Who Can You Play As In Sonic Origins? A Comprehensive Guide
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The core Sonic Origins game lets players control three iconic characters from the Sonic universe: Sonic the Hedgehog, Miles “Tails” Prower, and Knuckles the Echidna. These characters are playable across the four main titles included in the collection: Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Sonic 3 & Knuckles, and Sonic CD. However, it’s important to note that initially, Knuckles was not playable in Sonic CD. This changed with the release of Sonic Origins Plus, which added Knuckles as a playable character in Sonic CD alongside other new features and content. Amy Rose is also a playable character in the Sonic Origins Plus expansion, but her availability is restricted to the main games.
In short, the base game gives you Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles (in the first three games, but not initially in Sonic CD) and the expansion adds Knuckles for Sonic CD and Amy Rose to the main games. Additionally, Amy Rose is playable in the 12 Game Gear titles included in Sonic Origins Plus. This expansion significantly broadens the selection of playable characters across the entire package.
Sonic Origins: The Core Playable Characters
Sonic the Hedgehog
The blue blur himself, Sonic, is the main character in all the core games. He is known for his speed, agility, and ability to curl into a ball for a spin dash attack. Sonic is the default character for most players and generally considered the easiest to play, especially for new players. His gameplay focuses on using speed to navigate levels and defeat enemies. Sonic also possesses the ability to transform into Super Sonic upon collecting all seven Chaos Emeralds, a powerful form that provides invincibility.
Miles “Tails” Prower
Tails, Sonic’s two-tailed fox friend, offers a different gameplay experience. He is slightly slower than Sonic, but can fly for a short duration, allowing players to access previously inaccessible areas. This ability to fly opens new paths and offers a unique way of exploring the levels. In Sonic 2 and Sonic 3 & Knuckles, Tails is controlled by either a second player or an AI. Sonic Origins allows for single player control with Tails being a very versatile character.
Knuckles the Echidna
Knuckles is the strong, red echidna who brings brute force to the gameplay. He cannot go as fast as Sonic and can’t fly like Tails, but he can glide and climb walls. These abilities provide unique level traversal and new strategies for solving puzzles. Knuckles’ gameplay is designed to be more methodical and less focused on speed than Sonic’s gameplay. He offers a distinct approach that can be preferred by players who enjoy exploring more thoroughly.
Expanding the Roster with Sonic Origins Plus
Amy Rose
Amy Rose, making her debut as a playable character in the main Genesis-era titles within Sonic Origins Plus, adds a new dynamic to the classic gameplay. Amy primarily uses her Piko-Piko Hammer as her main attack, which offers a wider hitbox compared to Sonic’s spin attack, allowing her to defeat enemies easily. When jumping, she can jump again, bringing out her hammer and changing her hitbox, allowing her to break objects she couldn’t normally. She plays similarly to Sonic, making it an easier entry point for new players. Amy is a fantastic addition for players who want a new twist on the classic levels. She’s playable in Sonic the Hedgehog 1, 2, 3 & Knuckles, and Sonic CD.
Knuckles in Sonic CD
Initially, Knuckles was not a playable option in Sonic CD. Sonic Origins Plus rectifies this, finally allowing players to experience the unique level design of Sonic CD through the eyes of Knuckles, adding a fresh perspective to the game and enhancing the replayability factor.
Game Gear Titles & Amy Rose
Included in Sonic Origins Plus is a collection of 12 Sonic Game Gear titles. In these titles, fans can play as Amy Rose amongst other characters. This adds another layer of variety to the already rich character selection of the compilation. Amy shines here, and this offers a unique opportunity for the dedicated fan to play some old classic games.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can you play as all characters in every game from the start?
Yes, with Sonic Origins Plus, you can play as Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and Amy Rose in Sonic the Hedgehog 1, 2, Sonic 3 & Knuckles, and Sonic CD after you have bought and installed the game and it’s DLC.
2. How do you unlock characters in Sonic Origins?
All the base game characters (Sonic, Tails, Knuckles) are unlocked from the start. The Sonic Origins Plus content, including Amy Rose and Knuckles in Sonic CD, is unlocked automatically if you own the expansion.
3. Can you play as Super Sonic in Sonic Origins?
Yes, you can transform into Super Sonic in Sonic the Hedgehog 2, and Sonic 3 & Knuckles. This requires collecting all seven Chaos Emeralds by completing special stages within the games.
4. What are the differences between characters in gameplay?
- Sonic is the fastest and most agile, relying on speed and precision.
- Tails can fly for a limited time, allowing access to hidden areas.
- Knuckles can glide and climb walls, offering a more exploration-focused approach.
- Amy Rose uses her Piko-Piko Hammer to attack, providing a different combat style.
5. Is it possible to play with friends in Sonic Origins?
Sonic Origins is mainly a single-player experience. However, Sonic 2 and Sonic 3 & Knuckles allows for a second player to control Tails locally.
6. Does Sonic Origins include cheat codes to play as other characters?
The game does not have secret cheat codes for other characters. Characters are unlocked as the game is designed. There are cheat codes in Sonic Origins Plus that allows level select and debug mode, but they do not affect characters you can use.
7. What is the difference between Sonic Origins and Sonic Origins Plus?
Sonic Origins Plus is an enhanced version of Sonic Origins that adds a playable Amy Rose to the main games as well as Knuckles to Sonic CD, 12 Game Gear titles, and more features. It also includes all previously released DLC from the base game such as extreme missions, mirror mode, and other new features.
8. Can you play as Knuckles in the original Sonic CD?
No, Knuckles was not originally playable in Sonic CD. This is a new feature in the Sonic Origins Plus edition.
9. Is Sonic Origins a remake or a remaster?
Sonic Origins is a remaster of the classic games. It features enhanced graphics, widescreen support, and other improvements while maintaining the core gameplay of the originals.
10. What are the 12 Game Gear games included in Sonic Origins Plus?
The 12 Game Gear titles in Sonic Origins Plus are Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Sonic Chaos, Sonic the Hedgehog: Triple Trouble, Sonic Labyrinth, Sonic Blast, Sonic Drift, Sonic Drift 2, Sonic 2 in 1, Tails Adventure, Tails’ Skypatrol, and Sonic Spinball.
11. Can you upgrade Sonic Origins to Sonic Origins Plus?
Yes, current owners of Sonic Origins can purchase the Plus Expansion Pack to access all the new content in Sonic Origins Plus.
12. Does Sonic Origins have unlimited lives?
In Anniversary Mode, players have unlimited lives, which can be toggled for a more forgiving experience. Classic mode maintains the original game’s lives system.
13. How does Amy’s gameplay differ from other characters?
Amy Rose uses her Piko-Piko Hammer as her primary attack, she also has the ability to smash objects with an air jump mechanic, giving her a unique feel compared to the other characters.
14. Are there any new animations or content included with Sonic Origins?
Yes, Sonic Origins features new opening and ending animations for each title. Sonic Origins Plus adds additional character animations to the menus and backgrounds.
15. Is the DLC free?
The base DLC is not free and must be purchased on top of the core game. The Sonic Frontiers DLC titled The Final Horizon is free.