Sonic Bursts Through a Golden Ring

About this drawing

Sonic ring burst designs mix the two symbols fans know best: the blue hedgehog himself and the golden rings he grabs at full speed. Since the first game in 1991, rings have lined almost every level, hanging in the air or forming trails that show the quickest route.

They are more than shiny collectibles. As long as Sonic carries at least one ring, a hit from an enemy will not end his run. His rings scatter across the screen instead, and if he snatches a few back before they vanish, he is protected again. Get hit with none, though, and it is game over for that life.

That simple rule changes how people play. Players learn to keep a few rings at all times and to dive after them when they spill. The bright chime of picking one up is one of the most familiar sounds in gaming.

Some games also use rings as money for upgrades or as fuel for special moves. Because the shape is so simple, a glowing golden hoop, it shows up on shirts, toys and logos, and fans recognize it instantly even when Sonic is nowhere in sight.

• sonic
• rings
• video games
• name page