SEGA announces Sonic Showdown tournament

94 Comments

1. Silver vs. Cream? Big vs. Chao? Srsly? o3o

   1. Yeah… that’s what I thought.
      If SEGA is trying to gain some info from this, I doubt that they are sane enough to actually know what to do with it.
      I mean,… how are these Sonic characters even from the same categories? Is SEGA trying to find out if it makes more sense to make Shadow the Hedgehog 2 or Stick the Badger 1?
      Yeah, and I doubt that they will ever take into the account WHY we like those characters. So if Shadow wins again, they will just end up butchering him more for the sake of comedy era.

2. In b4 this relates to sonics 25th anniversary game

   1. Will a new hedgehog character appear for Sonic’s 25th anniversary?

      1. I would guess no, but seeing as Sticks is being paired with characters from the main series in this showdown suggests that she will become a main series character rather than being Boom exclusive!

         1. For the love of God, please no.

         2. I think no, sticks is a boom character

3. This is way smarter than just making a poll of all Sonic characters and having the fans choose only one option.
   This could be big for us. Although I don’t see how Sonic or Tails placing high would change anything. Unless this could also account for playable character status.

4. I love how they put Metal Sonic and Blaze against each other — this will really wreck Sonic fans everywhere.
   Btw, why would there be Chao vs Big? Whatever the case, VOTE FOR CHAO for the possibility of the return of Chao and maybe Chao Gardens!

   1. I know right? I like those two a lot, especially Blaze and I wanted both to reach the finals, I don’t get why they put those two at the begining.

      1. That’s not the worst of it. Knuckles vs Espio? Oh poor dear Espio. Eliminated because of who he had to against first.

         1. Yeah that too, actually Blaze is my second favorite character but I’m expecting Knuckles to win.

         2. I still think the most polarizing match is going to be between Eggman vs. Amy.

         3. I agree very much with c0mf0rta61ynum6. I believe that Eggman vs. Amy will be one of the closest match-ups here.

   2. That’s a hard choice indeed, but Shadow vs Sticks? I wonder!

      1. Maybe shadow

5. Just a popularity contest with a pretty predictable and obvious result.
   Of course the final will be Tails (privilege boy)/Shadow vs Knuckles (funny how popularity/nostalgia still makes him look like he is relevant despite his character hitting rock bottom). It’s not like the other characters ever got the same opportunity/screentime/relevance to be as popular as those three to hold a more fair chance.

6. lol sticks vs Freaking SHADOW. Good luck lmao

   1. A pile of sticks would have a better chance against Shadow than Sticks herself. 😀 JK

7. The lack of Emerl hurts.

   1. No Charmy Bee?

   2. don’t you mean gemerl? cuz emerl’s dead.

      1. Maybe so maybe not. 😛

   3. I feel it too. 🙁

8. I’m confused as to why Sticks is even in this thing. Isn’t she specifically for the Boom universe? I’m guessing this and her appearance in Mario and Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games means she might be canon to the SEGA Sonic universe….. Oh boy!

   1. That wouldn’t be a bad thing. She could be a replacement for Marine the Raccoon! Who really cared about Marine anyway?
      Although still no Mighty the Armadillo!

      1. That’s a horrible idea. Marine may have been “annoying” but she was purposefully so. Sticks is just a “lol so randumb” 2D character with no real personality. She doesn’t even work as comedy because she has no foil and there are never any stakes. Shit character for a shit spin-off, the further she stays away from the main canon the better.

         1. Not to mention Marine does show some signs of maturing near the end of Rush Adventure, and it is implied that she does become a valuable ally to Blaze.

         2. That’s probably one of my favorite things about Marine actually. Normally with characters like her, they stay their annoying selves, but she actually acknowledged that she wasn’t ACTUALLY a captain and that she wanted to get strong enough to adventure on her own. If you want to count Marine as “just” a one-off character, she’s definitely the third best one (because Emerl and Chip are one and two respectively).

         3. But I’ll say this again, no one outside the fanbase will recognize Marine because she was only a one-off character. With Sonic Boom showing on TV worldwide everyone will know Sticks! Sega will recognize this and she will become a mainstay in the franchise and it really has nothing to do with popularity because I believe that popularity thing can only happen once and it did with Shadow!

         4. Just curious, where would Merlina rank amongst the one-offs?

         5. Merlina? Probably 4th or 5th, it’s debatable if Tikal is over her or not I think. She didn’t really get to do a whole heck of a lot in her game. She’s still better than the Deadly Six (as one unit), Yacker, Elise, Shara (barely). and Shade though. Then again, I could probably put Mephiles on my own personal top 5 one-off list. Dude was a bare bones “monster”/”puppet-master”-type villain, but he played that role out perfectly in my opinion.

9. I was wondering if this had a deeper meaning. I’m going to vote for Blaze and pray to God we get her playable again someway.

   1. Assuming you’re not counting Olympic or mobile games, then I’m right there with you. I want her playable in a main series console Sonic game.

   2. Same here! Sadly she has one of the strongest adversaries, I mean who doesn’t like Metal Sonic? Even non-Sonic fans like him!
      I’m still voting for Blaze though.

10. thank god Jet still popular.

    1. Though I don’t think the same can be said for his comrades!

11. Eecchh, I never like these things tbh. Always ends up with the predictable results, I expect this to turn out just like that poll that Sonic News Network ran on the same subject. I would have at least liked a poll where we could select our favorite characters from the get-go instead of these “VS” polls.
    And if this IS connected to whatever game is next, why can’t we just find a way to feature all these characters in some form or fashion? And not how Generations did it, more like Sonic World. If a fan-game could, then what’s stopping an official Sonic game from SEGA themselfs.
    And no Tikal but Sticks? Really? And Metal VS Blaze? A character that actually has a character (who granted had one bad role but that was just lazy writing an making Silver over-important in 06) versus a robot that only really shows character every once in a while and only had like, two good appearences? (CD and Heroes are the only times I can say Metal is worth caring about)

    1. I don’t think people outside the fanbase even knows who Tikal the Echidna is because she only made one appearance! Sonic Boom is showing worldwide so people know who Sticks is!

       1. She’s still not a mainstream Sonic character. They stated on and on how Boom is this sub-series, so why not a poll of Boom centric characters if they want to include Sticks?
          Besides, Big has made HOW many playable appearences? Two at best? Hell, most people outside the fan-base probably have zero clue about him or anyone past the main 4 or don’t even care, and yet he’s on the list? Granted, I like Big unlike most people, but who was the much bigger amount of character importance in SA1 between the two?

          1. RobotHobo64? If I know you at all, than I know you’ll be voting for Blaze on this thing! 😉

          2. Well yeah, but my point still stands on how this whole poll is set up.
             I mean, Sticks vs Shadow. One of the MOST POPULAR characters of the series against Sticks, a character form a new part of the series that is defintely not the getting much love from the fanbase.
             It’s like having a popularity contest between Perfect Cell and Emperor Pilaf.

    2. Agreed, this is kind of unfair though is still a nice oportunity to show Sega what the fans like the most, perhaps even if certain characters don’t win they will take in consideration how much votes they got.
       Personally I really hope at least Blaze can beat Metal Sonic, that alone could make Blaze playable again in the next main Sonic title.

       1. Waiting for Sonic Z as a 25th anniversary game, that will be a perfect next big main series game that will be a homage to mortal kombat x.

          1. Suuuure…

          2. Sonic Adventure 2 – Sonic’s 10th anniversary – Shadow
             Sonic the Hedgehog (2006) – Sonic’s 15th anniversary – Silver
             Sonic Generations – Sonic’s 20th anniversary – Classic Sonic
             Sonic Z – Sonic’s 25th anniversary – Sonic and Amy’s son and daughter

12. I wished they’ve added Archie characters.

13. Only about 5 of these make sense. The other 3 have Tails, Knuckles, and Shadow as clear winners since they’ve been the most popular worldwide for pretty much every year (and they’re included in nearly every medium to the point that only these three have spinoffs). Amy and Eggman usually show up, but they have about equal popularity, so it’s one of the ones that make sense.
    I’m surprised they have Sticks but not Fang or Sally. Not angry about Sticks being there, though. It’s just, why would they set up some of these characters to lose so easily

    1. Fang? Sally? Nope names don’t ring a bell in the mainstream! Sticks? Oh yeah I’ve heard of her from Cartoon Network I love Adventure Time yadayadayada!

14. I’m assuming it’s going to lead up to a spinoff title starring whoever wins. If that’s the case I either want Shadow, Metal Sonic, Eggman, or Knuckles to win. They could all have awesome spinoff games if the games are made good *coughSHTHSuckscough*
    What is actually likely now of happening is that fake Big Fishing Adventure game Aaron keeps talking about. That scares me… #VoteBig

    1. There will never be another game based on another character besides Sonic! This is almost definitely going to decide which characters will be standing with Sonic in the character selection screen for the next big Sonic title whether it’s an Adventure 3 or another new separate Adventure!

       1. I’m completely fine with that as well. I was just saying that those characters could have awesome games based on them. I was thinking it would be a spinoff title based on whatever character wins, not because I think it’s a definite thing, but because there is a set winner, not a few winners. I’d love a game where at lease one other character is playable other than Sonic. A good game mind you, whether is be Adventure 3 or just any other sorta game. As long as it isn’t Boom related, I’m happy.
          Though Fire and Ice looks at least good in my eyes.

    2. For spin-off titles I would love if either Blaze or Knuckles win, they’re both great characters with their own worlds and mithos surrounding them.

15. Also Silver could have a pretty nice spinoff game. If be okay with him winning as well as any of the others that I listed winning.

16. This is an exciting tournament with how so unpredictable Sega is!
    What Adventures will Sonic and his friends get themselves into next?
    The Anniversary year is definitely going to be an interesting one indeed! 🙂

    1. I feel your excitement! 🙂

17. This actually makes me really happy since it ould mean Sega is actually considering including more playable characters in a main Sonic title.
    Though this could be some sort of promotion for other means, perhaps even the reveal of an actual Sonic fighting game at the end of the tournament.

18. Round one predictions:
    A Block
    Tails-Jet>Tails
    Big-Chao>Chao (by a landslide)
    B Block
    Metal-Blaze>Metal (by the tiniest margin)
    Sticks-Shadow>Shadow (by a landslide)
    C Block
    Silver-Cream>Silver
    Eggman-Any>Eggman (…maybe)
    D Block
    Rouge-Vector>Rouge
    Knuckles-Espio>Knuckles
    A lot of these I wouldn’t consider “fair” fights, they’re going up against some really entrenched fanbases. Jet, Cream, Big and Sticks all should have had different opponents if Sega actually wanted any of them to win their respective bouts. I wonder if they were random or if they specifically set up the opponents. A Shadow vs Tails poll would have been interesting to see the result to, though I’m guessing we’ll probably get that a bit later on.

    1. Regardless of how the poll turns out in the end, I love each and every one of those characters!
       I hope the ones who lose will at least make an appearance because that is the problem with a big cast, Sega hasn’t been doing anything with the characters besides Sonic!

    2. If it comes to Shadow vs. Tails… Gosh darn it I’ll do everything in my power to make sure Miles Prower pulls through!

       1. I’m voting for Shadow all the way through. Can’t stand Sticks and post-Colors Tails.

          1. Well, Tails hardly did anything in Sonic Generations and 2012 had racing so that means the only post-colors appearance of Tails that isn’t boom is Lost World. So judging Tails by his post-colors appearances is a bit unfair in my opinion, but to each their own. You root for Shadow and I’ll root for Tails. I want to watch that episode of Sonic X now where Tails and Cosmo are just running for their lives from Shadow and then Tails makes a valiant attempt to tackle Shadow to the ground as a last ditch effort. From what I remember though, that didn’t work out too well for Tails. 😮 I also feel like playing Sonic Battle because in Tails’ story he defeats Shadow in a battle or two which is awesome. Shadow is a very awesome character though, I won’t deny that. I actually hope he does return to get some relevance pumping again. As far as this poll goes however, I’m flyin’ high with Tails!

          2. Also, part of why I’m voting for Shadow is because I know Tails will get included in any game in some form no matter what, so I feel like giving other characters a chance.

          3. I understand.

19. “Q: Is the Sonic Twitter account real?
    A: What Twitter account? We only use MySpace.”
    Aaron, you’re so fucking beautiful, you know that?

    1. Even the Game Grumps admit that whoever is behind the twitter account is a genius and the Grumps hate Sonic!

20. There’s a lack of people mentioning Omega, he’s another one I’d like to see!

    1. That’s very interesting in my opinion as well. Perhaps Metal Sonic is a sort of a representative to all the robots?

21. I’m really liking how everyone is getting into this! It’s making me feel all tingly inside with a competitive flare. I feel bad for Cream. She was awesome in Sonic Advance 2, Sonic Advance 3, Sonic Battle, and her amazing story role in Sonic Rush but Silver the Hedgehog has a very likeable persona and atmosphere without a doubt. Tails is awesome and should defeat Jet. No disrespect to Jet though; he’s cool in his own ways. I feel bad for Espio fans because Knuckles is certainly a strong opponent and, no matter the potential Espio clearly has, Knuckles’ notoriety is there. Blaze vs. Metal? Goodness that will be fierce, but nowhere near as fierce as my favorite match up here… Amy Rose vs. Doctor Eggman! This one here will certainly be neck and neck! It’s certainly the best match up here in my opinion. I must root for Sonic’s very first gal pal Amy Rose. Why? Well, if you’ve seen the last episode in season 2 of Sonic X titled, “A New Start” than you know that Amy Rose is a girl like no other. She’s a girl with a burning passionate flare that will never die out! Her flow of passion is endless and strong and that’s why I love her and push for her to defeat the EVIL Dr. Eggman! Plus, with Sonamy CLEARLY being the strongest Sonic ship out there, I know she’s got a lot backing her. 😉 Mr. Pollock won’t be enough… 😛

22. I personally feel that this whole competition is pointless. We already KNOW who going to win.*(Hint:He is popular.) Why do we have to waste time?

    1. It’s the possibility of this tournament being a test conducted by Sega to see which characters will become playable in the next game! ???
       I mean just imagine if this whole thing went in the opposite direction of what we predict and the final round would be Big vs Eggman, or Jet vs Rouge, or Metal Sonic vs Cream, or Tails vs Silver, or Shadow vs Amy, ETC. ??????????

       1. It’s a reasonable assumption that they’re using this to see who should be involved in the next game. I reached a similar conclusion although I think a lot of people (myself included) are hoping a new game is already well in development in preparation for the 25th Anniversary.
          Even if they put the game out for Christmas 2016 as opposed to his actual birthday in June that would still give them only circa 16 months from now to put it out. My point is I’d be worried if they were only now accumulating data from fans to decide who should be in the next game. This is all speculation on my part of course. To my knowledge it’s never been stated the next main series game would be released in 2016 but my gut feeling is it will be.

    2. Or hell even Knuckles vs Knuckles and Knuckles!!!!!!!!!!

    3. You never know for sure! 😛

23. Voted for Tails in the first round, since I hate Jet and the Babylon Rogues. Voted for Silver in the second round because I feel he has more potential than Cream, and would have a more meaningful gameplay purpose for being in a game. Big vs Chao? Big all the way, since I don’t care for Chao Gardens. Eggman vs Amy? That’s… a bit of a tough one. Eh, I’ll vote for Amy, since Eggman will get shoved into any Sonic game regardless. Metal Sonic vs Blaze? Fuck, this one is actually really hard. Damn… I’ll get back to you guys on that one. Rouge vs Vector? Rouge will probably win, but I’m going to vote for Vector. The Chaotix need more love. Sticks vs Shadow? Shadow all the way, the less Boom content we have in future titles, the better. Knuckles vs Espio? Eh, I’ll go with Knux this time. Sega really hasn’t been giving ol’ stone fists the treatment he deserves in nearly 10 years. I’m also tired of him being portrayed as mentally challenged, if not outright dumb, instead of being a bit naive.

    1. Why? We need to show Jet some support for the opportunity of a new Riders game. He was a great antagonist, and idc what anyone says, the Riders series is better than the All-Stars. But of course, that’s just my opinion.

       1. Agree, also Jet is a badass in the comics though it would be great if they change his voice actor, he sounds like a parrot.

       2. I dunno, I just never liked them. Jet and the Rogues kinda came off as jerks with poor sportsmanship towards the main cast. Just never could really get to like ’em that much. They kind of came off as meaner, more dickish versions of the Chaotix, just that they’re robbers, rather than detectives.

          1. Isn’t that what their appeal is supposed to be? They’re jerks, not jerks with hearts of gold, they’re just straight up jerks. I think it’s kinda funny.

          2. Eh, I suppose. Guess I don’t like jerks.

    2. I’d really appreciate it if you do indeed vote for Amy! 😉

       1. And for Blaze 😀

24. Maybe they will pay attention to the ones with the least votes, since they don’t seem to listen to fans all that much. The majority wanted something fresh after colors, and idk anybody who wanted the wisps to come back.

25. Anything for a Silver the Hedgehog game. It would be nice to see how Silver’s non-firey future is like without any Iblis or Ifrit. It would also be really cool to see a 3D render of Dr. Eggman Nega in full motion. Plus I would like to play as a slightly speedier Silver.

26. Well no matter what I hope Blaze wins the whole thing. If not her then Knuckles because if it’s anyone who needs some respect badly it’s knuckles. #screwshadow

    1. Maaaan you gotta check out the Silver Age.. that comic so far even though it is part one.. is looking good.
       I am voting for Blaze as well to win because personally i would love to see Silver and Blaze hook up again in another video game so im voting for her all the way along with Silver.

27. Seems like I have been right on the money with my votes so far, picking the winners of each bracket.
    The choice of characters does make me wonder, as well as Aaron’s comments in regards to the characters that are in the poll, it’s almost like there is a reason beyond just “info for HQ”. It strikes me for example that all the characters in the poll are represented in Mario & Sonic 2016, perhaps they are using the info to guage interest in Amiibo figures for a Mario & Sonic series of figures. Perhaps Nintendo said they can only do so many for the set, a certain amount for Nintendo characters represented and the same for Sega characters. So what better way to guage interest or potential sales figures than via a poll using character popularity as the subject, then use that data to choose which characters, other than Sonic who is a given, to make figures out of for the game.
    In saying that some of the match up’s do seem a bit unfair, or rigged to a potential outcome. What chance does Sticks have against Shadow (ugh), and Metal vs Blaze will be interesting as there is a good amount of love for both, tho I would prefer if Metal took that one. Eggman vs Amy? Poor Amy..it would have been fairer to put her up against Sticks or one of the Chaotix.
    I am glad that Aaron commented about the requests from Day 1, with special mentions even. Would love to have seen Nack the Weasel in there myself. I still hold out hope that one day this unique character will return to the Sonic’verse.

28. Some of my most favorites are going against characters that have been favorites for years.
    Blaze v. Metal Sonic
    Espio v. Knuckles
    And if the current results stay on course, my second-most favorite after Sonic(Tails) will have to compete against Shadow. I really hope Tails wins, but we all know that he won’t.
    Espio will never be used as a playable character again.. 🙁

29. Chaos vs Biolizard, plah-eeze!

30. It looks like Jet was destined to lose. Here’s a comedic comic celebration to that round!
    http://emeraldcoastcomics.net/Sonic_Eggs/Sonic-Egg-Whites/Page-16.eggs

31. Good news, Sega’s shift to mobile and pc hasn’t paid off. That means it is a return of console gaming.

32. I think Sonic Z would be a perfect name for a 25th anniversary game.

33. In some matchups, I can see the sparks flying already. I’m really hoping for Tails vs Shadow. While Shadow does have more fans than Tails (as far as I know), Tails is an original character who has less haters than Shadow. He’ll also get the votes of nostalgia-fans. This could even them out. Anyway, I think whoever wins that match wins the poll.
    My predictions:
    Tails vs Jet (Tails)
    Silver vs Cream (Silver)
    Big vs Chao (Chao)
    Eggman/Robotnik vs Amy (Eggman)
    Metal Sonic vs Blaze (that one is hard, but I think Blaze)
    Rouge vs Vector (again a hard one, but Rouge in my opinion)
    Knuckles vs Espio (Knuckles)
    Tails vs Chao (Tails)
    Silver vs Eggman (the good ol’doc)
    Blaze vs Shadow (Shadow, but I’m actually not sure)
    Rouge vs Knuckles (Knuckles)
    Tails vs Shadow (dunno ;-;)
    Eggman vs Knuckles (Knuckles, but Eggman has big chances though. Maybe 55/45)
    Tails/Shadow vs Knuckles (regarding the last poll, either Tails or Shadow will beat Knux, as Shadow was 2., Tails 3. and Knuckles 4. and that’s what I believe too. Still, Knuckles has his chances, we never know in the complex Sonic-fandom)

34. My predictions
    Blaze V Metal (Metal)
    Rogue V Vector (Vector)
    Sticks V Shadow (Shadow)
    Knuckles V Espio (Knuckles)
    Round 2
    Tails V Chao (TAILS)
    Silver V Eggman (SILVER)
    Metal V Shadow (SHADOW)
    Knuckles V Vector (KNUCKLES)
    Talis V Shadow (Shadow)
    Silver V Knuckles (Either way)
    Shadow V Knuckles/Silver (Shadow)

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