The Magic Of Sonic and The Black Knight

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--Chapters--
0:00 Intro
0:36 The Story
15:39 The Gameplay
18:18 Visuals and Soundtrack
19:41 Conclusion
21:02 Credits
#Sonic30th #SonicandtheBlackKnight #SonictheHedgehog #SonicNews #SonicRangers #Sonic2022 #ShadowtheHedgehog​ #KnucklestheEchidna​ #AmyRose​ #TailstheFox​ #RougetheBat​ #DrEggman​ #SonicPrime​​​ #SonicUnleashedUltimate​​ #SonicArchie​​ #SonictheHedgehog​​ #ShadowtheHedgehog​​ #IanFlynn​​ #SonicComic​​ #SonicComics​​​ #sega​​ #sonicmovie​​ ​​ #SonicMovie2​​ #amyrose​​ ​​ #sonicmemes​​ #Itsnickforshort​​ #Nick​​ #sonicart​​ #sonicmania​​ #sonicadventure​​ #sonicadventure2​​ #knucklestheechidna​​ #sonicteam​​ #tails​​ #gaming​​ #sonicthehedgehogmovie​​ #tailsthefox​​ #SonicColorsUltimate​ #SonicColors​​ #knuckles​​ #silverthehedgehog​ #Werehog

[@flyingbattery6330]

Sonic is not a character who needs to find out who he is, he is a character who helps others find out who they are.

[@chanlaman2565]

This is probably the most concise summary of why I love this character so much and why it’s so disappointing to not see this portrayal of him in the recent games. Although the stories obviously weren’t the best, seeing Sonic help other characters (Elise, Shahra, Chip, Merlina) discover themselves and their purposes is what has helped this character so special for me. Sure, other shonen-type characters can obviously do the same thing, but it’s this trait alongside several other aspects such as his design that makes this character so memorable.

[@bunsmasterbunny]

Which is why Elise is a good character because he did that for her.

[@utopian4769]

@@bunsmasterbunny I don't hate Elise, but I do think she's poorly written. She's just a damsel most of the time. If she contributed more to the plot that revolved around her connection to the main antagonist then perhaps alot of people wouldn't dislike her as a character.

[@RapidTP]

That's why he's such a good character. Not the typical "Going on journey to find yourself", but a story where he try to help others with that. It's his character to already know who he is, that confident personality of his.

[@arnoldlancer7301]

100% agree

[@Dr.PaiPai]

1) Sonic didn't know King Arthur was an illusion before killing him, so Sonic intended to actually kill someone. 2) Gawain calls Sonic a Ho. Nice.

[@FanaticChain]

Yes

[@arlokraft3041]

And Nimue teaches Sonic to blunt

[@Ollie.H-2301]

I know it's a joke, but when Gawain shouts "Ho", it means "Hey!" So when he says, "Ho! You dare mock Sir Gawain?" He basically means, "Hey! Shut up about me, you got a smaller sword!"

[@K-o_S]

​@@Ollie.H-2301 That's what she said

[@Ollie.H-2301]

@@K-o_S don't be a dirty minded prick

[@aliminator1310]

FINALLY! Someone who DOESN'T hate the storybook series. You're right, they SHOULD remake THIS game AND Secret Rings, but with OPTIONAL motion controls.

[@wintercj]

You were right because if the game has returned but it would be remastered version, If Sega fix the characters attacks and the craftingtable.

[@Z4ckry_]

sonic.

[@EA-bv8zk]

I miss the story book games, never hated them. This game has so much personality

[@Dragonfly-in9uu]

and maybe even turn the series into the storybook trilogy

[@scaroe89]

@@Dragonfly-in9uu imagine is we did get a 3rd Storybook game. what do you think the story would be? personally i think putting sonic into Homer's the Odyssey would be super cool. sonic and the Lost Gates maybe? Sonic and the forgotten islands? Sonic and the Last Curse? He could have Athena as his guide. you go from island to island, across the sea and even have a special side mode set in the underworld for missions where you have face off against bosses from past games, and special missions from the past 2 games.

[@shonenbois]

Black Knight and Unleashed really portrayed Sonic’s Mature side really well and I wish we can see some form of it in the future.

[@vgames9207]

thats why i like Sonic as a character because i grow up with games like Black Knight and secret rings both of which have good english translation.

[@Da_caffeinated_insomniac]

@GalacticHypernova well with the frontiers having the idw comic writers working on it there’s hope ??

[@djroscurro9859]

@Kian That’s what they meant. He has a mature SIDE, he’s not generally mature.

[@ZAND4TSU]

​@@vgames9207 i grew up with both games as well...but at that time i didn't know English...

[@ZAND4TSU]

Actually both games are very underated.

[@estellezero262]

The reason the story of the Black Knight turned out well was because this had the same writer from SA2, Shiro Maekawa

[@vgames9207]

which Sonic games did Shiro Maekawa write for?

[@CAVFIFTEEN]

Then we DESPERATELY need him or someone of his caliber back to fix the mess that Pontac and Graff created

[@vgames9207]

@@CAVFIFTEEN agree, also who do you think would be a good writer for Sonic going forward?

[@estellezero262]

@@vgames9207 Any writer better than Pontaff - Ian Flynn of the IDW Comics - Justin Peniston - or any writer who would understand this series If you have any other picks for a writer, go ahead

[@vgames9207]

​@@estellezero262 "- Ian Flynn of the IDW Comics - Justin Peniston" thanks, these are all good answers, but do you know any japanese writers "both old and new" who would understand Sonic enough to write a good Sonic story, what would be your dream pick so to speak? "If you have any other picks for a writer, go ahead" sorry, i don't really know any, wish i could be of more help.

[@zobirismage2813]

I really love how Sonic's feels the most in character for the games where he's not in his own world

[@vgames9207]

"Sonic's feels the most in character for the games where he's not in his own world" i wonder why?

[@Shadamyfan-rs8xc]

We need to get him isekai'd more often

[@gamingwithdream2005]

Well to be fair, with Unleashed, it was a completely different scenario and partner by his side. Chip was a friendly fairy who lost his memory to what Sonic thought was his fault. Sonic is going around the world to save it from it being shattered but he's simultaneously taking care of a small fairy that he felt bad for due to his own recklessness. Sonic doesn't really have much room to be rude and cocky as the world is shattered, he's a bit more emotionally vulnerable due to his new form and he's helping a little guy find who he is in a bit of a brotherly fashion, he's taking the situation a bit more serious. Sonic still is a flat character who changes the people around him who doesn't change his own ideals no matter what. And it shows when Chip reveals the fact that the Gaia energy within Sonic hasn't changed him and it wasn't because of Chip. It was because of Sonic himself, who's too strong to let himself go and give into despair which is why the Werehog didn't change his mindset, turning him into a grotesque beast. Sonic's will overpowers the negativity of Dark Gaia's influence because Sonic has stuck to his ideals and goals. The very thing that makes Sonic a true hero. Black Knight has Sonic being taught and partnered with a snarky sword that's condescending because he's trying to change Sonic as Caliburn is found upon chivalry and knighthood. Sonic however changes Caliburn by proving his worth by not following the code of a knight and chivalry but his own ideals like in Unleashed, proving to Caliburn that there's more to being a knight, that he is indeed a hero. It's the same thing but under different circumstances. That's why Unleashed is grouped with Black Knight in terms of Sonic's character.

[@danielgarciaescudero2862]

Its interesting how older adults bashed this age of Sonic games a decade ago, those who grew up with the classic titles and think the new concepts are absurd; and how precisely this is the meaning of Sonic for younger generations. It certainly showcase how divided the fanbase is.

[@rainbowcraft2694]

Did classic sonic even have much personality? Unless classic includes the adventures series. Games like Sonic Unleashed and Sonic and the Black Knight took what little hints the classics gave of Sonic's personality and expanded on them in a character that, to people who grew up with those games, was inspiring and awesome.

[@sketchsskotch1073]

I don't think it was necessarily all Classic Sonic fans who disliked this age of Sonic? It's just that would be the origin of most of the dislikers. I know fans who grew up with the Classics and enjoyed SATBK; it's more that the classics had an ambiguous tone so it was open to anyone if it was taking itself seriously or just being another light-hearted platformer. So for those fans, since 1998 they've been basically seen a light-hearted series turn incredibly dark and serious for no apparent reason. and you also have to remember the context of the time, Sonic had become a punching bag after 06; his reputation had gone down the drain. Sonic had kissed a human, then the next game had Sonic running in the story of Alladin and then the next game had Sonic turning into a Werewolf and now Sonic was in the story of King Arthur wielding a sword; while we can all debate the quality that the ideas were executed. We can't deny that having those 4 games back to back especially after the negativity of 06 would have made Sonic seem like he was constantly jumping the shark and trying to reinvent himself over and over.

[@gordonfeetman5306]

I'm a fan of both

[@ChickenMcKicken]

i thought people hated these games because they were autorunners

[@chadeckols8155]

Finally someone who agrees with me that Black Knight has the best story. Whenever I talk to my friends they say Black Knight was corny and shoved everything into your face in the end and that Unleashed has the best story. I think I should show them this.

[@vgames9207]

"Whenever I talk to my friends they say Black Knight was corny" how can people think that Sonic telling merlina that all thing's will die in the end corny?

[@christopherford39]

@@vgames9207 because certain people don't think

[@djroscurro9859]

While I do agree that Unleashed probably has my favorite story, between it and Black Knight (and maybe Secret Rings too) it is CLOSE.

[@t.dmattocks6119]

Great vid, but if we are talking abt Sonics character in this game we should really talk about his prefight speech with Blaze. One of my favorite scenes in this franchise ever. His line "I have no master, except the wind that blows free" is so Sonic in ways that aren't really mentioned here. Also gameplay wise people sometimes act like this games just a waggle fest but it's got real swordplay mechanics you have to take advantage of if you wanna succeed against bosses.

[@vgames9207]

"Also gameplay wise people sometimes act like this games just a waggle fest" most people seem to think that Sonic is just "ha Sonic go fast brrr" with no skill involved.

[@eltonsstuff]

This game helped me deal with my own mortality issues. You managed to beautifully put into words, just what makes SATBK, so... good. Well done. Speaking on the blacksmith. Those random items can be equipped and when they do. they give special boosts or such, like more identification points. A personal favorite are the Medals of the Knights. They change the BGM to the characters theme songs. Blasting thru a stage while blasting "All hail Shadow" on the speakers was quite the rush. And not many people know this, but if you craft and equip the Ultimate Weapons(The last in the weapon list) of the knights. It actually lets you use the other special abilities of the Knights. Like Shadow's Chaos Control/Spear/Blast and Blaze's Fire Tornado. Which is so awesome!

[@silverknight0871]

Another thing. If you get Shadow's ultimate weapon you can challenge him again and he'll use the new weapon. (I've seen it once but haven't looked into it in years so it might be incorrect)

[@legendarywhitewolf]

I don't think anyone has ever described Sonic so well. It honestly makes me sad- even angry- at just how much Sega ruined his character throughout the 2010's. His matureness, yet cocky and care free attitude is what brought me into the series. And with every new game that comes out, I lose more and more passion for Sonic as a character. This video has brought me back- back to reflect on why I adore Sonic so much. And not just the games, but the character himself. Sega NEEDS to bring Shiro Maekawa back as a writer for the series. His portrayal of Sonic is absolutely perfect.

[@ItsNickForShort]

Preach.

[@ChrisBleu]

I agree. I will say Ian Flynn gives me hope though.

[@ZAND4TSU]

I wanna eat a sandwich

[@SLGayming]

Stopped everything I was doing to watch! OMG. I teared up watching this. Someone finally said what I was thinking about this game The writers care. They care about who Sonic is. When I played this game on my channel I couldn't tell you the amount of times I was crying or fanboying because this game nailed Sonic as a character and the story as well was so well written. Such a great video Nick. I aggre 100000% percent

[@JmrUltra]

I may have grown up in the current era of Sonic, but I always admire what past games have done. Nice job on the video.

[@kaexewires7531]

same here!

[@SonicTheSpeedGod]

Me too

[@djroscurro9859]

Hell yeah brother

[@Zero-ontheleft]

Same thing here

[@mike_the_animator9379]

My first sonic game was sonic colours and I was born in 2006 so I don't need to anything more about that part but this game is one of my most favourite games

[@OmegaSon]

I remember being completely blown away by the story in this game, it’s just so good man. Everything is just right. The twist with Merlina blew my mind lol. I miss this version of Sonic and the others so much man it sucks where we’re at now Fun fact: Shadows jump sound is the same one from his game, also when hitting a ramp he says “just watch this” which is a line from Sonic Heroes. Pretty awesome little details

[@adammyers7383]

You gotta wonder how different the reception to Roger would’ve been if he got writing like this.

[@ItsNickForShort]

Couldn’t come close to Jason tho 😭

[@SonnieCelanna]

@@ItsNickForShort Honestly, after Frontiers, gonna be honest, I think I like Frontiers Roger just a tad more than Jason Griffith Sonic

[@SonicAdventureEnjoyer]

​@@SonnieCelanna🎉 i mean Roger is an amazing VA, He's my favorite voice for alot of characters of different franchises, especially for Chris Redfield from Resident Evil but his Sonic still aint nowhere near Jason's level. And frontiers was a mediocre game whereas Black knight's story completely outshines alot of the sonic stories by just sonic actually being himself without having to constantly bring up older games as references just like ian flynn did in frontiers which i was not a fan of and thought lost its value after a while.

[@the1whoplayz]

@@SonnieCelanna I can't. Especially with Frontier's writing and voice direction.

[@hoseinbmr3449]

Unfortunately outside of the fan base , Sonic is known as a real jerk , but this game is enough for everyone to show that sonic is a real hero

[@AgustinHaacker1026]

That's only a parody's thing (and also Boom Sonic) but i've never seen it in the main canon. I dont know why people take parody's that seriously

[@slwoo7432]

Agustin Haacker yeah forces is the best case of this

[@AgustinHaacker1026]

@@slwoo7432 why?

[@slwoo7432]

Agustin Haacker I say forces sonic is overally heroic till it’s generic super hero he barely does any bad deeds at all

[@FainactifFR]

SEGA made Sonic to be that one Cool, a bit edgy and show-off hero that sometimes have some heroic quotes, like Spider-Man but he actually has a good mental health.

[@StarWyse]

God, I LOVED playing Sonic and the Black Knight as a kid! It was just so fun, and everything in this game is just so AWESOME!!!

[@kikgazo4006]

This game is such a gem U described everything I love about this game so beautifully This game along side with Zero Gravity and Unleashed was my introduction to the blue blur and I love that one of those games is getting a good view Great job Nick

[@ItsNickForShort]

I just talked about ZG a few weeks ago, classics

[@kikgazo4006]

@@ItsNickForShort Oh cool, I should check it out then

[@LordTyph]

Doesn't help that in some portrayals... he is a jerk.

[@warriorofthegrandline2y618]

The more people talking about sonic and the Black knight, the better Honestly this is why I can’t bring myself myself to hate this and unleashed as well as why Jason Griffith outclasses roger Craig because as the script kept being great and Jason always did great on delivering a fantastic sonic performance Roger isn’t a bad VA but he never had as great a script as Jason so his performance began to stale(or worsen) as more sonic games came and haven’t been as great the sonic va’s preceding roger Sonic’s personality PEAKED HERE from his charismatic behaviour to his not-overconfident but still confident, yet kind and inspiring. Whereas Sonic Forces RUINED IT IN ITS ENTIRETY. I don’t care about the hate for 06 as much as looking at how sonic the hedgehog crippled I mean couldn’t have faith. Thank you for singing this games praises because the was the last sonic game I’ve EVER PLAYED.

[@vegetafan9922]

Hopefully Rangers onwards gives Rodger material that is more closer to Jason to work with

[@warriorofthegrandline2y618]

@@vegetafan9922 I hope so too because these are accomplished voice actors and that’s why I want them to voice sonic characters the best they can

[@CAVFIFTEEN]

Long post but I implore fellow Sonic fans to do read this. I’ve made this comment on many other Sonic videos but I always loved his line where beaten within an inch of his life and everyone telling him to turn back, how does Sonic respond. “It was never about chivalry for me. I just gotta do what I gotta do. THAT’S ALL!” This is my favorite quote from Sonic and what I believe to be the mark of a hero hands down. But until this video, I didn’t realize how good the storytelling is with proper foreshadowing and things in the like. True character build up and pay off. Absolutely incredible! This next pat’s gonna get personal here but I hope you can bare with me. Last year I started re-examining (and ultimately leaving) my Christian faith I’d been brought up to believe. A big part of that faith and giving it up was the idea that everyone lives forever in some way. I am not exaggerating when I say that the lines “What good is a world that goes on forever? Sounds pretty lame to me.” as well as and ESPECIALLY “Every world has its end. I know that’s sad but that’s why we gotta live life to the fullest in the time we have.” Played in my head several times over and ultimately helped me deal with my own mortality. Listening to this review and typing this now almost brings a tear to my eye. And yes, I realize this is over a cartoon video game franchise that’s been very divisive and has had several misses over the years but that doesn’t matter. I’m sure most people here will agree the CHARACTER and the HEART of Sonic and the franchise as a whole is what made so many of us fall in love with it. I got this game as an Easter present in. ‘09 (ironic considering the aforementioned lesson). I barely knew anything about it, maybe saw a few screenshots but I was so pumped for Unleashed I didn’t really pay attention to it. I noticed it was part of the “Storybook Series” and remembered the pain and my distaste for the gameplay of Secret Rings. But I popped this bad boy in and I was blown away. I legitimately thought this was going to be the last Sonic game due to all the artwork, fan service with musical references, Crush 40 came back, etc. Sometimes I wish it was. After this video, I’m thinking that maybe this WAS the send off not to Sonic as a whole. But to the Sonic so many of us from the Adventure era loved. Because we all know how it went once 2010 rolled around and the meta era started…” I personally hate the meta era and all it stands for. Funnily enough Sonic got me into playing games, and after Lost World, I pretty much fell out of games. Colors was fine, Generations was great but had so much missed potential (luckily mods make up for most of it) Lost World was meh but past that? I just didn’t care anymore. Boom was a disappointment, Eventually I’ll play Mania but it just feels like a bunch of re-hashed classic levels that I can already play, and Forces? A complete slap in the face almost on a level of parody to the characters and fanbase revolving around a plot I (and I’m sure many others) came up with when I was about 10 or 11. Insulting to say the least. I miss the heartfelt and sincere plots/characterization, I miss the bad ass music by Crush 40, I miss Sonic games being original and trying new things even if they didn’t always succeed and I miss always having a new main line game as well as one or two spin-offs to look forward to every year. But maybe, that era of Sonic is over. Maybe we all need to move on while still loving and cherishing what was and what it meant and still means to us. I’m hoping Rangers is good but maybe our Sonic is no more. As much as I dislike it, maybe we should follow Sonic’s advice here in that THIS world, THIS tone, and THIS Sonic came to an end. I hope that’s not true but even if it is, what a note to go out on. Thank you for reading all of this. The blue blue means a lot to me and I know he does you too. So I felt it appropriate to share. I hope you have a good day, and I hope you enjoy your life. ✌🏻🖤

[@ChaddyFantome]

One small but I feel important detail i feel wasnt brought up in the video was how Sonic doesnt do whats right, but wjat he thinks is right. Sonic doesn't follow extrinsic ideas of good and evil. He just does what he personally feels is truly the right thing to do regardless of what others think of him. And Black Knoght very much does an awesome job of showcasing that. Sonic is a character that realises the importance of making the most of every moment you have in life and that includes doing so without regret. Good video dude!

[@sheacorduroy5565]

The real magic is how Live Life manages to break me every time I hear it.

[@KimberlyFaith260]

This is one of the most beautiful video essays I’ve ever watched. It made me tear up. It perfectly illustrates why Sonic means so much to me, and to all of us. I am so happy this game exists, for it does so much justice for a character who has done so much for us. Thank you for making this, Nick.

[@finnbai]

It's still bizzare that this game had a Collab with Neopets

[@Max-ze5ts]

I'm sorry what?

[@finnbai]

@@Max-ze5ts because of the collab in the first stage, the rings are replaced with apples. On the Neopets side of the spectrum, Sonic had a few minigames to unlock him as a pet (I think)

[@flyingbattery6330]

@@finnbai Yeah, he had a minigame about cutting apples.

[@digitaltailsmon4096]

A hidden gem that I love so much. The writing is perfect for this game and the acting is perfect. As someone who grew up with Jason as his first sonic I can say he always makes me smile even in his cheesiest moments but this game and unleashed are perfect examples of how good he was as the character. Not only that but everyone had good delivery especially Merlina’s va who managed to be both deep and yet charmingly flawed in her ambitions. No joke I don’t have a wii but I found this game at a flea market and I haven’t felt bad about it since it just feels nice owning a physical version of this amazing game.

[@Eldarin]

Amazing video per usual! Never played this yet but man this makes me want to go play Black Knight..WOW! I agree with the music too its phenomenal!

[@thomashanson9173]

I would really love to see you get to Black Knight concept art and development sometime later.

[@Eldarin]

@@thomashanson9173 itll def happen my friend!

[@FormalFilmsProductions]

Absolutely love this game! This and Unleashed are how I imagine Sonic as a character. Great video

[@joseluissifuentes8639]

Sonic forces?!???!? Never heard of it! Sonic and the black knight??? That’s my JAM!!

[@patrick_sandlin252]

The fact that you put something this amazing out, talking about what I think is the most underrated Sonic game of all time near my birthday (especially since I got the game for my birthday 12 years ago) is truly magical. Just like Sonic and the Black Night.

[@excalibursonic1925]

Nick, I have no words, man. You PERFECTLY described all the aspects of why Black Knight is great and why I love it. I know you said that the story and character growth for Sonic in this game is better than Unleashed, and while I do agree with you on that, Unleashed is a top contender for sure, but Black Knight has always captured my heart and soul since I was a wee lad. I’ll be honest, Sonic’s message about life, especially his confrontation with the Dark Queen always went over my head as a kid, I have to say, for some reason, the message never left me ever, which is one of the reasons why I keep coming back to this game, mainly for the story, the message and Sonic’s best portrayal here. When it comes to the setting, the atmosphere, the storytelling, the character writing, everything, even the art style gave life to the story and characters and making it truly magical. Playing Black Knight was one of the greatest days of my life and childhood and I don’t regret it at all, no matter what anybody says otherwise. This game is my heart and soul, this game truly speaks to me as to who Sonic is as a character and it’s something I hope returns to the new games one day. Thanks for making my day with this video, Nick. You truly earned yourself a subscriber. 💙💛

[@kitifulnines]

You have NO idea how much this video essay means to me. I first discovered Sonic when I was very and I mean VERY little. I grew up watching Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog and Sonic X, and Sonic and the Black Knight was the first Sonic game I got my hands on. Granted, I never got past King Arthur because you're literally giving a 5 year old a video game where you gotta swing a sword and think carefully about your next action. I barely even knew what video games were. But I didn't need to finish the game to enjoy it, because I watched the cutscenes on KZbin. I adored Sonic's attitude and really loved Merlina even after the plot twist. And even though I didn't completely understand the story then, Sonic and Merlina's conversation at the end still struck a chord in me, and even if I didn't know it at the time, that scene carried me through the rest of my life. Watching it again for the first time in several years after I got back into Sonic, I was in tears. Both because of nostalgia and also because... it's just so SONIC. This was the Sonic that I loved for so many years. This was the Sonic that carried me through my rough early childhood. If I hadn't gotten Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog from RedBox from way back when, leading to my parents eventually getting me this game, I don't think I would've ended up the same person I am today. Watching this video essay made me go into a full on sobbing breakdown because YOU GET IT. You're putting absolutely every single little thing I love about this game and putting it into words. This is everything I've been trying to SAY about the game for so long but you worded it a million times better than I ever could. It means a lot to me to finally have someone who feels the same way about this game as I do.

[@Rubior426]

I agree with every single word you said. And you must know... I cried listening to your essay, that's simply what I always says to everyone about this game, I cried because you made me remember avery moment I lived with this beautiful game in my childhood. Best game of Sonic to me. Has a special place in my heart, one of my favourite games between all the games I played in ALL MY LIFE. Giving us one of the best antagonist: Merlina, my favourite antagonist of all the Sonic games, and one of my favourite antagonist in general. She is so close to most of the people, everyone of us would have done the same thing, especially now that I'm growing up, remembering my childhood thanks to you. There's a line you didn't put between the important lines who tells us "this is Sonic", one of my favourites: Percival: "State your name and your master, sir!" Sonic: "I am Sonic, Sonic the hedgehog! I have no master except the wind that blows free!" You are right THIS IS SONIC! and thank you again for making me go on a nostalgic roller coaster. ç_ç (sorry for some grammar errors, it's difficult writing while you are crying a waterfall of tears! ç_ç)

[@Zero_de_Nova]

My "first" Sonic Game still the best Game! It more or less saved my life. I played it as i was 10 Years old and i only got some memorys from it but as i was 13 i got the same depression as Merlina and this game helped me.

[@coolman2179]

funny enough, I just did my third playthrough of the game a couple of hours ago. I really couldn't say it better myself besides maybe giving the gameplay more credit. It's incredibly fun as you understand what you're doing. Combining a buzzsaw attack with a soul surge in the air makes me feel like a god.

[@rainbowcraft2694]

It's pretty good. If only it were just a little more responsive it would be some of the most amazing gameplay of any Sonic game in my opinion, but since it doesn't read inputs well without a tiny delay, it feels simultaneously clunky and fluid. Overall good, but just a tiny thing holds it back from being amazing.

[@ASOtheprO]

Sonic and the black knight is so amazing! It’s story and intensity and it’s edge is like Sonic 06 done right

[@nonieisnothere6446]

I never knew why I loved Sonic black knight so much until I found this video. Thank you so much for sharing your love for this blue hedgehog

[@Super-Sonic-Mikey]

I have to agree with you I love black knight as well

[@ReckiRazack]

I never played this game but i want to play this so bad now

[@ItsNickForShort]

🐬

[@auxilirious]

Awesome job friend! You blew this out of the water! It’s so good

[@itachisusanoo3689]

wow just finished the video, wow! If theres one thing Id wish more of it would be if you went more deeply into the different missions and upgradeable weapons! I mean shadow can get both chaos spear and chaos blast for pete's sake! And Cavalier style's crest of wind is CRAZY fast! And the legacy missions are such a generous homage, where you get eggpawns from heroes and normal rings and springs!

[@ItsNickForShort]

YO THATS A THING

[@femorllarina9395]

Maekawa the writer of this game said in in interviews that his life goal was to move someone emotionally with a game he wrote, and that he can die happy if that happens

[@vesta_nova9208]

This was literally my first sonic game and I still love it to death til this day. Also this is one of the games that sparked my love for swords.

[@SuperSaiyanSonicYT]

Sonic and the Black Knight is HUGELY UNDERRATED! Now excuse me while I go play 'With Me' at full blast.

[@DemonDethchase]

2:00 Amy's chili dog, as he was on his way to the date that he had arranged with her before the finale of Unleashed. Also, I recent got the idea that for all we see Sonic cozying up to Nimue, I wonder if that was Sonic trying to psych himself up to try and do that to the real Amy for when he got back home, so as to sweep her off her feet before she knew what was happening. Also can you just imagine Pontaff/2010s Sonic in Black Knight *shudders* Its perfectly clear why for Sonic and Tails R, Emi Jones said she purposefully made sure to avoid any influence from the Meta Era - for both characterization and tone - or as a friend of mine likes to call it: The Dark Hallow Era. Hopefully the time between 98-09 hasn't ended up like Excalibur, forgotten with people being unsure if it even existed, given as aside from the Origins collection, its most the past decade's games we're seeing getting re-releases onto streaming platforms or remasters. Also on the topic of Pontaff Sonic in Camelot, I wonder if he'd even be worthy to pull Caliburn from the stone.

[@vgames9207]

have you tried watching the japanese cutscenes for the Meta Era?

[@DemonDethchase]

@@vgames9207 I have! And let me say, compared to Roger, Jun'ichi is the same old class act he's always been! Because there is more than few times for all Roger's Sonic talks about friendship, he's kinda an asshole to his friends. What with undermining Tails before the finale of Colours, when the little fox cub says about they saved the day, only for Sonic to reply "We"? I don't remember you fighting off any insane robots." Brushing off his friends concern after being freed in Forces despite being "tortured" for six months, and lets not forget his trash talking to Silver as he threatens to force fed his own car, in Team Sonic Racing. When you see the lines from Jun'ichi, it's like night and day! For Sonic and Tails R, when EmuEmi (Jones) was asked by Chaomix Chaomix: Anything from the Meta Era writing you try to avoid when writing Sonic and Tails R? Emi: uh, all of it. I suppose at least the Japanese scripts are better, even if for most of it its being built off an unstable foundation, set by Pontaff. Like in the Japanese dub of Lost World, Tails doesn't come off nearly as bratty and arrogant and because of that you're alot more sympathetic towards him when he says. "I just wanted to be reliable..."

[@ItzDfvyn]

I love Sonic in the black knight mostly cuz, come on, Sonic using the lengendary sword, EXCALIBUR, how can u not be interested in this, and Sonic's personality in general, how he's more compassionate, cocky, and because it shows how selfless Sonic was in this game, and I love the storybook series so much, wish them made more and that these were actually Canon because the storybook series was amazing. And this video was also amazing, keep up the good work man!

[@grayjuner8880]

Sonic is such a badass in this game.

[@kentucky_188]

Never got to play the game because I never owned a wii, but I wish they would have made more games like this set in the past. I think you could get some really interesting story lines

[@indiansonictuber7014]

Thank you so much Nick you saved this game and tell what I fell. Sonic and the Black knight is my favourite game of all time, I love the story, I love the gameplay, I love the visuals and the soundtrack, I love this game with my heart and I will defend it at all cost this is the game that shown me who is Sonic and also it is the first game I ever played. Love you Sonic.

[@BingoHighway]

Amazing video. Black Knight really encapsulates the spirit of Sonic that I believe the current games are missing

[@dandavid378]

You forgot to mention (with me) the best song in the game!

[@DemonDethchase]

Also featuring ex-Megadeth guitar player, Marty Friedman on lead. Ever since hearing With Me last year, and hearing about Mary's involvement, I've been curious as to how Jun brought him on board.

[@jamalhartley5863]

The so called dark age of Sonic games were actually when the team was really pushing the series with creative ideas. The storybook series was Sonic's character at its best and it bums me out we only got two games. Honestly I'm sure this version of Sonic is the one Ian Flynn continues to write in his stories. With Sonic Frontiers release we finally get this version of Sonic back.

[@AquaBlueTea]

Beautiful video man. Thanks for bringing more love and passion to Black Knight. This game is actually my favorite Sonic game and for the longest time, I never really understood why. But this video pretty much told me exactly why lol. Also, for some time now, I believe this game would’ve been a great chance to make a better rpg for Sonic, along with secret rings

[@8BitPreston]

I’m so happy this game is finally getting the praise and attention it deserves

[@SonicHubYT]

Nice work bro!

[@tobin7673]

Pls make a video essay on Secret Rings

[@hypersonic4562]

Actually favorite game, one of the first sonic games I ever played, I loved playing it at my cousins house and unlocking everything, and if you know how to play it properly you can play through the stages so much better like if you flick the control stick back then shake the remote you do like a sword uppercut which you can then do a combo swing off of ( I think that's what it's called ) and while using soul surge if you swing your sword when it glows white then you can do a perfect hit which actually gives you more soul surge until you do too many, everything about this game is awesome

[@ASOtheprO]

“Is there anything more in character? Is there anything more sonic?” Sonic Cd opening and ending cutscenes: *allow me to introduce myself*

[@AdachiSimp]

Unleashed and BK were Jason at his best

[@ASOtheprO]

It was never about chivalry for me! I’ve just gotta do what I gotta do! That’s all!

[@CAVFIFTEEN]

👆🏻👆🏻👆🏻👆🏻👆🏻👆🏻👆🏻👆🏻 YES!!!!!!! This is my FAVORITE line from Sonic and I believe the mark of a true hero. Finally someone else quotes it!

[@tituskolars3843]

You're content is excellent. You combine one of my favorite game series' along with well thought out analysis of story and archetypology, so I freaking love it! Great job!

[@ItsNickForShort]

Thank you so much! I hope you enjoy what’s to come!

[@somewherecrazy6835]

I hope your channel pops off man, I watched most of your videos through yesterday and today and my god they're some of the most quality shit ive watched in a while. You even got me into sonic riders. Keep up the good work and keep grinding, your hard work is appreciated

[@itachisusanoo3689]

just started the vid woah

[@omens255]

This is my Sonic right here, shame we haven't seen him in recent years.

[@driestofthebones806]

Although I don't believe Black Knight is the absolutely best Sonic game, I do believe it has a great story like the majority of this video says. I hope to play this game someday!

[@witchcultistes6449]

Black Knight is probably my favorite Sonic game.

[@chaosprogrammer2219]

This game, while not the best, definitely belongs in the category of great sonic games that deserves more praise and DEFINITELY deserves a remaster or at the very least a re-release on more than just one console.

[@bluejayplays7308]

When I saw the gameplay of sonic and the black knight I was obsessed. It was so good I wanted to play it.

[@SonicTheSpeedGod]

Dude you literally speak the same thing out of my heart I watch the cutscenes 3 times already and the scene that Sonic never give up really pushes me

[@darkscarflame4822]

The gallery is also a great thing in this game as well if you took your time to look into it. You've go the music that you can listen to, you can replay the videos, fan art and a other stuff as well. This game truly is a great game and I will whole heartly stand by this statement till the end of time

[@artey6671]

Or at least until our civilization crumbles. Did you forget what Sonic said to Merlina? And yes, the fan art videos are cute.

[@Eldarin]

AYYYYYYYY

[@moniqueperkinsmp]

we need a remaster of this game.

[@vgames9207]

agree.

[@yarc9]

No

[@davidmorrison2135]

I like to see Black Knight remastered as well

[@SRUFUS3D]

Sonic and the Black Knight was the last _true Sonic_ game.

[@vgames9207]

"Sonic and the Black Knight was the last true Sonic game." so no Sonic game after this was a ture Sonic game?

[@ChrisStoneinator]

@@vgames9207 Nope, just generic games about going fast with the Sonic cast appearing in name only. The spirit is dead.

[@vgames9207]

@@ChrisStoneinator"The spirit is dead." the english version or the japanese version?

[@CAVFIFTEEN]

Years ago I thought it was the last one with all the fan service through musical references, artwork, etc. sometimes I wish it was. I’m hoping Rangers turns things around but even if not, maybe it’s time we follow Sonic’s advice here and let go of what was, accept that it ended, and appreciate it all the same.

[@hyruleguy9569]

Imagine a remake of this game that only changes the gameplay and level design to be more Adventure-esque. Having full control over Sonic and a greater focus on platforming.

[@GoddessWhoUsedToKnowToMuch]

What's even better is that Black Knight is a giant love letter to SA1 and 2 while also being completely original.

[@miguelangelfrancoruvalcaba534]

Amazing video man, pretty well made!!! I'll always love this game. Keep it up with great essays!!!

[@SH-fm2iu]

Dude I love this game SOOOOOOOOOOO much, it has the best story and in my opinion the best characterization of sonic. And I don’t really mind the motion controls that much I think that there fluid and work pretty well and are actually really fun once you get used to them.

[@crispydrag00n77]

Can you imagine if they made more storybooks. What if they went for pirate theme or even Wild West theme dood. That would be insane. The only problems I had with the seven rings and black kight was the railroad gameplay. If I had more control I think a lot more people would love.

[@ataladin87]

FINALLY someones says it. Sonic being a flat character and helping those around him is what made the dark age awseome.

[@sonnybattaglia4760]

My favorite scene of the game is the cutscene before Sonic and Blaze’s fight when he answers his name and his master. Blaze: “State your name and your master, sir!” Sonic: “I’m Sonic! Sonic the hedgehog! I have no master except the wind that blows free!” Blaze: *thinking* “Very well, Sonic, Knight of the Wind! Prepare… for battle!” I think the pause that Blaze (Sir Percival) has to this masterless knight is great. With all of the knights we challenge being loyal to King Arthur, I think this introduction of Sonic’s knighthood perfectly defies the others’ expectations of what a knight is and what they should be fighting for. And the visible hesitancy/unknowing of how to address such a challenge to the status quo perfectly encapsulated Sonic’s character and what he was fighting for.

[@alexos9011]

You know, not so long ago I was streaming this game while on a Discord call with a friend and he told me "I think Sonic fans don't deserve the good games they got because this looks genuinely fun and I was led to believe it was one of the franchise's lowest point"

[@ItsNickForShort]

Lowkey not wrong lmao

[@ChrisStoneinator]

I was thinking making a video essay on this exact topic because I felt like I was the only one to feel this way, but it's clear you get it too

[@negima237]

After watching this video and listening to you explain it perfectly is how I honestly feel about this game. Gameplay wise, it could've executed better but in terms of overall story and such, it was beautifully well done. It had a perfect balance between humor and seriousness and one of few games to actually capture Sonic's character. Even though it was his last game before he got switched over, Jason Griffiths voice work in this game was amazingly perfect along with the other actors/actresses. Hopefully Sonic 2022 will go back to this characterization of Sonic. Now that Pontac and Warren are done writing for the games, maybe we'll be able to see Roger's full potential as Sonic in a similar approach to Black Knight.

[@benpowell-punmaster1214]

I love the positive energy you give in this video. Plus, it’s great to see someone talking about the good in the storybook series. This is the first of your videos I’ve watched but I doubt it will be the last. Keep up the great work.

[@fanix9989]

Maybe I'm too late but I'd like to comment anyway. I loved this video! Anyone can see that you made it with passion. Speaking of me, I couldn't play this game, I just watched all its cutscenes and I loved it, to the point that it's my second favorite piece of Sonic media. It helped that I love the knight novels by Chretien de Troyes, especially Perceval, but I think that Sonic and the Black Knight nails many things. I like its artstyle, its OST, the fact that it manages to be complex, but always keeping a lighthearted tone. But most of all, I love its portrayal of Sonic (one of my favourites) and his relationship with Caliburn. I have to thank you for bringing Caliburn and his friendship with Sonic to attention, nobody spoke about it and I love this aspect of the game so much! Sorry if my comment is so long, but you make me wish to finally play this game.

[@zonerz]

Black Knight has always been one of my favorite games in the series and everything you spoke about here sums it up perfectly. It's just. PERFECT! It's so so good with its execution and presentation and I'm so sad that it gets written off simply due to being associated with wii motion controls because there's so much here that's genuinely amazing for this character and franchise. Live Life always gives me goosebumps and is probably one of my favorite songs of all time--it just sums it all up perfectly. Love Sonic here so so much and I hope we can one day get this balance of maturity and attitude back for him

[@mayracordero382]

Sonic and The Black Knight is one of The Best Sonic Games and Sonic looks that he is ready to take on the Black Knight and I love The Story and The Game really shows Sonic's Mature Side!🦔🎮⭐💙👍😁

[@flarethewolf3767]

Nooooooo!!? *said sonic when his chili dog flew away*

[@Juanlsmerio]

Sonic and the black knight is one of the most underrated games I‘ve ever played one of the best sonic games in my opinion I miss Jason griffin man I hope he voices our blue boy again someday

[@Terminal_Apotos]

I love this game

[@penorple]

I really want u to do sonic and the secret rings now lmao

[@vgames9207]

agree.

[@Shadamyfan-rs8xc]

I have the same fear as Merlina. The message that Sonic gives in this game (and the end song live life) are good ones to live by. Sometimes the fear does creep up again, but I try to remember that it won't be for a long time, and to try to enjoyblife while I can. I think that's one of the reasons why this is my favorite sonic game :) Also swinging the sword around whilst going fast is fun as hell

[@maverick12070]

Your opening words hooked me instantly. ^^

[@math3us420]

12:19 is really nice to see a scene like this one in sonic frontiers

[@calistusjay60]

Sonic will never be as good as he was here :(

[@agithamoon2436]

I'm so happy this game gets more love lately :) Caliburn is my favorite guide/sidekick character.

[@Sydney_Angelyt]

If it wasn’t for generations, this would’ve been my favourite video game ever. It’s amazing.

[@Sydney_Angelyt]

Generations is still my favourite out of respect but I genuinely had more fun with this. With my new wii set up, the sensor isn’t in a good spot and I can’t play this game well now.

[@gabrielzegarra2880]

This vid is so good, one day I will play SATBK

[@artey6671]

I think Black Knight, along with Sonic Battle, is often overlooked. Apparently there are some enthusiasts about it, although usually I feel like these games don't get the spotlight. And yes, I consider myself an enthusiast about this game, too. I was relatively convinced I knew what the story was trying to tell. Namely, Caliburn and Nimue don't just test whether Sonic has the potential to be a knight, but to be a king. A knight can run away, but a king can't. When Merlina almost kills Sonic, he doesn't give up. That's why Caliburn turns into Excalibur. At least I think that's the case, although it's not my own observation. But what you said at 6:48 sheds a new light on that perspective, I think, namely that Sonic is a hero rather than a king. I'm not sure where their qualities differ. I suppose a hero saves people, whereas a king protects them. A hero acts out of determination, whereas a king acts out of duty. They are similar, I think, but not the same. So that's an alternative reading of the story and I think there are reasons to prefer either of them. So I liked the story segment of the video and it made me question what I thought of the story previously. Sadly, I think you do the game a disservice when talking about the gameplay. It's easy to say there's not much to it because you can mostly get by using the jump attack, but that doesn't mean there is no depth. I think there is, but it's not required and the game hardly tells you about it. P.S.: The formatting in your description is broken.

[@allycat545]

This game releases about a year after I first got into the franchise. I already loved Sonic. But after playing this game as a kid, it solidified Sonic as my favorite character, and he’s still my favorite character 14 years later 💙