Spikes (obstacle)

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For enemies or objects with the same name, see Spikes (disambiguation).

Spikes
A set of spikes in Sonic Runners.
Appearances
First appearance	Sonic the Hedgehog (1991)
Appearances in other media	Sonic the Comic Sonic the Hedgehog: The Movie Sonic Mania Adventures
Statistics and overview
Purpose	Damaging the player
Description	Sharp obstacles that are set on a surface.

Spikes (スパイク, Supaiku^?) are obstacles that appear in the Sonic the Hedgehog series. They are one of the most common obstacles in the series, appearing in almost every game in some form. Usually set in places where the player would not expect to see them, getting skewered by spikes will result in the player taking damage.

Description

Spikes have varied in appearance and quantity across several Sonic games. Usually, a set of spikes consists of a gray base panel with five white metal spikes on it. In some games however, it may have more or less metal spikes and lack the base panel. Depending on the Zone in which they are situated, the metal spikes may also be colored differently to fit the Zone's atmosphere. In other Zones, they may incorporate unique appearances as well. Such is the case of the spikes in the Flying Battery Zone from Sonic & Knuckles, which are animated, or the spikes in Toy Kingdom from Sonic Advance 3, which look liked sharpened pencils. Regardless, they all share the same purpose.

In gameplay, touching the spiky points on the spikes will inflict damage on the playable characters. If the playable characters are invincible however, they cannot get hurt by spikes at all (save for the first Sonic game). In most cases, spikes cannot be destroyed by any means available to the player.

Spikes are usually placed in locations that can prove to be most hazardous to the player, such as on the floors of the path, walls or ceilings. Sometimes, there can be more than one set of spikes in a single location, thereby creating a wider field of spikes. There can also be chasms and holes in the path that are filled with a set number of spikes, sometimes with a moving platform over the top of them.

While spikes mostly stand out as stationary objects, there are instances where they are used in a more trap-like fashion to make progress through the levels more difficult than normal. In such cases, spikes may pop in and out of the ground in set intervals, which can be a nasty surprise for unsuspecting players, or be located on the crushing edge of a crusher.

Game appearances

Sonic the Hedgehog (16-bit)

Sonic losing a life by spikes in 16-bit version of Sonic the Hedgehog.

Spikes first appear in the 16-bit version of Sonic the Hedgehog, and are widely seen in every Zone of the game. Unlike in later games, the spikes have no base panels. Also, every single spike in the game is erected separately in groups of three with a small gaps between each metal spike. Marble Zone also features crushers that have spikes on the bottom, which can fall down at high speed.

The original Sonic the Hedgehog also features an unexpected glitch that is often referred to as the "spike bug": When the player touches a set of spikes, Sonic does not receive mercy invincibility like he does after taking damage, meaning that if he rebounds off the spikes into another obstacle (like another set of spikes), he will be killed instantly. In short, if Sonic were to fall onto a bed of spikes, he would lose all his Rings, fall backwards and land on more spikes, losing a life. Later re-releases of Sonic the Hedgehog offer an option to toggle invincibility frames for spikes.

Sonic the Hedgehog (8-bit)

In the 8-bit version of Sonic the Hedgehog, spikes make a return appearance, with a graphical appearance similar to their 16-bit counterparts (though they are larger in comparison to Sonic). However, unlike the 16-bit counterpart, the "spike bug" is non-existent as the player gets a few seconds' invulnerability after getting hit.

Most other spiky obstacles from the 16-bit version are seen in the 8-bit version. In Jungle Zone Act 2, there are also wooden spikes sticking out of fallen tree trunks. The Game Gear port also features "!" signs that warn the player about upcoming spike pits.

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (16-bit)

Few spikes at Hill Top Zone of Sonic the Hedgehog 2.

In the 16-bit version of Sonic the Hedgehog 2, the spikes consist of four metal spikes per set. Once again though, they have no base panel.

This time around, the spikes appear in groups or separately, and can also pop out of the ground. In addition, the spike bug from the previous game has been removed.

In this game, spikes are featured in almost every Zone (with a few exceptions). Chemical Plant Zone has only one set of spikes, which are located in an underwater area in Act 2. Mystic Cave Zone also features pits of spikes, including an infamous one which has no escape (until the 2013 re-release).

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (8-bit)

Spikes in Green Hills Zone in Sonic the Hedgehog 2.

In the 8-bit version of Sonic the Hedgehog 2, the spikes consist of three metal spikes per set. Once again though, they have no base panels.

In this game, sets of spikes are featured in every Zone. It is also first game to feature different-colored spikes. Under Ground Zone has mostly dark yellow spikes on the ceilings, and some of them can fall down on Sonic when he passes underneath them. Also, Sky High Zone has yellow spikes in small ravines and deep pits. Also, white spikes can be found in underwater sections of Aqua Lake Zone and in the ravines and deep pits of Green Hills Zone. Cyan spikes are also seen in ravines and on the hall walls of Gimmick Mountain Zone. Lastly, white spikes are generally seen in Scrambled Egg Zone, while Crystal Egg Zone has pink and light yellow-colored spikes.

Sonic the Hedgehog CD

Metal Sonic destroying spikes during his race with Sonic in Sonic the Hedgehog CD.

In Sonic the Hedgehog CD, the spikes consists of four metal spikes per set. Once again though, they have no base panels.

In this game, spikes are featured in every time frame of every Round. This time around, spikes are mostly set separately over the course of the Zones and will sometimes pop in and out of the surfaces they are on. They can also often get in the way when building up momentum for time traveling. Sometimes, two sets of spikes will also be connected to each other back-to-back. Also, in Collision Chaos there are blocks with spikes attached to them that pop out from under the ground.

During the Quartz Quadrant boss battle, Dr. Robotnik will try to force Sonic, who is running on a Conveyor Belt, into some large green-yellow and orange spikes that adorn the entrance. Also, during the race with Metal Sonic, Metal Sonic will destroy any set of normal spikes that get in his way without slowing down.

Sonic Chaos

Spikes in Sonic Chaos.

In Sonic Chaos, the spikes consist of three metal spikes per set. Once again though, they have no base panels.

In this game, each Zone in the game (expect for Sleeping Egg Zone) features different-colored sets of spikes. Dark yellow spikes are seen in Turquoise Hill Zone, Gigalopolis Zone has light blue spikes, Mecha Green Hill Zone has white and dark yellow spikes, Aqua Planet Zone has white spikes, and Electric Egg Zone has orange and white spikes. In gameplay, there will also occasionally be spikes that pop into and out of the ground periodically.

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 & Knuckles

Should the player choose Knuckles, the spikes will appear more frequently and be placed in various new spots.

In Sonic the Hedgehog 3, its add-on continuation Sonic & Knuckles, and the combined Sonic the Hedgehog 3 & Knuckles, the spikes consist of four closely-packed metal spikes. Once again though, they have no base panels. They are nearly identical to the spikes in Sonic the Hedgehog 2, but are whiter in color.

In this game, spikes can be found in nearly every Zone. In addition to that, different Zones in the game feature different takes on the spikes. Marble Garden Zone, for example, features crushers with thin spikes on their bottom side. There is also the IceCap Zone where the spikes on the ceilings and floors in the caverns are designed like frozen icicles. Flying Battery Zone also has slightly different, animated spikes that can be moved by pushing them. By pushing these spike sets to the side, one can reveal hidden passages underneath them.

In Marble Garden Zone in Sonic the Hedgehog 3 and Sonic the Hedgehog 3 & Knuckles, there is a Badnik called Spiker that looks like a set of spikes. The spikes on this Badnik however, are bouncy like a Spring, and the Badnik itself will rise slightly out of the ground and shoot projectiles when the playable character gets near it.

Sonic the Hedgehog Triple Trouble

Spikes in Sunset Park Zone in Sonic the Hedgehog Triple Trouble.

in Sonic the Hedgehog Triple Trouble, the spikes consist of four white metal spikes per set. Once again though, they have no base panels.

In this game, the spikes appear in every Zone. In gameplay, they will also occasionally pop in and out of the surfaces they are embedded in. Additionally, if the player is riding a Spin Coaster in Sunset Park Zone, they can easily run over and destroy spikes.

Knuckles' Chaotix

In Knuckles' Chaotix, the spikes consist of four gray, closely packed metal spikes per set. Once again though, they have no base panels.

In this game, spikes are featured in every Stage of the game. However, the spike sets are generally placed separated rather than in groups.

Tails Adventure

Spikes on the wall above Tails in Tails Adventure.

In Tails Adventure, the spikes make a return. This time, however, they are mostly part of the environment in the levels themselves rather than being separate structures set on the walls or floor.

In this game, the spikes' design depends on the level. Poloy Forest, Green Island and Caron Forest have wooden/stony spikes; Volcanic Tunnel and Cavern Island have gray and pointy stone spikes; Polly Mt. 1 has green-brown stalactite-based spikes; Polly Mt. 2 has red stalactite-based spikes; Coco Island has gray metal spikes; and Battle Fortress 2 has orange metal spikes.

Sonic Labyrinth

In Sonic Labyrinth, the spikes consist of four gray metal spikes per set. These metal spikes are arranged in a square pattern. Once again though, they have no base panels.

In this game, the spikes are only featured in a few Zones. Also, in gameplay, they pop out and back into the ground in intervals.

Sonic 3D Blast

Small row of gray plates with spikes on them in Sonic 3D Blast.

In Sonic 3D Blast, the spikes make a return appearance. In this game, however, two distinctive types of spikes are used.

The first type is featured more generally in the game, and are located on gray plates with five red holes in them from which the spikes protrude and retract. These spike plates usually appear in two rows. If the player steps on these plates, metal spikes will pop out to harm Sonic. In Gene Gadget Zone, these sets of spikes are also electrocuted. The second type of spikes appear only in Gene Gadget Zone. These spikes have gray plates and tall stationary metal spikes protruding from them, and only appear in rows.

Sonic Blast

Spikes in Sonic Blast.

In Sonic Blast, the spikes consist of three gray metal spikes with yellow details per set. Once again though, they have no base panels.

In this game, spikes are featured in every Zone, with many of said Zones having floors and crushing walls covered in spikes.

Sonic Adventure

Spikes in Icecap in Sonic Adventure DX: Director's Cut.

In Sonic Adventure and Sonic Adventure DX: Director's Cut, the spikes sets are each referred to as the Spike Panel (トゲパネル, Togepaneru^?). In this game, they consist of a gray square plate base each. These plates have a light gray top surface and four thick gray metal spikes protruding from four holes.

In this game, the spikes are featured in every Action Stage of the game. Also, in gameplay, their metal spikes pop in and out of their plates. Like in Sonic 3D Blast, these spike plates are also organized in row carpets. However, their plates are easy to spot on the ground.

Sonic the Hedgehog Pocket Adventure

Spikes in Sonic the Hedgehog Pocket Adventure.

In Sonic the Hedgehog Pocket Adventure, most spikes consist of four white metal spikes per set. However, there are also many spike sets with only two spikes. Regardless, both spike sets neither possess a base panel.

In this game, spikes appear in most of the Zones in the game, except for Secret Plant Zone, Last Utopia Zone and Chaotic Space Zone. The spike sets with only two spikes in particular appear prominently in Sky Chase Zone and Aerobase Zone. Some of the spikes that appear also pop in and out of the surfaces they are on in set intervals.

Sonic Adventure 2

In Sonic Adventure 2 and it remake Sonic Adventure 2: Battle, the spike sets each consist of a simple gray plate embedded in the ground with four thick gray spikes protruding from it.

In this game, these conventional spikes only appear Green Hill. Because this stage is a 3D variation of the Zone from the original Sonic the Hedgehog, the spikes are located in positions similar to those in their 16-bit counterpart Zone.

Sonic Advance games

Sonic Advance

In Sonic Advance, the spikes consist of five gray metal spikes per set that are closely packed together. Once again though, they have no base panels.

In this game, the spikes appear in every Zone. Also, Casino Paradise Zone and Angel Island Zone feature moving platforms that have spikes on the top or bottom.

Sonic Advance 2

Different spikes in Sonic Advance 2.

In Sonic Advance 2, the typical spikes consist of five gray metal spikes per set that are closely packed together. Once again though, they have no base panels.

In this game, the spikes appear in every Zone. In gameplay, some of them also pop in and out of the surface they are on. In addition, a few spikes differ slightly depending on their Zone. Music Plant, for example, has yellow and white-colored spikes, while Techno Base features sets of three thick, digital-looking spikes that periodically disappear for a few seconds.

Sonic Advance 3

Different spikes in Sonic Advance 3.

In Sonic Advance 3, like in the previous titles, the typical spikes consist of five gray metal spikes per set that are closely packed together. Once again though, they have no base panels.

In this game, the spikes appear in every Zone. Like in Sonic Advance 2, some of them also pop in and out of the surfaces they are on in gameplay. Also, Ocean Base has crushers that will protrude spikes from their top if the player steps on the top of said crushers. Also worth noting is that Toy Kingdom features sets of three pencil-looking spikes that are colored yellow and blue and sport red stripes.

Sonic Jump series

Sonic Jump (2005)

Spikes in Mechanical Zone in Sonic Jump.

In Sonic Jump (2005), the spikes consist of four stubby spikes per set. These spike sets' spikes have relatively large spaces between them. Once again though, they have no base panels.

In this game, the spikes only appear on the bottom of platforms. In addition, the spikes' coloration depends on the Zone. Mechanical Zone's spikes are greenish-gray; Mountain Zone's spikes are pale yellow; Jungle Zone's spikes are bluish-gray; and Cosmic Zone and Bonus Zone's spikes are orange.

Sonic Jump 2

In Sonic Jump 2, which is essentially a remake of the original Sonic Jump with the same Zones, the spikes look identical to those seen in the original Sonic Jump. This include their colorations in the different Zones. They are also found in the same places as those in the original Sonic Jump.

Sonic Jump (2012)

In Sonic Jump (2012), the spike sets each consist of a tightly packed set of eight gray metal spikes. Once again though, they have no base panels.

In this game, the spikes appear both on the bottom and top of platforms.

Sonic Jump Fever

In Sonic Jump Fever, the spikes look identical to those seen in the 2012 version of Sonic Jump. They are also found in the same places as those in the 2012 version of Sonic Jump.

Sonic Rush series

Sonic Rush

In Sonic Rush, the spikes resemble their Sonic Advance counterparts, with each spike set being a tightly packed set of five gray metal spikes with no base panel. It is also worth noting that the spike sets' middle spike is taller than the others.

In this game, spikes appear as separate obstacles or in large spike pits, which the player must cross on numerous occasions with different gimmicks.

Sonic Rush Adventure

In Sonic Rush Adventure, like in Sonic Rush, the spike sets each consist of a tightly packed set of five gray metal spikes with no base panel. Their middle spike is also taller than the others. Unlike the spikes in Sonic Rush however, these spike sets have a ring around the bottom of each spike.

Like in Sonic Rush, spikes appear as separate obstacles which the player must avoid on numerous occasions with different gimmicks.

Sonic the Hedgehog (2006)

Spikes in Dusty Desert in Sonic the Hedgehog (2006).

In Sonic the Hedgehog (2006), the spikes are named spike traps. In this game, they each consist of a black rectangular plate base. From the top of these plates, thirteen gray metal spikes stick out.

The spikes are mostly commonly encountered in Dusty Desert. In gameplay, their metal spikes pop out and back into the ground in intervals. Also, the spikes can either be set in a row or in square formations.

Sonic Rivals series

Sonic Rivals

Spikes in Sonic Rivals.

In Sonic Rivals, the spikes consist of five white and blue-striped spikes per set. These spike sets each sit on a square metal base panel with a black inside and a gray frame with two extensions on the sides. Lastly, the base panels' gray frames are decorated with red and blue details.

In this game, the spikes appear in Sky Park Zone, Crystal Mountain Zone, Death Yard Zone and Meteor Base Zone. In gameplay, some spikes pop out and back into their base panel in intervals. In addition, there are some rotating cubes that have spikes on all sides.

Sonic Rivals 2

Spikes in Sonic Rivals 2.

In Sonic Rivals 2, the spikes consist of five metal spikes per set. Each of these metal spikes has a red ring around their bottom. Unlike their counterparts in the prequel however, the spike sets here have no base panels.

In this game, the spikes appear in most Zones. Like in Sonic Rivals. However, in gameplay, they do not pop out and back into the surfaces they sit on in intervals.

Sonic Storybook series

Sonic and the Secret Rings

Spikes in Sonic and the Secret Rings.

In Sonic and the Secret Rings, the spikes consist of eight metal spikes per set. Each of these metal spike sets protrude from holes in a brown rectangular base panel, which has an eight-pointed star surrounding each metal spike's hole.

In this game, the spikes appear in every world except Dinosaur Jungle, where they adorn either the walls or the ground. Also, in gameplay, some of the spikes will pop in and out of the surfaces they are on in intervals.

During Wall Shuffle segments, the player will sometimes come across spikes on the walls that they have to dodge in order to proceed.

Sonic and the Black Knight

Spikes in Sonic and the Black Knight.

In Sonic and the Black Knight, the spikes again consist of eight metal spikes per set. Each of these metal spike sets protrude from a gray square base panel.

In this game, the spikes are somewhat uncommon obstacles. They mostly lie on the ground, but can also be found on the walls on a few occasions. In gameplay, like in Sonic and the Secret Rings, some of the spikes will also pop in and out of the surfaces they are on in intervals.

During the Wall Shuffle segments in Molten Mine, the player will sometimes come across spikes on the walls that they have to dodge in order to proceed. Also, in the same level, some paths or Grind Rails will end at a wall with spikes protruding from it.

Sonic Unleashed

A couple of spike plates in the Xbox 360/PlayStation 3 version of Sonic Unleashed.

In both the Xbox 360/PlayStation 3 and Wii/PlayStation 2 version of Sonic Unleashed, the spikes make an appearance as one of the more general obstacles. However, the nature of the spikes differs between the versions of the game.

In the Xbox 360/PlayStation 3 version of the game, the traditional spikes appear only in the daytime levels. They typically appear in the Action Stages, although there are a few instances where they appear in the Entrance Stages as well. Most Action Stages feature spikes, although they only appear on rare occasions. In the DLC levels however, they are quite common. Most spikes consist of thirteen metal spikes per set. These spike sets each protrude from a gray square base panel with a black frame. However, there are some spike sets that do not have a base panel at all. There are also some spikes that forego the set layout in its entirely and are instead set up so they make up an undisturbed field of spikes. Jungle Joyride also features spikes that are a part of the environment than separate structures.

In the Wii/PlayStation 2 version of the game, the traditional spikes appear in both the nighttime and daytime stages, although they are far more common in the nighttime stages than in the daytime stages. They appear in most nighttime stages and only in Cool Edge and Eggmanland in the daytime. Most spikes consist of thirteen metal spikes per set. These spike sets each protrude from a gray square base panel with a black frame. However, there are some spike sets that do not have a base panel at all. There are also some spikes that forego the set layout in its entirely and are instead set up so they make up an undisturbed field of spikes. For the spikes on plates, the spikes usually pop in and out of the surfaces they are on in intervals. There are also instances where spikes are used more creatively: some may be on the bottom of pitfalls, some may be located at the end of a moving Conveyor Belts, and others may be set on the walls during Wall Shuffle segments.

Sonic the Hedgehog 4

Episode I

Spikes as they appear in Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I.

In Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I (and its later addition Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode Metal), the spikes consist of five gray metal spikes per set that are closely packed together. Each metal spike also has a black ring around their bottom. Once again though, they have no base panels.

In this game, the spikes appear in every Zone. In gameplay, some of them also pop in and out of the surfaces they are on. Noticeably, Lost Labyrinth Zone Act 3 features an infamous spike placement, which is set in the upper corner of the water tunnel's end. It is hard to recognize, and the player is able to lose all their Rings with none being available beyond that point

Episode II

In Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I, the spikes again consist of five gray metal spikes per set. Although they each lack a base panel, they do have a black ring around the bottom of each of their metal spikes.

Like in the previous title, the spikes appear in all of the game's Zones. In gameplay, some of them also pop in and out of the surfaces they are on. Noticeably, during Oil Desert Zone's boss battle, certain boxes will contain spikes that will pop out if the playable character stands above it.

Sonic Colors

Spikes in the Wii version of Sonic Colors.

In both the Wii and Nintendo DS version of Sonic Colors, the spikes make an appearance as general obstacles. However, they differ slightly between each version.

In the Wii version of the game, most spikes consist of thirteen metal spikes per set, like in Sonic Unleashed. These spike sets each protrude from a gray square base panel. However, there are some spike sets that do not have a base panel at all. There are also some spikes that forego the set layout in its entirely and are instead set up so they make up an undisturbed field of spikes. For the spikes on plates, the spikes will occasionally pop in and out of the surfaces they are on in intervals. Also, Color Powers, with the exception of the Green Hover, make a playable character invulnerable to spikes. In addition, in Sweet Mountain, there are Egg Pawns in the background that the player can destroy with spikes by pressing Switches: the player can either activate plates with spikes under Egg Pawns to skewer them, or drop Egg Pawns on platforms into spikes.

In the Nintendo DS version of the game, the spikes greatly resemble their Sonic Rush Adventure counterparts, with each spike set being a tightly packed set of five gray metal spikes with no base panel. Also worth noting is that these spikes' middle spike is taller than the others, and that each spike in these sets has a ring around their bottom. Besides this, there is nothing special about these spikes.

Sonic Generations

Spikes in the Nintendo 3DS version of Sonic Generations.

In both the console/PC and Nintendo 3DS version of Sonic Generations, the spikes appear as one of the more recurring obstacles encountered in the games, both in the Classic and Modern Acts of the stages. In these games, the spikes consist of five gray metal spikes per set that protrude from a square gray plate with black edges.

In the console/PC version of the game, the spikes appear in nearly every Act of every stage in the game. They also appear in virtually every Challenge Act. In gameplay, there are also some spikes that pop in and out of the surfaces they are on in intervals. In certain Challenge Acts, like Invincibility Challenge and High Speed Challenge 2, there are also spike sets that have no base panel. Additionally, in the High-Rise Balloon Climb Challenge Acts, spikes are used to pop Big Balloons when they reach the ceiling.

In the Nintendo 3DS version of the game, the spikes, much like in the console/PC version, are encountered in nearly every Act of nearly every stage. Unlike their console/PC counterparts however, these spikes do not pop in and out of the surfaces they are on in intervals.

Sonic Dash

In Sonic Dash, the spikes make an appearance as general obstacles. In this game, they consist of five gray metal spikes per set that protrude from a square gray plate with red edges.

In gameplay, simply running into spikes will cause the player to take damage. However, they can be dodged or jumped over while the playable character moves.

Sonic Lost World

Spikes in the Wii U version of Sonic Lost World.

In both the Wii U/PC and Nintendo 3DS version of Sonic Lost World, the spikes appear as recurring obstacles. In these games, they consist of five gray metal spikes per set that protrude from a square gray plate with black edges, like in Sonic Generations.

In the Wii U/PC version of the game, the spikes appear in nearly every world, except for Hidden World. However, they only appear in a few select Zones. Also, in gameplay, some of the spikes will pop out and back into their base panels in intervals.

In the Nintendo 3DS version of the game, the spikes appear in every world as well (not including Lava Mountain). However, they only appear in the Zones that takes place entirely in a 2.5D perspective. Unlike their Wii U/PC counterparts, these spikes do not pop out and back into their base panels in intervals in gameplay.

Sonic Runners series

Sonic Runners

Sonic getting hit by spikes in Sonic Runners.

In Sonic Runners, the spikes made another appearance as general obstacles. In this game, they have the same design they had in previous recent Sonic titles, being a set of five gray metal spikes on a gray square plate with black edges.

In this game, spikes appear during every level. In gameplay, one or more sets of spikes are (usually) placed on the lower pathway. Also, after taking damage from hitting a set of spikes, the playable character will get stunned while still moving forward. The edges of the screen will also turn red as a caution signal.

Sonic Runners Adventure

Spikes in Sonic Runners Adventure.

In Sonic Runners Adventure, the spikes made a return appearance as general obstacles. In this game, they consist of five gray metal spikes per set that protrude from a black square plate.

Like in Sonic Runners, the spikes are mostly set on the lower pathway in gameplay. Also, after colliding with some spikes and taking damage, the playable character will be stunned temporarily while moving forward. The edges of the screen will also turn red as a caution signal, just like before.

Sonic Mania

Spikes in Hydrocity Zone in Sonic Mania.

In Sonic Mania, and its expansion Sonic Mania Plus, the spikes return as recurring obstacles. In this game, the typical spikes consist of four closely-packed gray metal spikes. Like in the early games though, they have no base panels.

In this game, the spikes appear in the majority of the game's Acts. In gameplay, some of them will also pop in and out of the surface they are on. A few spikes-based gimmicks and variants also make an appearance in their exclusive Zones. In Flying Battery Zone for example, there are different-designed, animated spikes that can be moved by pushing. By pushing these spike sets to the side, one can reveal hidden passages underneath them. Also, in Press Garden Zone, there is a frozen variant of the spikes that behaves like the normal ones, but can be destroyed with a Fire Shield or the Hammer Drop.

The spikes may serve different purposes in different Zones. During the first edition of the Metal Sonic boss battle for example, the player has to outrun a wall of spikes while attacking Metal Sonic. Also, during the first phase of the Laundro-Mobile boss battle, the player has to watch out for incoming blocks with spikes on them while battling the boss.

In Metallic Madness Zone, the Scarab Badnik can sometimes be seen dragging a set of spikes along the ground. Additionally, in Lava Reef Zone the player can destroy regular spikes using a walking platform.

Sonic Forces: Speed Battle

In Sonic Forces: Speed Battle, the spikes appear as recurring obstacles. In this game, they consist of five gray metal spikes per set that protrude from a square gray plate with black edges, like in Sonic Generations.

In this game, the spikes are randomly placed in different areas on the tracks. However, their metal spikes do not pop in and out of their base panels in gameplay.

Sonic Forces

In Sonic Forces, the spikes appear again as recurring obstacles. In this game, they consist of gray metal spikes, each of them having a black rim around their bottom. In addition, the spikes have no base panels. Unlike in previous games however, the spikes do not come in set sets. Instead, they appear in groups whose length and width varies, although the smallest number of metal spikes a group of spikes can have are the classic five.

In this game, the spikes only appear in a few select stages. Also, most of them do not pop in and out of the surfaces they are on in gameplay. The only exception to this are some of the spikes in Metropolitan Highway, which will protrude from the walls the moment Sonic steps on a platform that is designed to take him into the spikes.

Variants

Iron balls

Iron balls are heavy black or gray balls that are covered in white- or gray-colored spikes. Much like spikes, they cause damage upon touch. They come in multiple sizes and behave differently in each Zone, either moving in certain patterns in mid-air, swinging around on chains, or rolling around on the ground. Since Sonic Adventure, iron balls have become more common obstacles. They first appeared in the original Sonic the Hedgehog.

Crushers

Crushers are obstacles that can instantly kill a playable character by squeezing said playable character between it and another surface. In many Sonic the Hedgehog games, crushers in certain Zones can have sets of spikes on their crushing edge. Despite this, they function just like any regular crusher.

Spike Traps

Spike Traps are variants of Weights. Unlike regular Weights, Spike Traps have spikes placed on their bottom surface. Like the crushers, the Spike Trap can harm the playable characters by falling on top of them. Should this occur however, the playable character will take damage rather than losing a life. They first appeared in the Xbox 360/PlayStation 3 version of Sonic Unleashed. They first appeared in the original Sonic the Hedgehog.

Giant spears

Giant spears are minor obstacles that work much like regular spikes, except their sharp points are much longer than regular spikes, giving them a greater range when they pop out of a surface. In several games, they are also thrown from midair. They first appeared in the original Sonic the Hedgehog.

Frozen Spikes

The frozen variant of the spikes are spikes made entirely of ice. They behave like normal spikes, but they have a translucent blue palette and can be destroyed with a Fire Shield or the Hammer Drop. They first appeared in Press Garden Zone Act 2 in Sonic Mania.

In other media

Comics

Sonic the Hedgehog Story Comic

Spikes in Sonic the Hedgehog Story Comic Volume 2.

In Sonic the Hedgehog Story Comic Volume 2 story "Clash!! South Island", spikes briefly ambushed Sonic during the dangerous tunnel sections in Marble Zone.

Sonic the Comic

In Sonic the Comic, spikes are inexplicable hazards littered across Mobius in large pits placed near cliffs. In many instances, spikes are traps as seen in Green Hill Zone, Labyrinth Zone and Casino Night Zone. Occasionally, through the comic's run, characters would be in danger of falling down into these spike pits, but it is usually Badniks like Rhinobot who fall into them instead. In rare cases, the landscapes are littered with spikes.

Animation

Sonic the Hedgehog: The Movie

Sonic dodging spikes in Sonic the Hedgehog: The Movie.

In Sonic the Hedgehog: The Movie, Spikes made a brief appearance. As Sonic and Tails travelled through the Land of Darkness, they came across numerous sets of spikes with yellow sharp heads in the forest. While Sonic dodged them, he also managed to destroy a few of them.

Sonic Mania Adventures

In Sonic Mania Adventures, Dr. Eggman employed the use of spikes in an attempt to trap Sonic. Unfortunately for Eggman, Sonic turned the tables on him.

Trivia

• One of the scrapped gimmicks in the original Sonic the Hedgehog was a horizontal crusher with spikes, intended for Marble Zone. The object can still be placed in Debug Mode, but doesn't appear to have programming.

External links

• Spike trap at the Sonic the Comic Wiki.

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