Knuckles' Chaotix#Development

File:32X Chaotix.png

Knuckles' Chaotix is a side-scrolling platform game similar to earlier entries in the Sonic series. Unlike other Sonic games, players are tethered to a computer or human-controlled partner;{{cite web|url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=12743|title=Knuckles' Chaotix – Overview|last1=Weiss|first1=Brett|website=AllGame|publisher=All Media Network|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120716215808/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=12743|archive-date=July 16, 2012|url-status=dead|access-date=June 15, 2017}} the tether behaves like a rubber band and must be properly handled to maneuver through stages. There are five playable characters, each with their own unique abilities. Knuckles the Echidna can glide and climb walls; Mighty the Armadillo can perform a wall jump; Espio the Chameleon can run along walls and ceilings; Vector the Crocodile can boost through the air and climb walls; and Charmy Bee can fly and hover. There are two other partner characters, Heavy the Robot and Bomb, who hinder players' progress due to their slow or destructive nature, respectively.{{cite book|title=Knuckles' Chaotix instruction manual|publisher=Sega|date=1995}}{{rp|7–9}} The story takes place on a mysterious island and follows the group's efforts to stop Doctor Robotnik and Metal Sonic from harnessing the power of the island's mythical Chaos Rings to satisfy their evil deeds.{{cite book|title=Knuckles' Chaotix instruction manual|publisher=Sega|date=1995|location=Japan|pages=4–5}}{{rp|2}}

The game takes place over six levels called attractions. Each attraction is divided into five acts; the fifth ends in a boss fight with Robotnik and one of his large robots. Each act has a different time of day decor, such as morning, noon, evening, and night.{{cite journal|title=Knuckles' Chaotix Review|journal=Mean Machines Sega|date=June 1995|issue=32|pages=14–18}} Like earlier Sonic games, players collect rings, jump to perform a spin attack to defeat enemies, and can perform a spin dash on the ground to gain speed.{{rp|10,15}} Power-ups include rings, shields, and speed shoes.{{rp|18}} The partner system enables players to perform actions not seen in earlier Sonic games. Players can call their partner if they are separated, which reunites them with the main character but costs 10 rings, or throw their partner to reach far platforms. If the partner is computer-controlled, the player can stop and anchor the partner to perform special moves such as "snapping" to a higher ledge or thrusting to gain speed.{{rp|10–11}}

Before entering a stage, the player begins in a hub world where they choose a partner and level.{{cite magazine|date=April 1995 |title=Knuckles' Chaotix |url=http://info.sonicretro.org/Game_Preview_-_Chaotix_(Electronic_Gaming_Monthly,_April_1995) |magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly |volume=69 |pages=122–125 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160912134149/http://info.sonicretro.org/Game_Preview_-_Chaotix_%28Electronic_Gaming_Monthly%2C_April_1995%29 |archive-date=September 12, 2016}} Bonus stages are hidden throughout attractions, and can also be triggered by obtaining 20 or more rings and finding one of the giant golden rings hidden away in each level.{{rp|15}} In the bonus levels, the player is free-falling and picks up power-ups.{{rp|19}} Special stages are reached by finishing a level with 50 or more rings. In these stages, the player collects blue spheres in a forward-scrolling platformer to earn a Chaos Ring.{{rp|22}} Collecting all Chaos Rings unlocks the "good" ending, in which Sonic and Tails are seen with the Chaotix, who have freed the island from Robotnik.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/22-things-you-probably-didnt-know-about-sonic-hedgehog/|title=22 things you didn't know about Sonic the Hedgehog|last1=Towell|first1=Justin|date=May 2, 2014|website=GamesRadar|publisher=Future Publishing|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170808153512/http://www.gamesradar.com/22-things-you-probably-didnt-know-about-sonic-hedgehog/|archive-date=August 8, 2017|url-status=live|access-date=August 24, 2017}}

{{seealso|Unreleased Sonic the Hedgehog games|l1=Unreleased Sonic the Hedgehog games}}

Although Sonic Team is sometimes credited for developing Knuckles' Chaotix,{{cite web|last1=Parish|first1=Jeremy|date=June 5, 2014|title=Who Makes the Best Sonic the Hedgehog Games?|url=http://www.usgamer.net/articles/who-makes-the-best-sonic-the-hedgehog-games|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170808153905/http://www.usgamer.net/articles/who-makes-the-best-sonic-the-hedgehog-games|archive-date=August 8, 2017|access-date=July 17, 2017|website=USgamer}}{{cite book|last1=Swalwell|first1=Melanie|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IctBDgAAQBAJ&q=%22Sonic+Crackers%22&pg=PT134|title=Fans and Videogames: Histories, Fandom, Archives|last2=Ndalianis|first2=Angela|last3=Stuckey|first3=Helen|date=March 16, 2017|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-1-317-19190-2|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312135906/https://books.google.com/books?id=IctBDgAAQBAJ&pg=PT134&dq=%22Sonic+Crackers%22&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiB7-2yp87SAhUl3IMKHTICAhAQ6AEIHDAA#v=onepage&q=%22Sonic%20Crackers%22&f=false|archive-date=March 12, 2017|url-status=live}} it was developed by another internal Sega team,{{cite web|title=Afterthoughts: Sonic Heroes – A candid chat with Sonic Team's lord of the rings.|url=http://www.egmmag.com/article2/0,2053,1507899,00.asp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040330042803/http://www.egmmag.com/article2/0,2053,1507899,00.asp|archive-date=March 30, 2004|access-date=November 18, 2017|website=EGM}}{{cite web|date=2005|title=Roger Hector: Director of STI Interviews [Sept/Oct 2005]|url=http://sost.emulationzone.org/sonic_3/interview/rogerhector.htm|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312203235/http://sost.emulationzone.org/sonic_3/interview/rogerhector.htm|archive-date=March 12, 2017|access-date=June 17, 2017|website=sost.emulationzone.org|quote=RH: "I didn't have anything to do with these. I recall they were done somewhere else in Sega."}}{{cite web|date=June 15, 2004|title=Yuji Naka – The Next Level Interview|url=http://www.the-nextlevel.com/features/interviews/yuji-naka/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161115045159/http://www.the-nextlevel.com/features/interviews/yuji-naka/|archive-date=November 15, 2016|access-date=June 17, 2017|website=The Next Level|quote=Naka: "Hmmm ... I don't know that much about Chaotix, really. I didn't have all that much to do with that game."}} including staff who had worked on Sonic CD (1993).{{cite book|last1=Stuart|first1=Keith|title=Sega Mega Drive/Collected Works|year=2014|isbn=978-0-9575768-1-0|page=290|publisher=Read-Only Memory }} Development began around April 1994 for the Sega Genesis as an engine test, with the working title Sonic Crackers.{{efn|Sonic Crackers is sometimes referred to as Sonic Stadium because of the ROM header containing the title Sonic Studium {{sic}}.}}{{cite web |title=Unreleased Sonic the Hedgehog Games |url=http://www.ugo.com/games/lost-levels-sonic |website=UGO |date=February 22, 2010 |access-date=June 16, 2017 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130105222031/http://www.ugo.com/games/lost-levels-sonic |archive-date=January 5, 2013 |quote=Also known as Sonic Crackers, this simple prototype for the Genesis was an early version of what would eventually be released on Sega's 32X as Knuckles' Chaotix. |url-status=dead}} The prototype featured Sonic and Tails joined by an elastic band of energy;{{cite web|last=Newton|first=James|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2011/06/feature_the_sonic_games_that_never_were |title=Feature: The Sonic Games That Never Were |date=June 23, 2011 |website=Nintendo Life |access-date=August 1, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130615122539/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2011/06/feature_the_sonic_games_that_never_were |archive-date=June 15, 2013}}{{cite news|url=http://uk.retro.ign.com/articles/877/877660p1.html|title=Sonic X-Treme Revisited|last=Fahs|first=Travis|work=IGN UK|date=May 29, 2008|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120228192530/http://uk.retro.ign.com/articles/877/877660p1.html|archive-date=February 28, 2012|access-date=February 13, 2010|quote=There was the experimental multiplayer Sonic Crackers, eventually to become Knuckles Chaotix.}} the name likely comes from clackers, a toy comprising two balls connected by string.{{Cite web |last=Kemps |first=Heidi |date=15 July 2020 |title=7 Sonic the Hedgehog prototypes you were never meant to play |url=https://kotaku.com/7-sonic-the-hedgehog-prototypes-you-were-never-meant-to-1844382305 |access-date=2022-03-26 |website=Kotaku |language=en-us}} According to the journalist Ken Horowitz, Sonic Crackers was most likely a ROM made to demonstrate new concepts to management. Some ideas were used in Sonic 3D Blast (1996), while the level design, tethering, and some music resurfaced in Knuckles' Chaotix.

Sega eventually moved development to the Genesis' more powerful 32X add-on. According to Horowitz, this was because the 16-bit era of consoles was coming to an end.{{cite web |last1=Horowitz |first1=Ken |url=http://www.sega-16.com/2005/06/sonic-crackers-the-lost-sonic-game/ |title=Sonic Crackers: The Lost Sonic Game |website=Sega-16 |access-date=October 26, 2019 |date=June 24, 2005}} Former Sega of America CEO Tom Kalinske recalled that Knuckles' Chaotix was once intended for the Genesis' successor, the Sega Saturn, as a mainline Sonic game. According to Kalinske, development moved to the 32X when it became clear that the game would not be ready for the Saturn launch; Kalinske said it was "too big, it was taking too long, it was over budgeted, it was behind schedule". Because Sega needed new 32X games, Sega decided to downsize the game and introduce it quickly on 32X.{{cite web|last=Zapart|first=Luke|date=July 2011|title=Interview with Tom Kalinske|url=https://lukezapart.com/tom-kalinske-interview|website=lukezapart.com|access-date=April 19, 2021}}

By December 1994, Sonic and Tails had been removed and the game had been reworked to star Knuckles the Echidna, who had been introduced in Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (1994). The project had the working title Knuckles' Ringstar.{{cite journal|title=Missing in Action|journal=Sega Power|date=November 1995|quote=Chaotix. Originally due to be called Sonic Stadium, it eventually appeared on the 32X looking like this.}}{{cite journal|date=March 1995|title=Preview: Knuckles' Ringstar|journal=Computer and Video Games|publisher=Future Publishing|issue=160|page=32}} The game also adds the characters Mighty the Armadillo, Vector the Crocodile, Espio the Chameleon and Charmy Bee.{{cite journal|date=March 1995|title=Preview: Chaotix|journal=Sega Magazine|issue=15|pages=20–21}} Mighty had appeared in the arcade game SegaSonic the Hedgehog (1993);{{cite book|url=http://flyers.arcade-museum.com/flyers_video/sega/16019501.jpg|title=SegaSonic the Hedgehog flyer|publisher=Sega|date=1993}} many of Sonic's animations from Crackers were repurposed for Mighty. Vector the Crocodile was created for the original Sonic the Hedgehog (1991) but scrapped before release,{{cite web|url=http://arcadesushi.com/things-you-may-not-know-about-sonic-the-hedgehog/|title=25 Things You May Not Know About Sonic the Hedgehog|last1=D'Argenio|first1=Angelo|date=January 6, 2014|website=Arcade Sushi|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161207200709/http://arcadesushi.com/things-you-may-not-know-about-sonic-the-hedgehog/|archive-date=December 7, 2016|url-status=live|access-date=June 11, 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://xbox.gamespy.com/articles/654/654750p5.html|title=Sega's Yuji Naka Talks!|last=Kemps|first=Heidi|date=September 30, 2005|website=GameSpy|publisher=IGN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060619194711/http://xbox.gamespy.com/articles/654/654750p5.html|archive-date=June 19, 2006|url-status=live|access-date=September 23, 2004}} and Charmy Bee originally appeared in the Sonic the Hedgehog manga.{{cite journal|last1=Morimoto|first1=Sango|title=Pops Out of the Time Box Whenever There's a Crisis!|journal=Shogaku Ninensei|date=September 1992|series=Sonic the Hedgehog (manga)|language=ja}} Sonic co-creator Naoto Ohshima said he was responsible for repurposing Vector and Charmy, but otherwise had no involvement with Knuckles' Chaotix.{{cite book|last=Szczepaniak|first=John|title=The Untold History of Japanese Game Developers: Volume 3|date=2018|publisher=S.M.G Szczepaniak|isbn=978-0-9929260-8-3}}{{rp|302}}

Espio was the only original character, designed by manga artist Takumi Miyake.{{rp|303}} A leaked prototype lists Espio as the featured character on the title screen instead of Knuckles, suggesting he once featured more prominently, possibly in a starring role.{{cite web|last1=Caron |first1=Frank |title=Massive Sega ROM leak reveals secrets of older games |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2008/02/massive-sega-rom-leak-reveals-secrets-of-older-games/ |website=Ars Technica |access-date=June 15, 2017 |date=February 27, 2008 |quote=Knuckles Chaotix – At one point it starred Espio the Chameleon, not Knuckles. |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121202013755/http://arstechnica.com/gaming/2008/02/massive-sega-rom-leak-reveals-secrets-of-older-games/ |archive-date=December 2, 2012}}{{cite video game |title=Big's Big Fishing Adventure 3 |developer=Sega |publisher=Sega |date=April 1, 2016 |quote=Shadow the Hedgehog: You mean that game that was supposed to star Espio? On a system that no one bought?}} The 32X's processing power allowed for dynamic sprite-scaling effects, and 3D polygons in the special stages. A complex palette system allowed each level to load unique colors. The music was composed by Junko Shiratsu and Mariko Nanba.{{cite video game|title=Knuckles' Chaotix|date=April 20, 1995|developer=Sega|publisher=Sega|level=Credits}}

Knuckles' Chaotix was released in North America in April 1995,{{cite journal|title=Knuckles' Chaotix Special Preview|journal=GameFan|publisher= DieHard Gamers Club|date=March 1995|volume=3|issue=3|page=72}} in Japan on April 21, 1995,{{cite web|author1=Sega |title=Mega Drive |url=http://sonic.sega.jp/SonicChannel/gametitle/MegaDrive.html |website=Sonic Channel |access-date=June 11, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161016210116/http://sonic.sega.jp/SonicChannel/gametitle/MegaDrive.html |archive-date=October 16, 2016}} and in Europe in June 23, 1995.{{cite journal|title=Review: Chaotix|journal=Computer and Video Games|date=June 1995|issue=163|page=64}}{{Cite news |last=Hancock |first=David |date=June 3, 1995 |title=Sega set for Mega price cut |pages=38 |work=Daily Mirror |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/790511946/?terms=%22chaotix%22%20%22june%2023%22&match=1 |access-date=December 8, 2023 |quote=And they are also calling on Sonic the Hedgehog 's sidekick Knuckles to help by including the game Chaotix, in which he stars, in a special 32X bundle priced £149 which goes on sale on June 23.}} According to Horowitz, the game was rushed to help boost sluggish 32X sales. It quickly faded into obscurity, and is now considered a valuable collector's item due to the 32X's commercial failure.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2016/02/19/replay-sega-32x-spectacular.aspx?utm_co_3|title=Replay – Sega 32X Spectacular Starring Knuckles' Chaotix (Tim Turi Farewell Episode)|last1=Shea|first1=Brian|date=February 19, 2016|magazine=Game Informer|publisher=GameStop|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171207013221/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2016/02/19/replay-sega-32x-spectacular.aspx?utm_co_3|archive-date=December 7, 2017|url-status=live|access-date=December 7, 2017}} The only rerelease came in 2005, when Knuckles' Chaotix was briefly made available for Mac OS X and Windows computers via the subscription service GameTap.{{cite web|url=http://www.gametap.com/play/gameDetails/120006650|title=Knuckles Chaotix|author1=Sega|website=GameTap|publisher=Turner Broadcasting System|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080325234930/http://www.gametap.com/play/gameDetails/120006650|archive-date=March 25, 2008|access-date=June 8, 2017}}{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2007/07/10/joystiq-tour-gametap-mac-client/|title=Joystiq tour: GameTap Mac client|last1=Rea|first1=Jared|date=July 10, 2007|website=Engadget|access-date=June 15, 2017}}{{cite web|url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/gametap-gets-new-licensees-officially-launches|title=GameTap Gets New Licensees, Officially Launches|last=Carless|first=Simon|date=October 17, 2005|website=Gamasutra|language=en|access-date=June 17, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210628145922/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/97814/GameTap_Gets_New_Licensees_Officially_Launches.php|archive-date=June 28, 2021}}

The Sonic Crackers prototype ROM was leaked online by a Belgian hacking group in June 1995 and can be played with emulators. A cartridge version was auctioned for $146.50 in 2001. While some fans speculated that the Sonic Crackers ROM was an April Fools' Day hoax, its authenticity has been corroborated by multiple sources, including references in an internal Sega design document and text found in a later Knuckles' Chaotix prototype.{{cite web |title=Whatever Happened to: Sonic Crackers |url=https://www.pressreader.com/uk/retro-gamer/20180419/281625305882000 |website=Retro Gamer |access-date=August 11, 2020 |date=April 19, 2018}}

{{Video game reviews

| 1UP = B{{cite web |title=Knuckles Chaotix Review |url=http://www.1up.com/reviews/knuckles-chaotix-review-egm-70 |website=1UP.com |access-date=June 13, 2017 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120722011634/http://www.1up.com/reviews/knuckles-chaotix-review-egm-70 |date=January 1, 2000 |archive-date=July 22, 2012 |url-status=dead}}

| Allgame = 2/5

| EGM = 7.4/10

| Fam = 25/40New Games Cross Review: カオティクス. Weekly Famicom Tsūshin. No.332. Pg.31. April 28, 1995.

| GameFan = 98/100{{cite journal|title=Knuckles' Chaotix review|journal=GameFan|publisher= DieHard Gamers Club|date=May 1995|volume=3|issue=5}}

| rev2 = Game Players

| rev2Score = 41%

| GamePro = 2/5

| IGN = 6/10

| rev3 = Mean Machines Sega

| rev3Score = 84/100

| NGen = 2/5

}}

Knuckles' Chaotix received mixed reviews, and failed commercially, as did the 32X.

The game's presentation divided critics. The four reviewers of Electronic Gaming Monthly (EGM) praised its graphics and believed the game was one of the best for the 32X,{{cite magazine|title=Review Crew: Knuckles' Chaotix|magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly|issue=70|publisher=Ziff Davis|date=May 1995|page=34}} and GameFan considered Knuckles' Chaotix the best entry in the franchise since Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (1992). On the other hand, a reviewer from Next Generation found the graphics garish, and felt that the game made "unimpressive attempts to show off".{{cite journal|title=Knuckles Chaotix |journal=Next Generation|issue=6|publisher=Imagine Media|date=June 1995|page=104}} GamePro, Game Players, and IGN believed the game failed to push the 32X to its limits, citing the lack of graphical effects and Genesis-quality audio,{{cite magazine|title=ProReview: Knuckles Chaotix|magazine=GamePro|issue=81|publisher=IDG|date=June 1995|page=62}}{{cite journal|last1=Baggatta|first1=Patrick|title=Knuckles' Chaotix|journal=Game Players|date=June 1995|issue=72|pages=42–43}} though IGN felt some elements, such as several musical tracks, were highlights. In 2008, GamesRadar wrote that Knuckles' Chaotix was the best game for the 32X and was underrated,{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/the-10-worst-consoles-ever/2/|title=The 10 worst consoles ever|last1=Reparaz|first1=Mikel|date=February 23, 2008|website=GamesRadar|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170211144809/http://www.gamesradar.com/the-10-worst-consoles-ever/2/|archive-date=February 11, 2017|url-status=live|access-date=June 15, 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/25-things-we-still-love-about-sega-genesis-25-years-later/|title=25 reasons we love the Sega Genesis, 25 years later|last1=Rudden|first1=Dave|date=August 14, 2014|website=GamesRadar|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141120164119/http://www.gamesradar.com/25-things-we-still-love-about-sega-genesis-25-years-later/|archive-date=November 20, 2014|url-status=live|access-date=June 18, 2017}} though it still considered the game a "wasted opportunity".{{cite web|last1=Roberts |first1=David |title=11 games that embody the spirit of the '90s |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/12-90s-est-games-ever/ |website=GamesRadar |access-date=June 16, 2017 |date=August 20, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816204848/http://www.gamesradar.com/12-90s-est-games-ever/ |archive-date=August 16, 2016}}

The "rubber band" multiplayer system was criticized, despite being acknowledged as an effort to innovate. Though IGN admired the attempt to "breathe life into a series that was running out of steam" and fix the lopsided multiplayer of Sonic 2 and Sonic 3 (1994), whereby Tails would get lost off-screen, they felt the physics were "clunky" and unorthodox.{{cite news|url=http://retro.ign.com/articles/862/862183p1.html|title=Knuckles Chaotix Review|last=Fahs|first=Travis|work=IGN|date=March 26, 2008|publisher=Ziff Davis|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090706041821/http://retro.ign.com/articles/862/862183p1.html|archive-date=July 6, 2009|access-date=June 9, 2011}} EGM felt the system was original, but slowed down the gameplay, as did GamesRadar. Next Generation felt the bond was tiring and not truly innovative, and GamePro called it Knuckles' Chaotix{{'}}s biggest flaw, finding it frustrating and choppy. The reviewer also found that the bond complicated gameplay and compared it to being handcuffed.

The level design and low difficulty were also criticized. GamePro wrote that the levels, while fairly large, were not populated with enough enemies or secrets, a sentiment echoed by IGN and Mean Machines Sega. IGN considered the boss design simplistic and the level design bland and seemingly unfinished, and Mean Machines Sega thought that, without enemies, "this is just not half the game it could have been". Game Players criticized the game's lack of replay value, saying the game's simplicity made secrets in levels impossible to miss. However, IGN, GameFan, and EGM praised the number of playable characters, and IGN felt the game's "marvelous" fully 3D special stages were the best of the Sonic series.

IGN described Knuckles' Chaotix as "a bad game with a good foundation", and in another article, concluded that it was interesting, if flawed.{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/12/05/die-16-bit-die?page=5|title=Die, 16-bit, Die!|last1=Fahs|first1=Travis|date=December 5, 2008|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150704024504/http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/12/05/die-16-bit-die?page=5|archive-date=July 4, 2015|url-status=live|access-date=June 14, 2017}} EGM felt it was the best for the 32X but failed to live up to previous games in the Sonic series. Game Players found it a major disappointment, saying "other than a few color-enhanced backgrounds, you're gonna wonder why this isn't a Genesis title". Some journalists have referred to Knuckles' Chaotix as the series' declining point,{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/the-top-7-spin-off-games-youve-never-heard-of/3/|title=The Top 7... Spin-off games you've never heard of|last1=Towell|first1=Justin|date=May 2, 2011|website=GamesRadar|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160825111202/http://www.gamesradar.com/the-top-7-spin-off-games-youve-never-heard-of/3/|archive-date=August 25, 2016|url-status=live|access-date=June 15, 2017}} and AllGame and Complex both wrote that it was among the worst games in the series.{{cite web|url=http://www.complex.com/pop-culture/2013/07/every-sonic-hedgehog-platformer-from-worst-best/23|title=Ranking Every "Sonic the Hedgehog" Platformer|last1=Knight|first1=Rich|date=July 16, 2013|website=Complex|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150821062555/http://www.complex.com/pop-culture/2013/07/every-sonic-hedgehog-platformer-from-worst-best/23|archive-date=August 21, 2015|url-status=live|access-date=June 27, 2017}}

Knuckles' Chaotix is considered the last of the "classic" Sonic games before the 3D game Sonic Adventure (1998) took the series in new gameplay directions.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/the-rise-fall-and-deafening-crash-of-sonic-the-hedgehog/2/|title=The rise, fall and deafening crash of Sonic the Hedgehog|last1=Elston|first1=Brett|date=April 9, 2008|website=GamesRadar|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161018181934/http://www.gamesradar.com/the-rise-fall-and-deafening-crash-of-sonic-the-hedgehog/2/|archive-date=October 18, 2016|url-status=live|access-date=June 13, 2017}} Several of its concepts were re-used in later Sonic games. A similar partner system features in the Game Boy Advance game Sonic Advance 3 (2004),{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/sonic-advance-3-review/1900-6101185/|title=Sonic Advance 3 Review|last1=Provo|first1=Frank|date=June 23, 2004|website=GameSpot|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150114222500/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/sonic-advance-3-review/1900-6101185/|archive-date=January 14, 2015|url-status=live|access-date=June 11, 2017}} and IGN noted similarities between the game's auto-running special stages and Sonic and the Secret Rings (2007). Two tracks from Knuckles' Chaotix, "Tube Panic" and "Door Into Summer", appear in Sonic Generations (2011).{{cite web|author=Sega|title=Sonic Generations Official Soundtrack, Vol. 2|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/sonic-generations-official-soundtrack-vol-2/577745806|website=iTunes|date=January 11, 2012|publisher=Apple Corp.|access-date=June 8, 2017}} The "Hyper Ring" power-up re-appeared in Sonic Mania (2017){{cite web|title=Mania Mode|url=http://www.sonicthehedgehog.com/mania/manual/en/index.html?pid=13|website=Sonic Mania Web Manual|publisher=Sega|access-date=August 28, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170829043531/http://www.sonicthehedgehog.com/mania/manual/en/index.html?pid=13|archive-date=August 29, 2017}} and a recreation of Knuckles' Chaotix{{'}}s final boss fight was added in a 2018 update.{{cite web|last=Hart|first=Aimee|title=SEGA Pulls Leaked Sonic Mania Update From PSN|url=http://www.gamerevolution.com/news/383421-sonic-mania-update-leaked-pulled|website=Game Revolution|publisher=CraveOnline|access-date=April 19, 2018|date=April 18, 2018}}

With the exception of Mighty,{{cite magazine|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2017/06/10/more-burning-questions-about-the-sonic-the-hedgehog-franchise-answered.aspx|title=More Burning Questions About The Sonic The Hedgehog Franchise Answered|last=Shea|first=Brian|date=June 10, 2017|magazine=Game Informer|publisher=GameStop|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170808073131/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2017/06/10/more-burning-questions-about-the-sonic-the-hedgehog-franchise-answered.aspx|archive-date=August 8, 2017|access-date=August 7, 2017}}{{cite web|url=https://www.redbull.com/int-en/how-sega-can-fix-sonic-mania-red-bull-games|title=How Sega can save its mascot with Sonic Mania|last1=McFerran|first1=Damien|date=September 14, 2016|website=Red Bull|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729224939/https://www.redbull.com/int-en/how-sega-can-fix-sonic-mania-red-bull-games|archive-date=July 29, 2017|url-status=live|access-date=June 14, 2017}} all Chaotix members have become recurring characters in the Sonic series.{{efn|Games featuring the Chaotix include Sonic Heroes (2003),{{cite web|last1=Davis |first1=Ryan |title=Sonic Heroes Review |url=http://www.gamespot.com/gamecube/adventure/sonicheroes/review.html |website=GameSpot |date=January 6, 2004 |access-date=June 13, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090202054856/http://www.gamespot.com/gamecube/adventure/sonicheroes/review.html |archive-date=February 2, 2009}} Shadow the Hedgehog (2005),{{cite magazine|url=http://www.gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/ACF9E983-A37C-48E7-BA3E-EE74B1858338.htm?CS_pid=220511|title=Shadow the Hedgehog for GameCube Review|magazine=Game Informer|date=January 2006|last=Helgeson|first=Matt|access-date=March 27, 2009|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060526221039/http://www.gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/ACF9E983-A37C-48E7-BA3E-EE74B1858338.htm?CS_pid=220511 |archive-date=May 26, 2006 |url-status=dead}} Sonic Rivals 2 (2007),{{cite web|last1=Anderson|first1=Lark|url=http://www.gamespot.com/psp/driving/sonicrivals2/review.html |title=Sonic Rivals 2 Review |date=January 9, 2008 |access-date=November 20, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090209035623/http://www.gamespot.com/psp/driving/sonicrivals2/review.html |archive-date=February 9, 2009}} the Nintendo DS version of Sonic Colors (2010),{{cite video game|title=Sonic Colors|developer=Dimps|publisher=Sega|date=November 11, 2010|level=Planet Wisp}} Sonic Generations,{{cite web|last1=Towell|first1=Justin|title=Sonic Generations: Hands on 3DS and PS3 preview plus exclusive gameplay videos|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/sonic-generations-hands-preview-and-exclusive-gameplay-videos/|website=GamesRadar|publisher=Future Publishing|access-date=June 20, 2017|date=October 5, 2011|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170808154325/http://www.gamesradar.com/sonic-generations-hands-preview-and-exclusive-gameplay-videos/|archive-date=August 8, 2017}} and Sonic Forces (2017);{{cite magazine | url=https://www.gameinformer.com/games/sonic_forces/b/playstation4/archive/2017/03/17/sonic-forces-extended-gameplay-reveal-demo.aspx | title=Sonic Forces: A Longer Look at Modern Sonic | magazine=Game Informer | first=Brian | last=Shea | date=March 17, 2017 | access-date=March 20, 2017 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170318192455/http://www.gameinformer.com/games/sonic_forces/b/playstation4/archive/2017/03/17/sonic-forces-extended-gameplay-reveal-demo.aspx | archive-date=March 18, 2017}} Espio is a playable character in the arcade game Sonic the Fighters (1996){{cite web|last1=Castro |first1=Juan |title=Gems Collection: The Fighters |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/08/06/gems-collection-the-fighters?page=2 |website=IGN |access-date=June 15, 2017 |date=August 5, 2005 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140225172043/http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/08/06/gems-collection-the-fighters?page=2 |archive-date=February 25, 2014}} and Vector is playable in Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games (2007) and its sequels.{{cite web|last1=Thomas|first1=Lucas|title=Smash It Up! – Sonic Team |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/10/13/smash-it-up-sonic-team |website=IGN |access-date=June 18, 2017 |date=October 12, 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160831104114/http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/10/13/smash-it-up-sonic-team |archive-date=August 31, 2016}}}} The characters initially did not reappear until Sonic Heroes in 2003. Director Takashi Iizuka said that Sonic Team revived the Chaotix because the studio thought they were unique and had never used them. Iizuka considers the Heroes version of the characters different from the 32X one, claiming to have created new characters simply using the same designs. The group had storylines in the Sonic the Hedgehog comic series produced by Archie Comics{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/sonic-universe-comic-features-the-return-of-the-ch/1100-6444689/|title=Sonic Universe Comic Features the Return of the Chaotix|last1=Guerrero|first1=Tony|date=October 21, 2016|website=GameSpot|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170308141912/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/sonic-universe-comic-features-the-return-of-the-ch/1100-6444689/|archive-date=March 8, 2017|url-status=live|access-date=March 7, 2017}} and Sonic the Comic by Fleetway Publications,{{cite journal|last1=Kitching|first1=Nigel|last2=Dobbyn|first2=Nigel|title=The Fundamental Four, Part 1|journal=Sonic the Comic|date=June 21, 1996|issue=80|publisher=Fleetway Publications}} as well as in the anime series Sonic X.{{cite web |url=http://www.themanime.org/viewreview.php?id=355 |publisher=THEM Anime |last=Jones |first=Tim |title=Sonic X |access-date=April 6, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140915060412/http://themanime.org/viewreview.php?id=355 |archive-date=September 15, 2014 |url-status=live}} While Game Informer considered the Chaotix to be among the best characters of the franchise and are underutilized,{{cite magazine|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2015/05/16/10-worst-sonic-the-hedgehog-characters.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150517235903/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2015/05/16/10-worst-sonic-the-hedgehog-characters.aspx|url-status=live|archive-date=May 17, 2015|title=The 10 Worst Characters In Sonic History|last=Shea|first=Brian|date=May 16, 2015|magazine=Game Informer|access-date=December 3, 2017}} GamesRadar considered the introduction of the Chaotix a negative turning point for the series as it "diluted the Sonic-verse by introducing tons of shitty characters". James Stephanie Sterling felt that all the Chaotix lacked redeeming qualities, calling Vector "Idiot the Crocodile" and Espio "Generic Brooder the Chameleon". They singled out Charmy for particular ridicule, feeling he was annoying and noting his high-pitched voice.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/the-10-worst-sonic-friends/|title=The 10 worst Sonic friends|last=Sterling|first=Jim|website=GamesRadar|date=January 19, 2011|access-date=December 3, 2017}} Mighty would eventually return as a playable character in Sonic Mania Plus in 2018.{{cite web|url=http://www.playstationlifestyle.net/2018/04/26/takashi-iizuka-explains-additions-mighty-ray-sonic-mania-plus-interview-famitsu|title=Sonic Mania Plus Famitsu Interview With Takashi Iizuka|date=April 26, 2018|last=Stenbuck|first=Kite|work=PlayStation LifeStyle|access-date=April 27, 2018|language=en-US}}

In 2011, Sega noted fans frequently requested Knuckles' Chaotix as a game desired to be rereleased.{{cite news|url=https://www.windowscentral.com/xbox-live-developer-interview-sega-makers-sonic-cd |title=Xbox Live Developer Interview: SEGA, makers of Sonic CD |last=Acevedo |first=Paul |date=December 3, 2011 |work=Windows Central |access-date=June 17, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160513061515/http://www.windowscentral.com/xbox-live-developer-interview-sega-makers-sonic-cd |archive-date=May 13, 2016 |url-status=live}} 1UP.com and GameSpy expressed disappointment the 2005 compilation Sonic Gems Collection did not include the game.{{cite web|url=http://cube.gamespy.com/gamecube/sonic-gems-collection/641969p1.html|title=Sonic Gems Collection|last1=Theobald|first1=Phil|date=August 15, 2005|website=GameSpy|publisher=IGN|access-date=February 24, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202214803/http://cube.gamespy.com/gamecube/sonic-gems-collection/641969p1.html|archive-date=February 2, 2014}}{{cite web |last1=Parish |first1=Jeremy |title=Sonic Gems Review for GC |url=http://www.1up.com/reviews/sonic-gems_4 |website=1UP.com |access-date=June 14, 2017 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130219213254/http://www.1up.com/reviews/sonic-gems_4 |archive-date=February 19, 2013 |date=August 16, 2005 |url-status=dead}} In 2010, Sonic Team head Iizuka expressed interest in developing a sequel.{{cite web|title=Sonic Team's Takashi Iizuka wants to make NiGHTS 3, Knuckles Chaotix 2 |url=https://www.gamestm.co.uk/discuss/sonic-teams-takashi-iizuka-wants-to-make-nights-3-knuckles-chaotix-2/ |website=GamesTM |access-date=June 14, 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170527021512/https://www.gamestm.co.uk/discuss/sonic-teams-takashi-iizuka-wants-to-make-nights-3-knuckles-chaotix-2/ |archive-date=May 27, 2017}} Also expressing interest was Christian Whitehead, the developer of the mobile versions of Sonic CD, Sonic the Hedgehog, and Sonic the Hedgehog 2, saying in 2014 that he would be open to remaking Knuckles' Chaotix using the Retro Engine.{{cite web|url=http://powerupgaming.co.uk/2015/04/02/sonic-the-hedgehog-3-remastered-interview/|title=Sonic the Hedgehog 3 Remastered Interview With Christian 'The Taxman' Whitehead|last1=Mawson|first1=Chris|date=April 2, 2015|website=Power Up Gaming|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161110085120/http://powerupgaming.co.uk/2015/04/02/sonic-the-hedgehog-3-remastered-interview/|archive-date=November 10, 2016|url-status=live|access-date=December 1, 2016}}

{{Notelist}}

{{Reflist}}

• [https://web.archive.org/web/20080325234930/http://www.gametap.com/play/gameDetails/120006650 Knuckles' Chaotix on GameTap] (Archived at the Wayback Machine)
• [http://info.sonicretro.org/Chaotix Chaotix] on Sonic Retro
• [https://www.mobygames.com/game/sega-32x/knuckles-chaotix Knuckles' Chaotix] on MobyGames

{{Sonic the Hedgehog}}

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