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 entire 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 pet 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 child Chao and the beloved pet and constant companion of Cream the Rabbit. The two of them are inseparable, and Cream takes them everywhere she goes. Cheese likewise serves as Cream's protector; on Cream's command, Cheese will willingly defend her by attacking any threat to her.
 * Voiced by: Ryō Hirohashi

While visually similar to other Neutral Chao, Cheese is distinguishable from other Chao by their red bow tie.

Chocola
Cheese's twin "brother", who debuted in Sonic Heroes. They have an unspecified connection to Chaos and possesses data on its powers. They were once kidnapped by Neo Metal Sonic for his data, but was saved by Team Rose. They currently live with Cream and Cheese.

Omochao

 * Voiced by: Lani Minella (2001-2003, Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games) Liza Jacqueline (Sonic Riders) Rebecca Honig (Sonic and the Secret Rings) Laura Bailey (2010-2015) Erica Lindbeck (2019-present)

A mass-produced, robotic Chao with virtually unlimited knowledge about the entire world. A close friend and ally of the Animals and Chao, he is also a television personality, working as both a news reporter and commentator for various sports competitions.

Since his introduction, Omochao has become a staple in the Sonic series as a support character, serving as an informant to the characters and a universal Hint to all of the players.

Iago PUC's ideas

 * The Chao appear in the films within James Cameron's Sonic Cinematic Universe.
 * The Chao also 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 curiosity, and with Mary Jane Watson / Tigra and Michelle Jones / 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.
 * The Chao return in the show's second Disney+ sequel miniseries Marvel's All-Star Multiverse.
 * The Chao are the titular focus in Sonic Presents... Chao in Space. The game is inspired by the fictional film and the posters originally found in the Sonic Adventure series. The new featured Chao include Cookie (a Neutral Chao who is the game's protagonist and sole playable character), Peaches (a pink Chao who is Cookie's love interest), Cookie's brothers Digger and Crayola, and Void (a Dark Chao who is the main antagonist). Omochao (voiced by Erica Lindbeck) also appears in the game.
 * They also appear in the comic book tie-in Sonic Presents... Chao in Space: Behind the Scenes. Cream and Omochao are shown several times with their fellow Chao, taking part in the making of the fictional titular movie Chao in Space.

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".
 * Streaky II also appears in DC vs. Sega: Aftermath, on which he is also shown to have adapted to Kara's Kryptonian abilities. He also wears a miniature red cape with a S-Shield collar.