Sonic the Hedgehog, also known as the Blue Blur by his hardcore fans is nothing less than a household name, with more than 10 million game copies sold around the world. Early development of the character was greatly credited to artist Naoto Oshima and head designer Hirokazu Yasuhara. Sonic the Hedgehog was a type of character developed by Sega to generate revenues. Not only that, it was primarily designed to replace Segas old mascot Alex Kidd and to rival Nintendos mascot Mario.
Naoto Oshima based his character on a real live hedgehog. Sonic is mostly covered by blue fur. He wears a pair of red shoes in which it allows him to run faster than the speed of sound. He can curl up into a small ball and attack enemies by pouncing them over the head. Sources from the companys game character design, describes Sonic as a character compared to as the wind and a wanderer who loves to travel different places. Sonic loves freedom and does not want to be beaten around. He likes to travel fast and likes to explore around new places. As much as he loves to travel fast, he is a bit impatient to slower moving objects. He is easy going, loyal and honest to his closest friends. In times of great turmoil, he is there to help anyone who needs his aid.
Sonics first game was released in 1991 on the platform game entitled Sonic the Hedgehog sometimes called as Sonic 1. His first game had him racing down in roller coaster tracks and collecting gold rings in the process. The game play is simple. The player controls Sonic as he races down the tracks. In order for Sonic to overcome the obstacle, the player needs to provide a strong boost in order for Sonic to traverse the track loops prepared for him. Gold rings are spread across the tracks for the player to collect as much to gain him a few extra lives. The tracks may be filled with booby traps like spikes and flame cannons to prevent Sonic from progressing. Just like any other games in the market, it has that winning formula where you battle level bosses to further progress in the game.
As Segas mascot, Sonic was undeniably the easiest character recognizable. Segas new mascot was the key reasons for the companys success during the console of wars of that era. Sonics success lead him in many firsts in the industry. Sonic was the first video game character to be seen in the Rose Parade. He was also the first three characters to be included in the inaugural Walk of Game in 2005.Sonics can be seen all throughout the globe. As Segas mascot an iconic character it has been a symbol of the companys success all throughout the year. Numerous team sponsorship made by Sega can be seen in football jerseys. Also in 2004 Segas Sonic the Hedgehog won in the Golden Joy Stick Award as for the ultimate character of the year.