V. Maximum Overdrive Attack

The V. Maximum Overdrive Attack^[1] is a recurring technique in the Sonic the Hedgehog series. When using this move, the user speeds up considerably for a short time while surrounding themselves in an energy field that can penetrate anything.

Description

The V. Maximum Overdrive Attack is a technique usually reserved for robots. When performing this move, the user overloads their circuitry, causing blue sparks to emit from their body. The user then forms an energy field around their body that can penetrate any substance while they shoot themselves forward at four times their original acceleration.^[1][2] In gameplay, anyone caught in the V. Maximum Overdrive Attack will (usually) take damage.

The drawback of the V. Maximum Overdrive Attack is that it cannot be sustained for long since its unfavorable performance cost strains the user's circuitry and could potentially destroy the user.^[1][2] Even if the user survives executing it for longer than short bursts, they will be left worn down for a few moments.

Game appearances

Sonic the Hedgehog CD

The V. Maximum Overdrive Attack first appeared in Sonic the Hedgehog CD during Metal Sonic's race with Sonic on Stardust Speedway. In this portrayal, when Metal Sonic is using the V. Maximum Overdrive Attack, he surrounds himself in a smooth, golden shield and flies above the ground with his arms outstretched, pursuing Sonic directly.

In gameplay, whenever Metal Sonic begin to fall behind the real Sonic, Metal Sonic wil initiate the V. Maximum Overdrive Attack in order to catch up to Sonic and attack him, if possible.

Sonic the Hedgehog Triple Trouble

In Sonic the Hedgehog Triple Trouble, the V. Maximum Overdrive Attack is used by Metal Sonic during his battle with Sonic in Atomic Destroyer. The move's appearance in this game is identical to that in Sonic the Hedgehog CD.

During the battle with Metal Sonic, Metal Sonic will use this attack in succession to strike Sonic quickly from both left and right.

Knuckles' Chaotix

The V. Maximum Overdrive Attack, while not named, is seen briefly in Knuckles' Chaotix. If the player starts the Stage by doing nothing than standing on the one place for about one minute, Metal Sonic appears from the left side of the screen and flies above the playable character and his Combi partner. He then loads either the V. Maximum Overdrive Attack or Plasma Pulse Attack, and strikes the playable character. This causes the player to temporarily lose the Combi Partner.

Sonic Generations

In Sonic Generations, the V. Maximum Overdrive Attack appears during the game's recreation of Metal Sonic and Classic Sonic's fight on Stardust Speedway.

In the console/PC version of the game, the V. Maximum Overdrive Attack has a much larger energy field in the shape of a sphere, which is colored orange, and lets out electrical sparks when used. The energy field's size, however, will decrease the longer the move is used. In addition, Metal Sonic now spins when performing the move, with one hand reached out in front. After Classic Sonic has landed the penultimate hit on Metal Sonic during the battle, Metal Sonic will use the V. Maximum Overdrive Attack on Classic Sonic from behind as his last resort. Classic Sonic then has to outrun Metal Sonic until the robot can no longer maintain the attack. During the battle, Metal Sonic appears to be rather careless using the V. Maximum Overdrive Attack, as he constantly moves up and down, instead of pursuing Sonic directly.

In the Nintendo 3DS version of the game, it appears and acts more similar to its original incarnation, as a simple boost that he only uses when Sonic is in the lead.

Sonic Mania

In Sonic Mania, and its expansion Sonic Mania Plus, Classic Metal Sonic will use the V. Maximum Overdrive Attack during his boss fight. The appearance of the move in this game is similar to how it appeared in Sonic the Hedgehog CD, but with a extra fiery cone in front of the move's energy field.

In gameplay, Metal Sonic will use the V. Maximum Overdrive Attack to hit the player from behind or the front during the running sections of the boss battle. On the 1.03 of Sonic Mania and the versions prior to it, he will also use the attack during the final phase of the boss battle.

Sonic Forces

In Sonic Forces, the Metal Sonic replica and Infinite use this attack during their boss fight. In this game, both of them will use the attack to hit the player when the they are facing each other during the second phase of their respective battles.

In other media

Archie Comics

Main articles: V. Maximum Overdrive Attack (Archie) and V. Maximum Overdrive Attack (Pre-Super Genesis Wave)

Trivia

• The V. Maximum Overdrive is likely a reference to the 1985 anime Blue Comet SPT Layzner, whose protagonist possessed a nearly identical attack also named V-MAX.
• In Knuckles' Chaotix, Metal Sonic will not always load and then strike the player with the V. Maximum Overdrive Attack. In certain Stages and acts, Metal Sonic will arrive normally, but will fire a bright laser blast from the compression chamber on his stomach at the playable character, making him fly away. This attack has the same effect as the V. Maximum Overdrive Attack, and is known as the Plasma Pulse Attack.

References