Chaos Control is an amazing ability. The things you can achieve with the power of a Chaos Emerald are truly miraculous. As we learned in your first days of training, you can use it to stop time locally. I've gone on to theorize that two users, acting at the same time, could even open a portal in time!
Chaos Control (カオスコントロール,Kaosu Kontorōru?) is a technique that appears in the Sonic the Hedgehog series. It is a chaos power that allows the user to warp time and space with the mystical Chaos Emeralds. While first introduced as a way to teleport over large distances, Chaos Control has since been evolved into an overall term for any supernatural reality manipulation conducted through the Chaos Emeralds, allowing incredible feats such as traversal through time and between dimensions, altering the fabric of reality, or freezing time.
Chaos Control is also known to be the foundation upon which various chaos powers are based, as its usage of distorting space can be used for a variety of other actions.
Described as the "ultimate power",[1] Chaos Control is an ability that allows the user to manipulate or warp the fabric of space and time using a Chaos Emerald's energy,[2][3][4][5][6][7] and its effects can be molded into affecting reality in a multitude of manners. The power of Chaos Control is enhanced with each Chaos Emerald added to its usage, until reaching full power with all seven,[8] meaning that the more Emeralds that are used in the process, the greater is the extent that the user can warp space and time. Furthermore, because the power of the Chaos Emeralds can be harnessed without a physical connection to one of them, users only need to be within an unknown proximity to one to use Chaos Control.[9]
Chaos Control requires at least one Chaos Emerald nearby to draw power from,[2][3][4][5][6][7][10] and without one, Chaos Control is virtually impossible,[11] with the exception of fake Emeralds with the same wavelength and properties as a real Chaos Emerald. (Interestingly, whilst not being officially confirmed, there is implication that Shadow the Hedgehog has the ability to use Chaos Control without the need for a Chaos Emerald - assumingly not as strongly compared to using it with a Chaos Emerald given the obvious lack of power source. This is suggested by several aspects of his backstory, particularly his genetic heritage, as he is partly created from Black Doom's DNA. Additionally, during the War to take back the planet Shadow uses Chaos Control to defeat one of his clones and save Sonic, yet no Chaos Emerald is visible or mentioned in the scene. This further suggests that his connection to Chaos Energy might extend beyond the need for an emerald, possibly due to his unique origins or the potential latent powers he possesses as the "Ultimate Lifeform." Although the game doesn't explicitly state that Shadow is performing Chaos Control without an emerald, the circumstances strongly imply this capability). A report for the Biolizard also stated that a specific organ was used by the creature to begin the process of Chaos Control.[12]
Chaos Control is foremost associated with its ability to manipulate space, which is usually used to create warps that teleport the user instantaneously from one place to another.[13] The user can also bring others with them when warping, or warp objects to other locations without going with them by firing Chaos Control as an energy ball, though varying amounts of energy is required depending on the extent of the warp. With all seven Chaos Emeralds, the user can perform Chaos Control to its full extent, which can teleport objects as large as the Space Colony ARK and the Black Comet from the earth's surface and into space. With just a couple of Chaos Emeralds, Chaos Control can even be used for interdimensional travel: Shadow could warp himself and Metal Sonic back to earth from the Chaotic Inferno with one Emerald, while Blaze could go to another dimension with two, and Black Doom could warp others into cyberspace.
As demonstrated by Dr. Eggman, Chaos Control's space-manipulating properties can also be used to reshape reality itself, which he demonstrated by splitting the earth into seven regions using Chaos Control.[14] Together with the time-manipulating properties of Chaos Control, the user can also create rifts in space and time, which can banish those who passes into them to the void. In battle, Chaos Control can also be used to distort space around limbs to increase the damage of their blows.
The second most common use of Chaos Control is its ability to manipulate time, though not to the same extent as the space-manipulation. It is most frequently used to either slow down time or stop it entirely, which in turn keeps other suspended without any means of breaking free. The users themselves are unaffected however.
Chaos Control can also be used for defense in combat, allowing the user to block attacks and heal damage.[15][16] For offense, this technique allows the user to createdistortionsin space in front of them to knock opponents away.[17][18][19]
It is possible to become immune to the effects of Chaos Controls' time manipulation powers by using Chaos Control after it has already been used to stop time. After this the user will be able to move freely along with the original user of the technique.[20][21] This has only been demonstrated by Metal Overlord and Shadow the Hedgehog.
Game appearances
Sonic Adventure 2
The first use of Chaos Control was introduced in Sonic Adventure 2 and Sonic Adventure 2: Battle. It was first used by Shadow to evade Sonic the Hedgehog when they first met and then to flee from the scene before G.U.N. arrived. When Prison Island was about to blow up, Shadow saved Rouge from being caught in the blast by using Chaos Control to teleport them both to safety. Sonic would later use Chaos Control almost subconsciously with a fake Chaos Emerald to teleport back to the Space Colony ARK when he was to be blown up in a capsule ejected from the ARK. When Sonic and Shadow later had their battle at Final Rush, the two would both use Chaos Control to gain up on one another. Then, when Sonic and Shadow stopped the ARK's collision course with earth, the Biolizard used its own Chaos Control to teleport outside the ARK and merged with it, thus becoming Finalhazard, keep the ARK on course.[22] After defeating the Finalhazard, Super Sonic and Super Shadow used a combined Chaos Control that sent the ARK back into orbit.
Chaos Control also appears as Shadow's special attack in the games' two-player mode, where it is the equivalent of Sonic's Time Stop. When used, the colors on the opposing player's screen turn negative and a counter appears. This effect leaves the opponent completely immobilized, making it an ideal way for the user to gain the upper hand in a race. Chaos Control lasts for ten to twenty seconds, which is indicated by the counter, although the opposing player can reduce the remaining amount of time by rapidly pressing buttons. To use Chaos Control, the player must press // after collecting sixty Rings. To use it again, the player has to collect another sixty Rings. If Shadow has fallen into a bottomless pit with no rings, he will be given a free Chaos Control that lasts five seconds or more. If he is in his special suit, he will be able to use Chaos Control for every twenty Rings, but only for five seconds or more.
Sonic Heroes
In Sonic Heroes, Chaos Control is part of Team Dark's Team Blast, Chaos Inferno. The move destroys every enemy in the direct vicinity, stops all objects in place and the clock for ten seconds. The player can end this effect by pressing the Team Blast button (White button//). In the final battle against Metal Overlord, the titanic robot may use Chaos Control (due to having copied Sonic's and Shadow's data) which lets him freeze time to prevent Team Sonic from moving or attacking and also stops the clock for nineteen seconds, but their Rings still drain away while Chaos Control is in effect.[23][24]
Sonic Battle
In Sonic Battle, almost all of Shadow's attacks involve Chaos Control in one form or another.
Sonic Advance 3
In Sonic Advance 3, Dr. Eggman used the Chaos Emeralds to induce a Chaos Control so powerful that it reshaped the world into several different regions. In order to undo Eggman's work, Sonic and his companions sought to induce Chaos Control again and repair the world.[14] They eventually accomplished this by using the Master Emerald.
Shadow the Hedgehog
In Shadow the Hedgehog, the use of Chaos Control plays a very prominent role in the story. The game introduced Black Doom, an alien warlord who could also perform Chaos Control, just like Shadow. Shadow himself would also make use of Chaos Control over the course of his adventure.
In the Last Story, Black Doom used the seven Chaos Emeralds to amplify his own Chaos Control abilities so he could teleport the Black Comet down to the earth from space, since the comet could not withstand atmospheric re-entry. Later, as Shadow tried to attack Black Doom, Black Doom used Chaos Control to escape and transformed into Devil Doom. Super Shadow soon after fought Devil Doom in a battle where both of them would use Chaos Control to gain the upper hand. Eventually, Super Shadow defeated Devil Doom and used Chaos Control to teleport the Black Comet back into space where it was destroyed.
In gameplay, Shadow can perform Chaos Control whenever his Hero meter is filled up, allowing him to become Hero Shadow. In this state, Shadow can initiate Chaos Control to manipulate time and space, though its usage differs depending on the circumstances. When playing in a Stage, performing Chaos Control makes Shadow automatically fly forward on the path (which may be an illustration of Shadow warping through space), weakening obstacles and enemies in his path (if not destroying them), until his Hero meter runs. The player can also carry a container while using it. In boss battles, however, performing Chaos Control slows down time and the boss, while Shadow is still able to move at normal speed.[25] To use Chaos Control, the player must press // once the Hero meter is filled up. Additionally, the player is able to cancel it by pressing //.
Sonic the Hedgehog (2006)
Chaos Control appeared again in Sonic the Hedgehog (2006), where it was used by Sonic, Shadow and Silver to create time rifts to travel through time. This game also introduced Mephiles the Dark, an evil being who could move through time with an ability similar to that of Chaos Control.
The first use of Chaos Control seen in the game was when Shadow used it to infiltrate White Acropolis to save Rouge the Bat. When the pair was later sent to Silver's future by Mephiles, Shadow figured out they could return home by using Chaos Control to create a Time-Space Rift, but doing so required more power than he could provide himself. Fortunately, with the unexpected help from Team Sonic, the group collected two Chaos Emeralds, and Sonic and Shadow used Chaos Control simultaneously to create a time-space rift for them to return home with.
During his battle with Silver, Shadow used Chaos Control with a Chaos Emerald to slow Silver down while he attacked him. Silver, however, in a brash attempt to use Chaos Control against Shadow, used Chaos Control with a Chaos Emerald simultaneously with Shadow and accidentally created a Time-Space Rift, which they used to explore the past of the Solaris Project. While in the past, Shadow used Chaos Control again, this time to freeze the new-born Mephiles in time while he sealed him in the Scepter of Darkness. After they had each completed their tasks in the past, Shadow and Silver used Chaos Control to return to the present. Sonic and Silver later create another Time-Space Rift with Chaos Control for Sonic to save Elise before she got killed and for Silver and Blaze to return to the future. In the end of Silver's story, Blaze presumably used Chaos Control to seal herself and Iblis away in another dimension.
Sonic Rivals series
In Sonic Rivals and Sonic Rivals 2, Chaos Control is Shadow the Hedgehog's Signature Move. When performing Chaos Control, Shadow slows down the time for his opposing rivals, effectively slowing downs his rivals' movements, regardless of where the rival may be located.
As with every other Signature Move in the series, Metal Sonic can perform this ability when using his own Signature Move, Copycat, while racing against Shadow.
In order to perform Chaos Control in Sonic Rivals, the player has to obtain a StarPower-Up which is located throughout the stage. The player then has to press to activate this move. Chaos Control will then remain active for a short amount of time, before the effect wears off.
To perform Chaos Control in Sonic Rivals 2, the player must have the user's Signature Meter completely filled, which can be done by collecting Rings, defeating enemies or boosting. Once the Signature Meter is filled, the player has to press to activate Chaos Control. To extend the duration of Chaos Control, the player has to repeatedly press . Chaos Control will remain active for as long as there are energy in the user's Signature Meter, which begins to deplete once Chaos Control has been activated.
During the ending of Shadow or Metal Sonic's story in Sonic Rivals 2, Shadow used Chaos Control with a Chaos Emerald to escape with Metal Sonic from the Chaotic Inferno Zone back to their own dimension.
In Sonic Riders, when Shadow reaches level 3 from collecting at least sixty Rings, he can perform Chaos Control as an orb of condensed energy on a nearby opponents to freeze them in time, making them immobile and easier to pass by.
Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity
In Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity, Shadow can use Chaos Control in orb form while using Attack. When attacking his opponents with it, it causes them to lose control of their Extreme Gear temporarily.
In SonicGenerations, Chaos Control is Shadow's special move which he performs in the battle against Sonic. In the former version, he shouts "Chaos Control" and then try to attack Modern Sonic with Chaos Spears; in the latter, he uses the move to amplify his Boost on the handheld version.
During gameplay, Shadow can perform Chaos Control whenever his Chaos Gauge is filled. The gauge can be filled by destroying enemies, shooting certain balloons, or breaking a chaos energyitem box. When activated with //, Shadow completely stops time and all surroundings for approximately six seconds.[note 1] Once the power is activated, it cannot be manually turned off. While Chaos Control is in effect, Shadow can walk on objects and obstacles that would normally damage him on contact, such as missiles. At certain points in a stage, Shadow can use Chaos Control to interact with glowing green orbs of light to perform the Chaos Dash, which him to follow a trail across the stage similar to the Light Speed Dash.
In Sonic Dream Team, Chaos Control returns as an ability that can only be used by Shadow.
In gameplay, Chaos Control works similarly like its counterpart in Shadow Generations, with some differences. It can now be activated anytime, but only with Shadow standing still on the ground. While Chaos Control stops all surroundings, it does not stop the in-game timer. Once activated, it cannot be manually turned off, however the duration before it wears off can be extended by collecting energy refills.
Other game appearances
Super Smash Bros. series
Super Smash Bros. Brawl
In Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Shadow appears as an assist trophy, in which he can use Chaos Control to slow down time for everyone (apart from the user or their allies in team battle of the trophy) for a short amount of time.
Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U
In Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U, Shadow appears as an assist trophy and will activate Chaos Control when summoned by the player. When doing the technique, Shadow charges his Chaos Control and a sphere surrounds him. Shadow then expands the sphere to effect the battle arena and players in it (apart from the user of the trophy or their allies if in team battle).
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
In Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Shadow appears as an assist trophy who performs Chaos Control to slow down the opponents of the fighter that summoned him (allies are excluded if in team battle), using a Chaos Emerald. However, in this game there is also now a brief second phase that completely stops the opponents.
Sega Superstars Tennis
In Sega Superstars Tennis, Chaos Control appears as part of Shadow's Superstar State. When using it, Shadow throws the tennis ball while performing Chaos Control on the opponent. Once the opponent throws it back, he warps to another place on the tennis court where he is left slightly distracted.
Chaos Snap is a chaos power and allows the user to teleport short distances without the use of a Chaos Emerald, though it is significantly less powerful than Chaos Control.
With at least two users and two Chaos Emeralds, Chaos Control also allows the users to travel through time itself, though some space manipulation is involved. It is demonstrated that if two people, each with a Chaos Emerald, attempt to induce Chaos Control independently of one another, but also in very close proximity, the two attempts cancel each other out and create a rip in the fabric of space-time. These Time-Space Rifts gives anyone who enters a brief degree of choice in quickly traveling backwards or forwards in time and to another location as well.
In the Sonic X anime series, Chaos Control was the catalyst for many events. During one of Sonic's battles with Dr. Eggman, an accident with one of the doctor's machines that was powered by the seven Chaos Emeralds caused a massive Chaos Control, which teleported the hedgehog and his friends from their world to Earth, in the Sonic X Zone. Later, events similar to the first Chaos Control explosion also transported Angel Island and other lifeforms from Sonic's world to Earth. It would also typically be used by users such as Shadow and Super Sonic.
Sonic Prime
In the Sonic Prime television series, Chaos Control was what saved Shadow from being affected by the Paradox Prism's shattering, as he used the technique mere seconds after the Prism was shattered by Sonic. Later when Sonic restored the Prism, and returned to the moment he shattered it, Shadow eventually came to his and his friends' aid by using Chaos Control to warp the Prism to an unknown place beyond Eggman's reach.
In the Sonic the Hedgehogcomic series and its spin-offs published by Archie Comics, Chaos Control was a technique for controlling Chaos energy. It was usually used for teleportation and temporal-freezing, but could also be molded into different powers and abilities, like energy spears, energy explosions, energy blasts, and levitation. Originally, Chaos Control was usually used by those with a strong connection to the Chaos Force. Thus, people with a natural link to that force could use Chaos Control without a Chaos Emerald, such as Shadow and the Brotherhood of Guardians.
After the Super Genesis Wave re-wrote history, Chaos Control became virtually indistinguishable from its video game counterpart.
The term "Chaos Control" is an oxymoron, as chaos, by definition, is something uncontrollable.
According to the games' canon (and confirmed by Takashi Iizuka[11]), Shadow and anyone else requires at least one Chaos Emerald close by to draw power from for Chaos Control, or the technique is impossible - however, Shadow has appeared to use Chaos Control or its related powers during gameplay of some games without visible Emeralds nearby. It is implied in Sonic Battle, though, that his memory of Maria allows it.[26][27]
In Shadow the Hedgehog, if the player activates Chaos Control as Hero Shadow at the same time when booting up the Save Point, Shadow will indefinitely move throughout the stage without the Hero Gauge depleting, though it may stop at certain points during a stage.
Chaos Control appears to be very easy to perform, as Sonic was already able to perform it (using a weaker, fake emerald no less) after only having witnessed Shadow use it once. Also, Silver induced Chaos Control on his first try, almost immediately after Shadow demonstrated it.
In the Spanish dub of Sonic X Shadow Generations, the technique is named "Control caos" (which was used in the previous games) but at the same time it has a different name in Shadow Generations, being named "Chaos Control" (like in English).
Notes
↑When activated, the screen goes through a distorting effect, which last about one second, before the 5-second timer, located above Shadow's head, starts counting down.
↑ 7.07.1Sonic Rivals official site. Sega. Archived from the original on 1 May 2008. Retrieved on 29 May 2015. "Possessing the power to use Chaos Emeralds to perform Chaos Control, he [Shadow] has the ability to manipulate time and space."
↑Sega Studio USA (15 November 2005). Shadow the Hedgehog. Nintendo GameCube. Sega. Cutscene: Cutscene #4. "Black Doom: The comet's velocity isn't powerful enough to pass through another planet's atmosphere. The Emeralds amplify the space-time control powers of Chaos Control. We need them to charge to full power."
↑Sonic Team USA (23 June 2001). Sonic Adventure 2. Dreamcast. Sega. Cutscene: Cutscene 27. "The 23rd 'Project Shadows' report - 12:30A.M. on January 27th, we initiated the experiment to start Shadow's first prototype. The experiment was successful. The life form's external engine and the organ to start the Chaos control are working normally. However, the measurements of the experiment was[sic] higher than we expected, we will continue this experiment at the Central Dome from now on."
↑Sonic Team (27 February 2004). Sonic Battle. Game Boy Advance. Sega. Area/level: Emerald Beach (Shadow's Episode). "Shadow: Let us battle, one last time, to see who truly is the strongest! ... My body wasn't healed completely before, but now I'm ready! I am the ultimate life form, Shadow the Hedgehog. I will crush anyone who stands in my way! / Emerl: You sure about that? I don't want you whining about how you didn't have your 'Chaos Emerald' and stuff! / Shadow: I no longer need it. I have Maria in my heart."
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after collecting sixty Rings. To use it again, the player has to collect another sixty Rings. If Shadow has fallen into a bottomless pit with no rings, he will be given a free Chaos Control that lasts five seconds or more. If he is in his special suit, he will be able to use Chaos Control for every twenty Rings, but only for five seconds or more.
/
). In the final battle against Metal Overlord, the titanic robot may use Chaos Control (due to having copied Sonic's and Shadow's data) which lets him freeze time to prevent Team Sonic from moving or attacking and also stops the clock for nineteen seconds, but their Rings still drain away while Chaos Control is in effect.[23][24]
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once the Hero meter is filled up. Additionally, the player is able to cancel it by pressing 
/
.
to activate Chaos Control. To extend the duration of Chaos Control, the player has to repeatedly press 
/
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, Shadow completely stops time and all surroundings for approximately six seconds.[note 1] Once the power is activated, it cannot be manually turned off. While Chaos Control is in effect, Shadow can walk on objects and obstacles that would normally damage him on contact, such as missiles. At certain points in a stage, Shadow can use Chaos Control to interact with glowing green orbs of light to perform the Chaos Dash, which him to follow a trail across the stage similar to the Light Speed Dash.
