Here's why:
* No Official List: There's no official list from Sega or Sonic Team that categorizes characters as "rare."
* Different Interpretations of "Rare": Rarity can mean:
* Limited Appearances: Characters who have only appeared in a few games or spin-offs.
* Minor Roles: Characters who had minimal impact on the story or gameplay.
* Unpopular: Characters who haven't gained much traction among fans.
* Expanding Universe: The Sonic universe keeps expanding with new characters and storylines, making it hard to keep track of who's considered "rare" at any given time.
Examples of Characters Potentially Considered "Rare"
* Some recurring villains: Like the Deadly Six, who haven't appeared in many titles, but have gained a dedicated fan base.
* Characters from spin-off games: Like the "Sonic Riders" series, which introduced many unique characters.
* Characters from older games: Like the "Sonic the Hedgehog" (1991) game, which had a few characters that haven't appeared in later titles.
Instead of a definitive count, you could consider:
* Looking at character lists: Many websites and fan wikis list characters from different Sonic games, making it easier to find less-known ones.
* Following the fandom: You could find out which characters are considered "rare" based on fan discussions, artwork, and other creations.
Ultimately, the definition of "rare" is subjective. It's up to you to decide which characters you consider less familiar or noteworthy.