The Blue Blur's Brawl Debut: 7 Shocking Facts About Sonic In Super Smash Bros. Brawl
The inclusion of Sonic the Hedgehog in Super Smash Bros. Brawl in 2008 remains one of the most monumental moments in the history of the fighting franchise. For decades, the rivalry between Nintendo's Mario and Sega's Sonic defined the console wars, making the Blue Blur's appearance a symbolic, game-changing event that shattered the glass ceiling for third-party characters. This landmark moment paved the way for every subsequent third-party fighter, from Pac-Man to Cloud Strife, but the story of Sonic's debut in *Brawl* is far more complex and, according to many fans, reveals a character that was fundamentally rushed and incomplete.
As of late 2025, the competitive and casual community still looks back at *Super Smash Bros. Brawl* (SSBB) as a pivotal, yet flawed, entry, and Sonic's initial design is a major part of that retrospective. While his sheer speed made him a unique threat, his moveset and competitive viability were a far cry from the top-tier menace he would become in later installments. This deep dive explores the seven most shocking and essential facts about Sonic's revolutionary, yet rocky, first step into the world of *Smash*.
The Groundbreaking Debut: Sonic's Historical Significance in SSBB
Sonic's inclusion was a massive secret until its official reveal on October 10th, 2007, just months before the game's release. This announcement was so significant because it confirmed the first-ever third-party characters for the *Smash* series, alongside Konami's Solid Snake. This single decision by Masahiro Sakurai and the development team fundamentally changed the trajectory of the franchise, turning it from a celebration of Nintendo history into a true all-star video game crossover.
The character was an unlockable fighter, meaning players had to complete a specific task to add him to the roster. The fastest way to unlock him was by completing the entire Adventure Mode: The Subspace Emissary, or by playing 300 matches and then defeating him in a final challenge.
Fact 1: The 'Last-Minute' Character That Delayed the Game
One of the most enduring pieces of trivia about Sonic's *Brawl* appearance is the widespread belief that he was a last-minute addition to the roster. This theory is heavily supported by his minimal involvement in the game's massive Adventure Mode, The Subspace Emissary. While other characters had full story arcs, Sonic only appears in the final battle against the main antagonist, Tabuu, where he breaks through the screen to join the fight. Many believe that the entire game's development schedule had to be adjusted to accommodate his inclusion, suggesting a late deal or decision that solidified his spot. This "rushed" feeling, as some players describe it, would unfortunately carry over into his gameplay design.
Fact 2: The Fastest Dash Speed, But Not the Fastest Overall
True to his character, Sonic was given the fastest dash speed in *Super Smash Bros. Brawl*. This attribute was his core strength, allowing him to traverse stages and approach opponents with unmatched speed. However, his air speed, falling speed, and overall movement properties were not as universally dominant, making him a complex character to master. His speed was primarily a tool for hit-and-run tactics and quick damage racking, rather than a direct path to victory. The visual representation of his speed was also unique; he dashes so fast that he leaves a blue trail, and the developers even added a detail where his shoes squeak when he stops.
Deconstructing Sonic's Controversial Moveset and Competitive Viability
In *Brawl*, Sonic was a character of extremes: incredibly fast, but lacking in the reliable "kill power" needed to finish off opponents. This led to a competitive identity crisis that defined his time in the *Brawl* meta-game.
Fact 3: The Moveset That Prioritized Speed Over Kills
Sonic's special moves in *Brawl* were all based on his iconic abilities, but their execution often left competitive players wanting more. His signature moves included:
- Neutral Special: Spin Dash: A chargeable move that launches Sonic forward in a ball, allowing for repeated hits and quick movement. It was a key part of his damage-racking strategy.
- Side Special: Spin Charge: Similar to the Spin Dash, but charged by repeatedly pressing the special button. This move offered a slightly different angle of attack and was crucial for his mobility.
- Up Special: Spring Jump: The classic spring from the *Sonic* games, which served as his recovery move. It was a solid recovery but could be predictable.
- Final Smash: Super Sonic: A transformation where Sonic turns into his golden, invulnerable form, allowing him to fly around the stage and smash into opponents at high speed.
While his moves were faithful, his standard attacks, like the Dual Punch & Kick combo, were generally weak. His lack of strong, reliable finishers (moves that deal high knockback) meant that even after accumulating high damage on an opponent, Sonic mains often struggled to secure the KO, a major flaw in competitive play.
Fact 4: His Low-Mid Tier Placement on the Official Tier List
Despite the hype surrounding his debut, Sonic was not a high-tier threat in the *Brawl* competitive scene. He was ultimately placed 22nd on the official *Brawl* tier list. This placement put him squarely in the lower-mid tier, a position that surprised many given his legendary status. The reasons for this were simple: he was lightweight, making him easy to launch and KO, and he lacked the powerful, safe moves that the top-tier characters possessed.
Fact 5: The Era of Meta Knight Dominance
To fully understand Sonic's competitive struggles, one must acknowledge the overwhelming dominance of Meta Knight in *Super Smash Bros. Brawl*. Meta Knight was universally considered "top top tier," a character so broken that he warped the entire competitive meta around him. Sonic, with his lack of kill power and defensive weaknesses, was simply outclassed by the oppressive speed, recovery, and kill moves of the masked swordsman. This environment made it incredibly difficult for any low-mid tier character, including Sonic, to consistently succeed at the highest level of competition.
The Legacy and Evolution of the Blue Blur
While his *Brawl* iteration was flawed, it was a necessary first step. The community's love for the character kept him relevant, and his design would eventually be refined in later installments.
Fact 6: The Competitive Hope: Players Like Meekspeedy
Despite his low tier placement, dedicated players worked hard to push Sonic's potential. One of the most notable Sonic mains in the *Brawl* competitive scene was Meekspeedy. These players demonstrated that Sonic's speed and ability to control the stage could be effective against certain opponents, particularly those who struggled against constant pressure. The strategy revolved around using his speed to force opponents into mistakes and rack up damage quickly, even if the kill was hard to secure. Their dedication helped move Sonic up from his initial, even lower, ranking.
Fact 7: The Voice Actor Change and the Lasting Impact
In *Super Smash Bros. Brawl*, Sonic was voiced by Jason Griffith (credited as Adam Caroleson), who reprised his role from the *Sonic X* anime and the *Sonic the Hedgehog* games of that era. This commitment to using the current voice actor was a key detail in making Sonic feel authentic. More importantly, the very existence of Sonic in *Brawl* set a permanent precedent. It confirmed that the *Smash* series was willing to look beyond Nintendo's own history, forever changing the expectations for character reveals in *Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U* and, ultimately, *Super Smash Bros. Ultimate*.
The story of Sonic in *Super Smash Bros. Brawl* is a fascinating tale of a monumental achievement tempered by developmental constraints. He was the first, the fastest, and the harbinger of the modern *Smash* roster, making his 22nd-place ranking a small price to pay for the legacy he left behind.
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