The Sonic the Hedgehog franchise has a huge array of games across almost every console imaginable – from the original side-scrolling platformer to racing spin-offs to 3D action-adventure platformers to even a fighting game! With so many games in the Sonic library, it’s only natural that one by one, new characters were introduced throughout these titles to keep things fresh and interesting.
Everyone knows the resident sidekicks, Tails the fox and Knuckles the echidna, and most people are even familiar with characters such as Shadow the hedgehog, Silver the hedgehog, and Amy Rose. But not all characters that were introduced in Sonic game titles have stuck around like these familiar names, in fact, some seem to have vanished from the Sonic game franchise completely!
While some were special characters introduced into Sonic spin-off games to fill a specific role, and others are characters from the Archie comics that made an appearance in certain titles, there is no lack of side characters in the Sonic franchise. These 10 characters are definitely some of the coolest to have appeared in the game franchise, yet nobody seems to remember them…. let’s see how many you know!
Jet The Hawk
Jet the Hawk is known as the arrogant, and confident leader of the Babylon Rogues, and an expert Extreme Gear rider. Jet is most commonly remembered for his important role alongside Wave and Storm in the Sonic Riders series. Jet has also had cameos in a handful of other titles, and is a recurring playable character in the spin-off series Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games.
While Jet’s personality traits set him well apart from Sonic, this is actually what makes him such a standout rival. Jet fills more of an anti-hero niche than other rivals and it’s the element of competitiveness in his rivalry with Sonic that makes him memorable. Though Jet also wants to beat Sonic as the fastest creature in the universe, he has positive character development throughout his games and learns some respect. It would be great to see Jet return to a more modern Sonic title, whether that be a modern remake of the Sonic Riders racing games or a completely new genre for the hoverboard-riding hawk.
Wave the Swallow
Wave the Swallow is playable throughout the Sonic Riders franchise and features cameo appearances in several other games. Wave plays an important role, often keeping the ambition of Jet and the temper of Storm in line. Just as Tails is the brains within Sonic, Wave fills the same role in the Babylon Rogues, and this sets her apart from many other female characters in the Sonic franchise who tend to play more of a sidekick role.
It would make sense to see Wave appear again in a new title, alongside Jet and Storm as the Babylon Rogues trio. However, she would also make an interesting choice for a standalone role, and it would be entertaining to see her individual talent shine. There are countless chances to create and develop Wave the Swallow’s anti-hero character, such as a plot in which several teams are separated and must work individually to get back together – or even just having her called in for a few stages or gameplay situations featuring mechanical or technical issues.
Storm the Albatross
Storm the Albatross brings the brute force and strength to the Babylon Rogues within the Sonic Riders franchise. However, unlike Jet and Storm’s playable roles in the Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games series, Storm has only been granted cameo appearances. This is disappointing, considering he’s just as important to the Babylon Rogues trio.
Even though Sonic the Hedgehog faces some competition throughout the games, there are often no rivals for the supporting cast to clash with. This is where Storm steps in, bringing a fiercely heated and entertaining feud with Knuckles the echidna. Storm is an incredible powerhouse in the franchise, and an undervalued character in general. He deserves to return in-game to reignite his conflict with Knuckles, even if it’s just for a couple of cutscenes.