Bumpers

Image of a Bumper from Sonic 4.

Bumpers(ボビン Bobin?) or Bumper Balls(バンパーボール Banpā bōru?), are the most well-known and iconic obstacle in the Sonic games. Relating to its name, its function to bump a ball or character backwards upon contact. However, Bumpers can also be used as a method to gather points, rings, or for the player to propel him/her self to greater distances. Bumpers made its first appearance in Sonic the Hedgehog(game) and typically known to be in casino or carnival type levels in the series. There are variants of these objects in Sonic CD, but are easily breakable and will vanish without any incentive given to the player.