The Drop Dash^[1] (ドロップダッシュ^[2], Doroppu Dasshu^?) is a move that appears in the Sonic the Hedgehog series. It is a technique that, when used, makes the user launch a midair Spin Dash.

Concept and creation[]

According to Christian Whitehead, the Drop Dash was designed with new players in mind.^[3] When testing out the game, he noticed a lot of new players, when reaching steep or tall slopes they could not get through, would resort to using the Spin Dash, thus causing them to come to a complete stop to charge it up. Thus, the Drop Dash was created so that players can maintain their momentum and keep the flow going without having to constantly stop to charge up a traditional Spin Dash.

In a prototype of Sonic the Hedgehog 3, Sonic is able to use a move similar to the Drop Dash, which is performed by holding up on during a jump.^[4]

Description[]

When performing the Drop Dash, the user will begin to rapidly spin their body as they drop down to the ground, upon where they will be perform a quick Spin Dash^[1] and roll forward.^[5]

In gameplay, the Drop Dash is charged in midair when initiated. Doing so will cause the user to launch straight into a Spin Dash once they touch the ground.^[3] This allows them to gain an instant and offensive speed boost just after a drop or jump from midair. Also with fast timing, performing the move and then doing Spin Jump gives its user possibility to perform the move again in rapid succession, while allowing to change the mid-air direction to left or right. However, the move cannot be performed if the user takes damage before landing, or if they are wielding a Shield-derived power-up.

Game appearances[]

Sonic Mania[]

In Sonic Mania and its expansion Sonic Mania Plus, the Drop Dash is used by Sonic and Super Sonic. To perform the Drop Dash in gameplay, the player has to execute the following actions:

PlayStation 4	Nintendo Switch	Xbox One	PC
Spin Jump > //	Spin Jump > //	Spin Jump > //	Spin Jump > [A]/[Q]/[S]

By collecting enough medalions in the Bonus Stages, this move can be replaced with the Super Peel-Out or the Insta-Shield by accessing the Options Menu in the Save Select. These options were originally only available on a "No Save" playthrough; however, as of Version 1.04/RC 1.05.0713, they are also available for use on saved files. Also, the player can enter a hidden Sound Test code that allows them to use all three moves.

Sonic Forces[]

In Sonic Forces, the Drop Dash is a move that is utilized by Classic Sonic and Classic Super Sonic. When using it in this game, Classic Sonic gets enveloped in a faint blue aura, much like the one present around his modern counterpart during a jump. To perform the Drop Dash in gameplay, the player has to hold // while in mid-air.

Sega Ages: Sonic the Hedgehog[]

In Sega Ages: Sonic the Hedgehog, the Drop Dash is used by Sonic. It can be performed in gameplay by enabling it in the Options menu. The move, however, functions differently compared to Sonic Mania, as the player is unable to control the mid-air direction once performing the Spin Jump right after consecutive Drop Dashes.

Sega Ages: Sonic the Hedgehog 2[]

In Sega Ages: Sonic the Hedgehog 2, the Drop Dash is used by Sonic. Like in Sega Ages: Sonic the Hedgehog, it can be performed in gameplay by enabling it in the Options menu.

Sonic Origins[]

In Sonic Origins, and its expansion Sonic Origins Plus, the Drop Dash is featured as an additional move for Sonic in Anniversary Mode for the four mainline games: Sonic 1, CD, 2, 3 & Knuckles. Amy can also perform the Hammer Rush, a similar technique after activating the Jumping Hammer Attack.

In the original releases of Sonic Origins, the functionality of the move varied between games: the player cannot control the mid-air movement when performing the Spin Jump right after doing Drop Dash in Sonic 1 and 2, much like in Sega Ages re-releases. However, this functionality is fully present in Sonic CD and Sonic 3 & Knuckles. The aforementioned error in Sonic the Hedgehog and Sonic the Hedgehog 2 has been fixed in the Plus release.

Sonic Frontiers[]

In Sonic Frontiers, the Drop Dash is featured as part of Sonic's moveset in Open Zone areas and Cyber Space stages, making this the first instance in which the move can be utilized in a 3D space. The player can perform the Drop Dash by pressing and holding // down after performing the Double Jump or in mid-air when performing Air Tricks for example. Unlike in previous games, Sonic's Spin Jump animation pulsates vertically in a quick moment to signify the activation of the move. When performed on downhill slopes, the Drop Dash is the most convenient way to max out the speedometer in a short amount of time. Traditionally, the player can also use the Drop Dash on enemies/Guardians to do small amount of damage at a time in the Open Zone gameplay. However, if the Spin Slash is unlocked, the player will perform the Spin Slash instead. Though, it might happen at times that the Spin Slash will not occur, leading back to a Drop Dash instead.

Sonic Superstars[]

In Sonic Superstars, the Drop Dash is used by Sonic and his Super State, where it appears and functions similarly to how it did in Sonic Mania. As such, to perform the Drop Dash in gameplay, the player has to hold the jump button while performing a Spin Jump. When playing as Super Sonic, the Drop Dash shakes the screen a little bit when used.

Sonic X Shadow Generations[]

In Sonic X Shadow Generations, the Drop Dash is expected to make an appearance as an addition to Sonic's moveset.^[6] The player has to hold ///[Q] while in mid-air. Modern Sonic does a Homing Attack with ///[A] and Boost with ///[SHIFT].

Trivia[]

• In Sonic Mania the sprites for the dust cloud created when releasing the Drop Dash are oddly labeled under the "Explosions.gif" file.
• If the player charges a Drop Dash in Hydrocity Zone and has Sonic inhale an air bubble, the animation will glitch out but when landing, it functions normally.

References[]