Chao (Sonic the Hedgehog)

Chao (/ˈtʃaʊ/; Japanese: チャオ) are fictional life-forms in the Sonic the Hedgehog video game series published by Sega. They are small, childlike creatures that go through a complex life cycle and exist in several visual forms depending on how they are raised. Developer Sonic Team incorporated Chao into the games to encourage players to explore levels and support the good–evil dichotomy of Sonic Adventure 2.

Chao have appeared in many games in the series, beginning with Sonic Adventure in 1998. They usually take the form of digital pets, but have also played parts in the story and figured into other gameplay elements. Most notably, the character Cream the Rabbit has a Chao named Cheese, whom she uses to attack enemies. They have also appeared in games outside the series, the Sonic the Hedgehog comics, and the Sonic X anime, as well as being featured in promotions and merchandise. Critics have given mixed opinions on Chao and their integration into Sonic gameplay, generally praising their worth as a diversion but criticizing Chao minigames' low interactivity.

Cheese
A neutral Chao owned by Cream the Rabbit.

Chocola
Cheese's twin "brother".

Omochao
A robotic Chao, who works as a reporter and sports announcer.

Iago PUC

 * The Chao appear in the films within James Cameron's Sonic Cinematic Universe.
 * The Chao appear in the Sonic Mania animated series. Sophie Gold also owns a female Chao named Star (voiced by Emily Tennant), who (unlike other Chao who speak "Chao chao") speaks in a fully natural English.
 * The Chao appear in Marvel's Spider-Man: Webbed Champion. Appearing in the crossover episode "Legendary Universes, Part 3: Unlimited Speed", a flock of Chao are shown playing together near a lake at Mobius before they notice Sonic the Hedgehog arriving with Spider-Man and his fellow Champions; some of the Chao even approach the young heroes out of curiousity, and with Tigra and Wave noticing and cuddling them gently. Other Chao are shown having been captured by Dr. Robotnik and held prisoners in his facility for experimentation, until (after the Champions and Freedom Fighters defeat EggRobo and Robotnik is taken to jail) they are freed and returned to Mobius.

Joint ideas

 * The Chao appear in DC vs. Sega. They appear in the background of Green Hill Zone along with Cream the Rabbit. A male Chao also appears in Supergirl's ending, on which he becomes a gift from Superman, Lois Lane, Jonathan and Martha Kent for Supergirl for defeating Blackseid. She names him "Streaky II".