REAL Character Profile - Knuckles the Echidna

CHARACTER INFORMATION

Name: Knuckles

Nicknames: Knucklehead (Sonic usually calls him this when Knuckles goofs up)
(Knuckles is commonly given the nicknames "Knux," "Rad Red," and "Fists of Fury." These nicknames are not canonical to the game storyline, but are derived from the Archie Sonic the Hedgehog comics. In the games, he has no other known nicknames.)

Race: Echidna
(If you choose to get technical, Knuckles is more than likely a Short-nosed Echidna.)

Gender: Male

Age: 16

Date of birth: Unknown
(Knuckles' DOB is generally confirmed as February 2nd, since that was the release of his first video game. However, it is not canon to the video game storyline, as his true DOB is unknown. If you find it necessary to add his DOB nonetheless, February 2nd would be the most ideal choice.)

Birthplace: Angel Island

Height: 110 centimeters (3 feet, and 6 inches)

Weight: 40 kilograms (88 pounds)

Physical techniques:
(1). Spin Attack
Description: While in locomotion, Knuckles can curl down and take on a fetal position, rolling along the ground as a ball at a very high speed and rate of torque, meant primarily for breaking through barriers, or destroying enemies.
In-game debut: Sonic the Hedgehog 3, Sega Genesis/Mega Drive, 1994

(2). Spin Jump
Description: Also referred to as the "spinball jump," Knuckles is able to leap into the air and curl into a spinning, tightly compacted ball of destruction which can destroy enemies and break barriers.
In-game debut: Sonic the Hedgehog 3, Sega Genesis/Mega Drive, 1994

(3). Spin Dash
Description: Originally named the "Super Spin Dash," Knuckles is able to curl down and begin revving up, taking on a diagonally pivoted, ovular shape. Once unleashed, Knuckles blasts forward in an acceleration roll of high speeds with limited airborne capability, meant to break barriers or mow down enemies.
In-game debut: Sonic the Hedgehog 3, Sega Genesis/Mega Drive, 1994

(4). Drill Claw
Description: When airborne, Knuckles can hurl himself towards the ground, spinning his body at a nearly impossible speed to form a drill. It can penetrate right through foes, or drill him right into the ground for digging, always making the impact with his fists.
In-game debut: Sonic Adventure 2, Sega Dreamcast, 2001

(5). Spiral Upper
Description: The Spiral Upper is a lot like the Drill Claw, except it is done in an upward direction. Knuckles must quickly run in a circle to set up the maneuver and is then able to leap up and spin his body to form an upwards drill, fists-first. The attack gets very impressive altitudes: it is able to send Knuckles about 15 feet into the air.
In-game debut: Sonic Adventure 2, Sega Dreamcast, 2001

(6). Hammer Punch
Description: A particularly powerful punch that Knuckles usually sends towards the ground with enough force to trigger a large tremor throughout a radius of about a hundred yards.
In-game debut: Sonic Adventure 2, Sega Dreamcast, 2001

(6). Thunder Arrow
Description: When enough rings are gathered, Knuckles is able to conjure up a quick bolt of lightning at will, shocking his opponent into submission.
In-game debut: Sonic Adventure 2, Sega Dreamcast, 2001

Abilities and aptitude:
(1). Where Sonic has speed, Knuckles has power and is much more of a utility character when it comes to his physical abilities. Knuckles' impossibly high strength enables him to perform amazing feats such as punching holes right through thick steel, lift objects many times his own size, shatter boulders to smithereens, and possess near-maximized endurance; capable of taking some major punishment.
(2). Very experienced swimmer.
(3). By stretching his arms and legs outwards while airborne, Knuckles can catch the wind and glide across the air.
(4). Knuckles can climb pretty much any wall, no matter what material.
(5). Excellent at digging and tunneling through subterranean regions.
(6). Can be pretty fast when he has to be.

Hobbies and talents:
(1). Highly adept in many, many forms of martial arts, making him the ideal melee combat artist.
(2). Seems to be the only one who knows how to access and utilize the powers of the Master Emerald. He also has in-depth knowledge of the Chaos Emeralds and what they can do.
(3). Skilled treasure hunter; can track down almost any jewel or artifact, particularly Chaos Emeralds and Master Emerald shards since he can sense their energy signals.
(4). Extreme Gear is probably the only hi-tech device Knuckles can use with skill.

Weaknesses:
(1). Knuckles is unbelievably gullible. He will take pretty much any kind of bait if you can talk it into him well enough (which isn't difficult). This has gotten him into trouble with Sonic on numerous occasions since Dr. Robotnik always takes advantage of this horrible flaw.
(2). It seems that the irritable red one is shy around women, something Rouge has been exploiting lately.
(3). Knux' isn't too caught up with the times since he is very oblivious to the technologies and luxuries of the modern world.

Physical Appearance:
- Red fur
- Long-snouted, peach muzzle
- Violet eyes
- 7 dreadlock-like quills hanging from around his head
- Buff chest with a white, crescent-shaped marking going across
- Pointed, shiny black nose
- Long tail that is bent angularly in two places

Attire:
- Wears a pair of large, white boxing gloves with two spikes coming out of where the pinky and index finger knuckles would be, backed by a cylindrical cuff
- A pair of red and yellow shoes with metal soles and integrated steel, sextuple-bolted plates on top
- Cylindrical green collars on top of the shoes that seem to take the role of socks

Items & weapons:
(1). Shovel Claw
Description: Like the name suggests, they’re shovel-like claws that make digging, especially through rough terrain easier.
In-game debut: Sonic Adventure, Sega Dreamcast, 1999

(2). Fighting Gloves
Description: Yellow gloves with a green cuff. These let Knuckles perform the Maximum Heat Knuckles Attack, which is similar to Sonic’s Light Speed Attack.
Appearance: Sonic Adventure, Sega Dreamcast, 1999

(3). Air Necklace
Description: A metal necklace that allowed Knuckles to breathe underwater without searching for those bubbles.
Appearance: Sonic Adventure 2, Sega Dreamcast, 2001

(4). Hammer Gloves
Description: More like metal attachments than actual gloves, these let Knuckles bust open steel containers. He doesn’t need ‘em anymore.
Appearance: Sonic Adventure 2, Sega Dreamcast, 2001

(5). Sunglasses
Description: Not to be confused with the ones listed below, these blue ones let Knuckles see things that can’t be seen otherwise.
Appearance: Sonic Adventure 2, Sega Dreamcast, 2001

(6). Sometimes dons a pair of normal silver sunglasses with violet lenses.

Vehicle(s):
(1). The Tempest
Description: A yellow 4-wheel drive, Jeep-like automobile Knuckles once used in the Chaos Grand Prix.

(2). Red Rock
Description: A red and green Extreme Gear air board that Knuckles used to make it to the finals of the EX World Grand Prix.

Personality details: Like how Sonic embodies the wind, Knuckles is like the mountain: stern, and unmovable. As long as Knuckles could remember, he was just sitting there protecting the Master Emerald at the shrine on Angel Island. This sworn duty, which he has made a well-defended allegiance to, has caused Knuckles to grow into a rather antisocial, reclusive individual; he is a loner by nature. He is very uncaring, coldly honest, egotistical, wild-tempered, and generally hard to get along with.

It is often claimed that Knuckles is very untrusting, but this is by no means plausible since Knuckles' lack of social ingenuity has caused him to be incredibly gullible on the other side. He is commonly tricked by Eggman into thinking foolish things such as Sonic wanting to take the Master Emerald. Many times, this has caused Knuckles to join Eggman's side and battle Sonic, which Sonic considers fun. Sonic sees Knuckles' hot temper as no more than a cute little button to push and exploit for his own amusement, since the hedgehog seems to draw entertainment out of pissing Knuckles off. Sonic has a temper as well, though, and won't hesitate to turn "playtime" into a serious fight.

But in time, Knuckles always finds out that he's been duped and the consequences are a force to be reckoned indeed. That, and if the Master Emerald is at all endangered, Knuckles' temper will rise to a fever pitch and will stop at nothing to punish the perpetrator. In spite of Sonic & Knuckles' rivalry and the constant skirmishes they get themselves into, in the end, they eventually join forces, and when Sonic & Knuckles fight together, it is one of the most imposing forces one could ever have the misfortune of being put up against, and ultimately they make amends. Knuckles, however, will always envy Sonic's insouciant and laidback lifestyle — that is probably what's responsible for his subtle inhospitality towards the hedgehog.

Recently, Knuckles has found another rival in Rouge the Bat. Even though he is gullible, he absolutely won't fall for anything she tries to pull. Plus, while he does a good job of hiding it, he does have feelings for Rouge. Whether or not he'll do something about it remains to be seen. In spite of his flaws, Knuckles is a good guy and a loyal friend, once you get to know him. Just don't piss him off. EVER.

Historical biography:

           Knuckles the Echidna, to his recollection, is the last of his race, descended from the ancient Knuckles clan, born on the mysterious Angel Island. His race was devoted to protecting the Master Emerald ever since the tragedy involving the chief of said ancient echidna tribe, Pachacamac, and the spirit of water, Chaos. Not even he knows how he came to exist or what other purpose he may have in life. But as long as he could remember, he was simply protecting that big ole' green gem behind him, shining in all of its glory, yet is shrouded in mystery, just like its rad red guardian.

           Knuckles' life consists of no more than simply sitting on the top-most step of the ancient staircase that leads to the altar of the Master Emerald shrine, and guarding it from all who dare exploit its powers for their own greedy needs. For as long as he could remember, this was his purpose in life; his sworn duty. He doesn't even know why or how he was first motivated to guard it. He just does.

           However, Knuckles' faith-driven life would come to a quick change once Dr. Robotnik came into the picture, which was soon after the Death Egg first crash landed onto Angel Island after the skirmish with Sonic & Tails at Westside Island. It was odd enough that someone was actually on Angel Island, but Eggman told Knuckles that a blue hedgehog and orange two-talied fox stole the Chaos Emeralds. This was far from true, but Knuckles was gullible. He believed Eggman and tried his best to intercept Sonic & Tails from getting to Eggman.

           In the long run, Knuckles eventually found out that Sonic & Tails were actually trying to stop Dr. Robotnik, who was after not only the Chaos Emeralds, but also the Master Emerald. This was just one of the occasions where Knuckles was tricked into thinking something so foolish and the echidna seems to never learn that tried and true lesson: don't trust anybody but your friends!

           Since then, Knuckles still pays the utmost attention to his duty of guarding the Master Emerald. The echidna never leaves his post unless there is a huge emergency at hand, which, since then, seems to have been quite frequent since he has fought alongside Sonic & company many times. But in the end, it's back to the shrine to guard that big green gem on that big green island in the skies. He is an echidna with a purpose.

Personal information:

Greatest friend(s): Sonic the Hedgehog, Miles "Tails" Prower, Amy Rose, and Cream the Rabbit & Cheese.

Other friend(s): Vector the Crocodile, Espio the Chameleon, Charmy Bee, Mighty the Armadillo, Shadow the Hedgehog, Blaze the Cat and Silver the Hedgehog.

Rival(s): Sonic the Hedgehog (it's a rather friendly rivalry, since they are usually on good terms), Rouge the Bat (he has a crush on her, but is too stubborn to admit it, ) and Storm the Albatross (as far as Extreme Gear is concerned).

Enemy(s): Dr. Ivo "Eggman" Robotnik and anyone else who threatens Angel Island's safety or is pissing him off at that particular moment.

Likes: Being alone and guarding the Master Emerald, practicing his fighting skills, treasure hunting, hanging out with his friends, when and if the chance arises and any chance he has at putting Sonic in his place.

Dislikes: Knuckles dislikes a LOT of things. Here are a few particulars: heavy sunlight (any kind of bright lights, actually), hi-tech objects or gadgets (mostly because he's uninclined), industrialized or crowded cities and places of the like, being made to blush due to Rouge's flirting, obviously dislikes being tricked although he can't help but still be gullible, he HATES peer pressure, and of course, anybody who so much as looks at the Master Emerald in a greedy way.

Favorite food(s): Fruit: grapes are his personal favorite.

Favorite color(s): Unknown. Could be green, since that color is commonly associated with Knuckles' red color, promotionally.

Occupation: Unemployed. Although he isn't paid or anything, his duty is to protect the Master Emerald.

Place of residence: Is usually seen at the Emerald shrine on Angel Island.

GAME INFORMATION

Franchise name: Knuckles the Echidna

Original purpose: Rival for Sonic the Hedgehog

Current purpose: Quite friendly rival of Sonic the Hedgehog and love interest for Rouge the Bat

Date of first promotion/presence in the industry: Knuckles' first promotion was in his debut video game, Sonic the Hedgehog 3, which was first released in the United States, February 2nd, 1994.

Years in service: 13 and still going…

Original Designer: Takashi Yuda

Design process: Knuckles actually came to life thanks to the feedback of a group of children. He was actually supposed to be green in color instead of the vivid red we know him as. Out of a hefty collection of designs, Knuckles' was chosen as the most appealing by that particular group o' kids. The upside down crescent marking on his chest was inspired by the Nike swoosh logo and some rumors also say that Knuckles was meant to be female, and was supposed to adapt a Jamaican culture and accent. The second rumor is, of course, much more likely than the first.

Possible design inspirations: No known design inspirations. Knuckles seems to be a pretty original creation, save the crescent marking on his chest. It's possible Knuckles' dreadlocks and red, yellow, and green (two of which are colors of the Jamaican flag) color scheme were indeed inspired by the rumor that his accent and cultural conduct was to be Jamaican, but is not confirmed.

Prestigious design variations: 2
+ - current design
— - original design

- 1, Sonic the Hedgehog 3, 1994 — (image)
- 2, Sonic Adventure, 1998 + (pictured to the left)
- 3, Sonic Riders, 2006 (image - this design is exclusive only to Sonic Riders and is not his official design)

Known Game Voice Actors:
Sonic Adventure (JP): Nobutoshi Kanna
Sonic Adventure (US): Michael McGaharn
Sonic Shuffle (US): Ryan Drummond
Sonic Shuffle (JP): Nobutoshi Kanna
Sonic Adventure 2 (US): Scott Dreier
Sonic Adventure 2 (JP): Nobutoshi Kanna
Sonic Battle (JP): Nobutoshi Kanna
Sonic Battle (US): Scott Dreier
Sonic Heroes (JP): Nobutoshi Kanna
Sonic Heroes (US): Scott Dreier
Sonic Advance 3 (JP): Nobutoshi Kanna
Sonic Advance 3 (US): Scott Dreier
Shadow the Hedgehog (JP): Nobutoshi Kanna
Shadow the Hedgehog (US): Dan Green
Sonic Rush (JP): Nobutoshi Kanna
Sonic Rush (US): Dan Green
Sonic Riders (US): Dan Green
Sonic Riders (JP): Nobutoshi Kanna
Sonic the Hedgehog aka Sonic Next (JP): Nobutoshi Kanna
Sonic the Hedgehog aka Sonic Next (US): Dan Green
Sonic Rivals (JP): Nobutoshi Kanna
Sonic Rivals (US): Dan Green

Sonic Games he has been playable in:

(1). Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (Genesis/Mega Drive)
       - Sonic & Knuckles Collection (PC)
(2). Sonic & Knuckles (Genesis/Mega Drive)
       - Sonic & Knuckles Collection (PC)
(3). Sonic Drift 2 (Game Gear)
(4). Knuckles' Chaotix (Mega 32X)
(5). Sonic The Fighters/Sonic Championship (Arcade)
(6). Sonic Blast/G Sonic (Game Gear)
       - Sonic Blast/G Sonic (Master System)
(7). Sonic Jam (Saturn)
       - Sonic Jam (Game.com)
(8). Sonic R (Saturn)
       - Sonic R (PC)
(9). Sonic Adventure (Dreamcast)
       - Sonic Adventure International (Dreamcast)
(10). Sonic Shuffle (Dreamcast)
(11). Sonic Adventure 2 (Dreamcast)
(12). Sonic Adventure 2: Battle (GameCube)
(13). Sonic Advance (Game Boy Advance)
(14). Sonic Mega Collection (GameCube)
(15). Sonic Advance 2 (Game Boy Advance)
(16). Sonic Adventure DX: Director's Cut (GameCube)
       - Sonic Adventure DX: Director's Cut (PC)
(17). Sonic N (Nokia N-Gage)
(18). Sonic Battle (Game Boy Advance)
(19). Sonic Heroes (GameCube/PlayStation 2/Xbox)
       - Sonic Heroes (PC)
(20). Sonic Advance 3 (Game Boy Advance)
(21). Sonic Mega Collection PLUS (PlayStation 2/Xbox)
(22). Sonic Café Series (Mobile Phone)
(23). Sonic Gems Collection (GameCube)
(24). Sonic Riders (GameCube/PlayStation 2/Xbox)
(25). Sonic the Hedgehog aka Sonic Next (Xbox 360/PlayStation 3) (26). Sonic Rivals (PlayStation Portable)
(27). Sonic and the Secret Rings (Nintendo Wii)

Sonic Games he has made an appearance in:

(1). Sonic the Hedgehog Triple Trouble/Sonic & Tails 2 (Game Gear)
(2). Sonic 3D Blast/Sonic 3D: Flickies' Island (Genesis/Mega Drive)
       - Sonic 3D Blast/Sonic 3D: Flickies' Island (Saturn)
       - Sonic 3D Blast/Sonic 3D: Flickies' Island (PC)
(3). Sonic Pocket Adventure (Neo Geo Pocket Color)
(4). Sonic Pinball Party (Game Boy Advance)
(5). Shadow the Hedgehog (GameCube/PlayStation 2/Xbox)
(6). Sonic Rush (Nintendo DS)

Non-video game portrayals:

(1). Sonic the Hedgehog, SOA-licensed by Archie comics (Comic series)
(2). Sonic the Comic, SOE-licensed by Egmont Fleetway (Comic series)
(3). Knuckles the Echidna, SOA-licensed by Archie comics (Comic series)
(4). Sonic the Hedgehog, made in Japan, then later dubbed for US release (Two-part Anime Movie; also known as Sonic OVA)
(5). Sonic Underground, SOA-licensed (TV Series)
(6). Sonic the Hedgehog, SOJ-licensed by Corocoro Magazine (Manga series)
(7). Sonic X, made in Japan, then later dubbed for US release (Anime TV Series)
(8). Sonic X, SOA-licensed by Archie comics, based on the previously mentioned anime (Comic series)

Personal character analysis/commentary (by Nuclear Envoy):

           When Knuckles was first shown to the world in Sonic the Hedgehog 3 in 1994, even to this day, there is no dispute over whether or not he was the most popular Sonic character at the time. It's simple. He was.

           It didn't take much for people to choose Knuckles over the rest of the cast. What could be cooler than a tough red echidna who rivals Sonic's speed with brute force? Not to mention, everyone thought his dreadlocks, gliding, and climbing was off the charts in coolness. Before Knuckles came out, admittedly, I liked Tails the most. Boy did that change when Knuckles first showed! The echidna set the standard for a factor of coolness in the Sonic cast: he was the first character to be a rival of Sonic and isn't human, but is of Sonic's kind. The atmosphere of mystery that surrounded Knuckles was also a large part of his appeal. You didn't know much about him nor even got to knew his personality. But his looks and abilities made him wicked awesome.

            There isn't anything to criticize regarding Knuckles the Echidna. Very original, very cool, and still very popular. However, over the test of time since his debut, Knuckles has slowly decreased to a sub-favorite among fans. You'll usually see him in the third or fourth favorite slot among fans. He's my second, personally. This is because all of the new characters have come to catch the hearts of fans. That's the only problem with being a classic. People get tired of them. But even from the start, he's maintained some authority among popularity. He was a breath of fresh air; the only character since Tails that was a new species and the first "enemy" of Sonic that wasn't human or of Robotnik's make. Just the sole idea that a new character that wasn't a robot could stand up to Sonic struck a sense of appeal in most people. It was that, his abilities, and looks that made Knuckles so popular back then.

           But these days, now that Knuckles' personality is well known, fans have gotten to know him more and thus form opinions. Very few fans dislike Knuckles, though. How CAN you? Well, to be fair his gullibility grates on EVERYONE'S nerves, but that's beside the point. Most see him now as Sonic's friendly rival who helps out on occasion. Back then, he was seen as Sonic's rival who is real cool looking and has awesome abilities. That's pretty much all that counts when you're a kid. Knuckles was made FOR kids and was chosen BY kids. That's why you usually see teenagers liking Shadow or Rouge. But many still choose Knuckles as a number #1 favorite. Why? Simple, because there is one thing about the echidna that will always stand. He is tough, he is real cool looking, and he kicks a LOT of ass.