Sonic the Hedgehog was specifically designed with red shoes inspired by Michael Jackson and a buckle inspired by Santa Claus, which sounds like a fever dream but actually created a global mascot.

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Sonic the Hedgehog was specifically designed with red shoes inspired by Michael Jackson and a buckle inspired by Santa Claus, which sounds like a fever dream but actually created a global mascot. Sega needed a character edgy enough to compete with Nintendo's chubby Italian plumber, so they genetically engineered a blue rodent that runs at the speed of sound and collects golden rings. The rings were implemented so players wouldn't get too frustrated by the chaotic, screen blurring speed; as long as you held onto one, you were practically immortal. It is incredibly funny that a game built entirely around the concept of rebellious nineties attitude and extreme velocity ultimately relies on the safety net of dropping jewelry everywhere you go, ensuring that an aggressive blue hedgehog is never more than one minor collision away from utter bankruptcy