The Ring Spark Field,[1][2] also known as the Electric Attack,[3] 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][4] 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][4]
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
The Ring Spark Field in 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).
In other media
IDW Publishing
The Ring Spark Field appears in the Sonic the Hedgehog comic series published by IDW Publishing. It first appeared in Sonic the Hedgehog #30 where it was used by Metal Sonic to defend himself against Shadow.
References
- ↑ Sumo Digital, Feral Interactive (26 February 2010). Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing (PlayStation 3). Sege, Feral Interactive. "Metal Sonic's character profile: He can mimic Sonic's spin dash and homing attack, and thanks to the jet engine in his torso, he can beat Sonic's acceleration and equal Sonic's speed! He has extra abilities however, due to his mechanoid form. These include his Ring Spark Field, telescopic limbs, and a forcefield known as the Black Shield."
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "El arma secreta de Dr. Robotnik" (in Spanish). Hobby Consolas magazine. August 1993. p. 21http://info.sonicretro.org/images/d/d7/Hobby_consolas_23-021.jpg. "Another powerful attack Metal Sonic has is the "Ring Spark Field", a radioactive force that also has its disadvantages: the speed and energy of the robot decreases considerably."
- ↑ Devra Newberger Speregen (2016). Sonic: The Ultimate Character Guide. Scholastic. p. 27. ISBN 978-1338033243.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Very Crazy Penguin (21 May 2007). Metal Sonic profile. Very Crazy Penguin.