What Animal is Tails? An In-Depth Look at Sonic‘s Iconic Sidekick

Miles "Tails" Prower, Sonic the Hedgehog‘s loyal fox sidekick, has been running right behind the Blue Blur for over 30 years. With his signature double tails swirling behind him, Tails brings unique abilities and an endearing personality that has made him a fan favorite.

But what kind of animal is Sonic‘s best buddy Tails? Let‘s spin through his history and get the inside scoop!

Tails is a Bright Yellow Fox with Signature Twin Tails

Tails is an anthropomorphic fox with luxuriously soft, bright golden yellow fur covering most of his body. His muzzle, chest and stomach areas feature white fur. Wide blue eyes and a small black nose complete his cute foxy look.

Of course, Tails’ most distinctive feature is his twin tails. These large, fluffy appendages resemble a fox tail split in two. Their bushiness often hides their length, which allows them to fully encircle Tails’ body when spread apart.

When twirled like helicopter rotors, these twin tails give Tails the unique ability of self-propelled flight to keep up with Sonic’s speed.

Conception and Creation of the Two-Tailed Wonder

Sonic’s best friend entered the world during the development of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 in 1992. The Sega Team wanted a sidekick for Sonic that brought complementary abilities but didn‘t steal the spotlight.

Early concepts included:

• A rabbit who could use its ears to fly.
• An armadillo that could curl into a ball like Sonic.
• A fox cub that could grab Sonic’s wrists as he ran.

Ultimately, they chose the flying fox cub idea and added an extra tail to emphasize flight and match the faster gameplay. His double tails represented mileage or speed capability doubling over Sonic 1. Thus the two-tailed fox known as Miles Prower came to be!

The name “Miles Prower” reinforces this speed association as a pun playing on the word “miles per hour”. But his famous nickname “Tails” sticks to the iconic dual tails that set him apart.

Why Tails Has Been Important to the Sonic Franchise

As Sonic’s ever-present companion, Tails serves both gameplay and story purposes:

Gameplay

Tails’ flying ability opened up vertical level designs and aerial routes inaccessible to Sonic. His swimming skills likewise expanded underwater areas Sonic can’t access.

Co-op mode allows a second player to control Tails in many titles too. This introduces multiplayer to appeal to wider audiences.

Story

The little fox’s presence lets Sonic’s helpful and protective side shine. As an surrogate little brother figure, Tails admiringly follows Sonic’s lead while also receiving encouragement in return.

Tails also plays the inventing prodigy role, building gadgets and vehicles critical to defeating Eggman. His tech genius complements and often exceeds Eggman’s own mechanical prowess!

Tails By the Numbers

Since his creation 30 years ago alongside Sonic 2, Tails has appeared in countless games and spinoff media. Some key stats for the fox:

Additionally, as per Sega’s official style guide for the Sonic world:

• Tails is 8 years old as of 2022
• He weighs 20 kg (44 lb)
• He measures 80 cm (2 ft 7 in) tall

So while small in stature, his importance to Sonic looms large thanks to his long history!

Tails‘ Abilities – More Than Just Flying

Tails brings far more to the table than just the ability to fly via tail propeller. He possesses an arsenal of strengths that any member of Sonic’s team would envy!

Let’s break down key areas where this fox excels:

Flight

• Achieves flight by twirling his two tails like rotary blades
• Top air speed clocks around 300-400 mph
• Great maneuverability with aerial loops, rolls and turns

Swimming

• Excellent swimmer using his twin tails as a propeller
• Can tread water for extended periods

Intellect

• Genius-level IQ makes him a true mental prodigy
• Specializes in mechanical engineering and computer programming
• Can repair and modify most vehicles and systems

Inventing

• Designs and builds custom vehicles ideal for Sonic’s missions
• Tech wizardry rivals Eggman’s mechanical prowess
• Has created AI like mecha sidekick T-Pup

Combat

• Favors avoidance and flight over direct confrontation
• Trained in basic self-defense by Sonic and Knuckles
• Occasionally uses gadgets like boomerang tails and projectiles

Tails has both brain and (twin) brawn!

Signature Vehicles Built By Tails

Throughout his appearances, Tails frequently dazzles with amazing vehicles he designs specifically for Sonic’s missions:

Tornado

Tails’ red biplane seen in numerous titles. Sonic rides the wings while Tails pilots. Armed with machine guns and missiles.

Cyclone Walker Mode

Transforms from mech walker to flight mode. Debuted in Sonic Adventure. Jets and laser cannons provide offense.

Blue Typhoon Spacecraft

Massive battle cruiser created for Sonic X series. Includes a bridge, living quarters, garages and Power Cannon weapon.

Tails Continues Entertaining Generations

Even three decades later, the appeal of Sonic’s twin-tailed friend shows no signs of wearing out. Tails‘ likable personality paired with his cool mutations like flight make him a uniquely captivating character.

While his origins may be as Sonic’s helpful protégé, Tails has grown into a confident hero that kids and adults alike adore to this day. The future promises plenty more two-tail spinning action from this iconic fox!

So in summary, while Sonic may be the hedgehog that hogs the headlines, let’s not forget about his foxy friend! Tails delivers awesome abilities and buddy charm in one fluffy golden package. That’s why he remains a fan favorite even 30 years later!