The Plax were operating in the deserts of Shanazar aboard a drilling rig, mining for a material called Magnaz that could power their factory and produce more of themselves. Their drilling operation was causing several earthquakes which had destroyed a number of surrounding villages. Sonic the Hedgehog - who was stranded on Shanazar at the time - went into the desert to investigate the quakes. He found the Plax and their drilling platform and demanded that they stop drilling. The Plax were unconcerned by the damage they had been causing and warned Sonic to leave, but the hedgehog attacked. His attacks were futile as the Plax's plastic bodies were so malleable and they could reform themselves easily. Sonic realised he could not fight the creatures and their technology was too complex for him