Propeller Flying

Propeller Flying,^[1][2] also known as Propeller Flight (プロペラ飛行^[3][4], Puropera Hikō^?), Airman Tails^[5], Heli-Tails^[6] (ヘリテイル^[7], Heriteiru^?, lit. "Helitail"), or simply Fly^[8] (フライ^[9], Furai^?), is a move that appears in the Sonic the Hedgehog series. It is Miles "Tails" Prower's signature technique, where he uses his unique twin-tails to achieve flight like a helicopter.

Description

When utilizing Propeller Flying, Tails twirls his twin tails around like rotary blades, thus creating a lift that lets him fly around in the air like a helicopter. While in flight due to Propeller Flying, Tails can move at speeds nearing that of Sonic the Hedgehog.

In gameplay, Propeller Flying allows the player to move through the air in any direction, reach higher areas that would be otherwise unreachable, traverse over gaps and bottomless pits, or in some cases damage enemies. Usually however, there is a limit for how long Tails can stay airborne; after flying non-stop for a while, Tails will become exhausted (the circumstances for that differs between games) and slowly drift downward. Sometimes, it adds to the speed and distance. Propeller Flying can also not be used underwater.

Game appearances

Sonic the Hedgehog 2

Propeller Flying first appeared in Sonic the Hedgehog 2 as a move used by Tails though the move had not been given a name at that point. However, the move is unusable to the player and can only be used when the character is controlled by an AI; Tails will use Propeller Flying when he falls too far behind Sonic when playing as Sonic and Tails. He will also fly down from the top of the screen and land on the ground with Propeller Flying a short while after dying.

In the 2013 remaster of the game, the player is able to play as Tails and use Propeller Flying like in later games by attempting a jump during a Spin Jump. In addition, when playing as Sonic (or Knuckles) and Tails in this remaster, the player can control Tails' flight by pressing the Jump button while holding Up, causing Tails to immediately start Propeller Flying. Tails can then airlift the main character if the latter jumps onto Tails' hands and from then on, the player can fly around as if they were controlling Tails himself (in a manner similar to Sonic 3 & Knuckles, which previously could only be done with two players). The main character can as well detach from Tails' flight if the player holds Down while pressing the Jump button. Once Tails releases his grip on the main character, the player will resume control over the latter.

Sonic Chaos

In Sonic Chaos, the move is called Airman Tails^[5] (ヘリテイル^[10], Heriteiru^?, lit. "Helitails") and appears for the first time as a playable move usable for Tails.

To perform Airman Tails in gameplay, the player must press then /. While Tails is in flight, the player can move around in the air with . However, Tails can only remain airborne for about five seconds before becoming tired and then automatically descending towards the ground slowly.

Sonic Spinball

In the 16-bit version of Sonic Spinball, Tails flies off the screen with Propeller Flying after being released from purple canisters or large Capsule during the Trapped Alive and The March types of Bonus Stages.

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 & Knuckles

In Sonic the Hedgehog 3 and the lock-on game, Sonic 3 & Knuckles, Propeller Flying appears again as a playable move usable to Tails and Hyper Tails. In the Sonic Origins remaster of the game, it can also be used by Super Tails. However, it is not given a name.

In gameplay, by flying into either bosses or enemies with Tails' twirling twin-tails while using Propeller Flight, the player can inflict damage on these foes. Additionally, while playing as Sonic and Tails in the multiplayer, the move can be used by Tails to carry Sonic a short distance through midair for a short while if Sonic jumps into Tails' hands. While Tails carries Sonic around in midair, Sonic can jump off at any point. However, Sonic can be knocked out of Tails' grasp if he comes into contact with a solid object or if an outside force influences Tails' movement. Also worth mentioning is that during the boss battle with the Egg Drillster Mk. II, Tails automatically performs Propeller Flying in order to chase the boss through midair where he will never tire while flying. If playing as Sonic or Knuckles, he holds onto Tails' hands, which the former can let go at anytime by jumping. If the player falls offscreen, Tails will fly down to follow them, catch the player and airlift them back on-screen. Additionally, attempting to use Propeller Flying while underwater will make Tails swim. Also, when playing as both Sonic and Tails, Tails will automatically fly on-screen to catch up to Sonic whenever he dies or falls too far behind Sonic, much like in Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (16-bit).

To perform Propeller Flying in gameplay, the player has to press // during a Spin Jump. The player then has to continue tapping // to make Tails ascend, or release to descend. While airborne, the player can control Tails' midair movements with . However, Tails can only remain airborne for a short while before becoming tired and then automatically descending towards the ground slowly.

Sonic the Hedgehog Triple Trouble

In Sonic the Hedgehog Triple Trouble, the move is called Heli-Tails^[6] (ヘリテイル^[11], Heriteiru^?, lit. "Helitail") and appears as a playable move usable to Tails.

In gameplay, Tails can perform Heli-Tails while in midair, though he cannot move upward as such. To perform Heli-Tails in gameplay, the player has to press then / to take flight. From there, Tails will remain airborne and his movements can be controlled with . However, Tails can only remain airborne for a short while before becoming tired and then automatically descending towards the ground slowly. In addition, the game features a power-up called the Hyper Heli-Tails that lets Tails take automatic high-speed flight for a couple of moments.

Tails' Skypatrol

Uniquely, in Tails' Skypatrol, Tails is constantly in flight from the beginning to the end of every level, and the player is given the ability to slow down or speed up his flight. While displaying much more stamina than usual, Tails will still eventually get tired of flying, indicated on a bar in the top left of the screen. To prevent this (as landing on the ground will make Tails lose a life), many Mint Candies are placed around the stages to replenish his stamina.

Tails Adventure

In Tails Adventure, the move is again called Heli-Tails.^[12] and appears as a playable move usable to Tails.

In gameplay, the time Tails can remain airborne with Heli-Tails is measured by the Flight Gauge which depletes while flying; when the Flight Gauge hits empty, Tails can no longer use Heli-Tails and he will drop to the ground. The Flight Gauge, and thereby the duration of Heli-Tails, can be extended by collecting Chaos Emeralds.

To perform Heli-Tails in gameplay, the player must either press twice or hold then press . The player can then direct Tails' flight direction with . While in flight, the player can attack with bombs or drop back to the ground by pressing .

Sonic 3D Blast

In the Sega Saturn version of Sonic 3D Blast, Tails will carry Sonic to the starting point of the Special Stage using Propeller Flying.

Sonic Adventure

In Sonic Adventure and its enhanced port, Sonic Adventure DX: Director's Cut, the move is called Propeller Flight^[13] (プロペラ飛行^[3], Puropera Hikō^?) and appears as a playable move usable to Tails.

In gameplay, Propeller Flight gives the player a much greater ascension than in previous games, thus allowing them to reach high places rather quickly. Also, Tails' movement speed while using Propeller Flight can be increased by obtaining the Jet Anklet.

To perform Propeller Flight in gameplay, the player has to press / during the Spin Jump. While airborne, the player can direct Tails with the movement controls. Also, holding / while using Propeller Flight increases upward altitude while not doing anything will make Tails fall slowly down. Also, pressing / // // while flying will make Tails suddenly lose altitude. However, after flying for a while, Tails will get tired and automatically descend to the ground. If the player flies through a Dash Ring however, then Tails will continue flying as quickly and as energized as he did at the beginning of the move.

Sonic Shuffle

In Sonic Shuffle, Propeller Flying is referred to as Propeller Flight^[14] (プロペラ飛行^[15], Puropera Hikō^?) and is a playable move usable only to Tails. In this game, it is Tails' Special Movement Ability, which allows him to move across the special Tails Spaces.

Sonic Adventure 2

In Sonic Adventure 2 and its enhanced port Sonic Adventure 2: Battle, Propeller Flying is a playable move usable to Tails, though it is unnamed in these games.

In gameplay, Propeller Flying can only be performed in a Chao Garden, as Tails rides the Cyclone in most other game modes. Also, Tails' twin-tails turn slower in these titles than in Sonic Adventure. In addition, Tails can only reach altitudes reaching the heights of his jump. In return, Tails does not get tired when using Propeller Flying, meaning it can be used indefinitely.

To perform Propeller Flying in gameplay, the player must press / during a jump.

Sonic Advance series

Sonic Advance

In Sonic Advance, the move is referred to as Propeller Flying^[1] (プロペラ飛行^[4], Puropera Hikō^?, lit. "Propeller Flight") and is a playable move usable only to Tails.

In gameplay, like in Sonic the Hedgehog 3, the player can inflict damage on both bosses and enemies by having Tails' spinning twin-tails touch them while using Propeller Flying. Also, if Sonic and Tails are both played together, Tails will use the Propeller Flying to catch up to Sonic if he is defeated or falls too far behind him.

To perform Propeller Flying in gameplay, the player has to press during a Spin Jump. While airborne, the player can direct Tails with the movement controls. Also, continuing to press while using Propeller Flying increases upward altitude while not doing anything will make Tails fall slowly down. However, after flying for a while, Tails will get tired and automatically descend to the ground.

Sonic Advance 2

In Sonic Advance 2, the move is again called Propeller Flying^[2] (プロペラ飛行^[16], Puropera Hikō^?, lit. "Propeller Flight") and is a playable move usable only to Tails.

In gameplay, the player can inflict damage on both bosses and enemies by having Tails' spinning twin-tails touch them while using Propeller Flying, much like in Sonic Advance.

To perform Propeller Flying in gameplay, the player has to press during a Spin Jump. While airborne, the player can direct Tails with the movement controls. Also, continuing to press while using Propeller Flying increases upward altitude while not doing anything will make Tails fall slowly down. However, after flying for a while, Tails will get tired and automatically descend to the ground.

Sonic Advance 3

In Sonic Advance 3, this technique is again named Propeller Flying^[17] (プロペラ飛行^[18], Puropera Hikō^?, lit. "Propeller Flight") and is a move usable only by Tails.

In gameplay, the player can inflict damage on both bosses and enemies by having Tails' spinning twin-tails touch them while using Propeller Flying, much like in previous Sonic Advance titles. However, for Tails to be able to perform the Propeller Flying, he must be partnered up with Sonic. When paired with Cream, he can perform High Propeller Flying; when paired with Amy, he can perform Hammer Propeller Flying; and when paired with Knuckles, he can perform the Mid-Air Glide. Tails can also carry other characters whilst flying when the player uses their Tag Action with him.

To perform Propeller Flying in gameplay, the player has to press during a Spin Jump. While airborne, the player can direct Tails with the movement controls. Also, continuing to press while using Propeller Flying increases upward altitude while not doing anything will make Tails fall slowly down. However, after flying for a while, Tails will get tired and automatically descend to the ground.

Sonic the Hedgehog (2006)

In Sonic the Hedgehog (2006), Propeller Flying is referred to as Fly^[8] (フライ^[9], Furai^?) and is a playable move usable only to Tails.

In gameplay, while using Fly, the player can perform the Dummy Ring Blitz. Also, if Tails takes damage while using Fly, the move will be canceled.

To perform Fly in gameplay, the player has to press / during a jump. While airborne, the player can direct Tails with the movement controls. Also, continuing to press / while using Fly increases upward altitude while not doing anything will make Tails fall slowly down. However, after flying for a while, Tails will get tired and automatically descend to the ground.

Sonic Storybook Series

Sonic and the Secret Rings

In Sonic and the Secret Rings, Ali Baba is shown performing Propeller Flying during one of the game's cutscenes.

Sonic and the Black Knight

In Sonic and the Black Knight, Propeller Flying is a playable move usable to the Blacksmith, though it is unnamed in this game.

In gameplay, Propeller Flying is only usable in Battle Mode, as this is the only place where the Blacksmith is playable. To perform Propeller Flying in gameplay, the player has to press during a jump. While airborne, the player can direct the Blacksmith with the movement controls.

Sonic Unleashed

In the Xbox 360/PlayStation 3 version and the Wii/PlayStation 2 version of Sonic Unleashed, Tails uses Propeller Flying a couple of times during the cutscenes of the game.

Sonic Colors

In Wii version of Sonic Colors, and the remaster Sonic Colors: Ultimate, Tails is shown performing Propeller Flying multiple times during cutscenes. Exclusively in Sonic Colors: Ultimate, when the player is utilizing Tails Save feature, Tails is also seen performing the Propeller Flying while carrying Sonic back in his last known location.

Sonic Generations

In the console/PC version of Sonic Generations, Propeller Flying is a playable move usable to Classic Tails, though it is unnamed in this game.

In gameplay, Propeller Flying can be used by Classic Tails in the Tails: Toxic Skies Challenge Act. Here, the player can summon Classic Tails with /. Classic Tails will then fly over to Classic Sonic who will then grab onto Tails' hands, thus allowing Classic Tails to carry Classic Sonic through midair, which is necessary for completing this Challenge Act. Notably, Classic Tails does not tire out when using Propeller Flying in this game, meaning he can fly indefinitely without any time limit.

To perform Propeller Flying in gameplay, the player has to press / while Classic Sonic is holding onto Classic Tails. While airborne, the player can direct Classic Tails with the movement controls. Also, continuing to press / while using Fly increases upward altitude while not doing anything will make Classic Tails fall slowly down. However, Classic Tails will let Classic Sonic go if the player jumps free of him.

During cutscenes of the game, Modern Tails is shown performing Propeller Flying as well.

Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II

In Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II, Propeller Flying appears as a move usable to Tails. In gameplay however, because Tails is controlled by an AI and cannot be played by the player during normal gameplay, the move is unusable to the player in Single Player mode. However, it can be performed manually in Multiplayer mode, albeit only by the player that controls Tails.

In gameplay, by flying into either bosses or enemies with Tails' twirling twin-tails while using Propeller Flight, the player can inflict damage on these foes. To perform Propeller Flying in gameplay, the player has to press /// during a Spin Jump. While airborne, the player can direct Tails with the movement controls. Also, continuing to press /// while using Fly increases upward altitude while not doing anything will make Tails fall slowly down. However, after flying for a while, Tails will get tired and automatically descend to the ground. Alternatively, the player can cancel the flight by pressing /// while holding Down, causing Tails to fall to the ground immediately.

Sonic Mania

In Sonic Mania and its expansion, Sonic Mania Plus, Propeller Flying is referred to as Fly^[19] and is a playable move usable to Tails and Super Tails.

In gameplay, by flying into either bosses or enemies with Tails' twirling twin-tails while using Fly, the player can inflict damage on these foes. Additionally, attempting to Fly underwater will make Tails swim. To perform Propeller Flying in gameplay, the player has to press the following buttons during a Spin Jump:

The player then has to continue tapping the aforementioned buttons to make Tails ascend or let go of them to descend. While airborne, the player can control Tails' midair movement with . However, Tails can only remain airborne for a short while before becoming tired and then automatically descending towards the ground slowly.

When playing as both Sonic and Tails in Mania Mode and in single player, the player can control Tails' flight by pressing the Jump button while holding Up, causing Tails to immediately start Propeller Flying. Tails can then airlift Sonic if the latter jumps onto Tails' hands and from then on, the player can fly around as if they were controlling Tails himself (in a manner similar to Sonic 3 & Knuckles which previously could only be done with two players). Sonic can as well detach from Tails' flight if the player holds Down while pressing the Jump button. Once Tails releases his grip on Sonic, the player will resume control over the latter.

Sonic Forces

In Sonic Forces, Propeller Flying is performed by Tails in numerous cutscenes.

Sonic Frontiers

Propeller Flying, known simply as Fly, reappears in Sonic Frontiers as one of Tails' default Skills, though it functions slightly differently than its other appearances. As opposed to immediately ascending, Tails will instead stall in the air for a moment, before ascending upwards.

In order to Fly, the player must press // while in the air. Tails cannot gain any altitude without using the Charged Wrench Attack or Cyclone Boost after ascending, only lose it by letting go of the button. As before, after flying for a while Tails will get tired and descend towards the ground slowly.

In Cyber Space stages, a holographic copy of Tails performs the move.

Sonic Superstars

Propeller Flying returns in Sonic Superstars as a move for Tails. As in previous 2D Sonic games, Tails can inflict damage on foes with his twirling twin-tails. Also, using his flying ability underwater has him swim. After flying for a short period of time, Tails will get tired, and fall descends toward the ground slowly.

Sonic Dream Team

Other game appearances

Tails and the Music Maker

In Tails and the Music Maker, Propeller Flying appears once more as a move used by Tails. While the move is not given a name, its method is referred to as hovering.^[20]

In gameplay, the move is used only to direct Tails around on the screen. To perform the move in gameplay, the player must click on Tails with the Sega Pico's Magic Pen. Then, to move Tails around while he is in flight, move the Magic Pen to the part on the screen that Tails is intended to go to.

Sonic Jam

In Sonic Jam, Tails can perform Propeller Flying while navigating the Sonic World hub environment. In gameplay, the player is able to catch Tails, who can carry Sonic around the hub area through mid-air. The player can jump off any time.

Sonic Jam (Game.com)

In Sonic Jam (Game.com), Propeller Flying appears as a move performed by Tails. In gameplay, all Badniks that make contact with Tails' twin-tails while Propeller Flying is used will be destroyed. To perform the move in gameplay, the player has to press the A button twice. Pressing the A Button more times will make Tails go even higher. While flying, the player can move left and right. However, after flying for a while, Tails will get tired and automatically descend to the ground.

Sonic the Hedgehog CD (2011)

In the 2011 remaster of Sonic the Hedgehog CD, Propeller Flying appears as a playable move usable to Tails, though it goes unnamed.

In gameplay, by flying into either bosses or enemies with Tails' twirling twin-tails while using Propeller Flight, the player can inflict damage on these foes. Additionally, attempting to use Propeller Flying while underwater will make Tails swim.

To perform Propeller Flying in gameplay, the player has to press the Jump button during a Spin Jump. The player then has to continue tapping the Jump Button to make Tails ascend or let go of it to descend. While airborne, the player can control Tails' midair movements with the movement controls. However, Tails can only remain airborne for a short while before becoming tired and then automatically descending towards the ground slowly.

Sonic the Hedgehog (2013)

In the 2013 remaster of the original Sonic the Hedgehog, Propeller Flying is a playable move usable to Tails.

In gameplay, Propeller Flying functions identically to how it did in Sonic 3 & Knuckles and the 2011 remaster of Sonic the Hedgehog CD. In addition, when playing as Sonic (or Knuckles) and Tails, the player can now control Tails' flight by pressing the Jump button while holding Up, causing Tails to immediately start Propeller Flying. Tails can then airlift the main character if the latter jumps onto Tails' hands and from then on, the player can fly around as if they were controlling Tails himself (in a manner similar to Sonic the Hedgehog 3 & Knuckles which previously could only be done with two players). The main character can as well detach from Tails' flight if the player holds Down while pressing the Jump button. Once Tails releases his grip on the main character, the player will resume control over the latter.

To perform Propeller Flying in gameplay, the player has to press the Jump button during a Spin Jump. The player then has to continue tapping the Jump Button to make Tails ascend or let go of it to descend. While airborne, the player can control Tails' midair movements with the movement controls. However, Tails can only remain airborne for a short while before becoming tired and then automatically descending towards the ground slowly.

Variants

Ascending Flight

Main article: Ascending Flight

Ascending Flight is a variation of Propeller Flying used by Tails, Rouge, Cream and Charmy. It consists of three people holding onto each other in a chain, with the user of the technique positioned the top, where they are responsible for the flight of the entire formation. However, Ascending Flight does not have as far a reach as Propeller Flying. The user of this technique also tires out when using it for too long. This move first appeared in Sonic Heroes.

Copter Combo

Main article: Copter Combo

The Copter Combo is the air Tag Action performed by Sonic and Tails. With it, Tails carries Sonic around whilst flying, with Sonic holding onto Tails by his hands, who can carry him freely through midair. It is initiated by one of the characters while jumping into the air. However, Tails will descend if he does not use the ascending actions frequently enough. Additionally, ascending tires him out, and after a minimum of three ascending attempts, he starts to fall to the ground. This move first appeared in Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II.

Hammer Propeller Flying

Main article: Hammer Propeller Flying

Hammer Propeller Flying is a more offensive variation of Propeller Flying used by Tails. It allows him to fly faster than that of standard Propeller Flying while also allowing him to use his personal Piko Piko Hammer to attack enemies. This move first appeared in Sonic Advance 3.

High Propeller Flying

Main article: High Propeller Flying

High Propeller Flying is a variation of Propeller Flying used by Tails. Contrary to Propeller Flying, Tails flies from a sitting position by twisting his twin-tails. High Propeller Flying allows Tails to reach greater heights. However, whilst performing the move, Tails will tire quicker, and he has trouble pulling off horizontal movements. This move first appeared in Sonic Advance 3.

Hyper Heli-Tails

Main article: Hyper Heli-Tails

Hyper Heli-Tails is a special power-up move that Tails can perform when picking up the Hyper Heli-Tails power-up. This power-up grants him automatic high-speed flight for a few moments. This move first appeared in Sonic the Hedgehog Triple Trouble.

Propeller Dash

Main article: Propeller Dash

The Propeller Dash is a variation of Propeller Flying used by Tails. When used, Tails hovers slightly above the ground, before quickly dashing off in the direction he is facing. This move first appeared in Sonic the Fighters.

Swim

Main article: Swim

Swim is an underwater variation of Propeller Flying. The move is performed in the exact manner as Propeller Flying and allows the user to move around in any direction whilst underwater. While performing the move in certain games however, the user cannot carry Sonic. Any attempt to do so will cause both characters to sink. This move first appeared in Sonic the Hedgehog 3.

Tail Copter

Main article: Tail Copter

The Tail Copter is Tails' Signature Move. This move allows Tails to quickly ascend up vertical areas and get over obstacles. This move first appeared in Sonic Rivals 2.

As with all Signature Moves, this move can also be performed by Metal Sonic with his Copycat technique.

Tails Fly

Main article: Tails Fly

Tails Fly is Tails' Air Action. When used, Tails spins his twin tails to lift himself upwards and propel himself through the air. This move first appeared in Sonic Battle.

In other media

Animation

Sonic X

Main article: Propeller Flying (Sonic X)

Books and comics

Archie Comics

Main article: Propeller Flying (Pre-Super Genesis Wave)

Propeller Flying commonly appears in the Sonic the Hedgehog comic series and its spin-offs published by Archie Comics, though it is not named. Much like in the games, only Tails can perform it due to his unique mutation.

In this media, Tails first learned to use Propeller Flying when he was a young child. While hanging out with the young Knothole Freedom Fighters, Sonic was the first to suggest that Tails could use his twin-tails helicopter rotors to fly. With Sonic creating an updraft, Tails learned how to use his twin-tails for flight, thus discovering Propeller Flying.

IDW Publishing

In the Sonic the Hedgehog comic series and its spin-offs published by IDW Publishing, Tails uses the technique to help him in battles or to reach higher places.

See also

• Flying

References

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