For the technique used while grinding, see Crouch (grinding).

The crouch, also known as the Duck,^[1] Look Down^[2] or Scroll Screen,^[3] is a move that appears in the Sonic the Hedgehog series. It is a technique where the user assumes a low stance on the ground.

Description[]

When performing the crouch, the user assumes a low position by lowering their head and upper body. In gameplay, crouching is useful for dodging attacks or obstacles that would otherwise hit the player while standing up.

In some games, performing the crouch can yield additional effects. In several Sonic games, especially the early games in the series, performing the crouch allows the user to make the camera pan downward, thereby giving the player a view of the area beneath where the user of the crouch stands. In one instance, it can also be used while moving to slip through narrow spaces which can otherwise only be passed through with the Slide. In another instance, it can also be used to maneuver sticky footing that would otherwise slow down movement.

Game appearances[]

Sonic the Hedgehog (1991)[]

In both 16-bit and 8-bit 8-bit versions of Sonic the Hedgehog (1991), the crouch technique is used by Sonic. In this game, the move does not have a name. When performing the crouch in this game, Sonic bends down and holds both hands on his head.

In gameplay, Sonic cannot move while performing the Crouch. When using the Crouch though, the player can pan down the camera. To perform the Crouch in gameplay, the player has to press down on while Sonic is standing still.

Unique to the original Sega Mega Drive/Genesis releases of this game (and all ports/re-releases based on these versions), the camera would instantly scroll down while the Crouch was performed. Subsequent games of the series as well as remasters of this game (such as the 2013 remaster) added a delay which required down on to be held for a longer period of time (for approximately three seconds) before the camera would begin scrolling.

Sonic the Hedgehog 2[]

8-bit[]

In the 8-bit version, this move is referred to as the crouch^[4] and is only performed by Sonic. When performing the crouch in this game, Sonic will once again bend down and hold both hands on his head.

In gameplay, Sonic is unable to move while using the crouch. When using the crouch though, the player is able to make the camera pan down. To perform the crouch in gameplay, the player has to press down on while Sonic is standing still, and to pan down the camera, keep holding down on .

16-bit[]

In the 16-bit version, the Crouch is used by Sonic and Tails. In this game, the move does not have a name. When using the Crouch in this game, Sonic will bend down and hold both hands on his head while Tails bends his knees and puts his hands on his shoes while looking upward.

In gameplay, the playable characters are unable to move while using the Crouch. When using the Crouch though, the player is able to make the camera pan down. To perform the Crouch in gameplay, the player has to press down on while the playable character is standing still, and to pan down the camera, keep holding down on .

Sonic the Hedgehog CD[]

In Sonic the Hedgehog CD, the move is referred to as the duck^[5] and is only used by Sonic. When performing the duck in this game, Sonic will, like in previous titles, bend down and hold both hands on his head.

In gameplay, Sonic is unable to move while using the duck. When using the duck though, the player is able to make the camera pan down. To perform the duck in gameplay, the player has to press down on while Sonic is standing still, and to pan down the camera, press down on twice and then hold.

Sonic Chaos[]

In Sonic Chaos, the move is referred to as the Duck^[6] and is utilized by Sonic and Tails. When using the Duck in this game, Sonic will bend down and hold both hands on his head while Tails bends his knees and puts his hands on his shoes while looking upward.

In gameplay, the playable characters are unable to move while using the Crouch. When using the Duck though, the player is able to make the camera pan down. To perform the Duck in gameplay, the player has to press down on while the playable character is standing still, and to pan down the camera, keep holding down on .

Sonic Spinball[]

In the 16-bit version of Sonic Spinball, the move is referred to as the Duck^[7] and is used by Sonic. When using the Duck in this game, Sonic bends down and holds both hands on his head while looking into the ground.

In gameplay, Sonic is unable to move while using the Duck. To perform the Crouch in gameplay, the player has to press while he is standing still.

In the 8-bit version of Sonic Spinball, the move is referred to as the crouch^[8] and is used by Sonic. When using the crouch in this game, Sonic bends down without putting his hands on his head while looking forward.

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 & Knuckles[]

In Sonic the Hedgehog 3, its add-on continuation Sonic & Knuckles, and the lock-on game, Sonic 3 & Knuckles, the move is referred to as the crouch,^[9] the Duck,^[1] and Look Down.^[2] In these games, it is used by every playable character; in Sonic the Hedgehog 3, it can be used by Sonic, Super Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles (although in Knuckles' case it can only be used in Competition Mode), while in Sonic & Knuckles it can be used solely by Sonic, Super Sonic, Knuckles, and Super Knuckles. Lastly, in Sonic the Hedgehog 3 & Knuckles it can be used normally by Sonic, Super Sonic, Hyper Sonic, Knuckles, Super Knuckles, Hyper Knuckles, Tails, and Hyper Tails. In the Sonic Origins remaster of the game, it can also be used by Super Tails.

When used, Sonic will bend down and hold both hands on his head, Tails bends his knees and puts his hands on his shoes while looking upward, and Knuckles will squat downward with his fists facing forwards.

As the crouch will function identically regardless of which game is played, in gameplay, none of the playable characters are able to move while using the Crouch. To perform the crouch in gameplay, the player has to press down on while the playable character is standing still, and to pan down the camera, keep holding down on .

Sonic Triple Trouble[]

In Sonic the Hedgehog Triple Trouble, the move is referred to as the crouch^[10] and can be used by Sonic and Tails. When performing the Crouch in this game, Sonic will bend down and hold both hands on his head while Tails bends his knees and puts his hands on his shoes while looking upward.

In gameplay, the playable characters are unable to move while using the Crouch. When using the Crouch though, the player is able to make the camera pan down. To perform the Crouch in gameplay, the player has to press down on while the playable character is standing still, and to pan down the camera, keep holding down on .

Knuckles' Chaotix[]

In Knuckles' Chaotix, the Crouch technique can be used by Knuckles, Charmy, Espio, Mighty, and Vector. In this game, the move does not have a name. When performing the Crouch in this game, Knuckles will bend down and look forwards, Charmy will bend down with his eyes closed, Espio will squat downwards with both hands to one side, Mighty will bend down and hold both hands on his shell, and Vector will bend down in a listening gesture.

In gameplay, the playable characters are unable to move while using the Crouch. When using the Crouch though, the player is able to make the camera pan down. To perform the Crouch in gameplay, the player has to press down on while the playable character is standing still, and to pan down the camera, keep holding down on .

Tails Adventure[]

In Tails Adventure, the move is referred to as the crouch^[11] and can be used by Tails. When performing the Crouch in this game, Tails bends his knees and puts his hands on his shoes.

In gameplay, Tails is unable to move while using the crouch. When using the crouch though, the player is able to make the camera pan down. To perform the crouch in gameplay, the player has to press down on while Tails is standing still, and to pan down the camera, keep holding down on . Unlike in the previous titles, however, in this game, the Crouch also serves as a means of hitting low-positioned objects with bombs, as any bombs tossed during a crouch will travel lower than usual.

Sonic the Fighters[]

Sonic Blast[]

In Sonic Blast, the Crouch technique can be used by Sonic, and Knuckles. In this game, the move does not have a name. When performing the Crouch in this game, Sonic will bend down and hold both hands on his head while Knuckles will squat downward with his fists facing forwards.

In gameplay, the playable characters are unable to move while using the Crouch. When using the Crouch though, the player is able to make the camera pan down. To perform the Crouch in gameplay, the player has to press down on while the playable character is standing still, and to pan down the camera, keep holding down on .

Sonic R[]

In Sonic R, the move is referred to as crouch^[12] and can be used by Sonic, Super Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles.

In gameplay, the playable characters are unable to move while using the Crouch. In general, it is used as a set-off for the Spin Dash Roll.^[12] To perform the Crouch in gameplay, the player has to press down on while the playable character is standing still. While crouching, the player can then press to perform the Spin Dash Roll.

Sonic Advance series[]

Sonic Advance[]

In Sonic Advance, the move is referred to as look down^[13] and can be used by Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and Amy. When performing look down in this game, Sonic will bend downwards and look forward, Tails will bend down with one arm stretched behind him, Knuckles will bend down and hold both hands on his head, and Amy will squat down while looking forwards.

In gameplay, the playable characters are unable to move while using look down. When using look down though, the player is able to make the camera pan down. To perform look down in gameplay, the player has to press down on while the playable character is standing still, and to pan down the camera, keep holding down on .

Sonic Advance 2[]

In Sonic Advance 2, the move is referred to as crouch^[14] and can be used by Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Amy, and Cream. When performing the crouch in this game, Sonic will bend downwards and look forward, Tails will bend down with one arm stretched behind him, Knuckles will bend down and hold both hands on his head, Amy will squat down while looking forwards, and Cream will crouch downwards with her hands wrapped around her.

In gameplay, the playable characters are unable to move while using the crouch. Notably, in this game, crouching will not pan the camera down. To perform the crouch in gameplay, the player has to press down on while the playable character is standing still, and to pan down the camera, keep holding down on .

Sonic Advance 3[]

In Sonic Advance 3, the move is referred to as look down^[15] and can be used by Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Amy, and Cream. When performing look down in this game, Sonic will bend downwards and look forward, Tails will bend down with his hands on his shoes, Knuckles will bend down and hold both hands on his head, Amy will squat down with her hands beside her, and Cream will crouch downwards with her hands wrapped around her.

In gameplay, the playable characters are unable to move while using look down. When using look down though, the player is able to make the camera pan down. To perform look down in gameplay, the player has to press down on while the playable character is standing still, and to pan down the camera, keep holding down on .

Sonic Rush series[]

Sonic Rush[]

In Sonic Rush, the move is referred to as Scroll Screen^[3] and is used by Sonic and Blaze. When performing this move, both Sonic and Blaze will bend down on their knees with their left arm raised and their right arm aligned with their rear leg.

In gameplay, the playable characters are unable to move while using Scroll Screen. When using Scroll Screen though, the player is able to make the camera pan down. To perform Scroll Screen in gameplay, the player has to press down on while the playable character is standing still, and to pan down the camera, keep holding down on .

Sonic Rush Adventure[]

In Sonic Rush Adventure, the move is referred to as Scroll Screen^[16] and is used only by Sonic and Blaze. When using Scroll Screen, both Sonic and Blaze will bend down on their knees while looking forward.

In gameplay, the playable characters are unable to move while using Scroll Screen. When using Scroll Screen though, the player is able to make the camera pan down. To perform Scroll Screen in gameplay, the player has to press down on while the playable character is standing still, and to pan down the camera, keep holding down on .

Sonic Unleashed[]

In both the Xbox 360/PlayStation 3 version and the Wii/PlayStation 2 version of Sonic Unleashed, the move is referred to as the Crouch^[17] and is used by Sonic the Hedgehog. When performing the Crouch, Sonic bends down and supports himself with a hand on the ground.

In gameplay, Sonic can move around while Crouching unlike in previous games, albeit only by crawling around on all fours. This way, the player can pass through spaces otherwise only traversable with the Slide. To use the Crouch in gameplay, the player has to hold down the following buttons while standing still. Using the control stick while Crouching lets Sonic crawl around:

PS2	Wii			PS3	Xbox 360
	Wii Remote	Classic Controller	GameCube controller

Sonic the Hedgehog 4[]

Episode I[]

In Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I, and its add-on continuation Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode Metal, the Crouch technique is used by Sonic and Metal Sonic. When performing the Crouch in this game, Sonic bends down and looks into the ground with both hands on his head while Metal Sonic falls down on his knees with both hands on the ground while looking forward.

In gameplay, the playable characters are unable to move while using the Crouch. When using the Crouch though, the player is able to make the camera pan down. To perform the Crouch in gameplay, the player has to press down with /Control Stick while the playable character is standing still, and to pan down the camera, keep holding down with /Control Stick.

Episode II[]

In Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II, the Crouch is utilized by both Sonic and Tails. When performing the Crouch in this game, both Sonic and Tails bend down and look into the ground with both hands on their respective heads.

In gameplay, the playable characters are unable to move while using the Crouch. When using the Crouch though, the player is able to make the camera pan down. To perform the Crouch in gameplay, the player has to press down with /Control Stick while the playable character is standing still, and to pan down the camera, keep holding down with /Control Stick.

Sonic Colors[]

In the Wii version of Sonic Colors, the move is referred to as the Crouch,^[18] and Look down.^[19] on the Nintendo DS version. It also appears in Sonic Colors: Ultimate. The technique is used by Sonic, as well as Super Sonic and the Virtual Hedgehog in the Wii version and Sonic Colors: Ultimate. It is also used by the Mii in the Wii version. When performing the Crouch in the Wii version and Sonic Colors: Ultimate, the user bends down and supports themselves with a hand on the ground. When performing the Crouch in the Nintendo DS version, Sonic simply bends down and lowers his upper body and head.

In gameplay, should the player try to move while Crouching, it will induce the Slide instead. To perform Crouch in gameplay, the player has to press the following buttons while standing still:

Wii				Xbox One	PS4	Switch		PC
Wii Remote (sideways)	Wii Remote & Nunchunk	Classic Controller	GameCube Controller			Pro-Controller/Joy-Con (Pair)	Joy-Con (Single)[note 1]
							/ left

Sonic X Shadow Generations[]

Sonic Generations[]

In the console/PC version of Sonic Generations, the Crouch is used by Modern Sonic and Modern Super Sonic. Additionally, it is used by Classic Sonic under the name Look Down.^[20] When using the move in this game, Classic Sonic bends down and hold both hands on his head, while Modern Sonic bends down and supports himself with a hand on the ground.

In gameplay, Classic Sonic is unable to move while using Look Down, but Modern Sonic is able to initiate the Slide if he moves while Crouching. To use the move in gameplay, the player must press down on the left stick/ while standing still as Classic Sonic, and press / while standing still as Modern Sonic.

In the Nintendo 3DS version of Sonic Generations, the Crouch is only used by Classic Sonic (attempting to Crouch as Modern Sonic will only make him walk forwards) under the name Look Down.^[21] When using the move in this game, Classic Sonic bends down and hold both hands on his head. In gameplay, Classic Sonic is unable to move while using the Crouch. When using this move in certain places though, the player is able to make the camera pan slightly down. To perform the Crouch in gameplay, the player has to press the Circle Pad/ down while Classic Sonic is standing still.

Shadow Generations[]

Sonic Lost World[]

In the Wii U version and PC version of Sonic Lost World, the move is referred to as the Duck.^[22] It is used by Sonic and Super Sonic, as well as the Virtual Hedgehog in the Wii U version.

In gameplay, moving while Ducking will make the user roll. In this state, the player slowly spins along the ground in a similar fashion as the Spin Attack, at a set speed. This allows easy traversal of sticky footing that would otherwise slow the user down. To use the Duck in gameplay, the player must press the following buttons while standing still.

Wii U	PC
	Keyboard	Xbox 360 controller	Xbox One controller
/	[Q]

Sonic Mania[]

In Sonic Mania and its expansion Sonic Mania Plus, the move is referred to as the crouch^[23] and is used by Sonic, Super Sonic, Tails, Super Tails, Knuckles, Super Knuckles, Mighty, Super Mighty, Ray, and Super Ray.

When used, Sonic, Mighty and Ray bend down and hold both hands on their heads, Tails bends his knees and puts his hands on his shoes while looking upward, and Knuckles squats downward with his fists facing forwards.

In gameplay, none of the playable characters are able to move while using the Crouch. To perform the move in gameplay, the player has to press down on while the playable character is standing still, and to pan down the camera, keep holding down on .

Sonic Forces[]

In Sonic Forces, the move is again referred to as the Crouch.^[24] It is usable to Modern Sonic, Modern Super Sonic, Classic Sonic, Classic Super Sonic, the Avatar, and Shadow. In this game, moving while using the Crouch as all playable characters other than Classic Sonic and his Super State induces the Slide.

To perform the move in gameplay, the player has to press // while the playable character stands still.

Sonic Frontiers[]

In Sonic Frontiers, the move is once again called the Crouch and is featured as one of basic moves used by Sonic, Amy, Knuckles, and Tails. When playing as Sonic in this game, he can initiate the Slide by moving while Crouching.

The player can perform the move while standing still by pressing //.

Sonic Superstars[]

In Sonic Superstars, the crouch is a move available to all of the playable characters except for Dragon Form Trip.

When used by Sonic or Amy, they will crouch while holding both of their hands on their heads. For Tails, he will bend his knees with his hands placed on the ground and look forward. For Knuckles, he will squat down with his fists facing forwards and look forward. And for Trip, she will crouch down with her hands on her knees.

Other game appearances[]

Sonic the Hedgehog Pocket Adventure[]

In Sonic the Hedgehog Pocket Adventure, the crouch technique is only referred to as a means to scroll the screen,^[25] with no proper name for crouching itself. The move can be used by Sonic, as well as Tails (although in the latter's case it can only be used in multiplayer mode). In this game, the move does not have a name. When performing the crouch in this game, Sonic will bend down and hold both hands on his head while Tails bends his knees and puts his hands on his shoes while looking upward.

In gameplay, the playable characters are unable to move while using the crouch. When using the crouch though, the player is able to make the camera pan down. To perform the crouch in gameplay, the player has to press down on the controller stick while the playable character is standing still, and to pan down the camera, keep holding down on controller stick.

Sonic the Hedgehog (Didj)[]

In Sonic the Hedgehog (Didj), the move is called Duck^[26] and is only performed by Sonic the Hedgehog. When Ducking, Sonic will bend down and hold both hands on his head.

In gameplay, Sonic is unable to move while using Duck. When using Duck though, the player is able to make the camera pan down. To perform Duck in gameplay, the player has to press down on while Sonic is standing still, and to pan down the camera, keep holding down on .

Super Smash Bros. series[]

Super Smash Bros. Brawl[]

In Super Smash Bros. Brawl, the move is referred to as the crouch^[27] and is used by Sonic, as well as every other playable character in the game. When performing the crouch in this game, Sonic bends down and looks into the ground with both hands on his head.

In gameplay, Sonic is unable to move while using the crouch. When using the Crouch though, Sonic can shorten his damageable collision bubble, thereby enabling him to dodge some attacks and projectiles. It also enables him to crouch cancel enemy attacks. To perform the crouch in gameplay, the player has to hold down on the Control Stick.

Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U[]

In Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U, the technique is referred to as the crouch^[28][29] and is available to every playable character, including Sonic. Like before, when performing the crouch, Sonic bends down and looks into the ground with both hands on his head.

In gameplay, Sonic is unable to move while using the crouch. When using the crouch though, Sonic is able to shorten his damageable collision bubble, which permits him to dodge some attacks and projectiles. It also allows him to crouch cancel enemy attacks. To perform the crouch in gameplay, the player has to hold down on the Control Stick.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate[]

In Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, the crouch is used by all playable characters, including Sonic. Like in the earlier titles, when performing the crouch, Sonic bends down and looks into the ground with both hands on his head.

In gameplay, Sonic is unable to move while using the crouch. When using the crouch though, Sonic can shorten his damageable collision bubble, allowing him to dodge some attacks and projectiles. It can also be used to crouch cancel enemy attacks. To perform the crouch in gameplay, the player has to hold down on the Control Stick.

Sonic the Hedgehog Level Creator[]

In Sonic the Hedgehog Level Creator, the crouch is used by Sonic. In this game, the move does not have a known name. When performing the crouch in this game, Sonic bends down and looks into the ground with both hands on his head.

In gameplay, the playable characters are unable to move while using the crouch. When using the crouch though, the player is able to make the camera pan down. Unlike in previous games, the camera pans down instantly after performing the crouch. To perform the crouch in gameplay, the player has to press [↓]/ down.

Notes[]

References[]

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