Classic Sonic

"Classic Sonic Blasts From The Past!"

Classic Sonic is the name given to the Sonic design used from the original Sonic the Hedgehog up until Sonic Adventure, as well as an alternate universe version of Sonic seen in Sonic Generations, Sonic Mania, and Sonic Forces.

He is also a playable character in Nexed - Despite sharing similarities to "Modern" Sonic, he is not a Remix Fighter.

Real-World History
Sonic was created as a result of Sega looking for a new mascot for the company to replace then-mascot Alex Kidd. The aim was to create a character that would rival Mario, the mascot of Nintendo, with the game featuring them featuring high-speed gameplay to mirror the slow-paced nature of the Super Mario franchise.

After a number of designs were pitched (one of which was reworked into Dr. Eggman, the antagonist of the Sonic series), a hedgehog was decided upon as designed by Naoto Ohshima, Yuji Naka, and Hirokazu Yasuhara. This character would take inspiration from a number of sources, such as a blue color scheme designed to match Sega's logo, Michael Jackson-like boots with the color scheme of Santa Claus, and a "get it done" personality inspired by future United States president Bill Clinton. Originally dubbed "Mister Hedgehog" and "Mister Needlemouse", the name "Sonic" was ultimately chosen due to its representation of speed.

After the release of Sonic the Hedgehog in 1991, Sonic would go on to become a major figure of 90's culture and gaming culture at large, spawning a long-running media franchise and making Sega a true contender in the industry. While the classic design would be phased out in the late 90's in favor of Sonic's new "modern" appearance, Classic Sonic would continue to be seen in games and merchandise relating to pre-Sonic Adventure content.

In-universe, Classic Sonic would become a seperate character from Modern Sonic; While Sonic Generations established Classic Sonic as the past version of Modern Sonic, Sonic Mania and Sonic Forces would establish Classic Sonic as being from another universe entirely.

Gameplay Information
"Is he Sonic from the past? A Sonic from another dimension? Whatever he is, this hedgehog’s got the same high-speed skills as his modern-day counterpart. While Classic Sonic isn’t as talkative, he’s got the same free mentality, and the speed to back it up!

Classic Sonic is just as adventurous and daring as Modern Sonic, and so when he heard of a multiversal fighting tournament, he was quick to join the brawl. The world has changed wildly since his golden years, but this hedgehog’s ready to prove that the classics are still in style!"

Similarly to his modern counterpart, Classic Sonic is a rushdown fighter, boasting high movement speed and combo potential. However, Classic Sonic exchanges some of Modern Sonic's approaching options for a safer, easier-to-control approach; His Neutral Special is a reflector as opposed to a homing attack, and while his Side Special is similar to the Boost, Classic Sonic's Fireball Dash focuses more on damage output than distance. Regardless, Classic Sonic retains the ability to close gaps quickly and execute combos with ease.

However, Classic Sonic has his weaknesses. He is a fairly lightweight character, meaning that he can be KO'd fairly quickly. In addition, while he does have a reflector option, he lacks any projectiles of his own.

Moveset

 * Hydrophobia: Classic Sonic takes damage while swimming.

Grounded Attacks

 * Jab: Sonic throws a punch.
 * Dash Attack: Classic Sonic curls into a ball and rolls forward.
 * Forward Light: Classic Sonic claps his hands, performing the Scissor Punch from Sonic the Fighters.
 * Up Light: Classic Sonic throws a high kick.
 * Down Light: Classic Sonic throws a sweeping kick. This can combo into itself at lower percents.
 * Forward Strong: Classic Sonic throws the Windup Punch from Sonic the Fighters. This is his best kill move.
 * Up Strong: Classic Sonic curls into a ball and jumps upwards, being able to deal multiple hits of damage. This resembles Sonic's Up Smash from the Super Smash Bros. series.
 * Down Strong: Classic Sonic spins in place, making use of the Dizzy Spin from Sonic the Fighters.
 * Counter: Classic Sonic leaps into the opponent while curled up.

Aerial Attacks

 * Neutral Air: Classic Sonic curls into a ball and spins erratically, making use of the Air Spin from Sonic the Fighters.
 * Forward Air: Classic Sonic kicks forwards with both feet. This resembles Mighty's wall jump animation from Knuckles' Chaotix, referencing the fact that Mighty's sprites in that game were based off Sonic's.
 * Back Air: Classic Sonic pokes his spines behind himself.
 * Up Air: Classic Sonic straightens himself out before spinning, resembling his spring animation from Sonic CD. This move is able to deal multiple hits of damage.
 * Down Air: Classic Sonic stomps downwards with both feet, being able to spike opponents.

Grabs / Throws

 * Grab: Classic Sonic grabs the opponent with both hands.
 * Pummel: Classic Sonic headbutts the opponent.
 * Forward Throw: Classic Sonic headbutts the opponent so hard that they get launched forward.
 * Back Throw: Classic Sonic vaults over the foe and horse kicks them backwards. This is his best kill throw.
 * Up Throw: Classic Sonic uppercuts the opponent into the air, resembling the Volley Toss from Sonic the Fighters.
 * Down Throw: Classic Sonic tosses the opponent to the ground and Spin Dashes into them, repeatedly damaging them before launching them forwards. This is his best combo throw.

Stage Intro
Classic Sonic jumps out of a Giant Ring from Sonic the Hedgehog, which vanishes as he enters his battle stance.

Taunts

 * Classic Sonic shades his eyes as he looks around.
 * Classic Sonic runs in place, resembling the Super Peel-Out from Sonic CD.
 * Classic Sonic wags his finger at the camera, resembling his victory animation from Sonic the Hedgehog 3.
 * Classic Sonic spins around before posing with a peace sign, resembling his victory animation from Sonic the Fighters.

Victory Animations
Sonic's victory theme is a remix of the Act Clear jingle from Sonic the Hedgehog, used for Sonic the Hedgehog 2 HD Project.
 * Classic Sonic leaps into the air with a fist pump before landing and wagging his finger, resembling his victory animation from Sonic Mania.
 * A Goal Plate bearing Dr. Robotnik’s face is seen. However, Classic Sonic quickly runs past it, causing it to flip over to reveal himself, who flashes a peace sign at the camera in reference to Sonic Generations.
 * Classic Sonic dashes around the screen in ball form before coming to a stop and lying down for a pose. This references Classic Sonic’s S-rank animation from Sonic Generations.

Colors / Costumes


Trivia

 * Classic Sonic's title, "The Fastest Thing Alive", originally belonged to his modern counterpart. However, this was changed due to the title being a reference to the Sonic the Hedgehog Saturday morning cartoon's theme song, which fit the classic aesthetic better.
 * Classic Sonic's Neutral and Side Specials were originally his combo from Sonic the Fighters and the Rocket Shoes from the Master System and Game Gear versions of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 respectively.

Gameplay-Related

 * Upon being KO’d via blast zone, rings will fly out from Classic Sonic’s direction.
 * If Classic Sonic is the last fighter to lose their final stock in a Stamina match, he will be launched upwards a short distance before falling through the bottom of the screen, resembling his death animation in many Sonic games.