Top 10 Hidden Details In Sonic The Hedgehog 3

This third film borrows several musical cues from the games. A piano version of the classic “Green Hill Zone” theme plays in the background as Tom and Maddie busy themselves with tedious hobbies. “Escape from the City” is also included on the track last, but the most prominent “Sonic Adventure 2” song featured here is Crush 40’s “Live & Learn.” Traces of the headbanging tune can be heard in the film’s opening where Shadow is held at the G.U.N.-operated Prison Island, a locale introduced in “Sonic Adventure 2.” This is just a sample of “Live & Learn,” but that epic guitar riff and Johnny Gioeli[a]’s vocals are dialed up to eleven for the grand finale as Sonic and Shadow join forces.

Outside of a pause button, nothing can make Sonic stand still. Even if you set your controller aside, he’ll impatiently tap his foot until you resume playing… or drown. An early scene replicates the spirit of the games as Sonic races Tails and Knuckles through the woods. Falling behind, the Blue Blur ignites the “afterburners,” which might be a reference to “The Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog.” Sonic hits the goalpost just like in the games, but Tails and Knuckles are already waiting for him at the finish line. Both cheekily tap their feet, stealing a move from Sonic. Of course, these are just holograms as the real Tails and Knuckles prepare a surprise for Sonic. He’s still the fastest thing alive… other than Shadow.

Whether you were a Nintendo kid or a Sega kid growing up in the 90s, we could all identify with a mutual dilemma: game cartridges not working properly. Before calling any hotlines for technical support, our first instinct was always to remove the cartridge and blow into it. Tom and Maddie get the same idea when a USB flash drive isn’t responding. As they try blowing into it, Tails is quick to denounce this as an urban legend with no real scientific backing. You can’t argue with results, though, as the USB suddenly kicks into gear. Game cartridges might be outdated, but as long as we’re still using USBs, this old trick will keep blowing in the wind - whether or not it really works.

Jim Carrey delivers double the Eggman, playing Dr. Ivo Robotnik and his grandfather, Gerald Robotnik. The elder Robotnik debuted in “Sonic Adventure 2” with his granddaughter, Maria. The film remains faithful to Maria’s tragic fate, driving Gerald to seek revenge using his Eclipse Cannon. Like in the game, Gerald’s plot to destroy the world here doesn’t pan out, although the moon could use some maintenance afterward. The film is loaded with several other Eggman Easter eggs. Robotnik has a crab mech lair similar to the Death Crab from “Sonic Forces.” The doctors bond at a virtual amusement park resembling Eggmanland from “Sonic Unleashed.” We also finally get to see Carrey in a more game-accurate suit that emphasizes the Eggman belly.

Sonic’s introduction to Shadow in the movie is a lot like their first encounter in “Sonic Adventure 2.” Meeting in a large city - Tokyo in this case - Sonic immediately sees the resemblance between himself and the black hedgehog. So does everyone else, although there isn’t a case of mistaken identity here. Sonic finds that while he may be fast, Shadow is even faster. Winning this round, Shadow makes a getaway, but not before posing on his motorcycle with a gun. His chopper - known as the Dark Rider - and his firearm were also utilized in Shadow’s 2005 spinoff game. Granted, Shadow doesn’t need a motorcycle to go fast and we’re not sure why he barely uses his gun in the film. But whatever, it looks awesome!

“Sonic the Hedgehog 3” is essentially a loose adaptation of “Sonic Adventure 2.” The film cuts out some of the game’s weirder elements, such as Knuckles randomly fighting a giant ghost in Robotnik’s pyramid base. Even that boss fight is alluded to, however. Exploring Gerald Robotnik’s hideout, Knuckles tenses up at the idea that this place might be haunted. Knuckles nonetheless insists that he isn’t afraid of ghosts. Sonic and Tails beg to differ, recalling a movie night where Knuckles got freaked out watching “Casper.” Knuckles vs. Casper, it’s the crossover we didn’t know we wanted! After meeting King Boom Boo, we imagine that Knuckles would have a prejudice against all ghosts, even the so-called friendly ones.

For such a high-octane game, one of our favorite parts of “Sonic Adventure 2” is simply chilling in the Chao Gardens, raising those little guys. In Sonic’s cinematic continuity, Chao haven’t quite broken out in the U.S., but they’re huge in Japan. When Team Sonic arrives in Tokyo, an advertisement for “Chao in Space” can be spotted in the background. Recouping from their loss against Shadow, Team Sonic retreats to a Chao Garden. In this interpretation, it’s less like a garden and more akin to an entertainment restaurant. Think Chuck E. Cheese, but with bluer animatronics instead of vermin. Speaking of mice, Tails is mistaken for Detective Pikachu, which is ridiculous. He sounds nothing like Ryan Reynolds.

Recruited by G.U.N. to deal with Shadow, Team Sonic boards a helicopter to Tokyo. Arriving over the city, Sonic isn’t impressed with the in-flight entertainment and refreshments (or lack thereof). He jumps out out of the helicopter, saying a familiar line. This exact quote is taken from his introduction in “Sonic Adventure 2.” In that game, Sonic is confused for Shadow, being contained on a G.U.N. helicopter. They can’t hold him for long, however. Busting out, Sonic condemns his captives for having no food and movies. Breaking off a piece of the helicopter, Sonic sky surfs to the city below. Little callbacks like this go a long way in showing that the filmmakers understand their fan base.

After duking it out in space, Sonic and Shadow team up to save the world. To do so, they both must harness the power of the Chaos Emeralds, going super-charged. Although there isn’t a showdown with a Biolizard, the film’s climax is mostly in line with the final stage of “Sonic Adventure 2.” Sonic and Shadow even recreate an iconic image from that game as they cross paths. Also like in the game, Shadow makes the ultimate sacrifice to honor what Maria would’ve wanted for Earth. Being a fan favorite, though, a post-credit scene makes it clear that Shadow the Hedgehog will return. Dr. Robotnik’s fate is left up in the air, however. We guess it will depend if Jim Carrey needs the money.

How do you top Shadow’s reveal at the end of the last movie? Like this! During a mid-credits scene, Sonic is confronted in the woods by another fan-favorite villain: Metal Sonic. While Sonic gives the robot a run for his money, the hedgehog soon finds himself surrounded by mechanical doppelgangers. Just when it appears the film will cut to black, a giant hammer comes swirling in. Wielding it is a female pink hedgehog. She doesn’t say her name, but fans know that this is Amy Rose. It’s fitting that Metal Sonic and Amy would appear together, as both made their debuts in “Sonic CD” - the best “Sonic” game you’ve probably never played because it was on Sega CD. Real fans have a copy, though!


Who are you hoping to see in “Sonic the Hedgehog 4?” Rouge the Bat? E-102? Big the Cat? Big the Cat, right? Let us know in the comments.


[a]https://youtu.be/X445SgGn4lY?si=-_w6jOVMAQhhJTci&t=543