Latest Posts by smolsnoozes - Page 3

wore my thigh high boots on a walk today and we had to take a path through some long grass and while everyone else was rolling their pants into their socks and putting on jackets to protect themselves from ticks i was standing there smug as hell in my thigh high leather boots.

vector and his cringefail little brothers

Sonic's Ego Journey: The Neglected Subplot of Sonic Unleashed

Ego (noun): a person’s sense of self-esteem or self-importance.

This game—this story—is so fucking important.

This is the game where Sonic learns that he’s the hero and not his abilities. This is the game where Sonic learns that Amy loves him for him and not for his status, heroism, or skills. This is the game where Sonic learns that his heart, dedication, optimism, selflessness, and humanity make him a much better hero than his speed ever could.

Let me tell you why.

Cold Open

In classic in medias res fashion, Sonic lands on Eggman’s space fleet and rips things to shreds the only way he knows how: quickly and with style. Eggman intervenes in his latest battle mech equipped with a minigun, missiles, and giant extendable arms that catch Sonic off-guard enough to capture him. In Eggman’s crushing grip, Sonic flashes a smile and uses his other name-brand skill, Chaos Energy, to transform into Super Sonic and escape, destroying most of Eggman’s space fleet along the way.

Eggman evades Sonic long enough to lead him back to his main base, where Eggman abuses Sonic’s good heart and pleads for his life, claiming to be a changed man. Even though Sonic doesn’t believe him, Eggman’s appeals to Sonic’s cockiness enough to trigger his master plan. With the trapping and forced removal of the Chaos Emeralds from Sonic, Eggman uses both Sonic’s and the emeralds’ power to fire his laser into the planet, breaking it open and awaking Dark Gaia.

But, you knew all this, though, right? Why go over it again?

I want Sonic’s key characteristics—his speed, flair, and confidence—to be fresh in mind, because this moment is when they’re ripped away from him. However, as the laser canon backfires and transforms Sonic into the werehog, Sonic loses another key characteristic that quickly adds to his discomfort: his approachability.

Establishment of the Ego

After Sonic faceplants in Apotos and meets Chip, he faces the first hurdle that this new form brings him. Chip runs away, scared to be eaten, and when Sonic asks him if he’s alright, we get the famous “Thanks for asking, Mr. Monster Guy!” line that throws Sonic for such a loop.

English: “Looks like things have gotten pretty ugly.”

Japanese: “Man… Looks like I’ve gotten in a real rut.”

Chip notices his amnesia, and Sonic offers to help him out of the goodness of his heart (and because he’s worried he caused the amnesia with his fall). Later in the day, with a plan established, Sonic fixates on his werehog appearance, and here, we learn just how much he cares about how he looks (in a vain/cheeky sort of way, surely—not to be taken seriously—but as we begin to talk with townspeople after dark, we see just how afraid/freaked out people are by Sonic as the werehog).

Embarrassment and Discomfort

Upon his first proper night-time transformation, Sonic solidifies that he’s clearly not a fan of the circumstances.

English:

Sonic: “So when the sun goes down… I turn into… this?”

Chip: “Are you okay, Sonic?”

Sonic: “I’m fine. I just need to be careful who sees me like this.”

Japanese:

Sonic: “Ohh… I get it. So when it turns to night… I become this form?”

Chip: “Are you okay, Sonic?”

Sonic: “Yeah. But I might stand out a little in the town…”

In both versions, Sonic’s tone is incredulous and frustrated as he recovers from the physical pain he endured during the transformation. What’s more, while Sonic, known to bush things off, spoke in a joking manner about his appearance before he knew what was happening to him, he’s a lot more worried now that he’s learned the truth.

We’ve established that Sonic finds himself physically attractive and that a lot of his confidence comes from that belief. However, there’s a part of him feels that it’s his body (both his overall physicality and his skills like speed, agility, combat, hyper-perception, et cetera) that makes him a hero—or rather, perhaps, is what enables him to be a hero—and without it, he’s lost a big part of his identity.

Despite all of this, Sonic leans right into the practicality of his new form once he discovers that his arms stretch and pack a punch, showcasing his ability to adapt, prioritize, and focus on the task at hand. He practices his new move set as he runs through Apotos, mutilates Dark Gaia’s monsters and Eggman’s robots, and rescues Tails. However, as Sonic fills Tails in on current events, he expresses anger at and regret of the situation.

English: “I need to find Eggman and make him fix this… and FAST.”

Japanese: “Well, sooner or later I’m gonna put the screws on that Dr. Eggman somehow.”

Something important to note is that, whether it’s out of a raw, comfortable bond or out of practical need, Sonic doesn’t seem to have any issues revealing himself to Tails. Despite his concerns about standing out or being seen, he doesn’t let his deeper insecurity show in front of Tails. Evidently, Tails isn’t someone Sonic needs to be careful about seeing, unlike…

Amy Rose

Unleashed presents Amy as the person, if not a metaphor for the public, that Sonic doesn’t want to see him as the werehog.

Amy is Sonic’s other best friend, right next to Tails, but in an entirely different way. By design, Sonic and Amy’s relationship is fundamentally different than Sonic and Tails’ relationship, a series-long fact spanning all continuities which I’ve touched upon in the past, but to summarize, Tails is the little brother whom Sonic wants to protect, while Amy is an equal whom Sonic trusts to handle herself and even him, when he needs. Not to say that Sonic looks down on Tails, but rather, he’s more comfortable putting up a front with him while he consistently finds himself at a loss with Amy.

Amy’s introduction to the game is actually important in establishing where Sonic tries to draw the line to save face. Entering from screen left (a classic gag of the time), Amy hugs Sonic, much to his shock. The camera deliberately focuses on Chip’s awe and amusement at the sight, important for the audience to see as this interaction shows Chip the nature of Sonic and Amy’s relationship—notice and remember that Chip made this connection right away, because it’ll come back later.

Soon, Amy “realizes” that she’s “not hugging Sonic,” and pushes him away.

English:

Amy: “W-Who are you?”

Sonic: “Uh…?”

Amy: “Oh my gosh, I am SO sorry!”

Japanese:

Amy: “Who are you?”

Sonic: “Huh?”

Amy: “Oh Man, I’m so sorry!”

As Amy talks to herself, in a detail I’ve only just noticed, Chip (via hand gestures) tries to question Sonic about who Amy is and prompts him to correct her, but Sonic’s entirely at a loss for words. As Amy offers a final apology and bids Sonic and Chip farewell, a stunned Sonic can only reach out to her retreating frame, wanting to say something, but at war with himself.

Sonic had multiple chances to correct Amy but seems to stop himself every time. His shrug to Chip and his reaction after Amy runs away shows that Sonic’s torn between telling his friend the truth and preserving her image/perception of him—his reputation, his finesse, his brand. Sonic knows how much Amy loves him, and if nothing else (even though I very clearly believe that there’s something else lol), he genuinely values her love, trust, devotion, and friendship.

This take isn’t all that original, but this is the first time in-canon that Sonic faces a possible road-block or “deal-breaker” for Amy’s feelings—well, in his mind, anyway. Sonic believes that Amy loves him because of his brand, and his ego wants to impress the person he knows to hold him so dear. However, without that brand, he’s in new territory.

Sonic’s fears are “confirmed” when Amy jumps back and doesn’t recognize him, mortified by her actions with this “stranger.” As she runs off and Chip reminds him of the claws and fangs and all that fear factor, Sonic realizes that he is no longer what Amy loves about him, and that hits him

h a r d.

Sonic draws a conclusion about not only his relationship with Amy but his relationship with the world: they like Sonic for his appearance; his skill; his power—not him. Without his brand, which he now believes is the driving force of his popularity and success, he’s lost the ability to gain the people’s trust.

So, when Chip says:

English: “You only look really scary, Sonic! Inside, you’re the same as ever! I guarantee it. Okay?”

Japanese: “Sonic, you look really scary on the outside, but I know you’re the same as ever on the inside! Right!?”

It doesn’t matter. Not Anymore.

Not long after this, Amy gets swept up in Dark Gaia’s dance party and Sonic comes to her rescue, which clues Amy in to the fact that Sonic is Sonic because, really, who the fuck else would get remotely close that that shitshow? Lmao.

Sonic wants to be her hero, but grimaces at the thought of scaring her; being seen; confronting her as he is because he’s not ready to reveal himself as someone other than, well, Sonic™️. He looks away from her and hesitates, ashamed before he runs off in a nervous panic—not a new response to how he copes with his feelings.

Chip, feeling that it’s not his place to say anything to Amy and in an understanding of Sonic and Amy’s relationship, deliberately doesn’t say his name when calling for him to “wait up!”

However, as we know, Professor Pickle updates Amy with the story, and before long, Sonic and Amy have yet another fated encounter. In a moment that I really, really wish was a cutscene to 1) incentivise the optional Amy subplot, and 2) prevent the never-ending incessant question of “Why is AMY here?????” by people who never speak to her in-game, Amy gives Sonic the key to the gate of endless possibilities:

He still a hero, he’s still her hero, and he’s still hers.

Sonamy pic creds to @latin-dr-robotnik, as always :)

Gaining New Confidence

A fun metaphor plays out between the increasingly complex level design and Sonic’s growing confidence in his new abilities and circumstances. He swings and tackles like the nighttime breeze, and he boosts the fuck around that clocktower.

Also, minor in the grand scheme of the story but b i g for their relationship, Sonic and Amy grow more comfortable with and fond of each other, showcasing the impact of Amy’s positive encouragement and flirting. Sonic formally warms up to her for the first time and learns to manage his nerves, and a foundation for what their relationship will be going forward (with a Pontacc and Graff ✨snafus✨ here and there) is born. However…

Feigned Acceptance

Sonic’s growing confidence comes as a result of Feigned Acceptance, or a surface-level, somewhat fragile belief and presentation of confidence. He’s pushing himself through the fear and insecurity for the cause, but it all comes to a head in No Reason.

(Besides the fact that I have this cutscene memorized and can recite the dialogue to musical cues, I knew that this scene would be important.)

As Chip tells the story of Light and Dark Gaia, forever fated to destroy and complete each other, Sonic listens intently, reeling from the information.

A side-note to the people who don’t believe that Sonic has a temper—just the mention of Eggman completely changes Sonic’s demeanour. It’s instant and ephemeral.

Also, go watch this scene twice. Focus on a different character each time. When I say that this is my favourite game of all time and the best in the series, this level of detail in every single facet of the game is why.

Sonic no longer winces when he transforms, which shows coping, adjustment, and a form of acceptance on his part. However, right before he transforms, a look of realization—of disappointment, even—settles on Sonic’s face, because…

English: “I’ll bet it’s thanks to you. […] Even at night, when I’m like this. I’m still myself, not like all the other people we’ve seen. You must have been protecting me this whole time.”

Japanese: “It must have been thanks to you, Chip. […] Even when it turns night and I become this form, my mind doesn’t change like the others. Is that because you were protecting me?”

While having been reassured by Amy and the general public, Sonic still questions why he’s been fine under the influence of Dark Gaia while others haven’t. He still doesn’t see himself as he used to; he still has this new darkness inside of him that he’s inherently uncomfortable with, and to an extent, he doesn’t trust himself. He never trusted himself like this, not really. His transformation every night reminds him of what’s inside, and this “realization” is the final emotional, ego setback that Sonic faces.

Chip, however, is completely shocked by this admission, because the true reason for Sonic’s resilience, to him and to everyone, is obvious.

English: “I haven’t done anything, Sonic. You’re the reason you haven’t changed at all. You’re too strong to lose yourself! […] You never doubt yourself, no matter what. You never give into the night, or the darkness inside your heart.”

Japanese: “Nope. I didn’t do anything. You don’t change thanks to the strength of your own heart, Sonic! […] No matter what happens, you never waver. Your heart doesn’t give into the night or the darkness’ temptations.”

True Acceptance

After Chip reassures him again, Sonic has reborn confidence in his new self and feels truly ready to accept this new life, no matter what happens. With rejuvenation, he dives head-first into the finale.

Here, we witness Sonic’s pure mastery and True Acceptance of his circumstances as, at this point, he doesn’t know if they’re reversible. Eggmanland represents the powerful reconciliation of Sonic’s new dichotomy; quick-paced flair, style, and speed marry intricate platforming and problem-solving in a mix of running, sliding, grinding, jumping, and swinging—a mix of day and night, unified and magical.

And then, as we face the Egg Dragoon, Sonic shines. This fight and the cutscene leading up to it are the climax of Sonic’s emotional journey as we finally witness Sonic’s reconciliation with the night and his conquering of the darkness. This moment is the first and only time where Sonic fights Eggman as the werehog, and he conquers this challenge with the level of grace and power we’ve always known him to have. Normally, as the werehog, it’s with organic Dark Gaia beings, beat-‘em-up style. With Eggman, however, we’re back to timing, agility, and strategic strength—nature versus technology, once more.

Eggman starts the adventure by mocking Sonic’s new “festive” look. Now, he cowers in fear at the “beast” he created… And it’s beautiful.

It’s beautiful, because now—truly—Eggman is the only one who sees a beast in those emerald eyes.

Why All This Matters

I heard someone recently say that Sonic Unleashed’s story was just “Sonic Adventure: Reskinned.” Do I see the comparison? Sure.

But while the story of Sonic Adventure revolves around Chaos and how he was wronged, abused, and healed, Dark Gaia is just a plot device. The story isn’t about him at all. What matters here is not only the special bond that forms between Sonic and Chip, but the emotional growth that Sonic experiences in the face of this new kind of adversity.

Sonic’s ego journey is a level of character development we hadn’t seen for Sonic in a long time, and it is so evident how much Sonic Team wanted to do better by him. And they did. Immensely.

This game is beautiful. This story is beautiful. This character is beautiful, and I love it all so fucking much.

ah, the eternal dilemma.

((idk what I’m talking about 😃))

If you wear glasses, do you take them off to eat?

Quick, draw the sonadow pose!

Okay 👍

I know it's usually much more Eggman's aesthetic, but can you imagine Cave Johnson-style announcements at the GUN Headquarters?

"This is a preemptive caution to all agents: if Unit E-123 Omega decides to insult you, just grin and bear it. We get it, he's kind of an asshat, and nobody likes the way he talks about our insides. But don't even think about it. Do not, and I can't believe I have to spell it out for you all- do not pick a fight with the two-ton walking arsenal. We all know who's going to win that. And it's not going to be you. Help us keep our workplace recordable injuries down this year."

"Good morning agents! If you find that your wallet's gone, don't worry! Rouge is just borrowing it for a little while. You'll find it back in your locker in a few hours. No, we don't know where she puts them. Yes, we are obligated to reimburse you for the funds she does take. No, Dairy Queen coupons are not reimbursable. Not even the special edition ones from your little hometown franchise. Sucks to suck. Agents are advised to purchase wallets with chains, if necessary, just like the one I've got right- oh hell, where'd I- goddamnit- cut the broadcast!"

"Hello folks, this is your weekly reminder- if you think you see a Chaos Emerald sitting around, do not touch it. Check if it's the green one. If so, that one's Shadow's, and he's not too happy when the base gets sent on lockdown because he put it down for a second. He'll be right back. Leave it where it is. But if the Emerald's any other color, still don't touch it! Notify your superior and don't let it out of your sight until the containment boys arrive. Don't touch it. Last poor son of a bitch is still seeing the world through a cyan filter. Friendly reminder that our health insurance doesn't cover that. Good luck finding a doctor who will."

"Urgent warning here. If you see anything blue out of the corner of your eye- if you even think you see a little blur of it, pull the alarm so that the security boys know to rewind the footage. This is very important, folks- if it's Metal Sonic, we need to see what he stole. If it's Sonic, we need to check which door he put the can of paint above this time before the Commander walks through it. If it's something else, god help us all."

Today hasn't been very good. Reblog to cover prev in blankets and tell them everything is going to be okay and they're loved.

your honor i need them to be fucked up together

Imagine being the last owner of Hanako, that 226 year old Japanese koi that was spawned in 1751 and died in 1977. A fish that outlived 7 emperors. A fish that survived the Second World War. And she dies in your care. I would never recover.

don’t understand where people get the energy to be an active participant in their own lives. the days just happen to me for real

five year old silver will be a better driver than anyone else

also this is why Shadow doesn't trust Rouge to babysit

It's Thursday somewhere

the neurodivergent experience:

20% of the time: wowwieee!!! i love my passions and interests!!!!! they make me so happy i want to jump up and down!!!!! weee!!!!!!! :3333333333

80% of the time: this mind is a prison

Ok, this house is weird. Firstly, I was wondering what was up w/the garage door.

Turns out it's a mirror. Built in 1955 in Palm Springs, CA, it's been remodeled and you must see the choices. 3bds, 3ba, 2,319 sq ft, $1,499,999.

Check out the floor, like a mass murder scene.

Conversation pit decorated with a sofa and tables. Was this once a hot tub?

The stains continue throughout the kitchen.

Two lone side chairs in a corner.

Gray cement walls in the kitchen.

Snacks for the buyers?

Looking out toward the pool from the pit.

Cement dining table. I think it's built-in. It also appears to have a convenient electrical outlet.

It's such a huge space to fill. The sun is casting shadows, but it looks like there are steps here.

The glass wall opens to the pool.

There's a shower room here, but it's open. At least the shower & toilet are behind a wall.

The bedrooms and baths have floors that look watercolor stained. Interesting how they put the bed partly under the arch.

The bed from behind. Is that a fridge?

The ensuite is big, but so sparse and spread out. I would've expected a sink under the neon mirror. This is so ugly.

The secondary bedroom is plain and has floating nightstands installed.

The primary bedroom has folding doors to the patio.

Out by the pool, it looks like they repainted the statues pink and black, themselves. The lamp is broken.

Matching statues.

Nice fruit tree.

Fancy ceiling lights in the garage.

.28 acre lot.

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/2275-E-Belding-Dr-Palm-Springs-CA-92262/18019319_zpid/

vector the crocodile is so funny to me. i used to not like him when i was a kid bc i thought he was dumb and annoying playing ShTH, but now i love him. not only is he a 20 year old, 90’s hip hop loving Christian and single father to an ADHD kid that has an emo teen ninja for a roommate/co-worker, he is constantly fumbling a milf who, regardless, seems charmed by his failboy rizz. AND he’s an anthro crocodile. i fucking love sonic.

i spent over 8 hours on a joke that isn’t even funny.

Some disability headcanons drawn out ^^ In order: Charmy HoH, Tails EDS (and asthma), Silver POTS and EDS (and Shadow and Knuckles with chronic fatigue)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/63251314

It took Sonic mere hours after meeting Silver to conclude that he was his son from the future.

He did not expect it to become his only regret in life.

This is a sequel to my previous one shot, please enjoy!

I see I see

So we all know Sticks from Boom would immediately flip out upon meeting mainline Shadow, him being an alien who works alongside a government spy and a robot. But like, just imagine Shadow, who's been the victim of government abuse multiple times; had to fight aliens who wanted to take over the world; and deals Omega as well as robotic copies of himself on a regular basis; actually being the only one who actually agrees with all her conspiracy theories?

Sticks: The government is corrupt!

Shadow (remembering Maria and also all the very questionable missions he's been on): Oh most definitely

Sticks: Aliens will come and destroy us all!

Shadow: I know, I had to fight a whole comet of them once when they tried to take over the world

Sticks: The robot apocalypse is nigh!

Shadow (just had to stop Omega from leveling a city): Yeah probably

Shadow: ...

Shadow: Wanna see the secret prison island where the government kept me in cryosleep for fifty years?

Sticks: Very much (holds up boomerang) But FYI I don't trust you

Shadow: (pats gun) Oh I don't trust you either

Sticks: Finally a person of intelligence