Turbo Spiker

Turbo Spiker,^[1] later known in Japan as Yadrin Jet (ヤドリンジェット, Yadorin Jetto^?),^[2] is an enemy that appears in the Sonic the Hedgehog series. It is a mass-produced, hermit crab-based Badnik model created by Dr. Robotnik.

Appearance

Based on the hermit crab, the Turbo Spikers have dark red and yellow armor with large eyes on thin eyestalks on their head. They have a large spiky cone-like missile on their back and they move around using continuous tracks on each side of their body, which run between two wheels; one is small and one is bigger.

Game appearances

Sonic the Hedgehog 3

In Sonic the Hedgehog 3 and its lock-on continuation Sonic the Hedgehog 3 & Knuckles, the Turbo Spikers are found in Hydrocity Zone. In gameplay, they roll along the ground. When the player gets close however, a Turbo Spiker turns back and fires its cone missile upward. After that, it retreats and moves back and forth. The player should not jump when the Turbo Spiker launches its missile, and only attack right after it is without it.

The player will take damage by rolling into a Turbo Spiker when it has its cone missile attached to it. However, it becomes vulnerable after firing it, making it easy to defeat with any kind of move.

Sonic Mania

In Sonic Mania, and its expansion Sonic Mania Plus, the Turbo Spikers appear as enemies. In terms of design, they look exactly like they did in their debut. In these games, they appear in Hydrocity Zone again.

In gameplay, the Turbo Spikers behave just like in their debut game: they roll along the ground and launch their shells when the player gets close. Also, upon destroying a Turbo Spiker, it will release an Animal.

In other media

Sonic the Comic

A Turbo Spiker appeared in the Fleetway's Sonic the Comic, as one of several Badniks about to be melted down by Doctor Ivo Robotnik as punishment for failing him.^[3]

Trivia

• The Turbo Spiker appears to be a synthesis of two previous Badniks: the Spikes from Sonic the Hedgehog (1991) and the Spiker from Sonic the Hedgehog 2.
• The Turbo Spiker's alternate Japanese name, "Yadrin Jet", is derived from the Japanese word for hermit crab, "Yadokari".

References