the Springs on top of the Boing-o-Bots' backs. They only appear in Sonic Chaos.
The Lady Bug Boss is a larger and more powerful variant of the Moto Bug. It is very similar to the Moto Bugs, but with treads instead of a wheel and a Spring on top of its back, like the Boing-o-Bots. It first appeared in Sonic Chaos.
The Ladybuggy is another variant of the Moto Bug. In terms of appearance, they look almost like the regular Moto Bug. These ones, however, drive Spin Coasters, which others can take control of if they eliminate the Badniks driving them. They first appeared in Sonic the Hedgehog Triple Trouble.
The New Motora is an updated model of the Moto Bugs that possesses a different paintjob, but otherwise uses the same attack patterns as the Moto Bugs, though they also have a ramming attack. They first appeared in Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (8-bit).
IDW Publishing[]
Tank variant[]
In the Sonic the Hedgehogcomic series and its spin-offs published by IDW Publishing, the tank variant of the Motobugs is essentially a giant version of the basic Motobug, being several times larger than the average Egg Pawn. Some of them have twin Gatling guns mounted on their heads behind what would be antennae, in which case the holes where the antennae would be seen in front of and to the sides of the guns. The guns are strong enough to turn a regular Badnik to dust in a matter of seconds. The gun usually has a lesser Badnik controlling it.
In the Sonic Boom franchise, the Moto Bugs (spelt "Motobug" in this media) are a mass-produced Badnik model created by Dr. Eggman. They serve both as Eggman's sentries and foot soldiers which the doctor uses for his frequent attacks on Team Sonic and Seaside Island. However, they are not very powerful and are easily destroyed.
Books and comics[]
Sonic the Hedgehog Story Comic[]
The Moto Bug appears briefly in Sonic the Hedgehog Story Comic manga. At the beginning of Volume 3 story, "Sonic Rampage!!", a Moto Bug and Burrobot were sent by Dr. Eggman to beat down Sonic, but despite the their fierce nature, they were easily defeated.
In the Sonic the Comic series published by Fleetway Editions, the Moto Bugs are a part of Dr. Robotnik's Badnik army. Over the comic's run, the Moto Bug's design would differ between issues. They are among the first generation of Badniks Robotnik produced and have threatened the people of Mobius since the earliest days of Robotnik's reign of terror.
In the Sonic the Hedgehog comic series and its spin-offs published by Archie Comics, the Moto Bugs (here called "Motobugs") were among the first generation of badniks produced by Dr. Robotnik, though they were eventually rendered obsolete by more advanced robots and got decommissioned. Any Motobugs that survived were left behind in various outposts until Mammoth Mogul instated them as workers in his casino.
Following the events of Worlds Collide, the Motobugs' history became nearly identical to that of their game counterparts.
In the Sonic X comic series published by Archie Comics, when Sonic got trapped in a virtual reality version of the Green Hill, a Moto Bug managed to get the drop on him. However, Sonic retaliated swiftly and released the Pocky inside of it.[15]
The toy company Tomy released a Moto Bug figurine to promote the release of Sonic & Knuckles. Despite not appearing in the game, the figurine was included in a series of a total of twenty-one various Mega Drive-era Sonic characters and enemies. These figurines came in five different packs, each consisting of four toys, under the Sonic & Knuckles label.
For the 20th anniversary of the Sonic the Hedgehog series, Jazwares produced a line of figures of the characters and enemies from the series. A Classic Sonic was released, which included a Moto Bug figurine that was based on its Sonic Generations design.
In December 2020, Jakks Pacific released a Moto Bug figure as a part of their 3rd wave of 2.5" articulated figures.
Trivia[]
In the Stay Sonic book, it is stated that the Spikeses are "a weird blend" of the Moto Bugs and Crabmeats. However, the canonicity of this fact is uncertain.[16]
In an unused character model from Sonic Colors, the Moto Bug is shown with a pair of tube-shaped weapons on its back that are seemingly meant to be used as weapons. However, this version of the Moto Bug never appeared in the game.[17]
The Roaders in the Mega Man series feature a similar concept and purpose to that of the Moto Bug Badniks.
The Moto Bug's Japanese name, "Motora," is derived not from motorcycle, but from motoru, meaning "to deviate from."
↑Sega (31 March 2023). The Murder of Sonic the Hedgehog. Steam. Sega. Area/level: Dining Car. "Eggman: You see, the capability of a Badnik is normally very basic, just kill Sonic The Hedgehog. But for a luxury train, I wanted to make sure things ran without my supervision. And report to me if any of you happened onboard."
↑"Dr. Eggman in... My Greatest Invention". Sonic the Hedgehog: Rival Edition. Tomy. 2017.
↑Sonic X #10, "No Thanks for the Memories! Part One"
↑Pattenden, Mike (January 4, 1993). "Robotnik's Badniks". Stay Sonic. Fantail. p. 35. ISBN 978-0140903904. "Less of a hermit crab and more of a ham-it crab, Spikes is a weird blend of Moto Bug and Crabmeat and lurks on rooftops in the Spring Yard Zone."