Chao (Sonic the Hedgehog)

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Chao
Sonic the Hedgehog race
Left to right: a Hero Chao, Normal Chao and Dark Chao
First appearance	Sonic Adventure (1998)

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

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