Robot Beetle

Robot Beetle^[1] (メカブ^[2], Mekabu^?, lit. “Mecha Bu”^{[note 1]}) is an enemy in the Sonic the Hedgehog series. They are beetle-based Badnik models created by Dr. Eggman.

Appearance

The Robot Beetles resemble Japanese rhinoceros beetles. They have a blue body with two yellow, red-capped rear-wheels and two small grey forelimbs which have small black wheels with red caps for hands. On the front they have a black face with two black eyes, a yellow jaw cap and yellow helmet. Attached to their face is a horn with a buzz-saw.

In Sonic Mania Plus’ Encore Mode, Robot Beetles sport a dark olive-green coating rather than their typical blue color.

Game appearances

Sonic the Hedgehog CD

In Sonic the Hedgehog CD, Robot Beetles can only be found at Metallic Madness . In gameplay, they roll slowly along the ground, raising and lowering their buzz-saw horns. However, they are unable to turn around, which makes them vulnerable to attacks on the rear. When attacking, the player has to avoid their buzz-saw.

In the Bad Future or sometimes in the present timeline of the Rounds, Robot Beetles are one of the few Badniks who do not show decay, thus remaining pristine in appearance. However, such Robot Beetles still cannot move their buzz-saws. Like every Badnik in the game, they are powered by Little Planet flower seeds which will pop out of them after being defeated.

Sonic Mania

In Sonic Mania, and its expansion Sonic Mania Plus, Robot Beetles appear as enemies. In terms of design, they look like their pristine versions in their debut appearance. In these games, they only appear in both Acts of Metallic Madness Zone.

In gameplay, the Robot Beetles basically behave like in their debut appearance: they roll along the ground, raising and lowering their buzz saws. However, they are now more aggressive and faster than before. Also, upon destroying a Robot Beetle, it will release an Animal.

Trivia

• In an cinematic ending animation during the game's credits, the Robot Beetles are seen residing in Wacky Workbench despite not appearing there in gameplay.

Gallery

Concept artwork

Sonic the Hedgehog CD

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Screenshots

Gallery
Sonic the Hedgehog CD Sonic the Hedgehog CD Sonic and two Robot Beetles in the cinematic ending animation of Sonic the Hedgehog CD The Robot Beetles crushing into each other in the cinematic ending animation of Sonic the Hedgehog CD Add a photo to this gallery

Notes

1. ↑ While not listed in any instruction manuals, the internal files in the PC release of Sonic Mania refers to this enemy as "MechaBu".

References