Shadow the Hedgehog (video game)
Shadow the Hedgehog | |
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Platform, third-person shooter | |
Mode(s) | Single-player, multiplayer |
Shadow the Hedgehog
Sega Studios USA chose to make a game featuring Shadow to capitalize on his popularity and resolve plot mysteries that began with his introduction in Sonic Adventure 2 (2001). Shadow the Hedgehog was written and directed by Takashi Iizuka, produced by Yuji Naka, and composed by Jun Senoue. Iizuka, who targeted a younger audience with previous Sonic games, strove to attract an older audience with Shadow the Hedgehog; Shadow's character allowed the team to use a darker tone and elements otherwise inappropriate for the series.
Shadow the Hedgehog was revealed at the March 2005 Walk of Game event. It was released for the GameCube, PlayStation 2, and Xbox in North America and Europe in November 2005 and in Japan in December. It received generally negative reviews from critics, who criticized its controls, mature themes, level design, and addition of guns and other weapons to traditional Sonic gameplay. However, some praised its replay value, and the game was commercially successful, selling 2.06 million copies by March 2007.
Gameplay
Shadow the Hedgehog is a
New gameplay features distinguish Shadow the Hedgehog from previous Sonic games. For example, Shadow can pick up and use guns to fight enemies.[3] Parts of the scenery, like traffic signs, can also be used as weapons.[4] Another new feature is the ability to drive vehicles, such as motorcycles and an alien aircraft.[1][3] Although Shadow can outrun the game's vehicles, the latter have unique capabilities, such as crushing enemies and traversing otherwise impassable acid-covered areas.[8]
As in most Sonic series games, the Chaos Emeralds play a major role; they help Shadow remember his past[10] and allow him to perform Chaos Control and Chaos Blast. Chaos Control allows Shadow to move more quickly in levels and slows time in boss battles, and Chaos Blast creates an explosion that destroys or severely damages all nearby enemies. Shadow can perform Chaos Control after the player fills the Hero Gauge by defeating Black Arms soldiers (or by doing other heroic acts such as; putting out fires and healing wounded soldiers), and he can perform Chaos Blast after filling the Dark Gauge by defeating G.U.N. soldiers (or other evil acts such as; healing the enemies or destroying scenery).[1]
The game includes a
Synopsis
Characters
Shadow the Hedgehog, the protagonist, was created 50 years before the game's events by
The Guardian Units of Nations (G.U.N.) is the military of Earth's government, the United Federation, and it is directed by the G.U.N. Commander, who has a hatred of Shadow. When completing "Hero" missions, Shadow usually helps G.U.N. and heroic characters from the Sonic series, including
Plot
Shadow suffers from amnesia, only able to remember two things: his name and his attempt to escape the Space Colony ARK with his creator's granddaughter
The game progresses through the Westopolis level and five more levels from the different paths Shadow may take. As missions are completed, Shadow learns more about his past and regains memories.[1][12] He can choose to help Doctor Eggman, the Black Arms, or G.U.N. and the series' heroic characters, or he can choose to help neither and keep the Chaos Emeralds for himself.[10] The missions completed determine which one of ten possible endings will be seen after Shadow collects all the Chaos Emeralds and defeats one of the game's final bosses.[17] The possible ending events range from helping the heroes destroy the Black Arms or to help Black Doom destroy the planet.[18][19]
Completing all ten endings unlocks the game's true ending. After collecting all the Chaos Emeralds, Black Doom uses Chaos Control to bring the Black Comet to the Earth's surface. Black Doom explains that the Black Arms intend to use humans as an energy source,
Development
"Shadow the Hedgehog has a much darker personality than Sonic the Hedgehog. In Sonic the Hedgehog, your typical mission was to go out and beat the bad guys, but in Shadow the Hedgehog, it gives the players a choice to either take the side of the good guys or to take the side of the bad guys, giving the player the option to choose in the game."
Shadow the Hedgehog was developed by
Sonic Team's Takashi Iizuka and series co-creator Yuji Naka led the game’s development, with Iizuka serving as writer and director and Naka as producer. Iizuka, who had worked on the Sonic the Hedgehog series since 1993, targeted a younger audience with previous Sonic games and wanted to attract an older audience with Shadow the Hedgehog.[33] The game's development team wanted to make a game featuring Shadow to resolve plot mysteries that began with the character's introduction in Sonic Adventure 2.[12] The team felt that Shadow's design—inspired by films such as Underworld, Constantine, and the Terminator series—would make the story darker and allow for elements, such as vehicles and weapons, otherwise considered inappropriate for a Sonic game.[4] Naka stated in an interview with GameSpy that he wanted to use Shadow as the game's main character due to his popularity among fans and being the best fit for a "gun action" game.[39]
The game features several
In Japan, Shadow the Hedgehog was promoted through a collaboration with
Shadow the Hedgehog was the first Sonic game to use the 4Kids cast from Sonic X following the death of Doctor Eggman's previous voice actor, Deem Bristow. This cast continued to be used until late 2010 when all cast members except for Mike Pollock were replaced before the release of Sonic Free Riders.[45][46] Unlike most Sonic games, Shadow the Hedgehog's dialogue features mild profanity, including damn and hell.[47] The decision to include profanity and firearms was made early in development as it focused on a more mature tone. The ESRB ultimately assigned the game an E10+ rating for "fantasy violence" and "mild language".[1] According to Jason Griffith, Shadow's English voice actor, Sega considered aiming for an M ("Mature") rating during development, so they had him record alternate dialogue in which he "[said] fuck in every single line. It was just every sentence, I would be yelling 'Sonic, give me that fucking Chaos Emerald!' or something like that." He said Sega likely had hours of such dialogue in its archives.[47]
Reception
Aggregator | Score |
---|---|
X-Play | [59] |
Herald Sun | [14] |
The Times | [60] |
Shadow the Hedgehog on GameCube received "mixed or average" reviews while the PlayStation 2 and Xbox versions received "generally unfavorable" reviews from critics on
Many critics derided the game's sense of maturity for a Sonic game, especially the addition of guns and other weapons.
Reviewers also noted the game's controls, especially Shadow's homing attack causing unexpected character deaths. Game Informer's Matt Helgeson complained that the attack "frequently sends you careening off into nothingness, resulting in cheap death after cheap death."
The
Critics praised the game's replay value, applauding the many possible paths that a player may take through the game. GameTrailers stated, "this choose-your-own-adventure style gives the game replay value that many platformers lack."[3] The Australian publication Herald Sun, Nintendo Power, and Official Xbox Magazine thought similarly.[14][57][58] GameSpot praised the variety of alternate endings, but concluded that "the gameplay isn't fun enough to warrant playing the game through multiple times."[8] Bettenhausen thought that the morality system felt artificial, but said that it extended the game's replay value.[51]
Notes
References
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- ^ 1UP.com. Archived from the originalon 8 November 2012. Retrieved January 26, 2009.
- ^ a b c d e f g h "Shadow the Hedgehog – Review". GameTrailers. February 27, 2016 [November 16, 2005, later uploaded to YouTube]. Archived from the original on May 7, 2019. Retrieved May 18, 2018.
- ^ a b c d e Castro, Juan (25 August 2005). "Shadow the Interview". IGN. Archived from the original on 11 March 2012. Retrieved 28 January 2009.
- ^ a b "Sonic the Hedgehog Character Profiles". GameSpot. October 14, 2005. Archived from the original on June 19, 2009. Retrieved January 31, 2009.
- ISBN 9780761551959. Retrieved 15 March 2019 – via Google Books.
- ^ Allgame. Archived from the originalon 14 November 2014. Retrieved January 26, 2009.
- ^ a b c d e f g Mueller, Greg (November 21, 2005). "Shadow the Hedgehog for GameCube review". GameSpot. Archived from the original on January 5, 2014. Retrieved June 25, 2014.
- ISBN 9780761551959. Retrieved 1 March 2019 – via Google Books.
- ^ a b Castaneda, Karl (September 7, 2005). "Nintendo World Report – GC Preview: Shadow the Hedgehog". Nintendo World Report. Archived from the original on June 19, 2009. Retrieved February 4, 2009.
- ^ "IGN: Shadow the Hedgehog". IGN. Archived from the original on December 9, 2010. Retrieved May 5, 2009.
- ^ a b c d Pallesen, Lasse (March 23, 2004). "News Article: Sega Confirms Shadow the Hedgehog". Nintendo World Report. Archived from the original on April 17, 2009. Retrieved January 28, 2009.
- ^ Sega Studio USA. Shadow the Hedgehog.
Espio: Damn! We've been detected!
- ^ a b c "Game of the week; Shadow the Hedgehog; GameCube/PS2/Xbox (rrp $79.95) Rating: 3.5/5". Herald Sun (1): F02. February 26, 2006.
- ^ Sega Studio USA. Shadow the Hedgehog.
Black Doom: Shadow... As you can see, the day of reckoning will soon be here. Find the seven Chaos Emeralds and bring them to me as promised.
- ^ Sega Studio USA. Shadow the Hedgehog.
Shadow: If he says he knows the truth about who I am... then like it or not, I have to believe him. The only way I'm going to get the secrets to my past is to get those Chaos Emeralds!
- ^ Sega Studio USA. Shadow the Hedgehog.
Shadow: Finally... I've got ALL the Chaos Emeralds!
- ^ Sega Studio USA. Shadow the Hedgehog.
Shadow:With the power of these Emeralds, Black Doom and his army are finished!
- ^ Sega Studio USA. Shadow the Hedgehog.
Shadow: With the power of these Emeralds, I'm going to destroy this damn planet!
- ^ Sega Studio USA. Shadow the Hedgehog.
Black Doom: Humans are a great energy source for us... they will be well-kept.
- ^ Sega Studio USA. Shadow the Hedgehog.
Black Doom: A special weapon... this gas, once released, is quickly absorbed into your bloodstream. In a moment, total paralysis will hit your nervous system.
- ^ Sega Studio USA. Shadow the Hedgehog.
Black Doom: The end is near, now. Before long, the gas from this Comet will have spread over the entire planet.
- ^ Sega Studio USA. Shadow the Hedgehog.
Gerald: Shadow...it's up to YOU and only YOU can stop them! I developed the Eclipse Cannon...it's the only weapon that can destroy that Black Comet. Shadow, you are the only hope... to save mankind as we know it. The future of this planet depends on...YOU!
- ^ Sega Studio USA. Shadow the Hedgehog.
Black Doom: Don't you know? You were created from MY blood.
- ^ Sega Studio USA. Shadow the Hedgehog.
Black Doom: Well, well, well...seems like you're immune to my mind control.
- ^ Sega Studio USA. Shadow the Hedgehog.
Black Doom: Have it your way, Shadow. So be it...be prepared to meet your maker! Your past, present, and future ends here...TODAY! Prepare to die! Say goodbye Shadow as you witness my true wrath!
- ^ Sega Studio USA. Shadow the Hedgehog.
Eggman: Shadow... can you hear me? This might be the last chance I have to speak to you so... what I said about having created you... it was all a lie... everyone thought you died during that horrible incident... but I rescued you with one of my robots... you lost your memory that's all... you really are the ultimate lifeform my grandfather created!
- ^ Sega Studio USA. Shadow the Hedgehog.
Black Doom: Im...impossible! I am the supreme being that rules this universe! I am the immortal life form! I am the ultimate power! Gaaaah! / Shadow: This is the end of you, and the end to my cursed past.
- ^ Sega Studio USA. Shadow the Hedgehog.
Shadow: Only one thing left to do... To put the past behind me! Chaos ... Control!
- ^ Sega Studio USA. Shadow the Hedgehog.
Tails: YEAH...he did it! The Black Comet is destroyed! / Sonic: Shadow...that was SWEET! / Rouge: I hope he's OK. / Amy: I'm sure he's fine, Rouge. After all, he is Shadow! / Eggman: How about giving me back those Chaos Emeralds now? / Knuckles: Hey, get back here you creep!
- ^ Sega Studio USA. Shadow the Hedgehog.
President: How ironic... After the way we all treated him, he saved us all in the end. We were all wrong about the professor. ... Let us pay homage to Professor Gerald! Let's work to ensure peace and prosperity for a brighter future! What do you say, Commander? / Commander: Excellent idea, Mr. President.
- ^ Sega Studio USA. Shadow the Hedgehog.
Shadow: Goodbye forever... Shadow the Hedgehog.
- ^ a b Klepek, Patrick (May 24, 2005). "Shadow the Hedgehog Preview from 1UP.com". 1UP.com. Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on November 8, 2012. Retrieved February 9, 2009.
- 1UP.com. Archived from the originalon 26 April 2006. Retrieved 28 January 2009.
- ^ "Shadow the Hedgehog Burrows into Stores". IGN. Archived from the original on August 31, 2007. Retrieved May 5, 2009.
- ^ "Shadow the Hedgehog". Eurogamer.net. Archived from the original on 2015-04-05. Retrieved 2023-12-09.
- ^ "Now Playing in Japan". IGN. 19 December 2005. Archived from the original on July 12, 2021. Retrieved July 12, 2021.
- ^ a b "Shadow the Hedgehog for GameCube – Shadow the Hedgehog GameCube Game – Shadow the Hedgehog Game". GameSpot. Archived from the original on 19 June 2009. Retrieved February 8, 2009.
- ^ Kemps, Heidi (September 30, 2005). "Sega's Yuji Naka Talks!". GameSpy. Archived from the original on March 6, 2016. Retrieved December 30, 2009.
- ^ "Sonic the Hedgehog". Di-O-Matic.com. Archived from the original on 8 April 2016.
- ^ ""セガモバ"で『シャドウ・ザ・ヘッジホッグ』のサントラCDがプレゼント!". Famitsu (in Japanese). Archived from the original on June 19, 2009. Retrieved May 5, 2009.
- ^ "Amazon.com – Shadow the Hedgehog: The Official Soundtrack". Amazon. Archived from the original on December 3, 2013. Retrieved April 28, 2013.
- ^ Funatsu, Minoru (2005-10-11). "セガ、m-floと「シャドウ・ザ・ヘッジホッグ」がコラボ m-flo「『ソニック』はゲームに革新を起こした! コラボができて感激」". Game Watch (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 2020-06-09. Retrieved 2020-06-09.
- ^ "m-floとシャドウがコラボ――「m-flo LOVES SHADOW THE HEDGEHOG」". ITMedia (in Japanese). 2005-10-11. Archived from the original on 2020-06-09. Retrieved 2020-06-09.
- ^ Joscelyne, Svend (September 12, 2005). "Sonic Voiceover Cast Replaced". The Sonic Stadium. Archived from the original on November 21, 2015. Retrieved November 17, 2014.
- ^ Madden, Orla (13 March 2013). "Ninterview: Meet Roger Craig Smith – Voice Actor for Sonic the Hedgehog / Chris Redfield". Nintendo Life. Gamer Network. Archived from the original on September 23, 2017. Retrieved March 19, 2019.
- ^ a b Cripe, Michael (May 31, 2024). "Shadow the Hedgehog Voice Actor Says There Are 'Hours' of M-Rated Recordings of Shadow Dropping the F-Bomb". IGN. Retrieved May 31, 2024.
- ^ a b "Shadow the Hedgehog for GameCube Reviews, Ratings, Credits, and More at Metacritic". Metacritic. Archived from the original on 2011-12-14. Retrieved 2012-11-18.
- ^ a b "Shadow the Hedgehog for Xbox Reviews, Ratings, Credits, and More at Metacritic". Metacritic. Archived from the original on 2012-04-29. Retrieved 2012-11-18.
- ^ a b "Shadow the Hedgehog for PlayStation 2 Reviews, Ratings, Credits, and More at Metacritic". Metacritic. Archived from the original on 2012-04-29. Retrieved 2012-11-18.
- ^ 1UP.com. Archived from the originalon 5 August 2011. Retrieved January 26, 2009.
- ^ a b c Bramwell, Tom (November 15, 2005). "Shadow the Hedgehog Review". Eurogamer. Archived from the original on October 9, 2012. Retrieved March 27, 2009.
- ^ a b c d e f Helgeson, Matt (January 2006). "Shadow the Hedgehog for GameCube Review". Game Informer. Archived from the original on 26 May 2006. Retrieved March 27, 2009.
- ^ a b c d e Klepek, Patrick (November 16, 2005). "GameSpy: Shadow the Hedgehog Review". GameSpy. Archived from the original on March 18, 2012. Retrieved March 27, 2009.
- ^ a b c Casamassina, Matt (November 17, 2005). "IGN: Shadow the Hedgehog Review for GameCube". IGN. Archived from the original on March 4, 2012. Retrieved January 28, 2009.
- ^ Casamassina, Matt (November 17, 2005). "Shadow the Hedgehog Review for PS2". IGN. Archived from the original on April 14, 2012. Retrieved January 26, 2009.
- ^ a b c d e f g Thomason, Steve (January 2006). "Shadow the Hedgehog Review". Nintendo Power. No. 199. p. 111. In Nintendo Power's final issue in December 2012, Thomason recanted his 8.0 score, stating, "I was young, stupid, and had an inexplicable weakness for any game starring hedgehogs. I apologize profusely to anyone who bought that abomination on account of my misguided praise." See Thomason, Steve (December 2012). "Power Players: Nintendo Power editors past and present recall their favorite memories of the magazine". Nintendo Power. No. 285. p. 11. Archived from the original on 2016-03-04. Retrieved 2014-07-01.
- ^ a b c d e "Xbox Review: Shadow the Hedgehog". Official Xbox Magazine. December 6, 2005. Archived from the original on June 20, 2009. Retrieved March 27, 2009.
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- Official Jetix Magazine. No. 26. Future plc. August 4, 2006.
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- ^ "Fiscal Year Ended March 2007 Full Year Results" (PDF). 2007-05-14. p. 15. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2016-07-29. Retrieved 2017-11-27.
- ^ "Shadow the Hedgehog for PlayStation 2 – Shadow the Hedgehog PlayStation 2 Game – Shadow the Hedgehog Game". GameSpot. Archived from the original on 11 September 2011. Retrieved September 17, 2010.
External links
- Official website (in Japanese)
- Official PlayStation website
- Announcement trailer, shown at the Walk of Game awards in 2005