The Ultimate Sonic Model Showdown

Let's compare 3D Sonic models
Join this channel to get access to perks:
/ @contentfreetime

[@JangoPeppers]

Finally a video on Sonic’s various models throughout the years, because it’s always been apparent they’ve been always tweaking his proportions until unleashed

[@gunman8452]

A+Start made a video about this years ago though

[@aeronjohntolosa1517]

​@@gunman8452 but that video only caught up to lost world

[@Sonic-q6i]

He's missing the newer and older ones too the newer ones are dream team sonic. Prime sonic and movie sonic and for the old ones he forgot black knight and secret rings

[@BendyCrates]

​​@@Sonic-q6i yeah because at the time of the video being made it was when Forces was the latest game. And he covered the knight models in that video for the wii.

[@Sonic-q6i]

@@BendyCrates the first part of what you said made no sense because frontiers sonic is in here and b there's no other sonic videos on his channel rn

[@DLGanimator]

The first attempt in making a 3D sonic model is from Sonic The Fighters arcade game. It's a really neat looking model and a really great first attempt :)

[@shreyashishmitra6196]

Yeah exactly as you can even see the 5 fingers of sonic and even more detailed.

[@Ivan210bluboi]

I mean, that was on SEGA AM2 arcade machines instead of a 32 bit console that was made to run 2D games , of course it's going to look better. It's actually one of my favourite Sonic models, it looks really good

[@ItYaBoiGreen]

Wrong the first 3d playable sonic model is from a game called Christmas nights which was a demo of the game nights into dreams the game includes a 3d sonic

[@Ivan210bluboi]

@@ItYaBoiGreen Wikipedia says Chrismas Nights into Dreams came out december 96 while fighters came out in june 96 so unless the wiki is wrong you tell me

[@ItYaBoiGreen]

@@Ivan210bluboi I was hacked by the demon sonic!!!!!

[@MostlyPositiveChannel]

Low-poly Sonic is great. I love the Sonic Mania 3D model from the special stages

[@antdawgjr]

People say the short quills started in Sonic Forces but in reality it started with Runners and Lost World. The have been using short-quills for over a decade

[@omarawilson2853]

And it looks worse but they won’t stop

[@antdawgjr]

@@omarawilson2853 for no reason at all. Like the CGI in every game, as you know, has long quills but not during gameplay.

[@omarawilson2853]

@@antdawgjr idk why they ever changed his model. The last one in Gens was so well done.

[@antdawgjr]

@@omarawilson2853 They’re trying to make him look more like Classic Sonic but since that isn’t truly stated, I really don’t see why they would do that. A modernized Classic Sonic would be cool because it would look like the adventure games and show maturation between eras… but a Classic Modern Sonic would like wearing old clothes that don’t fit you anymore.

[@omarawilson2853]

@@antdawgjr couldn’t have said it better myself

[@auxy6858]

By the way, the reason that the model for fronteirs has no texture shading is because the hedgehog engine 2 has real-time lighting and doesnt rely on texture baking

[@ItsNeonZz]

you forgot the first ever 3D model of sonic, its pretty impressive if you see it, its from sonic the fighters

[@longsway91]

Aka the perfect sonic model

[@Suaj222]

@@longsway91 fr

[@inversewheel3558]

Actually his first 3d in game model is from nights into dreams Christmas sonic

[@lemon5000-tj6nv]

@@inversewheel3558nope, fighters predates Christmas nights by a couple months

[@engineergaming4706]

Sonics first ever 3D appearance was in fighting vipers as a secret fighter, but sonic the fighters is the first true 3D sonic game

[@fishslimeball3254]

Sonic's model in Super Smash Bros Brawl has always been my favorite in game model. I feel like he's perfectly proportioned, and he rocks such fluid and expressive facial and general movement animations. He's got more of that 'edge' to his face with his pronounced brows, which I've always loved.

[@lemon5000-tj6nv]

Rio 2016 is a pretty good model too

[@Thaumiel98]

Best Sonic model: dark blue, long sharp quills.

[@gunman8452]

Main difference between the Unleashed and Generations is parts like the socks losing extra polygons

[@LateNightHalo]

I wish someone would take Sonic Adventure 2’s Sonic and just update it while keeping the proportions as-is. I love the SA2 look for sonic so much

[@Insidious_NX]

I believe there's a Generations project aiming to do something very similar.

[@sopapopp]

yeah i love the proportions in SA2. i really love how they did the textures in that game too. although my favorite look is Shadow 05. idk why but i just really like the way the characters look there

[@mediamuncher69]

Same

[@unkownuser3851]

This might be autists levels of oberservation, but I think I can put into words why Sa2 Sonic is peak, such as the bottom two spikes curl more downwards and are a bit longer than the top spikes, the spikes themselves becoming pin-point sharp near the end, the eyebrows being emphasized, the limbs being noodlehose that get thicker down the limbs, and the pot belly only being "oblongated" and not lanky. The bottom spikes curving downwards and having a pin point end instead of being erect like in heroes or unleashed, fit for long spikes Sonic especially. Drawn him with those proportions and he looks incredible.

[@FrankEShaw05]

It wasnt covered in this video but the models from sega superstars is absolutely peak. Its like a blend the sa2 face and proportions with the sonic heroes design and it works so well. Shadows model from that game as well is so good as an updated version of his sa2 look with his mean eyes and round body

[@foxxoice5090]

The 06 .model. was Good Great If Used Correctly In-game

[@lemon5000-tj6nv]

P-06 carries the 06 models so hard, always thought they looked bad until seeing p-06

[@John1497]

Iove that you showed off sonic's model from sonic 4 episode 2 not many people do

[@hedgethewedge]

The SA2 model is actually the SA2 Battle model, which has more polys than DC, like rounded ears.

[@chamila249]

The Sonic Prime Renders are the best modern 3D models Sonic characters have so far to me personally. The faces are round enough so they can have more expressive faces. Their eyes are bigger. Their shape language in their torsos aren’t flat. The hands aren’t too big. And the overall designs are animation friendly enough to be animated amazingly. If you look between the recent game model and compare it to Prime you might be able to notice these details.

[@Jr-Reed]

Skipped over the Sonic the Fighters model. The best classic era model. Criminal

[@blackmesa5465]

Take a drink everytime he says "Sonic."

[@FlamingFoxProd]

I think this video suffers somewhat for taking the models resource rips at face value rather than taking into account how they looked on original hardware. Some of the comparisons you make here are outright wrong because the rips you're using are somehow broken or otherwise just kinda suck. There's also the fact that you didn't take into account the different versions of the Adventure games; using only the Dreamcast SA1 model and not the GameCube one, while also oddly enough using only the GameCube model for SA2 and not the Dreamcast one. It'd be interesting to see you actually compare them.

[@jmcfar03]

minus the couple missing models, gud video now you gotta compare all the super sonic models lmao

[@ContentFreeTime]

Thanks! If I can find the downloads for the super sonic models I would love to do this

[@lordnikitaxd]

You missed the Sonic Jam model and used the SA2B model for comparison which has a lot more polygons than the normal SA2 version SADX model is also missing Nonetheless the video was pretty entertaining. Keep up the good work

[@SuperSonicJammer]

The sonic Jam model is the same as the 3d blast Saturn special stage model

[@MJGaming57_REAL]

Sa2 dc model my beloved

[@supersmashmaster43]

I think that is the normal SA2 model cause he has a bigger stomach compared to battle and his fingers are rounder in battle

[@NickGoblin]

The Adventure 2 model you have here is the one from Adventure 2 Battle. It's a different model than the one used in the Dreamcast game. An easy way to tell is by looking at the ears.

[@supersmashmaster43]

It looks like a mix between both, the head from SA2B and the body from SA2

[@NickGoblin]

@@supersmashmaster43 Where tf did he get this from? Lol. Def not an accurate measure of poly count

[@V.is.for.Vae.Victus]

Sonic Adventure 2's model (original, not the round ear SA2B version shown here) will always be the best in terms of proportions and overall aesthetics, color, personality, et cetera. If they took this model and upped the polygon count to current levels, there would be no contest. Especially with the Soap shoes, including the blinking green "light speed" heels. Best shoes in the series.

[@unkownuser3851]

Sa2 model is so peak ngl, that's how you do a long spine Sonic right.

[@GigglyMan42069]

you know whats funny, i updated the 3D blast rip right after you uploaded this to have the proper close up hands. he doesnt actually have separate thumbs. oopsies.

[@GigglyMan42069]

also, for his nose, for some reason when i export him the specular is way too high. just go into the materials menu and turn it down. also, remember to change the color management to standard.

[@ContentFreeTime]

Are you the one who uploaded the model on the Models Resource? If so, thank you! I'm having trouble finding it now. Is it down?

[@GigglyMan42069]

@@ContentFreeTime i had it taken down so i could do a complete update to it.

[@sanicsanic6890]

Thing is with the Sonic R model not having the shading in the textures is because the Saturn version of Sonic R has the polygons fade in instead of pop in and the shading textures were separate to allow their technique. Tl; dr: Travelers Tales are programming wizards

[@sanicsanic6890]

2:21: The Saturn version of Sonic R also came out in 1997 and uses very similar models to the pc version

[@KOTSOSMC2002]

06 designs >>>>> any other choice. Sorry not sorry facts are facts, move along gentlemen

[@MuhammadIbrahim-hp4ld]

FINALLY SOMEONE HAS THE BALLS TO TELL THE TRUTH (he looks way cooler with dem long spines)

[@0xm]

Sonic 3 title screen model solos all of them

[@VincentiusTheSecond]

Just saw your Mario vid and had to check this one out. I love these model analysis vids in Blender, please keep them coming! An entertaining way to learn a tough subject could help a lot of people! o7

[@ContentFreeTime]

Thanks! I'm learning a ton myself!

[@kaozspartan9289]

This is missing several models sadly but still cool

[@randomidel]

This video makes me feel like... C H I L L I D O G

[@Dailvin]

Sonic adventure 2 and Sonic 06s models are by far my favorites.

[@LancerAccelerant]

Pretty sure that Sonic Adventure 2 model is the updated one from SA2Battle on the GameCube not the original Dreamcast version

[@Amperedz19245]

Yup

[@StinkWeaselArt]

Great video, if you ever get Sonic from the Smash games I’d love to see those compared as well

[@baguettetheweirdguy2529]

The Sonic Adventure 2 model is from the GC battle version and not og

[@cole_man.exe_2002]

SA1 and 2 models will always be my favorite.

[@TurtleCraftZ1]

I believe the mobile versions of Sonic 4 use different models from the console releases, the model you have is more than likely from the PC version

[@Dots988]

Actually theres something you should know about sonic 4 episode 2, the model actually is different depending on of your on console or mobile. You dont really have to look that closely, but sonic looks wayyyyy more angular on mobile. Also the olympics and storybook games also have some unique models that should be looked at!

[@Adamski-]

No you forgot about Sonic Boom sonic!! I was really excited to see a comparison as that is the only time sonic has really looked any different at all in recent times.

[@lemon5000-tj6nv]

Rio 2016 olympics is missing, it’s a great model Sonic’s face is is built with a circle in mind He as the muzzle cure He has well defined eye brows He as the little curved w bump in between both brows His quills are long but not too long, and more importantly they’re curved and sharp All of this was what goes into yuji uekawa’s artwork of sonic

[@Axxidous]

Also SA2 model peak. Heroes and all the models similar to it like the Unleashed model onward don't really make his hair look good. It looks too long. And when they shorten it, it looks too short. And that's because it doesn't curve as much as in SA1 and 2. They make Forces/Frontiers Sonic look more like Classic Sonic in a sense, which isn't a bad thing since that IS his original iconic design, but he doesn't actually look like Classic Sonic. The problem is that he just starts to look generic. SA2 Sonic has style.

[@doorbell8132]

In all honesty I don’t think sonic ever quite got it’s groove in 3D

[@Glitchboi82]

Ah, yes. The ultimate sonic model shodown of ultimate destiny.

[@Lugusartwork]

9:36 nah that's the only point that I totally disagree with, the shoes in 06 better bring the feeling of Sonic running at the speed of sound

[@PhilBo-fp9mz]

My fav is also SA2, it has the most personality

[@VALI4NTY0UTH]

SA2’s models will always be so damn perfect to me. I love how expressive they all look and how much personality they have. I also love the 06 model.

[@RaziMemeGod]

All I'm gonna say is the 2016 Rio Olympics model is peak.

[@CritHitChance]

Sonic 06 was the best design hands down. Not the best game obviously. But all the character designs except for eggman were peak.

[@monikasalt]

kinda wish you covered the sonic smash bros models, the brawl one is one of my favorites, the Wii U and ultimate models are not my favorites tho lol

[@TheGameStatistic]

He's doing it. he's beginning to believe

[@maximyllion]

you forgot Sonic The Fighters, otherwise, good video.

[@maximyllion]

saturn colors are my favorite on sonic, man.

[@ContentFreeTime]

Thanks!

[@maximyllion]

@@ContentFreeTimeno problem! stf models aren't on modelers resource, so i can understand why he wasn't in this video!

[@Request_2_PANic]

The first model is likely from Sonic R on Saturn. 3D Blast had isometric 3D, and I'm not sure if that model is available since it was only the sprites included in the game.

[@Axxidous]

Common misconception. Sonic isn't meant to be taller. He just looks taller because his design proportions him differently. So people just assume he's taller without scale. Sonic Generations onward only portrays Classic Sonic shorter because fans view him as such.

[@sanicsanic6890]

The Generations model is almost identical to the Unleashed model but is a little more efficient with its polygon count

[@GlitchOnePlus]

Sonic Unleashed has the most triangles doesn’t it and has the most realistic materials and softer materials as well I don’t really know any other models that can stand a candle to the Sonic Unleashed model expect the Sonic Frontiers model and the Sonic Generations model

[@lemon5000-tj6nv]

Rio 2016 olympics model, it’s the most accurate model of current uekawa sonic

[@Opdudall]

You forgot storybook sonic also I love how this whole video he was just glazing sa2 until unleashed

[@andrewsd.r.7180]

Some models you missed: Sonic The Fighters, Adventure DX, Rush Adventure, Shadow The Hedgehog (it had some updates to the model)

[@sanicsanic6890]

I’ve never seen the Chronicles model up close and my first reaction was Plankton’s “OH MY GOODNESS”

[@supercat2087]

Why did you skip the Wii models? They had some of the most unique designs out there!

[@ContentFreeTime]

Honestly? I couldn't tell you what I was thinking.

[@Themasktrooper]

Hopefully we get a new for Sonic & his friends in the next game and improve the models

[@niycaionicx.7855]

There's a reason that for most games after Unleashed. There's mods to put the unleashed model on them. Even in frontiers.

[@aero6349]

I was hoping dream teams model was here lol, it’s a great model

[@BloxyOfficial90]

The First Model In The Video Is From The Directors Cut edition but not in the original 3D Blast

[@StanleySophana]

If the Adventure 2 and Unleashed models were mixed together, then it'll be the best one. Have the Unleashed model as the base with the darker blue and longer quills from Adventure 2 and slap on the Soap Shoes and level up items would be perfect.

[@ContentFreeTime]

yesssssssss

[@lemon5000-tj6nv]

So Rio 2016 sonic but with sa2 accessories

[@ezequielinsaurralde5058]

6:42 I Have Never Heard Anyone Call "Akira Toriyama Sonic CD" To "Toei Sonic"

[@vittosphonecollection57289]

It's insane how games can run with THIS much detail (talking from Unleashed onwards) like more or less 20000 triangles in JUST a single model! Like I'm curious about how many polygons are on screen during Metropolitan Highway in Sonic Forces. Like a million or something? And the game runs at full speed without any type of slowdown etc. Modern hardware is so powerful!! Plus I have some requests if you don't mind: - Sonic The Fighters model (everyone else's requesting this one too.) - Storybook models - Boom models (I've seen the Dash 2 models don't look that bad and I'm curious to know how many polygons it has since 4EP II has more or less the same count as Gens) - Sonic Frontiers Switch (I've heard they lowered the poly count on the Switch port) - Sonic Lost World (both 3DS and Wii U/PC) - Sonic UnWiished and... UnPS2iished?? (The models from the Wii and PS2 versions compared) - Sonic Dash - Sonic 4 ep I - A comparison between the DC and the GCN models from the adventure games And I hope you're doing a Classic Sonic video too. (Yes, Ik the first ones are C.Sonic, but I mean the whole video around him.) The most impressive moments to me were: - Comparing Adventure 1 to R - Comparing 06 to Unleashed - Looking at the polygon count for the Unleashed + games - Seeing how good Colors Ultimate looks with less than 15000 polygons to the modern models - Chronicles Sonic looks ugly but I must admit that I was surprised by the poly count. I always thought it was less than Rush!! Plus I'm very curious about the Sonic DS tech demo model. It's the highest quality DS model I've ever seen and it looks almost if not exactly as good as the SA2 model!!! Btw good job with the video, It's so much interesting!

[@vittosphonecollection57289]

Thx for the heart!

[@potatopakku]

11:36 There’s also something more noticeable is that Sonic 4 model from both Ep1 and Ep2 have a smaller body.

[@JustAnotherMike_]

Sega Superstars, and to a lesser extent Heroes and the Storybook games are by far my favorites, followed by SA2 and a soft spot for SA1's cute little face (sadly you didnt show Superstars or Secret Rings/Black Knights) It's the face shape for me The way the muzzle curves around the bottom of the eyes accentuating that round shape like in his original design and artwork, rather than the muzzle being a consistent shape and cutting the eyes into more of an arch with a flat bottom like the "Modern Sonic Model" does. There's some other stuff I don't like about the models post-Unleashed, but I already wrote enough So while you were wrong imo when you said he's basically looked like Heroes ever since, I wish what you said WAS true, because I really can't stand the "Modern Sonic" model post-Unleashed. Marza did a great job with it, but it's far from my favorite design, and Sega hasn't put the same effort Marza did into animating it well since then either

[@GhostWind78]

They keep focusing on changing his model (unleashed was perfect) when they should be focusing on making good games

[@Acedafox]

Personally, I would rather have the very deep blue, or the pale blue from sonic 1, i dont like the newer in between attempts.

[@R4NK4Z]

Unleashed and sa2 are by faaaaar the best

[@dddawesome128]

11:22 Sonic 4 ep 2 Was not made for mobile, it was originally made for Xbox 360, Wii, and I think it was made for PS3? i don't know. the Mobile version's model is a lot more low poly and you can notice just by playing it on mobile.

[@actooner]

How did you manage to import the models resource zip file into blender? Also good video dude!

[@ContentFreeTime]

Thanks! All you should need to do is import the .dae or the .obj file from the zip into Blender and it should take care of the rest.

[@user-bt3ns3it1h]

I like Sonic Frontiers model it better than any other model I love the hedgehog engine 2 they cooked with it ❤❤

[@GiantRPLiker10]

You Forgot Sonic And Mario at the Olympic Games ds model

[@AquaBlueTea]

My favorite Sonic model is the Heroes models. Also you skipped a lot of other models such as the 3DS version s of Generations, Lost World and lost world 3DS, Runners, original Sonic Colors model etc

[@NooboyFriendAndFriends]

Sonic Rush is probally the best model, since the Eyes are thinner and the Tan color, Great!

[@BDSFormula1]

4:52 optimization

[@IkaraPopsicle]

Sonic schoolhouse is peak

[@leonardowynnwidodo9704]

I can’t believe SEGA designed Sonic to look similar to Classic Sonic (i.e. a lighter shade of blue and shorter quills). His Unleashed/Gens design looks like a very cool and modern design. I want this design back in future games. It’s not just his model, but his animations become more “childish” to me. Take the spin jump, for instance. The spin jump in Forces and Frontiers is simply a ball with saw blades, whereas his Unleashed and Generations spin jump is him curling into a ball surrounded by his aura. Now tell me that’s not a cooler design. Honestly this is SEGA downgrading Sonic since Generations. You’re an embarrassment to the franchise, SEGA. Fix it up

[@DominickDoggo]

Isn't Sonic Forces supposed to come after Sonic Colors?

[@ContentFreeTime]

For the originals, yes, but I think it was the Sonic Colors Ultimate model

[@NickCatMeow]

my fav model is adventure

[@GamerzRus]

Can you do with Mario models throughout the years?

[@vinesanity-po4up]

best motle is polygon from 1997

[@QueenSheo]

the sonic 4 model looks surprisingly good considering how terrible he looks in-game

[@quinjet6446]

Can you please change the image interpolation from linear to closest Other than that love the video

[@ContentFreeTime]

Thanks! Is that an option in Blender? Apologies, I have very little experience with the program tbh.

[@Blue-menace35]

Wasn't the first model of sonic in sonic 3?.(Yes that was a 3D model)

[@EL-Pasha_Theft_Auto]

You forgot the sonic 32x model for the unrealesed game sonic mars / sonic 32x it was also in this website

[@yulia4695]

Are you missing the Sonic Jam model? : ((

[@funnyDBZEDITZguy]

the 3D blast one was in sonic jam

[@ChaoticCooper]

You should do a Mario model showdown

[@Dragonblade-go7qg]

Riders sonic was doing jumping jacks

[@C4rvao]

Sonic 3D Blast 🤨 0:07 That's Sonic Jam/Sonic R

[@OhMyPoBoy]

i think the model is from the special stages

[@C4rvao]

@@OhMyPoBoy oh,my bad

[@DanielAntovski]

Where is sonic the fighters

[@Phobia-studios]

Every time you said 3d blast i cringed because it's the sonic jam model *edit* my complaint is null in void the jam model was used in the special stages in 3d blast saturn

[@supersmashmaster43]

SA2 model got so much style

[@josiahaviles1787]

Sega Saturn sonic gonna be in sonic x shadow generation

[@flierby]

Now do Eggman

[@LeonardoRodrigues-uj1sm]

Thats the gamecube adventure 2 model, not the dreamcast one.

[@CookieSweetAnimations]

Please tell me there wasnt a model for sonic and the black knight sonic, and not that you just freaking forgot about it

[@FouadBinSaoud-lf3dm]

Hey there's one that you missed Sonic model. the Sonic rivals