Ring Spark Field

The Ring Spark Field^[1][2] is a technique in the Sonic the Hedgehog series. When performing this move, the user unleashes a powerful electric field at the cost of lowering their speed.

Description

The Ring Spark Field is a technique reserved for robots. When using this move, the user uses a radioactive force within them to create a powerful electrical field around them.^[2][3] In gameplay, anyone who touches the Ring Spark Field will take damage.

The downside to the Ring Spark Field is that it drains the user of so much of available energy that their mobility deceases considerably and leaves them worn down for a few moments.^[2][3]

Game appearances

Sonic the Hedgehog CD

The Ring Spark Field first appeared in Sonic the Hedgehog CD during Metal Sonic's race with Sonic on Stardust Speedway. When performing the Ring Spark Field in this game, Metal Sonic flashes red while releasing blue electrical charges. However, the attack's range is very limited.

In gameplay, whenever Sonic comes close to Metal Sonic while he is moving along the ground, Metal Sonic unleashes his Ring Spark Field to halt Sonic's advances.

Sonic Generations

In the console/PC version of Sonic Generations, the Ring Spark Field appears in the game's recreation of Classic Metal Sonic and Classic Sonic's fight on Stardust Speedway. In this game, the Ring Spark Field is colored yellow, and has a much further range than in Sonic the Hedgehog CD. Unlike in Sonic the Hedgehog CD though, Metal Sonic uses the Ring Spark Field in the air rather that on the ground. However, he can send two columns of electricity down to the road from the bottom Ring Spark Field where Classic Sonic is running, thus limiting the space he can run on.

When Metal Sonic is about to use the Ring Spark Field, he charges up the attack, which is signified by a pulsating electrical field surrounding him, before finally attacking. After using it, he will be left vulnerable to attack for a while.

Sonic Mania

In Sonic Mania, and its expansion Sonic Mania Plus, the Ring Spark Field is used by Classic Metal Sonic during the boss battle with him in Stardust Speedway Zone Act 2. In this game, the appearance of the Ring Spark Field is the same as in Sonic the Hedgehog CD.

In gameplay, Metal Sonic will use the Ring Spark Field during the two running segments of his boss battle. When performing the move, Metal Sonic charges up the Ring Spark Field for a few seconds before launching himself towards the playable characters in an attempt to damage them. In 1.03 of Sonic Mania and the versions prior to it, Metal Sonic will also use the Ring Spark Field during the final phase of his boss battle; if Metal Sonic is off-screen, he will activate his Ring Spark Field and fly ahead to launch multiple sparks at the player from the air (although he is still prone to doing this move if the player is behind him when he is about to pull off a attack).

Trivia

• In the Archie Comics, this ability is called "Burst Shield".

References