Ray the Flying Squirrel: Sonic’s Forgotten Friend

While Sonic the Hedgehog and Miles “Tails” Prower are globally recognized icons, and Knuckles the Echidna is a familiar face to anyone with even a passing interest in gaming, many Sonic fans are surprised to learn about Ray the Flying Squirrel. Emerging from the depths of Sega’s past, Ray represents a captivating enigma. This adorable character, often overlooked and shrouded in obscurity, debuted in the arcade game *SegaSonic the Hedgehog*. Ray, along with his pal Mighty the Armadillo, teamed up with Sonic in an adventure rarely discussed. This article seeks to shed light on Ray’s full history, analyze his unique gameplay, explore the potential reasons for his relative obscurity, and discuss his surprising resurgence in popularity, along with his potential role in the future of the Sonic franchise. Ray’s story is a strange one indeed, an adventure that begins in a rare arcade machine and culminates in a triumphant modern return.

Ray’s Arcade Debut and Early History

Ray’s origins lie in *SegaSonic the Hedgehog*, an arcade game released in nineteen ninety-three. This title stood apart from the traditional side-scrolling adventures that defined the Sonic series. *SegaSonic the Hedgehog* employed a unique isometric perspective and a trackball control scheme. Players had to use the trackball to guide Sonic, Ray, or Mighty through treacherous landscapes, dodging hazards and outsmarting enemies. The game’s narrative focused on the trio’s escape from Dr. Eggman’s island prison, navigating a series of increasingly perilous traps.

Ray played an important role in the game. He, alongside Mighty, was captured alongside Sonic by the nefarious Doctor. Ray’s character design was unique, being the only flying squirrel in the Sonic universe. He worked in tandem with Sonic and Mighty to get out of their terrible predicament.

Ray’s primary ability involved jumping and gliding. While not true flight like Tails, his ability to extend his skin and glide across gaps offered a distinct gameplay advantage. Players would need to master Ray’s ability to properly navigate sections. Ray and his gliding were essential to mastering *SegaSonic the Hedgehog*.

The game’s narrative was simplistic, with characters mostly reacting to the immediate dangers that faced them. However, his initial characterization provided the foundation for later interpretations. The game’s artwork was bright and colorful, showcasing a unique aesthetic that differentiated it from other Sonic titles of the time. Ray was designed with a charming, cartoonish appearance, emphasized by large eyes and a friendly expression.

*SegaSonic the Hedgehog* was a unique experience in the Sonic world, but it was never ported, and was never widely played. The game still holds appeal as a unique and challenging arcade experience. *SegaSonic the Hedgehog* also provided the world with both Ray and Mighty, but that wasn’t enough to keep them in the public consciousness.

Years of Obscurity and the Sonic Character

Despite his initial appearance, Ray remained largely absent from mainline Sonic games for many years. He lingered on the periphery of the franchise, making rare appearances in supplemental material. Ray was a ghost, a fleeting memory in the minds of some of the most dedicated fans. He was seemingly forgotten.

Examples of this include brief mentions in character bios or minor cameos in Sonic comics, though those were scant indeed. He existed only as a relic from an obscure arcade game, his potential largely untapped. Ray remained in the Sonic character graveyard.

Several factors contributed to his obscurity. *SegaSonic the Hedgehog*’s limited availability due to the lack of ports severely restricted exposure. The arcade game never got a widespread release, and that meant that fans could not connect with it. Furthermore, the Sonic franchise introduced a plethora of new characters throughout the nineteen nineties, overshadowing Ray and limiting opportunities for his inclusion in future titles. Sonic’s character designs also didn’t help. Ray’s design, while endearing, might not have resonated as strongly as more popular characters like Knuckles or Shadow the Hedgehog, which further solidified his position as an obscure character. His character design did not allow him to stick out.

Despite his lack of prominence, Ray cultivated a dedicated fanbase who appreciated his unique design and gameplay potential. Even during his period of obscurity, fans created fan art, fan games, and other forms of media that demonstrated their unwavering support for the character. This passionate fanbase served as a constant reminder of Ray’s potential and kept hope alive for his eventual return. Ray, despite being obscure, never truly died in the minds of the Sonic faithful. The devoted Sonic audience remembers everyone.

Ray’s Triumphant Return in Sonic Mania Plus

After decades of absence, Ray made a triumphant return to the Sonic universe in *Sonic Mania Plus*, an enhanced version of the critically acclaimed *Sonic Mania*. This announcement was met with overwhelming excitement from the Sonic community. Longtime fans rejoiced at the prospect of playing as Ray again, while newer fans were intrigued by the addition of a new character with a unique moveset. Ray’s return was one of the most exciting aspects of *Sonic Mania Plus*.

In *Sonic Mania Plus*, Ray’s gameplay mechanics center around his gliding ability, which sets him apart from other playable characters. Unlike Tails, who can fly for a limited time, Ray glides by flapping his wing-like flaps of skin. This allows him to traverse long distances, cross gaps, and reach hidden areas with precision and control.

Ray’s gliding also allows him to alter his trajectory mid-air, giving him a high degree of control. This enables players to use Ray to reach secrets others cannot, or to traverse stages in all new exciting ways. However, his gliding ability also has limitations. He is vulnerable while gliding, and can be hit if players are not careful.

Ray’s gliding ability encourages exploration and rewards skillful play, making him a valuable addition to the *Sonic Mania Plus* roster. Ray is a very welcome addition to the *Sonic Mania Plus* roster. He brings all sorts of new abilities to the game.

Furthermore, his redesigned sprite in *Sonic Mania Plus* showcases a significant improvement over his original arcade design. The updated sprite retains the charm of the original while incorporating modern graphical techniques, resulting in a visually appealing and expressive character. Ray got a glow-up and it shows.

Analyzing Ray’s Character and Appeal

Ray’s appeal lies in his unique blend of gameplay mechanics and character design. His gliding ability provides a distinct playstyle that differs from other characters, encouraging players to explore stages in new and creative ways.

In *Sonic Mania Plus*, Ray’s personality remains relatively simple, focusing on his enthusiasm and determination to help his friends. His optimistic attitude and willingness to assist others endear him to players, making him a likable and relatable character. He is friendly, but also extremely courageous.

Fans connect with Ray for various reasons. His underdog status resonates with those who appreciate overlooked characters, while his endearing design and engaging gameplay mechanics attract players seeking a fresh Sonic experience. Furthermore, his connection to Mighty, another obscure character, adds to his appeal, as fans often view them as a duo. Both characters deserve more love, and both characters need more chances to shine.

Mighty and Ray have an appeal that is similar. They are characters that are fun to see in the Sonic universe, but rarely do. Both of their designs are unique. Mighty’s design fits a bruiser role, while Ray is fast and agile. They are like yin and yang, two halves of the same coin.

Ray’s Future in the Sonic Franchise

The future of Ray in the Sonic franchise remains uncertain, but the possibilities are vast. His successful return in *Sonic Mania Plus* has demonstrated his potential to resonate with modern audiences, paving the way for potential appearances in future games, comics, or other media. Ray has proven his appeal.

Fans have expressed their hopes for Ray’s continued development, advocating for his inclusion in future Sonic titles with expanded storylines and character development. Many would like to see him in a three-dimensional environment, where he can use his gliding abilities to the fullest extent.

Integrating Ray into the current Sonic universe presents both challenges and opportunities. It requires careful consideration of his existing lore and personality, while also ensuring that his gameplay mechanics remain relevant and engaging. Sega must see that Ray has great potential for any future Sonic games, or even Sonic media. Ray is an untapped potential goldmine.

Ultimately, Ray’s future depends on Sega’s willingness to invest in his character and explore his potential. The benefits of doing so are significant, as it could attract new fans to the franchise, while also rewarding longtime supporters who have long championed his inclusion. Sega must not be afraid to explore Ray’s potential.

Conclusion

Ray’s journey from an obscure arcade character to a celebrated addition to *Sonic Mania Plus* is a testament to the power of fan passion and the enduring appeal of even the most forgotten characters. His story highlights the importance of recognizing and nurturing the unique qualities of each character in the Sonic universe.

Ray’s revival demonstrates the possibilities for characters who have long remained on the sidelines. It also demonstrates how much the fans care for the Sonic franchise, and its history. Ray’s story is a story for all Sonic fans to rally around.

Ray the Flying Squirrel’s story is a testament to the power of fan passion and the enduring appeal of even the most forgotten characters. By embracing his unique abilities and personality, Sega can unlock new avenues for creativity and innovation within the Sonic franchise, ensuring that Ray’s legacy continues to soar for years to come. It is up to Sega to bring him back. Ray’s legacy deserves to continue.