Drift

This article is about the technique used to get through tight turns. For the game, see Sonic Drift.

Not to be confused with Drifting.

The Drift^[1][2] (ドリフト, Dorifuto^?), also known as the Sonic Drift^[3] (ドリフト^[4], Dorifuto^?, lit. "Drift"), is a move that appears in the Sonic the Hedgehog series. It is a technique in which the user makes sharp turns while moving at high speeds.

Description

When performing the Drift, the user creates friction to one of their sides while either sliding or spinning at high speed via reducing some of their traction, causing their direction to shift rapidly in a smooth curve without losing much momentum.

In gameplay, the Drift is useful for the player when they have get through tight turns at high speeds to cut through corners from certain angles/timings and to exit them effectively. In addition, it can be combined with the Boost to amplify its speed and power, but may also increase its speed too much which will limit control further.

Game appearances

Sonic Unleashed

The move first appeared in both the Xbox 360/PlayStation 3 version and the Wii/PlayStation 2 version of Sonic Unleashed, where it is referred to as the Sonic Drift.^[3] It is only usable by Sonic in the gameplay of the daytime Stages during 3D sections. When drifting in this game, Sonic leans down on one arm while pushing his feet sideways in the opposite direction.

By drifting, the player is able to recharge the Ring Energy Gauge/Boost Gauge, though the mechanics differ between game versions: On the Xbox 360/PlayStation 3 version, the Ring Energy Gauge is constantly charged while drifting, but only in small amounts equivalent to the amount of energy required to boost. In the Wii/PlayStation 2 version, drifting charges more of the Boost Gauge at once, but only if it is pulled off correctly for long enough, which is referred to as a "Drift Bonus."

To perform the Sonic Drift in gameplay, the player has to use the following controls:

PS2	Wii			PS3	Xbox 360
	Wii Remote + Nunchuk	Classic Controller	GameCube controller
+ left/right	+ left/right	+ left/right	+ left/right	/// down + left/right	/// down + left/right

Sonic Colors

In the Wii version of Sonic Colors and its remaster, Sonic Colors: Ultimate, the move's name was changed to Drift.^[1] In these games, it is performed by Sonic, the Mii (Wii version only), and the Virtual Hedgehogs. When drifting this time around, the user leans down on one arm while pushing their feet sideways in the opposite direction, much like in Sonic Unleashed, except that the playable character emits rainbow-colored sparks from their feet, similar to the Boost.

In gameplay, the Drift is only useable in parts with curved points where the Drift icon is displayed on the screen. While drifting in this game, the move is more "slippery" and difficult to use than in Sonic Unleashed, but the player earns a Drift Bonus of 3000 points per second with a maximum of 100,000 points per Act. It can also be used to crash into enemies and objects. In Super Sonic's case, he cannot use Drift in the Drift sections, but he can use the Super Sonic Boost easily and with more control.

To use the Drift in gameplay, the player has to use the following controls:

Wii				Xbox One	PS4	Switch	PC
Wii Remote (sideways)	Wii Remote & Nunchuk	Classic Controller	GameCube controller
+ left/right	+ left/right	+ left/right	+ left/right			+ left/right

Sonic Generations

In the console/PC version of Sonic Generations and its remaster Sonic X Shadow Generations, the move is referred as the Drift,^[2] and is only usable to Modern Sonic. When drifting in this game, Sonic revs into a Spin Attack as he turns, much like when charging the Spin Dash.

In Sonic Generations, the Boost Gauge will be charged constantly in small doses while drifting, much like in Sonic Unleashed. In addition, drifting while boosting causes the Boost Gadge to deplete slowly. The Drift is also easier to control than in Sonic Unleashed and can be used to attack enemies. Although, when using the Drift as Super Sonic, the aura of the move will not be changed from blue to golden. In addition, Sonic can also use Drift when riding a Snowboard or a Cart.

To use the move in gameplay, the player has to use the following controls:

Xbox 360	PS3	PC		PS4/PS5	Nintendo Switch	Xbox One/Xbox Series X/S
		Original	Remaster
/	/	[1]/[3]	[F]

Sonic Frontiers

In Sonic Frontiers, the Drift returns after its absence in Forces, boasting similar appearance and mechanics from Colors.

In this game, the Drift appears as a move that can be performed by Sonic exclusively in just one Cyber Space stage, 3-5 with Drift Dash Panels. While performing the Drift, the player has to move on the controller. Super Sonic can also drift by boosting while holding //.

During The Final Horizon episode, the Drift can also be used by Amy Rose while during a Card Spin Boost. To perform the drift as Amy, the player must hold // to begin boosting, then hold // while moving the on the controller.

In other media

IDW Publishing

In the Sonic the Hedgehog comic series and its spin-offs published by IDW Publishing, the Drift is a move used exclusively by Sonic the Hedgehog. It first appeared in Sonic the Hedgehog #4, specifically during a battle Sonic had with a battalion of Badniks.

Trivia

• In the Xbox 360/PlayStation 3 version of Sonic Unleashed, it is possible to cross water surfaces without using the Boost if the player simply uses the Drift and constantly alternates Sonic's direction, much like snaking in other games with a drifting mechanic.

• In Sonic Forces, a Drift-like maneuver is used by the Avatar. This maneuver is an automatic move used by the Avatar in the Avatar Stages and Tag Stages when they have to get through a sharp turn. The player can control the Avatar slightly by using the .
• A leaked beta of the Xbox 360/PlayStation 3 version of Sonic Unleashed that is dated to be close to the game's release showed that the decision to drift using the controller's triggers was made very late into the game's development - nearly one month before release.^[5] The drift itself was still present in these builds, but could only be executed using /.^[6]
  • In the early preview build, drifting was only possible by pulling back on then quickly turning to the left or right. This is still possible in the final game, though is tricky to pull off.

References