Sonic & Tails

[Nintendoga]

So like Sonic and Tails are bros.

It's been established in many continuities that Sonic & Tails are best friends, always looking out and caring for each-other. But it hasn't been till the recent games, where we've really been given a chance to look into their friendship, or Bro-ship Am I rite?

Yeah, we've seen them interact all friendly and stuff in the Adventure games, but they never really showed their brotherly love for each other, only a few quips at each other and such.

However, for the past couple of years, Sega has recently started to develop these two characters. Sonic Colors was the first game to arguably develop Sonic and Tails's relationship. No more was the boring conversations of the past, but now is the relaxing "Big brother, Little brother" type of relationship between them. Sonic was always cracking jokes at Tails, making fun of him while striking up conversations that didn't feel like *reading from the script*, but more so *talking to your best friend*.

Here's a better example, looking at Colors, then go back and look at the older 3D games. You'll find that in Colors, you get a real brotherly vibe from them, like they're not afraid to crack jokes or make fun of each other. You can tell that they've been best friends for a long time, and aren't afraid to show it.

When Eggman was about to fire his mind control ray at Sonic, Tails pushed him out the way, and took the hit for him. Mind you at the time he didn't know what the ray could do. Without a thought for himself, he saved Sonic's life with the possibility of him dying. That *to me I guess* shows a deep relationship between the two so much that Tails would do anything for Sonic. Sonic too, when he shoved Tails to safety, wanted him to be safe and alive, rather then possibly get hurt from Eggman. It's been stated tons of times before, but these plus other scenes show how much they care for each-other.

Then comes Generations which....didn't show much actually. Story? What Story? But in most of the scenes, they (plus their classic selves) care for each other, and it really shows how much their friendship is that Classic Sonic allows Tails to talk for him, and I'm sure if the game had a decent written story, there would have been more scenes showing them interacting more.

So now we got Sonic 4 Ep.2. Since this is a 2D game with no talk-able cutscenes, but now that Tails is there, they really do everything together in that game. And do I mean everything (69'ing, there's your damn sex joke) Sonic relies on Tails to fly, and they use their rolling powers to burst through enemies at hyper-sonic speed. That's all that's been shown for now, but maybe there will be some scenes showing more interaction between them. Who knows?

So there you have it, Sonic & Tails are two bros that always put themselves before hoes. They have a deep brotherly relationship, and don't give a damn if anyone cares or not. I'm glad Sega's trying to develop these two characters, as you don't see brotherly shit like this in most games nowadays. Now to end this on a high note, or should I say, a high-FIVE note.

[TimberWolf]

Awesome post. My only response is this (only version I could find):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a75gm_ovvsY

This is the first and so far only time I have ever cried at a video game (shut up I was a kid), and if you really think about it you'll understand why.

[Kiah]

When Eggman was about to fire his mind control ray at Sonic, Tails pushed him out the way, and took the hit for him. Mind you at the time he didn't know what the ray could do. Without a thought for himself, he saved Sonic's life with the possibility of him dying. That *to me I guess* shows a deep relationship between the two so much that Tails would do anything for Sonic. Sonic too, when he shoved Tails to safety, wanted him to be safe and alive, rather then possibly get hurt from Eggman. It's been stated tons of times before, but these plus other scenes show how much they care for each-other.

Great post! From the paragraph above to even the "Brofist" picture, you mentioned everything that I wanted to mention in this topic...now I have to find something else to say.

So in my determination to contribute something here I found this from Sonic Generations:

This cutscene had two gestures I noticed: the high-five between Classic Tails and Modern Sonic and when the Time Eater came to get the Chaos Emerald Modern Sonic put his arm out in a protective manner in front of Classic Tails.

As quick as it was, it was great to see those moments of friendship and brotherhood between Sonic and Tails.

The friendship between Sonic and Tails I think is wonderful yet very underrated. When you consider how quick one is to point out the flaws and negative things in the series, the positive aspect of Sonic and Tails' friendship needs more recognition. I only hope that Sega continues to demonstrate it with the games in the future.

Edited April 15, 2012 by Sonikku_Kiah

[neezTHEhuman]

but why do they always say 'long time no see.' jk but seriously what was the last game that used this line, '06?

[Vertekins]

Sonic-Tails Bromance was one of the very best things to come out of Colours next to it's fantabulous soundtrack, great gameplay and very clever and witty Eggman, Cubot and Orbot antics and PA announcements. Sonic-Tails Bromance is actually one of the most endearing aspects of the series to me personally, I can't get enough of it! I just fall head over heels for their brotherly relationship every. Single. Time.

Regarding Colours, I just loved how Sonic placed Tails' safety above his own ideology. Not to mention the very subtle yet very telling body language of Sonic's when the Nega Wisp Armour appears;

This kind of protectiveness is also prevalent in Generations. Namely in the scrapped CGI cutscene in GHZ with the Time Eater appearing there (Again, BOTH Sonic's appear to shield both Tails') and one of the story cutscenes in the final game that shows Modern Sonic jumping in front of Classic Tails and shielding him when the Time Eater appears in that white void.

I also loved their dynamic in Sonic Adventure. There's just something about Sonic letting Tails race him to the Emerald that is really cute to me for some reason. It's akin to a playful game between brothers and it's made even sweeter by Sonic's utterances during these levels, which can either a kind of encouragement or a good-natured warning that he's in the lead as if he's eager to allow Tails to step up his game.

I just loved how Sonic seemed to view Tails as a complete equal in Adventure and didn't seem to talk down to him in any way. Sonic does express an utterly hilarious kind of deadpan snarkiness when Tails states the obvious when the Egg Carrier transforms but I think that's pretty realistic of Sonic's characterization not to mention it's funny as hell

[sonfan1984]

The Sonic and Tails bromance is my favorite part about the writing in Colors. It makes me feel so warm and fluffy inside.

[Your Vest Friend]

And it still hasn't prevented Tails from becoming more and more like cardboard in terms of character, in my eyes. :/

[Kuzu]

And it still hasn't prevented Tails from becoming more and more like cardboard in terms of character, in my eyes. :/

You have reptile vision when it comes to this series.

[TimberWolf]

Only thing I want to see is Tails, whether in the Tornado or out, using his wits and strengths to bail Sonic out of a jam. As I mentioned in a previous topic discussing the sidekicks: Tails has a goddamned armed and armoured biplane. Sonic's speed and spikes aren't going to be effective against everything unless he's Super, but a couple rockets or a burst of laser fire sure would help.

[Your Vest Friend]

You have reptile vision when it comes to this series.

It's not that. It's all well and good giving them all this bromance and stuff, but what good is it when a character fails to stand on their own merits? I find Blaze tends to bounce off other characters (like Sonic, Cream, Silv--*pow*) well, but I don't like her when it comes to her own qualities, so I don't like her.

[---]

Ugh, I don't like the term bromance, it's freaking.....nevermind. Anyway, it's only been like this because Tails is the ONLY other anthro character there.

Oh okay I admit it, the Colors writers did something right besides ear grating jokes, if they can tone down the cringe worthy humor then their writing will be ace. Still, I'd like to see how OTHER characters interact with eachother besides Sonic, that would be very cool to see.

[sonfan1984]

Oh okay I admit it, the Colors writers did something right besides ear grating jokes, if they can tone down the cringe worthy humor then their writing will be ace.

They have already toned it down in Generations. I didn't realize it was the same writers until before the final boss with Eggman. Wether you think it's 'ace' or not is up to the person.

But yeah, I would also like to see Sonic build relationships/friendships with the other characters, too.

Edited April 14, 2012 by sonfan1984

[Danj86]

Only thing I want to see is Tails, whether in the Tornado or out, using his wits and strengths to bail Sonic out of a jam. As I mentioned in a previous topic discussing the sidekicks: Tails has a goddamned armed and armoured biplane. Sonic's speed and spikes aren't going to be effective against everything unless he's Super, but a couple rockets or a burst of laser fire sure would help.

You want to see? But we have. The only reason Amy was able to bust Sonic out of prison was because of Tails.

Remember this bit? From Sonic Adventure 2.

Tails would later go on to finish what Sonic started by defeating Eggman when he thought Sonic was killed. Although the Egghead did escape with the real Chao Emerald, which would set in motion the last part of the story. But that's beside the point...

Then there's this fab moment of perfect synch from Sonic Adventure.

Both Sonic and Tails are searching for the Egg Carrier and while Sonic is following it, he runs out of ground. Here comes Tails to save the day in the Tornado 2. Thanks to him, the chase continues.

In addiction, Sonic can rely on Tails if the blue blur wasn't around to stop Eggman, as this moment proves...

On a related note, the word "bromance" is nothing to get uncomfortable about. Sonic and Tails is the perfect definition. As the term literally means "a close non-sexual relationship between two (or more) men." So it's people who are like brothers, but aren't brothers.

[---]

They have already toned it down in Generations. I didn't realize it was the same writers until before the final boss with Eggman. Wether you think it's 'ace' or not is up to the person.

But yeah, I would also like to see Sonic build relationships/friendships with the other characters, too.

Actually, I said I wanted OTHER characters to interact with each other. not just with Sonic.

[sonfan1984]

Actually, I said I wanted OTHER characters to interact with each other. not just with Sonic.

I want that, too. I agree.

[TimberWolf]

@Laharl: I'm well aware of those, I'm just saying it'd be nice to see it more in the newer games.

[DC111]

I think this just made my day. :') Great topic.

Sonic and Tails interactions have to be one of my favorite things about any Sonic game. I really, truly can't think of much to add other than what's already been said. I loved their relationship in the Adventures, Heroes, the Riders series, Colors, and Generations. Colors especially did an absolutely stellar job of this. Even subtler things like their expressions and gestures at each other show off their relationship so well, and really make ya believe it. They say things to each other naturally, without a second thought as to how it sounds, because they know each other so well and are so close. It's ironic how the most casual, relaxed exchanges can speak of the deepest and most loving friendships.

And despite Sonic being the 'big brother' in the picture here, it is clearly established that Tails is just as willing to protect Sonic as Sonic is Tails. It gives a lot of credit to Tails as a character, and to the mutuality of their brothership. And as the original poster said, Tails had no way of KNOWING what would happen when he was struck, but it didn't matter, because at the end of the day Tails's love for his older brother outweighs anything that might happen to himself. And later in the game, Sonic makes it clear that he feels exactly the same way toward Tails. In fact, I dare say all THROUGHOUT the game as well as throughout Generations, Sonic makes this clear. Even when he doesn't have a protective arm instinctively out in fron tof the fox, he is almost always standing slightly in front of him, as if subconsciously placing himself in between Tails and whatever threat might arise. He wants to keep Tails safe, yet at the same time, never acts as if Tails is a burden to him for being there - he appreciates his help and his presence.

Honestly, it's got to be my favorite relationship out of any video game.

[Solly]

I actually like that the Sonic/Tails brother relationship has been explored more as of late. Recent games, Colors especially, make it seem a lot more believable than most other titles, and it feels like Tails' role as Sonic's sidekick is being quickly re-established. It'd be nice if more games did the Sonic 4 Episode 2 thing and had Tails tag along or (gasp) be playable.

But they really are one of the quintessential videogame duos, like the Mario Brothers. Even their designs look great side by side. Orange is blue's complementary color.

This kind of protectiveness is also prevalent in Generations. Namely in the scrapped CGI cutscene in GHZ with the Time Eater appearing there (Again, BOTH Sonic's appear to shield both Tails') and one of the story cutscenes in the final game that shows Modern Sonic jumping in front of Classic Tails and shielding him when the Time Eater appears in that white void

While I agree with your post in general, there's no real evidence, to my knowledge, that shows the CGI cutscene of Sonic/Tails and the Time Eater was ever going to be used in-game, or that it was "scrapped." That scene was most likely made for promotional materials only.

[Your Vest Friend]

You have reptile vision when it comes to this series.

I didn't when it came to Tails being bland on his own merits, but...

But they really are one of the quintessential videogame duos, like the Mario Brothers. Even their designs look great side by side. Orange is blue's complementary color.

...I think I can work with this.

SEGA, why didn't you keep Tails so orange? It's not a massive detail I'll rant over, but it was nice when the colours were perfectly complimentary.

And why'd you give me more fuel for my obsession? That's suicide.

[Kuzu]

It's not that. It's all well and good giving them all this bromance and stuff, but what good is it when a character fails to stand on their own merits? I find Blaze tends to bounce off other characters (like Sonic, Cream, Silv--*pow*) well, but I don't like her when it comes to her own qualities, so I don't like her.

Aren't character merits based on their interactions with another? You can't expect one character to carry a story by themselves, isn't this part of the reason everyone is starting to dislike the newer games, the fact that Sonic hardly interacts with anybody?

[Your Vest Friend]

Aren't character merits based on their interactions with another? You can't expect one character to carry a story by themselves, isn't this part of the reason everyone is starting to dislike the newer games, the fact that Sonic hardly interacts with anybody?

Not completely, no. While it's true that character relationships are the best way to improve a story's quality, it's also important to make the character likable on their own. Why would you be interested in how a character reacts towards others when you're not interested in their character in itself.

[sonfan1984]

You can't expect one character to carry a story by themselves, isn't this part of the reason everyone is starting to dislike the newer games, the fact that Sonic hardly interacts with anybody?

More like disappointed then disliking it.

Edited April 15, 2012 by sonfan1984

[Metalchaos]

In the 3DS version of the final boss of Sonic Generations both Modern Tails and Classic Tails got hurt protecting Modern Sonic & Classic Sonic.

[Milo]

Sorry to copypasta, but their friendship REALLY does make it seem as if Sonic and Tails are close brothers rather than close friends.

Only thing the bothers me is that up until Epi. II; Sonic Team hasn't really shown Tails entering the fray alongside Sonic, rather he would stand behind the sidelines , while becoming more of a geek who would just tell Sonic advice or give him directions on how he could achieve their objectives. Oh and there's Tails's wuss-out moment in Unleashed, not going to bother getting into that scene.

[Kuzu]

Not completely, no. While it's true that character relationships are the best way to improve a story's quality, it's also important to make the character likable on their own. Why would you be interested in how a character reacts towards others when you're not interested in their character in itself.

Ok, then maybe you just like more cartoony characters/