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"Bata-Bata" redirects here. Not to be confused with Pata-Bata.

A mechanical creature that looks like a fish. It can't be eaten, so don't even try.


— Fish-o-pedia description, Sonic Frontiers[1]

Chopper[2] (バタバタ[3] Batabata?, lit. "Bata-Bata") is an enemy that appears in the Sonic the Hedgehog series. It is a mass-produced, piranha-based Badnik model created by Dr. Eggman. Choppers are not very menacing, but they can launch surprise attacks from below bridges and water routes.

Appearance[]

Based on piranhas, the Choppers universally have a red mechanical body with a white dorsal fin, pectoral fins, anal fin and fishtail. Their pectoral fins in particular are attached to blue bases. They also have serrated teeth which they flash at all times. Their size has also varied over time, being either around the size of Sonic or much larger.

Choppers' design has varied over the course of the series. In Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I, the Choppers received a more mechanical design with white fins, yellow underbellies, slightly longer teeth, and more slit-like eyes with pale yellow sclera. Later, in Sonic Colors, Choppers retained their mechanical look, but with more flexible-designed bodies, less bolts around their bodies, and round, cyan eyes. These Choppers also came in two colorations: red with white underbellies, and purple with yellow underbellies. In Sonic Generations, the Choppers retained their red and white-colored design from Sonic Colors.

In Sonic Lost World, Choppers returned to their original design, with the addition of normal-looking cyan eyes and the absence of bolts. Later, in Sonic Forces, Choppers were redesigned so they retained much of their original design, but also gained more pronounced jaws, black fins, and completely yellow eyes.

Game appearances[]

Sonic the Hedgehog (1991)[]

Chopper-spr

In the 16-bit version of the original Sonic the Hedgehog, the Choppers[2] (バタバタ[3] Bata-Bata?) appear in Green Hill Zone as enemies.

In gameplay, Choppers will leap up from pools of water under bridges to attack the player when they approach, damaging the player upon contact. Although their attack patterns rely on the element of surprise, they are easily destroyed with a simple Spin Attack or Spin Jump while they are above the bridges. Upon their destruction, they release an Animal and reward the player with 100 points.

In the 8-bit version, the Choppers appear exclusively in Bridge Zone, they will occasionally be under a bridge or by a waterfall with a bottomless pit. Like their 16-bit counterparts, Choppers will leap up from under bridges to attack the player when they approach, damaging the player upon contact. Again, they are easily dispatched with a Spin Attack or Spin Jump, and they will grant 100 points upon their destruction. However, they do not release Animals when destroyed.

Sonic Adventure 2[]

Chopper - SA2

A Chopper, from Sonic Adventure 2

In Sonic Adventure 2 and Sonic Adventure 2: Battle, Choppers made an appearance as enemies in the extra stage, Green Hill. The appearance of the Choppers is almost identical to their original appearance, but is more cubic and larger. Their eyes are also smaller, and they have silver-lined backs.

In gameplay, instead of the Choppers jumping up and down like in the original Sonic the Hedgehog, they jump over bridges in an arching motion. It is while they are in midair that they can be destroyed. Upon their destruction, they will award the player 100 points and release an Animal.

Sonic Heroes[]

In Sonic Heroes, a picture of a Chopper (alongside other Badniks) can be seen in the Chaotix Detective Agency office during the opening of Team Chaotix's campaign. The picture of the Chopper reuses their artwork from the original Sonic the Hedgehog.

Sonic and the Black Knight[]

In Sonic and the Black Knight, Choppers appear among the winning fan art presented in the game.

Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I[]

S4 Chopper Sprite

Chopper, from Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I.

In Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I, Choppers returned as enemies. In this game, they were given a more modernized and mechanical appearance that made them look like Mashers. The player mainly encounters them in Splash Hill Zone. They would also appear in Episode Metal Act 4 of Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II.

In gameplay, Choppers usually have the same attack pattern from their debut game, where they jump up from pools of water at waterfalls when the player has to cross a bridge. Like always, they can be destroyed with a single attack while they are in midair. Upon their destruction, they release an Animal.

Sonic Colors[]

Coloursds chopper

In the Wii version and Nintendo DS version of Sonic Colors, and the remaster Sonic Colors: Ultimate, Choppers return as enemies. In this game, they were given another redesign. They also come in two color variations: red and white (Wii version and Sonic Colors: Ultimate only), and purple and yellow. The player encounters them in the underwater sections of every Act of Aquarium Park on every version of the game. In the Wii version and Sonic Colors: Ultimate, eight Choppers also appear in the underwater tunnel section in Asteroid Coaster Act 6 and in several underwater sections in Game Land that are related to Aquarium Park and Asteroid Coaster.

Aquarium Park - Screenshot - (9)

A large Chopper, from the Wii version of Sonic Colors

In gameplay, Choppers exhibit two kinds of behavior. In the sections where Sonic can run on water, Chopper will be lurking just beneath the surface; once Sonic gets close (by running across the water), they will jump up to attack him. These attacks pose no threat if the player is boosting however. In the underwater sections on the other hand, Choppers simply swim around. On the Wii version in particular, schools of normal-sized Choppers and very large Choppers infest the many waters that Sonic travels through.

Sonic Generations[]

In the console/PC version and Nintendo 3DS version of Sonic Generations, Choppers from somewhere across spacetime appear as enemies. In this game, they possess their classic red and white color scheme while retaining their overall design from Sonic Colors. They can be found in Green Hill on both versions of the game, and in Seaside Hill on the console/PC version.

In gameplay, Choppers' attack pattern depends on the Acts. Choppers in Green Hill and Seaside Hill Act 1 jump up from water pools in intervals, much like in the original Sonic the Hedgehog. In the second Acts of the stages they appear in, Choppers jump in arches over their bridges. Like always, Choppers can be destroyed with one attack during their jumps.

The console/PC version of the game also features the Giant Chopper. It first appears in Green Hill Act 2, where it briefly chases after Modern Sonic. Giant Chopper later reappears in Seaside Hill Act 2; if the player attempts to abuse the hydroplaning effects of the Boost and stray too far off-course, the Giant Chopper will eat Modern Sonic. A statue of the Chopper can also be unlocked in the Statue Room on the console/PC version.

Sonic Lost World[]

SLW WH Wii U 02

Choppers, from the Wii U version of Sonic Lost World

In the Wii U version and PC version of Sonic Lost World, Choppers reappear as enemies. In this game, they were given a more cartoony look reminiscent of their original design. During the game, Dr. Eggman's Badniks, including Choppers, got hijacked by the Deadly Six after the group betrayed the Doctor.

In gameplay, Choppers can be found in Windy Hill Zone 1 and 2, Frozen Factory Zone 1, and Sky Road Zone 1. In the 3D sections of the game, Choppers usually jump over bridges that lead across rivers or oil lakes instead of directly attacking the player, while in the 2.5D sections, they retain their attack patterns from Sonic the Hedgehog where they jump up from pools of water to bite Sonic when he crosses bridges. However, their jumps are slower in this game, giving the player an easier time to destroy them with the Spin Jump or the Focused Homing Attack while they are above the bridges. Also, when a Chopper is destroyed, it will release an Animal.

Sonic Mania[]

SMChopper

In Sonic Mania, and its expansion Sonic Mania Plus, Choppers are enemies found in both Acts of Green Hill Zone. In gameplay, Choppers come in two types. The first type of Choppers leap up from underneath bridges, damaging the playable character upon contact with them. The second type of Choppers are found in pools of water, slowly swimming from left to right. When they spot the playable character however, they will speed up and head towards them.

Regardless of the type, Choppers can be destroy easily by simply attacking them with a Spin Attack-related move. Upon their destruction, they will release an Animal and award the player with 100 points.

Sonic Forces[]

SFpromotional6

An army of Choppers, from Sonic Forces

In Sonic Forces, Choppers appear as enemies. In this game, they acquired more militaristic designs. The player encounters them in Green Hill.

In gameplay, Choppers once more attack the playable character by jumping up at them when they try to cross certain bridges. While they are in midair, the player can destroy them with an attack. Also, near the end of Green Hill, a series of Choppers appear as the bridge collapses into a cinematic style while the player passes by.

Team Sonic Racing[]

In Team Sonic Racing, Choppers are featured in Doctor's Mine. In gameplay, Choppers leap up from pools of poison under the waterfall.

Sonic Frontiers[]

In Sonic Frontiers, Choppers are encountered during different points of the game with varying appearances. During the Cyber Space gameplay, Choppers are only encountered as enemies in stage 1-6 as they retain their design introduced in Sonic Colors. Being digital replicas of Badniks in Cyber Space, Choppers are seen emerging to the player's view via a digital effect below bridges, as their attack pattern is closely similar from console/PC version of Sonic Generations. Unlike lot of other enemies in the game, the player is unable to use Homing Attack on them and the player will inflict damage while using Spin Jump from below them when they are slowly descending. Jumping above or using Stomp on them will defeat them, as they will be decomposed into small holographic pieces, as they do not contain Animals.

Choppers can also be caught as surprise items during the Fishing Spot minigame. Here though, they sport a different design than ones found in the Cyber Space, and instead resemble the Badnik's original design from Sonic the Hedgehog with slight modifications. Catching a Chopper rewards the player with six Treasure Tokens in the Western Fishing Spot that can be used to purchase items in "Trade Tokens" store.[4] In addition, a slightly different and smaller variant of the Choppers are present as separate Fishing Spot items.

Sonic Superstars[]

SuperstarsChopperScr

A Chopper, from Sonic Superstars.

Choppers reappear in Sonic Superstars, where they can be encountered in Bridge Island Zone and Lagoon City Zone. In Bridge Island Zone, Choppers can mainly be found jumping out of the water similarly to how they did in previous titles. However, in Lagoon City Zone, Choppers will swim from left to right in large bodies of water. However, the Choppers will immediately begin chasing the player if they spot them, similarly to what they sometimes did in Sonic Mania. Like most Badniks, the Choppers can be easily destroyed using any attack method, where upon doing so they will release an Animal and award the player 100 points.

Other game appearances[]

Sonic the Hedgehog Level Creator[]

LevelCreatorChopper1

In Sonic the Hedgehog Level Creator, Choppers appear as enemies that users can insert in their custom Zones. The appearance of Chopper is identical to their original appearance.

In gameplay, Choppers will leap up from pools of water under bridges to attack the player when they approach, damaging the player upon contact. Although their attack patterns rely on the element of surprise, they are easily destroyed with a simple Spin Attack or Spin Jump while they are above the bridges. Upon their destruction, they release a Ricky and reward the player with 100 points.

Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing[]

Chopper - S&SASR

Chopper, from Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing.

In Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing, Choppers appear as obstacles. In this game, they look just like they did in their original game, but are much larger.

In gameplay, Choppers appear in two of the three Seaside Hill race courses (Lost Palace and Ocean Ruin) as hindrances that the player will encounter at water pits. A toy version of this Chopper can also be purchased as an Xbox 360 Avatar Prop.

Sonic Freehand[]

Sonic x Vapor[]

Sonic Dash[]

In Sonic Dash, Choppers have their design from Sonic Lost World, but prior to the 4.12.0 update, their design was from Sonic Generations. Choppers appear in the Zones with water below. In gameplay, Choppers can be seen jumping out of the water whenever the player has to cross large gaps in the track. To proceed with the endless running, the player has to use the Homing Attack on the Choppers to get to the other side of the gap. If the player cannot perform the Homing Attack in time, the player may fall into the water and lose life or fail the Stage.

Sonic Forces: Speed Battle[]

In Sonic Forces: Speed Battle, Chopper serves as Projectile Items that can only be obtained at random from Item Boxes.

Sonic Speed Simulator[]

In Sonic Speed Simulator, Choppers appear as enemies.

Powers and abilities[]

The Choppers are excellent swimmers who can jump up out of waterfalls. They also possess powerful jaws that can deliver deadly bites.

Variants[]

Flying Chopper[]

Main article: Flying Chopper

The Flying Chopper is a flying Badnik model that looks very similar to the Chopper. It has only appeared in Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (8-bit).

Masher[]

Main article: Masher
Masher sprite

The Masher is a fish-based Badnik that bears many similarities to the Choppers, including similar appearances, abilities, and attack patterns. They first appeared in Sonic the Hedgehog 2.

Mega Chopper[]

Main article: Mega Chopper
Megachopper-spr

The Mega Chopper is a variant of the Chopper that, despite its name, is smaller than the original Chopper and lacks many of its features. However, these Badniks can attach themselves to their victims, reducing their movements and Ring count. They first appeared in Sonic the Hedgehog 3.

Giant Chopper[]

Main article: Giant Chopper
IJagZ

Giant Chopper

The Giant Chopper is a gigantic and more menacing version of the original Chopper model. Matching its size, this model possesses incredible speed, strength and durability, making it one of the deadliest Badniks around. It first appeared in the console/PC version of Sonic Generations.

Bone Batabata[]

Main article: Bone Batabata

The Bone Batabata is an undead version of the original Chopper model. It only appears in the Wii U/PC version of Sonic Lost World.

Small Chopper[]

A small Chopper. It's made of metal like its larger counterpart, but the bone-like pieces are more delicate.


— Fish-o-pedia description, Sonic Frontiers[5]
Small-Chopper-Northern-Fishing-Spot-Sonic-Frontiers

Sonic catching a small Chopper, from Sonic Frontiers

The small Chopper[5] is a smaller and less menacing version of the original Chopper model found at the Fishing Spot minigame in Sonic Frontiers. When being hooked in the Northern Fishing Spot, it is worth two Treasure Tokens.[6]

In other media[]

Sonic the Comic[]

Chopper STC profile

A Chopper, from Sonic the Comic #59. Art by Mike Hadley and John M. Burns

In the Sonic the Comic series published by Fleetway Editions, the Choppers are a part of Dr. Robotnik's Badnik army which patrol the waters of the Green Hill Zone. Depending on the artist, the Chomper's design would differ between issues.

Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog[]

LastResort 106 chopper

Choppers, from "The Last Resort"

In the Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog television series, the Choppers are Badniks used by Dr. Robotnik for underwater operations. They made a brief appearance in "The Last Resort", where Scratch and Grounder released three Choppers on Sonic while he was water skiing. However, they ended up being used by Sonic to water ski.

Fast Friends Forever[]

IDW Publishing[]

In the Sonic the Hedgehog comic series and its spin-offs published by IDW Publishing, a Chopper was present around the waters of Market Harbor Zone.[7]

Merchandise[]

The toy company TOMY has released Chopper action figurine during the release of Sonic & Knuckles as it also includes a series of 21 Sonic figurines and these figurines came in packs of four under the Sonic & Knuckles label and were also released individually under a Sonic the Hedgehog label.

In Wave 11 of the Jakks Pacific 2.5 Sonic toy-line, Chopper has an action figure with 4 points of articulation. Their description reads "Chopper is a piranha-like robot Badnik that loves to bite at unsuspecting travellers."

Trivia[]

  • Chopper's Japanese name, "Bata-Bata", is the Japanese word for a clattering noise, expressing the jaw clutch noises that the Chopper often makes.
  • Choppers in Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I closely resemble the Masher, causing many fans to believe they were said Badnik model when they were confirmed for the game.
  • A robot resembling a Chopper appears to chase Orbot and Cubot in the episode "Let's Play Musical Friends" in the television series Sonic Boom.

References[]

  1. Sonic Team (November 8, 2022). Sonic Frontiers. Xbox Series X/S. Sega. Area/level: Fish-o-pedia menu. "Chopper: A mechanical creature that looks like a fish. It can't be eaten, so don't even try."
  2. 2.0 2.1 Sonic the Hedgehog (Sega Genesis) United States instruction booklet, pg. 11.
  3. 3.0 3.1 Sonic the Hedgehog (Sega Mega Drive) Japanese instruction booklet, pg. 37.
  4. Sonic Team (November 8, 2022). Sonic Frontiers. Xbox Series X/S. Sega. Area/level: Western Fishing Spot. "Notification: Excellent! It's a Chopper! Got 6 tokens!"
  5. 5.0 5.1 Sonic Team (November 8, 2022). Sonic Frontiers. Xbox Series X/S. Sega. Area/level: Fish-o-pedia menu. "Small Chopper: A small chopper. It's made of metal like its larger counterpart, but the bone-like pieces are more delicate."
  6. Sonic Team (November 8, 2022). Sonic Frontiers. Xbox Series X/S. Sega. Area/level: Northern Fishing Spot. "Notification: Hooked a small Chopper! Got 2 tokens!"
  7. Sonic the Hedgehog: Amy's 30th Anniversary Special, "story one"
Navigation templates to Chopper


Main article (Blue Sphere) · Staff · Manuals · Glitches · Beta elements · Gallery · Pre-releases (prototype) · Re-releases (2001, 2005, mobile, GBA, iPod, 2013, 3D, Sega Ages)

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