Knuckles the Echidna, former guardian of the Master Emerald and friendly rival of Sonic the Hedgehog, now works for an evil version of Sonic (known as the Illusionist) who sells mind control devices to his fellow villains. Knuckles retains his usual traits, being cool-headed, collected and solemn, although fierce, tough and hot-headed when he needs to be. He takes the role of a bouncer and enforcer, making sure nobody is around Sonic's property if they shouldn't be.