Do we like Sonic the Hedgehog?
A character from Sonic the Hedgehog (1991)
Our score: 8 out of 10. A cheeky, loyal speedster who always turns up when his friends or strangers need him. He's a bit of a show-off, and we'd still back him.
Sonic first appeared in Sega's 1991 platform game. He is a blue hedgehog who loves freedom, chili dogs and going fast, and he is happiest on the move. The series starts when the scientist Dr. Eggman (also called Dr. Robotnik) sets out to take over the world with an army of robots and gets in Sonic's way.
Sonic's trademark is his attitude. He is confident and wisecracking, and he gets impatient when things slow down. Under the swagger he is loyal. He will drop whatever he's doing for his friends, including the fox Tails, who tags along with him. He also helps total strangers with no thought of a reward.
We score him an 8 because he is easy to like and he reliably does the right thing. He loses points for being cocky, for not sticking around to talk things through, and for charging in without a plan. He is still the hero we'd choose to have on our side, and we'd happily try to keep up with him.