Slide

Slide^[1] (スライディング, Suraidingu^?, lit. "Sliding"), also known as the Sliding Attack,^[2] is a move in the Sonic the Hedgehog series. It is a technique where the user delivers a kick to their opponents while sliding along the ground.

Description

The Slide is very similar to the Skid Attack, but better as it possesses greater range and speed. When performing the move, the user falls down while running and slides along the ground with their feet in front of them. Sometimes, this creates an aura field around the user.

In gameplay, while sliding along the ground, the user can damage any enemies or smaller obstructions caught in their path. The Slide also allows the user to squeeze through narrow entrances, cracks, or doors. In some games however, using the Slide causes the playable character to slow down.

How long the Slide lasts depends on the game; on its own, the move usually automatically lasts until the user gets hit, slows down from the Slide's friction, hits a wall, or goes off a ledge. If chosen though, the user can break the Slide at any time before coming to a halt, and resume their running nearly undisturbed. Therefore, if the player wants to keep their playable character's momentum when forced to do a Slide, it is advisable to time the Slide so that it is only performed briefly.

The attack range, or rather, the distance and speed the user can slide, is determined by how fast the user was moving prior to performing the Slide. In other words, the faster the user is running when executing the Slide, the greater the distance the user of the Slide will travel.

Game appearances

Shadow the Hedgehog

The Slide first appeared in Shadow the Hedgehog, where it was used by both Shadow and the multiplayer's Shadow Androids. When using the Slide in this game, the user leaves an extensive aura trail.

In gameplay, the Slide deals about the same amount of damage as a Homing Attack. It is also useful for breaking the defenses of shielded enemies. To use the Slide in gameplay, the player must slightly press / / while running (though // can also be used without a ranged weapon equipped). Shadow can also break Slide with a backward flip to reposition himself and immediately after execute midair attacks.

Sonic the Hedgehog (2006)

In Sonic the Hedgehog (2006), the Slide is referred to as the Sliding Attack,^[2] and is used exclusively by Sonic. In this game, using the Slide causes Sonic to leave a sparkling aura trail along the ground.

In order to perform the Slide, Sonic must have obtained the Antigravity Level Up Item. In gameplay, the Slide is useful for when the player wants to hit enemies multiple times while dodging their attacks. While using this move, the player will also be protected from all hazards. To perform the Slide in gameplay, the player must hold down / while moving. In additon, the player can direct Sonic's sliding path with the control stick for a short time. To stop sliding, the player must either press / or wait for the move to wear out on its own.

Sonic also glides across the water sections in the game in the same manner as the Slide, even if the player has not yet obtained the Antigravity.

Sonic Unleashed

In both versions of Sonic Unleashed, the Slide is one of Sonic's standard moves in the game's daytime levels. On the Xbox 360/PlayStation 3 version of the game, Sonic gets surrounded by an aura when using the Slide. This aura effect does not occur on the Wii/PlayStation 2 version however.

In gameplay, the Slide will slowly reduce Sonic's speed if used continuously. Also, if Sonic tries to use the Slide while standing still, he will perform the Crouch instead, a move where Sonic crawls around on all fours. To perform the Slide in gameplay, the player has to press and hold down the following buttons. Similarly, releasing the following buttons while sliding will break the Slide:

PS2	Wii (remote)	Wii (Classic Controller)	Wii (GameCube Controller)	PS3	Xbox 360
		y Button

Sonic Colors

On both the Wii and Nintendo DS versions of Sonic Colors (with the latter being the first handheld console Sonic game to feature the Slide), the Slide is mainly used by Sonic. On the Wii version, it is also used by Super Sonic and the Virtual Hedgehogs. Also worth noting is that on the Wii version, Sonic gets surrounded by an aura when sliding. This aura effect does not occur on the Nintendo DS version however.

In gameplay on the Wii version, the move works almost like it did in Sonic Unleashed except that when Sonic uses the Slide while standing still, he will resort to sliding at a slow speed rather than using the Crouch. On the Nintendo DS version on the other hand, the player is required to be moving at sufficient speeds to perform the Slide.

To perform the Slide in gameplay, the player has to press the following buttons (while moving on the DS):

Wii Remote + Nunchunk	Wii Remote sideways	Wii Classic Style	GameCube Controller	Nintendo DS
		x Button

Sonic Generations

In both versions of Sonic Generations, the Slide is a move belonging to Modern Sonic's moveset. In these games, using the Slide causes Modern Sonic to be surrounded in a blue aura.

In gameplay, the Slide functions like it did in Sonic Unleashed, though it can always be used, as long as Modern Sonic always has the slightest of momentum. Additionally, if Modern Sonic makes it into tight spaces, he automatically starts sliding at slow speed from there. To perform the Slide in gameplay, the player has to use the following commands. Similarly, releasing the following commands while sliding will break the Slide:

Xbox 360	PlayStation 3	Nintendo 3DS
		Circle Pad/+Control Pad down +

Sonic Forces: Speed Battle

In Sonic Forces: Speed Battle, the majority of the playable characters can perform the Slide, except for Charmy, Classic Sonic, Omega, Jet, Wave, Storm, Rouge, Vector, Chaos, Metal Sonic, Witch Rouge and Elf Classic Sonic. In this game, the qualified characters use the Slide when performing their ground-sliding maneuver, which is used primarily to slide underneath obstacles during a run. To perform the Slide in gameplay, the player must swipe downwards on the touchscreen.

Sonic Forces

In Sonic Forces, the Slide is utilized by Sonic, Super Sonic, the Avatar and Shadow. Like in previous games, using the Slide this time around causes an aura field to be formed around the user.

To perform the Slide in gameplay, the player must press and hold // while the playable character is running. Similarly, releasing // while sliding will break the Slide. If these buttons are pressed while the playable character is standing still, they will perform the Crouch instead.

Trivia

• When Sonic and Elise are together in Sonic the Hedgehog (2006), Sonic's sliding light turns golden instead of blue.
• Super Sonic's slide is blue in Sonic Colors, but was changed to gold in Sonic Generations.

Gallery

Gallery
Sonic the Hedgehog (2006) Hint Ring illustrating the usage of Slide to get through narrow cracks in Sonic Unleashed. Sonic Unleashed Sonic Forces Add a photo to this gallery

References