The Slide^[1] (スライディング, Suraidingu^?, lit. "Sliding"), also known as the Sliding Attack,^[2] is a move that appears in the Sonic the Hedgehog series. It is a technique where the user delivers a kick to their opponents while sliding along the ground.

Description[]

The Slide is very similar to the Skid Attack, but better as it possesses greater range and speed. When performing the move, the user falls down while running and slides along the ground with their feet in front of them. Sometimes, this creates an aura field around the user.

In gameplay, while sliding along the ground, the user can damage any enemies or smaller obstructions caught in their path. The Slide also allows the user to squeeze through narrow entrances, cracks, or doors. In some games however, using the Slide causes the playable character to slow down.

How long the Slide lasts depends on the game; on its own, the move usually automatically lasts until the user gets hit, slows down from the Slide's friction, hits a wall, or goes off a ledge. If chosen though, the user can break the Slide at any time before coming to a halt, and resume their running nearly undisturbed. Therefore, if the player wants to keep their playable character's momentum when forced to do a Slide, it is advisable to time the Slide so that it is only performed briefly.

The attack range, or rather, the distance and speed the user can slide, is determined by how fast the user was moving prior to performing the Slide. In other words, the faster the user is running when executing the Slide, the greater the distance the user of the Slide will travel.

Game appearances[]

Shadow the Hedgehog[]

The Slide first appeared in Shadow the Hedgehog, where it was used by both Shadow and the multiplayer mode's Shadow Androids. When using the Slide in this game, the user leaves an extensive aura trail.

In gameplay, the Slide deals about the same amount of damage as the Homing Attack. It is also useful for breaking the defenses of shielded enemies. To Slide in gameplay, the player must tap // while running, though // can also be used without a ranged weapon equipped. Shadow can also break Slide with a back flip to reposition himself and immediately after execute midair attacks.

Sonic the Hedgehog (2006)[]

In Sonic the Hedgehog (2006), the Slide is referred to as the Sliding Attack,^[2] and is used exclusively by Sonic. In this game, using the move causes Sonic to leave a sparkling aura trail along the ground.

In order to perform the Sliding Attack, Sonic must have obtained the Antigravity Level Up Item. In gameplay, the Sliding Attack is useful for when the player wants to hit enemies multiple times while dodging their attacks. While using this move, the player will also be protected from all hazards. To perform the Sliding Attack in gameplay, the player must hold / while moving. In addition, the player can direct Sonic's path with the control stick for a short time. To stop sliding, the player must either press / or wait for the move to wear out on its own.

Sonic also glides across the water sections in the game in the same manner as the Sliding Attack, even if the player has not yet obtained the Antigravity.

Sonic Unleashed[]

In Sonic Unleashed, the Slide is one of Sonic's standard moves in the game's daytime stages. In the Xbox 360/PlayStation 3 version of the game, Sonic gets surrounded by an aura when using the Slide. This aura effect does not occur in the Wii/PlayStation 2 version, however.

In gameplay, the Slide will slowly reduce Sonic's speed if used continuously. Also, if Sonic tries to use the Slide while standing still, he will Crouch instead, a move where Sonic crawls around on all fours. To perform the Slide in gameplay, the player has to press and hold down the following buttons. Similarly, releasing the following buttons while sliding will break the Slide:

PS2	Wii			Xbox 360	PS3
	Wii Remote & Nunchuk	Classic Controller	GameCube controller

Sonic Colors[]

In Sonic Colors, and the remaster Sonic Colors: Ultimate, the Slide is mainly used by Sonic. On the Wii version and in Sonic Colors: Ultimate, it is also used by Super Sonic and the Virtual Hedgehogs. It is also used by the Mii, but only in the Wii version. Also worth noting is that on the Wii version and in Sonic Colors: Ultimate, Sonic gets surrounded by an aura when sliding. This aura effect does not occur in the Nintendo DS version however.

In gameplay in the Wii version and Sonic Colors: Ultimate, the Slide works almost like it did in Sonic Unleashed, except that when Sonic uses the Slide while standing still, he will resort to sliding at a slow speed rather than crouching. In the Nintendo DS version, on the other hand, the player is required to be moving at sufficient speeds to perform the Slide.

To perform the Slide in gameplay, the player has to press the following buttons (while moving on the DS):

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

Notably, Sonic Colors for the Nintendo DS is the first handheld Sonic game to feature the Slide.

Sonic X Shadow Generations[]

Sonic Generations[]

In Sonic Generations, the Slide is a move belonging to Modern Sonic's moveset. In these games, using the Slide causes Modern Sonic to be surrounded in a blue aura.

In gameplay, the Slide functions like it did in Sonic Unleashed, though it can always be used, as long as Modern Sonic always has the slightest of momentum. Additionally, if Modern Sonic makes it into tight spaces, he automatically starts sliding at slow speed from there. To perform the Slide in gameplay, the player has to use the following commands. Similarly, releasing the following commands while sliding will break the Slide:

Xbox 360	PS3	3DS
		/ down +

Shadow Generations[]

This section requires an expansion.

Sonic Forces: Speed Battle[]

In Sonic Forces: Speed Battle, the majority of the playable characters can perform the Slide. In this game, the qualified characters use the Slide when performing their ground-sliding maneuver, which is used primarily to slide underneath obstacles during a run. To perform the Slide in gameplay, the player must simply swipe down on the touchscreen.

Sonic Forces[]

In Sonic Forces, the Slide is utilized by Sonic, Super Sonic, the Avatar and Shadow. Like in previous games, using the Slide this time around causes an aura field to be formed around the user.

To perform the Slide in gameplay, the player must hold // while the playable character is running. Similarly, releasing // while sliding will break the Slide. If these buttons are pressed while the playable character is standing still, they will Crouch instead.

Sonic Frontiers[]

In Sonic Frontiers, the Slide returns as one of Sonic's basic moves in the Open Zone areas and Cyber Space stages.^[3] The player can perform the move to destroy obstacles or help Sonic to stop in one spot while running by pressing //.^[3] Unlike in previous games, Sonic doesn’t surround himself in an aura field when using the move.

In other media[]

Books and comics[]

Archie Comics[]

This section requires an expansion.

IDW Publishing[]

In the Sonic the Hedgehog comic series and its spin-offs published by IDW Publishing, Sonic while running through Spiral Hill Village uses he ability to knock over Badniks and later use it to dodge and attack by a large Moto Bug.

Trivia[]

• When Sonic and Elise are together in Sonic the Hedgehog (2006), Sonic's sliding aura turns golden instead of blue.
• Super Sonic's slide is blue in Sonic Colors, but was changed to gold in Sonic Generations.

Gallery[]

Sprites[]

Sonic the Hedgehog (2006)

Sonic Unleashed (Xbox 360)

Sonic Unleashed

Screenshots[]

Sonic Forces

Sonic Forces: Speed Battle

Notes[]

References[]