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 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.

Chocola
Cheese's twin "brother".

Omochao
A mass-produced, robotic Chao with virtually unlimited knowledge about the 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.
 * 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)

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 the players.

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 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 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.

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".