The Spring[1] (スプリング Supuringu?), also referred to as the Jump Spring (ジャンプバネ Janpu Bane?) and the Springboard,[2] is a common gimmick in the Sonic the Hedgehog series. They are utilized by the player to bounce the playable character in a given direction, often for the purpose of reaching otherwise unreachable places or building up huge amounts of running speed in short time.
Springs originally made their debut as simple red and yellow platforms, but have since taken on a more distinct design over the course of the Sonic series.
Description
Surmised, the Spring allows the playable characters to launch themselves through midair or along the ground. Once a playable character makes contact with a Spring's broad side, they are instantly flung a certain distance in the direction the Spring is facing. Because a Spring can be aimed in virtually any direction, there are no trajectory the playable characters cannot be flung along (unless something is blocking the path). The Springs are therefore very useful whenever the player needs to traverse a level. They can for example help a player across a gap, nudge the characters towards a certain spot, help the player reach places and items that are otherwise out of their reach, or take the character down a predetermined path. In fact, it is not uncommon for Springs be aligned so that the player will be send from one Spring to the next whenever the player needs to follow a path they cannot traverse on their own. The player usually has to jump onto the Spring's broad side to be launched, although they can bounce off Springs by simply touching them in later games. Since the beginning of the 3D games, the Springs can also be targeted with the Homing Attack.
The control the player can exert over their flight path when sent flying by a Spring vary. In some situations, especially in the early games or when using the "classic" Springs, the playable characters can still move left or right when being bounced directly upwards by a Spring. In other situations, especially when using the "modern" Springs, the player usually cannot control their movements in midair at all, as the Spring manually guides the player to another section, or at least until after the player reaches the apex of their bounce in some cases.
The classic designs for the Spring in Sonic Generations.
In early Sonic games, Springs are presented as red or yellow disk-shaped panels with a gray-colored spring underneath them. When they later made their debut in 3D games such as Sonic Adventure, the Springs' panels were shaped more like flat hemispheres, which have red edges and a gold star in the middle of a blue circle emblazoned on top of them, and gray/red springs underneath them. As the 3D installments went on, the Spring panels became rounder in shape and occasionally gained blue/yellow edge lines. Only a few games, such as Sonic Adventure 2 and Sonic Generations, reveal that Springs have pointy ends underneath their spring panels. Springs can also be found floating in mid-air with the aid of propellers (such as Propeller Springs) or without them. Over the course of the series, there have also been several other gimmicks based on the Springs.
The modern design for the Spring since Sonic Adventure.
In the early installments, red Springs propel the player a high distance into the air, while yellow ones only send the playable character a medium to low distance into the air. Some Springs are also hidden beneath a surface and will only appear when the character moves over them. Springs are usually aligned horizontally, vertically or diagonally, especially in the 2D/2.5D games. While the player can get launched into mid-air by vertical and diagonal Springs, horizontal types bounces the player backwards, thereby giving them extra running speed. Certain sections of the Zones can also have pits of Springs or corridors with diagonal-pointing Springs. Some Springs can also have floating strings of Rings along the paths they send the playable characters.
There are Zones like Spring Yard Zone and Spring Stadium Zone that feature Springs as the main gimmicks. Some enemies throughout the Sonic series also use Springs to defend themselves.
Game appearances
Sonic the Hedgehog (16-bit)
The Springs first appeared in the 16-bit of Sonic the Hedgehog, where they are referred to as both Springs and Springboards.[3] The game introduced two basic variations of these "classic" Springs: Yellow Springs which only bounce the player a small distance into midair, and red Springs which bounce the player higher into midair than yellow Springs. These traits would be exhibited by classic Springs with the same associated colors over the course of the series. The Springs in this game are also only horizontally and vertically aligned.
Throughout the game's Zones, the Springs have special roles; in Green Hill Zone some of the Springs are hidden on top of palm trees, while in the Spring Yard Zone they are a part of the pseudo-pinball sections. Also, in the Labyrinth Zone, Springs can send the player even higher if the player bounces on them underwater.
Sonic the Hedgehog (8-bit)
The 8-bit version of Sonic the Hedgehog features both variants of the classic Springs that appeared in the game's 16-bit counterpart. Also, in this game, the Springs are referred to as Springboards.[4]
The game also exclusively present three variants of Springs in the game's Special Stages, each of which let Sonic bounce a different height: green Springs bounces the highest, yellow Springs medium heights, and purple Springs the lowest of all three.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (16-bit)
A diagonally-aligned yellow Spring in Sonic the Hedgehog 2.
In the 16-bit version of Sonic the Hedgehog 2, the Springs possess their classic design. In this game, horizontally and diagonally aligned red and yellow Springs appear. Additionally, the game introduces for the first time diagonally-aligned Springs which let the player bounce diagonally into the air and Springs hidden in the ground.
Like in the previous game, many of the game's Zones make their own use of the Springs and their mechanics. When the playable characters exits a high-speed warp tube in Chemical Plant Zone for example, the tube's cover shuts down and protrudes a small red Spring. There are also Jump Panels and Spring Catapults in Casino Night Zone and steam pipes in Metropolis Zone, all of which function similarly to the Springs by sending the player flying through the air.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (8-bit)
A Spring in the 8-bit version of Sonic the Hedgehog 2.
In the 8-bit version of Sonic the Hedgehog 2, the Springs retain their classic design. They are also either horizontally, vertically or diagonally aligned.
Due to the palette limitations in the game, the game only has regular Springs which come in multiple colors, such as yellow, green, pink and gray. However, they all exhibit the same bouncing strength.
SegaSonic the Hedgehog
A Spring in SegaSonic the Hedgehog.
In SegaSonic the Hedgehog, the Springs forego their classic design. Instead, they are designed as horizontally aligned Springs with square orange panels. In this game, they only appear in Icy Isle.
In gameplay, Icy Isle has pathways where the walls are lined with Springs. If the player touches these Springs' broad side, the playable character will be bounced back a small distance.
Sonic the Hedgehog CD
In Sonic the Hedgehog CD, the Springs possess their classic design. In this game, horizontally, vertically and diagonally aligned red and yellow Springs appear. Noticeably, when bouncing on a vertical Spring this time around, the playable character will twirl around himself in midair. Horizontal Springs can also be useful for time travelling, especially when there are two Springs pointing towards each other.
Palmtree Panic and Metallic Madness feature unique red Springs attached to small wheels which move back and forth, usually in sections with holes in the roofs. Collision Chaos also has arenas full of vertical Springs, and certain horizontal Springs will pop up from behind to give the playable character an extra boost of speed on steep ramps. Stardust Speedway also feature floating launchers for shooting the playable characters through midair that incorporate the red Spring. Red Springs (called as Spring Blocks[5]) also appear in several Special Stages.
Sonic Chaos
In Sonic Chaos, the Springs possess their classic design. In this game, vertically aligned yellow and red Springs are usually hidden underground. Only the red Springs are aligned horizontally, though vertically and diagonally aligned Springs appear in the Special Stages as well.
Sonic Chaos introduces the Pogo Spring power-up that equips the player with a movable Spring to bounce around with. Enemies like the Bane Motora, Frogger or the Great Bane Motora Gold also have Springs equipped for their own use, usually for defense.
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 & Knuckles
A Spring in the Competition mode of Sonic the Hedgehog 3.
In Sonic the Hedgehog 3, Sonic & Knuckles and Sonic the Hedgehog 3 & Knuckles, the Springs feature their classic design. In this game, yellow and red Springs are horizontally, vertically and diagonally aligned. Vertical Springs in particular can be hidden underground or inside breakable obstacles.
In the Gumball Machine version of the Bonus Stages, red Springs on the bottom of the stage's corridor disappear after being used once, but will reappear after collecting green Gumballs. Also, in the Competition mode, red Springs appear inside floating bubbles along the course. Tagging this bubbled item will make a Spring drop onto the course to catapult careless runners off their course.
An merging horizontal Spring in Sonic & Knuckles.
Like in previous games, these titles use the Springs and their mechanics in different way for certain Zones. One section of Sky Sanctuary Zone for example have Springs that come out of the ground to bounce the player back down the path they just came running down of; these Springs later reappear in Death Egg Zone.
Sonic Drift series
Sonic Drift
In Sonic Drift, the Springs possess their classic design and are all colored yellow. This particular gimmick is also referred to as the Jump Spring (ジャンプバネ[6] Janpubane?).
In gameplay, the Springs appear on the racing courses and will send the user spinning forward through the air for few seconds, allowing them to pass over opponents and increase their speed a bit. In addition, they nullify any power-up the user may have in effect at the moment.
Sonic Drift 2
In Sonic Drift 2, the Springs possess their classic design and are all colored red. Additionally, this gimmick is renamed the Spring[7] (ジャンプバネ[8] Janpubane?, lit. "Jump Spring") this time around.
In gameplay, the Springs appear on the racing courses and function basically like they did in the previous title: they send the user flying through the air for a few seconds while nullifying any power-up they have in effect. There is also the Jump power-up which lets the playable characters launch themselves through the air like the Springs.
Sonic the Hedgehog Triple Trouble
In Sonic the Hedgehog Triple Trouble, the Springs possess their classic design. In this game, vertically aligned yellow and red Springs are almost always hidden underground, while horizontally and diagonally aligned Springs appear normally. The Pogo Spring power-up also makes a return.
In addition to the game's normal Zones, Springs also appear in the game's Special Stages. The sea turtle Badniks in Great Turquoise Zone likewise have Springs on their backs. Additionally, there is the Flying Spin Attack which both Sonic and Tails can perform after they get bounced into midair by Springs.
Knuckles' Chaotix
All three colors of Springs in Knuckles' Chaotix.
In Knuckles' Chaotix, the Springs possess their classic design. In this game, horizontally, vertically and diagonally aligned Springs are featured regularly. In addition to the red and yellow Springs, this game also presents blue Springs which grant bounces even higher than those the red ones permit. Using Springs in this game can be difficult, however, due to the Ring Power, but it is possible to carry the Combi partner to make the usage of them easier.
In the game's Bonus Stages, red and yellow Springs are set on cubic blocks. Each time these Springs are hit (which results in the playable character being bounced upward), they crack, and after three hits, the blocks become broken, rendering the Springs unusable.
Tails Adventure
In Tails Adventure, the Springs possess their classic design. In this game, stages such as Poloy's Forest, Cavern Island and Green Island feature blue Springs which the player can use to backtrack in the stages. Tails can also push these Springs along the ground in any direction to determine the location of the bounce.
Sonic 3D Blast
In Sonic 3D Blast, the Springs possess their classic design. In this game, the typical Springs are all red and usually come in two types. The single types are placed under floating Sonic Medals, though the player must sometimes have Flickies in their possession to reach some of these medals. The other type of Springs are hidden underground and appear most commonly in Spring Stadium Zone.
Diamond Dust Zone contains rare, horizontal blue Springs on the walls that can send Sonic into a backwards roll. The Zone also has red Springs that are covered in snow drifts that must be broken to reveal said Springs. In the Sega Saturn version of Sonic 3D Blast, there are also pairs of red Springs along the half-pipe routes of the Special Stages. These red Springs let the player bounce into the midair to catch Rings or reach higher platform routes.
Sonic Blast
In Sonic Blast, the Springs possess their classic design. In this game, the Springs are all red and are all notably smaller. In gameplay, they appear in both the regular Zones and the Special Stages.
Sonic Jam
A Spring in Sonic Jam.
In Sonic Jam, the Spring retain their overall classic design and possess a red color scheme. However, for the first time in the Sonic series, the Springs' panels are emblazoned with a gold star in the middle of a blue circle. This design would become a mainstay for the Springs in future games.
In gameplay, the Springs only appear in Sonic World, which has two Springs that sent the player into midair.
Sonic R
In Sonic R, the Springs possess their classic design. In this game, red Springs appear in Regal Ruin and Reactive Factory where they help the player reach the other side of local pits or scale hills and cliffs.
Sonic Adventure
The Spring's design in Sonic Adventure.
In Sonic Adventure and its later iteration Sonic Adventure DX: Director's Cut, the Springs received their modern design for the first time as a part of the game's redesign. This design was used by every Spring in the game. They were also renamed "Spring Bumpers".[9]
In this game, the Springs appear as common gimmicks in the Action Stages. Also, in gameplay, the Springs can shoot the player in any direction, unlike earlier Springs, which can only be aimed horizontally, diagonally, and vertically. However, the player cannot control their movements in midair when they are sent flying by a Spring in this game, as they manually guide the player to another section.
In addition to Springs, Sonic Adventure introduces the uncommon Wide Spring which is a gimmick where three Springs are aligned next to each other.
Sonic the Hedgehog Pocket Adventure
In Sonic the Hedgehog Pocket Adventure, the Springs were given their classic design. In this game, yellow and red Springs reappear, all of which are aligned either horizontally, vertically or diagonally. Some Spring-based gimmicks from Sonic the Hedgehog 2 also appear, including Jump Panels and Spring Catapults.
Sonic Shuffle
A Spring in a Mini-Game in Sonic Shuffle.
In Sonic Shuffle, the Springs possess their modern design. In this game, Springs appear if the player lands on a Jump Space on a Board. Using this Spring will bounce the playable character to another Space on the Board.
The VS 4 Mini-Game, Sonic Tag, also features Springs, which appear in two corners. Hitting one of these Springs will bounce the characters to the top of the Mini-Game's pyramid.
Sonic Adventure 2
A Spring as it appears in Sonic Adventure 2.
In Sonic Adventure 2, the Springs possess their modern design, though this game's particular design also includes two blue lines along the Springs' edges. In gameplay, they also work similarly to how they did in Sonic Adventure. Generally, the player do not want to mess with the trajectory of a Spring or they risk falling off-course to their doom.
In this game, the player is introduced to another variant of the Spring: the Propeller Spring. Additionally, there are the Spring Beetle enemies that have Springs attached to them, which make them virtually invulnerable. By using Mystic Melody, the player can also summon Springs on top of or near Ancient Ruins.
In the unlockable Green Hill stage, Springs have their original sound effect from the original Sonic the Hedgehog when the player bounces on them.
Sonic Advance series
Sonic Advance
In Sonic Advance, the Springs boast a distinguished design. These Springs have panels similar to the classic Springs', except these Springs' panels have more outward-pointed edges. They also have the bumper's symbol emblazoned on top of them.
In this game, horizontally, vertically and diagonally aligned red and yellow Springs appear. The yellow Springs in particular cannot launch the player as high up as the red Springs, like in earlier games. Also, the player has to leap onto the broad side of the Springs in order to use them.
Hitting a Spring with a Hammer Attack in this game will result in the playable character being catapulted higher than the Springs are normally capable of. This game also introduces the Special Springs which the player can use to enter the Special Stages.
Sonic Advance 2
In Sonic Advance 2, the Springs boast another distinguished design. These Springs have panels with sharp edges and the bumper's symbol emblazoned on top of them.
In this game, horizontally, vertically and diagonally aligned red Springs primarily appear. Also, in gameplay, unlike the Springs in Sonic Advance, the player can use the Springs by simply running into them. Also, when setting off from Springs, the player can pull off Mid-Air Trick Actions. In addition, like in Sonic Advance, hitting a Spring with a Hammer Attack will result in the playable character being catapulted higher than the Springs are normally capable of.
Exclusive to Sonic Advance 2 are dark blue Springs that let the player bounce higher by pressing 
and then releasing it as the playable characters jumps. Music Plant also has Hi-hats which work much like Springs. Also, in mini-game of Chao Garden, Cream uses a mobile Spring on wheels to bounce Cheese into midair so it can gather Rings.
Sonic Advance 3
In Sonic Advance 3, the Springs underwent another redesign. This time around, the Springs have thick panels with soft edges and the bumper's symbol emblazoned on top of them.
In this game, only horizontally, vertically and diagonally aligned red Springs appear. Additionally, in gameplay, the player can simply run into the Springs in order to use them, like in Sonic Advance 2. Also, the player can execute Mid-Air Trick Actions when they set off from Springs. In addition, like in Sonic Advance, hitting a Spring with a Hammer Attack will result in the playable character being catapulted higher than the Springs are normally capable of.
Besides the regular Springs, the game also features the Special Springs which let the player enter Special Stages. Exclusively to this game are also special flatten Springs that only become usable for a short time by pressing a nearby Switch. Also, in the mini-game of Chao Garden, Cream uses a mobile Spring on wheels to bounce Cheese into midair so it can gather Rings.
Sonic Heroes
A single Spring in Sonic Heroes.
In Sonic Heroes, the Springs possess their modern design, although their design is more bulky this time around.
In this game, regular Springs do not appear as often as the Wide Springs due the gameplay revolving around team mechanics. They are also usually found in or locked inside Cases which can only be opened after defeating the enemies surrounding them.
Sonic Jump series
Sonic Jump (2005)
In Sonic Jump (2005), the Springs are designed as round red panels with a gray spring underneath them. In addition, their panels have a blue center in their middle.
In this game, the Springs float around in midair on red platforms and always come in vertically-aligned pairs. In some cases, the Springs even move left and right.
Sonic Jump 2
In Sonic Jump 2, which is essentially a remake of the original Sonic Jump, the Springs look and behave exactly like they did in the original Sonic Jump title.
Sonic Jump (2012)
A Spring in Sonic Jump (2012).
In Sonic Jump (2012), the Springs possess much of their original design, being red panels with a gray spring underneath them. However, these Springs have a raised blue center on top of them and a white line around the edge of their panels.
In this game, most the Springs are vertically aligned. However, some of them may be diagonally aligned as well, and may even send the playable character across a chain of Springs. Also, rather than floating around on their own, the Springs all rest on solid platforms.
Sonic Jump Fever
In Sonic Jump Fever, the Springs look and behave exactly like they did in the previous Sonic Jump title.
Shadow the Hedgehog
A Spring in Shadow the Hedgehog.
In Shadow the Hedgehog, the Springs are given a redesign that fits the game's dark atmosphere. Being based on the modern Springs, they are tinted with a darker shade of red and slight rust, and have a green-glowing center on top of them. Despite the altered look though, the Springs function just like they did in Sonic Heroes.
Sonic Rush series
Sonic Rush
In Sonic Rush, the Springs possess a design similar to their modern one, except their panels this time are thicker and rounder. In this game, the Springs are a common and often vital object. They are usually aligned either horizontally, vertically or diagonally, though many of them are mostly set in tight roof corners.
In gameplay, when the playable character is sent into the air by Springs, the player can perform Trick Actions. Night Carnival also features blue Springs, which give 200 points automatically, and Spring blocks, which can be charged by pressing down on 
and releasing it at the right time for extra airtime. The Special Stages also features the Trick Spring that Sonic can set off from in order to initiate Ring-granting Real-Time Interactions.
Sonic Rush Adventure
In Sonic Rush Adventure, the Springs look exactly like they did in Sonic Rush, being thicker and rounder versions of modern Springs. Like in Sonic Rush, Springs in this game are either horizontally, vertically or diagonally aligned, though many of them are mostly set in tight roof corners.
In gameplay, the Springs allow the player to perform Trick Actions when bouncing off them, like in the previous title.
Sonic the Hedgehog (2006)
The Spring in Sonic the Hedgehog (2006).
In Sonic the Hedgehog (2006), the Springs all possess their modern design, but with a few more details added to their appearance, such as a blue ring around their center and gray rims.
In this game, Springs are normally aligned vertically or diagonally. Like in Sonic Heroes, some of the Springs are locked in Cases that can only be opened after defeating all of the enemies surrounding it. Curiously, when using a Spring in this game, the playable characters will bounce, but the Spring will not move. It also does not bounce the player, but instead repeats its animation.
Sonic Rivals series
Sonic Rivals
A Spring in Sonic Rivals.
In Sonic Rivals, the Springs are given a new look, having been redesigned as flat white plates with a red spring panel, a yellow circle in the middle and a blue star at the center. Their springs are likewise bright. Otherwise, they function like the Springs in previous games. Also, all of the Springs are aligned either horizontally, vertically or diagonally.
Sonic Rivals 2
In Sonic Rivals 2, the Springs possess the same look they had in Sonic Rivals. As such, they each consist of a flat while plate with a red and yellow spring panel in the middle, a bright spring, and a blue star at in the center. Like in Sonic Rivals, the Springs also work just like any other Spring despite their look and are aligned either horizontally, vertically or diagonally.
Sonic Storybook series
Sonic and the Secret Rings
In Sonic and the Secret Rings, the Springs possess their modern design, albeit with a few details added to them to give the Springs a look befitting the world of the Arabian Nights, like a different hue of colors and a yellow line along their rim. In this game, Springs usually appear along, or at the end of rails, or on walls. The game also introduces the Thorn Springs, a variant of the Springs which can damage Sonic if he touches them at the wrong time
Sonic and the Black Knight
In Sonic and the Black Knight, the Springs possess their modern design. In this game, Springs and Wide Springs appear on a few occasions during missions, particularly in the Legacy Missions, but are otherwise replaced by blue fairies. In addition, the player can target Springs with the Homing Dash. Also, whenever the player uses a Spring, they earn "Jump Bonus" points.
Super Smash Bros. series
Super Smash Bros. Brawl
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Sonic using a Spring on his special move in Super Smash Bros Brawl.
In Super Smash Bros. Brawl, the Spring's design mixes the red Springs from early Sonic games with their design in the 3D Sonic games. Basically, it has the classic red Springs' panel and spring, the Bumper symbol emblazoned on top of it, and a blue line along its side.
In this game, the Spring appears as a part of Sonic's Spring Jump move. When performing this move, Sonic summons a Spring underneath him and uses it to shoot himself up a great vertical distance. When used on the ground, the Spring remains in place for a while, allowing other characters to use it, too. If this move is used in the air, the Spring falls downwards, acting as a projectile that deals damage and horizontal knockback, making it effective for edge guarding and especially gimping. Also, springing from the ground sends Sonic higher up than when using it in the air. Barring any outside influence, the Spring will remain on the ground long enough for Sonic to do three jumps off of it, disappearing just as he makes his third jump.
If Sonic bounces off a previously set Spring, including his own, it does not count as his third jump as long as he does not land on it immediately from his previous Spring Jump. As such, he can use the Spring Jump immediately afterward, gaining a great deal of height.
Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U
Sonic using the Spring in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U.
In Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U, the Spring retains its design from Super Smash Bros. Brawl, being a basic red panel with a spring underneath it, the Bumper symbol emblazoned on top of it, and a blue line along its side.
In this game, the Spring appears again as a part of Sonic's Spring Jump maneuver. It also retains its mechanics from Super Smash Bros. Brawl. The Nintendo 3DS and Wii U instalments also feature additional variations of the Spring Jump that the player can customize Sonic with (which in turn affects the Spring):
- Spring Jump (Default): Spawns a spring. When used on the ground, it sticks around and can be used by anyone.
- Double Spring: Doesn't spring as high, but the move can be used twice in a row without landing.
- Springing Headbutt: Spring straight up and deliver a headbutt. The spring doesn't stick around, though.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
In Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, the Spring possesses the same design it had in the previous Super Smash Bros. installments, giving it a classic red Spring look with the Bumper symbol emblazoned on top of it and a blue line along its side. In this game, the Spring appears again as a part of Sonic's Spring Jump technique.
Sega Superstars Tennis
In Sega Superstars Tennis, Springs can be seen in the background of the Green Hill tennis court.
Sonic Unleashed
A Spring 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 Springs possess their modern design. This time however, their modern design is more round and has a yellow line around the edge of their panels. Certain Springs also have white bases under their panels. Additionally, the Springs are referred to as Springboards on the Xbox 360/PlayStation 3 version.[2][10]
In this game, the Springs only appear in the daytime levels where Sonic the Hedgehog is playable. The game also introduces several new variants of the regular Spring: Trap Springs, which are meant to knock the player off-course, Springs which float in midair thanks to propellers on their bottom, and blue springs, which initiate a Real-Time Interaction when the player bounces off them.
Besides appearing in gimmick form, two Egg Fighter varieties in the game come equipped with Springs: the Egg Fighter: Knight and Egg Fighter: Shield. Both of these enemies wields a shield equipped with a Spring that can repel Sonic.
Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing
In Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing, the Whale Lagoon race course has horizontally-placed Springs on the walls. If the racer drives way too close to a wall with Springs, they will be bounced toward the right side of the race track.
Sonic the Hedgehog 4
Episode I
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Diagonal Springs 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 Springs possess their modern design. Like in Sonic Unleashed, the Springs also have a yellow line around the edge of their panels.
In this game, the Springs are common gimmicks and are aligned either horizontally, vertically or diagonally. Typically, the Springs are located close to a string of Bubbles for midair traversing. Like in the 3D games, Sonic is also able to target the Springs with the Homing Attack.
Episode II
In Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II, the Springs, like in Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I, possess their modern design, but with a yellow line around the edge of their panels added to it.
In this game, the Springs are again common gimmicks. Aligned either horizontally, vertically or diagonally, the Springs are typically located close to a string of Bubbles for midair traversing. Like in the 3D games, the player can also target the Springs with the Homing Attack. Like in earlier games, the Springs and their mechanics are also used in different ways in certain Zones: Sylvania Castle Zone features Flip Platforms, which the player can use the Homing Attack on to reveal a Spring on their bottom, and White Park Zone Act 2 has Springs that bounce the player between routes that run parallel to each other.
Sonic Colors
A Spring in the Wii version of Sonic Colors.
In both the Wii and Nintendo DS version of Sonic Colors, the Springs make an appearance as common gimmicks.
In the Wii version of the game, the Springs possess their modern design, but with a yellow line around the edge of their panels added to it. Along with the return of the Trap Springs and Wide Springs, the game also introduces a new yellow Spring variant that moves around in accordance to the playable character's movements.
In the Nintendo DS version of the game, the Springs possess their modern design as well, except the panels on these Springs are thicker and rounder, like those in the Sonic Rush games. On this version, the Springs are aligned either horizontally, vertically or diagonally. Like in Sonic Rush, the Special Stagess have Springs as well, albeit for reaching Spheres this time. This version also introduces the multiplayer mode-exclusive Spring Item Box power-up, which lets the player set a Spring in their opponent's path that will shoot the player towards the left side of the screen.
Sonic Generations
A Spring with a white base in Sonic Generations.
In both the console/PC and Nintendo 3DS version of Sonic Generations, the first Act of all the Stages feature only the classic yellow and red Springs from the early Sonic games (with all of their mechanics intact), while the second Act of the Stages only feature the standard modern Springs from the post-Sonic Adventure games. The modern Springs in particular have a yellow ring around the edge of their panels, like in Sonic Colors (Wii version) and Sonic Unleashed.
While mostly faithful to their original setting, some of the Springs in the first Act of the Stages are exclusively floating in midair, revealing a pointy head on the bottom. The game also include many Spring-related gimmicks from the entire Sonic series, such as Jump Panels, Wide Springs, Propeller Springs and Trap Springs.
Sonic Dash
Springs in Sonic Dash.
In Sonic Dash, the Springs possess their modern design. In this game, they are used by the player to mark the transition between the sections of the running segments. They will also initiate a banking procedure whenever they are used.
The Springs are located in rows of three at the end of the running routes, with a floating icon above each of them which indicate a special feature they each grant:
- Ring icon: Let the player earn Rings while they are sent flying.
- Shuttle loop icon: Has the player enter a small do-or-die Real-Time Interaction.
- Whale statue icon: Sends the player from the grass route to the stone bridge route of Seaside Hill.
- Totem pole icon: Brings the player back to the grass route.
Sonic Lost World
In both the Wii U/PC and Nintendo 3DS version of Sonic Lost World, the Springs appear as common gimmicks encountered throughout the games.
Regular and hidden Springs in the Wii U version of Sonic Lost World.
In the Wii U/PC version of the game, Springs come in three different types. Most of the regular and medium-sized Springs possess their modern design and are commonly used for simple transport. There are also extremely large Springs which are used to move from one section of the Zone to another. This version of the game also has the classic yellow and red Springs from the early Sonic games which may be hidden underground or inside walls.
In the Nintendo 3DS version of the game, two types of Springs appear. The first ones are the regular type of Springs (which possess their typical modern design), and the second ones are the extremely large Springs which are used to move from one section of the Zone to another. These Springs are sometimes contained inside Cases which will only open after a certain amount of enemies are defeated, or inside large Badniks which will only relinquish them after they are destroyed.
Sonic Runners series
Sonic Runners
Spring Platforms in Sonic Runners.
In Sonic Runners, the Springs all possess their modern design. In this game, Springs come in two types. There are the regular Springs which are larger than normal and aligned either vertically or diagonally, and then there are the Support Springs/Spring Platforms.[11] The latter is a booster-class item that the player can either obtain from an Item Box marked with a Spring icon in the Stages or equip beforehand for 1,000 Rings, which temporarily sets up a string of Springs across bottomless pits to prevent the player from falling into them.
Sonic Runners Adventure
The Spring in Sonic Runners Adventure.
In Sonic Runners Adventure, the Springs are referred to as Jump Springs.[12] In terms of design, they resemble their counterparts from the 2012 edition of Sonic Jump, each being a red panel with a gray spring underneath it, a white line along their lower edge, and a raised top section on their panels with a yellow star inside a blue circle emblazoned on it.
In this game, the Springs only appear as regular gimmicks, meaning there are no Spring Platforms. There are also some Springs that are used for the transection between the different sections of the levels.
Sonic Mania
In Sonic Mania, and its expansion Sonic Mania Plus, Springs possess their classic yellow and red designs from the Sega Mega Drive games. In this game, the typical Springs are either horizontally, vertically or diagonally aligned, and function much like they did in the first Sonic games.
Many Spring-based gimmicks and variants from previous games make an appearance in their exclusive Zones, including Jump Panels, Spring plates that seal up the exit of high-speed warp tubes, the floating Spring launchers of Stardust Speedway Zone, the depressible green Springs of Oil Ocean Zone, the Springs on wheels of Metallic Madness Zone, and the sideways Springs that pop out of the walls and ground of Titanic Monarch Zone, all of which function like they did in previous games. Flying Battery Zone also features flipping, orange Springs that function like red Springs, much like in Sonic & Knuckles. A new variants of Springs called Ice Springs are introduced in Press Garden Zone Act 2 as well.
Sonic Forces
A trio of Springs in Sonic Forces.
In Sonic Forces, the Springs served again as general gimmicks. In this game, the stages where Classic Sonic is playable feature only the classic yellow and red Springs from the Sega Mega Drive Sonic games, while the stages where Sonic and/or the Avatar are playable only feature the standard modern Springs from the post-Sonic Adventure games.
It is worth noting that the Springs in Classic Sonic's stages, unlike in Sonic Generations and similar to the classic games, work only when the player jumps onto them.
Team Sonic Racing
Springs marking a wide spring ramp in Team Sonic Racing.
In Team Sonic Racing, the game's wide spring ramps have two giant classic-designed red Springs on both sides of the ramp, to indicate to any oncoming racers that the ramp will bounce them upwards and not just launch them forwards like normal ramps do.
Variants
Blue spring
The blue spring is a variant of the Spring that looks almost the same as the regular modern Spring, but blue instead of red. When the player gets bounced through midair by one of these Springs, the player must complete a Real-Time Interaction to make the bounce perfect or risk a premature fall. They only appeared in both versions of Sonic Unleashed.
Color Panel
The Color Panel is a type of Spring that is designed like a digital circuit board. Despite the different look though, the Color Panels function just like regular Springs. It is worth noting, however, that only a select few of them work like Springs. They only appeared in Shadow the Hedgehog.
Ice Spring
Set of Ice Springs in Sonic Mania.
The Ice Spring is a type of Spring that is made of ice. Usually found inside breakable ice cubes, these light blue Springs act like the classic yellow ones, but after they are used they evaporate and cannot be used again. They first appeared in Sonic Mania.
Jump Panel
The Jump Panel in Sonic Runners.
The Jump Panel is a variation of the Spring that resembles a springboard. It essentially combines the Dash Panel and the Spring. Running into a Jump Panel will result in the player being sent flying straight ahead without having to stop. They first appeared in the 16-bit version of Sonic the Hedgehog 2.
Mobile spring
The mobile spring is a yellow variant of the wide spring with three-setter Springs. Like yellow Springs in the first games, the mobile springs bounce the player less higher than the red ones. Also, after touching a mobile spring, it starts auto-scrolling and the player usually has to balance on it. It only appears in the Wii version of Sonic Colors.
Pogo Spring
The Pogo Spring is a power-up based on the Spring. It allows the player to move around with a Spring equipped to the playable character's feet and use it to reach higher areas. Once the player jumps off the Pogo Spring however, they will lose it. They only appeared in Sonic Chaos and Sonic the Hedgehog Triple Trouble.
Propeller Spring
The Propeller Spring in Sonic Generations.
The Propeller Spring is a Spring-based gimmick with a propeller beneath it. These Springs can raise themselves higher into the air if the playable character continuously lands on their spring panel. However, they cannot maintain their increased height if the player does not bounce on them fast enough. They first appeared in Sonic Adventure 2.
Special Spring
The Special Spring is a unique type of Spring. These springs are slightly bigger than the average Spring and can be used to get to their game's respective Special Stage. They only appeared in Sonic Advance and Sonic Advance 3.
Spring Catapult
The Spring Catapult is a type of Spring designed for pinball sections. In gameplay, they are used to load a player's pinball (which is a playable character) and then launch it into a nearby pinball section. They first appeared in the 16-bit version of Sonic the Hedgehog 2.
Spring Pole
The Spring Pole is a bar-based Spring. They are presented as flexible poles, usually hanging on walls, and the playable characters can launch themselves higher into the air by bouncing on them. Sometimes, the player has to bounce multiple times on them to reach the desired destination. They first appeared in Sonic the Hedgehog CD.
Thorn Spring
A leftover Thorn Spring model from Sonic Colors.
The Thorn Spring is a dangerous Spring variant. These Springs have spikes on their bottom and flip around in intervals. They will thus harm the player should they dare to touch them while their spikes are up. They first appeared in Sonic and the Secret Rings.
Trap Spring
A Trap Spring in Sonic Unleashed.
The Trap Spring is a Spring variant that works in opposition to the player. Should the player hit these Springs, they will bounce the player backwards or off-course. They also play a short, high-pitched laugh after the playable character hits them. They first appeared in Sonic Unleashed.
Wide Spring
The wide spring in the console/PC version of Sonic Generations.
The wide spring is an extended version of the Spring. As the name implies, it features three bumper-based Springs side by side on a plate. Wide springs are easier to connect with during fast-paced gameplay and always bounce the player straight upward.
In other media
Comics
Sonic the Comic
Sonic being bounced by green Spring. Art by Ed Hillyer.
In the Sonic the Comic series published by Fleetway Editions, Springs are positioned all around Mobius. Like in the games, the user can archive incredible heights when using them. They only appeared in the early stories of the series, however, and are shown with a different color scheme each time.[13] One time, Sonic and Amy used a Hyper-Spring to get to the Floating Island.[14]
Animation
Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog
In the Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog television series, a grey Spring appears in "Tails Prevails". This one was activated by Dr. Robotnik, who used it on Scratch and Grounder after they told him about Tails' knowledge of machinery. The Spring bounced them to the roof where they got trapped due to a magnet.
Sonic the Hedgehog the Movie
Sonic using a green Spring in Sonic the Hedgehog: The Movie.
In Sonic the Hedgehog: The Movie, a single Spring appears briefly. During Sonic and Tails' trek towards Robotropolis, Sonic used a green Spring at one point to scale a vertical cliff.
Sonic X
In the anime series Sonic X, a giant Spring with Dr. Eggman's face on it appeared in "Chaos Control Freaks". This one served as one of the traps surrounding Dr. Eggman's fortress. Sonic accidentally triggered it when invading Eggman's fortress and got sent miles away as a result.
Trivia
- In the 8-bit games, most of the Springs are actually drawn in the level layout itself instead of being sprites because of the low sprite limit of the Sega Master System and the Sega Game Gear; because of this, they are not animated unlike their 16-bit counterparts. Furthermore, their color is likely to change according to the palette of the level they are placed in (for example, the Springs in Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (8-bit)'s Under Ground Zone are gray, while the ones in Sky High Zone are green). However, despite the sprite limit, in Sonic Chaos and Sonic the Hedgehog Triple Trouble a Spring object exists. These Spring objects are normally invisible, hidden in the ground or on the top of a palm tree or other scenery elements, and they pop up, complete with the springing animation, when the playable character comes in contact with them. Due to the high number of color variations, the springs pictured below do not cover all the kinds existing in the 8-bit games.
The billboard of "Spring Festival".
- In the world of Sonic the Hedgehog, Springs are not mentioned in the storylines, but they are featured as devices created by humans and has advertising. As an example in City Escape of Sonic Adventure 2, there is a posters which advertise an event, "Spring Festival".
- A leftover model of the Spring from Sonic Jam can be found in data of Sonic Adventure.
- In the Adventure mode of Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games, Sonic has the ability to use Springs, although Mario cannot.
- In an early screenshot of Sonic the Hedgehog (2006), anyone can notice that the concept design of the Spring is the same as in Sonic Heroes.
- Springs made a cameo appearance in Samba De Amigo for the Wii, but they look different. The top is made of two parts which are held together by a metal clasp.
- In episode 23 of the Digimon Adventure anime, the sound effect for the regular Spring can be heard, when Digitamamon raises one eyebrow.
See also
References
- ↑ Sonic Colors (Wii) United States instruction booklet, p. 16.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Sonic Unleashed (PlayStation 3) United States instruction booklet, p. 15.
- ↑ Sonic the Hedgehog (Sega Mega Drive) United States instruction booklet, p. 7.
- ↑ Sonic the Hedgehog (Sega Game Gear) United States instruction booklet, p. 9.
- ↑ Sonic the Hedgehog CD (Sega CD) North American instruction manual pg. 16.
- ↑ Sonic Drift. The Green Hill Zone. Retrieved on 12 November 2018.
- ↑ Sonic Drift (Sega Game Gear) United States instruction booklet, p. 14.
- ↑ Sonic Drift (Sega Game Gear) Japanese instruction booklet, p. 22.
- ↑ Sonic Adventure online. Amy Rose tactical info: Hot Shelter. Archived from the original on 5 June 2016.
- ↑ Sonic Unleashed (Xbox 360) United States instruction manual, p. 13.
- ↑ SONIC RUNNERS[SEGA]. Sega. Retrieved on 19 November 2018.
- ↑ Gameloft (10 June 2017) Sonic Runners Adventure. Android. Gameloft. Area/level: Green Hill. "Hint: When you jump onto a Jump Spring, you can reach higher areas!"
- ↑ Sonic the Comic #4, "Day of the Badniks"
- ↑ Sonic the Poster Mag #6, "Marble Garden Menace"
External links
- Spring at the Sonic the Comic Wiki.