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• Espio the Chameleon

Espio the Chameleon .:: The Shinobi Chameleon

CHARACTER INFORMATION

Name: Espio

Nicknames: N/A

Race: Chameleon

(Speculation: If you choose to get technical, Espio is probably a Jackson's Chameleon, because that is the only true chameleon with a horn. [It actually has three!])

Gender: Male

Age: 16 years of age

Date of birth: Unknown

Birthplace: Unknown

(Speculation: Isolated Island or Angel Island maybe? Just logical suggestions.)

Height: 110 centimeters (3 feet and 7 inches)

Weight: 36 kilograms (79.2 pounds)

Ability Type: Speed

Physical techniques:

(1). Spin Attack

Description: While in locomotion, Espio can curl down and take on a fetal position, rolling along the ground as a ball at a very high speed and rate of torque, meant primarily for breaking through barriers, or destroying enemies.

In-game debut: Sonic Heroes, Nintendo GameCube, Sony PlayStation 2/Microsoft Xbox, 2004

(2). Spin Jump

Description: Also referred to as the "spinball jump," Espio is able to leap into the air and curl into a spinning, tightly compacted ball of destruction which can destroy enemies and break barriers.

In-game debut: Sonic Heroes, Nintendo GameCube, Sony PlayStation 2/Microsoft Xbox, 2004

(3). Spin Dash

Description: Originally named the "Super Spin Dash," Espio is able to curl down and begin revving up, taking on a diagonally pivoted, ovular shape. Once unleashed, Espio blasts forward in an acceleration roll of high speeds with limited airborne capability, meant to break barriers or mow down enemies.

In-game debut: Sonic Rivals 2, Sony PlayStation Portable, 2007

(4). Whirl

Description: The Whirl is a lot like the Roll for Espio, except instead of rolling into a ball, Espio spins on his tippy-toes like a spinning top tornado and is able to zoom across the ground in a manner similar to the roll, and is used for a similar purpose. It also gives him more vertical range, which makes it more useful. Unfortunately, it hasn't been used or seen since its debut.

In-game debut: Knuckles' Chaotix, Sega Mega 32X, 1995

(5). Whirl Attack

Description: Espio leaps up into the air and begins to spin around to form a tornado (like his Whirl ability) of destruction which can destroy enemies and break barriers. Unfortunately, it hasn't been used or seen since its debut.

In-game debut: Knuckles' Chaotix, Sega Mega 32X, 1995

(6). Whirl Dash

Description: Espio assumes his Whirl tornado formation and spins on his tippy toes like a top, diagonally pivoted and begins to rev up, and is able to unleash forward along the ground at high speeds with limited airborne capability; meant to break down barriers or mow through enemies. It's much like his Whirl form equivalent to the spindash. Unfortunately, it hasn't been used or seen since its debut.

In-game debut: Knuckles' Chaotix, Sega Mega 32X, 1995

(7). Jump Dash/Homing Attack

Description: While airborne in spinball form, Espio can burst forward in a sudden jolt of speed in a linear path, and when an enemy or object is near, the jump can be used to home right into the nearby enemy or object with extreme impact power.

In-game debut: Sonic Heroes, Nintendo GameCube, Sony PlayStation 2/Microsoft Xbox, 2004

(8). Leaf Swirl

Description: Espio jumps into the air and forms the Ram symbol of Ninjitsu with his hands and is enshrouded in a mystical gust of wind and leaves. The ability not only sends his enemies that are caught in the vortex flying high up and rendered helpless, but it also initiates Espio's stealth cloak, making him invisible to the naked eye. How exactly this ability makes his non-skinned areas (like his shoes and gloves) invisible is a mystery.

In-game debut: Sonic Heroes, Nintendo GameCube, Sony PlayStation 2/Microsoft Xbox, 2004

(9). Shuriken Throw

Description: After instigating Leaf Swirl or whilst separate from his team mates Charmy and Vector, Espio can throw giant shuriken stars in front of him that damage enemies and can ricochet off of walls repeatedly for even more strikes.

In-game debut: Sonic Heroes, Nintendo GameCube, Sony PlayStation 2/Microsoft Xbox, 2004

(10). Triangle Jump

Description: Espio basically jump dashes between walls. However, unlike Sonic and Shadow, Espio can remain rooted on a wall for as long as he wishes without the threat of falling off.

In-game debut: Sonic Heroes, Nintendo GameCube, Sony PlayStation 2/Microsoft Xbox, 2004

(11). Chroma Camo

Description: Espio activates his stealth cloak to quickly sneak past his opponents.

Appearance: Sonic Rivals 2, Sony PlayStation Portable, 2007

Abilities and aptitude:

(1). Has the ability to enshroud a stealth cloak, rendering himself virtually invisible. His camouflage abilities are not foolproof, and can be canceled out by something as simply distracting as a sneeze.

(2). With a quick lash from his incredibly strong tongue, he can take out any unwary foe, tossing them around after grabbing them.

(3). Espio is quite literally the master of scaling walls, since he can walk and run on them. He can even walk and run on ceilings and can stand there defying gravity for as long as he sees fit.

Hobbies and talents:

(1). Espio has trained himself devotionally to the arts of Ninjitsu. Because of this, he faces danger head on, unafraid, and with the utmost stealth and cunning. But most of all, Espio can fight well using the unique martial arts style and puts all of the lethal weapons it promotes to professional use.

(2). Has a unique talent of being able to smash right through enemies when he runs since he always ducks his head and protrudes his horn, looking as if he is going to ram something when he is in motion.

(3). Has a good talent at collecting information or gathering research with his good detective skills.

(4). Has a talent in playing a samisen.

(5). Talented with computers (but not by much).

Weaknesses:

(1). Not as skilled with computers as he'd like.

(2). Cannot sustain his stealth cloak if he sneezes or loses concentration even slightly.

Physical Appearance:

- Hot purple body covered in smooth, barely visible scales

- Tan skin muzzle and tan skin heart-shaped tummy/chest

- Vibrant and serious-looking eyes with yellow irises, black pupils and glassy white sclera.

- Frilled head and a long, protruding yellow horn above his muzzle, no visible nose

- Very long, coiled tail

- Three black, contoured spikes on his back

Attire:

- White gloves, topped with triangular violet pads that are trimmed in white

- Gloves are backed by separate cuffs that are black in color, covered in white bandaging in the middle segment and complete with gold-colored buttons/bolts on the foremost segment, overlaid by a tongue with gray compartments

- Violet shoes intact by black straps and have black accents and rubber soles

- Above his shoes are collars taking on similar appearance to the cuffs backing his gloves except without the tongue accessories

Items & weapons: Has a virtually endless assortment of Ninja weaponry such as Shurikens and Kunai of any size, it seems

Vehicle(s): N/A

Personality details:

Espio was once quite the hothead but, thanks to his apparent ninja training, he is the epitome of discipline, order, and wisdom. While Vector is a child at heart and loves to jam, and while Charmy is a loudmouth, Espio is the silent and shady one of the bunch. You ALWAYS gotta have a silent and shady one, after all. However, the silence/shadiness is not of his friends' concern, since that usually just means Espio is meditating and storing spiritual energy and power to unleash in battle.

           Espio has a very militaristic discipline and is always quick to trot; in spite of that he is usually quiet and laidback. However, if you were to congregate with Espio, you'd find he is very opinionated and very self-obsessed. But when things look bad and the outlook is dreadful, Espio is always loyal to his comrades and acts with the utmost determination and stealth; always asserting an intense drive and focus on the mission. Without considering his obvious aptitude and expertise at the martial arts, Espio always thinks his Ninja training is never over.

Historical biography:

           Espio's past is of course a hazy one. He made his debut to the World of Sonic the Hedgehog & Friends at the same time his best friends, Vector and Charmy did. Espio was a Private Detective, and was very interested in the ancient civilization that he believed existed at the island that recently rose from the waters out of nowhere as well as the mysterious Angel Island. He envied Knuckles a bit since Knuckles was a descendant of that civilization and comes from Angel Island. But this interest, nevertheless, ultimately led to Espio's voyage to the mysterious island. However, upon discovering it has been overthrown by Robotnik's Newtrogic High Zone, Espio's luck had clearly changed.

           While Vector, Charmy, and Mighty were frozen in time by means of Eggman's new Combi-Confiner, Espio managed to last a little bit longer before he was also captured and thrown into one of the Combi-Confiner booths. However, before the process was complete, Knuckles managed to come to the chameleon's rescue and free him. While Metal Sonic came to fly its creator to safety, Espio and Knuckles teamed up to go free the rest of their friends. It was only a matter of time before their friends were indeed rescued and the five of them threw a wrench into Eggman's fiendish plot at Newtrogic High Zone.

           As stated in Vector's profile, it is unknown as to whether or not Espio, Vector, and Charmy had the Chaotix Detective Service running before the episode at Newtrogic High Zone or if they started it afterwards — more than likely afterwards, since interestingly enough, Espio was a detective while the other two seemed to have not been, so maybe it was he that suggested the three of them should start a Detective Agency? Nonetheless, Espio's sheer stealth, wise teachings, and disciplined conduct are crucial to keeping the business running.

Personal information:

Greatest friend(s): Vector the Crocodile, Charmy Bee, Mighty the Armadillo, and Knuckles the Echidna.

Other friend(s): Sonic the Hedgehog, Miles "Tails" Prower, Amy Rose, Cream the Rabbit & Cheese, Big the Cat, Shadow the Hedgehog and Silver the Hedgehog.

Rival(s): N/A

Enemy(s): Dr. Ivo "Eggman" Robotnik, Metal Sonic and Eggman Nega.

Likes: Battle training, camping, meditating, self-discipline, collecting information, training for his skills in the arts and code of the Ninja and anything to do with the Ninja way of life, period.

Dislikes: Espio dislikes being fooled; it insults his wisdom and intelligence, and pretty much anything that acts with obnoxiousness or immaturity, which is why he is commonly peeved at Charmy's childishness, just like Vector, though Espio is far less likely to lash out at the bee. Espio absolutely can not stand evil and will do whatever it takes to make sure the perp is punished or, if necessary, killed. He is a ninja, after all, but he tends to let this hatred get to him from time to time, as he's threatened Eggman's life at least once. And he absolutely loathes crooked dealings, it does go against the morals of the Chaotix Detective Agency.

Favorite food(s): Unknown. Because he takes such an interest in Ninjitsu, it's possible he could favor Japanese cuisine.

Favorite color(s): Unknown. Could be black or purple.

Occupation: Shinobi/Detective.

Place of residence: The Chaotix Detective Agency office.

GAME INFORMATION

Franchise name: Espio the Chameleon

Original purpose: Supporting role in Knuckles' Chaotix.

Current purpose: Shinobi Member of the Chaotix detectives; supporting role.

Date of first promotion/presence in the industry: Espio's debut in the industry came along with the release of the 32X title, Knuckles' Chaotix, released first in the US on March of 1995.

Years in service: 14, and still going…

Impact on series: Espio’s always been interesting because of his abilities and overall appearance. His return as a shinobi, however, skyrocketed his popularity, since it, overall, suited him. Critics, however, deem him, as well as anyone and everyone who isn’t Sonic and Eggman, useless to the series.

Original Designer: Unconfirmed. Could've been any of the six character designers for Knuckles' Chaotix.

Design process: Unconfirmed. Espio's design process was probably similar to how all of the others were made. Many design sketches were made and Espio was chosen. Simple as that. However, Espio probably went through the most design sketches since he was the only Chaotix character that was actually made FOR and at the time of Chaotix.

Possible design inspirations: No known design inspiration. Espio seems to be completely original.

Prestigious design variations: 2

+ - current design

— - original design

- 1, Knuckles' Chaotix, 1995 — (image)

- 2, Sonic Heroes, 2003 + (pictured at the top)

Known Game Voice Actors:

Sonic Heroes (JP): Yuki Masuda

Sonic Heroes (US): Bill Corkery

Shadow the Hedgehog (JP): Yuki Masuda

Shadow the Hedgehog (US): David Wills

Sonic Rivals 2 (US): David Wills

Other Known Game Voice Actors: N/A

Non-video game Voice Actors:

Sonic X (JP): Yuki Masuda

Sonic X (US): David Wills

Sonic Games he has been playable in:

(1). Knuckles' Chaotix (Mega 32X)

(2). Sonic the Fighters/Sonic Championship (Arcade)

(3). Sonic Heroes (GameCube/PlayStation 2/Xbox)

       - Sonic Heroes (PC)

(4). Sonic Gems Collection (Nintendo GameCube)

(5). Sonic Rivals 2 (Sony PlayStation Portable)

Other games he has been playable in: N/A

Sonic Games he has made an appearance in:

(1). Shadow the Hedgehog (GameCube/PlayStation 2/Xbox)

(2). Sonic Rivals (Sony PlayStation Portable)

Other games he has made an appearance in:

(1). Shenmue (Dreamcast)

(2). Shenmue II (Dreamcast)

       - Shenmue II (Microsoft Xbox)

(3). Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games (Nintendo Wii/DS)

(4). Super Smash Bros. Brawl (Nintendo Wii)

(5). Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games (Nintendo Wii/DS)

Non-video game portrayals:

(1). Sonic the Hedgehog, SOA-licensed by Archie comics (Comic series)

(2). Sonic the Comic, SOE-licensed by Egmont Fleetway (Comic series)

(3). Sonic X, made in Japan, then later dubbed for US release (Anime TV Series)

(4). Sonic X, SOA-licensed by Archie comics, based on the previously mentioned anime series (Comic series)

Theme Song(s):

Sonic Heroes: "Team Chaotix" by Gunnar Nelson of the Nelson Brothers (Shared with Vector and Charmy of Team Chaotix)

Personal character analysis/commentary (by Nuclear Envoy):

          You know what's unique about Knuckles' Chaotix? Each of the star characters of the Chaotix crew in that game have some special fact about them. Even Espio. He has two, actually. Not only was Espio the only star character of the game that was actually created for Chaotix during its own development, but also seemed to be the original main star of the game, since in prototype screen shots, the title screen says, "Starring Espio the Chameleon," and nobody else is given an introduction. Plus, his name appeared first in the character list at the beginning of each zone. This was at the time when the game was probably being called Knuckles' Ring Star.

          While Vector, Mighty, Knuckles and Charmy were designed or starred in games prior to Chaotix, Espio was the only one created for Chaotix and is the only star character unique to the game. (I wouldn't really call Heavy & Bomb star characters.) It could be safe to assume that Espio's vast array of cool techniques and his fading techni-color skin effect made him the most appealing character of the game at the time. However, even to veteran fans, that is unknown since Chaotix was pretty much a cult favorite. And GOD knows not a lot of people have played Sonic the Fighters to get to know Espio.

          So even back then, Espio's role in the Sonic Universe was quite hazy. He wasn't even somewhat similar to how he is currently portrayed. Thanks to Espio's revival after 9 years from Sonic the Fighters in none other than Sonic Heroes, from a popularity standpoint, Vector & Charmy are no competition for their purple pupil of a chameleon. I mean, Espio's a Ninja. What red-blooded nerd wouldn't think a Ninja is cool? The problem is, his personality in regards to his devotion to the Ninja Code is rather corny and tacky at the same time; as if some amateur historian or culture-freak who just started on studying Japan and had a past of watching bad martial arts films is the one who directed Espio's lines and personality. Lately, this has been fixed somewhat, but that's beside the point.

          But even then, many fans still want to experience Espio's Ninja Power, as he'd describe it. His rash, silent, yet loyal demeanor is definitely commendable. In my opinion, although not as original or fun as Vector, Espio is still definitely a cool addition of the Sonic cast, and me and a lot of other Sonic fans are glad he was revived, although, changed for the worse.