Tails' Skypatrol

Infobox VG| title = Tails' Skypatrol


developer = Sims Co., JSH
publisher = Sega
designer =
engine =
released =

genre = Platform, Adventure
modes = Single player
ratings = ESRB, ELSPA, BBFC: not rated
platforms = Sega Game Gear
media = Cartridge
requirements =
input =nihongo|"Tails' Skypatrol"|テイルスのスカイパトロール|Teirusu no Sukaipatorōru is a video game in the Sonic the Hedgehog series, developed by JSH and published by Sega for Sega Game Gear. It was originally released on April 28, 1995 as an exclusive game to the Japanese market. "Tails' Skypatrol" is also included as an unlockable minigame in Nintendo GameCube's "Sonic Adventure DX," and was re-released as one of the featured games in GameCube's "Sonic Gems Collection". The game is a spin-off in the Sonic series following the adventures of Sonic's trusty sidekick Miles "Tails" Prower as he tries to save an island from Wendy Witchcart, who turns anyone opposing her into crystals with her magic.

Gameplay

The gameplay of "Tails' Skypatrol" is less in line with the familiar platforming style of the traditional Sonic games. There are no rings or emeralds to be collected, Dr. Robotnik is entirely absent and Tails is constantly "suspended" in flight mode and clears each stage simply by completing each course from left to right. The screen is fixed and constantly moves along with him. Should Tails fall, bump into objects or touch the ground, he loses a life.

Across each stage Tails carries a golden ring with him which he can throw as a projectile to defeat enemies or break walls. Using the Ring, he will also latch on to any number of devices the player will encounter in each stage, ranging from gymnastics bars to railcarts.

In order to stay afloat, the player must constantly watch Tails' flight meter, which slowly drops to zero. Scattered across the map are candy bars which Tails can collect to replenish his stamina.

Characters

Wendy Witchcart is an old human witch who rides around in a specialized rail cart on an island she claims as her own, and is the main villain. She claims she is able to turn any dissenters into crystal. In the game, the goal of Tails is to free the island and its inhabitants from her tyranny.

Aside from an army of robots, Wendy's main lackeys are:

*Fockewulf, a blue male anthropomorphic wolf who rides a flying bike. He appears to be named after Focke-Wulf, a German company known for manufacturing military aircraft for the Luftwaffe during the second World War. Fockewulf is the first boss of the game, fighting Tails in Rail Canyon, the second level (the first level has no boss). He fights by throwing grenades at Tails, which explode into four pieces on impact.

*Bearenger, a black male anthropomorphic bear who rides a small flying rocket with a shark face similar to the Flying Tigers fighter planes from World War II. He is the boss of Ruin Wood, the third level. Bearenger fights by firing energy projectiles in sets of three from his rocket.

*Carrotia, an orange female anthropomorphic rabbit who flies in a flying carrot. She wears a bow and is the boss of Metal Island, the fourth level, where she fights by firing small carrot-shaped homing missiles and throwing kisses.

Reception

Upon release, Tails' Skypatrol was horribly received, and when it came to America via Sonic Adventure DX & Sonic Gems Collection, it was also panned by fans and critics, namely due to its ridiculous difficulty level. This and Sonic Labyrinth are two Sonic titles with low overall approval ratings. Criticism included abandoning from the signature game-play, gaming experience, and incredibly difficult gameplay.

External links

* [http://www.theghz.com/sonic/sky/sky.html Tails' Skypatrol at Green Hill Zone] - contains info, screenshots and a basic walkthrough.