Ray the Flying Squirrel: Sonic's Flying Squirrel
1113 words | Reading time: 6 minutes
CharacterSonic Mania PlusMighty the Armadillo
A yellow-furred flying squirrel, Ray was created by SEGA designer Manabu Kusunoki, who also fathered Mighty the Armadillo. Shy and jittery but forever optimistic, he debuted in 1993 in SegaSonic the Hedgehog, a Japan-only arcade cabinet in which three heroes captured by Dr. Eggman try to escape. Missing from Knuckles' Chaotix in 1995, he then vanished from the games for nearly twenty-five years, until his playable return in Sonic Mania Plus in 2018. His signature remains the Air Glide: the membrane stretched between his limbs lets him dive and then climb back up, much like Knuckles.
Shy, a glider, and long forgotten: Ray the Flying Squirrel is one of the most delightful curiosities in the Sonic universe. A companion from the very early days, he disappeared for a quarter of a century before a triumphant return. This flying squirrel is inseparable from his best friend Mighty. Here’s a portrait of a hero from the shadows.
Summary
Who is Ray the Flying Squirrel?
Ray is an anthropomorphic flying squirrel with yellow fur. Conceived by SEGA designer Manabu Kusunoki — the same person who designed Mighty — he was envisioned as a companion for Sonic alongside unusual animals. In terms of personality, he is the shyest and most nervous of the group, but an eternal optimist with an almost childlike temperament.
The Whole Crew
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Arcade Debuts
Ray made his grand debut in SegaSonic the Hedgehog, an arcade game released in 1993 (in Japan only). He was one of three playable heroes, alongside Sonic and Mighty the Armadillo, all captured by Dr. Eggman and determined to escape. A trio that already left an impression, even if Ray would later fall into oblivion.
25 Years of Oblivion… and the Big Return
Surprisingly, unlike Mighty, Ray does not appear in Knuckles' Chaotix (1995). He then disappeared from games for nearly 25 years! It wasn't until Sonic Mania Plus (2018) that he finally reappeared as a playable character, alongside his inseparable Mighty. A much-anticipated comeback, celebrated by long-time fans.
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Gliding, His Signature Move
Ray's great specialty is Air Glide. Thanks to the membrane of skin stretched between his limbs, he glides for long distances: by diving and then regaining altitude, he can stay in the air for a very long time and reach inaccessible areas. Be careful, this is not motorized flight like Tails' propeller-tail: Ray glides, similar to Knuckles, but faster. A capability that makes his gameplay in Mania Plus particularly enjoyable.
Ray and Mighty: Inseparable
You never introduce Ray without Mighty the Armadillo. The two companions, united since their shared capture in SegaSonic, form the "Mighty and Ray" duo: where Mighty relies on strength and his shell, Ray glides through the air. This friendship is found in both games and comics: in Archie, the duo is regularly associated with the Chaotix, while in IDW, Ray — excluded from the main "Modern Sonic" continuity — has only a marginal presence.
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Ray's Identity Card
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Species | Flying Squirrel |
| First Appearance | SegaSonic the Hedgehog (arcade, 1993) |
| Ability | Air Glide |
| Playable Return | Sonic Mania Plus (2018) |
| Best Friend | Mighty the Armadillo |
| Absent From | Knuckles' Chaotix (1995) |
In Summary
An ephemeral arcade star, disappeared then resurrected by Sonic Mania Plus, Ray the Flying Squirrel proves that no hero is ever truly forgotten in the Sonic universe. A big-hearted glider, loyal to Mighty, he has finally reclaimed the place he deserved in the hearts of fans.
FAQ
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What species is Ray?Ray is a flying squirrel. Not to be confused with his best friend Mighty, who is an armadillo.
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In which game does Ray first appear?In SegaSonic the Hedgehog, an arcade game released in 1993 in Japan, alongside Sonic and Mighty the Armadillo.
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What is Ray's special ability?Air Glide: thanks to the membrane between his limbs, he glides over long distances and can dive then regain altitude to stay in the air longer. He glides, he does not fly in a motorized way like Tails.
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Is Ray playable in Sonic Mania Plus?Yes: added in 2018, he is playable in Mania mode and can be selected as Sonic's starting partner in Encore Mode (along with Mighty).
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Was Ray in Knuckles' Chaotix?No. Unlike Mighty, Ray is not featured in Knuckles' Chaotix (1995). His association with the Chaotix only comes from the Archie comics, not the games.
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Who is Ray's best friend?Mighty the Armadillo. The "Mighty and Ray" duo is inseparable, both in games and comics.
