WORST TO BEST Sonic Animated Promos (Dark Beginnings, Sonic Mania Adventures, Divergence, etc.)

[@charactersin-depth3472]

FIXED AUDIO HERE: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aKSmYqedmdxrfac

[@CZ2746isback]

Thx

[@readyouresoul38]

Wdym?

[@comicfan1324]

What I love about these animations is even the “worst” one is still pretty good

[@GlytchGames]

Crazy how the promo animation for colors ultimate was better than the game itself 💀

[@rickyronny4019]

@@GlytchGamesikr 😂

[@manuelinacio4038]

And the moral of the story is: Make a movie or a show with these levels of animation

[@AzariahPage]

Or the very least in a similar vein like the Mario movie imagine a sonic movie that has animation in the style or the same vein as the Mario movie, but the storytelling/writing of the shadow, dark beginnings and knuckles divergence prologue that would be outstanding

[@SonicTheBlueBlur15]

They definitely shoulve written and animated sonic prime with knuckles prologue/Shadow dark beginnings animation and writing, it coulve hit so hard

[@This-is-a-commentt]

animated sonic movie please oh my god!

[@Karianysu]

Common sense: you can't. A whole series with such quality is highly unlikely and needs a really good production of like, a year or two

[@oOSonicexeOo]

@@Karianysu You think sonic fans aren’t willing to wait a whole year or 2 for a high quality series/movie. We waited from 2005/2008 all the way to 2020 to finally get an official Sonic movie.

[@Your_LocalWizard]

The biggest testament to the quality of Dark Beginnings is the fact that I could look at Aurora Borealis without thinking "AURORA BOREALIS!? AT THIS TIME OF DAY, AT THIS TIME OF YEAR, IN THIS PART OF THE COUNTRY, LOCALIZED ENTIRELY WITHIN YOUR KITCHEN?"

[@Double_Z_YT]

"Yes!"

[@jamiegioca9448]

@@Double_Z_YT (...) May I see it?

[@oOSonicexeOo]

@@jamiegioca9448………..No

[@Double_Z_YT]

@@oOSonicexeOo "SEYMORE! THE HOUSE IS ON FIRE!"

[@nightmarefuel3478]

No mother, it’s just the northern lights.

[@jamiegioca9448]

2:23 I especially like how Orbot's comically big grin contrasts with Metal's frown

[@m.a.ddragon939]

I’m living for all the Shadow content we’re getting this year. It’s been so awesome. My favourite character finally getting some love and attention after all these years. Thank you Ian Flynn

[@oOSonicexeOo]

I personally think that what happened was they saw how the fan base wants darker more serious stories so they probably said. Ok guys the fans want stuff like dark sonic to return. But if we do that it goes against sonics nature of looking at the bright side of live. So what should we do……. *Sees a picture of shadow*

[@HOTD108_]

Didn't Ian Flynn write literal "Erm, well THAT just happened!" dialogue into Frontiers. I'm sure he's done better stuff in the comics, but as far as the games under Ian Flynn have been concerned thus far, Flynn's writing is on the same level as the worst examples of MCU dialogue.

[@TheSultan1470]

Ian Phlem.

[@narayanbandodker5482]

Next year will be Silver

[@rickyronny4019]

@@oOSonicexeOo😂

[@Litchy51]

I love how you carefully name each and every one of Knuckles’s and Shadow’s traits! Really makes you feel for the characters

[@rickyronny4019]

Yeah. Knuckles and Shadow are great but very misunderstood characters

[@tanook4751]

No joke I think Dark Beginnings is the best animated Sonic content we've ever gotten, maybe the best non game or comic piece of Sonic media! The masterfully animated, beautifully done characters, and exceptionally well done scenes made me so happy. It hits even harder when it cleanses the bitter taste of 2010s Shadow from your mouth. I need the full version of the song at the end of episode 3, and I really hope Sega takes the positive reception this gets and make more things like this.

[@VVEGA2940]

Must be a coincidence that we got a compilation of Dark Beginnings, with a seriously important extra post-credits scene, of what lies within the ARK

[@gameboy3800]

well its no secret what lies on the ark with all the doom powers and doom himself in every other promo of it but yea it is very cool.

[@ImASonicFanEveryOne]

I loved dark beginnings so freaking much, EVERYTHING WAS PERFECT!!! Also your book looks great!!!

[@kate_evergreen]

This was a splendid review. I've only seen the top two on this list and really like your attention to detail. I'm really happy you also focused on the Commander's character growth, he may be just a supporting character with only 30 seconds of screen time, but that's all it took to show how much he's changed and how he does care for Shadow. I hope to see him more and see them interact in the game.

[@charactersin-depth3472]

@@kate_evergreen Thank you, Kate. 😊

[@agentomecha634]

All of these promotions are great in their own way, but Dark Beginnings is definitely my new favorite. It’s great to see Maria and Shadow’s dynamic explored more and see why Maria meant so much to Shadow. As well as seeing Team Dark fighting together. And Shadow being better characterized and portrayed again. He may be serious and distant at times. But he does care for others and will continue to protect the Earth from large threats and keep his promise to Maria.

[@BlackFlash09]

It's been stated that if Metal Sonic absorbed power from the Master Emerald, he would've turned super in Mania Adventures. Also, I agree, Amy should've been in Mania Plus.

[@Cat-That-Jams]

3:54 If this doesn’t completely fit Big as a character, then I don’t know what does XD

[@UwUSunnyUwU]

Chao in space was one of the most adorable and funniest promos I've ever seen

[@knowledgeseeker4614]

I would like the animation used for Shadow and Knuckles animated promos to be used in a full anime.

[@sonickwabs91]

16:45 Seeing your normal sized hedgehog terrifyingly transform into a 6 foot werehog would be surprising no matter what.

[@zocialix]

5:30 And now Chaos are literally aliens from space, something they always hinted at with those adverts in Sonic Adventure & SA2 in addition to Gerald creating Artificial Chaos, but wasn't until Frontiers where that's finally confirmed with the lore behind The Ancients and them bringing the 7 chaos emeralds to Earth where the master emerald resided with the ones that survived gradually mutating into Chao.

[@Mojo1356]

Which is ironic since Chaos in Sonic Adventure was supposed to be a mutated Chao.

[@zocialix]

@@Mojo1356 Mutated into a corrupted state of his lost ancestors form and becoming a Demi-God in the process as a result of the chaos emeralds.

[@Mojo1356]

@@zocialix like I said, it’s super ironic. Let it be known that I like Frontiers for actually giving some world building, the first time to do so since Unleashed.

[@zocialix]

@@Mojo1356 Oh yeah lol

[@ARTSONICFAN990]

25:39 to 25:56 I too was satisfied about the character development from Abraham Tower. It shows that he now trusts Shadow after the events of Shadow The Hedgehog.

[@jamiegioca9448]

Kinda sad they gave him a rather silly name, though. Sure, Tower is an actual legit surname, but still

[@CullenWickham]

@@jamiegioca9448It’s his name from the comics

[@jamiegioca9448]

@@CullenWickham I SEE, CULLEN.

[@JeremyBelpoisX]

I was blown away not only by Dark Beginning's amazing animation, music, and dialog, but also the fact that the GUN Commander was given his name from the ARCHIE COMICS, which was appropriately created by the writer of the shorts, Ian Flynn. (He did it again!) And that ending.... I've seen grown men cry from that. Hell, I cried from it. Casey Williams of RWBY fame (who also toured with the Sonic Symphony) delivers a gut-wrenching ballad about Shadow's depression, feeling of failure, and loneliness without Maria, but Shadow fights on, not forgetting the past, but using it to push forward. This. This is the Shadow I named my dog after. Hope to see more of that in Sonic Movie 3 this December! (also the compilation SEGA released has a bonus scene....HE'S BACK)

[@swimsg6874]

As soon as Maria said "Abe" I freaked out and had to talk to someone about it. When the next episode came out and they said his actualy FULL NAME I was gushing and squealing like a school girl with their crush. I honestly couldn't believe it. This alone gave me so much hope and love for the game and upcoming movie. I LOVED the archie comics sonic and it hurt when it changed and certain characters were no longer considered canon (like shadows' brother). However, when they put in the commanders' name from the comics it made me so happy because it meant that his name is now canon, and it was like a nice little gift to us serious fans who've read and played alot. So happy to see someone mention that!! ^ 0 ^ /

[@ItsMeFern2019]

I literally have not been this hyped about a game or movie for such a long time. Not since HTTYD 2 came out I think. Shadow has always been my favorite, after Tails. His tragic story and the dark themes in it made me love him. I'm beyond pleased with Sonic X Shadow generations, and SO excited for Sonic 3, oh my god it's a good year to be a Sonic fan

[@mayborneflower]

9:04 - They can. Sonic and friends lost the Chaos Emeralds during the fight with Metal Sonic/Metal Mayhem and the Phantom Ruby was MIA. The whole kickoff to Encore Mode was the Phantom Ruby dragging Sonic to Angel Island and then Heavy Magician using it to revitalize the other Heavies while posing as Mighty or Ray. So methinks the implication was that everyone thought the Phantom Ruby was gone till it suddenly wasn’t and then Mania happens all over again.

[@HunterZuri]

youre gonna make me cry with the talk about Dark Beginnings

[@sonicrunn3r895]

I really like the artstyle of the Colours Ultimate one, the lineless look really fits Colours! Granted I still think it's overall not my favourite, but the distinct art style gives it a few points for me

[@Hopeloze]

I strongly believe that they need an animated show or game just about Shadow

[@cloverraven]

Top 2 is clear. It’s interesting that they were the most recent. Considering how long this franchise has been around and even the animated part of it has.

[@cloverraven]

I cry at knuckles divergence every time.

[@adantelee5017]

Hopefully Shadow will be as great in this new games as much of how phenomenally he was portrayed in Sonic 06. And I’m sure this will be better then Shadow 05

[@caiacw]

I definitely agree with what you said. Remember to watch the bonus scene at the end of Dark Beginnings, features only in the video that contains all the three episodes.

[@themenacingsloth]

10:34 Honestly I've come to the realization that the movie producers saw how popular Bone Thugs was at that point, saw the song title, heard the instrumental & just said "BATMAN!". There's no other way I can even imagine how a diss track awkwardly made it into a Batman movie

[@electrothecat07]

All the animations are well made and really smooth. I love them all equally

[@bowserbreaker2515]

Divergence and Dark Beginnings are phenomenal. I didn't expect them to be so great. But nothing will ever top pre-reboot Archie's takes on Shadow and Knuckles in my opinion. Still, they're great here. And I was so happy to hear the commander is named Abraham Tower.

[@blueeyeddrago3540]

I can imagine the ending being where Shadow wanted to save Maria but he has to let her go to save the timeline. Its going to be devastatingly heart breaking im sure.

[@TheLsp2011]

It would definitely fit well with the moral of his story. Trying to let go of the past so he can focus on the present and future. Continuing to keep his promise to Maria and use his incredible power to protect the world.

[@blueeyeddrago3540]

@TheLsp2011 And Dark Beginnings absolutely builds up Shadow's conflict. He thought about what would have happened if he saved Maria.

[@jamiegioca9448]

@@blueeyeddrago3540 Y’know? I was thinking the same thing

[@Mojo1356]

That’s probably what’s going to happen based on the story trailer from Sonic Central.

[@JohnPaul-pw7hp]

Dark Beginnings was so cool! I really enjoyed it!!! The animation was stunning, and the story was so good!

[@zephyr4494]

Dark Beginnings is the Edgerunners of Shadow

[@azimochaa]

The M-Flo promotion could easily pass as Space Channel 5 💀 a dance fight in space with background support Speaking of Dark Beginnings, that means Shadow the Hedgehog's true ending was a bad ending for the character itself, he literally spent 6 years suppressing his emotions. Only for him to stare at his past in the face physically, after the game he can now properly move on, and honestly that just made him more relatable. I'm glad they're giving him the treatment he should have gotten years ago

[@AlexBeydag]

0:49 that music reminds me of sonic paradox

[@hawkseyy]

nooooonononononononono

[@jamiegioca9448]

Nooo! NOOOOOOOOOO!

[@fanboythecool7478]

WE DON'T MENTION THAT SONIC SHORT PLEASE DON'T 😢 lord, it's making my spine shiver

[@SaddieMoon]

3:00 Tbf, we could see it as the Wisps can understand English. They just don’t have the vocal range with their “mouths”/mouths and vocal cords that allow them to speak it. Imagine knowing English but can’t write, nor having a tongue.

[@SonicXShadowshort]

This ranking is so interesting! I can't wait to see where each promo lands. Sonic Mania Adventures is definitely a favorite of mine!

[@oOSonicexeOo]

(Long comment warning) Ok small nit pick but in team sonic racing while yes team play was definitely what you were supposed to do. The problem was that most people didn’t bother with team stuff really. Because it was actually easier to win a race by just trying to get to the finish line first as a speed character rather than try to help your slower teammates out. And as long as your teammates didn’t come dead last your team would possibly still win in terms of points because of you coming first. Plus most people just played solo races anyway. Infact because of how much of a skill gap there was in the player base a lot of people stopped playing the game. For example I remember a race where me and this other guy were both metal sonic and I was around maybe half a lap ahead of everyone else but he was half a lap ahead of me. So the idea that you have to work as a team in order to win is a complete lie if you’re better than 90% of the player base.

[@rpgislife]

Dark Beginnings is also my favorite of the Sonic promos, partly because of my Shadow bias, and seeing the Commander at the end helping Shadow, showing how much he has changed from his character in Shadow the Hedgehog was refreshing, shoutout to Roger for his portrayal of the Commander, and that ending is enough to make a grown man cry, especially with the music, I can't wait for "Without You" to be released so I can listen to it in full.

[@adantelee5017]

You were right that Dark Beginnings and possibly all of Sonic X Shadow Generations could possibly rival Shadow’s phenomenal portrayal in Sonic 06. I mean compare Shadow in Dark Beginnings to Shadow in Sonic Boom

[@QuikiTi]

This was funnier than it even should have been 14:24

[@justinchannel128]

0:50 i guess i found the reason why that specific sonic shorts segment with the shirtless eggman used a sfx from this song specifically

[@fawfulmark2]

THAT FREAKING ZONE OF THE ENDERS MUSIC THOUGH

[@andersonsansonowski5644]

1- Dark begginings 2- Mania Adventures 3- Divergence

[@mayborneflower]

8:47 - Apparently he punched Metal Sonic thinking he was Sonic, then noticed Sonic and realized he was had by Eggman. At least that was the intent but they ran out of time for the scene where Sonic and Knuckles cleared up the misunderstanding.

[@madengineerkyouma]

Before even starting the video I already know which two will be at the top.

[@Abner-gu3ve]

You gotta cover the Sonic movie 3 trailer next

[@dad5draco]

2:40 The "eggs-position?" I see what you did there...

[@_weirdoYT]

Dark beginnings is one of the BEST animated shorts I’ve ever seen

[@mayborneflower]

7:39 - That’s Metal Mayhem, he was GOING to become Super Metal Sonic with the Master Emerald but Knuckles spoiled the fun.

[@KaiboStudios]

9:48 "LET ME HIT YOU WITH THE RYUUSEI SOUND" (This is how it goes down) "WE BACK AGAIN IN THE LAB NOW!!!"

[@masterharrison3921]

I friggin died from the Wonderman jumpscare at the beginning.

[@DariusRoman-p6x]

25:54 "I need to Update my Audio Equipment"

[@kishinasura1504]

The Commander finally updated his audio equipment

[@AnnStyle]

Dark beginnings no question

[@ljproductions4026]

Hey don’t forget about the upcoming Sonic Series “Chao Tales”

[@elliotsturtplus340]

Personally I think sonic mania adventure is canon since it has an original story to it while encore mode is just the main game but revamps so personally I just think mania adventures actually Canon I mean come on classic sonic is shown waving. We need transport back

[@ShockInazuma]

I just want to mention that before anyone says it wouldn’t make sense for Metal Sonic to have gold plating (for some reason), keep in mind that in the IDW comics, he DOES get gold plating in the form of Super Neo Metal Sonic. (God, that’s such a mouthful.)

[@leaongat7549]

The story is shadow immediately messes up as the animation tells shadow wants to go to the ark but in the game he was sent there by gun to investigate

[@WorlBoss]

Best reaction to Dark Beginnings I've seen and gladly no jokes about Maria's death ❤

[@Razsor97]

100% agree with this list. Especially with putting Sonic x Shadows: Dark Beginnings at #1. I think most Shadow fans can agree that he was at his absolute best in Sonic '06, so it should be refreshing to he his character be written so beautifully after 18 years of hit-or-miss with him.

[@tomashavladze4387]

We need more promos like dark beginnings and divergence, the animation, cinematography and most importantly the tone in them are truly amazing, maybe for a silver the hedgehog game in the future...hmm🤔

[@mayborneflower]

14:29 - There’s a prequel tie-in comic. Girl is a hot mess and a complete klutz in her armor, so Fang easily subdued her and coerced her help with Eggman’s scheme.

[@DarkHeartTheEmo]

Shadow from 06 doesn't count, the characters in that game are the same characters we know but without the backstory, that Shadow doesn't have the things about Maria and works for G.U.N, he also apparently never got seal for 50 years, that is 06 all the characters (minus Big) but the lore and all the backstory are gone.

[@SethMoses-md7uw]

Hey, there is a post-credit scene on the full animation video of Sonic X Shadow Generations: Dark Beginnings that Sega and Sonic Team released.

[@mr.incredivenom]

Dark beginnings is a mater piece. ❤️🖤🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@Dawn-px5ed]

Metal sonic being able to use wisp could come back in a sonic game

[@sonicranger5418]

I watched Dark Beginnings in Japanese. I wonder why the English songs hit the hardest when watching an anime in Japanese?

[@KOTSOSMC2002]

A few missing, hate to be that guy 😭. Mania Papercraft Adventures, the Sonic Unleashed Special Videos series, Around the World in 80 Seconds, Drone Home (looks live action-ish but pretty much all of it is CG) and ngl since you included web shows (RotW, TSR Overdrive, Mania Adventures, Dark Beginnings) then there's really no reason to not include TailsTube. But hey, fun video otherwise, unique idea, good job!

[@charactersin-depth3472]

@@KOTSOSMC2002 The animated shorts need to promote a game.

[@KOTSOSMC2002]

​@@charactersin-depth3472 Fair enough for the movie stuff then but most of my suggestions still apply. Papercraft Adventures promoted Mania just like Mania Adventures, the Unleashed Special Videos were special shorts for Unleashed, almost every single TailsTube episode promotes an upcoming game.

[@HOTD108_]

​@@charactersin-depth3472Exactly, and by that logic most of those examples you didn't cover DO qualify. The Unleashed Specials promote Sonic Unleashed (duh, it's in the name), Papercraft promotes Mania, and TailsTube literally exists primarily as extremely cheap and labour-lite adverts for whichever the latest game is at the time, like with Tails talking about Frontiers specific stuff around the release window for Frontiers and so on. These are objectively game promos. They are promoting games as their core function. It appears those particular promos managed to achieve what every advertising agency dreams of: promote products to you with such subtlety that you didn't even notice you were being sold something. In other words, they gotcha!

[@rhinuu045]

omg night of the werehog was so good i forgot it counts as one

[@samirrabdelah5178]

never hurt about man of the year n the 2005 cgi video clip of shadow (i know only cannon n official thigs sorry) n the name of the leader of the gun cames from the archie commics i had just noticed on ur video man , well ian finn r behind this wink to the archies cuz he was n author of this stuff but he writes only the good stuff he wasn't like ken penders , n he writes the episodes of darkbeginnings so.....

[@sonicprimus4377]

Wow I did not know about some of these! I was for sure thinking you would add the Sonic Dream Team animation but I guess that’s more of an ad? 🤷🏽‍♂️ If you were to add it where would you put it?

[@LOSTSPEED609]

Sonic CD intro goated. Idk for other how ? but for me Sonic CD intro is perfect , cause Animation is expressive cool and gives good vibes from 90's

[@charactersin-depth3472]

@@LOSTSPEED609 Intro cutscenes don’t count. These have to be promos. CD’s opening is still amazing.

[@czms922]

I've never seen that Eggman commerical why in the world haven't I

[@cyanryann64]

Bruh marza should have done more stuff involving sonic tbh along with unleashed still being the best looking sonic game to date

[@Chris_dose_stuff]

Dark beginnings is actually 3d according to someone

[@talonitex6441]

Sonic frontier divergence is still my number 1 for me

[@naterskater12]

The video, for me at least, has your voice louder on my right headphone than my left. I don’t know if it’s just me or not

[@charactersin-depth3472]

@@naterskater12 I messed up during editing. That’s on me.

[@naterskater12]

@@charactersin-depth3472 it’s fine, just a little off putting. I actually didn’t hear it until my second watch

[@Honestlynothingelse]

What was the music for the sonic running on buildings animation?

[@charactersin-depth3472]

"Wonderman" by Right Said Fred

[@mediamuncher69]

8:58 Mania adventures isn't canon.

[@Animefan-uk8pw]

You know what they say, the more the merrier.

[@m.a.ddragon939]

I’ve never heard shadow the hedgehog the game referred to as shadow 05. I guess now that another game with shadow in its name we need a way to refer to the old game o avoid confusion. Shadow 05 suits nicely as Sonic 06

[@DavidGraham221]

Wait, I thought Colleen voiced Tails in Rise of the Wisps

[@mr.incredivenom]

AW YEAH THIS IS HAPPENING

[@thisdawg812]

Great list

[@Rico3D567]

0:50 who saw sonic paradox ep 5 before hearing the original

[@caguay]

YES!!!! Kirk's casting as Shadow was never terrible or out of place, and I am so happy that Dark Beginnings finally sets that debate to rest with his best performance to date. Getting to hear his evolution with this character for as long as he's been around is a wondrous experience, specially since we got to peer into sides of Shadow that weren't all that present for years prior. Glad that Kirk is getting the recognition he deserves as one fantastic Shadow voice actor ✨🔥💥

[@MTC-hy6ig]

To be fair I don't remember omega being super smart

[@SparklingJam]

Mania and TSR were just meme generators Frontiers and generations are the closest we’ll get to sonic X season 4

[@RamyGd]

TSR overdrive was pretty good.

[@L4D_Bill]

what is the intro animation for all the numbers leading up to the last one

[@charactersin-depth3472]

Man of the Year. The same one with Eggman dressed as Sonic.

[@lamboking8able]

I approve of this list

[@Thatavocado3]

Number was the best one in my opinion😂

[@creativemilkshake]

Just curious..what is the name of the last song that you used in the background? 😞

[@charactersin-depth3472]

"Flowing Destiny" from Zone of the Enders. It's credited when it starts playing.

[@creativemilkshake]

@@charactersin-depth3472thank you! :)

[@Toysonicandfriends2]

Dark beginning is the best one

[@godzilla7595]

Please🙏 talk about the idw🐙 sonic character🐑🪲 that will be great🐓🦉🤩 okay🐺👌 love you💜🩵 goodbye👋🫶✌️

[@giotheunity]

19:30 GOD DAM HE SOUNDS LIKE AN ANIME CHARACTER 😭😭😭🙂‍↔️

[@uvuvwevwevweonyetenyevweug6314]

Nothing beats the Pakistan Sonic Heroes McDonalds commercial

[@Captain1455]

Hedgehog Baby!