Originally called Sonic the Hedgehog, it has become known as Sonic SatAM to Sonic fans. This is one of the last good quality American cartoons to be made before Japan’s Zyuranger and anime series invaded. Speaking of which, Zyuranger, better known as Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, was what caused Sonic SatAM’s demise.
Back when DIC had a foothold on American animation, they started production on a Sonic cartoon. They made a prototype cartoon and presented it to ABC who was to air it, ABC rejected it. That prototype would later become Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog. DIC went back to the drawing board, and made a much darker and deeper cartoon.
Dr. Eggman, now known by the American name of Robotnik, is no longer trying to take over. The pesky hedgehog was not in his way to do it. Ten years ago he DID take over. A massive fortress appeared above the sky and a wake of factories and robots appeared behind it. Ten years later the city of Mobotropolis is Robotropolis, most of the inhabitants of the entire planet have been subjected to Robotnik’s Robotosizer. A small band of ‘Freedom Fighters’ plot to undo his damage, overthrow the tyrant and bring peace back to Mobius.
Dr. Robotnik is one of the creepier villians to be on American airwaves. Incompetent he is not. He doesn’t have just a few backup plans, he has many. Each plan of his brings him closer to ruling every inch of Mobius. This is not the Robotnik we have come to know as Eggman.
The Sonic in this universe isn’t much different than the one we know. He’s a bit cockier, and lacks in brains the regular Sonic does. He does have access to the same kind of rings from the real Sonic universe. The power rings give Sonic an extra boost of speed. Thrown into a robotosizer they can repel the effects. Tails also makes an appearance, but the Sonic & Tails duo that many fans loved, isn’t appearant in this series. It was to appear in the third season, but was sadly cancelled. Other characters include Bunny, Sally, Antoine, Rotor and Dulcy. Robotnik has his own sidekick, Snively. And kick him he does.
The first season is pretty close to the point. Very dark, and very serious. It’s made known Robotnik has taken over and the Freedom Fighters are working to stop him. The end of the season shows the original pilot, which I can’t help but wonder if it was meant to be Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog or not. Season two has more character developement, more backstory (the characters go back in time and loose ends get wrapped up!), and a little more light hearted humor. There is sadly filler in this season as well.
Everything is wrapped up with ‘The Doomsday Project’. The tyrant gets overthrown, or does he? Snively is shown in the end and threatens to take over, the cliffhanger is left with a pair of eyes. Who are they?
Well written, good music, tons of sound effects, and Sonic’s claim to fame, CHILI DOGS!
Yozuki’s Drive - 9.5
