Vector the Crocodile was one of the many Sonic heroes to be introduced in 1995’s Knuckles
Chaotix.
While the game didn’t get the hype it really deserved – thanks to it be released on the
unpopular Sega 32X console – Vector the character has managed to endure the years
and become a beloved supporting character, appearing in 25 games either as a playable
character, in a cameo, or as an unlockable trophy.
So today, we’re diving deeper into this character, from his humble beginnings, to
what he’s been up to these days with our list of the top 10 Vector the Crocodile Surprising
Facts!
10 His First Video Game Appearance While Vector was created by Sega long before
he first debuted in a Sonic game, with his first appearance being Knuckles Chaotix as
a playable character.
The game takes place after Sonic 3 & Knuckles, in the aftermath of the Death Egg saga.
An island rises from the water – Newtrogic High Zone – and Vector goes to it after
hearing a rumor that a miracle of God had caused the island to appear.
Instead of finding the spiritual inspiration he sought, he ends up getting kidnapped by
Eggman and is later rescued by Knuckles, teaming up with him and the other members of the Chaotix
– Espio the Chameleon, Mighty the Armadillo and Charmy Bee.
Later, along with Espio and Charmy, Vector would undergo a bit of a revision for Sonic
Heroes to better adapt the characters and their motivations to that game when they appeared
as Team Chaotix.
Vector would physically become stockier in order to make him fit better into his power
type role on the team.
9 His Necklace One of Vector’s most memorable physical
attributes is the big old gold chain that he always wears around his neck.
This was never part of his original design, though.
It came to be in Knuckles Chaotix when Vector put his ring around his neck – in the game,
there’s something called Ring Power that serves as the justification as to why players
can play as two characters at once.
When Vector is wearing him around his neck, it looks like a gold necklace, similar to
what the modern day version of the character now dons.
But before he got his official gold necklace, Vector appeared to have a black band around
his neck, which optically separated his head from the rest of his body, but this was later
removed, despite appearing on his sprite sheet for Sonic Jump – a game he never actually
made it into since the app ceased updates.
8 Chaotix Detective Agency Vector is the leader of the Chaotix Detective
Agency, and the trio itself.
The agency is an organization that consists of Team Chaotix, all working as detectives,
but it has a bit of a reputation for being broke – this is because Vector likes to
take on many a charity case.
The Agency first appeared in Sonic Heroes – the game that reinvented Vector, Espio
and Charmy – which had them working a case for Robotnik, who initially approached them
anonymously, but Vector and the gang deduced that he was the one behind the mysterious
communication.
The Detective Agency also appeared in Shadow the Hedgehog and Sonic Chronicles The Dark
Brotherhood.
7 Espio the Chameleon Vector and Espio go way back – the croc
and chameleon first debuted together in Knuckles Chaotix, and since, are generally paired together
in Sonic games, both being members alongside Charmy Bee of Team Chaotix.
Even though they’re pals, Vector has a tendency to get on Espio’s nerves – sometimes,
Vector’s loud behavior causes him to overshadow Espio – there’s a moment in Sonic Colours
where he begins to wonder where Espio has gone off to, only to realize the calm and
serious chameleon has been standing right next to him the whole time.
To be fair, dude can camouflage like no other.
In another example, during Sonic Generations, Vector inhales three chili dogs – the true
meal of heroes as far as the Sonic Universe is concerned – and Espio shakes his head
in embarrassment.
Regardless, the two have a great partnership – Espio is often the voice of reason, and
Vector the heart.
6 His Personality Vector, as described by his character card
in Sonic Generations, is a croc with attitude.
I quote, “Despite his scaly exterior and often aggressive manner, deep down, Vector
has a kind heart.
While he may seem like he’s only about the money, he always helps those in need for free.”
This is one of the many things that he and Espio find themselves at odds about – Vector
taking on a case pro bono, even if Espio, out of logic, advises against it.
But at the end of the day, Espio always trusts Vector’s intuition.
5 Abilities Vector, as we mentioned, is a Power Type,
and has a whole lot of physical strength.
He’s been known to destroy thick metal alloys and boulders with a single punch can throw
heavy objects quite high and uses his body weight to his advantage in battle when slamming
down on enemies to crush them.
His jaw is also incredibly powerful – he can crush almost anything with it.
And while he may not be as fast as Espio, he can definitely keep up.
Also, fun fact, Vector is the second tallest organic non-human Sonic character, with the
tallest being none other than Big the Cat.
Cause hey, they’ve gotta give Big something, right?
4 Music References Vector has always had a soft spot for music
– it’s an aspect of his character that was present right from his initial creation,
but more on that later.
Vector’s appreciation for music goes beyond just being a personality trait - he’s made
numerous references to popular songs over the years, most prominently in Sonic Generations.
When he says to Sonic, I quote, “You’ve got the power Sonic!”
this is a reference to the song The Power by German band Snap, in which they sing the
lyrics “I’ve got the power!”
Vector also references the Jackson 5 and their song I’ll Be there when he says “Just
press the triangle button and I’ll be there” which is a reference to the lyrics Just call
my name and I’ll be there.
The button he says differs depending on the console you’re playing Generations on.
Side note, Vector loves to perform, and he and the rest of the Chaotix even bust out
a tune in Sonic Heroes.
3 Find the Computer Room!
The 2005 Shadow the Hedgehog game brought us many gifts – Shadow wielding guns, family-friendly
characters cursing, and just a whole lot of fodder for memes.
One of which was spawned from a line that Vector says in the game – Find the computer
room!
It spread like wildfire on the internet, with people crafting memes of Vector saying his
infamous line in various situations.
Here are a few.
2 His Mouth Vector is a creature of many talents.
And so is his mouth.
For starters, Vector has notoriously bad breath.
Aside from being absolutely awful, it’s also a really effective move of his – and
a versatile one.
He uses it to spit out sound waves and fire to attack his enemies.
While the sound waves are more so due to his powerful voice – which he gets from singing
– it can also be used as a destructive weapon.
Vector also is a pro at chewing gum – actually – he has blown massive bubbles before to
ride through the air or to knock projectiles away, and even use the bubbles as projectiles
themselves when combined with his spitting abilities.
Gross, but useful.
1.
His Creation Vector was originally conceived by Sega to
be one of the members of the Sonic the Hedgehog Band during the early development of the first
Sonic game that was released in 1991.
The band was supposed to be part of Sound Test – with the band playing and Sonic breakdancing
in front of them - but was eventually dropped from the final version of the game because
of time constraints.
Vector played the keyboard, which is where his interest in piano has originated from.
Early concept sketches that were of the band and included in the SEGA Mega Drive Genesis
Collect Works art book feature Vector, and hint at the idea that the band and its members
were to have more prominent appearances in the game, including the end title card.
This makes Vector one of the oldest characters of the Sonic series, alongside the likes of
Sonic himself, Doctor Eggman, and Flicky – a colorful bird that would become the name of
a race of birds that inhabit many of the early Sonic games.
The initial Flicky had her own game in 1984 before being integrated into the world of
Sonic.
There we have it, friends!
How many of the facts on our list did you already know about Vector?
If he’s your favorite Sonic character, how come?
Give us a shout about all things Vector in those comments below!
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