- For the power-up in the Sonic Boom series, see Shield (Sonic Boom).
The Shield,[1] also known as the Barrier[2] (バリア[3][4] Baria?), is an Item Box power-up that appears in the Sonic the Hedgehog series. When the player obtains this power-up, the playable character receives a force-field that can negate one instance of damage.
Since its introduction, the Shield has become one of the most recurring Item Box power-ups in the Sonic series. The effects of the Shield have as well remained mostly untouched, like the Super Rings and Power Sneakers. In several games though, it has possessed different features. The Shield is also the first and original of all the shield-type power-ups in the Sonic series.
Description[]
Knuckles with a Shield equipped, from Sonic Adventure DX: Director's Cut.
Item Boxes containing Shield usually either contain or display an icon depicting a sphere that is colored either green or blue. When the player obtains the Shield, a protective bubble will typically appear around the playable character. This bubble will prevent the playable character from losing Rings, or even a life if they hold no Rings, when they get hit by an enemy attack, touch an enemy, or run into a damage-inducing hazard. When taking a damage-dealing blow with the Shield equipped, the Shield disappears and the playable character is usually knocked slightly backwards without taking damage while gaining temporary invulnerability for a few seconds. However, the Shield cannot protect the playable character from losing a life when falling into a bottomless pit, being crushed, drowning, or in case they get a Time Over. Also, in contrast to its successors, the Shield does not grant the player any additional abilities, although, unlike certain elemental shields, it will stay in place in case the player goes underwater.
Under normal circumstances, a familiar sample will play when the Shield is obtained from an Item Box. Usually, the Shield will also remain active until the playable character takes damage or the level ends. In some games (particularly those released on mobile devices) though, the Shield only lasts for a limited time.
The color of the Shield's protective bubble has varied over the course of the Sonic series; while it is translucent in most games, it is typically either light blue or green. In one instance, it has been colorless.
Game appearances[]
Sonic the Hedgehog (1991)[]
16-bit[]
Sonic with the Shield equipped, from the 16-bit version of Sonic the Hedgehog (1991).
In the 16-bit version of Sonic the Hedgehog (1991), the Shield[5] (バリア[6] Baria?, lit. "Barrier") makes its first appearance. In this game, Video Monitors containing the Shield display an icon that shows a blue sphere with a light blue center. When obtaining the Shield in gameplay, the playable character gets surrounded by a washed-out blue bubble. Its animation also shows it flashing constantly.
Due to the infamous "Spike Bug" in the original version of Sonic the Hedgehog, spikes are able to bypass the playable character's protection and cause them to lose their Shield, Rings, and life in rapid succession.
8-bit[]
In the 8-bit version of Sonic the Hedgehog, the Shield[7] (バリア[8] Baria?, lit. "Barrier") power-up returns. In this game, video monitors containing the Shield display an icon that shows a blue sphere with a white center.
When obtaining the Shield in gameplay, the playable character gets surrounded by a translucent bubble with bright blue edges. Its animation also shows it flashing constantly. In comparison to their 16-bit counterparts, the Shields in this game are smaller and brighter.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2[]
Sonic with the Shield equipped, from Sonic the Hedgehog 2.
In Sonic the Hedgehog 2, the shield power-up is once again called Shield[9] (バリア[10] Baria?, lit. "Barrier"). In this game, monitors containing the Shield display an icon that shows a blue sphere with a light blue center.
When obtaining the Shield in gameplay, the playable character gets surrounded by a bubble with a tint of dark blue that displays ripples across its surface. Its animation also shows it flashing constantly. In Knuckles in Sonic 2 (the lock-on game between Sonic the Hedgehog 2 and Sonic & Knuckles) however, the Shield is colored gray instead of blue.
While playing as Super Sonic, the Shield's icon on the monitor changes to a golden-yellow, matching Super Sonic's color scheme; if the player obtains this Shield, it will be the same golden-yellow color. This is due to Sonic and the Shield sharing the same color palette in the game. The same thing can happen in Knuckles in Sonic 2, where the Shield starts glowing pink just like Super Knuckles does.
Sonic CD[]
In Sonic the Hedgehog CD, the shield power-up is called Shield[11] (バリア[12] Baria?, lit. "Barrier") once more. In this game, monitors containing the Shield display an icon that shows a blue sphere with a light blue center.
When obtaining the Shield in gameplay, the playable character gets surrounded by a washed-out and swirling blue bubble. Its animation also shows it flashing constantly.
Knuckles' Chaotix[]
In Knuckles' Chaotix, the shield power-up is named Shield[13] (バリア[14] Baria?, lit. "Barrier") yet again. In this game, Monitors containing the Shield display an icon that shows a blue sphere with a light blue center.
When obtaining the Shield in gameplay, the playable character gets surrounded by a solid blue bubble that possesses a spinning effect. Its animation also shows it flashing constantly. However, the Shield is only given to whichever of the two player-controlled characters breaks the Monitor, leaving the other vulnerable to attack. Also, while the Shield is in effect, its Monitor icon can be seen on the bottom of the screen, which indicates that the Shield is active.
Sonic Blast[]
In Sonic Blast, the shield power-up is once again named Shield[15] (バリア[16] Baria?, lit. "Barrier"). In this game, TVs containing the Shield display an icon that shows a blue sphere with a light blue center. Also, while the Shield can be obtained from its standard TVs, the player can also obtain it from ??? TVs at times.
When obtaining the Shield in gameplay, two small white stars begin circling around the playable character instead of a bubble-based shield appearing around them. In terms of gameplay, the Shield is featured from Red Volcano Zone and onwards.
Sonic Adventure[]
In Sonic Adventure, and its remake Sonic Adventure DX: Director's Cut, the shield power-up is referred to as Shield[17] (バリア[18] Baria?, lit. "Barrier") yet again. It also marks the Shield's first appearance in a 3D Sonic title. In these games, Item Boxes containing the Shield hold an icon that shows a green bubble.
When obtaining the Shield in gameplay, the playable character gets surrounded by a translucent dark green bubble.
Sonic Adventure 2[]
A Shield Item Box, from Sonic Adventure 2.
In Sonic Adventure 2, and its remake Sonic Adventure 2: Battle, the shield power-up is named Shield[1] (バリア[3] Baria?, lit. "Barrier") once again. In these games, Item Boxes containing the Shield hold an icon that shows a green bubble.
When obtaining the Shield in gameplay, the playable character gets surrounded by a translucent dark green bubble akin to the one that appeared in Sonic Adventure.
Besides obtaining the Shield from Item Boxes, the player will also automatically obtain a Shield (or a Magnetic Shield) when they pass through a point marker while holding 90 Rings or more.
Sonic Advance series[]
Sonic Advance[]
A Barrier, from Sonic Advance.
In Sonic Advance, the shield power-up is referred to as Barrier[19] (バリア[20] Baria?). In this game, boxes containing the Barrier display an icon that shows a green bubble.
When obtaining the Barrier in gameplay, the playable character gets surrounded by a swirling dark green bubble. Its animation also shows it flashing constantly.
Sonic Advance 2[]
In Sonic Advance 2, the shield power-up is referred to as Shield[21] (バリア[22] Baria?, lit. "Barrier") yet again. In this game, boxes containing the Shield display an icon that shows a green bubble.
When obtaining the Shield in gameplay, the playable character gets surrounded by a swirling dark green bubble. Its animation also shows it flashing constantly.
Sonic Advance 3[]
In Sonic Advance 3, the shield power-up is called Shield[23] (バリア[24] Baria?, lit. "Barrier") once more. In this game, Boxes containing the Shield display an icon that shows a green bubble.
When obtaining the Shield in gameplay, the playable character gets surrounded by a swirling dark green bubble. Its animation also shows it flashing constantly.
Sonic Heroes[]
In Sonic Heroes, the shield power-up is known as Barrier[2] (バリア[4] Baria?) once again. In this game, Item Boxes containing the Barrier hold an icon that shows a green bubble. Also, while the Barrier can be obtained from its standard Item Boxes, the player can also obtain it from Floating Item Boxes.
When obtaining the Barrier in gameplay, the playable character gets surrounded by a rainbow-colored bubble, although only the left and right side of this bubble can be seen. In addition to this, the Barrier retains its earlier incarnations' green tint. Also, when obtained, the Barrier is always placed on the lead playable character so if the player changes their team's leader, the new leader will have the Barrier transferred over to them.
When Team Rose uses their Team Blast, Flower Festival, they will grant themselves a Barrier power-up.
Shadow the Hedgehog[]
In Shadow the Hedgehog, the shield power-up is once again known as Barrier[25] (バリア[26] Baria?). In this game, Item Boxes containing the Barrier hold an icon that shows a green bubble.
When obtaining the Barrier in gameplay, the playable character gets surrounded by a nearly invisible and pulsating green bubble.
Sonic Rush series[]
Sonic Rush[]
In Sonic Rush, the shield power-up is named Barrier[27] (バリア[28] Baria?) again. In this game, Item Boxes containing the Barrier display an icon that shows a green bubble. Also, while the Barrier can be obtained from its standard Item Boxes, the player can also obtain it from Floating Item Boxes.
When obtaining the Barrier in gameplay, the playable character gets surrounded by a spinning and translucent green bubble.
Sonic Rush Adventure[]
In Sonic Rush Adventure, the shield power-up is called Barrier[29] (バリア[30] Baria?) once more. In this game, Item Boxes containing the Barrier display an icon that shows a green bubble.
When obtaining the Barrier in gameplay, the playable character gets surrounded by a spinning and translucent green bubble.
Sonic the Hedgehog (2006)[]
Sonic using the unused Shield next to the unused Shield item box, from Sonic the Hedgehog (2006), achieved via modding.
In Sonic the Hedgehog (2006), the shield power-up is referred to as the Shield[31] in the western manuals. However, it is not mentioned in the Japanese manual. In this game, Item Boxes containing the Shield display an icon that shows a green bubble, and appears as such when placed in-game. However, while the Shield Item Box itself does not appear in the game despite being listed in the game's manual,[31] the item itself works as intended, albeit without the invincibility that is normally granted after losing the shield. Collecting the Shield was intended to play an activation sound. However the sound was left unimplemented.
When using the Thunder Guard ability, a Shield will spawn underneath the electric barrier, and completing a level will remove the electric barrier, but will leave the Shield texture, allowing it to be seen in gameplay.
Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity[]
In Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity, the shield power-up is once more named Shield in the western manuals.[32] In this game, Item Boxes containing the Shield display a blue icon that shows a green and black bubble surrounded by green electricity. Furthermore, the Shield Item Boxes only appear in Survival Battle.
When obtaining the Shield in gameplay, the playable character gets surrounded by a green bubble with green electricity running along its surface. Its primary purpose is to prevent the user from losing Hit Points (in Sudden Death mode) or allowing an opponent to gain a point for hitting the player (in Points Battle). The Shield will instantly dissipate if the player falls off the field, however.
Sonic the Hedgehog 4[]
Episode I[]
In Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I (and by extension Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode Metal), the shield power-up is once more called Shield[33] (バリア[34] Baria?, lit. "Barrier"). In this game, Item Boxes containing the Shield display an icon that shows a green bubble.
When obtaining the Shield in gameplay, the playable character gets surrounded by a translucent and glowing green bubble. Also, if Sonic transforms into Super Sonic while the Shield is active, the Shield will stay around Super Sonic.
Episode II[]
In Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II, the shield power-up is again referred to as Shield[35] (バリア[36] Baria?, lit. "Barrier"). In this game, Item Boxes containing the Shield display an icon that shows a green bubble.
When obtaining the Shield in gameplay, the playable character gets surrounded by a translucent, glowing and pulsating green bubble. In addition, the Shield is given to both characters in the main scenario (this includes Sonic, whom the player controls, and Tails, who accompanies Sonic) when obtained. However, the characters' Shields are independent of one another, meaning that when one character loses their Shield the other will keep theirs. Also, if Sonic transforms into Super Sonic while the Shield is active, the Shield will stay around Super Sonic.
Sonic Colors[]
In the Nintendo DS version of Sonic Colors, the shield power-up made an appearance. In this game, Item Boxes containing the Shield display an icon that shows a green bubble.
Sonic Generations[]
In Sonic Generations, the shield power-up appears in both versions and is referred to as Shield in the latter.[37]
In the console/PC version of Sonic Generations, the Shield is identified with a round green icon that displays a swirling green bubble (blue in Sonic X Shadow Generations. However, the Shield does not appear as an Item Box power-up in the stages. Instead, it appears as an equipable Skill for Classic Sonic that can grant up to two Shields during one stage Act. This "Shield" Skill can be bought from the Skill Shop for 1,200 Skill Points from the beginning of the game and can be equipped to Classic Sonic at the cost of sixty Skill Points. To grant Classic Sonic a Shield with this Skill during a stage Act, the player has to press 
/
. When obtaining the Shield in gameplay on this version of the game, Classic Sonic gets surrounded by a colorless bubble with white edges.
In the Nintendo 3DS version of Sonic Generations, the Shield appears as an Item Box power-up. In this game, Item Boxes containing the Shield display an icon that shows a green bubble. Also, while the Shield can be obtained from its standard Item Boxes, it can also be received as an extra skill after playing Versus Mode online. When obtaining the Shield in gameplay on this version of the game, Classic Sonic gets surrounded by a translucent green bubble.
Sonic Lost World[]
In Sonic Lost World, the shield power-up makes an appearance in the Wii U version and PC version of the game. In this game, Item Boxes containing the Shield hold a light blue bubble.
In gameplay, Shield power-ups do not appear in the Zones. Instead, they can be obtained through other means, outside of the Zones. On the Wii U version, they can be obtained and shared on the Miiverse.[38] They can also be rewarded by completing missions. Like other Items that can only be obtained though these methods, individual Shields power-ups have a Star Rating between 1 to 5 stars, with the number of stars determining how many times the playable character can take damage with the Shield active before it disappears. Once obtained, the Shield will be stored away for the player to use later in the Zones. During these Zones, the player can look up the Item Bag and select the Shield to instantly bestow it onto the playable character.
Sonic Mania[]
In Sonic Mania, and its expansion Sonic Mania Plus, the shield power-up is called Blue Shield[39] (バリア[40] Baria?, lit. "Barrier"). In these games, Item Boxes containing the Blue Shield display an icon that shows a blue sphere with a white center. Also, while the Blue Shield can be obtained from its standard Item Boxes, the player can also obtain it as a prize when playing in the Pinball Stage.
When obtaining the Blue Shield in gameplay, the playable character gets surrounded by a translucent and swirling blue bubble. Notably, Sonic Mania marks the first game in the series in which the standard Shield appears alongside its elemental counterparts.
Sonic Forces[]
In Sonic Forces, the shield power-up makes a return. However, it is unnamed in the manuals. In this game, Item Boxes containing the Shield display an icon that shows a light blue bubble.
In gameplay, the Shield Item Boxes only appear in Classic Sonic's stages. When obtaining the Shield, Classic Sonic gets surrounded by a translucent and pulsating light blue bubble.
There is also a specific skill equipped to various Wispons that grants the Avatar a one-time Shield when entering a stage, represented by small circling silver lines. This Shield is shared with Sonic in Tag Team stages.
Sonic Superstars[]
The shield power-up return in Sonic Superstars and can now be carried over between levels.
Sonic Dream Team[]
The icon for the Shield Power from Sonic Dream Team.
The Shield was added to Sonic Dream Team during the Powers update as an equippable Power that activates upon starting an act. The shield functions as it does in previous entries, protecting the user from a single hit of damage. To unlock the Shield Power, the player needs to purchase it for 40 Blue Coins from the Powers menu, and does not need to have met any requirement in Tails' Challenge.
Other game appearances[]
Sonic 3 & Knuckles[]
While the normal shield doesn't appear in the actual game, it is available in the leaked prototype of the game.
In the Sonic Origins release of the game, the normal shield can be re-enabled by playing a cheat code in the Level Select, and can also be obtained by Random item boxes also via a Level Select cheat code. It retains its graphics from Sonic 2.
Sonic Pocket Adventure[]
In Sonic the Hedgehog Pocket Adventure, the shield power-up is once again called the Shield[41] (バリア[42] Baria?, lit. "Barrier"). In this game, the item boxes containing the Shield display an icon that shows a light blue sphere with a bright center.
When obtaining the Shield in gameplay, Sonic gets surrounded by a bubble with a tint of dark blue that displays ripples across its surface. Its animation also shows it flashing constantly.
Mario & Sonic series[]
Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games[]
In the Nintendo DS version of Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games, the Shield serves its standard purpose. However, its usual mechanics have been modified slightly for the game's Event-based playstyle.
In gameplay, the Shields appear exclusively during the Dream Race and Dream Long Jump Dream Events where they can be obtained randomly from Item Boxes. In Dream Race, the Shields make the user invincible to one item or hurdle while also stopping the user from being affected by the wind, and in Dream Long Jump, they give the user protection against one hit from a shell and keep the wind from affecting them, but only for a limited time.
Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games[]
In both the Wii and Nintendo DS version of Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games, the Shield is referred to as the Barrier and serves its standard purpose. However, its usual mechanics have been modified slightly for the game's Event-based playstyle.
In gameplay on the Wii version of the game, the Shields appear as an power-up item in all of the game's Dream Events except for Dream Ski Jumping (Team), Dream Figure Skating, Dream Ice Hockey, Dream Curling and Dream Snowball Fight.
In gameplay on the Nintendo DS version of the gam, the Shield only appear in the Ski Cross Racing, Rocket Ski Jumping, Ski Shooting, Extreme Snowboarding and Dream Events. In Ski Shooting, the Shields can be used against the Egg Hammer's attacks in the final round by shielding the user from the lightning that will strike if the player does not shoot the Egg Hammer before it slams down its hammer. Also, in the Super Sonic Downhill Dream Event, the Shields are collected throughout the course. When obtained, they take effect immediately and protect the player from Brick Blocks.
Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games[]
Waluigi with a Shield equipped, from the Wii version of Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games.
In the Wii version of Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games, the shield power-up is called the Shield[43] and serves its standard purpose. However, its usual mechanics have been modified slightly for the game's Event-based playstyle.
In gameplay, the Shields make their only appearance in the Dream Fencing Dream Event, where they can be obtained randomly from Item Box.
Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games[]
In the Wii U and Nintendo 3DS version of Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, the Shield serves its standard purpose. However, its usual mechanics have been modified slightly for the game's Event-based playstyle.
In gameplay on the Wii version of the game, the Shields only appear during the Duel Beach Volleyball Duel Event. In Duel Beach Volleyball, the Shields protect the user from one attack.
In gameplay on the Nintendo 3DS version of the game, the Shields only appear during the Football Plus Event with the name Goal Blocked by Shield!. There, a Shield blocks the goal for set amount of time after the item meter has been charged up to its full capacity.
Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020[]
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In the Nintendo Switch version of Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, the shield power-up is referred to as the Shield[44] and serves its standard purpose. However, its usual mechanics have been modified slightly for the game's Event-based playstyle.
In gameplay, Shields appear in the Dream Racing event. Here, the Shield is identified with an icon that depicts a light bubble, just like in Sonic Runners. They can be obtained randomly from modern Item Boxes during this event. Once obtained, the player has to manually engage the Shield for it to take effect. In addition, the Shield only stays equipped to the user for about ten seconds. When obtaining this Shield in gameplay, the playable character gets surrounded by a translucent blue-green bubble.
Shields also appear in the "Bullet Train Blast" mini-game. There, classic Item Boxes containing the Shield display an icon that shows a blue sphere with a light blue center, just like in the original Sonic the Hedgehog. Unlike their counterparts in Dream Racing, the Shields in "Bullet Train Blast" are activated when obtained and last until they block an instance of damage. When obtaining this Shield in gameplay, the playable character gets surrounded by a washed-out blue bubble. Its animation also shows it flashing constantly.
Sonic the Hedgehog (Didj)[]
In Sonic the Hedgehog (Didj), the shield power-up is once again named Shield.[45] In this game, TV Monitors containing the Shield display an icon that shows a blue sphere with a light blue center.
Sega All-Stars series[]
Sega Superstars Tennis[]
In Sega Superstars Tennis, the shield power-up is named Shield once more. In this game, Item Boxes containing the Shield display an icon that shows an animated blue bubble.
In gameplay, the Shield only appears during Sonic the Hedgehog-related mini-games and side missions, where its Item Boxes randomly drop down from the sky and land on the playing field. When obtaining the Shield, the playable character gets surrounded by a swirling light blue bubble.
Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing[]
In Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing, the shield power-up is called Shield again.[46] In this game, the Shield is identified with an icon that depicts a dark green bubble with faint electricity running along its surface. This time around, the Shield is obtained at random from Item Boxes on the race tracks. It makes an appearance in both the console/PC and Nintendo DS version of the game.
In gameplay, the Shield is not automatically activated upon obtaining it. Rather, the player has to activate it manually. When using the Shield, the playable character get surrounded by a translucent green bubble with a visible ring swirling around its surface. Also, in addition to the Shield protecting from attacks, it also keeps other racers outside of the Shield. However, the Shield only lasts for a limited time in this game and will eventually expire or when the player uses another item. In the console/PC version of the game, the Shield lasts for about eight seconds, and in the Nintendo DS version, it lasts for about five seconds.
Sonic Jump series[]
Sonic Jump (2012)[]
In the 2012 remake of Sonic Jump, the shield power-up is once again called Shield. In this game, TVs containing the Shield display an icon that shows a green bubble. Also, in Sonic Jump, Shields are obtained randomly from TVs.
When obtaining the Shield in gameplay, the playable character gets surrounded by a translucent green bubble. However, the Shield only lasts for a limited time in this game and will eventually expire. Also, losing the Shield via damage does not grant invulnerability, despite the fact that losing one's Rings does grant said effect.
Sonic Jump Fever[]
In Sonic Jump Fever, the shield power-up is once again called Shield. In this game, TVs containing the Shield display an icon that shows a green bubble that resembles a plastic ball. Also, like in the 2012 remake of Sonic Jump, Shields are obtained randomly from TVs.
The Shields in Sonic Jump Fever can be obtained from TVs by any playable character, except by Knuckles. When obtaining the Shield in gameplay, the playable character gets surrounded by a translucent green bubble. However, the Shield only lasts for a limited time in this game and will eventually expire. To show how much time the Shield has left, a circular energy gauge will appear on the bottom of the screen when the Shield is active, which will deplete for each second the Shield is active. However, by upgrading the Shield Power-Up for a character, the player can increase the Shield's duration.
Sonic Dash[]
In Sonic Dash, the shield power-up is once more referred to as Shield. In this game, Item Boxes containing the Shield display (when opened) an icon that shows a green bubble. In addition, Shields are once again obtained randomly from Item Boxes.
When obtaining the Shield in gameplay, the playable character gets surrounded by a translucent green bubble. However, the Shield only lasts for a limited time in this game and will eventually expire. However, by upgrading the Shield Power-Up for a character, the player can extend the Shield's duration.
Sonic Runners[]
The Shield's usage, from Sonic Runners.
In Sonic Runners, the shield power-up is simply named the Shield[47] again. In this game, Item Boxes containing the Shield hold a light blue bubble.
The Shield in Sonic Runners makes an appearance as both a regular Item Box power-up, which can be found in the stages, and an Equippable Item, which can be purchased for 1,000 Rings and equipped to a playable character before a run and then activated whenever the player wants during a run. When obtaining/activating the Shield in gameplay, the playable character gets surrounded by a light blue, sphere-shaped energy field. However, the Shield only lasts for a limited time in this game and will eventually expire. Its duration depends on the level of the character using it; the higher the character's level, the longer the Shield will last. Worth noting is that Shields that have been equipped to a playable character before a run will last twice as long as a Shield found in a stage. Also, Buddies like the Erazor Djinn can gant a free Shield for every X Combo. The duration of a Shield is displayed by a circular and blue energy gauge (akin to the Wisp Gauge) that appears next to the playable character whenever the Shield is in effect and will deplete for every second the Shield is active.
Sonic Forces: Speed Battle[]
In Sonic Forces: Speed Battle, the shield power-up is referred to as Shield. In this game, the Shield is identified with an icon depicting a light blue energy sphere.
The Shield in Sonic Forces: Speed Battle is an unique type of Item that every playable character can use (but Super characters and Burning Blaze). In addition, the Shields are obtained randomly from Item Boxes in this game.
When obtaining the Shield in gameplay, this power-up will not activate automatically. Instead, the player can utilize the Shield by pressing its icon on the bottom of the HUD. Once activated, the playable character gets surrounded by a light blue energy bubble. However, the Shield only lasts for a limited time in this game and will eventually expire. The duration of the Shield is shown by the decreasing gauge on top of this power-up's icon on the bottom of the HUD whenever the Shield is in effect. The Shield will also instantly dissipate if the player falls off the road.
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds[]
The Shield is set to appear as an item in Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds with a new design. When used, the user is granted invincibility, increased speed and protection from all damage and other racers.
Variants[]
Aqua Shield[]
The Aqua Shield is a water-based variant of the Shield that both gives protection against one instance of damage and allows the playable character to breathe underwater. It also gives Sonic the ability to use the Bound Jump. It first appeared in Sonic the Hedgehog 3.
Blue Shield[]
The Blue Shield is a blue variant of the Shield. This shield can both negate a damaging blow and make the playable character immune to electrical hazards. It only appears in Sonic 3D Blast.
Flame Shield[]
The Flame Shield is a fire-based variant of the Shield that not only protects against one instance of damage, but also grants the playable character immunity to fire and lava-based attacks and hazards. It also gives Sonic the ability to use the Fireball Spin Dash. However, it disappears when it touches water. It first appeared in Sonic the Hedgehog 3.
Gold Shield[]
The Gold Shield is a golden variant of the Shield. In addition to keeping the playable character from taking damage once, it also allows Sonic to perform the Blast Attack. It only appears in Sonic 3D Blast.
Heat Barrier[]
The Heat Barrier is a flaming red variant of the Shield. Besides shielding the playable character from one instance of damage, it also allows them to inflict damage on enemies and objects by approaching them with the Heat Barrier. It only appears in Shadow the Hedgehog.
Magnetic Shield[]
The Magnetic Shield is a blue and white energy-based variant of the Shield. While it can protect the playable character from one instance of damage, it can also pull in nearby Rings. It first appeared in Sonic Adventure.
Thunder Shield[]
The Thunder Shield is an electricity-based variant of the Shield that, in addition to negating one damaging blow, also attracts nearby Rings. It also grants immunity to electricity-based hazards and gives Sonic the ability to perform the Double Jump. However, it disappears when it touches water. It first appeared in Sonic the Hedgehog 3.
In other media[]
Sonic X[]
Sonic obtaining a Shield, from Sonic X 10.
In the Sonic X comic series published by Archie Comics, the Shield appeared in a virtual world that Sonic and the majority of his friends had been put in by Dr. Eggman. In this world, Sonic found a Shield Item Box on top of a large loop in a virtual version of Green Hill. Upon obtaining the Shield, Sonic was confused by it and tried in vain to outrun it. However, he lost the Shield when he got hit by a virtual Eggman's checkered wrecking ball.
Archie Comics[]
A Shield surrounding Sonic, from Sonic the Hedgehog #227.
In the Sonic the Hedgehog comics series and its spin-offs published by Archie Comics, a Shield appeared during the "GENESIS" arc. When Sonic, Sally and Boomer entered Scrap Brain Zone and came across Dr, Eggman in the Final Zone, Sonic suddenly got trapped inside a blue Shield. Regardless, he used it during the fight against Eggman's machine in the Zone, and when Antoine fell into Eggman's machine, Sonic finished the battle. After that, the Shield disappeared.
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Sonic Adventure 2 (Dreamcast) United States instruction booklet, pg. 19.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Sonic Heroes (Nintendo GameCube) United States instruction booklet, pg. 26.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Sonic Adventure 2 (Dreamcast) Japanese instruction booklet, pg. 26.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Chapter 1" (in Japanese). ソニックヒーローズ最強攻略ガイド. Shogakukan. February 2004. p. 28. ISBN 978-4091061522.
- ↑ Sonic the Hedgehog (Sega Genesis) United States instruction booklet, pg. 6.
- ↑ Sonic the Hedgehog (Sega Mega Drive) Japanese instruction booklet, pg. 19.
- ↑ Sonic the Hedgehog (Sega Game Gear) United States instruction booklet, pg. 7.
- ↑ Sonic the Hedgehog (Sega Game Gear) Japanese instruction booklet, pg. 13.
- ↑ Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (Sega Genesis) United States instruction booklet, pg. 10.
- ↑ Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (Sega Mega Drive) Japanese instruction booklet, pg. 22.
- ↑ Sonic the Hedgehog CD (Sega CD) United States instruction booklet, pg. 10.
- ↑ Sonic the Hedgehog CD (Sega CD) Japanese instruction booklet, pg. 19.
- ↑ Knuckles' Chaotix (Sega 32X) United States instruction booklet, pg. 18.
- ↑ Chaotix (Sega 32X) Japanese instruction booklet, pg. 30.
- ↑ Sonic Blast (Sega Game Gear) United States instruction booklet, pg. 8.
- ↑ G Sonic (Sega Game Gear) Japanese instruction booklet, pg. 16.
- ↑ Sonic Adventure (Dreamcast) United States instruction booklet, pg. 11.
- ↑ Sonic Adventure (Dreamcast) Japanese instruction booklet, pg. 13.
- ↑ Sonic Advance (Game Boy Advance) United States instruction booklet, pg. 18.
- ↑ Sonic Advance (Game Boy Advance) Japanese instruction booklet, pg. 29.
- ↑ Sonic Advance 2 (Game Boy Advance) United States instruction booklet, pg. 20.
- ↑ Sonic Advance 2 (Game Boy Advance) Japanese instruction booklet, pg. 30.
- ↑ Sonic Advance 3 (Game Boy Advance) United States instruction booklet, pg. 22.
- ↑ Sonic Advance 3 (Wii U Virtual Console) Japanese instruction booklet, pg. 41.
- ↑ Shadow the Hedgehog (Nintendo GameCube) United States instruction booklet, pg. 21.
- ↑ Shadow the Hedgehog (Nintendo GameCube) Japanese instruction booklet, pg. 32.
- ↑ Sonic Rush (Nintendo DS) United States instruction booklet, pg. 20.
- ↑ Sonic Rush (Nintendo DS) Japanese instruction booklet, pg. 27.
- ↑ Sonic Rush Adventure (Nintendo DS) United States instruction booklet, pg. 22.
- ↑ (in Japanese) ソニックラッシュアドベンチャー最強攻略ガイド. Shogakukan. December 2007. p. 14. ISBN 4091063969.
- ↑ 31.0 31.1 Sonic the Hedgehog (PlayStation 3) United States instruction booklet, pg. 12.
- ↑ Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity (Wii) United Kingdom instruction booklet, pg. 20.
- ↑ Dimps, Sonic Team (19 January 2012). Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I. PC. Sega. Area/Level: How to Play (11/14).
- ↑ Dimps, Sonic Team (19 January 2012). Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I. PC. Sega. Area/Level: How to Play (11/14).
- ↑ Dimps, Sonic Team (15 May 2012). Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II. PC. Sega. Area/Level: How to Play (15/24).
- ↑ Dimps, Sonic Team (15 May 2012). Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II (Japanese version). PC. Sega. Area/Level: How to Play (15/24).
- ↑ Sonic Generations (Nintendo 3DS) United Kingdom instruction booklet, pg. 8.
- ↑ Brian (22 August 2013). Nintendo details Sonic Lost World Deadly Six Edition, multiplayer, R/C vehicles, Miiverse usage. Nintendo Everything. Retrieved on 10 May 2019.
- ↑ Sonic Mania United States instruction manual, "Items."
- ↑ Sonic Mania Japanese instruction manual, "アイテム."
- ↑ Sonic the Hedgehog Pocket Adventure (Neo Geo Pocket Color) United States instruction booklet, pg. 10.
- ↑ Sonic the Hedgehog Pocket Adventure (Neo Geo Pocket Color) Japanese instruction booklet, pg. 10.
- ↑ Sega CS2, Sonic Team, Racjin. (15 November 2011). Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games. Wii. Sega. Area/Level: Dream Fencing menu. "Shield info: Pick up a Shield to bounce back any attack just once during a set time."
- ↑ Sega (5 November 2019) Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020. Nintendo Switch. Sega. Area/level: Bullet Train Blast. "Bullet Train Blast rules: Collect items like Shield and Invincibility by touching them. Passing through Boosters will temporarily increase your speed."
- ↑ Sonic the Hedgehog (LeapFrog Didj) game design document, pg. 10.
- ↑ Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing (PlayStation 3) United Kingdom instruction booklet, pg. 10.
- ↑ Sonic Team (25 February 2015). Sonic Runners. iOS. Sega. Area/level: Episode 5. "Tails: And this time, we have a... Shield! Nice!"
