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Glide[1][2] (滑空[3] kakkū?), also known as the Mid-Air Glide[4][5] (滑空飛行[6] kakkū hikō?, lit. "gliding flight") or gliding jump,[7] is a move that appears in the Sonic the Hedgehog series. It is one of Knuckles the Echidna's signature techniques, but has since its debut been performed by several other people as well. It is a maneuver where the user glides through the air fist-first.

Description[]

KC Japanese Manual Knuckles 02

Knuckles gliding, from Knuckles' Chaotix.

In contrast to popular belief, Glide is not a technique that grants the user unbound flight through the air, but rather manipulates one's fall through midair.

To perform the Glide, the user must be positioned in midair, either from a jump or a fall over an edge. The user then manipulates the air currents around them which makes it possible for the user to both slow down the rate of the descent from the fall and to move significant horizontal distances while descending. It is much farther than what they could reach with a normal jump or fall, but they cannot move upwards. This is usually done by the player by pressing the jump or Action button while in midair and using the direction controls to move. The user will then continue to glide until they latch onto a wall, land safely on solid ground, or stop on purpose. If the user should stop gliding while in the air (by releasing the button that caused the Glide), they will begin to drop normally through the air. The Glide can be resumed however, by pressing the button that caused the Glide again.

The ways to manipulate the air currents varies from user to user. Knuckles uses his dreadlocks to trap air under them and Rouge does it by using her wings to move through the air. Tails uses his two tails to stay in the air and is weighed down by the two pairs of boxing gloves he wears, which he also uses to attack enemies. Since most users of the Glide can also climb on walls, this move is perfectly suited for exploring the surroundings. Tails, Emerl and Phi are the only characters who cannot climb after they have glided into a wall.

For users such as Knuckles, the Glide can also be used offensively. By extending his spiked fists in front of him while gliding, Knuckles can damage any unprotected enemy his fists come in contact with. This is named the "Grinder Attack" in Sonic Battle. If any other of his body parts comes in contact with the enemy however, he will take damage.

Tails' variation of this move functions differently; the player must hold the left or right button to make sure Tails moves forward. Otherwise, Tails will quickly fall to the ground.

Game appearances[]

Sonic 3 & Knuckles[]

Knuckles glide
KnuxGlide

Knuckles performing the Glide, from Sonic & Knuckles.

The Glide technique first appears in Sonic & Knuckles and the lock-on game, Sonic 3 & Knuckles, where it is referred to as glide,[8] (滑空する[9] kakkū suru?, lit. "gliding") while the action of harming enemies while gliding is referred to as the Gliding Knuckles Attack,[8] and is usable by Knuckles the Echidna, Super Knuckles and Hyper Knuckles.

To perform the glide in gameplay, the player has to hold Sega Genesis A Button/Sega Genesis B Button/Sega Genesis C Button after performing a Spin Jump. While gliding in this game, the player will travel horizontally in the direction they are facing, all while slowly descending, until the player either releases Sega Genesis A Button/Sega Genesis B Button/Sega Genesis C Button or the user touches the ground or a wall, the latter of which will make them perform the Wall Climb.[8] Gliding is also capable of damaging any enemies or bosses that it touches during its performance. If Hyper Knuckles crashes into a wall while gliding, he will also cause a short tremor that will destroy any Badniks on the screen.

Additionally, Knuckles will occasionally use gliding to attack the player during his boss fight.

Sonic the Hedgehog Triple Trouble[]

Ohno

In Sonic the Hedgehog Triple Trouble, the Glide is performed by Knuckles the Echidna during the game's intro and the ending scene, though it is not usable in gameplay.

Knuckles' Chaotix[]

Chaotix knuckles glide
Glideknuckleschaotix

Knuckles performing the Glide, from Knuckles' Chaotix.

In Knuckles' Chaotix, the technique is referred to as the Glide[1] (滑空する[10] kakkū suru?, lit. "gliding"), being usable by Knuckles the Echidna. It is performed by holding Sega Genesis C Button after performing a Spin Jump.

While performing the Glide in this game, the player will travel horizontally in the direction they are facing, all while slowly descending, until the player either releases Sega Genesis C Button, or the user touches the ground or a wall, the latter of which will make them Climb. Additionally, the Glide is also capable of damaging any enemies or bosses that it touches during its performance.

Unlike its previous appearances, however, should the player release Sega Genesis C Button while Gliding, Knuckles will return to his spinning animation, although he will not be able to Glide again during the same Spin Jump.

Sonic the Fighters[]

Glide fighters

Knuckles performing the Glide on his doppelganger, from Sonic the Fighters.

In Sonic the Fighters, the technique is referred to as the Knuckle Glider and is a fighting move that can be preformed by Knuckles by pressing STF-P-Button +STF-K-Button together, While performing the Knuckle Glider, the player will travel horizontally in the direction they are facing then quickly descend, if the player's opponent is near them when the move is active, they'll lose Rings and take damage.

Sonic 3D Blast[]

In the Sega Saturn version of Sonic 3D Blast, Knuckles is briefly seen gliding through the air while carrying Sonic to the starting point of the Special Stage.

Sonic Blast[]

Youcancallmeknuckles
Glideblast

Knuckles performing the Glide, from Sonic Blast.

In Sonic Blast, the technique is referred to as the Knuckles Sliding Attack[11] (滑空[12] kakkū?, lit. "glide") and is usable by Knuckles the Echidna, where it is performed by holding Game Gear I Button/Game Gear II Button after performing a Spin Jump.

While performing the Knuckles Sliding Attack in this game, the player will travel horizontally in the direction they are facing, all while slowly descending, until the player either releases Game Gear I Button/Game Gear II Button or the user touches the ground or a wall, the latter of which will make them climb the wall.[11] Additionally, the Knuckles Sliding Attack is also capable of damaging any enemies or bosses that it touches during its performance.

Sonic R[]

The glide reappears in Sonic R as a move Knuckles could perform.

Sonic Adventure[]

SHKNUCKLES7

Knuckles performing the gliding jump, from Sonic Adventure DX: Director's Cut.

In Sonic Adventure and its enhanced port, Sonic Adventure DX: Director's Cut, the technique is referred to as the gliding jump[7] (滑空飛行[13] kakkū hikō?, lit. "gliding flight"). It is usable by Knuckles the Echidna, being performed by holding A/A Button GameCube v2 after performing a Spin Jump.

While performing the gliding jump in this game, the player will travel horizontally in the direction they are facing, all while slowly descending, until the player either releases A/A Button GameCube v2, or the user touches the ground or a wall, the latter of which will make them begin climbing.[7] Additionally, the gliding jump is also capable of damaging any enemies or bosses that it touches during its performance.

Should the player release A/A Button GameCube v2 while gliding in these games, Knuckles will return to his spinning animation, and the player will be allowed to use the gliding jump again by pressing A/A Button GameCube v2. Also, during his Character Conflict, Knuckles will perform the gliding jump to chase the player through the air.

Sonic Adventure 2[]

PHGC4

Knuckles performing the Glide, from Sonic Adventure 2: Battle.

In Sonic Adventure 2 and its enhanced port, Sonic Adventure 2: Battle, the technique, referred to as glide[2] (滑空[3] kakkū?) appears as a move usable by Knuckles the Echidna and Rouge, as well as Tikal and Chaos in the games' multiplayer mode. It is performed by holding A/A Button GameCube v2 after performing a Spin Jump or while digging.[2]

While performing the glide in this game, the player will travel horizontally in the direction they are facing, all while slowly descending, until the player either releases A/A Button GameCube v2 or the user touches the ground or a wall, the latter of which will make them perform Climb Wall.[2] Additionally, the Glide is also capable of damaging any enemies or bosses that it touches during its performance.

Should the player release A/A Button GameCube v2 while gliding in this game, Knuckles will return to his spinning animation, and the player will be allowed to use the glide again by pressing A/A Button GameCube v2. Both Knuckles and Rouge will also use the glide against the player during their respective boss battles.

Sonic Advance series[]

Sonic Advance[]

Adv knuckles glide
Glideadvance

Knuckles Gliding, from Sonic Advance.

In Sonic Advance, the technique is referred to as Gliding[14] (滑空飛行[15] kakkū hikō?, lit. "gliding flight") and is usable by Knuckles the Echidna, where it is performed by holding GameboyA after performing a Spin Jump while not submerged in water.

When Gliding in this game, the player will travel horizontally in the direction they are facing, all while slowly descending, until the player either lets go of the button, or the user touches the ground or a wall, the latter of which will make them begin climbing.[14] Additionally, the player is also capable of damaging any enemies or bosses that are touched while Gliding.

Should the player go Gliding into the water in this game, said Glide will immediately be transformed into the Breast Stroke.

Sonic Advance 2[]

Adv2 knuckles glide

In Sonic Advance 2, the technique is referred to as the Mid-Air Glide[4] (滑空飛行[6] kakkū hikō?, lit. "gliding flight") and is usable by Knuckles the Echidna. It is performed by holding GameboyA after performing a Spin Jump while not submerged in water.

When performing the Mid-Air Glide in this game, the player will travel horizontally in the direction they are facing, all while slowly descending, until the player either lets go of the button, or the user touches the ground or a wall, the latter of which will make them perform the Wall Climb.[4] Additionally, the Mid-Air Glide is also capable of damaging any enemies or bosses that it touches during its performance.

Should the player direct the Mid-Air Glide into water in this game, said Mid-Air Glide will immediately be cancelled out, returning the player to their spinning animation.

Sonic Advance 3[]

In Sonic Advance 3, the move is referred to as the Mid-Air Glide[5] (滑空飛行[16] kakkū hikō?, lit. "gliding flight") appears as a move usable by Knuckles (when partnered with Cream or Amy) and Tails (when partnered with Knuckles), where it is performed by holding GameboyA after performing a Spin Jump while not submerged in water.

When performing the Mid-Air Glide in this game, the player will travel horizontally in the direction they are facing, all while slowly descending, until the player either lets go of the button, or the user touches the ground or a wall, the latter of which will make them perform the Wall Climb if the playable character is Knuckles.[5] Additionally, the Mid-Air Glide is also capable of damaging any enemies or bosses that it touches during its performance.

Should the player direct the Mid-Air Glide into water in this game, said Mid-Air Glide will immediately be transformed into the Breast Stroke. Unique to this game, several aspects of the Mid-Air Glide also change depending on which partner the player selects; when partnered with Tails, Knuckles gains the Double Mid-Air Glide; when partnered with Cream, Knuckles can perform a Homing Attack by pressing GameboyB whilst gliding; and when partnered with Sonic, Knuckles can perform the Mid-Air Dash Glide.

Sonic the Hedgehog (2006)[]

The glide reappears in Sonic the Hedgehog (2006) as a move Knuckles and Rouge could perform.

Sonic and the Black Knight[]

Sonic Mania[]

Mirage Saloon3

Knuckles performing the Glide, from Sonic Mania.

In Sonic Mania and its expansion, Sonic Mania Plus, the Glide appears as a move usable by Knuckles and Super Knuckles, where it is performed by holding the following button:

PlayStation 4 Nintendo Switch Xbox One PC
Square/Cross/Circle Switch y/Switch a/Switch b X button/A button/B button

When performing the Glide in this game, the player will travel horizontally in the direction they are facing, all while slowly descending, until the player either releases the aforementioned button, or the user touches the ground or a wall (the latter of which will make them perform Climb). Additionally, the Glide is also capable of damaging any enemies or bosses that it touches during its performance.

Sonic Frontiers[]

In Sonic Frontiers, Gliding is a Skill automatically unlocked when reaching Knuckles' chapter in the story. Knuckles moves forward through the air at high speed while gradually losing altitude. During a glide, the player can use the analog stick to change direction. This can also be upgraded to the Infinite Glide via collecting 40 red Skill Points, where Knuckles does not lose any speed or altitude.

Prior to 1.41 update, Knuckles originally had a two-second-long startup animation before starting a glide and was significantly less maneuverable when gliding. In the current version, the move is much more responsive to directional input and no longer puts Knuckles in a long startup animation.

Sonic Superstars[]

The Glide returns in Sonic Superstars as a move for Knuckles.

Sonic Dream Team[]

Other game appearances[]

Knuckles in Sonic 2[]

In the lock-on game Knuckles in Sonic 2, the Glide returns as a move usable by Knuckles the Echidna. In gameplay, it functions identically to its previous appearance, being performed by holding Sega Genesis A Button/Sega Genesis B Button/Sega Genesis C Button after performing a Spin Jump.

While gliding in this game, the player will travel horizontally in the direction they are facing, all while slowly descending, until the player either lets go of Sega Genesis A Button/Sega Genesis B Button/Sega Genesis C Button, or the user touches the ground or a wall, the latter of which will make them perform the Wall Climb. Gliding is also capable of damaging any enemies or bosses that it touches during its performance.

Sonic the Hedgehog Pocket Adventure[]

Knuxglide

In Sonic the Hedgehog Pocket Adventure, the Glide appears as a move used by Knuckles the Echidna during his boss fight. When performing the Glide in this game, Knuckles glides from one side of the arena to the other, damaging the playable character should they come in contact with him.

Sonic Pinball Party[]

Anuc

In Sonic Pinball Party, Knuckles is shown performing his gliding position during the intro animation of while popping out alongside the other characters in the game.

Variants[]

Breast Stroke[]

Main article: Breast Stroke

Breast Stroke is a move performed by Knuckles when underwater. The move functions similarly to the Glide. Knuckles can latch on walls while performing the Breast Stroke; however, Knuckles cannot damage enemies and will suffer damage if collided into.

Double Mid-Air Glide[]

Main article: Double Mid-Air Glide
Knuckles doubleglide

The Double Mid-Air Glide is a move usable by Knuckles in Sonic Advance 3 when partnered with Tails. The move is executed in exactly the same way as the Glide, except Knuckles gains some extra height before executing the move.

Grinder Attack[]

Main article: Grinder Attack

Grinder Attack is Knuckles' Air Action in Sonic Battle. When used, Knuckles glides forwards, damaging any opponents he collides with.

Mid-Air Dash Glide[]

Main article: Mid-Air Dash Glide
Knuckles dashglide

The Mid-Air Dash Glide is is a move usable by Knuckles in Sonic Advance 3 when partnered with Sonic. When using this move, Knuckles does an offensive dash through midair by charging forward head-first.

Triangle Dive[]

Main article: Triangle Dive

The Triangle Dive is a team move performed by Team Sonic and Team Dark in Sonic Heroes. This move is performed in a similar manner to the regular Glide, except that several characters join into the execution of the move. When using the Triangle Dive, the team members join together in a united formation that lets them all glide through midair.

In other media[]

Animation[]

Sonic the Hedgehog: The Movie[]

Glidemovie

Knuckles gliding, from Sonic the Hedgehog: The Movie.

In Sonic the Hedgehog: The Movie, Knuckles is shown gliding on several occasions. However, it is more reminiscent of levitation, as Knuckles is able to hover in a stationary position while in midair and glide upward without even assuming his gliding pose.

Sonic X[]

Glide

Knuckles gliding, from "Emerald Anniversary".

In the Sonic X anime series, glide is only used by Knuckles the Echidna. It is only showcased in the first and second seasons. Its performance and functions are the same as in the games.

Sonic Frontiers Prologue: Divergence[]

In Sonic Frontiers Prologue: Divergence, Knuckles is seen using his glide ability to traverse the skybound ruins of Sky Sanctuary.

Sonic Prime[]

Dread Gliding

Knuckles the Dread gliding, from "There's No ARRGH in "Team"".

In the Sonic Prime television series, the Glide appears as a move used by Knuckles the Echidna, Rouge the Bat and some of their respective Shatterverse counterparts: Knuckles the Dread and Rebel Rouge.

Books and comics[]

Sonic the Comic[]

Knuckles - STC 54

Knuckles gliding away from Mighty, from Sonic the Comic #53. Art by Richard Elson.

In the Sonic the Comic series and its spin-offs published by Fleetway Editions, Knuckles rarely glides, but unlike his game counterpart, Knuckles keeps his arms sideways instead of in front of him. Other than that, it seems to work the same way as it does in the games.

IDW Publishing[]

GlideIDW

Knuckles performing the Glide, from Sonic the Hedgehog #3.

In the Sonic the Hedgehog comic series and its spin-offs published by IDW Publishing, the Glide is a move most commonly used by Knuckles. It first appeared in Sonic the Hedgehog #3 when Knuckles had to enter a fortified warehouse.

Trivia[]

  • In the 2D side-scrolling games, there is a trick that allows Knuckles to gain height when beginning to glide. The player must press the jump button just as he jumps onto an enemy or a Monitor.
  • In Sonic the Hedgehog (2006), there is a glitch where if the player continually uses the Glide and releases the jump button at the same time the user touches the ground, they will then be launched into the air at an absurd height that is otherwise unattainable by other regular gameplay means; the longer the player uses the Glide, the greater the height the player will reach from this glitch. Depending on the stages, the character may be launched high enough to reach past the upper boundary of the stage where they will die, causing the player to lose a life. This glitch can also be done with E-123 Omega's Hover.
  • Apparently, the Glide appears to be a personal invention in Knuckles' case rather than an ability shared by all echidnas from Sonic's world, with the exception of Tikal in the multiplayer mode of Sonic Adventure 2. In Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood, Shade and the rest of the Nocturnus Clan seemingly lack the ability to glide, while they are shown being able to scale walls.

References[]

  1. 1.0 1.1 Knuckles' Chaotix (Sega 32X) United States instruction booklet, pg. 7.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Sonic Adventure 2 (Dreamcast) United States instruction booklet, pg. 10.
  3. 3.0 3.1 Sonic Adventure 2 (Dreamcast) Japanese instruction booklet, pg. 16.
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 Sonic Advance 2 (Game Boy Advance) United States instruction booklet, pg. 12.
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 Sonic Advance 3 (Game Boy Advance) United States instruction booklet, pg. 13.
  6. 6.0 6.1 Sonic Advance 2 (Game Boy Advance) Japanese instruction booklet, pg. 18.
  7. 7.0 7.1 7.2 Sonic Adventure (Dreamcast) United States instruction booklet, pg. 23.
  8. 8.0 8.1 8.2 Sonic & Knuckles (Sega Genesis) United States instruction booklet, pg. 7.
  9. Sonic & Knuckles (Sega Mega Drive) Japanese instruction booklet, pg. 17.
  10. Chaotix (Super 32X) Japanese instruction booklet, pg. 13.
  11. 11.0 11.1 Sonic Blast (Sega Game Gear) United States instruction booklet, pg. 5.
  12. G Sonic (Sega Game Gear) Japanese instruction booklet, pg. 11.
  13. Sonic Adventure (Dreamcast) Japanese instruction booklet, pg. 25.
  14. 14.0 14.1 Sonic Advance (Game Boy Advance) United States instruction booklet, pg. 10.
  15. Sonic Advance (Game Boy Advance) Japanese instruction booklet, pg. 14.
  16. Sonic Advance 3 (Wii U Virtual Console) Japanese instruction booklet, pg. 19.
Navigation templates to Glide


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