View source for Tails (Sonic the Hedgehog)

{{Short description|Video game character}}
{{italic title|noerror|string=Sonic the Hedgehog|all=yes}}{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2025}}

{{Infobox character
| name = Miles "Tails" Prower
| series = [[Sonic the Hedgehog]]
| franchise = [[Sonic_the_Hedgehog]]
| image = Miles "Tails" Prower Sonic and All-Stars Racing Transformed.png
| caption = Classic (''left'') and Modern (''right'') Tails designs
| first = ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 2]]'' (1992)
| creator = [[Yasushi Yamaguchi]]
| designer = Yasushi Yamaguchi<br/>Yuji Uekawa
| voice = {{Collapsible list|title=[[Japanese language|Japanese]]
| [[Hekiru Shiina]] (1996)
| Kazuki Hayashi (1998)
| Atsuki Murata (2000–2001)
| [[Ryō Hirohashi]] (2003–present)<ref name="btva" />
| [[Takuto Yoshinaga]] (Classic Tails, 2011)
}}
{{Collapsible list|title=
[[English language|English]]
| Christopher Stephen Welch (1993) ([[Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog|AoStH]])<ref name="segabits.com">{{Cite web|title=The REAL "Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog" Tails voice actor speaks up!|url=http://segabits.com/blog/2014/04/15/the-real-adventures-of-sonic-the-hedgehog-tails-voice-actor-speaks-up/|access-date=2021-06-10|website=SEGAbits|date=15 April 2014 |language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140418154958/http://segabits.com/blog/2014/04/15/the-real-adventures-of-sonic-the-hedgehog-tails-voice-actor-speaks-up/|archive-date=2014-04-18}}</ref>
| Chris Turner (1996) ("Sonic Christmas Blast")
| [[Bradley Pierce]] (1993–1994) ([[Sonic the Hedgehog (TV series)|SatAM]])<ref name="btva">{{cite web |title=Miles 'Tails' Prower Voices (Sonic the Hedgehog) |url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Sonic-the-Hedgehog/Miles-Tails-Prower/ |website=Behind The Voice Actors |access-date=31 January 2021 |postscript=. A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information. |archive-date=17 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417112812/https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Sonic-the-Hedgehog/Miles-Tails-Prower/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
| [[Lainie Frasier]] ([[Sonic the Hedgehog (OVA)|1999]])<ref name="btva"/>
| Corey Bringas (1999–2000)
| Connor Bringas (2001)
| William Corkery (2003–2004)
| [[Amy Palant]] (2003–2010)<ref name="btva"/>
| [[Kate Higgins]] (2010–2013,<ref name="blogs.sega.com"/> 2021)
| [[Colleen O'Shaughnessey]] (2014–present)<ref name="sonicthehedhehog.com"/>
| [[Alicyn Packard]] (2022; ''Sonic Drone Home'')<ref name="Megavisions">{{Cite web|url=https://www.megavisions.net/new-sonic-movie-short-sonic-drone-home-available-to-watch/|title=New Sonic movie short, 'Sonic Drone Home', available to watch|date=May 24, 2022|access-date=June 13, 2022|archive-date=September 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922151342/https://www.megavisions.net/new-sonic-movie-short-sonic-drone-home-available-to-watch/|url-status=live}}</ref>
| [[Ashleigh Ball]] (''[[Sonic Prime]]'')<ref name="IGN">{{Cite web |last=Griffin |first=David |date=October 27, 2022 |title=Sonic Prime: Exclusive Release Date and Character Posters Reveal for Netflix Animated Series |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/sonic-prime-release-date-character-posters-netflix |access-date=October 27, 2022 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=October 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221030123816/https://www.ign.com/articles/sonic-prime-release-date-character-posters-netflix |url-status=live }}</ref>
}}
| full_name = Miles Prower
| species = [[Fox]]
}}
'''Miles''' "'''Tails'''" '''Prower'''{{efn|{{nihongo|'''Miles Prower'''|マイルス・パウアー|Mairusu Pauā|lead=yes}}, nicknamed {{nihongo|'''Tails'''|テイルス|Teirusu|lead=yes}}}} is a [[character (arts)|character]] created by the Japanese game designer [[Yasushi Yamaguchi]]. He is a major character in [[Sega]]'s ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' franchise. Tails is an [[anthropomorphic]] [[fox]] with two tails (hence his nickname) who serves as one of [[Sonic the Hedgehog (character)|Sonic]]'s main sidekicks. His full name, Miles Prower, is a [[pun]] on "[[miles per hour]]". Tails is a light yellow fox nowadays but in the earlier cartoons he was more orange and even brown.

Tails first appeared in the 1992 video game ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 2]]''. Yamaguchi designed Tails as part of an internal [[Sega Technical Institute]] competition to create a character to serve as a sidekick to Sonic. He wanted to name the character Miles Prower, but [[Sega of America]] staff resisted. They suggested the name Tails along with a backstory to explain it, which convinced Yamaguchi to acquiesce. Sega compromised by presenting Miles Prower as the character's name and Tails as his nickname.

Tails is characterized as a good-natured mechanical genius and skilled pilot, possessing the ability to fly by spinning his tails similarly to the rotor blades on a [[helicopter rotor]]. Most media depicts him as having been bullied for his intelligence and twin tails until he befriended Sonic; he looks up to Sonic as a role model and desires to be like him. Outside the ''Sonic'' platform games, Tails has starred in ''[[Tails and the Music Maker]]'' (1994) for the [[Sega Pico]], and ''[[Tails Adventure]]'' and ''[[Tails' Skypatrol]]'' (both 1995) for the [[Game Gear]]. Atsuki Murata and [[Ryō Hirohashi]] have voiced Tails in Japan, while [[Colleen O'Shaughnessey]] has provided his English voice since 2014. O'Shaughnessey reprised her role for the [[Sonic the Hedgehog (film series)|live-action film franchise]] distributed by [[Paramount Pictures]].

[[Video game journalist]]s consider Tails one of the most iconic video game sidekicks. His likeness has been featured in merchandise and most ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' adaptations, including [[List of Sonic the Hedgehog printed media#Comic books|comic books]], [[List of Sonic the Hedgehog features#Television series/specials|television series]], and [[List of Sonic the Hedgehog features#Films|films]].

==Concept and creation==
[[File:Sonic 2 Tails Line Art.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Line art of Tails by Yasushi Yamaguchi]]
[[Yasushi Yamaguchi]], originally the main artist and zone designer for [[Sega]]'s [[Sonic Team]], designed Tails for an internal competition for a [[sidekick]] to [[Sonic the Hedgehog (character)|Sonic]]. The character was inspired by a [[kitsune]], a creature from Japanese folklore that could over time grow multiple tails.<ref name="cw">{{cite book |last1=Harris |first1=Blake J. |title=Console wars: Sega, Nintendo, and the battle that defined a generation |date=2014 |publisher=HarperCollins |isbn=978-0-06-227669-8 |edition=First |location=New York}}</ref> The character was also meant to hold a "deep admiration for Sonic".<ref name="Naka interview 96">{{cite web |title=Interview With Yuji Naka: Creator of ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' |url=http://www.sega.com/features/allsonic/creator/naka04.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19970605172353/http://www.sega.com/features/allsonic/creator/naka04.html |archive-date=June 5, 1997 |access-date=August 28, 2008 |website=[[Sega]]}}</ref>

While Yamaguchi's entry won, Sega of Japan wanted to name the character "Miles Prower" (the surname being a play on "per hour"), whereas the American subsidiary Sega of America preferred the moniker "Tails". Sega of America crafted a compelling backstory for the character to convince the Japanese parent company and Sonic Team to have him named "Tails". Yamaguchi ended up with a compromise, using "Miles Prower" as the character's real name; "Tails" would be his nickname, giving the character the full name of Miles "Tails" Prower.<ref name="cw"/>

The character debuted as Sonic's tag-along partner in the franchise's second game and has remained an important character since. However, the character's uniqueness was not established until ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 3]]'' (1994), when players were given the power to control his flying (the [[CPU player|AI]] would make Tails fly when he would move off-screen).<ref name="IGN smash">{{cite web |url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/827/827234p1.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071013214224/http://wii.ign.com/articles/827/827234p1.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 13, 2007 |title=Smash It Up! - Sonic Team |date=October 2007 |access-date=2009-03-24}}</ref>

Tails was redesigned (along with all of the other [[List of Sonic the Hedgehog characters|''Sonic'' characters]]) by Yuji Uekawa for ''[[Sonic Adventure]]''. His fur changed color to a more yellow shade as opposed to the orange in his early appearances, and he gained blue irises. In the American ''[[List of Sonic the Hedgehog printed media|Sonic]]'' comic book, along with the ''[[Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' and ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (TV series)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' cartoons, he was originally brown, as the only color reference of Tails provided to [[DIC Entertainment]] by Sega of America was an early sprite of Tails, which depicted him with a burnt orange color scheme; the comic artists and cartoon artists eventually decided to change Tails' fur color to match his in-game appearance.

===Voice portrayal===
[[File:Colleen O'Shaughnessey Photo Op GalaxyCon Columbus 2022.jpg|165px|right|thumbnail|[[Colleen O'Shaughnessey]] (pictured in 2022) has been the voice actress for the character in most English language media since 2014.]]
Throughout the years, Tails has been voiced by several different voice actors. In the Japanese dubs, Tails was voiced by [[Hekiru Shiina]] in 1996, Kazuki Hayashi in 1998, Atsuki Murata from 2000 to 2001 and by [[Ryō Hirohashi]] since 2003.<ref name="btva"/>

On ''[[Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog]]'', Tails was originally voiced by [[Russi Taylor]] in the unaired pilot, Christopher Stephen Welch would later take over and voice the character throughout the entire series, excluding the Christmas special where he was voiced by Chris Turner.<ref name="segabits.com"/> He was then voiced by [[Bradley Pierce]] in ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (TV series)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' and then by [[Lainie Frasier]] in ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog: The Movie]]''.<ref name="segabits.com"/><ref name="btva"/> Corey Bringas would voice Tails in ''Sonic Adventure''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nguyen |first=Lisa |date=June 27, 2017 |title=The 8 Best Voiced Characters In Video Games (And The 7 Worst) |url=https://www.thegamer.com/the-8-best-voiced-characters-in-video-games-and-the-7-worst/ |access-date=December 24, 2024 |website=[[TheGamer]] |publisher=[[Valnet]] |language=en |archive-date=October 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221023103345/https://www.thegamer.com/the-8-best-voiced-characters-in-video-games-and-the-7-worst/ |url-status=live }}</ref> His brother, Connor Bringas, would voice Tails in ''Sonic Adventure 2''. William Corkery would then take over in ''Sonic Heroes''.

Beginning in 2003 with the ''[[Sonic X]]'' anime series, he was voiced by [[Amy Palant]] who would later take over the role in the video games, starting with ''[[Shadow the Hedgehog (video game)|Shadow the Hedgehog]]'' in 2005.<ref name="btva"/> Palant was replaced by [[Kate Higgins]] in 2010, beginning with ''[[Sonic Free Riders]]''.<ref name="blogs.sega.com">{{cite web|url=http://blogs.sega.com/2010/07/15/out-of-the-mouths-of-hedgehogs/|title=SEGA Blog - Out of the Mouths of Hedgehogs|website=blogs.sega.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006110845/http://blogs.sega.com/2010/07/15/out-of-the-mouths-of-hedgehogs/|archive-date=2014-10-06}}</ref> She continued to voice the character until 2013, where her final role as Tails was in ''[[Mario & Sonic at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games]]'',<ref name="blogs.sega.com"/> though she reprised her role in 2021 for the ''Sonic Colors: Rise of the Wisps'' miniseries. Since 2014, Tails has been voiced by [[Colleen O'Shaughnessey]], including in the television series ''[[Sonic Boom (TV series)|Sonic Boom]]'' and the [[Sonic the Hedgehog (film series)|live-action films]].<ref name="sonicthehedhehog.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.sonicthehedgehog.com/boom/en/sonic-boom-tv-overview/sonic-tv-credits/ |title=Sonic Boom |access-date=September 22, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923085525/http://www.sonicthehedgehog.com/boom/en/sonic-boom-tv-overview/sonic-tv-credits/ |archive-date=September 23, 2015 }}</ref> In the 2022 Sonic short film, ''Sonic Drone Home'', Tails is voiced by [[Alicyn Packard]].<ref name="Megavisions"/> In the [[Netflix]] series ''[[Sonic Prime]]'', Tails is voiced by [[Ashleigh Ball]].<ref name="IGN"/>

==Characteristics==
The character of Tails is portrayed as a very sweet-natured, gentle, kind, comforting,<ref name="Tails Sonic Adventure Profile">[[Sega]] (1999). ''[[Sonic Adventure]]'' instruction manual, pp. 20</ref> and humble fox.<ref name="Sonic Heroes profile">[[Sega]] (2004). ''[[Sonic Heroes]]'' instruction manual, pp. 7</ref> As a longtime friend,<ref name="Tails Sonic Adventure Profile"/> he admires Sonic<ref name="Sonic Adventure 2 profile">[[Sega]] (2001). ''[[Sonic Adventure 2]]'' instruction manual, pp. 8</ref> and dreams of being just like him.<ref name="Sonic Advance 2 profile">[[Sega]] (2001). ''[[Sonic Advance 2]]'' instruction manual, pp. 4</ref> He wants to prove that he can be counted on, and has fought [[Dr. Eggman]] and his robots without the aid of Sonic before.<ref name="Sonic Central profile">{{cite web |author=Sega of America |publisher=Sega of America |url=http://www.sega.com/sonic/globalsonic/post_allabout.php?article=soniccharacters | title=Tails' official character profile from Sega of America |access-date=2008-03-10 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090217221441/http://www.sega.com/sonic/globalsonic/post_allabout.php?article=soniccharacters |archive-date=2009-02-17 }}</ref> He is fond of [[Mint (candy)|mint candy]].<ref name="Sonic Jam profile"/> Despite overcoming most of his fears and becoming very bold, Tails remains [[Astraphobia|keraunophobic]].<ref name="Sonic Jam profile">[[Sega]] (1997). ''[[Sonic Jam]]'', Sega Saturn. Sonic World's Character Profiles (in [[English language|English]])</ref> Tails is not intended to be a selfish character and instead, is always ready and willing to help others without asking for anything in return.

Tails has been described as a mechanical prodigy who rivals Dr. Eggman but has not yet realized his full potential.<ref name="Sonic Adventure 2 profile"/> Coupled with his skills as an airplane pilot, he uses a biplane nicknamed "Tornado" to assist Sonic on their adventures.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Sonic Adventure|developer=Sonic Team|quote='''Sonic:''' I'm just glad you're okay. What happened anyway? You're too good of a pilot to just crash like that. / '''Tails:''' That was a test run using a new prototype propulsion system. It's got a few bugs to iron out. / '''Sonic:''' Why not just use my plane, the Tornado?}}</ref> Additionally, by spinning his two tails like a [[helicopter]] rotor, he has the unique ability to push himself through the air<ref name="Tails Sonic Adventure Profile"/> to catch up with Sonic; however, this tires him quickly, hence his use of planes.<ref name="Tails Sonic Adventure Profile"/> Unlike Sonic, Tails can swim. Like Sonic, he can transform into Super Tails, but he requires either the Chaos Emeralds or the Super Emeralds to transform, depending on the game. Also, when in this form (in ''Sonic 3 and Knuckles'' only), a swarm of [[Flicky|Flickies]] circle Tails. This was seen first as what seemed to be a one-time appearance in ''Sonic the Hedgehog 3 & Knuckles'' and then again in ''Sonic Heroes'', where alongside Team Sonic members Sonic and Knuckles, would transform themselves into their super forms.<ref name="Tails Sonic Advance 1 Actions">[[Sega]] (2001). ''[[Sonic Advance]]'' instruction manual, pp. 9</ref>

==Appearances==
===In video games===
Tails debuted in November 1992 with the release of ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 2]]'', playing the part of Sonic's sidekick.<ref>{{Cite web |last=James |first=Matt |date=February 24, 2021 |title=Why Tails Became the Ultimate Sidekick—and Star of Some of the Strangest Fanfic Around |url=https://www.theringer.com/2021/2/24/22297981/tails-character-study-sonic-the-hedgehog |access-date=February 23, 2024 |website=[[The Ringer (website)|The Ringer]] |language=en |archive-date=February 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240223031815/https://www.theringer.com/2021/2/24/22297981/tails-character-study-sonic-the-hedgehog |url-status=live }}</ref> He was a playable character from the second controller and could be chosen as player one for the main game, though he did not possess the ability to fly.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kalata |first=Kurt |date=July 6, 2018 |title=Sonic the Hedgehog 2 |url=http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/sonic-the-hedgehog-2/ |access-date=December 23, 2024 |website=[[Hardcore Gaming 101]] |language=en-US |archive-date=November 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211111/http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/sonic-the-hedgehog-2/ |url-status=live }}</ref> He made his second appearance on the Game Gear/[[Master System]]-controlled game ''[[Sonic Chaos]]'' (1993), where the player could control Tails and the first time the player could control his flight.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McGrath |first=Jim |date=February 18, 2019 |title=Sonic Chaos |url=http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/sonic-chaos/ |access-date=December 23, 2024 |website=[[Hardcore Gaming 101]] |language=en-US |archive-date=November 25, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191125042218/http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/sonic-chaos/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Tails also made a minor cameo in ''[[Sonic CD]]'' for the Sega CD, appearing in the [[debug mode]] unlock screen.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Sonic CD|date=September 13, 1993|developer=Sonic Team|publisher=Sega|level=Debug mode unlock}}</ref> Tails makes an appearance alongside Sonic in the little-known arcade game, SegaSonic Popcorn Shop, a Japanese arcade game which also dispenses popcorn after playing the game.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The SegaSonic PopCorn Shop - and bonus Waku Waku Sonic Patrol movie |url=https://www.ukresistance.co.uk/2007/08/segasonic-popcorn-shop-and-bonus-waku.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012234132/https://www.ukresistance.co.uk/2007/08/segasonic-popcorn-shop-and-bonus-waku.html |archive-date=October 12, 2007 |access-date=December 23, 2024 |website=[[UK Resistance]]}}</ref>

Tails made his third major appearance in the 1994 game ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 3|Sonic 3]]'' (along with a game simultaneously developed, ''[[Sonic & Knuckles]]''), with the ability to pick up Sonic and use his tails to fly him to other areas rotating his tails like a helicopter. He also gained the ability to swim underwater, something Sonic has never been able to do.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Huston |first=Gabrielle |date=July 25, 2017 |title=Things Tails Can Do That Sonic Can't (Besides Fly) |url=https://www.thegamer.com/sonic-tails-vs-comparison-trivia-abilities/ |access-date=December 24, 2024 |website=[[TheGamer]] |publisher=[[Valnet]] |language=en |archive-date=July 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230729211145/https://www.thegamer.com/sonic-tails-vs-comparison-trivia-abilities/ |url-status=live }}</ref> This is also the first time the player could control Tails' flight in a [[Sega Genesis]] game. Tails has also starred in games without Sonic, such as ''[[Tails' Skypatrol]]'', which is a side-scrolling score attack-like game for the Game Gear released exclusively in [[Japan]]. This was followed by ''[[Tails Adventure]]'' later the same year, which is a ''[[Metroid]]''-esque platformer with [[Role-playing game|RPG]] elements.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.greatgamesexperiment.com/game/TailsAdventure |title=Play Tails Adventure on Great Games Experiment |access-date=2011-12-16 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100222030339/http://www.greatgamesexperiment.com/game/TailsAdventure |archive-date=February 22, 2010 }}</ref> Tails is also the star of ''[[Tails and the Music Maker]]'' for the [[Sega Pico]].

In later games, Tails had roles that require unique modes of play including ''[[Sonic Adventure]]'', where he appears as one of the six playable characters.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=2011-12-16|archive-date=2015-05-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150528015341/http://www.sega.com/games/game_temp.php?game=sonicdx|publisher=Sega.com|title=Sega of America|url=http://www.sega.com/games/game_temp.php?game=sonicdx|url-status=live}}</ref> His gameplay is based around standard platforming stages, but the goal of each stage is to race against Sonic or Eggman to get to the goal first. In ''[[Sonic Adventure 2]]'', he is featured in [[third-person shooter|third-person-shooting]] segments, seated in his "Cyclone" mech.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sonicteam.com/sonicadv2/0413/character_e.html|title=SONIC ADVENTURE 2|publisher=Sonicteam.com|access-date=2011-12-16|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927004239/http://www.sonicteam.com/sonicadv2/0413/character_e.html|archive-date=2011-09-27}}</ref> These stages, along with Dr. Eggman's shooting levels in the same game, were very similar to the E-102 Gamma levels of ''Sonic Adventure''. In ''Sonic Adventure'', he was given a theme song "Believe In Myself", of which another version appeared in ''Sonic Adventure 2''.

Tails also appeared either as a playable character or in a supporting role in many later ''Sonic'' titles and still often resumes his role flying other characters around, such as in ''[[Sonic Heroes]]'', where Tails appears on Team Sonic as their flight-type character, being capable of carrying both Sonic and [[Knuckles the Echidna]]. He is the third character the player unlocks in ''[[Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood]]'', where he acts as a team medic.

Tails appears in ''[[Sonic Unleashed]]'', where he helps Sonic restore the shattered planet, largely by flying Sonic from continent to continent in the game.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/video/945572/6194260/sonic-unleashed-e3-2008-stage-show-demo|title=Sonic Unleashed E3 2008 Stage Show Demo|publisher=GameSpot.com|date=2008-11-18|access-date=2011-12-16}}</ref> He also takes a supporting role in ''[[Sonic and the Black Knight]]'', portrayed as a local blacksmith who helps players craft goods from the items Sonic collects.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Newton |first=James |date=March 20, 2009 |title=Review: Sonic and the Black Knight (Wii) |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/2009/03/sonic_and_the_black_knight_wii |access-date=December 22, 2024 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB |archive-date=December 4, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241204125715/https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/2009/03/sonic_and_the_black_knight_wii |url-status=live }}</ref> Tails appears as a playable character in all of the ''[[List of Mario sports games#Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games series|Mario & Sonic]]'' titles, as well as in ''[[Sega Superstars Tennis]]'', ''[[Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing]]'', and [[Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed|''Transformed'']]. He also appears in ''[[Sonic Colors]]'' as a [[non-playable character]].

Tails celebrates Sonic's birthday along with his friends by setting up a party in ''[[Sonic Generations]]'', but when the Time Eater appears, it warps them through various time holes, sending Tails to Green Hill. After Sonic frees him, Tails meets his classic counterpart (Classic Tails) and concludes that they were traveling through time and space. They accompany both Sonics throughout the game, later discovering that Eggman and Robotnik are controlling the Time Eater. Both Classic and Modern Tails, along with all of Sonic's friends, help motivate the 2 Sonics to defeat the Time Eater.

The feature to play as Tails was added to the 2011 enhanced port of ''Sonic CD''. He later appeared as a co-op character in the [[Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II|second episode of ''Sonic 4'']]. Tails was added as a playable character in the enhanced port of ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (1991 video game)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' released in 2013 for mobile devices, and also allowed players to opt for the "Sonic and Tails" mode as well.

Sonic and Tails end up facing a group of villains allied with Dr. Eggman, called the Deadly Six when they are shot down while chasing him in the Tornado in ''[[Sonic Lost World]]''. They run into Eggman and notice him wielding a Cacophonic Conch to control the Deadly Six. Despite Tails' warnings, Sonic knocks away the conch, causing the Deadly Six to betray him. Eggman reluctantly teams up with Sonic and Tails to stop them. This causes numerous conflicts between Tails and Eggman and increases tension in his friendship with Sonic since Sonic believes Eggman is their only hope in defeating the Deadly Six. Eventually, Tails gets captured in a trap intended for Sonic, and the Deadly Six plan to use this to their advantage by turning Tails into a robot. However, Tails manages to reprogram the computer that would control his mind. The seemingly-robotized Tails confronts Sonic at the game's final stage, but by retaining his free will, he takes the Deadly Six by surprise and attacks them. Later on, after Sonic defeats Eggman at the game's climax, Sonic apologizes to Tails for doubting him. Tails forgives him and the two return home.

He is a playable character in the 2017 video game ''[[Sonic Mania]] Plus'', playing like his older incarnations along with Sonic, Knuckles, Mighty, and Ray.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Oloman |first=Jordan |date=March 16, 2018 |title=Sonic Mania Plus for PS4, Xbox One, Switch Adds New Characters, Competitive Mode |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/03/16/sonic-mania-plus-for-ps4-xbox-one-switch-adds-new-characters-competitive-mode |access-date=December 23, 2024 |website=[[IGN]] |language=en |archive-date=December 4, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241204075129/https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/03/16/sonic-mania-plus-for-ps4-xbox-one-switch-adds-new-characters-competitive-mode |url-status=live }}</ref> He also appears as a playable character in the [[Sonic Boom (TV series)|''Sonic Boom'']]-themed games ''[[Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric|Rise of Lyric]]'', ''[[Sonic Boom: Shattered Crystal|Shattered Crystal]]'' and ''[[Sonic Boom: Fire & Ice|Fire & Ice]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 23, 2011 |title=Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric Guide |url=https://www.ign.com/wikis/sonic-boom-rise-of-lyric/ |access-date=December 23, 2024 |website=[[IGN]] |language=en |archive-date=July 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240724133108/https://www.ign.com/wikis/sonic-boom-rise-of-lyric/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Tails appears as one of 12 playable characters in the 2019 kart racing game ''[[Team Sonic Racing]]'' as well.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cooper |first=Dalton |date=May 22, 2019 |title=Team Sonic Racing Characters List: Here is Every Racer in the Game |url=https://gamerant.com/team-sonic-racing-characters-list/ |access-date=December 23, 2024 |website=[[Game Rant]] |publisher=[[Valnet]] |language=en |archive-date=June 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220607100117/https://gamerant.com/team-sonic-racing-characters-list/ |url-status=live }}</ref> 

Tails was also featured in the Sonic the Hedgehog Level Pack of ''[[Lego Dimensions]]''. He is also playable if the player uses the Tornado as Sonic to fly around the world. In the story mode for the Sonic level titled "Sonic Dimensions", Tails assists Sonic using the Tornado and his technological knowledge. In the hub world, Tails has a side quest for the player to aid him in disabling all of Eggman's roboticists. Tails is a supporting non-playable character in ''[[Sonic Forces]]'', finding Classic Sonic and joining up with the resistance in opposing Dr. Eggman and Infinite.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Deogracias |first=Elisha |date=December 7, 2017 |title=Fur-endship is magic – Sonic Forces review |url=https://gamingtrend.com/feature/reviews/fur-endship-is-magic-sonic-forces-review/ |access-date=December 23, 2024 |website=GamingTrend |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Greif |first=Zackari |date=November 7, 2022 |title=Sonic Forces Five Years Later: What It Got Right |url=https://gamerant.com/sonic-forces-five-year-anniversary-good-resistance-eggman-empire/ |access-date=December 23, 2024 |website=[[Game Rant]] |publisher=[[Valnet]] |language=en |archive-date=December 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221222083544/https://gamerant.com/sonic-forces-five-year-anniversary-good-resistance-eggman-empire/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

In ''[[Sonic Frontiers]]'', Tails along with Amy and Knuckles are trapped in Cyberspace, with Sonic releasing their digital form from cages and they help him find the Chaos Emeralds and set them free.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=November 14, 2022 |title=Tails Side Story - Sonic Frontiers Guide |url=https://www.ign.com/wikis/sonic-frontiers/Tails_Side_Story |access-date=December 23, 2024 |website=[[IGN]] |language=en |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207112945/https://www.ign.com/wikis/sonic-frontiers/Tails_Side_Story |url-status=live }}</ref> While having a moment with Sonic, Tails expresses his self-doubt and belief that he is a burden to Sonic who is always rescuing him during crises, and that his helpfulness is wildly inconsistent, but Sonic comforts him by reminding Tails of his achievements and abilities and needing help sometimes is part of growing up, this strengthens Tails' resolve to go solo for a while and become a hero in his own right.<ref name=":0" />

He also appears as a downloadable Mii Fighter costume in the crossover fighting games ''[[Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U]]'' and ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate|Ultimate]]'', as well as being featured as a Spirit in the latter. Tails appears as an unlockable playable character in ''[[Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania]]'' and ''[[Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble]]''.

===In other media===
Tails is a supporting character in the animated series ''[[Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog]]'', ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (TV series)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'', ''[[Sonic X]]'' and ''[[Sonic Boom (TV series)|Sonic Boom]]'', as well as the [[Sonic the Hedgehog (OVA)|1996 ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' film]]. Tails also makes a guest appearance in the ''[[OK K.O.! Let's Be Heroes]]'' episode "Let's Meet Sonic". Tails appears in the [[Sonic the Hedgehog (film)|2020 ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' film]] during a mid-credits sequence, emerging from a ring portal on Earth in search of Sonic. Tails is featured as a main character in the sequel, ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (film)|Sonic the Hedgehog 2]]'', the logo of which features a yellow "2" with two tails attached in homage to the character. He is voiced by [[Colleen O'Shaughnessey]], reprising her role from the games. In the film, Tails was shunned on his home planet for having two tails but grew to idolize Sonic after witnessing his bravery when facing off against Dr. Robotnik. He travels to the planet to warn Sonic about Knuckles hunting him down to locate the Master Emerald and teams up with his hero to find the Emerald first, though he's initially afraid to do so, claiming he's not "a field guy." He still assists Sonic with his flight and various gadgets throughout their journey, culminating in them teaming up with Knuckles to stop Robotnik from conquering the universe. After they succeed, they agree to safeguard Master Emerald as they live together with Sonic's adoptive family, the Wachowskis. Tails also appears in the first episode of [[Knuckles (TV series)|''Knuckles'']], voiced again by O'Shaughnessey.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Petski |first=Denise |date=February 8, 2024 |title='Knuckles': 'Sonic The Hedgehog' TV Spinoff Gets First Trailer & Premiere Date At Paramount+ |url=https://deadline.com/2024/02/knuckles-sonic-the-hedgehog-spinoff-trailer-premiere-date-1235818690/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240303170644/https://deadline.com/2024/02/knuckles-sonic-the-hedgehog-spinoff-trailer-premiere-date-1235818690/ |archive-date=March 3, 2024 |access-date=March 3, 2024 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]}}</ref> In the third movie of film series, ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (film)|Sonic the Hedgehog 3]]'', Tails, once again voiced by O'Shaughnessey, continues to be the "gadget guy" of Sonic's team as they try to stop Shadow the Hedgehog, providing crucial technical help, such as holograms, to aid Sonic.

Tails, and alternative versions of himself, appear in ''[[Sonic Prime]]'', all of them voiced by [[Ashleigh Ball]], after Sonic shatters the Paradox Prism and the universe, creating alternative dimensions in the process.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Griffin |first=David |date=December 27, 2022 |title=Sonic Prime: Exclusive Release Date and Character Posters Reveal for Netflix Animated Series |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/sonic-prime-release-date-character-posters-netflix |access-date=December 23, 2024 |website=[[IGN]] |language=en |archive-date=October 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221030123816/https://www.ign.com/articles/sonic-prime-release-date-character-posters-netflix |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=McCoy |first=Joshua Kristian |date=May 22, 2023 |title=Sonic Prime Season 1 Ending, Explained |url=https://gamerant.com/sonic-prime-season-1-ending-explained/ |access-date=December 23, 2024 |website=[[Game Rant]] |publisher=[[Valnet]] |language=en |archive-date=July 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230724160540/https://gamerant.com/sonic-prime-season-1-ending-explained/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Several alternative Tails are created, one being Nine, who never met Sonic and was bullied throughout his life.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Mullings |first=Nadia Grace |date=April 5, 2024 |title=Sonic: Best Versions Of Tails, Ranked |url=https://gamerant.com/sonic-best-versions-tails/ |access-date=December 23, 2024 |website=[[Game Rant]] |publisher=[[Valnet]] |language=en |archive-date=June 13, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240613172009/https://gamerant.com/sonic-best-versions-tails/ |url-status=live }}</ref> He became bitter and isolated as a result, and created seven artificial tails for himself as weapons.<ref name=":1" /> He is initially distrustful of Sonic but eventually warms up to him.<ref name=":1" /> Other versions are the feral and seemingly unintelligent Mangey and the pirate mechanic Sails.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Zahed |first=Ramin |date=December 23, 2022 |title='Sonic Prime' Leads Reveal the Souped-Up Secrets of the New CG Netflix Series |url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/2022/12/sonic-prime-leads-reveal-the-souped-up-secrets-of-the-new-cg-netflix-series/ |access-date=December 23, 2024 |website=[[Animation Magazine]] |language=en-US}}</ref> In print, he is a supporting character in the [[Archie Comics|Archie]]-produced ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (Archie Comics)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' comic series, the [[Fleetway]]-produced ''[[Sonic the Comic]]''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Champa |first=Madelyn |date=December 20, 2024 |title=Sonic the Hedgehog Is Celebrating Its New Movie By Making Its Hit Comics Cheaper Than Ever |url=https://screenrant.com/sonic-the-hedgehog-movie-comics-humble-bundle-sale/ |access-date=December 23, 2024 |website=[[Screen Rant]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Heath |first=David |date=July 18, 2022 |title=Sonic the Comic: 8 Things That Made It Special |url=https://gamerant.com/sonic-the-comic-best-things/ |access-date=December 23, 2024 |website=[[Game Rant]] |publisher=[[Valnet]] |language=en |archive-date=August 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220823170012/https://gamerant.com/sonic-the-comic-best-things/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and the [[IDW Publishing|IDW]]-produced ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (IDW Publishing)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' comic series. Tails is also a main character in the intercompany [[Crossover (fiction)|crossover]] ''[[DC X Sonic the Hedgehog]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=DC’S JUSTICE LEAGUE AND SONIC THE HEDGEHOG TEAM UP FOR GLOBAL COLLABORATION ACROSS COMIC BOOKS AND CONSUMER PRODUCTS |url=https://www.dc.com/blog/2024/09/24/dc-s-justice-league-and-sonic-the-hedgehog-team-up-for-global-collaboration-across-comic-books-and-consumer-products |access-date=2025-01-02 |website=DC |language=en-us}}</ref> In the miniseries, he partners with [[Cyborg (DC Comics)|Cyborg]] during the team up with the [[Justice League]] to defeat [[Darkseid]]. In the second half of the miniseries, Tails also dons a suit of armor resembling Cyborg's components, and becomes a reserve member of the [[Teen Titans]].

==Reception==
Tails has received widely positive reception. He was awarded "Best New Character" in ''[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]''{{'}}s 1992 video game awards, stating "Not only is he as cute as Sonic, but he serves a major purpose in the game."<ref name="egmbuyersguide1993">{{citation |year=1993 |title=Electronic Gaming Monthly's Buyer's Guide |page=20}}</ref> ''[[IGN]]'' editor Lucas M. Thompson listed Tails as one of the ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' characters who should be in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'', citing his importance in the series and his abilities.<ref>{{cite web|author=Lucas M. Thomas |url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/827/827234p1.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071013214224/http://wii.ign.com/articles/827/827234p1.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 13, 2007 |title=Smash It Up! - Sonic Team - Wii Feature at IGN |publisher=Wii.ign.com |access-date=2011-12-16}}</ref> Tails is remembered for helping ''Sonic 2'' become the highest-selling game for Genesis by allowing a second player to join the game.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.primagames.com/games/sonic-generations/feature/15-greatest-moments-sonic-hedgehog-history|publisher=[[Prima Games]]|last=Workman|first=Robert|date=March 12, 2014|access-date=March 14, 2014|title=15 Greatest Moments in Sonic the Hedgehog History|archive-date=March 17, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140317004244/http://www.primagames.com/games/sonic-generations/feature/15-greatest-moments-sonic-hedgehog-history|url-status=live}}</ref>

''Maximum PC'' listed him as their third-greatest sidekick, describing him as the "Yin to Sonic's Yang."<ref>{{cite magazine |date=2011-11-22 |title=Thanks Buddy!: 25 of Gaming's Greatest Sidekicks |url=http://www.maximumpc.com/article/features/thanks_buddy_25_gamings_greatest_sidekicks#slide-22 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130310132220/http://www.maximumpc.com/article/features/thanks_buddy_25_gamings_greatest_sidekicks#slide-22 |archive-date=2013-03-10 |access-date=2012-08-15 |magazine=Maximum PC}}</ref> [[Maxim (magazine)|''Maxim'']] listed him as the eighth-most-underrated sidekick.<ref>{{cite magazine |author=Tweet |title=The 10 Most Underrated Sidekicks Ever |url=http://www.maxim.com/movies/the-10-most-underrated-sidekicks-ever |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130114010041/http://www.maxim.com/movies/the-10-most-underrated-sidekicks-ever |archive-date=2013-01-14 |access-date=2012-08-15 |magazine=Maxim}}</ref> Ranking him as the sixth-greatest, [[Mashable]] stated that Tails embodies the definition of a sidekick.<ref>{{cite web |date=November 18, 2013 |title=The 15 Greatest Video Game Sidekicks of All Time |url=http://mashable.com/2013/11/18/video-game-sidekicks/#gallery/video-game-sidekicks/528a10e6b05f9d064d007d20 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140322231833/http://mashable.com/2013/11/18/video-game-sidekicks/#gallery/video-game-sidekicks/528a10e6b05f9d064d007d20 |archive-date=March 22, 2014 |access-date=March 20, 2014 |publisher=[[Mashable]]}}</ref> [[Sonic the Hedgehog (character)|Sonic]] and Tails were together ranked as ninth-greatest video game duo as unlike most ''Sonic'' characters, Tails has received consistently positive opinions from the ''Sonic'' fanbase over the years.<ref name="duos">{{cite web |last=Thomas |first=Lucas M. |date=June 5, 2013 |title=Top 25 Gaming Duos |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/06/05/top-25-gaming-duos?page=2 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140111074734/http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/06/05/top-25-gaming-duos?page=2 |archive-date=January 11, 2014 |access-date=April 2, 2014 |website=IGN}}</ref> ''[[Official Nintendo Magazine]]'' listed him as the second-best ''Sonic'' character, comparing him to [[Luigi (character)|Luigi]] from the ''[[Mario (franchise)|Mario]]'' franchise.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Nintendo Feature: The best and worst Sonic characters |url=http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/50022/features/the-best-and-worst-sonic-characters/?page=4 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141008235655/http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/50022/features/the-best-and-worst-sonic-characters/?page=4 |archive-date=2014-10-08 |access-date=2014-05-04 |magazine=Official Nintendo Magazine}}</ref> Tails was rated the third-most-popular character in the franchise, behind Sonic and [[Shadow the Hedgehog|Shadow]], in an official poll from Sega in 2009.<ref>{{cite web |title=Official Popularity Poll results |url=http://sonic.sega.jp/SonicChannel/event/016/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091215064017/http://sonic.sega.jp/SonicChannel/event/016/index.html |archive-date=2009-12-15 |website=sonic.sega.jp |language=ja}}</ref>

Not all assessments have been positive. ''[[GamesRadar+]]'' listed him as number one on their list of "Cutesy Characters We Want to Beat the Crap Out of", believing that his character deteriorated from a likable, quiet sidekick to an annoying, overly talkative "tech nerd" predisposed to pretentiously complicated dialogue in later games.<ref>{{cite web |date=21 April 2008 |title=Top 7... Cutesy Characters We Want to Beat the Crap Out of |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/top-7-cutesy-characters-we-want-to-beat-the-crap-out-of/?page=7 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014045913/http://www.gamesradar.com/top-7-cutesy-characters-we-want-to-beat-the-crap-out-of/?page=7 |archive-date=2012-10-14 |access-date=2010-01-05 |publisher=[[GamesRadar+]]}}</ref> ''IGN'' editor Levi Buchanan argued that the favorable response to Tails as well as Knuckles resulted in Sega overextending the cast starting with ''Sonic Adventure'', adding characters who deviated from the series' core gameplay and diluting focus on Sonic himself.<ref name="IGN wrong">{{cite web |last=Buchanan |first=Levi |date=February 2009 |title=Where Did Sonic Go Wrong? |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/02/20/where-did-sonic-go-wrong?page=2 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110831064313/http://retro.ign.com/articles/955/955741p2.html |archive-date=2011-08-31 |access-date=2009-02-27}}</ref>


==See also==
*[[Foxes in popular culture, films and literature]]
*[[Fox spirit]]
*[[Kumiho]]

==Notes==
{{Notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080129181556/http://www.sonic-city.com/en/characters/tails/index.html Tails at Sonic-City] (archived)
* [http://sonic.sega.jp/SonicChannel/character/tails.html Tails at Sonic Channel] {{in lang|ja}}

{{Sonic the Hedgehog characters}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Tails}}
[[Category:Adoptee characters in films]]
[[Category:Animal superheroes]]
[[Category:Anthropomorphic foxes]]
[[Category:Animal characters in video games]]
[[Category:Anthropomorphic animals]]
[[Category:Fictional anthropomorphic characters]]
[[Category:Child characters in film]]
[[Category:Child characters in video games]]
[[Category:Fictional aviators]]
[[Category:Fictional inventors in video games]]
[[Category:Fictional mechanics]]
[[Category:Fictional mecha pilots]]
[[Category:Fictional scientists in video games]]
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[[Category:Orphan characters in video games]]
[[Category:Sonic the Hedgehog characters]]
[[Category:Video game characters introduced in 1992]]
[[Category:Fictional characters who can move at superhuman speeds]]
[[Category:Video game sidekicks]]
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