Highlights
- Knuckles the Echidna debuted as an antagonist in Sonic the Hedgehog 3 but became one of the franchise's most popular characters.
- Knuckles' Chaotix on the 32X is a unique spin-off with physics-based controls and a new cast of allies.
- Knuckles is a playable character in Sonic & Knuckles , and Sonic Mania , with unique abilities and smooth controls.
Debuting in 1994, Knuckles the Echidna would debut in the Sonic the Hedgehog series. His first appearance would be in Sonic the Hedgehog 3 as an antagonist, enlisted by Dr. Robotnik to derail Sonic and Tails' heroic efforts. Presented as serious, bruising and physically robust, Knuckles the Echidna would go on to become one of the franchise’s most popular characters and something of anti anti-hero.
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Regarded as far too anti-social and prone to brawling to have ever been a mascot himself, Knuckles would go on to be included as a playable character across the best Sonic the Hedgehog titles in all the years to follow. As creative a character design as he is cool, Knuckles has many playable editions across the Sonic games. Below are some of the very best available for players to enjoy.
5 Knuckles’ Chaotix
Knuckles Takes Center Stage
A curious and unique spin-off to the mainstream Sonic franchise, Knuckles’ Chaotix would be released on the 32X in 1995. Expanding on the series' accompanying companion seen with Tails in previous Sonic titles, this outing would see Knuckles tethered to a companion for the gameplay. Taking place across the same side-scrolling, looping, and imaginative level design, the player must negotiate their traversal with the rubber band-like physics of their companion in tow.
Comfortably the most unique of the original 2D classic Sonic titles, Knuckles’ Chaotix takes some mastery to grasp its physics-based controls. Yet between the colorful levels and the chance to control Knuckles among a new cast of allies, this stands as one of his best playable versions.
4 Sonic & Knuckles
Wall Climbing & Gliding Make For A Fun Debut
The last of the mainstream Sonic titles on the Sega Genesis would finish the original platform series on a high note. Sonic & Knuckles brought colorful and innovative level design to the winning side-scrolling formula of previous titles. The game follows the events of Sonic 3, the player must control either Sonic or Knuckles as they endeavor to stop Dr Robotnik from destroying Angel Island with his orbital Death Egg. Curiously, the game would present two entirely different paths for the playable Sonic and Knuckles.
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Should the player select Knuckles, in his first playable outing in the franchise, Knuckles gives chase to the Egg Robo as opposed to taking on Robotnik himself as Sonic. The stages of Angel Island present a perfect debut for Knuckles' wall climbing and gliding abilities with Mushroom Hill and Lava Reef Zones proving particularly satisfying. Fans of Sonic can love this one title equally.
3 Sonic Advance
Knuckles Has Abilities Other Playable Characters Don't
Sonic Advance
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Game Boy , Nintendo Wii U
- Released
- December 20, 2001
- Developer(s)
- Sonic Team , Dimps
- Genre(s)
- Platformer , Adventure
Retrospectively, many have come to see Sonic Advance as the true inheritor of the elusive Sonic 4 crown. The first Sonic title to release on a Nintendo console, Sonic Advance would arrive on the GBA in 2001 to critical acclaim. Featuring animations and abilities from the prior released 3D titles including rail grinding and new character designs, Sonic Advance takes the player on another journey to stop the evil Dr. Eggman from world domination. In this title, Knuckles the Echidna is one of four playable characters.
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His gliding and wall climbing offers a unique exploration of some of the series' best-designed levels. Also, unlike other playable characters, Knuckles can swim. A bestseller for the Game Boy Advance that would be followed by some equally celebrated sequels, Sonic Advance is a must-play 2D game for franchise fans, and a playthrough of Knuckles may be the very best way to do so.
2 Sonic Adventure
Going 3D Feels So Smooth
Arriving on the Sega Dreamcast in 1998, Sonic Adventure would bring a much anticipated 3D debut of the titular franchise hero. While not without camera issues and the occasional glitch here or there, Sonic Adventure brought a considerable contemporary revival to the franchise. A brilliantly realized mix of speed and racing sections along with some inventive 3D platforming, Sonic Adventure brought the Sega mascot to 3D gaming in a colorful vibrant fashion. Following a familiar franchise story, Sonic and his allies must stop Doctor Robotnik from releasing Chaos upon the world and must collect the chaos emeralds to do so.
Among the playable characters is Knuckles the Echidna and arguably no character controls better. While all characters would be given a looping satisfying jump and spin dash in this first 3D outing, Knuckles' gliding ability feels smooth and explorative exclusive only to the Echidna.
1 Sonic Mania
Celebrating The Franchise With Crisp Animations & Gameplay
Celebrating the 25th anniversary of the original Sonic the Hedgehog, players would be treated with the release of Sonic Mania in 2017, which would be the highest-rated Sonic game in 15 years. Sonic Mania would bring the perfect blend of old and new to the Sonic franchise players had been yearning for. Remastered and remixed levels from the original trilogy on the Sega Genesis as well as Sonic and Knuckles and Sonic CD, were complimented by 5 brand-new Zones.
Released across every platform of the 7th generation and Windows, the iconic 2D gameplay of the franchise had never been given more polish and praise. Expanded and enhanced in crisp HD, Sonic Mania is chocked full of enticing levels and is given even greater exploration with Knuckles. Should a player choose, an unlockable ‘& Knuckles’ mode gives the player simultaneous control of the Echidna and another character.
