Boost Mode

Boost Mode (ブースト, Būsuto^?, lit. "Boost") is a technique that appears in the Sonic the Hedgehog series. When performing it, the users enter a hyper-speed mode that surpasses their regular running speed.

Description

When entering Boost Mode, the users becomes able to run at extremely fast speeds, usually leaving afterimages in their wake.

In gameplay, there are two ways to enter Boost Mode: the first one is by running at full speed for a while, and the other is by utilizing Dash Panels or some horizontal Springs. However, Boost Mode is somewhat risky to use since the high speed makes the playable characters difficult to control. If the playable character comes to a rapid halt or slows down, the Boost Mode will be deactivated.

Game appearances

Sonic Advance series

Sonic Advance 2

In Sonic Advance 2, the character is simply able to run significantly faster with increased acceleration while Boost Mode is in effect. The more Rings the player has obtained, the faster the character can enter the mode. For the entire duration of the move, the character can perform a Boost Attack which varies depending on the character.

Sonic Advance 3

In Sonic Advance 3, Boost Mode is basically the same as in Sonic Advance 2, but without the Boost Attacks. However, only speed-based teams are able to use it. If Sonic is the character's partner, they can manually engage it via Tag Action. However, if the character is partnered with Cream (except for Amy) and performs a failed Homing Attack and hits the ground running, then he will automatically enter Boost Mode.

Sonic Rush series

Sonic Rush

In Sonic Rush, both Sonic and Blaze can enter the Boost Mode, which functions similarly to Sonic Advance 2. In this game, Boost Mode will be automatically activated when the Super/Fire Boost ends from the Tension Gauge being emptied or is manually disengaged should the player character continue to move forward, thus the player can immediately trigger Boost Mode right away by just tapping the Boost button.

Sonic Rush Adventure

In Sonic Rush Adventure, Sonic and Blaze once again can both initiate the Boost Mode, which functions the same way it did in Sonic Rush.

Sonic Colors

In the Nintendo DS version of Sonic Colors, the Boost Mode reappears as an unnamed move used by Sonic. In this game, its mechanics are the same as the ones in the Sonic Rush series. When entering Boost Mode, Sonic briefly gives off a rainbow-colored aura in front of him. However, when he is boosting over water, it becomes a blue aura.

Trivia

• In Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II, in Sky Fortress Zone Act 1, the Tornado will in two high-speed sections start speeding up in a fashion similar to the Boost Mode, after-images and all, where Sonic must hang on to the Tornado's wing while the player dodges obstacles, unable to jump off. Oddly, using the Tornado Boost in these sections does not make Tails dizzy.
• Boost Mode has numerous similarities to Boost: both have the word "Boost" in their names and occur while the player is at high speed.