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A note to editors for this page
Wikipedia is meant to be for general audiences who aren't especially knowledgable on the topic. With that in mind, please don't include such excessive, minute details, or excessive plot details. I've recently scaled down the page a ton because so much of the information is either:
- Overwhelming to anyone who hasn't played every single game and remembered every single plot point. Many times there were references to things like "Solaris" that wasn't covered in the article or linked, and made no sense in the context of teh article.
- Simply not interesting or important. It's not important to note every time characters shook hands or walked away from each other or something. Overall, that's not important or interesting to mention. Listing off every Voice Actor falls in this category too. The average reader doesn't care unless it someone of special note, and no one in the Sonic series especially is. (By Wikipedia standards, I know the Sonic fandom has different standards for that.)
Anyways, I'm just saying, excessive detail type additions will likely be reverted in the future. Sergecross73 msg me 18:36, 29 April 2011 (UTC)
What page shoudld there be for important characters that DON'T reoccur?
Void, Black Doom, Mephiles, etc Titan50 (talk) 15:17, 14 September 2008 (UTC)
- They are put in the article about the only game in which they occur: Void goes in Sonic Shuffle, Doom in Shadow the Hedgehog (game), Mephiles in Sonic the Hedgehog (2006 video game) CIGraphix (talk) 15:23, 14 September 2008 (UTC)
==The article mentions Metal Sonic's debut being in Sonic CD, but I distinctly remember him from Sonic the Hedgehog 2 as the last boss before Dr Robotnik and again in Sonic & Knuckles as the final boss for Knuckle's storyline. 69.136.11.33 (talk) 18:00, 23 September 2008 (UTC)
- That was a different Sonic robot, known as either 'Mecha Sonic' or 'Silver Sonic'. A different Mecha Sonic has been featured in several games, it might not be in this article because each version is so different that it might be considered a different character in each game. CIGraphix (talk) 18:20, 23 September 2008 (UTC)
Sonic CD actually came out before Sonic tH2, at least in Japan. In America, it came out afterward. That's why there's all this confusion. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 67.65.34.106 (talk) 23:21, 1 July 2009 (UTC)
Cream not a major character?
Honestly, I don't see why she isn't. Of course, she hasn't been in the last few games, (The exception is Sonic Chronicles and Secret Rings) but she should still be important enough to have a page.
- Take it to the others. Go here, talk to them about it, not us. We ge no say in it anymore. They do. Skeletal SLJCOAAATR Soulsor 03:18, 18 October 2008 (UTC)
- Everyone gets a say in it, so don't make up things SLJ. Also, who is "we"? If you are referring to regular editors: they have a say in it, but it doesn't mean they control the article completely. RobJ1981 (talk) 06:20, 18 October 2008 (UTC)
- Calm down Rob. I simply meant that you guys at VG get more of a say as to what happens with articles. Skeletal SLJCOAAATR Soulsor 14:15, 18 October 2008 (UTC)
- This article is for recurring characters. Cream is a recurring character so she deserves a section here. Simple as that.Fairfieldfencer FFF 07:45, 18 October 2008 (UTC)
- Don't tell me to calm down, I'm perfectly calm. RobJ1981 (talk) 22:14, 19 October 2008 (UTC)
- Everyone gets a say in it, so don't make up things SLJ. Also, who is "we"? If you are referring to regular editors: they have a say in it, but it doesn't mean they control the article completely. RobJ1981 (talk) 06:20, 18 October 2008 (UTC)
Adding A Few More Characters?
Thanks to Chronicles, I was wondering, should we add Pachacamac? He does serve a minor role, and the games events role back on his doings. As well as adding Gizoids? Though, only Emerl has made multiple appearances (In the form of G-Mel in Advance 3) --Skeletal SLJCOAAATR Soulsor 03:51, 5 October 2008 (UTC)
Gemerl's / G-Mel's / G-Merl's only appearance was in Sonic Advance 3. It is NOT a rebuilt Emerl - it is rather an entirely new robot based on Emerl's design, Eggman's ultimate battle robot that could interface with his machines. It's basically an update of Eggman's Phi robots. 156.12.150.206 (talk) 16:47, 9 October 2008 (UTC)
- Bzzt! Incorrect. Advance 3 clearly stated that Eggman rebuilt, and reprogramed the remains of Emerl, so, technically, it's the same character, just a different memory, and personally, just like Shadow. Skeletal SLJCOAAATR Soulsor 21:46, 10 October 2008 (UTC)
remaining merges
I support the existing merges up until now, including Babylon Rouges. It's led to a large good article, rather than a lot of articles that fail our policies and guidelines. There are only a few remaining merge proposals outstanding. The main question we should as is if there is significant coverage of the following characters in reliable third-party sources for any of the following topics:
If the answer to that is no, then a merge might be appropriate, if not deletion. Another article that's on the fence is Chao (Sonic the Hedgehog), which was previously nominated for deletion. The discussion was closed with no consensus because people weren't sure if it could be improved. But so far, nothing has happened. Can people find appropriate sources for this one?
Let's try to settle these last few merges, one way or the other. After a discussion, we should work removing the tags. The great news after all these merges is that we have one article with a lot of verified information, rather than a bunch of articles with speculation and original research. I think this could even be awarded a good article status in the long run, and work towards B-status in the short term. Randomran (talk) 22:36, 7 November 2008 (UTC)
- I already know for a FACT, that very little can be found for E-Series. I fully support a merge there. As for Chaotix, I believe a good amount can be found, though, I'm not too sure if it'll still be good enough. Chao, I believe, could also be merged. The article is absolutley disgusting, and can easily be covered in this one article. Skeletal SLJCOAAATR Soulsor 22:49, 7 November 2008 (UTC)
- I've gone ahead and merged the E-Series robots. When removing the speculation, OR, etc. there was little left to warrant an article. « ₣M₣ » 23:04, 9 November 2008 (UTC)
Good call on the e-series. We still have to figure out what to do with Chaotix and Chao (Sonic the Hedgehog) though. These articles have been around for a while and nobody has turned up reliable third-party sources. I'm not trying to rush you, but at the same time, you have to conclude that some articles just can't meet our standards right now. What do you think? Randomran (talk) 00:46, 10 November 2008 (UTC)
- I've just added a third-party for the Chaotix.Fairfieldfencer FFF 09:29, 10 November 2008 (UTC)
- A comic book is a primary source. A third-party source would be a reliable secondary source, like a journal, textbook, news report, review, preview ... etc. Randomran (talk) 19:47, 10 November 2008 (UTC)
- Oh, I thought that since the article focused on the game versions, a reference from an appearance in another universe would count as third-party.Fairfieldfencer FFF 20:07, 10 November 2008 (UTC)
- People sometimes use "third-party" as shorthand for "reliable secondary source that's independent of the subject". A secondary source is something that analyzes a primary source. (e.g.: how a scholar analyzes a movie, or how a journalist analyzes a speech from the President.) And the source has to be reliable (not just a random fan). And it has to be independent (e.g.: not some kind of officially commissioned report or press release or advertisement). Read WP:SECONDARY, and WP:SOURCES if you need more clarification. Randomran (talk) 20:53, 10 November 2008 (UTC)
- I think the article of the Chaotix is too large to merge with the list of characters. It would make the article too lengthy. (talk) —Preceding unsigned comment added by 71.192.57.114 (talk) 15:43, 30 June 2009 (UTC)
- People sometimes use "third-party" as shorthand for "reliable secondary source that's independent of the subject". A secondary source is something that analyzes a primary source. (e.g.: how a scholar analyzes a movie, or how a journalist analyzes a speech from the President.) And the source has to be reliable (not just a random fan). And it has to be independent (e.g.: not some kind of officially commissioned report or press release or advertisement). Read WP:SECONDARY, and WP:SOURCES if you need more clarification. Randomran (talk) 20:53, 10 November 2008 (UTC)
- Oh, I thought that since the article focused on the game versions, a reference from an appearance in another universe would count as third-party.Fairfieldfencer FFF 20:07, 10 November 2008 (UTC)
- A comic book is a primary source. A third-party source would be a reliable secondary source, like a journal, textbook, news report, review, preview ... etc. Randomran (talk) 19:47, 10 November 2008 (UTC)
- WP:SS comes to mind, will the Chaotix article be too big to merge in the list? As for Chao, perhaps a series merge would be best. « ₣M₣ » 19:37, 10 November 2008 (UTC)
- Are you saying we should merge Chao to a target other than this page? Randomran (talk) 19:47, 10 November 2008 (UTC)
- No. I believe Chao should be merged here, while info about Chao Gardens, to the series. Chao have been recurring crwatures throughout the series, and have had a large part in some games, and one Chao (Cheese), has appeared in many games, and has had a bit of an impact on things. Chaotix will be difficult. I'm barely having time to even go online anymore if I had more time, I'd help. But, likely, a merge is needed. Out of curiosity, would it b good if we mentioned that Vector was actually a prototype character for Sonic 1, and Carmy was inspiried by a character in the Sonic manga? Outside info that Mighty has can help alot. But, I don't think it's enough to hold the article... Skeletal SLJCOAAATR Soulsor 23:18, 10 November 2008 (UTC)
- re: Chaotix, out of universe information would be really helpful. It would get you halfway to meriting a stand-alone article, for sure. The other half is if this information came from reliable third-party sources: some kind of review or preview that mentions the Chaotix. Really, you need a development and reception section that comes from reliable third-party sources. Randomran (talk) 23:49, 10 November 2008 (UTC)
- No. I believe Chao should be merged here, while info about Chao Gardens, to the series. Chao have been recurring crwatures throughout the series, and have had a large part in some games, and one Chao (Cheese), has appeared in many games, and has had a bit of an impact on things. Chaotix will be difficult. I'm barely having time to even go online anymore if I had more time, I'd help. But, likely, a merge is needed. Out of curiosity, would it b good if we mentioned that Vector was actually a prototype character for Sonic 1, and Carmy was inspiried by a character in the Sonic manga? Outside info that Mighty has can help alot. But, I don't think it's enough to hold the article... Skeletal SLJCOAAATR Soulsor 23:18, 10 November 2008 (UTC)
- Are you saying we should merge Chao to a target other than this page? Randomran (talk) 19:47, 10 November 2008 (UTC)
Metal Sonic Debut
Technically, if I'm not mistaken, Metal Sonic was also the mini boss you fight at the end of Sonic 2, right before the final robotnik confrontation in the Death Egg. This would make his debut not of Sonic CD, but Sonic 2. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 66.97.118.51 (talk) 07:20, 24 November 2008 (UTC)
- I think (and I can't believe I know this, shows how much I've been around this contentious article) that version was termed "Mecha Sonic". I'd thought it had its own section, actually, though I can't see it; might be in the history for someone to check. SynergyBlades (talk) 07:38, 24 November 2008 (UTC)
- Sonic 2 had Silver. CD had Metal. 3&K had Mecha. Skeletal SLJCOAAATR Soulsor 02:38, 25 November 2008 (UTC)
- In the american and european manual. It is known as Metal Sonic in Japan, atleast i have heard so. NeoDoubleGames bla bla bla (talk) 16:07, 16 May 2009 (UTC)
- Sonic 2 had Silver. CD had Metal. 3&K had Mecha. Skeletal SLJCOAAATR Soulsor 02:38, 25 November 2008 (UTC)
E-Series Edit
Zero from the game Sonic Adventure was not named E-100 Alpha. In the begining of Gamma's story, Eggman refers to Gamma as the second model in the E-Series. The first being E-101 Beta. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Chaos2000 (talk • contribs) 04:15, 8 December 2008 (UTC)
Why the removal?
A few months ago, I considered Wikipedia my "go to" place for reading up on information about the characters of the Sonic the Hedgehog games. Now? It's a joke. So much information was just ripped apart, pages for certain characters destroyed (instead they get a paragraph or two on this "recurring characters" page), and for what? What purpose is there to get RID of information? Isn't this supposed to be a website where we, oh I don't know, come to be informed? It wasn't as if any of the facts were wrong, on the contrary, the facts were right on. And for that matter, why have the comic book characters' pages not been torn apart like this? There's just as much information on them as there are the game characters, so why aren't they suffering like the characters in the games have?
Wikipedia, for whatever reason, has lost any value it once had with me and everyone I know. It's not just on these articles, but this was just awful. It's one thing to (pointlessly, I might add, but that's another argument) take down images, it's another to take down pages and pages worth of information because someone's deemed it unimportant.
Anyway, so this just doesn't seem like "forum post" or whatever the losers in charge think, I think, if possible, the old pages (such as Blaze's and Silver's, to name a few) be brought back to the way they were before they got trashed. ----Thousandsevens (talk) 01:04, 15 December 2008 (UTC)
- Well, if this helps, you can still find info about their roles in each game in that games specific article. (EX: Amy's role in SA) For a certain character, place, etc. to warrant an article, their must be a sufficent amount of "relevant, outside information". Meaning, what inspired their creation, who specifically came up with them, etc. If you'd like to learn more about the situation, check out the previous archive of this talk, VG project, and several others. Skeletal SLJCOAAATR Soulsor 01:42, 15 December 2008 (UTC)
- The articles lacked both reliable, third-party sources (mostly because there isn't much commentary by reliable sites), and failed to assert their notability, per Wikipedia's guidelines on fictional characters. Because Wikipedia is supposed to an encyclopedia and provide a general overview for a general audience, detailed fan information is not appropriate. That is what Wikia was set up for, because its guidelines are more relaxed in that respect. So why not check out the Sonic Wikia at http://sonic.wikia.com, where you can read about how Blaze began to bond with Cream the rabbit, coming to think of her as her little sister after initially being a little hostile, or the heated debate amongst fans regarding Silver's higher-pitched voice actor which is regarded canon, even though some fans would prefer a deeper voice. SynergyBlades (talk) 01:43, 15 December 2008 (UTC)
- What is the definition of "fan information" exactly? Because it wasn't like any of the information was false, it had all been said or shown in the various games. Just because they didn't quote every line and every event in the game doesn't mean they made it up or anything. Summaries of what happened in the game, their role in it (no, that's not really here anymore except for saying they were in it), that kind of thing; it's all gone. Changing the articles did NO ONE any good. --Thousandsevens (talk) 02:10, 16 December 2008 (UTC)
- Fan information is the extreme details that only fans are interested in, Wikipedia is about general overview rather than turning everyone into scholars on each subject - such overload would overwhelm the reader. And yes the information wasn't false, but if you read Wikipedia's rule that everything must be verified you would understand that Wikipedia is not about truth, it is about what can be verified with reliable 3rd party sources (reliable 3rd party sources meaning sources that are not 1st party - like Sega is a 1st party source for all things Sonic; sources that are reliable - writings by independent websites with editorial boards - like GameSpot, but not fansites or forums). It is okay to use 1st party sources to a certain extent in a topic (as long as it doesn't start violating What Wikipedia Is Not), but only 3rd party sources can assert notablity of that topic. CIGraphix (talk) 02:47, 16 December 2008 (UTC)
- Just to echo what people are saying here, a lot of those articles were unverified, or at best original research based on someone playing the game and then compiling it into a single article. So merging everything here was the best middle ground, between deleting the information outright, and keeping articles that really went into what Wikipedia is not. Randomran (talk) 03:20, 29 December 2008 (UTC)
Blaze's own page
Blaze has appeared as a focal character in the Sonic Rush games, and is appearing more and more. Soon, she will be included in Sonic and the Black Knight as a Knight of the Round Table. I think this will be enough to secure her importance as a Sonic character, moreso than even Amy Rose. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 74.194.123.128 (talk) 00:56, 31 December 2008 (UTC)
- Well then, we'll just have to wait and see won't we? Kuro ♪
- lol. You expect Blaze, a character we hardly know (Relevant-outside-info-wise) to have a better article than Amy (Who, has a decent amount of relevant-outside-info)? lol Skeletal SLJCOAAATR Soulsor 06:48, 2 January 2009 (UTC)
- Blaze appeared first 2005 and Amy appeared first 1993 plus Amy have a fairly large role while Blaze have an minor role in the most games except Sonic Rush and its sequel. And Blaze isn't included in Chronicles while Amy is the second character in SC.--NeoDoubleGames (talk) 13:42, 15 February 2009 (UTC)
- Except you forget that Blaze has had a significant role in ALL games she appeared in, unlike Amy who serves as a foil or damsel in distress. I believe Blaze is hands-down worthy of taking her place alongside Shadow with her own page. --74.194.33.161 (talk) 10:39, 26 May 2009 (UTC)
- Blaze appeared first 2005 and Amy appeared first 1993 plus Amy have a fairly large role while Blaze have an minor role in the most games except Sonic Rush and its sequel. And Blaze isn't included in Chronicles while Amy is the second character in SC.--NeoDoubleGames (talk) 13:42, 15 February 2009 (UTC)
- lol. You expect Blaze, a character we hardly know (Relevant-outside-info-wise) to have a better article than Amy (Who, has a decent amount of relevant-outside-info)? lol Skeletal SLJCOAAATR Soulsor 06:48, 2 January 2009 (UTC)
Well she appears more often in future games, like Sonic Generations for instance. I think she should have her own arcticle. 50.46.237.146 (talk) 00:03, 15 December 2011 (UTC)
- "Appearing in games" is not a determining factor in whether something should get an article. It comes down to coverage in reliable third party sources, in order to establish notability. As far as I know, there aren't many articles on Blaze by herself...She once had her own page, and it was gotten rid of because of that very reason. Sergecross73 msg me 00:18, 15 December 2011 (UTC)
Tails Doll redirecting here but no info about Tails Dolls on here
... How strange. --Youtuber Mangoman34:-D (talk) 22:19, 25 May 2009 (UTC)
- It is because Tails Doll only appeared in Sonic R, so he is not really a recurring or relevant character. Evilgidgit (talk) 10:19, 17 June 2009 (UTC)
Spooky, isn't it? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 67.65.34.106 (talk) 23:18, 1 July 2009 (UTC)
E-Series
The section on the E-Series robots, a group of minor characters, has been spun off into its own article. I'm not entirely sure why. - A Man In Bl♟ck (conspire - past ops) 21:44, 29 May 2009 (UTC)
- Why does it even need to be merged? There's enough information at the recurring characters article, and this is just superfluous in-universe information. Haipa Doragon (talk • contributions) 23:23, 29 May 2009 (UTC)
- Well, because it should be redirected, and while we're at it any good from it could be imported over here. - A Man In Bl♟ck (conspire - past ops) 23:48, 29 May 2009 (UTC)
- Well I'm the one who made that page, because 1. The Chaotix group have their own page aswell, 2. Though most of them are minor characters, the group itself is recurring, and 3. It's only a part of the series. No big deal right? User:Looney Guy —Preceding undated comment added 17:04, 30 May 2009 (UTC).
- The problem is that the E-100 Series article lacks the necessary secondary sourcing to establish notability. The Chaotix are completely irrelevant, nor are the facts that they're recurring or part of a series going to help that article. The fundamental point is, unless the article can gain reliable, independent sources, i.e. not those from things such as the developers, it is unsuitable for inclusion on Wikipedia. Haipa Doragon (talk • contributions) 17:27, 30 May 2009 (UTC)
- Well, what kind of secondary sources are there? User:Looney Guy —Preceding undated comment added 18:25, 1 June 2009 (UTC).
- For the E-Series? None of the top of my head, which is why the article should be merged into here. You might be able to get one, or two decent bits of reliable secondary sources off something like IGN, but not enough to warrant an article. SLJCOAAATR 4 6 8 15 16 23 42 108 305 316 22:07, 2 June 2009 (UTC)
- Well, what kind of secondary sources are there? User:Looney Guy —Preceding undated comment added 18:25, 1 June 2009 (UTC).
- The problem is that the E-100 Series article lacks the necessary secondary sourcing to establish notability. The Chaotix are completely irrelevant, nor are the facts that they're recurring or part of a series going to help that article. The fundamental point is, unless the article can gain reliable, independent sources, i.e. not those from things such as the developers, it is unsuitable for inclusion on Wikipedia. Haipa Doragon (talk • contributions) 17:27, 30 May 2009 (UTC)
- Well I'm the one who made that page, because 1. The Chaotix group have their own page aswell, 2. Though most of them are minor characters, the group itself is recurring, and 3. It's only a part of the series. No big deal right? User:Looney Guy —Preceding undated comment added 17:04, 30 May 2009 (UTC).
- Well, because it should be redirected, and while we're at it any good from it could be imported over here. - A Man In Bl♟ck (conspire - past ops) 23:48, 29 May 2009 (UTC)
Not even born yet.
Personally, I don't think Silver should have an age. He was born in the future, theirfore, he is going to be born. So, right now, he dosen't have an age. Saprissy (talk) 17:08, 26 October 2009 (UTC)
- Blaze has an age and isn't she from the future? There's nothing wrong with it. Mokoniki | talk 17:27, 26 October 2009 (UTC)
Light Gaia
I put an Artical about Light Gaia (AKA: Chip) but it was deleted.Dosen't he play a major roll at the end of Sonic Unleash? He is also a playable character (as Gaia Colossus). Saprissy (talk • contribs) 17:20, 26 October 2009 (UTC)
- A character having a major role in a game doesn't justify it being able to have an article. As much as I would love for Chip to have an article, he will probably never get an article, as he is a one-time only character, and will probably never be seen again. Which means that all of what we know about him, is on Sonic Unleashed, which is very little information, which wouldn't be enough to let him have his own article. It would also need reliable sources. Mokoniki | talk 17:40, 26 October 2009 (UTC)
True but does that mean that Mighty the Armadillo should be kicked from the article? I hardly ever heard of him. Saprissy (talk) 17:14, 27 October 2009 (UTC)
- True, I hardly hear about Mighty as well, but there are some reliable sources provided for the information given for him. Mokoniki | talk 17:32, 27 October 2009 (UTC)
- Actually Mighty should be featured on this page since he is present as a cameo in Sonic Generations as well as being one of the main characters in Knuckles Chaotix, unless Cameos do not count towards the two games in which case I doubt he will get into the article. MIVP - Allow us to be of assistance to you. (Maybe a bit of tea for thought?) 22:38, 14 December 2012 (UTC)
- An extremely small, trivial, cameo, like Mighty in Generations, would not count, no. Sergecross73 msg me 02:04, 15 December 2012 (UTC)
- Actually Mighty should be featured on this page since he is present as a cameo in Sonic Generations as well as being one of the main characters in Knuckles Chaotix, unless Cameos do not count towards the two games in which case I doubt he will get into the article. MIVP - Allow us to be of assistance to you. (Maybe a bit of tea for thought?) 22:38, 14 December 2012 (UTC)
E-123 Gamma
This article lists E-123 Gamma's first appearance as Sonic Heroes. However, I distinctly remember him being a playable character in Sonic Adventure, which came five years earlier. Tezero (talk) 15:09, 6 November 2009 (UTC)
- You're mixing up two different characters: E-102 Gamma (first game Sonic Adventure) and E-123 Omega (first game Sonic Heroes) CIGraphix (talk) 16:01, 6 November 2009 (UTC)
- You're right; I often get them confused. Thanks. Tezero (talk) 22:04, 12 November 2009 (UTC)
Proposed page move to List of Sonic the Hedgehog characters
The current name is awkward, especially with "games" in parentheses, and the name I propose corresponds to other series-wide character lists such as that of The Legend of Zelda. Tezero (talk) 22:03, 12 November 2009 (UTC)
- It sounds good and better than the current title.Tintor2 (talk) 21:32, 14 November 2009 (UTC)
- I'm fine with that. Mokoniki | talk 23:20, 14 November 2009 (UTC)
- I don't think thats a good idea, the list should not be fully comprehensive list of all characters from all media - a page like that would be huge, image adding all of List of characters in Sonic the Hedgehog (comic book) to this list - and the list must be recurring characters only because others lack notability to be on anything other than the individual game's page in which they appeared. Check out the archives of this page for more. CIGraphix (talk) 23:24, 14 November 2009 (UTC)
- I'm fine with that. Mokoniki | talk 23:20, 14 November 2009 (UTC)
- Ah, I see, well, could we add games onto the end of it or does what you say still apply? Mokoniki | talk 00:41, 15 November 2009 (UTC)
- Why would "recurring" be necessary? The individual characters won't still be added since the article should cover the recurring characters anyway.Tintor2 (talk) 14:51, 15 November 2009 (UTC)
- I'm not really attached to "recurring" being in the page title, I'm just concerned that some editors unfamiliar with WP:N would try to use the lack of it as an arguement to make the list into an exhaustively comprehensive one. CIGraphix (talk) 16:58, 15 November 2009 (UTC)
- Why would "recurring" be necessary? The individual characters won't still be added since the article should cover the recurring characters anyway.Tintor2 (talk) 14:51, 15 November 2009 (UTC)
- I agree with that. Possibly, "recurring" could be used in the lead to clarify.Tintor2 (talk) 22:24, 16 November 2009 (UTC)
- How about this title: Characters in the Sonic the Hedgehog video games, or Recurring characters in the Sonic the Hedgehog video games if deemed necessary. Tezero (talk) 19:22, 17 January 2010 (UTC)
- I agree with that. Possibly, "recurring" could be used in the lead to clarify.Tintor2 (talk) 22:24, 16 November 2009 (UTC)
What Happened to Amy's Page?
Was it deleted or something? Isn't Amy one of the main characters of the games? She's been in most of the games, and is even older than Knuckles. Why shouldn't she keep her own page? Lamb84 (talk • contribs) 03:37, 25 November 2009 (UTC)
What's going on?
Blaze and Metal Sonic's articles have been remade. I thought it was decided that they were not notable to get their own articles and were moved into here. Do their articles stay, do they go? Will this be resolved quickly or will we have another edit war here? Evilgidgit (talk) 23:31, 14 April 2010 (UTC)
- The Metal Sonic page is mostly just a resurrection of the old page by Shockmetric. I created the Blaze article from scratch, though, and since it has development info (the fire thing at the start of "Design and characteristics") and reception info, I think it should stay. I'm pretty sure the two incidents are unrelated. Tezero (talk) 01:41, 15 April 2010 (UTC)
Merge with Amy Rose and Vector the Crocodile
Several of the characters in this franchise are sufficiently notable to justify their own articles, but Amy Rose and Vector the Crocodile are not. As such, the Amy Rose and Vector the Crocodile articles should be merged here. Neelix (talk) 14:04, 19 June 2010 (UTC)
- Notability goes mainly by critical reception. I'm sure there's a fair amount of it to be found out there (I found all the reception on Vector, for example); I just don't have time to do anything right now. Tezero (talk) 15:05, 19 June 2010 (UTC)
- I haven't been able to find enough secondary sources to demonstrate these two characters' notability. If no one else can either, the merge should take place. Neelix (talk) 15:58, 19 June 2010 (UTC)
- They both have secondary sources (several from IGN, Games Radar, Xbox World) that demonstrate the reasonable possiblity of finding more - remember in WP, There is no deadline. CIGraphix (talk) 02:56, 20 June 2010 (UTC)
- I added a couple more reception bits for Amy. Tezero (talk) 18:34, 20 June 2010 (UTC)
- Thanks for adding some sourcing, Tezero! That's needed even on the list. At this point, I am not convinced that there exists sufficient sourcing to justify individual articles for these two characters. "There is no deadline" is an essay, not a guideline. If you eventually find sufficient sourcing, you can always start another discussion to split the articles off again. Neelix (talk) 19:01, 20 June 2010 (UTC)
- I added another thing for Vector. That makes four for each, which should be enough to at least justify notability. Tezero (talk) 02:50, 21 June 2010 (UTC)
- Notability is demonstrated by secondary sources, not primary ones. The only reliable secondary source used on Vector the Crocodile is IGN while Amy Rose has only IGN and GamesRadar. I still do not see that these characters are notable apart from the series. Neelix (talk) 13:59, 21 June 2010 (UTC)
- How are Sega Magazine and Xbox World primary sources? Tezero (talk) 18:23, 21 June 2010 (UTC)
- If Sega Magazine is owned by Sega (which it probably is), I could see that as a primary source - but Xbox World is a secondary source not owned or affiliated with Sega. CIGraphix (talk) 18:50, 21 June 2010 (UTC)
- Sega Magazine is published by EMAP, not Sega. This means both Sega Magazine and Xbox World are secondary sources that can demonstrate the characters' notability. Tezero (talk) 18:56, 21 June 2010 (UTC)
- If Sega Magazine is owned by Sega (which it probably is), I could see that as a primary source - but Xbox World is a secondary source not owned or affiliated with Sega. CIGraphix (talk) 18:50, 21 June 2010 (UTC)
- How are Sega Magazine and Xbox World primary sources? Tezero (talk) 18:23, 21 June 2010 (UTC)
- Notability is demonstrated by secondary sources, not primary ones. The only reliable secondary source used on Vector the Crocodile is IGN while Amy Rose has only IGN and GamesRadar. I still do not see that these characters are notable apart from the series. Neelix (talk) 13:59, 21 June 2010 (UTC)
- I added another thing for Vector. That makes four for each, which should be enough to at least justify notability. Tezero (talk) 02:50, 21 June 2010 (UTC)
- Thanks for adding some sourcing, Tezero! That's needed even on the list. At this point, I am not convinced that there exists sufficient sourcing to justify individual articles for these two characters. "There is no deadline" is an essay, not a guideline. If you eventually find sufficient sourcing, you can always start another discussion to split the articles off again. Neelix (talk) 19:01, 20 June 2010 (UTC)
- I added a couple more reception bits for Amy. Tezero (talk) 18:34, 20 June 2010 (UTC)
- They both have secondary sources (several from IGN, Games Radar, Xbox World) that demonstrate the reasonable possiblity of finding more - remember in WP, There is no deadline. CIGraphix (talk) 02:56, 20 June 2010 (UTC)
- I haven't been able to find enough secondary sources to demonstrate these two characters' notability. If no one else can either, the merge should take place. Neelix (talk) 15:58, 19 June 2010 (UTC)
I'm not sure what happened to Vector the Crocodile's page on this website, since Espio the chameleon's page is on this page, so should Vector's page. Maxitotal (talk) 10:15, 16 February 2012 (UTC)
Dan Green As Omega
Where's confirmation of this? I realise there isn't really any confirmation for Blaustien doing Omega's voice either, but she was his last voice actor and was in Winter Games's credits. She hasn't voiced anyone else in that game, so why would she be there if she didn't voice Omega? Here is the original edit. [1]. The editor who added this seems unreliable. If no one can prove Green did the voice tomorrow morning, I'll revert the edit.Fairfieldfencer FFF 20:29, 4 September 2010 (UTC)
chao forcefully mated?
part of the chao section claims that a chao being mated unwillingly will shorten its life. how can you force it to mate? — Preceding unsigned comment added by Scholarofalbany (talk • contribs) 14:33, 27 January 2011 (UTC)
The image in the page isn't an official image and doesn't look very professional. Shouldn't it be this?: http://www.gbposters.com/images/gbposters-com/lightbox/b7f7/MP1261-SONIC-cast.jpg — Preceding unsigned comment added by Thekeyboardman (talk • contribs) 17:36, 17 April 2011 (UTC)
Glitches
Should the glitch characters be here,like a "Other" selection?
- Honey the Cat
- Ashura the Hedgehog
- Wecidna or Wechidna
Can we at least have a "List Of Glitches In Sonic Games"page?
- Only if these characters are covered by some kind of third-party source and they appear in more than one game. I'm sure they're covered on the Sonic wiki, so maybe we could provide a link to that in the external links. Glitch characters are generally not notable. About the list page, I really doubt it, the most I would expect would be a section about glitches on the main Sonic series page, similar to what you'd find on the Gameplay of Pokémon page. Tezero (talk) 20:32, 14 May 2011 (UTC)
- Tezero is right, that type of info isn't really appropriate for wikipedia. That's the kind of stuff that belongs on hardcore fansites. Most general audiences (i.e. the type of crowd wikipedia articles are supposed to cater to.) probably wouldn't care about that. Sergecross73 msg me 13:17, 16 May 2011 (UTC)
- So no Gameplay of Sonic the Hedgehog page or a Glitches selection on the Sonic the Hedgehog Series page. 98.71.47.212 (talk) 19:45, 16 May 2011 (UTC)
- Definitely no on the "glitches" one. As far as the gameplay one, I'd say probably not. It's probably covered good enough in various other Sonic articles. I love Sonic but...the game can pretty much be summed up as "fast-paced platforming". Not sure it warrants a whole article for it... Sergecross73 msg me 20:01, 16 May 2011 (UTC)
- How about Tails Adventures,it's not a "fast-paced platforming" and Sonic Labyrinth. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 98.71.47.212 (talk) 20:14, 16 May 2011 (UTC)
- Please look at Sonic the Hedgehog (series) article. It covers a lot of that kind of stuff. In short, I think the article you want to create, already exists, but is named something else. Feel free to add to that though! Sergecross73 msg me 20:28, 16 May 2011 (UTC)
- How about Tails Adventures,it's not a "fast-paced platforming" and Sonic Labyrinth. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 98.71.47.212 (talk) 20:14, 16 May 2011 (UTC)
- So I can add and edit Sonic the Hedgehog (series)? 98.71.47.212 (talk) 01:57, 17 May 2011 (UTC)
Wecidna and Ashura would automatically fail inclusion criteria since they've both been in only one game no? (I've never even heard of Wechidna) Fine and dandy but is there a suggestion here that Honey was in a second game? MM (Report findings) (Past espionage) 15:36, 2 July 2013 (UTC)
- I think Wechidna is the fan-coined name for a glitchy Tails/Knuckles character only obtainable by hacking Knuckles Chaotix. Not a real character.Sonic fansites document it, but its far from something that belongs on Wikipedia. Same with Ashura, which is the same kind of thing. Honey was only in Sonic the Fighters, she was based off of a character of the same name from Fighting Vipers, but that's not actually here and wouldn't count as a "second appearance". Sergecross73 msg me 15:49, 2 July 2013 (UTC)
- I thought as much, just bringing this conversation in case someone has similar thoughts in the future. MM (Report findings) (Past espionage) 18:41, 4 July 2013 (UTC)
Character age
I'm thinking of removing the bits that describe how old the character is (in-universe age, not in, how long ago they were created). Not only do they a constant source of vandalism, but their ages have absolutely no effect on the gameplay or storyline on any of the games. It may be mentioned in-game, but only in passing, but it's not like they have "school-day", "coming of age", or "becoming working class/adults", type scenarios or plotlines that relates to that. They're just anthormorphic animals fighting to save a fantasy world... Sergecross73 msg me 12:58, 9 June 2011 (UTC)
- Okay, I made this change because no one objected over the course of a week. Please discuss here before reverting in the future. Sergecross73 msg me 13:34, 16 June 2011 (UTC)
Ray the Flying Squirrel
Where is Ray the Flying squirrel's seletion?! — Preceding unsigned comment added by 98.71.62.95 (talk) 18:57, 24 June 2011 (UTC)
- Please, take the time to bother to read the articles very basic concept. This is for reoccurring characters. He only appeared in one game. Info on him should be relegated to the game's respective article, not here. Sergecross73 msg me 19:26, 24 June 2011 (UTC)
- He is reoccurring,he also appeared in Sonic Fighters and in Sonic Generations. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 184.44.144.215 (talk) 19:46, 11 August 2011 (UTC)
- I don't believe he's in Sonic the Fighters. If he's in Generations you'd need a source because that game isn't out yet. (Also, if he's like only on a poster on a level or something, that's probably not noteworthy...) Sergecross73 msg me 17:12, 12 August 2011 (UTC)
- Yes it is. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 184.44.144.215 (talk) 03:03, 16 August 2011 (UTC)
- He is right,Ray is cool. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 98.71.48.207 (talk) 14:57, 21 October 2011 (UTC)
- Yes it is. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 184.44.144.215 (talk) 03:03, 16 August 2011 (UTC)
- I don't believe he's in Sonic the Fighters. If he's in Generations you'd need a source because that game isn't out yet. (Also, if he's like only on a poster on a level or something, that's probably not noteworthy...) Sergecross73 msg me 17:12, 12 August 2011 (UTC)
- He is reoccurring,he also appeared in Sonic Fighters and in Sonic Generations. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 184.44.144.215 (talk) 19:46, 11 August 2011 (UTC)
Organizing List
I think we should organize this list not by alphabetical order but by role. Such as having three sections which would be one for main, secondary/supporting and minor recurring characters. So that the list is organized by the characters importance to the series rather than its currently messy alphabetical organization. - SuperTiencha (talk) 03:42, 15 December 2011 (UTC)
- Strongly Oppose - All of those terms are extremely subjective, and would lead to all sorts of arguments, edit wars, etc. Alphabetical is objective and hard to argue about much. I think it should stay this way. Sergecross73 msg me 04:04, 15 December 2011 (UTC)
- Support i dont think its good to do per alphabetical order, because the main character is at the very bottom. Its definitely easy to oppose because for a series with reoccuring characters and certain ones having more bigger role. That and some might find it etremely odd to have Amy at the top of the list while having Sonic nearly at the bottom. I say this would be easier to do by introduction into the series. That way the older characters go on top, and the newer characters go at the bottom.Lucia Black (talk) 07:27, 7 February 2012 (UTC)
- I would be more okay with that approach, as "chronological" would be another objective way of organizing. I'm mainly against the subjective ways, like declaring who's major/minor characters, etc. Sergecross73 msg me 14:04, 7 February 2012 (UTC)
- I just moved the article around. I didnt want to put chronology because then certain characters might make it before sonic. If i made a mistake let me know. However, im not so sure names suuch Miles "Tails" Prowers is correct when it comes to WP:COMMONNAME. Im sure we should go with the common name (tails) and mention that his real name is Miles Prower. Also some characters such as, froggy, cheese the chao and maybe Vanilla the Rabbit might not be relevant enough to have their own section.Lucia Black (talk) 02:23, 8 February 2012 (UTC)
- It all looks fine to me. I'm not technically against removing the characters you mentioned above, as many characters such as "Orbot" or "Vanilla" are largely irrelevant to the series, but if seriously challenged, it'd be hard to argue against the challenge, since the only real criteria for the page is "more than 1 appearance". I don't feel strongly either way on how to portray Tails, either way is fine with me. Sergecross73 msg me 03:24, 8 February 2012 (UTC)
- I just moved the article around. I didnt want to put chronology because then certain characters might make it before sonic. If i made a mistake let me know. However, im not so sure names suuch Miles "Tails" Prowers is correct when it comes to WP:COMMONNAME. Im sure we should go with the common name (tails) and mention that his real name is Miles Prower. Also some characters such as, froggy, cheese the chao and maybe Vanilla the Rabbit might not be relevant enough to have their own section.Lucia Black (talk) 02:23, 8 February 2012 (UTC)
- I would be more okay with that approach, as "chronological" would be another objective way of organizing. I'm mainly against the subjective ways, like declaring who's major/minor characters, etc. Sergecross73 msg me 14:04, 7 February 2012 (UTC)
Recent changes to article
So I've reverted a bunch of recent edits for a number of reasons, and figured I'd discuss it further here:
- A ton of reliably sourced information was removed, and in exchange, replaced with unsourced information. Shortening information is fine, but sources are most important, so the process shouldn't start be removing a ton of them.
- When making large changes to pages, you should discuss changes on the articles talk page first. This definitely should have happened in this case, because just recently editors were discussing how to reorganize the article, and the approach in these recent editso are different than what had been agreed upon. Discuss first, come to consensus, and then make changes. If you want to start adding to that discussion, it is at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:List_of_Sonic_the_Hedgehog_video_game_characters#Organizing_List
- In general, characters were rearranged into categories such as "Major" and "Minor". That too is frowned upon, because such classifications are very subjective, and based purely on personal judgement, also known as original research. Please try to stay away from such classifications.
- If you have any questions or want to discuss this further, please discuss here on the talk page, and/or my talk page. Thanks! Sergecross73 msg me 13:43, 21 February 2012 (UTC)
A "Reception" section
I'm suggesting making a character section to separate "reception" away from the characters. And maybe characters in groups not have their own specific subsection as it would make things more complicated.Lucia Black (talk) 20:18, 25 July 2012 (UTC)
- Well, the reason I hadn't done something like that is because these "List of X Characters Lists" are supposed to be written in a "real-world context", not an "in universe context". If you move all the reception to one area, you're mostly left with plot summary type information for the rest of the article. I kinda feel like that would be moving in the wrong direction, bringing more attention to the articles current faults... Sergecross73 msg me 13:25, 26 July 2012 (UTC)
- sorry i got lost. I meant to say reference list. Make character section to separate from reference section.Lucia Black (talk) 01:54, 29 July 2012 (UTC)
One-time characters
I know it says "two games or more" up here, but does it HAVE to have that restriction on it? Cubot only appears in one mainstream game and yet he's on here either coz of briefly appearing in a flashback in Sonic Generations, or appearing in games like Mario and Sonic Olympic Games, or both. Some of the characters on here only got on here by counting games like Mario and Sonic, or multiplayer modes of other games, as appearances. Which is fine with me, but some characters on here play less significant roles than antagonists Black Doom, Captain Whisker, and Mephiles the Dark, or guest stars Marine the Raccoon, Princess Elise, and Chip/Light Gaia.
Would it be unreasonable to ask for a section of the article (or even an article itself) about significant one-time characters? Why is it restricted to characters appearing in more than one game? I'm guessing it's because recurring characters are considered more notable and significant, but there are several guest stars and main villains that deserve mention more than some of the characters on here. (And don't use this as an excuse to take them off). If not, then this is the last I'll say on the matter coz wikipedia can be so stubborn sometimes. (no offense admins) 24.65.99.129 (talk) 23:31, 23 September 2012 (UTC)
- Oppose - I'm against changing it because it clutters the list with a lot of non-notable, trivial characters. If anything, I'd prefer removing Orbit/Cubot because you're right, they are trivial, but happen to fit the current criteria... Sergecross73 msg me 23:51, 23 September 2012 (UTC)
Major character pages
Metal Sonic is one of the main cast members, alongside the likes of Sonic and Shadow, shouldnt he have his own page?--DrNefarious25 (talk) 11:37, 1 October 2012 (UTC)
- The standard is that a topic have coverage in multiple, third party reliable sources to establish the notability standard. The last time the article existed, it didn't meet that criteria, and thus it was merged back into this one. Sergecross73 msg me 12:58, 1 October 2012 (UTC)
No Voice Actors list on this page
Me and Sergecross73 had a discussion and we decited not to have a list of the characters voice actors on this page. Because the list of there voice actors are already listed on there pages. Supermariokart64 (talk) 16:23, 17 January 2013 (UTC)
- I think the current voice actor for each character is worth briefly mentioning. I believe the purpose of this page is to put the most important information about the most important characters into one list. The voice actor of each character is one of such important information we should include. Per Wikipedia's guidelines on fiction, we ought to write this article in the perspective of the real world. I can think of no better example of an important real world element than the voice actor of each character. The information is important to the average reader interested in information about the characters of this series. Its inclusion will not distract the reader from other aspects of the character's description, and moreover adds to their understanding of the character. Respectfully, Michaelzeng7 (talk) 02:46, 2 November 2013 (UTC)
Image please
This article needs illustration. Because character designs are likely to be copyrighted, there is no free alternative to non-free images. So, if anyone can find a screenshot of a video game that is essentially a group shot of most of the characters on this list (in a manner similar to "File:My little pony friendship is magic group shot r.png"), its inclusion would greatly benefit the reader's scope of the article. It's inclusion would satisfy all prongs of WP:NFCC too. Respectfully, Michaelzeng7 (talk) 02:36, 2 November 2013 (UTC)
- Eventually got around to adding an image. Thanks for bringing this up! Tezero (talk) 23:20, 29 March 2014 (UTC)
- Nice! Mz7 (talk) 21:25, 30 March 2014 (UTC)
An individual article for Metal Sonic
It was one thing when only about five characters had their own articles, but now that even Gamma and Omega have their own, Metal Sonic is pretty much required to get one. He has been in way more games and is more well known than both of those two.Rattis1 (talk) 16:33, 2 April 2014 (UTC)
- "How many games they appear in" isn't a criteria for whether or not a fictional character has a Wikipedia article on it. It's based on meetin Wikipedia's standard for notability, which is basically having plenty of coverage in reliable, third party sources. The last version of the article didn't meet those requirements, so it got merge/redirected back here. That being said, Tezero has been working on Sonic character articles lately, so maybe he can dig up more sources for it. Sergecross73 msg me 16:45, 2 April 2014 (UTC)
- It's unlikely that there's gonna be a lot of coverage from reliable sources for Metal Sonic. While he's been in a number of games, he's only served as a major character in CD, which was an obscure release at the time, and in a couple of others as a final boss after plot twists. (I feel like reviewers don't usually get to the ends of games, so their reviews naturally wouldn't mention him.) I'll look through reviews and previews of these games, as well as Sonic 4 Episode 2, just to be sure, but don't count on Metal Sonic getting an article. (I'm not a huge fan of this standard for inclusion, but it's there and we have to obey it.) Tezero (talk) 16:59, 2 April 2014 (UTC)
Notability
I've brought up my concerns on several pages about numerous Sonic character articles recently recreated from redirects not meeting the notability criteria, and I wanted to centralize the discussion here instead of making several remote conversations. Looking at even the sourcing on even current GAs such as E-102 Gamma and Blaze the Cat, the coverage is not significant. I wanted to broach this now in a friendly manner before more time is spent on these topics, feelings are hurt, and, as I've mentioned somewhere else I don't remember, we have another situation like Bulbasaur (where the project made a ton of individual Pokémon articles and even brought a few to FA/GA only for the rest of WP to find out and rightfully remove most from the encyclopedia, now encapsulated in Bulbasaur's talk page article history). So my concern is that the majority of these new articles were made without meeting the notability criteria (significant coverage in multiple reliable, independent sources. (?)) and while I don't plan on bringing any to AfD myself (since they should be redirected and merged and not deleted), I think a discussion is warranted. My proposal would be to redirect (merge) Babylon Rogues, Blaze the Cat, Chao (Sonic), Cream the Rabbit, E-102 Gamma, E-123 Omega, Wisp (Sonic) to this here list article based on their large percentage of Appearance section material relying on primary sources (also an undue weight issue), dependence on listicles, and additional dearth of secondary coverage per the notability criteria. (I'm leaning towards merge on Amy Rose, Big the Cat, Rouge the Bat, Shadow the Hedgehog, Silver the Hedgehog, but I can see more consideration for these.) Sonic, Tails, Eggman should be fine on their own, perhaps Knuckles too but I'd need to see more sources. Okay, that's my sense of all this. I'll shut up and see where everyone else lies. czar ♔ 04:13, 13 May 2014 (UTC)
- If you'd actually bothered to research our coverage of individual Pokémon articles, you'd have realized that we have dozens of them, each supported by at least several secondary sources (though not as many as the libraries we'd need to fill to please you, apparently), and we have for longer than most of these Sonic character articles have been around, and this has drawn little complaint from WP:VG. (Seriously, look at Klefki.) Tezero (talk) 04:22, 13 May 2014 (UTC)
- Let's keep it civil, okay? Re: the Pokémon, I was referring to those purged as mentioned at Wikipedia:Pokémon test and not the several dozen that remain. czar ♔ 04:39, 13 May 2014 (UTC)
- I haven't reviewed the sources of many of these in a while, but I can say right off the bat that Shadow the Hedgehog is notable; most of its sources are reliable secondary sources. Regarding articles' reliance on primary sources generally, the proportion of primary-to-secondary sources shouldn't make a difference as far as the notability guideline is concerned; so long as the article's subject has "significant coverage" in reliable secondary sources, it satisfies the notability guideline, regardless of how many primary source citations there are or what text they support. –Prototime (talk · contribs) 04:26, 13 May 2014 (UTC)
- Likewise with Chao, I think. Wisps technically is still mostly primary by number, but there are several articles that are entirely or at least largely (a few paragraphs or more) about the Wisps, as can be seen at the FAC page. (Hit Ctrl+F and type "To FAC coordinators".) There are a lot more that are... up in the air, I guess, as it depends what counts for the nebulous "significant coverage". Tezero (talk) 14:30, 13 May 2014 (UTC)
- Reception from top lists are fine for establishing notability, just as long they are more than passing mentions. GNG states that the topic in question does not need to be the main subject of an article, but needs more than passing mentions. After looking through some of the sources and stuff, characters like Amy, Shadow, Rouge and Big deserve to keep their own articles, as far as I'm concerned. Kokoro20 (talk) 07:31, 13 May 2014 (UTC)
- How would a top list accolade be a "passing mention"? I mean, typically there are a small number of paragraphs, sometimes on an individual page, for the character. I think of a "passing mention" as something like "Twilight Princess' extravagant and compelling art style, such as what can be seen in Midna, is..." Tezero (talk) 14:34, 13 May 2014 (UTC)
- I think you misunderstood me. I meant that some top list lists only give like one sentence about the character. But that's not the case with all of them. That's the point I was trying to make. I'm in agreement with you here, you know. I don't think these articles should be merged. Kokoro20 (talk) 15:57, 13 May 2014 (UTC)
- Gotcha. Tezero (talk) 18:29, 13 May 2014 (UTC)
- I think you misunderstood me. I meant that some top list lists only give like one sentence about the character. But that's not the case with all of them. That's the point I was trying to make. I'm in agreement with you here, you know. I don't think these articles should be merged. Kokoro20 (talk) 15:57, 13 May 2014 (UTC)
- How would a top list accolade be a "passing mention"? I mean, typically there are a small number of paragraphs, sometimes on an individual page, for the character. I think of a "passing mention" as something like "Twilight Princess' extravagant and compelling art style, such as what can be seen in Midna, is..." Tezero (talk) 14:34, 13 May 2014 (UTC)
- I definitely understand Czar's concerns. On the surface level, Tezero's article look great because he's a good writer and he's good at formatting and adding plenty of refs, so they look like good articles. But of you dig deeper, you see that its a ton of passing mentions, and non-notable quotations. I didn't want to be the only one to rain on his parade, because he's definitely making some improvements, but I do think Czar is right and he's getting a bit carried away. Let me look into which ones apply... Sergecross73 msg me 10:24, 13 May 2014 (UTC)
- I see Czar's point. The question isn't whether or not this information should be deleted, but how it should be presented. When the bulk of an article is composed of information gleaned from primary sources, then even though it may be permissible under the rules, it is not a bad idea to consider whether a better article could be generated by merging them. Rather than a dozen closely related articles each with 3 or 4 independent in-depth RSes and 10s of primary sources, a merge would give us a single article on the close relation itself with dozens of independent in-depth RSes. To many people such an article would appear more encyclopedic. I know this idea is anathema to those who work for WP:CHAR, but I think it is important to take a broader Wikipedia-wide perspective. Again, I'm an inclusionist at heart so if this were simply a call for deletion I'd be opposed, but a merge makes some amount of sense here. -Thibbs (talk) 10:41, 13 May 2014 (UTC)
- I definitely see why cleanliness could be useful for a number of video game franchise character lists, but the Sonic series has gone on for literally several dozen games, many of them with in-depth plots, as well as extensive other media. To merge this many articles and adequately cover what each character does in the series would generate an incredibly long and difficult-to-navigate list. Working moderate, though unimpressive, amounts of reception into individual character sections in lists is also kinda weird. Tezero (talk) 14:30, 13 May 2014 (UTC)
Also, as I've brought up before, merging too many of these articles would set a new precedent. Look at, for example, Fawful, Koopalings, Toad, Wart, Bowser Jr., and most of the Pokémon. Is their reception coverage better? Looks like a lot of "listicles" and "passing mentions" to me – and for good reason. How often do you actually see an article just about a single video game character? Tezero (talk) 14:38, 13 May 2014 (UTC)
- That's not precedent, that's just "other stuff". Wart is an especially bad example, it's been tagged for cleanup and notability for years, and only seems to have avoided a redirect through pure indifference and lack of traffic. Sergecross73 msg me 16:33, 13 May 2014 (UTC)
- I must've misspoken. "Other stuff" is more a form of revenge, or at least strong desire for fairness, without policy-compatible reasoning. In this case, I think the articles I mentioned should stay, as should... at least most of the Sonic character ones (while I wouldn't actively advocate merging them, I can see how Gamma, Omega, and the Rogues might not be notable: they only have one medium-sized paragraph of reception each and have each only been in a handful of games) – because I feel that the articles in both groups satisfy WP:GNG. The reason I brought the other articles up was to give perspective, not to try to bring them down with these. Tezero (talk) 18:29, 13 May 2014 (UTC)
- My interpretation of "Other stuff" isn't revenge. Articles should be judged based on their individual merits, and not based on the existence of similar articles. The purpose of the essay isn't to bring down multiple articles, or qualify the inclusion of multiple articles; rather, it's a call to judge each article individually. The judgement of notability most strongly rests upon the quality of the coverage of the subject in reliable sources. If significant coverage does not exist for a subject, then it is non-notable, regardless of whether a similar article exists or not. I will look into the notability of these individual characters. Mz7 (talk) 20:01, 13 May 2014 (UTC)
- "OTHERSTUFF" isn't about revenge. It's just meant as a counterpoint that trumps when editors bring up examples of articles that are equal or worse quality to justify the existence of their articles. There's "precedent" if there is active consensus supporting the examples. It's "other stuff" when it's just random Undiscussed garbage articles with no real discussion that supports its existence. (Wart is about as strong if an example as it gets. ) Sergecross73 msg me 21:46, 13 May 2014 (UTC)
- Fair enough, but we actually have to get down to this now. Why isn't the discussion on Wart real? Do you primarily have an issue with the volume, the fact that it's lists, how much text appears on each page, or something else entirely? And where's the cutoff point? Tezero (talk) 22:25, 13 May 2014 (UTC)
- Well, can you locate a discussion where a group of editors came to a consensus that it was to be kept? If not, then it's not a good example of any sort of precedent. Sergecross73 msg me 23:24, 13 May 2014 (UTC)
- The only relevant one I can find about these Mario characters is for Bowser Jr. According to the discussion there, twice as many reliable sources as were currently used (so 10) would be necessary for an article. Plenty of these Sonic character articles have more than that. Anyway, enough were dug up, so it survived. And neither the ones present in the article at the time nor the ones there now are any more "significant [of] coverage" than those in, say, Chao's or Cream's page. Tezero (talk) 01:29, 14 May 2014 (UTC)
- My main objection is that so many of the sources are just passing mentions, amounting to something along the lines of Source X referred to character Y as "not great" and "average". There's nothing of substance there. Or worse, some are closer to just descriptions than actual reception or judgement value. Sergecross73 msg me 23:31, 13 May 2014 (UTC)
- I didn't realize there were any without opinions; I haven't consciously been adding those since old Espio and old Blaze got deleted. Tezero (talk) 01:29, 14 May 2014 (UTC)
- Perhaps I'm remembering those old ones, as I'm not finding any examples of the "non-reception" yet. But the passing mention stuff, that's very prevalent. See below subsection. Sergecross73 msg me 02:35, 14 May 2014 (UTC)
- I didn't realize there were any without opinions; I haven't consciously been adding those since old Espio and old Blaze got deleted. Tezero (talk) 01:29, 14 May 2014 (UTC)
- Well, can you locate a discussion where a group of editors came to a consensus that it was to be kept? If not, then it's not a good example of any sort of precedent. Sergecross73 msg me 23:24, 13 May 2014 (UTC)
- Fair enough, but we actually have to get down to this now. Why isn't the discussion on Wart real? Do you primarily have an issue with the volume, the fact that it's lists, how much text appears on each page, or something else entirely? And where's the cutoff point? Tezero (talk) 22:25, 13 May 2014 (UTC)
- I must've misspoken. "Other stuff" is more a form of revenge, or at least strong desire for fairness, without policy-compatible reasoning. In this case, I think the articles I mentioned should stay, as should... at least most of the Sonic character ones (while I wouldn't actively advocate merging them, I can see how Gamma, Omega, and the Rogues might not be notable: they only have one medium-sized paragraph of reception each and have each only been in a handful of games) – because I feel that the articles in both groups satisfy WP:GNG. The reason I brought the other articles up was to give perspective, not to try to bring them down with these. Tezero (talk) 18:29, 13 May 2014 (UTC)
Babylon Rogues merge discussion
First example of the type of notability issue Czar is (presumably) driving at. Look at the reception section for the Babylon Rogues. It looks like a documentation of every time a reviewer made a passing mention about them being stupid. (The word stupid is literally direct quoted three times in that very short paragraph.) Nothing of substance is actually said about them. Even the design section boils down to "The creators made them for a racing game with a backstory." Sergecross73 msg me 02:35, 14 May 2014 (UTC)
- Nothing of substance? Not enough of substance I can see, but there's a fair variety of complaints. What kind of complaint that they're missing would count as one "of substance"? Tezero (talk) 03:47, 14 May 2014 (UTC)
- Okay, this is looking like it can go on for a while without resolution. I suggest we just make an RfC or formal merge discussion or whatever, solicit outside opinion and call it a day. Anyone have a preference on the method? czar ♔ 04:56, 14 May 2014 (UTC)
- @Tezero, no it boils down the the same problem as usual - poor sources and just "passing mentions" of the actual subject instead of significant coverage. @Czar - I have no preference, whichever you prefer. Sergecross73 msg me 10:28, 14 May 2014 (UTC)
- For what it's worth, I'd prefer an outside opinion so that we actually get a formal, policy-based decision that can be referenced later rather than getting into the same arguments over and over again. Tezero (talk) 19:58, 14 May 2014 (UTC)
- @Tezero, no it boils down the the same problem as usual - poor sources and just "passing mentions" of the actual subject instead of significant coverage. @Czar - I have no preference, whichever you prefer. Sergecross73 msg me 10:28, 14 May 2014 (UTC)
- Okay, this is looking like it can go on for a while without resolution. I suggest we just make an RfC or formal merge discussion or whatever, solicit outside opinion and call it a day. Anyone have a preference on the method? czar ♔ 04:56, 14 May 2014 (UTC)
Let's step back and for the record point out first and foremost, WP:NOT#DICT and WP:NOTDIR. Now, look at this situation. While it's certainly fine to provide guidance on the key characters for any given gaming universe, up-to and including dedicated pages for what in most cases should only be a limited amount of characters, Wikipedia is not the place for listing all of the secondary, tertiary, etc... characters. There are other dedicated sites that are better suited for that and in general practice it should be considered best practice to direct visitors to those specialized resources where appropriate. The only thing we should be really working out here is the generalized line to draw on what defines a primary character for any given universe. BcRIPster (talk) 21:44, 14 May 2014 (UTC)
- "Primary" isn't relevant here. I mean, think how many minor Shakespeare and Star Wars characters have articles, and then how few major My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic characters do (it's 0). The determining factor, whether any of us likes it or not, is coverage in reliable sources. What we're niggling over is how much is necessary, and of what kinds. Tezero (talk) 00:33, 15 May 2014 (UTC)
- It absolutely is relevant. And, I think you made my case by bringing up Shakespeare. Do we really honestly need pages for every minor Shakespear and Star Wars character? No. Not really. And just because they have a rats nests of pages means we should also? No. Nobody cares about all of these secondary characters except for the die hard fans and information about them does little to nothing to help some understand what these games are about. "Reliable sources" is well defined at the top of this page and the first thing it says is: "Wikipedia articles should be based on reliable, published sources, making sure that all majority and significant minority views that have appeared in those sources are covered (see Wikipedia:Neutral point of view)." This does not say "all articles that feature reliable, published information are deserving of their own dedicated Wikipedia page." BcRIPster (talk) 01:44, 15 May 2014 (UTC)
- "Primary" isn't relevant here. I mean, think how many minor Shakespeare and Star Wars characters have articles, and then how few major My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic characters do (it's 0). The determining factor, whether any of us likes it or not, is coverage in reliable sources. What we're niggling over is how much is necessary, and of what kinds. Tezero (talk) 00:33, 15 May 2014 (UTC)
- Oh, right and the most important guidance... WP:WHATISTOBEDONE "When you wonder what should or should not be in an article, ask yourself what a reader would expect to find under the same heading in an encyclopedia." BcRIPster (talk) 21:46, 14 May 2014 (UTC)
- Well, if we assume that the Babylon Rogues have an encyclopedia article with a heading, I'd damn well expect to see content there. (It's my fault the content isn't more extensive; I haven't been prioritizing this article, though it looks like that's for good reason.) The same goes for more obscure (and less RS-covered) Sonic characters like Marine the Raccoon, Chocola the Chao, Black Doom, and E-100 Alpha, who—as much as I would personally want them to have articles, as I dislike Wikipedia's standards for notability in general—never will. Tezero (talk) 00:33, 15 May 2014 (UTC)
- But this also assumes that Babylon Rogues is relevant and notable enough to even warrant a page. If you never heard of these characters would your concept of the Sonic games be any different? I think not. I'm really not trying to upset you here, but re-read your statement. Wikipedia isn't about "what you personally" want to read. Wikipedia is an encyclopedic source which is intended to provide an introduction to a concept that someone can leap off from for further exploration. Specialty sites/books/etc... are the proper place for extended details on a given subject. Maybe people just don't remember what real encyclopedias were like anymore. BcRIPster (talk) 01:46, 15 May 2014 (UTC)
- Well, if we assume that the Babylon Rogues have an encyclopedia article with a heading, I'd damn well expect to see content there. (It's my fault the content isn't more extensive; I haven't been prioritizing this article, though it looks like that's for good reason.) The same goes for more obscure (and less RS-covered) Sonic characters like Marine the Raccoon, Chocola the Chao, Black Doom, and E-100 Alpha, who—as much as I would personally want them to have articles, as I dislike Wikipedia's standards for notability in general—never will. Tezero (talk) 00:33, 15 May 2014 (UTC)
Merger proposal
Should Babylon Rogues, Blaze the Cat, Chao (Sonic), Cream the Rabbit, E-102 Gamma, E-123 Omega, and Wisp (Sonic) be merged into List of Sonic the Hedgehog video game characters?
Survey
I propose that Babylon Rogues, Blaze the Cat, Chao (Sonic), Cream the Rabbit, E-102 Gamma, E-123 Omega, and Wisp (Sonic) be merged into List of Sonic the Hedgehog video game characters. These articles lack the significant coverage needed under the GNG, resulting in Reception sections that collect passing mentions without potential for completeness and lengthy Appearance sections of undue weight constructed exclusively from primary sources. The topics would be best covered (briefly) in this list instead of on their own. See above for further elaboration. I'd also be interested in thoughts on whether anyone thinks I should include other list members in any subsequent merge proposals. czar ♔ 00:50, 15 May 2014 (UTC)
- I'm personally leaning more towards keeping most of these articles (aka oppose the merge), though it's a borderline decision (and I wouldn't mind the Rouges and E-123 Omega being merged as their reception sections are especially weak). Sure, their sourcing could be better but at least there are multiple mentions rather than some, and a few have depth and are more than passing statements. The GNG is being enforced a bit too harshly here. Take a look at some of the comics and tv show characters - many of their articles are in a shitty state but most are still allowed to stand. I know someone will reply to this with "but WP:OTHERSTUFFEXISTS" but video game character articles are currently being judged with a double standard that is much tougher than the rest of the encyclopedia. Many thanks, Satellizer (´ ・ ω ・ `) 01:07, 15 May 2014 (UTC)
- I'm glad I'm not the only one who's noticed this about WP:VG's especially harsh attitude toward notability. That's why I think it's important that outside opinions be brought in. (I mean, every fucking bridge or train station in Nobodycaresberg, Germany, with zero or next to zero sources even available, let alone used, gets an article, but a character that actually gets hundreds of views a day... Really makes me wonder.) Tezero (talk) 01:40, 15 May 2014 (UTC)
- Totally agree! But the way to fix this is rein in all the articles about individual bridges! Don't compound the issue with "well he did it, so I should to". Please? BcRIPster (talk) 01:52, 15 May 2014 (UTC)
- I never said that, and neither did Tezero. All I'm saying is that WP:VG is being awfully harsh against the notability of video game characters, compared to, say, other projects against comics or television characters, or even "bridges and train stations in Nobodycaresberg, Germany, with zero or next to zero sources". People are saying here that these characters don't pass the GNG, while on any other project it would pass with little doubt. Satellizer (´ ・ ω ・ `) 02:27, 15 May 2014 (UTC)
- Maybe not literally, but it was strongly implied by Tezero's statement about "every f*ing bridge gets an article...", and I was simply saying that rather than criticize WP:VG for being harsh, criticize WP:BRIDGE for being lax. I totally agree with the sentiment and I think it's crazy to have all of these articles that really don't add value to a layman's perspective from an encyclopedic standpoint. BcRIPster (talk) 03:01, 15 May 2014 (UTC)
- Well, really, I think WP:VG is being harsh, not that WP:BRIDGE is being lax, as WP:BRIDGE's policy (I'm not even gonna bother checking if that's a real project; you know the principle) on notability seems more representative of Wikipedia overall. Tezero (talk) 15:11, 15 May 2014 (UTC)
- WP:VG judges notability harshly overall, but for some reason they're especially hard on video game character articles. I mean, just take a look at some of the stub-class video game articles out there, and the lack of sources in them... I just don't see the reason for this obvious double standard, and why video game characters have to show much more notability than everything else. Satellizer (´ ・ ω ・ `) 23:57, 16 May 2014 (UTC)
- Well, really, I think WP:VG is being harsh, not that WP:BRIDGE is being lax, as WP:BRIDGE's policy (I'm not even gonna bother checking if that's a real project; you know the principle) on notability seems more representative of Wikipedia overall. Tezero (talk) 15:11, 15 May 2014 (UTC)
- Maybe not literally, but it was strongly implied by Tezero's statement about "every f*ing bridge gets an article...", and I was simply saying that rather than criticize WP:VG for being harsh, criticize WP:BRIDGE for being lax. I totally agree with the sentiment and I think it's crazy to have all of these articles that really don't add value to a layman's perspective from an encyclopedic standpoint. BcRIPster (talk) 03:01, 15 May 2014 (UTC)
- I never said that, and neither did Tezero. All I'm saying is that WP:VG is being awfully harsh against the notability of video game characters, compared to, say, other projects against comics or television characters, or even "bridges and train stations in Nobodycaresberg, Germany, with zero or next to zero sources". People are saying here that these characters don't pass the GNG, while on any other project it would pass with little doubt. Satellizer (´ ・ ω ・ `) 02:27, 15 May 2014 (UTC)
- Support merger and since you asked, I'm going to voice what I readily admit will be considered an extreme stance (so please don't flip out). That, based on my interpretation of what a general encyclopedia should encompass, I would think that at most, stand alone pages for Sonic, Knuckles, Eggman, Tails and Amy Rose would be warranting expanded, special focus. Everything else would fall into a "characters of..." summary that links off to something like the sonic.wikia for detailed character profiles and bios. I think this definition captures my thoughts well "An encyclopedia is great for getting a general understanding of a subject before you dive into it, but then you do have to dive into your subject; using books and articles and other appropriate sources will provide better research. Research from these sources will be more detailed, more precise, more carefully reasoned, and more broadly peer reviewed than the summary you found in an encyclopedia." BcRIPster (talk) 01:17, 15 May 2014 (UTC)
- Comment: I don't think the fact that the Appearances sections are mainly made up of primary sources is a fair rationale for merging. Often a character's basic role in a game could be attributed to a primary source, but a more complete understanding of the role requires primary sources, as secondary ones just don't think to mention it or it doesn't relate to a point they're making. The reason that large use by percentage of primary sources for Appearances sections isn't common outside Sonic character articles is that most articles just haven't had the effort put in to actually discuss the relevant Appearances in enough detail, or the articles just aren't at GA status so those parts are unsourced entirely. TL;DR: Just because secondary sources aren't the only thing used (or close to it) doesn't mean there aren't enough of them. Tezero (talk) 01:36, 15 May 2014 (UTC)
- That isn't my rationale for merging, but I will add that when 75% of an article are sections of mainly primary sources, that leaves 25% with secondary coverage, which should be seen as undue weight and a red flag for notability czar ♔ 01:42, 15 May 2014 (UTC)
- WP:UNDUE refers to content, not sourcing, and is used in NPOV disputes, not debates on notability. It's not much of a "red flag" here. The primary sources are mostly found in the "appearances" section, which merely explain which games a character appears in and in what role, and, as Tezero says, second sources don't work as well there. The main determining factor for notability is the "reception" section, which shows the impact a character has, and as I stated above, I find the sourcing in all of them to be sufficient (with the Babylon Rogues and E-123 Omega being exceptions). Satellizer (´ ・ ω ・ `) 11:00, 15 May 2014 (UTC)
- Undue weight also refers to balance (WP:BALASPS), which was straightforwardly the section I was referencing. Notability is a proxy for available coverage. The red flag is when 75% of an article has no option of secondary coverage and when the appearances of a character matter more (by weight) than the sum of the other sections. But let me be clear: my merge argument is that the few secondary sources do not constitute significant coverage and thus the topic doesn't pass the GNG. The weight issue is secondary. czar ♔ 11:37, 15 May 2014 (UTC)
- No, WP:BALASPS still refers to content, and is irrelevant to sourcing. And personally I consider coverage by 8-9 RS, as in the case of Cream the Rabbit, to be more than a "few secondary sources". Satellizer (´ ・ ω ・ `) 23:57, 16 May 2014 (UTC)
- I don't see the distinction you're making. Anyway, Wikipedia:Notability_(fiction)#What_Wikipedia_is_not summarizes any other thoughts I'd have to add on this line of thought czar ♔ 01:12, 17 May 2014 (UTC)
- What I'm saying is that BALASPS refers to the POV of sources, not whether they're primary/secondary or if they demonstrate notability or not. As for your second argument, I disagree with you as I believe that most of these articles do have satisfactory reception sections and are more than a plot summary. Though honestly this discussion is getting a bit unproductive as I doubt either of us will manage to change the other's opinion on this matter, and I'm pretty sure you'd agree Satellizer (´ ・ ω ・ `) 02:02, 18 May 2014 (UTC)
- I don't see the distinction you're making. Anyway, Wikipedia:Notability_(fiction)#What_Wikipedia_is_not summarizes any other thoughts I'd have to add on this line of thought czar ♔ 01:12, 17 May 2014 (UTC)
- No, WP:BALASPS still refers to content, and is irrelevant to sourcing. And personally I consider coverage by 8-9 RS, as in the case of Cream the Rabbit, to be more than a "few secondary sources". Satellizer (´ ・ ω ・ `) 23:57, 16 May 2014 (UTC)
- Undue weight also refers to balance (WP:BALASPS), which was straightforwardly the section I was referencing. Notability is a proxy for available coverage. The red flag is when 75% of an article has no option of secondary coverage and when the appearances of a character matter more (by weight) than the sum of the other sections. But let me be clear: my merge argument is that the few secondary sources do not constitute significant coverage and thus the topic doesn't pass the GNG. The weight issue is secondary. czar ♔ 11:37, 15 May 2014 (UTC)
- WP:UNDUE refers to content, not sourcing, and is used in NPOV disputes, not debates on notability. It's not much of a "red flag" here. The primary sources are mostly found in the "appearances" section, which merely explain which games a character appears in and in what role, and, as Tezero says, second sources don't work as well there. The main determining factor for notability is the "reception" section, which shows the impact a character has, and as I stated above, I find the sourcing in all of them to be sufficient (with the Babylon Rogues and E-123 Omega being exceptions). Satellizer (´ ・ ω ・ `) 11:00, 15 May 2014 (UTC)
- That isn't my rationale for merging, but I will add that when 75% of an article are sections of mainly primary sources, that leaves 25% with secondary coverage, which should be seen as undue weight and a red flag for notability czar ♔ 01:42, 15 May 2014 (UTC)
- Support per my comments in the above sections. The reception and development sections are very weak in content and significant coverage in sources. All the rest of the content is more fansite-ish type content sourced from first party sources. Sergecross73 msg me 02:13, 15 May 2014 (UTC)
- Comment: I don't have the time to look through every one right now, but I'd like to point out that [[Wisp {Sonic)]] is a GA with a mostly supportive FA candidacy right now. Supernerd11 :D Firemind ^_^ Pokedex 02:33, 15 May 2014 (UTC)
- While it frustrates me that no one seems to care about all the dedicated Wisp coverage I've brought up at the FAC, GANs and FACs aren't worth the paper they're printed on (well, you know) as far as notability goes. FWIW, Cream's also being GA reviewed right now. Tezero (talk) 04:01, 15 May 2014 (UTC)
- I read through the coverage listed at the Wisp FAC when it was posted and I don't believe it constitutes significant coverage. They are mentions as part of the individual games' reviews. Why do these character topics have notability apart from the games? It's not just that a lot can be written about them, because Sonic wikis has lots of examples of topics we'd never cover. These topics do not meet a threshold of available sources to substantiate a reliable, encyclopedic article that isn't piecemeal aggregation of every time the character has been mentioned on any website. If these articles were brought to AfD, I believe their discussions would be closed as "merge", hence all this. Also I've already responded on Supernerd's talk, but GA or even FA status does not constitute notability—it isn't in the criteria and it's a separate discussion. czar ♔ 11:47, 15 May 2014 (UTC)
- When it was posted? Well, there's been more since the FAC started, and I'd argue that even what it started with was sufficient. Wisps have notability not because of common sense, but because they have a decent amount of rather in-depth coverage from secondary sources. And it's not a "piecemeal aggregation of every time the character has been mentioned on any website"; in fact, I left out a lot that simply didn't say anything of substance or give an opinion. Actually, if you look at the FAC, I even left out some opinions about them because they were redundant. If you think the Wisps aren't notable apart from their games despite the piling coverage evidence otherwise, take the general issue of WP:N up with Wikipedia's policy creators. Tezero (talk) 15:10, 15 May 2014 (UTC)
- I read through the coverage listed at the Wisp FAC when it was posted and I don't believe it constitutes significant coverage. They are mentions as part of the individual games' reviews. Why do these character topics have notability apart from the games? It's not just that a lot can be written about them, because Sonic wikis has lots of examples of topics we'd never cover. These topics do not meet a threshold of available sources to substantiate a reliable, encyclopedic article that isn't piecemeal aggregation of every time the character has been mentioned on any website. If these articles were brought to AfD, I believe their discussions would be closed as "merge", hence all this. Also I've already responded on Supernerd's talk, but GA or even FA status does not constitute notability—it isn't in the criteria and it's a separate discussion. czar ♔ 11:47, 15 May 2014 (UTC)
- Well, after taking a look at the article about the Wisps, I oppose the merging for that one. Multiple third party sources gives them more than passing mentions (WP:GNG). I don't see the undue weight issue either. "Appearance" sections typically does not even need sourcing when it comes to plot (at least for things the player can clearly see when playing the game and watching the cutscenes). There's a reason plot sections in film and TV show episode articles usually aren't cited, after all. Besides, when will you ever find third party sources telling a detailed plot for anything? Not very often. Kokoro20 (talk) 16:49, 15 May 2014 (UTC)
- Comment: I will say that I don't see how Rouge has more "notability" than Cream. Even from a common sense perspective she doesn't, and her Reception section is noticeably less substantive. Tezero (talk) 17:06, 15 May 2014 (UTC)
- At least Rouge elicited some meaningful commentary from sources regarding females in video games. Cream is largely a collection of passing mentions saying she's either "unnecessary" or "cute". 00:43, 16 May 2014 (UTC)
Comment - Was anyone outside of WP:VG notified of these discussions? The one thing me and Tezero agree in is probably that people outside should contribute too. Sergecross73 msg me 00:43, 16 May 2014 (UTC)
- I didn't notify anyone besides the article tags. I've added an RfC but feel free to post to other venues czar ♔ 01:17, 16 May 2014 (UTC)
Oppose Articles actually have third party sources that judge them which is the point of notability. If you have a problem with one of them address them individually rather than making such a convoluted talk page.Tintor2 (talk) 00:45, 16 May 2014 (UTC)
- Support merging per comments in above sections, looking at the sources that make these characters "notable" I don't see any that talk extensively on the characters, mostly just passing mentions in game reviews. The majority of the reception on Wisp is about the gameplay that they provide, not their designs, so would be better merged into reception for Sonic Colors. E-123 Omega's reception is basically a comparison to E-102 Gamma, which itself has a pretty poor reception section. These characters simply don't have enough notability as individual characters, and have their "notability" just for having a role in a Sonic game. Jucchan (talk) 03:25, 16 May 2014 (UTC)
- Comment: Don't know if anyone's actually followed what I suggested, so here's what I said at the FAC:
Going back over it, the article I was thinking of, by Famitsu, is still there. Also, the IGN preview has about 4 paragraphs just on the Wisps (about half its length), this has 4-5 paragraphs (about 2/3), and this is mostly about the Wisps and even references them in the title (though it's unusually stingy with opinions about them). And this one is a full-length article about the Wisps. I didn't even add it because it was redundant to Famitsu; that's how well-documented these critters are. And that's not even counting the sources I just added talking about the Wisps' visual appearance (which is not necessarily tied to specific games and thus couldn't as easily be merged) and gameplay, or the ones I mentioned in the previous paragraph... The fact is, there are now three solid paragraphs of real reception, with additional sources to spare; countless game character articles exist and pass GAN (some even FAC) with less than this, and they should. To FAC coordinators, I hope you'll consider this case for the Wisps' notability and note that hahnchen's other concerns have been addressed. Tezero (talk) 17:53, 5 May 2014 (UTC)
Tezero (talk) 04:04, 16 May 2014 (UTC)
- I mentioned that I had read this above and explained there why it is not significant coverage czar ♔ 04:16, 16 May 2014 (UTC)
- My mistake; I'd thought that was in reply to the sources available earlier. Regardless, look at Sergecross73's reply at Luke von Fabre's talk. While he does state he's in favor of "minor Sonic characters" being merged (I'm not sure if he was referring to the Wisps among them), the rationale he gives in support of Luke's notability (explicit opinions + the character being the main one in his game) ties quite well to the Wisps. Tezero (talk) 04:34, 16 May 2014 (UTC)
- That's...not really the same. "Luke's" article is about a playable character who's character development is a central part of a plot heavy game. The Wisps function more as a "gameplay mechanic", they have no character development, personality, or real dialogue, don't drive the story, and the story is a largely minor, irrelevant part of a Sonic game. Apples and oranges. Sergecross73 msg me 23:04, 16 May 2014 (UTC)
- My mistake; I'd thought that was in reply to the sources available earlier. Regardless, look at Sergecross73's reply at Luke von Fabre's talk. While he does state he's in favor of "minor Sonic characters" being merged (I'm not sure if he was referring to the Wisps among them), the rationale he gives in support of Luke's notability (explicit opinions + the character being the main one in his game) ties quite well to the Wisps. Tezero (talk) 04:34, 16 May 2014 (UTC)
- I mentioned that I had read this above and explained there why it is not significant coverage czar ♔ 04:16, 16 May 2014 (UTC)
- Strong oppose: This is terrifying. I'm aware that WP:VG has a strong attitude towards notability, but I wouldn't have known that the Sonic characters would be at risk. Tezero and I have promoted a few of these, and it would seem heartless if all of his work put into making these scarce articles into to GA quality be thrown away. Look at the List of Pokemon, about thirty of them have their own articles and they are much less comprehensive than the Sonic characters! They all contain the same basic sections, legacy, reception, design etc. Bulbasaur, for example, it's fairly comprehensive (on the same level as the Sonic characters) and it isn't even GA! If you think about, what makes Wisps so special? It's a FA candidate yes, but in theory it contains just as much content as all of them do. Who is there to stop someone from nominating all the others for FA? It's possible, as most of them are already Good Articles. ☠ Jaguar ☠ 16:51, 16 May 2014 (UTC)
- The GA/FA process is completely separate from notability. Tezero's own past work, like Espio, were once GA's, only to be redirected, for example. Its one of the reason's why I don't bother with the process, there are a lot of awful articles/reviewers who pass things that don't even meet the GNG. Sergecross73 msg me 23:08, 16 May 2014 (UTC)
- Wasn't going to say anything, but since you brought it up, for the sake of transparency, Jaguar passed all four of the recent GAs in the set under discussion: Blaze the Cat, Cream the Rabbit, E-102 Gamma, Wisp (Sonic). Would also like to point out that I encouraged not creating these articles back before this began, and if the primary concern is wasted time, the primary author (T) knew that their notability was borderline. Also need to point out that Bulbasaur was once FA, hence its sourcing. I'd put Bulbasaur in the same notability boat as Amy Rose with their current sources, but don't want to get off-topic. If your concern is even-handedness, we can visit another group of fictional characters next, but let's take one consensus at at time. czar ♔ 23:24, 16 May 2014 (UTC)
- That was taken out of context. I was talking about the likely outcome of this discussion, not what I thought myself of the articles satisfying WP:N or of WP:N should be, nor what I'd thought of any of those things when creating the pages. Tezero (talk) 01:27, 17 May 2014 (UTC)
- I was going off of
Actually, had I thought more about it at the time, I might've figured that bringing up more articles would make the less-notable ones seem more so and thus shield them a bit.
but if that wasn't your intent, I retract it czar ♔ 01:46, 17 May 2014 (UTC)- Oh. More understandable, but still not what I meant, in the same way as above. Tezero (talk) 02:24, 17 May 2014 (UTC)
- I was going off of
- That was taken out of context. I was talking about the likely outcome of this discussion, not what I thought myself of the articles satisfying WP:N or of WP:N should be, nor what I'd thought of any of those things when creating the pages. Tezero (talk) 01:27, 17 May 2014 (UTC)
- Wasn't going to say anything, but since you brought it up, for the sake of transparency, Jaguar passed all four of the recent GAs in the set under discussion: Blaze the Cat, Cream the Rabbit, E-102 Gamma, Wisp (Sonic). Would also like to point out that I encouraged not creating these articles back before this began, and if the primary concern is wasted time, the primary author (T) knew that their notability was borderline. Also need to point out that Bulbasaur was once FA, hence its sourcing. I'd put Bulbasaur in the same notability boat as Amy Rose with their current sources, but don't want to get off-topic. If your concern is even-handedness, we can visit another group of fictional characters next, but let's take one consensus at at time. czar ♔ 23:24, 16 May 2014 (UTC)
- While I also oppose for obvious reasons (at least for most of these), work I've done in building the articles up doesn't count in and of itself toward their subject's notability, nor does yours in reviewing them. Some of the Pokémon, moreover, show more cultural impact and are covered more by secondary sources than most of these, although I would contend that others, like Torchic and Victini, aren't nearly as well-off as the Rogues and have little potential to show more WP:N. Regardless, articles of any kind aren't likely to reach GA status unless they're close to meeting WP:N, if not already there. Tezero (talk) 18:24, 16 May 2014 (UTC)
- In response to comparison to Pokémon articles, I say that it is true that many Pokémon articles are in not much better shape than the Sonic characters. However, I think that those Pokémon articles should be merged as well. I would oppose merging Bulbasaur due to it being a starter Pokémon in the first games as well as being used frequently by Ash (and May) in the Anime (and thus, should have more available sources to prove notability), and I'm border line on Victini for it being featured in merchandise and a movie, but I would agree to merge on most of the existing Pokémon articles. Just being similar to something that exists doesn't justify either of them existing. Jucchan (talk) 23:26, 16 May 2014 (UTC)
- Support these merges. I'd like to note I've participated in similar discussions on fictitious elements of the Sonic series before. The biggest concern with fictional characters is that there has to be significant coverage independent of the subject to be worth an article; i.e. Sonic has been discussed extensively in reliable sources about his rivalry with Mario and representation of the Sega brand; Tails has been mentioned in critical commentary about video game "sidekicks", Eggman is often discussed in topics about video game villains, etc. Amy and Knuckles may be pushing it a bit, but I could see them being possible in mentions of sources about video game love interests or "frienemies", if such articles existed that weren't specifically about the Sonic series. Shadow would be at the very edge possibly due to his popularity and antihero status. Outside of that, I can't really see any character having notable elements independent of the series except that they're often discussed as being an issue in the Sonic series as a whole that there are so many characters as to be ridiculous. That would be a nice section for the List article, and there's certainly no reason the list couldn't be extensively worked on and completed well. Red Phoenix let's talk... 00:15, 17 May 2014 (UTC)
- What are you talking about? Most games we have articles on aren't notable by that standard, nor are countless other topics like the lesser known chemical elements, various cities and towns, religious topics... And that's to say nothing of a significant percentage of our game characters – a field whose entries are already, as I see it, over-scrutinized on two counts for notability. Tezero (talk) 01:06, 17 May 2014 (UTC)
- I don't see how you're making that leap; most video games have critical receptions of themselves as a whole in the media without being a criticism of the series which they're a part of, as well as individual developments, just like how chemical elements have all been researched and discussed individually in academic sources, and cities and towns are usually discussed in reliable sources such as newspapers. The key point here is WP:NOTINHERITED; in other words, notability is not inherited just by being a part of a notable game or game series - or, for that matter, being a well-received part of just that series, because the notability is still tied to the series in itself. All of the examples you provided would have that independent notability. Red Phoenix let's talk... 01:22, 17 May 2014 (UTC)
- Of the series, maybe not, but they're about the games themselves, other than in some articles like Ocarina of Time that have received numerous accolades and been described as extremely influential. Conversely, plenty of coverage in these articles focuses on the characters as characters rather than, say, how they affect the flow of the individual games, even though most of that coverage appears in reviews and other features about the games. In other words, I think it's a double standard to accept reviews of games as "outside the work itself" when they discuss the games besides their place in the series, but not to do the same for characters when this coverage discusses them besides their functional role in the game. Tezero (talk) 02:24, 17 May 2014 (UTC)
- I would like to also make a second proposal: Tezero has done an incredible amount of work with these articles. Would not they be fit for a transwiki to a Sonic the Hedgehog-related Wikia site? Surely a location like sonic.wikia.com would be able to put this all to good use and that way the work would not be entirely for not. Red Phoenix let's talk... 00:19, 17 May 2014 (UTC)
- The Sonic wiki values different content from what we do. If you think the Appearances sections in these articles are overly detailed, oh man. Conception/creation is also much better covered there than here, as they can rely on leaked development screenshots and other things we'd count as either non-reliable or WP:OR. All I think they'd value is Reception. Tezero (talk) 01:06, 17 May 2014 (UTC)
- You both have a point here. On one hand, Tezero's work definitely looks like something that would be found on one of various Sonic Wikias. On the other hand, the Sonic fanbase is rather large and active on the internet, and there's far more detailed work there already in place. Still, I'm not sure why Tezero doesn't focus his work more on Wikias, who value his sort of writing much more, unless I've already answered it with this reply. (It doesn't need to be done on Wikias - it's already all been done before there.) Still, that doesn't make the content right for here. Sergecross73 msg me 02:21, 17 May 2014 (UTC)
- It doesn't make it right for here, no, but I fear you're running to the opposite extreme and assuming that the fact that it would fit there means it doesn't fit here. Tezero (talk) 02:30, 17 May 2014 (UTC)
- Oppose this generalized survey - If an article's notability is going to be debated, then it should be debated individually, on its own merits. This discussion is overly broad and ambiguous, with many editors making sweeping judgments about these articles in general without justifying why a particular article does or does not satisfy the general notability guideline. The breadth of this survey does not allow for the nuance that may be necessary to discuss each article's particular notability. I'm further concerned that some of the editors here have not actually bothered to look at all of the sourcing for each of the article's listed--I know I certainly haven't at this time--and are basing their support or opposition on what they personally feel like should be notable or non-notable. Sergecross73 chose the fair and correct route when he started an individual discussion about the notability of the Babylon Rogues article, and we should continue to have article-specific discussions instead of this overinclusive mess of a survey. –Prototime (talk · contribs) 02:19, 17 May 2014 (UTC)
- Fair. I'll draw up the relevant subheadings now. Tezero (talk) 02:30, 17 May 2014 (UTC)
- Support Merge - Look at the reception section for the Babylon Rogues. It looks like a documentation of every time a reviewer made a passing mention about them being stupid. (The word stupid is literally direct quoted three times in that very short paragraph.) Nothing of substance is actually said about them. Even the design section boils down to "The creators made them for a racing game with a backstory." There's very little information that has been pulled from the sources about these articles, and thats because sources don't provide significant coverage - it's all trivial, passing mentions. Sergecross73 msg me 13:38, 17 May 2014 (UTC)
- Weak oppose: Jet got listed on a top 10 worst list, as someone helpfully added. The rest of the coverage... isn't ideal. Tezero (talk) 00:24, 18 May 2014 (UTC)
- How is that a good rationale to oppose? One of the three characters making a top 10 list, and conceding that even you aren't happy with the sources? Sergecross73 msg me 02:57, 18 May 2014 (UTC)
- Support per Sergecross73 and Red Phoenix in above sections. Jucchan (talk) 01:44, 18 May 2014 (UTC)
- Support merge per Sergecross and my first comment above Satellizer (´ ・ ω ・ `) 02:09, 18 May 2014 (UTC)
- Support merge No notable conception. Reception is pushing it also after randomly checking a few quotes. 1up says her gameplay is fun, the article sources it to say the character fun; CCC introduces the character as a Cool Queen to describe her personality, article says it's complimenting her as cool; IGN says she has a move which is a good counterpart to Sonic's spin dash, article ambiguously says she is a good counterpart to Sonic. These three don't belong in character reception. DragonZero (Talk · Contribs) 10:51, 17 May 2014 (UTC)
- Oppose merge - For pretty much the same reasons I explained for the Wisps below. Multiple third-party sources give more than passing mentions. As for undue weight, it's not very often that you'll find third-party sources giving detailed plot descriptions for stuff. Kokoro20 (talk) 15:21, 17 May 2014 (UTC)
- Which ones are significant coverage? Much of the coverage is single word quotes calling her "cool" and "fun".... Sergecross73 msg me 15:59, 17 May 2014 (UTC)
- There's more coverage in there than just that. For example, GamesRadar gave a more in-depth look to her ([2]), as did Blistered Thumbs ([3]). Kokoro20 (talk) 16:10, 17 May 2014 (UTC)
- I don't believe Blistered Thumbs is considered a reliable source, and even if they were, if you look up the guy who wrote it, it's all forum posts and comments on articles. It looks like its user generated, not the staffs work. (Note how it says "posted by" on it, and if you click on his name, he goes by an account name of "Goombasa" - not characteristics of staff writers.) GR...gave her a short paragraph, I guess... Sergecross73 msg me 16:59, 17 May 2014 (UTC)
- Support Merge - extremely weak sourcing in reception, especially DragonZero's observations. Sergecross73 msg me 17:02, 17 May 2014 (UTC)
- Neutral: I'd oppose if Blistered Thumbs' comments had come from a more reputable source; I hadn't realized how shaky it is at the time. Tezero (talk) 00:34, 18 May 2014 (UTC)
- Support per DragonZero, and that short paragraph on GR doesn't seem "in-depth" enough to show notability. Jucchan (talk) 01:47, 18 May 2014 (UTC)
- Oppose merge per Kokoro20 and my first comment above Satellizer (´ ・ ω ・ `) 02:09, 18 May 2014 (UTC)
- Oppose merge: I take particular issue to this one for something that is a minor mention but I feel demonstrates significance: "Chao" being used as a virtual synonym for "virtual pet" in that one Pokémon Channel review. If it matters, I also wrote the Reception section back in 2009 and there's probably a good amount more out there that I just didn't feel needed mentioning. I may try to, with as policy-based of arguments as I can, chime in on the others later. Tezero (talk) 22:42, 17 May 2014 (UTC)
- Oppose merge per my first comment above Satellizer (´ ・ ω ・ `) 02:09, 18 May 2014 (UTC)
- Support Merge - Again, no "significant coverage". All the third party sources are short excerpt paraphrasing "I liked Cream" or "I didn't like Cream", or commentary that's more relevant to the gameplay of her respective games, not her. All trivial passing mentions, dressed up to look like more... Sergecross73 msg me 13:41, 17 May 2014 (UTC)
- Medium to weak oppose: what about all the stuff about her name and appearance? That doesn't have anything to do with gameplay, nor is it a simple statement of liking or disliking her. Tezero (talk) 00:18, 18 May 2014 (UTC)
- Support per Sergecross73's comment. Jucchan (talk) 01:50, 18 May 2014 (UTC)
- Oppose merge' per my first comment above Satellizer (´ ・ ω ・ `) 02:09, 18 May 2014 (UTC)
- Support merge per Jucchan's arguments. DragonZero (Talk · Contribs) 11:02, 17 May 2014 (UTC)
- Neutral: a lot of the reception, though not all, would fit in the Sonic Adventure article. The "very popular" part helps his case, although Thumbs isn't a great source, as has been stated here. So does the top-25 robot ranking. Tezero (talk) 00:28, 18 May 2014 (UTC)
- Support per my own comment in the survey above. Jucchan (talk) 01:51, 18 May 2014 (UTC)
- Support merge per Jucchan's arguments. DragonZero (Talk · Contribs) 11:02, 17 May 2014 (UTC)
- Neutral to weak support: most of his reception is about Gamma and it'd thus be weird for Gamma, but not him, to have a page. He has appeared in an alright number of games, though, and it wouldn't be hard to find secondary coverage that states that, although the worth of such a task is unclear. Tezero (talk) 00:31, 18 May 2014 (UTC)
- Support per my own comment in the survey above. Jucchan (talk) 01:52, 18 May 2014 (UTC)
- Support merge per my first comment above Satellizer (´ ・ ω ・ `) 02:09, 18 May 2014 (UTC)
- Support merge - lack of significant coverage dedicated to it. Sergecross73 msg me 03:04, 18 May 2014 (UTC)
- Oppose merge - As I have already stated above for this, multiple third party sources gives them more than passing mentions (WP:GNG). I don't see the undue weight issue either. When will you ever find third party sources telling a detailed plot for anything? Not very often. Kokoro20 (talk) 10:39, 17 May 2014 (UTC)
- Support Merge - They really should be split up into the sections of their respective games. (Sonic Colors and Sonic Lost World), or even the Sonic series article. They're more of a "gameplay mechanic" with a face plastered on than an actual "character", and just about all of their reception is tied into that in their respective games. This article is like trying to create a character article out of the Chaos Emeralds or "Mario mushrooms" or something... Sergecross73 msg me 13:49, 17 May 2014 (UTC)
- Oppose merge; I would call that an inverse WP:Other stuff exists: I think the Mario mushrooms easily could have enough secondary coverage for an article. The Chaos Emeralds seem not to; I briefly considered the idea of one when I first came back, but didn't find any opinions or descriptions of them as "classic". While a lot is indeed based on gameplay mechanics, some's based on their cute appearance, which continues from game to game and presumably will in any more games they appear in. Tezero (talk) 22:46, 17 May 2014 (UTC)
- Comment; I agree that Mario mushrooms could very easily be an article, but I think that Mario mushrooms are recognized at an entirely different level than Wisps, used even as an icon that represents video games in general. Wisps simply aren't as well known. Jucchan (talk) 01:57, 18 May 2014 (UTC)
- I agree per common sense; the only Sonic item that I think comes close to Mario mushrooms are rings. I'd guess that neither has much external coverage as they're just so obvious. Nonetheless, sourcing is a different issue. Tezero (talk) 02:38, 18 May 2014 (UTC)
- Weak Support Merge per Sergecross. Most of the reception is tied to their respected games. If however, wisps are found in a few top-10-50-100 list, it could be salvaged. Lucia Black (talk) 19:32, 17 May 2014 (UTC)
- Support merge per Sergecross73's comment and my comment in the survey above, Wisps just aren't notable enough as a character right now. The article can be salvaged once Wisps make more appearances in games and merchandise and become more widely recognized. Jucchan (talk) 01:57, 18 May 2014 (UTC)
- Oppose merge per my first comment above Satellizer (´ ・ ω ・ `) 02:09, 18 May 2014 (UTC)