Summary
Sonic may be the fastest thing alive, but even he can’t hog the spotlight all the time. Over the decades,Team Sonichas given several of its side characters their own time to shine, whether they’re gliding through ancient ruins,solving block puzzles, or even flying a rickety plane.
Some of these spin-offs are quirky experiments, while others actually offer solid gameplay on their own terms. What they all have in common is that blue blur himself is nowhere to be found.
5Tails’ Skypatrol
Tails Deserved A Better Solo Adventure
Tails’ Skypatroldoesn’t really feel like aSonicgame, but that’s not entirely a bad thing. Instead ofrunning at breakneck speed,players guide Tails as he flies through the sky, holding a constantly moving trajectory. If that sounds a bit disorienting, it’s because it absolutely is. Released exclusively in Japan for the Game Gear in 1995, the game is essentially an auto-scrolling platformer with a steep difficulty curve.
The premise is pretty straightforward: Tails must navigate hazardous environments while keeping his momentum, collecting items, and dealing with a host of oddball enemies. The controls can feel a bit punishing, as even the slightest mistake sends Tails plummeting, ending the run. To make things even trickier, Tails needs to keep his stamina up by collecting mint candies, which doesn’t quite fit with his usual role as the tech-savvy sidekick.
In terms of story, Tails is on a quest to defeat the evil witch Witchcart and her cronies, who have taken over an island. It’s a refreshing change to see Tails face off against someone other than Eggman, but the lack of Sonic makes the game feel oddly detached from the main series. Despite itsclunky controls and challenging mechanics,Tails’ Skypatrolis a curious little gem that shows Tails has what it takes to headline, just maybe not in a game this punishing.
WhenKnuckles' Chaotixdropped for the 32X in 1995, it was supposed to showcase the potential of the new add-on. Instead, it ended up being one of the most obscure entries in the franchise. As the name suggests, Knuckles takes the lead here, but he’s not alone. The game pairs him up with the Chaotix crew: Vector the Crocodile, Espio the Chameleon, Charmy Bee, and Mighty the Armadillo.
The core gameplay concept is actually pretty unique foraSonicspin-off.The characters are tethered together with a magical ring, creating a weird elastic dynamic that turns traditional platforming into a physics experiment. Sometimes it’s fun, like when the tension propels them across gaps. Other times, it’s just frustrating as they awkwardly bounce in opposite directions.
Set in the mysterious Carnival Island, the game sees Knuckles trying to stop Eggman and Metal Sonic from harnessing the power of the Chaos Rings. The visuals are vibrant, and the soundtrack is undeniably catchy, but the bizarre gameplay loop and the lack of traditionalSonicspeed made it a tough sell. Still, it’s a rare glimpse into what happens when Knuckles is forced to play team leader, and it’s a little endearing to see him trying his best.
Unlike his usual role as Sonic’s sidekick,Tails Adventurefor the Game Gear gives Tails a chance to be the hero of his own story. This isn’t about speeding through loops or bouncing off badniks, though. It’s a slower-paced,exploration-heavy platformerwhere Tails collects gadgets to progress through interconnected areas. In a way, it feels almost like a Metroidvania, and that’s definitely unexpected for aSonicspin-off.
The story is simple enough: Tails sets out to defend Cocoa Island from the evil Battle Kukku Army. It’s charming in a low-stakes kind of way, and the game encourages players to think about how to use Tails’ gadgets creatively rather than just barreling forward. There’s a certain satisfaction in figuring out the best way to navigate obstacles with Tails’ various tools.
One of the coolest aspects is that Tails actually feels competent on his own. He’s not just there to carry Sonic over gaps or provide gadget support—he’s actively fighting off invaders and solving problems. It’s not a perfect game, but it’s nice to see Tails showing his adventurous side.
2Dr. Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine
No Sonic, Just Puyo Puyo
This is the one that catches people off guard.Dr. Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machineisn’t really aSonicgame at all—it’s a reskin ofPuyo Puyowith Eggman’s evil face slapped on it. That said, it’s technically set in theSonicuniverse, as it draws from theAdventures of Sonic the Hedgehogcartoon.
The premise is simple: players match colored beans to clear the screen while Dr. Robotnik’s minions try to clog it up. It’s purepuzzle gameplay, with none of the running, spinning, or chaos emerald collecting the series is known for. Yet there’s something oddly satisfying about watching Eggman’s plans collapse under a perfectly executed combo.
Even though Sonic doesn’t show up at all, it’s still a beloved part of the franchise because of its addictive gameplay and quirky charm. Plus, there’s a special kind of joy in knowing that Eggman’s once again undone by something as simple as falling beans.
This one’s infamous.Shadow the Hedgehoghad the potential to be an intriguing spin-off, but its attempt to make Shadow the gritty antihero of theSonicseries went a little too far. Released in 2005 for multiple consoles, it’s the one where Shadow wields guns, curses, and goes on a morally ambiguous quest to find his past.
The game tries to offermultiple branching paths,giving players choices that shape Shadow’s destiny. It’s ambitious, sure, but the execution is a mess. The gunplay feels out of place in a series built on speed and platforming, and the darker tone clashes with the usual upbeat spirit ofSonic.
Still, it’s a cult classic because it’s so unapologetically edgy. Shadow’s brooding persona is in full force, and fans who appreciate his character can find some enjoyment in the chaos. There’s something almost endearing about the way the game completely commits to its moody aesthetic, even if it means turning Shadow into the ultimate lone wolf.
