Actually, we totally know what Knuckles knows. Let me summarize: -Knuckles is the guardian of both the Master Emerald and the Chaos Emeralds. One day when he’s checking on the Chaos Emerald shrines, they all teleport away for an unknown reason and Knuckles fails to locate them, he does not know where they are prior to the events of the game. -Knuckles is aware of the ancient prophecies such as the mural you mentioned and upon seeing the Death Egg recalls one in particular that said that a giant egg will bring disaster to the island. -Knuckles does not know the Death Egg is related to Eggman. He instead thinks it’s the egg of a „legendary dragon“ that will destroy the island. This dragon was later confirmed to be Perfect Chaos. Yeah, knowing what we know now, he had every right to be scared there. -You might think it’s weird that Knuckles didn’t see the connection between Eggman’s face and the Death Egg, but, and I shit you not, the manual actually implies that Knuckles *can’t see very well.* Echidnas are known as „needle moles“ in Japan and moles are known for having poor eyesight. *He literally couldn’t see the Eggman face on the Death Egg from a distance.* This obviously is a trait that was never followed up on, but it’s still really interesting. -Eggman told Knuckles he was a scientist researching the dragon egg. He claimed that Sonic was an Emerald thief and kept interrupting his work. So in order to to protect the Emeralds and help Eggman get his work done so the disaster coming from the egg could be averted, Knuckles joined forces with Eggman and attacked Sonic. Sonic actually having the missing Chaos Emeralds didn’t exactly help the Emerald thief accusation either. The Japanese manual explains pretty much everything there is to know, but the American version literally cut out all of the interesting stuff. There’s another part of the story that I haven’t even mentioned that talks about how there once was an ancient civilization that used the Emeralds to prosper, but it was wiped out overnight and „the gods“ lifted their homeland to the sky, creating the Floating Island. Yes, they were already foreshadowing Sonic Adventure. Even crazier, this story of this ancient civilization was already featured in the Japanese manual of Sonic 2. Yes, they either had all of this planned out or built on the previous titles in an incredibly precise manner. People don’t give the Classic games enough credit for storytelling.

I had no idea he *kills everything* when he glides into a wall

So what your saying is... *the real hyper transformations where the friends we made along the way*

Honestly, Knuckles was and still is my favorite Sonic character, and I miss when he was a cool, loner character who had ties with both Angel Island and the Emeralds and only got involved when they were in stake. Now he’s kind of a meme character that’s seen as Sonic’s angry doofus friend.

I just had a debate over small details in games with my friend. He said they didn’t matter. I’m glad you agree that small details matter. Keep up the good work, fight the hard life, and don’t let Knuckles steal yo girl!

7:26 I never even noticed Knuckles was pointing down. I always thought he was tapping his chest for some reason

Sega should hire you to write Sonics official lore.

All I can think of is that old “super knuckles is pink” animation lmao

Knock knock. *It's knuckles*

"You turned _PINK_ bro!" Seriously tho, I've been binging your vids as of late, and seeing your sub count double over a single week is so satisfying. You deserve it.

Man, I thought I was the only one that "played out" certain scenes in the game. Like acting appropriately during the automated "cutscene" sections, dragging out the fight with Knuckles, stuff like that. Then this video pops up and I see the same stuff.

I'm really glad you made this. I've been a big fan of the Rad Red, ever since I got into the series. It makes total sense why someone in Knuckles' position to get tricked by Dr. Eggman, and you explained that perfectly. I also like to mention that a big part of Knuckles' character is that he's a loner. This means, by nature, Knuckles doesn't trust anyone, which is why he's quick to blame someone, he hasn't met. This has been a big part of his character since Sonic 3, as he does things mostly by himself in that game, Sonic Jam has his bio state that he's shy to girls, and his Adventure theme songs makes a big deal about how he's a loner, and that he prefer to do things by himself, "adversaries get shelved". It's one of his biggest weakness, and what I find most relatable to him. It's very possible Knuckles didn't trust Dr. Eggman in Sonic 3, either. Sure, he did believe that Sonic was the bad guy, but that doesn't mean he wasn't suspicious of Eggman too, and so he kept the Master Emerald in the HIDDEN Palace zone, so both couldn't keep their hands on it, but because Sonic made the Death Egg fall, it landed on Hidden Palace zone as we see it looming in Lava Reef Zone, which is how Dr. Eggman found it. I just hate how he's only gullible because he's "dumb" nowadays, even though Knuckles has shown to be very smart, as he was always one step ahead of Sonic throughout Sonic 3 & Knuckles. This guy has been stated as a Master Martial Artist, and world's greatest treasure hunter by Sonic himself. Dr. Eggman has tricked Sonic many times, and no one bats an eye. It's been hard to be a fan of the character when everyone always reminds you that he's not the same character I once knew. He's not a loner anymore, he doesn't guard the Master Emerald, and they don't mention him being that last of his kind. Now he's just some gullible sidekick to Sonic who has no purpose anymore. Very good video! And I hope it does well!

I hope one day Sega actually remember their lore lol.

Just want to say how much I've appreciated these S&K videos my dude. I was around in 94 when I first played S&K. Takes me WAY BACK TO GOOD TIMES. Been following you on here for ONE WEEK. And you have my support Sir. Thank you

It's like the reincarnation of Cybershell. S3&K is one of my favorite games of all time and I never realized it was such a masterclass in subtext.

3:48 "Unlike Sonic who he CUCKLES" You have me dying here Nick xD

Man, my rad red Knuckles bein' the real chad here protecting the Master Emerald.

7:25 i always imaged these specific lines when seeing that animation *HEY ROBOTNIK! WHAT DO YOU THINK YOUR DOING PUT THAT DOWN!*

Awesome video, Nick! I gotta say that I love your exploration of Knuckles' character development, especially with how effective the "show, don't tell" change of heart Knuckles has right after his duel with Sonic (and right after Eggman steals the Master Emerald). If there's one bit of poetic bookend to Knuckles' transformation from antagonist to protagonist in Sonic lore that I like to share, it's that I love that Knuckles pushes a switch that opens a bridge to help you in Sky Sanctuary Zone. This is kinda important, because every time he pushed a switch during Sonic 3 and Sonic & Knuckles beforehand, it was always to mess you up in your adventure. But when Knuckles is helping you to stop Eggman and retrieve the Master Emerald, he pushes a switch to help you enter Sky Sanctuary Zone proper. Anyways, great video! I want to watch more of your content - Sonic-related or otherwise. :D

"Toot toot Knuckles warriors" Good thing I watched your CD critique yesterday, that reference would probably fly right over my head otherwise

Knuckles looks like he was dipped in Pepto Bismo

Knuckles is my favorite Sonic character.

This is automatically my new favorite channel and is blowing the fuck out of my mind with all of the small details, I’m 16 and have been playing these games all of my life and have never noticed these touches such as the mural and knuckles in the bushes on the cover. These videos too are very inspirational. Great job man, I’ll look forward to everything you put out.

This mans needz mor subz Edit: I finally got Sonic’s Ultimate Genesis Collection to play S3 and for first time

Knuckles has always been my favorite character. Ever since his appearance in Sonic 3 I've been fascinated by him and then I discovered Sonic & Knuckles and that I got to play as him? It instantly became my favorite game. Then I was even more thrilled when I discovered Sonic 3 & Knuckles. I could play both my favorite games with my favorite character. It doesn't get better than that.

Here's my interpretation of knuckles' intelligence: Kinda dumb, definitely gullible, but not stupid. He doesn't really think much, and after eggman set the right mood, he just went into punch mode and tunnel visioned everything else out. After sonic beat some sense into him, and he saw what eggman was doing behind his back, he put 2 and 2 together and cleaned up the mess.

Your videos are a breath of fresh air. I love how you go into so much depth and detail about my all time favorite Sonic The Hedgehog game storyline. We've needed someone to talk about this for a long time. Thank you for doing so! :)

7:29 - 7:30 You had me dying there. Lol thanks I played this part like a 1000 times and never once did I notice him pointing downwards to the pedestal. Great vid. Also very unhappy with the way they portray Knuckles in other media, red dude deserves more respect.

You know who I'd like to see in game one day? Chaos Knuckles.

Hey man, great work on all these videos! Keep it up!

Hello there. I wanted to mention i just recently found out about your channel and even as a non sonic fan i have to say that the content you provide is fairly interesting and even i kinda want to play the older sonic games now. So keep going!

"Unlike Sonic who he chuckles" dude. i choked on my burrito for a good 3 seconds.

I should not have teared up over this. (Knuckles is my favorite Sonic character) But I did. Thank you.

Man, I only discovered this channel a few weeks ago, but I already love it. You've helped bring me such a greater appreciation for Sonic's old school games and lore. Sonic 2 has been my favorite, but you're convincing me to give a much deeper look to Sonic 3 & Knuckles.

I actually like that you made the "Toot toot, Sonic Warriors" your closing line, it's pretty charming 😁

Damn, you put more thought into this character than SEGA. Love these videos and your nerding out, it's so fun and genuine.

Best line from the Sonic OVA... "I'M KNUCKLES, I'M SONIC'S *BEST FRIEND* !!"

These videos have made me appreciate sonic. Honestly, I was part of the crowd that said sonic was never good, but because of the game apologist, I just got sonic mania and now I’m hooked!

I like how all of the Hyper forms and Tails a super form have their own abilities

And I can use my whirling fists like wheels... and my feet like feet! This killed me

Great video. Knuckles was my favorite character from day one of his introduction. Not really sure how I never noticed the details of the mosaic in the Hidden Palace.

That thumbnail is really something

Absolutely amazing! I've been a Sonic fan for a long time and seeing such an in-depth look at all these games reminds me just how much I love the classic series. It's such a shame how our blue blur has been treated as of late. Hoping the movie isn't a disaster and new games are finally decent for once.

I love these dissection videos, analyzing in depth the characters and why they matter to not only this game's story, but the greater narrative overall! You have a really neat ability to explain the significance of these seemingly one-note characters, and are able to recgonize their actions and motivations, making for a really enioyable video! I'm looking forward to your next work, Sonic or not! Keep it up, man!

8:12 - Come to think of it Knuckles could very easily see that art as Robotnik fighting against and evil spikey fire monster. The Death Egg might be Knuckles going, "It's the savior of prophecy!"

10:13 The moment you said "come out the other side" I farted

Dude your channel has singlehandedly made me care about sonic more than I ever would have from playing any game in the series lol your passion really shines through in these videos and I am happy you are getting the attention you deserve !

Knuckles is one of my favorite Sonic characters of all time. I always had fun gliding around and climbing walls while playing as him back on the Genesis/Mega Drive. Oh, such good times.

Sees video about Knuckles Me:Meh Sees "And Knuckles" in the title Me: *clicks at hyper speed*

Man after discovering your channel I've just been re-watching all your videos, I like how refer to your history with the subject matter, definitely deserve more subs.

I like to imagine when knuckles grows old, he will look back at the damage the island sustained. He’d recall how upset he was after sonic came through tearing the place up. But, then he’d think how that’s not really true. Then, he’d look at the same bits of damage with a slight smile, recalling the splendid memories of old.

I'm glad to hear you really take a deep dive into this game. I consider it one of the best games of its console generation but it's often overlooked while Nintendo titles are held on a pedestal.

The Monsters Inc reference was perfect.

As a knuckles main I really enjoyed this video. Thanks for sharing your views on the topic because not enough people talk about it.

Knuckles whacking sonic through the paper was hilarious, imaging trying to read something only to have a fist fly through it 😂

I love this channel! Your editing is amazing, I expected a half a million subbed channel with this kind of quality! You are the perfect representative of my childhood and how I see Sonic games! Subscribed and Liked, can't wait to see ALL types of your content going forward

Clicked as soon as I saw this, you’re a damn good content creator. Never stop 👍

I'm really glad I watch this video. The way you ended things talk about how now he's for once not alone was actually pretty moving. It's awesome you can get that from a storyline where there isn't any dialogue.

True. the Mural only shows eggman and sonic fighting for the master emerald. Never who is the bad guy. It makes sense that Knuckles wouldn't know which is which. Great video.

The Archie version of Knuckles is the best version of him period. Not only is he the most powerful version of Knuckles, but he’s the most sensible and interesting version of the character.

5:23 - "This Sparkling Rat Is the reason I'm Here, and now. He's coming for you." Me: no please don't... 7:29 - "Put dat thing where it came from before i aaa" Me: Calm down, Knuckles.

Best video yet! Love the humor sprinkled in, found myself chuckling several times throughout the video. Keep it up!!

My man, your newer vids came to us and we laughed a lot. You have some of the most entertaining retrospectives I’ve seen in months.Really hope more subs come around to hear the gold you speak. Cheers.

Hyper nakels, mi personaje de hyper knuckles adventure favorito

It's amazing how no words but instead just a little imagination and interpretation can do to make a great story thanks man keep up the good work

Yep. Subscribed. You're very insightful and well-spoken. I think I'm finally up to date on your videos now, and I feel like I have an even deeper appreciation for these games which shaped my childhood. Also, I rewatched your rant in the Sonic 1 episode about ten times. Everything about it is brilliant. Looking forward to following you, man.

It’s so amazing , last week you were just at 10k subs , I’m very proud of you for reaching over 20k, you seriously deserve it and this is literally as of right now my favorite channel 💯 Continue doing what you’re doing Nick! Super Proud and I can’t wait to see your sub count at the end of 2020 !

i have a theory: mecha sonic was sent ahead of eggman to angel island to trick knuckles into thinking sonic was the villain. when sonic arrives, he clearly mistook sonic for mecha sonic, whom eggman was able to convince him was the mastermind of the robots appearing and such. all of which is false, but knuckles doesn't know any better. he lived most of his life without socializing. so yeah the first time, he could be fooled. also id like to think knuckles is socially awkward once made part of sonics team. decades of isolation cant be good for socializing.

I miss when Knuckles was cool, at least the boom cartoon makes him funny.

I love your perspective. Please keep posting more videos

i love your presentation skills. It definitely shows that you put a ton of work into these! Keep it up man you have a gift!

Ratatin gaming referens

This was really well done.

RIP Game apologist, I just discovered your channel and in-depth analysis of one of my favorite video game trilogies and now you're on your merry way out... It was fun while it lasted... Jokes aside, really looking forward to your next work!

1:36 LMAO just like Dr. Eggman's saying from Sonic Adventure *Talks like Dr. Eggman* "Get a Load of This!"

0:58 had me dying laughing😂😂😂😂😂

“Unlike Sonic I don’t chuckle” *Literally chuckles in his first appearance*

30k!!!! Nice job man I love your work so keep at it can’t wait for 100k

Hey, Nick. Stumbled across your content a few months back with the Sonic Forces episode and have recently re-stumbled into it for a bit of a binge session over the last week. In general appreciating the writing, delivery and editing in these vids. It's also nice to see some measured responses from someone else who's been around since the start. Excellent work! That said, the most interesting part for me has been these deep dives into the meaning behind S3&K's story. It's a game I've played countless times but I never really thought too hard about the growth aspects presented by these transformations. I'm finding myself with a new level of appreciation for a game I thought I couldn't love more and I wanted to thank you for that. Definitely earned a sub and then some. Looking forward to seeing what you're cooking up in the future.

0:51 Whoa wait, what? Back up, back up... you can _skip_ the Super transformation?

3:17 I really hope you cover him

I love your reads of these characters and narratives

Keep up the great content dude! Came here from the algorithm the other day, but love your videos. You’re like Cybershell but more energetic lol.

Vine por Ratatin gaming

2:39 It's Eukaryot, the maker of Sonic 3 Angel Island Revisited (A.I.R.), duh.

Sonic and Knuckles teaming up needs to be a more frequent event

I just spent past few days and watched these Sonic videos, im a fan and im gonna be checking out all your other content. This is golden stuff chief!

3:47 "Unlike sonic who he cuckolds" **Spittake** lol

A sonic KZfaqrs trending, never thought I’d see the day 😭😂

7:14 monsters ink reference lol this is a epic video hits all the FACTS!

i just discovered your channel about half a day before this vid, and i already love it all, keep doing what you do man! (in a healthy amount and state)

Knuckles is not just one of my favorite, if not THE favorite Sonic Characters, he's also one of the most important video game characters in my life. Buuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuut that's several pages of me writing, talking about my life and history, and much longer than a KZfaq comment.

I miss The Super Emeralds

KZfaq has honestly been so dry of actually in-depth Sonic video essays but you have started this series and I’m here for it. Can’t wait for you to cover more Sonic games.

Hyped for your last video on S3&K!

Right, super and hyper knuckles should be canon, he protected the master emerald for a long ass time and should 100% be able to tap into the emerald’s power

Knux is a badass in the Archie comics. His backstory is just so well developed. Arguably my favorite character in the comics. Please go over the comics at some point. Really wish the games would pick up on them and do something the make knuckles more than a joke. I guess they gave him some importance in Forces but that game was... Disappointing

Video was amazing! Keep up the good work, I’m heading back to sonic mania now just to look at the differences between S3&K hyper knuckles to the mania. Anyway, as I said before, really nice video, I loved how detailed it was.

Crazy how a game with a story with no words and barely any cutscenes is better than the games with stories that try their asses off.

Seriously, how is this channel so small!? This guy's content is grea- no not even great. Amazing! Like I geniunely want to know whow this guy isn't getting as much recognition as he needs. Anyway, yeah I'm kinda wondering why Sonic Team hasn't delved into Knuckles's character and backstory since Sonic Adventure 2. I see some great potential in sonic stories when it comes to this red knuckle headed dude as they can get some major profit if they tried to make a Knuckles based game further expanding his backstory, character and maybe gameplay. These are all just my thoughts though so who knows... ¯\_(ツ)_/¯