[All this week or within a few weeks time, I'll be giving some opinion and backstory to the characters of the Sonic series. Think of them as character reviews.]

It's 1990 and Sega's Genesis console has had a steady go so far. Superiors are asking up and comer Yuji Naka for a new mascot to replace Alex Kidd. After many zany and goofy ideas, Naka and his small team come up with a blue, superfast hedgehog named Sonic. A star is born!

Sonic made his debut on the Genesis in 1991. Rivaling Nintendo's Mario, Sonic had a lot to offer gamers. Many (including myself at age three) were drawn in by his cool attitude and fast gameplay. His first self-titled game would go to sell millions and inspire many sequals.

As the series moved on, Sonic would joined by many interesting characters including his best friend Tails (a two tailed fox) and his friendly rival Knuckles (a red echidna). Together they formed Team Sonic, battling against Robotnik and his cronies. In Sonic CD, the blue dude with a 'tude would earn both a copy (Metal Sonic) and a love interest (Amy Rose).

Sonic's first outing in full 3D was in Sonic Adventure for the short-lived Sega Dreamcast. The game would retain the speed that the series became fanous for all the while introducing new characters and play elements.

Sonic has always been seen as cooler and edgier than Mario. He is able to run at lightning fast speeds (between Mach 1 and 2), curl up into a ball to use a spindash, and even transform into the all powerful Super Sonic!

However, as of late, the gaming community has seemed to abandon Sonic. Recent 3D platformers in the series have been panned by both purist fans and reviewers. Has it finally happened? Has Nintendo's stereotypical plumber and motion-sensitive console finally beaten Sega and their prodigy?

I've never given up on Sonic and never will.

What about you?