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Difference between revisions of "Shadow the Hedgehog"

From Sonic Retro

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:''For the eponymous game, see [[Shadow the Hedgehog (game)]].''
 
:''For the eponymous game, see [[Shadow the Hedgehog (game)]].''
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'''Shadow the Hedgehog''' is known as the "dark incarnation" of [[Sonic the Hedgehog]] and first appears in the [[Dreamcast]] game ''[[Sonic Adventure 2]]''.
 
  
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==History==
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'''Shadow the Hedgehog''', also known as "The Ultimate Lifeform," is a reoccurring character in the [[Games featuring Sonic the Hedgehog|Sonic the Hedgehog series]] of games and related media. First introduced in ''[[Sonic Adventure 2]]'' as a villain, he soon took on the role of anti-hero, becoming yet another rival of Sonic. Because of his nature, he has also become a fan favorite, especially among those who discovered the series after [[Sega|SEGA]] ceased production of the [[Dreamcast]].
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===Backstory===
 
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Shadow is known as the '''ultimate life form'''. He was created by Prof. Gerald Robotnik, the grandfather of [[Dr. Ivo Robotnik]] (aka [[Dr. Eggman]]) aboard the space colony ARK, as the most advanced result of [[Project Shadow]]. Gerald made contact with an alien group known as the [[Black Arms]], and made a pact with their leader - the alien overlord [[Black Doom]]. By using Black Doom's DNA, Gerald was gradually able to complete his project, going through one successful "prototype" before arriving at the black hedgehog known as "Shadow".
 
  
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Gerald eventually learned of the intentions of Black Doom's pact. Black Doom wanted to transport his dark weapon - the [[Black Comet]] - to Earth using the seven [[Chaos Emeralds]] in order to enslave the human race, a task which he had been preparing for over 2000 years. He agreed to Gerald's pact, intending on making Shadow a "herald" to his invasion. Upon learning of this, Gerald secretly reprogrammed Shadow as a weapon in Earth's defense, and also prepared a counter-weapon called the Eclipse Cannon to destroy the Black Comet.
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==Character Conception==
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After the success of ''[[Sonic Adventure]]'', it was only natural to assume that a sequel would be produced. Hoping that the game would be what ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (16-bit)|Sonic the Hedgehog 2]]'' was for the [[Mega Drive]], a portion of the team responsible for the first ''Adventure'' title was sent off to work at [[Sega of America|SEGA of America]]. Dubbed "[[Sonic Team USA]]," it was led by Director [[Takashi Iizuka]], while [[Yuji Naka]] remained back in Japan to work on other properties, including ''[[Phantasy Star Online]]''. With the team in place, brainstorming soon began on what form ''[[Sonic Adventure 2]]'' would take.
  
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Shadow developed a fast friendship with the Professor's granddaughter, [[Maria Robotnik]], and often looked down to Earth, wondering what the purpose to his life was. When the military attacked ARK, hoping to shut down the Ultimate Life Form project, Maria sacrificed herself in order to let Shadow escape to Earth in an escape pod. On Earth, Shadow was captured by the [[GUN|Guardian Unit of Nations]] (G.U.N) and placed in suspended animation for 50 years until (in [[Sonic Adventure 2]]) [[Dr. Eggman]] attacked their complex looking for "his grandfather's legacy" and freed him. Having a newfound aggression and a thirst for revenge on the human race, Shadow granted the doctor one wish as a reward for freeing him: the domination of Earth. He then goes on to steal a Chaos Emerald and gets mistaken for Sonic, they are rivals as soon as they first see each other, and nearly kill each other at the end of the game, Shadow fights the [[Biolizard]] twice, but the second time is in super form with Sonic.
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Early on, it was decided that one of the main themes of the game would be the dichotomy between good and evil, and to help explore that the creators came up with new characters that would both assist [[Dr. Eggman]] and challenge the established cast of heroes. Though [[Yuji Uekawa]] was tasked drawing the final design of the character, it was Iizuka who came up with the idea to use a dark, anti-hero figure who was similar to [[Sonic the Hedgehog|Sonic]] in shape but not in personality. When being designed, his original name was Terios, which translates to "reflection of," more than likely to play off the hero/villain dynamic within the game.
  
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===''Sonic Adventure 2''===
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Once ''Sonic Adventure 2'' was announced, the identity and nature of Shadow was a heavily guarded secret, his existence teased at the end of the first trailer for the game.[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmbnZa9H6go] Indeed, the push to build hype for the new character put other characters on the backburner, [[Miles "Tails" Prower|Tails]] not even being announced for the game until a few months later. The marketing push for the character was so great that, when players reached the end of ''Adventure 2'' and saw the "death" of Shadow, there were many who doubted this was the last time Shadow would appear. As it were, Iizuka would later admit that he always had future plans for the character, hoping to have him star in his own game. This eventually happened with the release of ''[[Shadow the Hedgehog (game)|Shadow the Hedgehog]]'' for the three main systems of the era.
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A small thing to note is that his "prototype"-name (used while Sonic Adventure 2 was being developed) was ''Terios''.
 
  
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Shadow led Eggman to the ARK and the Eclipse Cannon, which required seven [[Chaos Emeralds]] to reach full power. Joined by a treasure hunter named [[Rouge the Bat]], the three succeed in breaking into a military base and managing to gather three Emeralds, which, combined with the one Eggman used to free Shadow, an Emerald Shadow stole (which in turn framed [[Sonic the Hedgehog]]) and one that Rouge offered for her services, was enough power to destroy half the moon. They retrieved the last Emerald after Sonic lead an assault of [[Miles Prower|Miles "Tails" Prower]], [[Knuckles the Echidna]] and (reluctantly for the boys) [[Amy Rose]] on the ARK.
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==Shadow the Hedgehog (Video Game Character)==
  
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Shadow was eventually defeated by Sonic in a race towards the activated Eclipse Cannon, which Sonic then destroyed. Unfortunately, the heroes were unable to stop Eggman from using the Chaos Emeralds to activate the Cannon's true power. To everyone's dismay (except Shadow's), it was discovered that during his last days before being executed, Gerald Robotnik had gone insane with anger and programmed the Ark to collide with Earth should all seven Chaos Emeralds be used.
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===Origin of Shadow===
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[[Image:Ozkurt Ark2.jpg|thumb|190px|Concept art for the [[Space Colony ARK]], as depicted in ''[[Shadow the Hedgehog (game)|Shadow the Hedgehog]]''.]]
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:''Source: [[Sonic Adventure 2 - The Truth of 50 Years Ago...]]''
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Fifty years before the events of ''[[Sonic Adventure 2]]'', a top-secret project known as "[[Project Shadow]]" had begun on the [[Space Colony ARK]]. Led by [[Professor Gerald Robotnik]], it was a government-sanctioned initiative to create "The Ultimate Lifeform," an immortal being that could be used for the benefit of the nation, likely in a militaristic fashion. While Gerald had initial misgivings to the purpose of the research he was assigned to, he realized that his results might be able to save his granddaughter, [[Maria Robotnik|Maria]]. Suffering from the incurable disease [[Neuro Immunodeficiency Syndrome]], Maria only had a short time left to live, and Gerald was willing to do whatever it took to save her life. Going against his worries of stepping into territory man had no business playing with, the professor immediately began work, hoping that he could apply any newly-gained knowledge to find a cure to N.I.D.S.
  
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Satisfied that Maria's death would finally be carried out, Shadow held no remorse as the Ark fell towards Earth. However, Amy managed to remind him that Maria's last wish was for the people of Earth to be happy, not revenge. ''(Note: Exactly why Shadow did not remember this promise is never revealed. Some argue that Shadow's memories were altered by Gerald Robotnik. Some believe that the stress of seeing Maria die and Shadow's own thirst for vengeance caused Shadow to subconsciously re-write history in his own mind in order to justify his actions.)'' Shadow rushed to redeem himself by helping Sonic and Knuckles seal the power of the [[Chaos Emeralds]].
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Even with the resources at his disposal, Professor Gerald was unable to make significant progress. Without alerting anyone, Gerald decided to plea to the stars for help, contacting the [[Black Arms]] race. An alien civilization that lived upon the [[Black Comet]], a celestial object that passed near the planet every fifty years, its leader [[Black Doom]] offered to assist Gerald in his quest. He offered his blood - which ended up being the key to perfect the ultimate lifeform - in exchange for the seven [[Chaos Emeralds]], which he would collect the next time he passed through. Knowing that the Black Arms' intentions were less than desirable, Gerald made the deal regardless, and was able to successfully create Shadow the Hedgehog.
  
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Shadow was forced into a heated battle against his own prototype, called the [[Biolizard]], which was activated by the ARK in order to assure that its mission would be carried out successfully. Though he won, he could not stop it from merging with the ARK and continuing the ARK's path towards Earth as the ''Final Hazard''. He used the power of the Chaos Emeralds to transform into [[Super Shadow]], and together with [[Super Sonic]] they destroyed the Final Hazard. Then, using [[Chaos Control]], they were able to stop the free-falling ARK from destroying the Earth. Unfortunately, Shadow had used the last of his energy to do so, and fell to Earth. He was assumed to be dead, but Eggman had actually used one of his robots to rescue Shadow before he crashed into Earth.
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[[Image:092shadowmaria.jpg|thumb|190px|Shadow looking out to Earth, with [[Maria Robotnik|Maria]] at his side. From ''[[Sonic X]]''.]]
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Once brought to life, Shadow immediately befriended Maria, and they became close during their short time together. Gerald, meanwhile, made precautions for the return of the alien race, ensuring that the [[Eclipse Cannon]] - an extremely powerful laser built into the ARK - was compatible with the seven Chaos Emeralds, so that when they did return humanity would be able to defend itself instead of bowing to their whims.
  
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===''Sonic Heroes''===
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However, Gerald's progress was ruined when it was leaked to [[G.U.N.]] how he was able to create the successful prototype. During the meeting between Gerald and the Black Arms, one of the other children aboard the ARK had accidentally seen what transpired, and reported back to those in charge. As ties between the ARK and the [[United Federation]] had already been strained, hearing the news of the dealings with an alien race scared those in charge. Afraid of the implications, it was decided to launch an invasion and put a stop to the work being done there.
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Shadow was put in suspended animation again, this time within one of Eggman's bases. Eggman managed to study Shadow and extract some of his DNA to create thousands of robotic copies of him in much the same way he made [[Metal Sonic]], Sonic's robotic counterpart. He created the last of his E-100 series, [[E-123 Omega]], to watch over Shadow should someone try to release him. Eventually, he was re-discovered by Rouge, who was expecting to find a cache of Eggman's treasure hidden inside the base. Both he and Omega awakened, but Omega had yet to be programmed to protect Shadow, and instead attacked him.
 
  
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After breaking up the two of them, Rouge convinced them to join forces. Shadow, who was suffering from amnesia after falling from the ARK, agreed to work with Omega, who felt he had been abandoned by his creator and wanted to kill him, and together with Rouge they formed [[Team Dark]]. As they hunted for [[Dr. Eggman]], Shadow discovered clues and hints suggesting that he himself may have been one of the robots created from the "real" Shadow. Despite this, he continued forward stating, "even if I'm not real, I'm still the ultimate life form, Shadow the Hedgehog!" After their final confrontation with Eggman aboard his flying fortress, Rouge - still looking for Eggman's treasure - found a giant storage room full of robot clones of Shadow. As Omega arrived to destroy the room and everything in it, Rouge deduced that the Shadow that had accompanied them really was a clone, but Omega reassured her that the original may have still existed.
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What happened next was nothing short of madness, as G.U.N. troops descended onto the ARK, causing chaos and confusion wherever they went. Immediately they went after the Biolizard, which they thought was the successful "Project Shadow" prototype, and in the process of putting the creature into stasis lost quite a few soldiers. From there they went about doing damage control, shutting down everything, getting everyone off the ARK, and killing those who resisted if need be. Knowing that the G.U.N. forces would be there at any moment, Maria convinced Shadow to enter an escape pod, her final wish to him that he give the people on the planet a chance to be happy. Wishing him goodbye, Shadow could do nothing as he watched the G.U.N. soldiers storm into the lab, firing a shot which would forever change the artificial hedgehog.
  
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===''Shadow the Hedgehog''===
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Learning of his granddaughter's death, Professor Gerald soon went mad, swearing vengeance on humanity for taking away the only thing that ever meant anything to him. Though just what exactly transpired is cloudy, what is known is that both Gerald and the escape pod that held Shadow were gathered by G.U.N., Shadow being placed in cryogenic storage within [[Prison Island]], and Gerald being incarcerated and charged with the crimes that happened aboard the ARK.
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Upon defeating [[Metal Sonic]], who was revealed to have staged the entire plot of [[Sonic Heroes]], the members of Team Dark went their separate ways. Shadow, still suffering from amnesia, wandered the Earth for 2 weeks looking for answers. That is when Black Doom decided to finally execute his plan to take over the Earth. The Black Arms poured into Westopolis from the sky, and Shadow was confronted by a hologram of Black Doom created by his "Black Eye." Told to gather the seven [[Chaos Emeralds]] for him and fulfill his "promise," Shadow set out to do so under the impression that he would be rewarded his lost memories.
 
  
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During his adventure, Black Doom would constantly pressure him to actively join the Black Arms and renounce his "temporary" alliance with Earth, manipulating him into having the same hatred for humankind that he once felt after the death of Maria.
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With the entire incident classified, the remnants of Gerald's legacy were left dormant for fifty years. It's possible they would have been forgotten entirely if not for the intervention of [[Dr. Eggman]], Gerald's grandson. Coming across his grandfather's journals, Eggman became aware of Project Shadow, and broke into Prison Island to recover what the mysterious weapon could be. Once he reached the center of the complex, he was startled to see a hedgehog, immediately thinking it must be [[Sonic the Hedgehog|Sonic]]. Quickly, though, he realized his fears were for naught, and that some grand twist of fate caused Gerald's greatest invention to resemble his arch-nemesis. When awoken, Shadow offers Eggman his help, asking for the Chaos Emeralds in return.
  
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While the true events that occurred during ''[[Shadow_the_Hedgehog_(game)|Shadow the Hedgehog]]'' were undefinitive, the ending was clear. Shadow eventually found all the Chaos Emeralds and gave them to Black Doom. He then learned that Black Doom needed all of the Emeralds to amplify his ability to use [[Chaos Control]] to full power in order to transport the Black Comet to Earth, completing his hostile takeover. He also learned of the pact made between Black Doom and Dr. Gerald, and that he was reprogrammed by Gerald to defeat the Black Arms once and for all. His memory completely restored, Shadow transformed into [[Super Shadow]] once more, and confronted a transformed ''Devil Doom''. In the final battle, Shadow was able to defeat Doom, and toss the Black Comet into the path of the Eclipse Cannon, in which it was then destroyed. From then on, Shadow chose to abandon his past and only look towards the future, much like Sonic, and became part of G.U.N as an agent.
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Though he teamed up with Eggman, Shadow's true intentions are clouded. Indeed, not even Shadow is sure of what he is meant to do, having only vague memories of what happened to him aboard the ARK. Remembering Maria's senseless death, Shadow seeks out the remaining Chaos Emeralds, not relying on just the Doctor. The second emerald collected is also at the hand of Shadow, stolen from a facility that immediately gained the attention of G.U.N. Watching security footage, the organization believed the criminal to be Sonic the Hedgehog, a case of mistaken identity that runs through the rest of ''Sonic Adventure 2''. When the two meet after the events of [[City Escape]], a fierce rivalry begins, each subsequent encounter the two share ending in a fight.
  
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===Today===
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[[Image:Biolizard2.jpg|thumb|190px|Shadow confronting [[Biolizard]]. From ''[[Sonic Adventure 2]]''.]]
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Today, Shadow is still a member of G.U.N. and acts as a rival to [[Sonic the Hedgehog]] and [[Silver the Hedgehog]]. It is revealed during ''[[Sonic_the_Hedgehog_(2006_game)|Sonic the Hedgehog (2006)]]'' that in the future, according to [[Mephiles]], Shadow would be sealed away by a reprogrammed Omega sometime after the release of the demon [[Iblis]]. This future, however, is still open, as because of the teamwork of [[Super Sonic]], [[Super Shadow]], and [[Super Silver]], the events of ''[[Sonic_the_Hedgehog_(2006_game)|Sonic the Hedgehog (2006)]]'' never occurred.
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With Sonic being chased by G.U.N. at every opportunity, he is unable to stop Dr. Eggman from collecting six of the seven Chaos Emeralds, and with Shadow's help Eggman learned how to access the Eclipse Cannon aboard the Space Colony ARK. Even though all seven are needed to power the weapon to its full potential, Eggman makes an announcement to the world, giving a taste of the canon's power by attacking the moon. Seeing the stakes raised, the rest of the cast make it up to the ARK, knowing the fate of the world hangs in the balance. With the seventh emerald up for grabs, Dr. Eggman is able to secure it under the guise that he is defeated. As the heroes celebrate, thinking that have once again saved the world, Eggman made his way to the cannon, putting the final emerald in the dock. Immediately, a videotaped message of Gerald Robotnik began, declaring his hatred of humanity in his final days, hoping that the Chaos Emeralds would be gathered on the ARK and that the cannon would be turned on those who took everything away from him. As Sonic, [[Miles "Tails" Prower|Tails]], [[Knuckles the Echidna|Knuckles]], [[Rouge the Bat]] and even Dr. Eggman set about to stop the destruction of Earth, Shadow refused to do anything, believing he was carrying out Maria's final wish. However, a conversation with [[Amy Rose]] triggered one of Shadow’s lost memories, which allowed Shadow to finally recall her true final words. Realizing his folly, Shadow decided to join the fight, helping Sonic to stop [[Biolizard]], a creature which was Shadow's immediate prototype.
  
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==Abilities==
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Forced to take the battle to the stars, Sonic and Shadow unite, transforming into their Super forms and taking down Biolizard's final form, [[Finalhazard]]. Using [[Chaos Control]], they are able transport the space colony back into its original orbit, saving the planet at the presumed cost of Shadow's life.
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Shadow uses his Air Shoes to "skate" at speeds rivaling Sonic, and is immortal due to the blood of Black Doom running through his veins. Although not as strong as power characters like Knuckles, he also possesses incredible physical strength, shown several times in [[Shadow_the_Hedgehog_(game)|Shadow the Hedgehog]] with effort he can overturn trucks and slabs of pavement to large for him to lift. Lastly, he shows competency with a wide variety of vehicles, gadgets, and weaponry, specifically firearms.
 
  
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Shadow's trademark move is called '''[[Chaos Control]]'''. With the power of a Chaos Emerald, Chaos Control warps space and time to a user's will (allowing for such things as instant transportation across large distances or increasing / decreasing the speed of time). Shadow is seen using this ability in three situations during ''[[Sonic Adventure 2]]'': once to escape from Sonic with the green [[Chaos Emerald]], once to rescue [[Rouge the Bat|Rouge]] from the military base before it blew up, and during the final duel against Sonic.
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Time passes, and when ''[[Sonic Heroes]]'' begins, Rouge the Bat is investigating rumors of a secret treasure that Dr. Eggman has been hiding in one of his many fortresses. She is surprised to find a stasis tube holding what looks to be Shadow the Hedgehog, guarded by the final of Eggman's original line of [[E-series robots]], [[E-123 Omega]]. With her quick thinking, she is able to convince both of them to join her to try and figure out what Eggman may be planning next. Through the game, it is made clear that Shadow remembers nothing of what happened in the past, though certain events trigger the briefest of recollections. The ambiguity of the Shadow found by Rouge is only further complicated when, when the trio make it to the Egg Fleet, they stumble across an entire fleet of Shadow-themed robots. Because of this sudden revelation, Rouge comes to the conclusion that the Shadow they have been working with might be nothing more than a robotic clone, and not the friend she lost at the end of ''Sonic Adventure 2''.
  
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Shadow uses Chaos Control to freeze time during Team Dark's '''Team Blast''', known as "Chaos Inferno". He can also freeze time temporarily in ''[[Sonic Adventure 2]]''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s multiplayer mode, and slow it down during boss battles in ''[[Shadow_the_Hedgehog_(game)|Shadow the Hedgehog]]''.
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After [[Metal Sonic]]'s defeat, Shadow chooses not to remain with "[[Team Dark]]," but instead tries and find the answers of his existence on his own, wandering alone for the next two weeks. His journey takes a dramatic turn when, just outside the city of [[Westopolis]], the Black Arms race decides to attack the planet. He is immediately contacted by the force's leader, Black Doom, who tells Shadow that humanity betrayed him and that he belongs with the invading force. As an incentive, he promises to restore Shadow's memories if he collects the seven Chaos Emeralds. Not sure what to believe, Shadow goes through the invasion as best he can, sometimes assisting the alien forces, other times helping out Sonic the Hedgehog and his friends, and on certain occasions accomplishing his own objections which serve neither side. In the end, Shadow is able to collect the emeralds, and decides to give them to Black Doom, hoping he will finally find the answers he seeks. In doing so, Shadow is finally able to realize the truth of his creation.
  
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Chaos Control was not an in-game ability for Shadow until [[Shadow_the_Hedgehog_(game)|Shadow the Hedgehog]], where increasing the player's Blue (Light) Gauge allowed you skip a moderate portion of the level. In fact, it was a required power for completing the ''Last Story'' of the game.
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Every memory that Shadow once had returns, discovering the pact that Gerald had made with the Black Arms race, and the hope the professor originally had, that Shadow would stop the invading force once the time came. Renouncing the hatred of humanity that Black Doom had tried to force on him during the game, Shadow sets off to stop the invading force from using Chaos Control to transport all their forces onto Earth at once. As Shadow and Black Doom face off in one final confrontation, Dr. Eggman reveals to Shadow that he is not a clone or a robot or anything of the sort, but indeed the same Shadow from ''Sonic Adventure 2'', and that he had used a robot to save him as he fell to earth after those events. With everything cleared up, Shadow is able to defeat Black Doom, and throws the Black Comet into the path of the Eclipse Cannon, fulfilling the hope that both Gerald and Maria had for him.
  
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For unknown reasons, other characters like [[Sonic the Hedgehog]] and [[Silver the Hedgehog]] can also use [[Chaos Control]].
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In the aftermath, Shadow decides to join G.U.N. as an agent in a similar fashion as Rouge the Bat, looking to the future instead of being forever trapped in his past as he had allowed himself to be since his introduction in the series.
  
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:Unlike his rivals, Shadow can directly manipulate Chaos Control into his own special attacks. Out of them, his most common technique is the '''Chaos Spear''', a golden lightning bolt which originally could only be used in [[Sonic Adventure 2]]'s multiplayer mode. He can also use the more unorthodox '''Chaos Blast''' technique, a giant explosion that destroys all nearby enemies. His '''Chaos Boost''' grants him temporary invincibility, and is automatically activated when either the Blue (Light) or Red (Dark) Gauges have been filled in [[Shadow_the_Hedgehog_(game)|Shadow the Hedgehog]]. He can teleport and attack a string of enemies using '''Chaos Snap''', or beat them down gradually using '''Chaos Attack''' after a homing attack. All of these skills are available in [[Sonic_the_Hedgehog_(2006 game)|Sonic the Hedgehog]] (some via purchase).
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===Personality and Traits===
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[[Image:Shadowth shadow01.png|thumb|190px|The infamous promo art, from ''[[Shadow the Hedgehog (game)|Shadow the Hedgehog]]''.]]
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Shadow the Hedgehog is a black and red [[hedgehog]], and though his physical appearance points to him being the same age as [[Sonic the Hedgehog|Sonic]], he is actually much older due to his time spent in hibernation under the care of [[G.U.N.]] Though his physical appearance is purely hedgehog, his DNA is a combination of hedgehog and that of the [[Black Arms]] alien race, and it is because of this combination that allows his ease of using the energy of the [[Chaos Emeralds]] for his own purposes.
  
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:Shadow's true power is inhibited by the gold rings he wears on his wrists. They prevent him from overextending and possibly hurting himself when using his many Chaos Control-based techniques. This concept was introduced in ''[[Sonic_the_Hedgehog_(2006 game)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' and the anime ''[[Sonic X]]''.
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Designed to be "The Ultimate Lifeform," it has been said that Shadow is nothing short of immortal, though this claim has been untested. It has been shown that Shadow is incredibly resilient, if his fall from space is anything to go by. His power over the Chaos Emeralds only adds to his title, his trademark ability being that of "[[Chaos Control]]." With only the help of one Chaos Emerald, Shadow is able to bend space and time around him at his will, allowing him to traverse great distances in only a short amount of time. However, he can only maintain this state for a limited amount.
  
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:Furthermore, a rip in the fabric of time and space is created when two individuals in close proximity to each other attempt to initiate opposing Chaos Control using 2 seperate Chaos Emeralds. This space-time distortion can be used as a teleportation device by anyone else, allowing limited transport between different locations and time periods. This concept only appeared in [[Sonic_the_Hedgehog_(2006 game)|Sonic the Hedgehog]].
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Shadow also has the ability to manifest Chaos energy as a physical force, and use it to attack his enemies. [[Chaos Spear]], his most often used form, is the formation of energy into a lightning bolt, Shadow throwing it to deliver damage. A cruder form of this, [[Chaos Blast]], is a generic explosion which is designed to damage anything around him. Along with [[Chaos Boost]], [[Chaos Snap]], and [[Chaos Attack]], Shadow has developed a wide variety of attacks which utilize a Chaos Emerald. With one of those magical gems, Shadow is a nearly unstoppable force.
  
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==Character analysis & popular theories==
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Even without an emerald, Shadow is still a being to be reckoned with, as he has many of the same abilities that Sonic the Hedgehog possess. Just like Sonic, he can curl up into a [[spin attack]] and attack enemies. He also can build up speed with the classic [[spin dash]], and aim at combatants with the homing attack. However, Shadow does not possess the same blistering speed that Sonic has. To make up for this shortcoming, Shadow wears a pair of [[Air Shoes]], which give Shadow's running an extra boost, allowing him to keep up with Sonic most of the time. It also gives Shadow the ability to hover over the ground for short periods, though he doesn't often exercise this.
  
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Shadow was a character supposedly created by Yuji Naka to have a typical Japanese shady, dark hero, rival to the more Americanised (but increasingly, a quirky Japanese take on it) Sonic, making the series more anime-like.
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While Shadow's physical abilities are nothing to be trifled with, Shadow is not against the idea of using weaponry if need be. Guns, missiles, bazookas, or any other armaments that the military force G.U.N. has at their disposal are fair game for the artificial hedgehog to use. Even vehicles like tanks are not off-limits to Shadow, many of the preceding weapons serving him in numerous situations in his [[Shadow the Hedgehog (game)|self-titled game]].
  
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Shadow is somewhat of a marmite character - many love him, others feel that they're being "forced" to love him, and therefore hate him.
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Though he is often compared to Sonic, Shadow's personality is quite the opposite. Instead of being a joyful, carefree spirit, Shadow the Hedgehog is often a moody, discontented soul. Born through a more artificial means, he began questioning his true purpose while on the [[Space Colony ARK|ARK]], long before the moments that would scar his life. The only thing he has ever truly cared about, the only person he ever considered a friend, was [[Maria Robotnik]], and when he watched her murdered in front of his eyes, everything changed. Most of his life has been spent thinking of her, and wishing to honor her memory, even when he wasn't sure what it was she would have wanted. Because of this, he has never been trusting of humans, something which manifested during the events of ''Shadow the Hedgehog''. Even though he now remembers his past and has fulfilled Maria's promise thrice over, he still has a great dislike for humanity, something he tries to work through now that he works directly for them.[http://sonicjam.wikidot.com/sisghz:other-sonicchannel-cp-shadow] Indeed, his trust for humans has shown to increase slightly, balking at Mephilis' prediction that humanity would turn against him and blame him for the destruction Solaris would cause in the future. However, as those events took place in ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (2006)|Sonic the Hedgehog 2006]]'', the entire plot was retconned, though it can be assumed that Shadow's attempt at accepting humanity is still occurring. He also been shown to at least accept from others, including [[Rouge the Bat]] who also has ties to the G.U.N. organization.
  
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Shadow could be influenced by Shadow from Final Fantasy 6. He is also meant to be somewhat of a Goth Hedgehog, adding a touch of magic and darkness to the series, also probably influenced by the likes of Vincent from FF7.
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Also, like many other characters in the games, Shadow is able to use the power of the seven Chaos Emeralds to transform into [[Super Shadow]], though he is still bound by the same ring-consumption limitation that the other characters in the series have.
  
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Whatever way you look at him, he still adds depth to the newer games Sonic the Hedgehog series, which aren't welcomed as warmly as the older ones, although often because of Shadow's existence.
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==Shadow in Other Media==
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Just as the case has been for [[Sonic the Hedgehog]], Shadow the Hedgehog has been adapted to fit in other media.
  
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A popular opinion is that Shadow is an evil clone of Sonic. This is never stated in any of the games. Shadow is the '''ultimate life form''' and that he was created by [[Prof. Gerald Robotnik]]. His resemblance to Sonic character-wise is a pure coincidence. Sonic is fifteen years old, and Shadow was created approximately fifty years ago, so Sonic could not have been cloned.
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===[[Sonic the Hedgehog (Archie comics)]]===
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[[Image:SonicTheHedgehogArchie171.jpg|thumb|190px|Shadow, featured on the cover of ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (Archie comics)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' [[Sonic the Hedgehog 171 (Archie)|Issue 171]].]]
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Introduced in [[Sonic the Hedgehog 098 (Archie)|Sonic the Hedgehog Issue 98]], Shadow the Hedgehog's origins are played out in a similar way to the game. His captivity in [[Prison Island]], his emergence by [[Dr. Eggman]]'s hand, his creation by [[Professor Gerald Robotnik]], and his relationship with [[Maria Robotnik|Maria]] aboard the [[Space Colony ARK]] are all present. Seeking out the [[Chaos Emeralds]], Shadow even reproduces the case of mistaken identity, causing the forces of [[Station Square]] to go after [[Sonic the Hedgehog|Sonic]]. However, unlike the games, the comics make it clear that Gerald was able to get a hold of Shadow after the tragic events aboard the ARK, and was responsible for his fuzzy memories of what Maria wanted.
  
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Despite Shadow being "created" and being said to be artificial, [[Shadow the Hedgehog (game)]] denies this. It claims that Shadow was actually ''born'' and he is a real hedgehog, just with Black Doom's blood, meaning the two have similar abilities and it explains why the Black Arms have Shadow's colours.
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After defeating [[Finalhazard]], it was not Eggman who rescued the falling Shadow but the alien race known as the [[Bem]], a peaceful species who felt that Shadow needed to be saved for the upcoming [[Xorda]] invasion. Once he awoke, the Bem made Shadow transform into his [[Super transformation|super state]], setting him against the Xorda ship entering [[Mobius]] space. Though he fought valiantly, he was unable to stop them, crashing back onto the surface where he was subsequently discovered by the residents of Knothole. Forming a temporary alliance with them, he joined Sonic and the gang to fight off the Xorda invasion, who wanted to wipe out intelligent life on the planet to pay for crimes that had been committed millennia ago by human beings to a Xorda ambassador.
  
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What exactly is the '''ultimate life form''' that Gerald Robotnik was working on? Shadow the Hedgehog answers this by explaining that Shadow is the ultimate life form Gerald was working on, and Biolizard was the one he wrote about in the diary in Sonic Adventure 2.
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After the Xorda's defeat, Shadow was left to drift alone, deciding to eventually confront Dr. Eggman. It was there that he met [[Hope Kintobor]], Eggman's cousin who looked extremely similar to Maria. Becoming protective of her, Shadow would become angered if she was placed in danger, his feelings for Maria influencing any action involving Hope. It was because of Eggman's relation to Maria that made Shadow join forces with him for a time, although he only stayed a part of his force until he could get a hold of Gerald's diaries (Hope having already found refuge in [[Knothole Village|Knothole]] and, later on, Station Square). Asking for help from the [[Freedom Fighters]], Shadow was able to talk to holographic versions of Gerald and Maria, learning about his [[Black Arms]] heritage and how they would eventually be coming, ready to attack the planet.
  
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In the speech before his execution at the end of ''[[Sonic Adventure 2]]'', Gerald explains how the Ultimate Life Form project was supposed to be for the good of mankind. The military interpreted it as a weapon which led to the attack that killed Maria and supposedly destroyed the Ultimate Life Form. Gerald goes on to claim that, filled with hatred for the military for killing Maria, he completed the Ultimate Life Form based on what he remembered and programmed it to carry out his revenge. He also implores the listener to free it.
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With this knowledge, Shadow went off to Station Square, where he joined up with G.U.N., working alongside [[Rouge the Bat]] once again. Eventually recruiting [[E-123 Omega]] and forming "[[Team Dark]]," Shadow is once again able to keep an eye on Hope, all the while trying to keep peace on Mobius, waiting for the day where he may be called to fight against the oncoming forces of [[Black Doom]].
  
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This speech is quite confusing. We ''know'' that Shadow escaped ARK in an escape pod, and that same Shadow was the one freed by [[Dr. Eggman]]. But based on his speech, Gerald does not know that Shadow has survived. He would have realised that Shadow had survived if the military had delivered Shadow to him so he could continue his work. It is unknown why would the military continue to allow Gerald to work on Shadow if they already perceived him as a threat.
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===[[Sonic X]]===
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[[Image:111sonadow.jpg|thumb|190px|[[Sonic the Hedgehog]] and Shadow, from ''[[Sonic X]]''.]]
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Once again, Shadow the Hedgehog's introduction in ''[[Sonic X]]'' is quite similar to that of ''[[Sonic Adventure 2]]''. Revealed in episode 33, "[[The Puzzle of Project Shadow]]," he is awoken by [[Dr. Eggman]] in yet another attempt at global domination. Many of the same events occur as they do in the games, as the arc Shadow is used in is a direct adaptation. Driven by his promise to [[Maria Robotnik|Maria]], the anime makes one notable difference as it is [[Chris Thorndyke]], not [[Amy Rose]], which triggers the return of Shadow's memory and his true promise to Maria. Realizing his folly, he joins Sonic to battle [[Finalhazard]], the result being his assumed death.
  
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There are four possible explanations. One is that ''Shadow is the only true Ultimate Life Form'' and that the professor improved Shadow even further after he was captured by the military. Secondly, ''there is a third, more powerful Ultimate Life Form in existence which has not been discovered''. A third possibility is that, ''the Final Hazard is the true Ultimate Life Form''. Relating to this second theory, some believe that Sonic actually is the ultimate life form, seeing as he is very similar to Shadow in various ways, saying that Sonic is actually an upgraded version of Shadow, some say this can be proved by various things Sonic can do that Shadow can't (Sonic can run fast without the rocket shoes, Bounce Attack, etc), or by Shadow claiming that he discovered the true ultimate life form to be Sonic during the fight with FinalHazard. This cannot be proved, however, so that theory should be regarded purely as speculation, and not fact. Shadow the Hedgehog denies this and proves that the third ultimate life form is in fact [[Black Doom]], from a line in the game Black Doom says when defeated "What? This can't be! I am the supreme being that rules this universe, the Immortal Life Form! I am the ultimate power... graaaggghhh!"Finaly, Gerald Robotnik stated in Sonic Adventure 2, he created the Ultimate Lifeform to destroy Earth, but in ''[[Shadow the Hedgehog (game)]]'', he said he created Shadow to destroy the Black Comet, adding to the confusion.But, Gerald could be  refering to [[Biolizard]] to destroy earth, and Shadow to destroy the Black comet.Since the Black arms goal was to feed of earth's energy,Biolizard might have truly been created to stop this, and Gerald lied on the video(The one in Sonic Adventure 2) so no one knew about him meeting Black Doom.Shadow then might of been made to destroy the Black comet if: A.Biolizard failed B.To destroy the Black Comet so no other planet could sufer. If is this is true, Gerald might not have known about Shadow being sent to earth.
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It is discovered in the second series that Shadow did not perish, but was instead rescued by Dr. Eggman, who put him in stasis. His fate is discovered in episode 60, "[[The Return of Shadow]]," and when he is awoken he remembers nothing of his past, save for a vague image of Maria. He once again takes on the role of anti-hero, helping to fight off the [[Meterex]] while at the same time not getting along with Sonic and the gang. There is one episode in which Shadow befriends [[Molly]], a teenage girl that reminds him of Maria. However, he is unable to prevent fate from happening again, Molly sacrificing herself to save others during a Meterex attack. At the end of the series, Shadow once again becomes instrumental in stopping the villain, doing it not only for Maria but for Molly.
  
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Before he was executed, Gerald modified the Bio-Lizard so it could fuse with ARK using [[Chaos Control]] and destroy Earth by ramming into it. [[Sonic the Hedgehog|Sonic]] and [[Knuckles the Echidna|Knuckles]] "free" the Bio-Lizard when they approach the core of ARK, and the voice of Gerald plays as it is released. The Bio-Lizard was also just a "prototype" of the Ultimate Life Form- an incomplete version. This would leave it open to being improved by Gerard. Finally, by using [[Chaos Control]] to fuse with ARK, it is carrying out the mission it was programmed for: to destroy Earth. Seeing that Shadow was not originally programmed to destroy Earth, it is improbable to suggest that his predecessor, the Bio-Lizard, ''was'' originally a weapon of destruction, especially considering that the whole Ultimate Life Form project was supposed to bring peace to the world. The only viable explanation is that it was re-programmed by Gerard. The only disproof of this theory is the subtitle of "The Prototype of the Ultimate Life" in the description of the Final Hazard.
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In the ''[[Sonic X (Archie comics)|Sonic X]]'' comic book series, Shadow only appears once, though it is the Shadow from the [[Sonic the Hedgehog (Archie comics)|main Archie series]]. Sent there during a battle with [[Metal Sonic]], Shadow encounters the ''Sonic X'' cast some point after his doppelganger was presumed dead.
  
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Another popular theory is that the Shadow in ''SA2'', ''Sonic Heroes'', and ''Sonic Battle'' is a real, organic Shadow and Metal Sonic used this original Shadow to clone his army. Proof to this theory is that Metal Sonic says "Ultimate Life Form data has been copied" after the Egg Albatross is defeated. Thus, Shadow in ''Sonic Heroes'' and ''SA2'', and thus ''[[Sonic Battle]]'' (Battle's Shadow has ''SA2'''s memories) is the real one as Metal Sonic indirectly implies there that he couldn't copy the Ultimate Life Form data from one of the clones. However, the fake Dr. Eggman (Metal Sonic) tells Shadow that he 'has no past to remember' ''before'' he copies the Ultimate Life Form data, although this could just be to throw him and make him think he's a clone, therefore stopping him from realizing that he can warp in time and space. Obviously, Shadow realizing that would be a huge blow to Metal Sonic's plans. Also, why would a normal Shadow clone be kept in a different place to all the others? Shadow's solo game explains that Eggman rescued Shadow with one of his robots, and Eggman decided that he could use "Shadow Androids" (robotic copies of Shadow) to conquer the world. Metal Sonic apparently didn't know about this and believed Shadow did die.
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==Miscellaneous==
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*Though the design of Shadow the Hedgehog was meant to be a secret until such time [[Sega|SEGA]] decided to reveal it in all its glory, details of the character were leaked when [[ReSaurus]] announced they were making figures of Shadow and [[Rouge the Bat|Rouge]], much as they had for the first ''[[Sonic Adventure|Adventure]]'' title. Ironically, the company went out of business before they could release these figures to the masses.
  
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Yet another popular theory is that Shadow's memories of Maria are entirely false, and that, in fact, the hedgehog form of Project Shadow never even set foot on Space Colony ARK prior to the events of ''Sonic Adventure 2''. The likely scenario is that, somehow, Gerald was able to continue work on Project Shadow while incarcerated by GUN (as indicated by ''[[Sonic X]]''). How, we do not know -- Perhaps they were using the professor for other research purposes and he secretly did the work on the side. Regardless, planning to utilize Shadow for vengeance on GUN and, for that matter, the entire world, the very angry professor would have programmed fabricated memories of Maria and her death into Shadow's subconscious. Shadow's game proves that these memories are true. Remember that Shadow has been in a capsule for fifty years, so his memories are probably cloudy.  
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*During the promotion of his spin-off game, Shadow was used as a guest announcer and performer for the Japanese wrestling league Pancrase, jumping and posing in the ring. The night ended in Shadow giving the winner of that night's matches ten SEGA games.[http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3146055]
  
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This theory doesn't quite explain why Shadow had the change of heart he did toward the end of the ''SA2'' story arc, but if anything, it can probably be accredited to emotional mental instability. Of course, many people [supporting this theory] say that since Shadow's memory contained the anger of Prof. Gerald, when he had his change of heart it actually represented Prof. Gerald's inputted anger realizing what was really happening, and repenting. The answer is that Shadow remembered more of Maria's wish. Earlier in the game, he doesn't remember the "Give them a chance... to be happy!" part of the wish.
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*The fact Shadow uses guns in ''[[Shadow the Hedgehog (game)|Shadow the Hedgehog]]'' was based on suggestions mailed to Sonic Team, where kids were asking for a game where Sonic could use a gun. Feeling it out of his character, they decided to give the ability to Shadow, hoping to both fulfill these requests and broaden their playing audience. The look and feel of the game was also based on such movie franchises as Underworld, Constantine, and The Terminator.[http://uk.cube.ign.com/articles/645/645487p1.html]
  
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*Also, it should be noted that the story of ''Sonic Battle'' cannot be considered canon material without completely disregarding the history laid out by ''Sonic Adventure 2''. There are far too many discrepancies in the story relating to Professor Gerald's journal entries (unlockable by playing through the story a second time) that completely nullify any direct sense of continuity with ''SA2'', where Shadow was created for the purpose of vengeance. Why would Gerald have intentionally programmed the final version of Shadow with a conscience if the very reason it was brought into existence was to destroy the world? The plot holes created by ''Sonic Battle'' are simply too large to disregard.
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*Though Shadow has been voted one of the most popular Sonic the Hedgehog characters, he is also one of the most controversial. Having become synonymous with the downturn of the Sonic franchise, there are those who argue that he is the embodiment of what has gone wrong with the series, showcasing how far it has strayed from its Mega Drive roots. Other fans argue that while the series may have strayed, Shadow has also allowed the games to evolve, and broaden Sonic's universe and appeal. Regardless of which way one looks at the argument, it cannot be denied the importance of the character in regards to the history of the Sonic franchise, be it good or bad.
  
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*Note: This is personal opinion, and not fact. An alternate explanation is that Shadow is simply *not* a robot, and can't be purely programmed, only hypnotised and influenced to implant thoughts and emotions. ''Sonic Battle'' fits quite well as canon development as Shadow's character. Shadow has been going through much self discovery since he was awoken in ''Sonic Adventure 2'' - this is simply a natural stage in his development. He is a living humanoid creature, with a mind and conscience of his own. He disagrees in ''Sonic Battle'', but it's made quite obvious by the other characters reactions that it's just another mood swing.
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*For years, the elements of Shadow's backstory have been the subject of much fan debate. Even with the translation of story elements from Japanese guidebooks and the subsequent release of ''Shadow the Hedgehog'', the many plotholes and inconsistencies in Shadow's story still inspire argument after argument over the black and red hedgehog, making any sort of explanation of the character a difficult endeavor.
  
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Lastly, there is nothing that states that the Chaos Emerald-empowered Shadow seen at the end of ''Sonic Adventure 2'' is "Hyper Shadow." The proper terminology is Super Shadow, as, according to ''Sonic 3'' and ''Sonic & Knuckles'', a character absorbing all seven Chaos Emeralds is always referred to as "Super" instead of "Hyper", no matter who that character is. "Hyper" is a second stage achieved by absorption of the seven Super Emeralds (powered up forms of the Chaos Emeralds), as seen from [[Hyper Sonic]] and [[Hyper Knuckles]] in ''Sonic 3 & Knuckles''.
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==Appearances==
  
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=== What truly happened in the end of Sonic Adventure 2 ===
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===Video Games===
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In Sonic Adventure 2, Shadow is seen falling to Earth and apparently getting killed in the process. After he returned, many fans wondered if Shadow is the real one, or an android. Here are the theories stated in Shadow the Hedgehog:
 
  
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*In the neutral story, Eggman ''tricks'' Shadow into believing he is one of the Shadow Androids created in the beginning of the game and in the end of Sonic Heroes. Shadow believes this as he doesn't have any memories, but he goes to Eggman's base and he and [[E-123 Omega]] kill the doctor. In the heroic Lava Shelter ending, Shadow plans that he will kill Eggman and he and Omega will rule an android utopia. Then he kills Eggman and the credits roll. In the darker one, Shadow obeys Eggman but uses the Chaos Emeralds to destroy the Egg Dealer. Shadow claims that he will be better than the other Shadow Androids, and the original Shadow. Then he kills Eggman and the credits roll. It should be noted that these endings are not canon as Eggman is in the Last Story.
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*''[[Sonic Adventure 2]]''/''[[Sonic Adventure 2: Battle|Battle]]''
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*Shadow is hinted to have only just survived in the pure evil storyline, and that it is GUN's fault. Shadow decides that the best thing to do is carry out revenge and destroy Earth. In the heroic ending, Shadow kills Black Doom but conquers the universe anyway. And in the evil storyline Shadow claims that he and Black Doom (who he believes is his lord and master) will rule Earth.
 
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*In one storyline, Shadow realizes he is the original and decides to stay on the ARK. While he manages to destroy one of Eggman's robots, he does it because he plans to ''protect'' ARK from any and all outsiders, and he lets Eggman off with a warning.
 
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*Finally, in the Last Story, Eggman explains what happened to Shadow. To do it, survive in the battle with Devil Doom for about eight-ten minutes. Eggman says this "Shadow... can you hear me? Th--this may be the last t-time I-I get to sp-speak to you... everyone th-thought you d-died aboard the ARK on that tragic d-day... w-well you didn't... I r-rescued you w-with one of m-my robots. Y-you j-just l-lost your m-memory, that's all. Y-you really are the U-ultimate Life F-form my gr-grandfather created!", proving that the Shadow we play as is the real one.
 
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== Japanese Backstory: The TRUTH About 50 Years Ago ==
 
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''See [[Sonic Adventure 2 - The Truth of 50 Years Ago...]]''
 
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==Games Shadow has appeared in==
 
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*''[[Sonic Adventure 2]]''
 
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*''[[Sonic Adventure 2: Battle]]''
 
 
*''[[Sega Superstars]]''
 
*''[[Sega Superstars]]''
 
*''[[Sonic Battle]]''
 
*''[[Sonic Battle]]''
Line 137: Line 129:
 
*''[[Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing]]''
 
*''[[Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing]]''
  
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==Criticism==
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===Television Series and Film===
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Shadow has received a large amount of criticism from Sonic fans and big-name gaming sites such as IGN and GameSpot. One of them is that his "death" in Sonic Adventure 2 made a great ending, and that having him return cheapened his death. Shadow is also criticized due to the fact that he curses a lot in his game (especially his over-use of the word "damn"). He is also hated because he is believed to simply be a "dark Sonic", despite having a backstory. There are also people who've said that he's stolen the spotlight from [[Knuckles]], describing him as a "kick in the nuts to Knuckles fans".
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*''[[Sonic X]]'' (Anime, Japan)
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===Comic Books===
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*''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (Archie comics)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' ([[Archie Comics]], US)
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*''[[Sonic X (Archie comics)|Sonic X]]'' ([[Archie Comics]], US - [[Sonic X 40 (Archie)|Issue 40]] only)
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 +
==Theme Songs==
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*[[Throw It All Away]]
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*[[This Machine]]
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*[[I Am... All of Me]]
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*[[Waking Up]]
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*[[Almost Dead]]
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*[[Chosen One]]
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*[[All Hail Shadow]]
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*[[Never Turn Back]]
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*[[All Hail Shadow (Crush 40)]]
  
 
==Voice Actors==
 
==Voice Actors==
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* ''[[Sonic Adventure 2]]'', ''[[Sonic Battle]]'', ''[[Sonic Heroes]]'', ''[[Shadow the Hedgehog (game)|Shadow the Hedgehog]]'', ''[[Sonic Riders]]'' (Japanese) - [[Koji Yusa]]
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* ''Sonic Adventure 2'', ''Sonic Battle'', ''Sonic Heroes'' (English) - [[David Humphrey]]
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* [[Koji Yusa]] (Japanese game voice (2001-Present) plus ''[[Sonic X]]'')
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* ''[[Sonic X]]'', ''Shadow the Hedgehog'', ''Sonic Riders'', ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 2006|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'', ''[[Sonic Rivals]]'', ''[[Sonic and the Secret Rings]]'', ''[[Sonic Rivals 2]]'', [[Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games]]'', ''[[Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity]], (English) - [[Jason Griffith]]
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* [[David Humphrey]] (English game voice (2001-2004))
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* [[Jason Griffith]] (English game voice (2005-Present) plus ''[[Sonic X]]'')
  
  

Revision as of 13:12, 7 May 2010

Template:CharacterSheet

For the eponymous game, see Shadow the Hedgehog (game).

Shadow the Hedgehog, also known as "The Ultimate Lifeform," is a reoccurring character in the Sonic the Hedgehog series of games and related media. First introduced in Sonic Adventure 2 as a villain, he soon took on the role of anti-hero, becoming yet another rival of Sonic. Because of his nature, he has also become a fan favorite, especially among those who discovered the series after SEGA ceased production of the Dreamcast.

Character Conception

After the success of Sonic Adventure, it was only natural to assume that a sequel would be produced. Hoping that the game would be what Sonic the Hedgehog 2 was for the Mega Drive, a portion of the team responsible for the first Adventure title was sent off to work at SEGA of America. Dubbed "Sonic Team USA," it was led by Director Takashi Iizuka, while Yuji Naka remained back in Japan to work on other properties, including Phantasy Star Online. With the team in place, brainstorming soon began on what form Sonic Adventure 2 would take.

Early on, it was decided that one of the main themes of the game would be the dichotomy between good and evil, and to help explore that the creators came up with new characters that would both assist Dr. Eggman and challenge the established cast of heroes. Though Yuji Uekawa was tasked drawing the final design of the character, it was Iizuka who came up with the idea to use a dark, anti-hero figure who was similar to Sonic in shape but not in personality. When being designed, his original name was Terios, which translates to "reflection of," more than likely to play off the hero/villain dynamic within the game.

Once Sonic Adventure 2 was announced, the identity and nature of Shadow was a heavily guarded secret, his existence teased at the end of the first trailer for the game.[1] Indeed, the push to build hype for the new character put other characters on the backburner, Tails not even being announced for the game until a few months later. The marketing push for the character was so great that, when players reached the end of Adventure 2 and saw the "death" of Shadow, there were many who doubted this was the last time Shadow would appear. As it were, Iizuka would later admit that he always had future plans for the character, hoping to have him star in his own game. This eventually happened with the release of Shadow the Hedgehog for the three main systems of the era.

Shadow the Hedgehog (Video Game Character)

Origin of Shadow

Concept art for the Space Colony ARK, as depicted in Shadow the Hedgehog.
Source: Sonic Adventure 2 - The Truth of 50 Years Ago...

Fifty years before the events of Sonic Adventure 2, a top-secret project known as "Project Shadow" had begun on the Space Colony ARK. Led by Professor Gerald Robotnik, it was a government-sanctioned initiative to create "The Ultimate Lifeform," an immortal being that could be used for the benefit of the nation, likely in a militaristic fashion. While Gerald had initial misgivings to the purpose of the research he was assigned to, he realized that his results might be able to save his granddaughter, Maria. Suffering from the incurable disease Neuro Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Maria only had a short time left to live, and Gerald was willing to do whatever it took to save her life. Going against his worries of stepping into territory man had no business playing with, the professor immediately began work, hoping that he could apply any newly-gained knowledge to find a cure to N.I.D.S.

Even with the resources at his disposal, Professor Gerald was unable to make significant progress. Without alerting anyone, Gerald decided to plea to the stars for help, contacting the Black Arms race. An alien civilization that lived upon the Black Comet, a celestial object that passed near the planet every fifty years, its leader Black Doom offered to assist Gerald in his quest. He offered his blood - which ended up being the key to perfect the ultimate lifeform - in exchange for the seven Chaos Emeralds, which he would collect the next time he passed through. Knowing that the Black Arms' intentions were less than desirable, Gerald made the deal regardless, and was able to successfully create Shadow the Hedgehog.

Shadow looking out to Earth, with Maria at his side. From Sonic X.

Once brought to life, Shadow immediately befriended Maria, and they became close during their short time together. Gerald, meanwhile, made precautions for the return of the alien race, ensuring that the Eclipse Cannon - an extremely powerful laser built into the ARK - was compatible with the seven Chaos Emeralds, so that when they did return humanity would be able to defend itself instead of bowing to their whims.

However, Gerald's progress was ruined when it was leaked to G.U.N. how he was able to create the successful prototype. During the meeting between Gerald and the Black Arms, one of the other children aboard the ARK had accidentally seen what transpired, and reported back to those in charge. As ties between the ARK and the United Federation had already been strained, hearing the news of the dealings with an alien race scared those in charge. Afraid of the implications, it was decided to launch an invasion and put a stop to the work being done there.

What happened next was nothing short of madness, as G.U.N. troops descended onto the ARK, causing chaos and confusion wherever they went. Immediately they went after the Biolizard, which they thought was the successful "Project Shadow" prototype, and in the process of putting the creature into stasis lost quite a few soldiers. From there they went about doing damage control, shutting down everything, getting everyone off the ARK, and killing those who resisted if need be. Knowing that the G.U.N. forces would be there at any moment, Maria convinced Shadow to enter an escape pod, her final wish to him that he give the people on the planet a chance to be happy. Wishing him goodbye, Shadow could do nothing as he watched the G.U.N. soldiers storm into the lab, firing a shot which would forever change the artificial hedgehog.

Learning of his granddaughter's death, Professor Gerald soon went mad, swearing vengeance on humanity for taking away the only thing that ever meant anything to him. Though just what exactly transpired is cloudy, what is known is that both Gerald and the escape pod that held Shadow were gathered by G.U.N., Shadow being placed in cryogenic storage within Prison Island, and Gerald being incarcerated and charged with the crimes that happened aboard the ARK.

With the entire incident classified, the remnants of Gerald's legacy were left dormant for fifty years. It's possible they would have been forgotten entirely if not for the intervention of Dr. Eggman, Gerald's grandson. Coming across his grandfather's journals, Eggman became aware of Project Shadow, and broke into Prison Island to recover what the mysterious weapon could be. Once he reached the center of the complex, he was startled to see a hedgehog, immediately thinking it must be Sonic. Quickly, though, he realized his fears were for naught, and that some grand twist of fate caused Gerald's greatest invention to resemble his arch-nemesis. When awoken, Shadow offers Eggman his help, asking for the Chaos Emeralds in return.

Though he teamed up with Eggman, Shadow's true intentions are clouded. Indeed, not even Shadow is sure of what he is meant to do, having only vague memories of what happened to him aboard the ARK. Remembering Maria's senseless death, Shadow seeks out the remaining Chaos Emeralds, not relying on just the Doctor. The second emerald collected is also at the hand of Shadow, stolen from a facility that immediately gained the attention of G.U.N. Watching security footage, the organization believed the criminal to be Sonic the Hedgehog, a case of mistaken identity that runs through the rest of Sonic Adventure 2. When the two meet after the events of City Escape, a fierce rivalry begins, each subsequent encounter the two share ending in a fight.

File:Biolizard2.jpg
Shadow confronting Biolizard. From Sonic Adventure 2.

With Sonic being chased by G.U.N. at every opportunity, he is unable to stop Dr. Eggman from collecting six of the seven Chaos Emeralds, and with Shadow's help Eggman learned how to access the Eclipse Cannon aboard the Space Colony ARK. Even though all seven are needed to power the weapon to its full potential, Eggman makes an announcement to the world, giving a taste of the canon's power by attacking the moon. Seeing the stakes raised, the rest of the cast make it up to the ARK, knowing the fate of the world hangs in the balance. With the seventh emerald up for grabs, Dr. Eggman is able to secure it under the guise that he is defeated. As the heroes celebrate, thinking that have once again saved the world, Eggman made his way to the cannon, putting the final emerald in the dock. Immediately, a videotaped message of Gerald Robotnik began, declaring his hatred of humanity in his final days, hoping that the Chaos Emeralds would be gathered on the ARK and that the cannon would be turned on those who took everything away from him. As Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Rouge the Bat and even Dr. Eggman set about to stop the destruction of Earth, Shadow refused to do anything, believing he was carrying out Maria's final wish. However, a conversation with Amy Rose triggered one of Shadow’s lost memories, which allowed Shadow to finally recall her true final words. Realizing his folly, Shadow decided to join the fight, helping Sonic to stop Biolizard, a creature which was Shadow's immediate prototype.

Forced to take the battle to the stars, Sonic and Shadow unite, transforming into their Super forms and taking down Biolizard's final form, Finalhazard. Using Chaos Control, they are able transport the space colony back into its original orbit, saving the planet at the presumed cost of Shadow's life.

Time passes, and when Sonic Heroes begins, Rouge the Bat is investigating rumors of a secret treasure that Dr. Eggman has been hiding in one of his many fortresses. She is surprised to find a stasis tube holding what looks to be Shadow the Hedgehog, guarded by the final of Eggman's original line of E-series robots, E-123 Omega. With her quick thinking, she is able to convince both of them to join her to try and figure out what Eggman may be planning next. Through the game, it is made clear that Shadow remembers nothing of what happened in the past, though certain events trigger the briefest of recollections. The ambiguity of the Shadow found by Rouge is only further complicated when, when the trio make it to the Egg Fleet, they stumble across an entire fleet of Shadow-themed robots. Because of this sudden revelation, Rouge comes to the conclusion that the Shadow they have been working with might be nothing more than a robotic clone, and not the friend she lost at the end of Sonic Adventure 2.

After Metal Sonic's defeat, Shadow chooses not to remain with "Team Dark," but instead tries and find the answers of his existence on his own, wandering alone for the next two weeks. His journey takes a dramatic turn when, just outside the city of Westopolis, the Black Arms race decides to attack the planet. He is immediately contacted by the force's leader, Black Doom, who tells Shadow that humanity betrayed him and that he belongs with the invading force. As an incentive, he promises to restore Shadow's memories if he collects the seven Chaos Emeralds. Not sure what to believe, Shadow goes through the invasion as best he can, sometimes assisting the alien forces, other times helping out Sonic the Hedgehog and his friends, and on certain occasions accomplishing his own objections which serve neither side. In the end, Shadow is able to collect the emeralds, and decides to give them to Black Doom, hoping he will finally find the answers he seeks. In doing so, Shadow is finally able to realize the truth of his creation.

Every memory that Shadow once had returns, discovering the pact that Gerald had made with the Black Arms race, and the hope the professor originally had, that Shadow would stop the invading force once the time came. Renouncing the hatred of humanity that Black Doom had tried to force on him during the game, Shadow sets off to stop the invading force from using Chaos Control to transport all their forces onto Earth at once. As Shadow and Black Doom face off in one final confrontation, Dr. Eggman reveals to Shadow that he is not a clone or a robot or anything of the sort, but indeed the same Shadow from Sonic Adventure 2, and that he had used a robot to save him as he fell to earth after those events. With everything cleared up, Shadow is able to defeat Black Doom, and throws the Black Comet into the path of the Eclipse Cannon, fulfilling the hope that both Gerald and Maria had for him.

In the aftermath, Shadow decides to join G.U.N. as an agent in a similar fashion as Rouge the Bat, looking to the future instead of being forever trapped in his past as he had allowed himself to be since his introduction in the series.

Personality and Traits

The infamous promo art, from Shadow the Hedgehog.

Shadow the Hedgehog is a black and red hedgehog, and though his physical appearance points to him being the same age as Sonic, he is actually much older due to his time spent in hibernation under the care of G.U.N. Though his physical appearance is purely hedgehog, his DNA is a combination of hedgehog and that of the Black Arms alien race, and it is because of this combination that allows his ease of using the energy of the Chaos Emeralds for his own purposes.

Designed to be "The Ultimate Lifeform," it has been said that Shadow is nothing short of immortal, though this claim has been untested. It has been shown that Shadow is incredibly resilient, if his fall from space is anything to go by. His power over the Chaos Emeralds only adds to his title, his trademark ability being that of "Chaos Control." With only the help of one Chaos Emerald, Shadow is able to bend space and time around him at his will, allowing him to traverse great distances in only a short amount of time. However, he can only maintain this state for a limited amount.

Shadow also has the ability to manifest Chaos energy as a physical force, and use it to attack his enemies. Chaos Spear, his most often used form, is the formation of energy into a lightning bolt, Shadow throwing it to deliver damage. A cruder form of this, Chaos Blast, is a generic explosion which is designed to damage anything around him. Along with Chaos Boost, Chaos Snap, and Chaos Attack, Shadow has developed a wide variety of attacks which utilize a Chaos Emerald. With one of those magical gems, Shadow is a nearly unstoppable force.

Even without an emerald, Shadow is still a being to be reckoned with, as he has many of the same abilities that Sonic the Hedgehog possess. Just like Sonic, he can curl up into a spin attack and attack enemies. He also can build up speed with the classic spin dash, and aim at combatants with the homing attack. However, Shadow does not possess the same blistering speed that Sonic has. To make up for this shortcoming, Shadow wears a pair of Air Shoes, which give Shadow's running an extra boost, allowing him to keep up with Sonic most of the time. It also gives Shadow the ability to hover over the ground for short periods, though he doesn't often exercise this.

While Shadow's physical abilities are nothing to be trifled with, Shadow is not against the idea of using weaponry if need be. Guns, missiles, bazookas, or any other armaments that the military force G.U.N. has at their disposal are fair game for the artificial hedgehog to use. Even vehicles like tanks are not off-limits to Shadow, many of the preceding weapons serving him in numerous situations in his self-titled game.

Though he is often compared to Sonic, Shadow's personality is quite the opposite. Instead of being a joyful, carefree spirit, Shadow the Hedgehog is often a moody, discontented soul. Born through a more artificial means, he began questioning his true purpose while on the ARK, long before the moments that would scar his life. The only thing he has ever truly cared about, the only person he ever considered a friend, was Maria Robotnik, and when he watched her murdered in front of his eyes, everything changed. Most of his life has been spent thinking of her, and wishing to honor her memory, even when he wasn't sure what it was she would have wanted. Because of this, he has never been trusting of humans, something which manifested during the events of Shadow the Hedgehog. Even though he now remembers his past and has fulfilled Maria's promise thrice over, he still has a great dislike for humanity, something he tries to work through now that he works directly for them.[2] Indeed, his trust for humans has shown to increase slightly, balking at Mephilis' prediction that humanity would turn against him and blame him for the destruction Solaris would cause in the future. However, as those events took place in Sonic the Hedgehog 2006, the entire plot was retconned, though it can be assumed that Shadow's attempt at accepting humanity is still occurring. He also been shown to at least accept from others, including Rouge the Bat who also has ties to the G.U.N. organization.

Also, like many other characters in the games, Shadow is able to use the power of the seven Chaos Emeralds to transform into Super Shadow, though he is still bound by the same ring-consumption limitation that the other characters in the series have.

Shadow in Other Media

Just as the case has been for Sonic the Hedgehog, Shadow the Hedgehog has been adapted to fit in other media.

Sonic the Hedgehog (Archie comics)

File:SonicTheHedgehogArchie171.jpg
Shadow, featured on the cover of Sonic the Hedgehog Issue 171.

Introduced in Sonic the Hedgehog Issue 98, Shadow the Hedgehog's origins are played out in a similar way to the game. His captivity in Prison Island, his emergence by Dr. Eggman's hand, his creation by Professor Gerald Robotnik, and his relationship with Maria aboard the Space Colony ARK are all present. Seeking out the Chaos Emeralds, Shadow even reproduces the case of mistaken identity, causing the forces of Station Square to go after Sonic. However, unlike the games, the comics make it clear that Gerald was able to get a hold of Shadow after the tragic events aboard the ARK, and was responsible for his fuzzy memories of what Maria wanted.

After defeating Finalhazard, it was not Eggman who rescued the falling Shadow but the alien race known as the Bem, a peaceful species who felt that Shadow needed to be saved for the upcoming Xorda invasion. Once he awoke, the Bem made Shadow transform into his super state, setting him against the Xorda ship entering Mobius space. Though he fought valiantly, he was unable to stop them, crashing back onto the surface where he was subsequently discovered by the residents of Knothole. Forming a temporary alliance with them, he joined Sonic and the gang to fight off the Xorda invasion, who wanted to wipe out intelligent life on the planet to pay for crimes that had been committed millennia ago by human beings to a Xorda ambassador.

After the Xorda's defeat, Shadow was left to drift alone, deciding to eventually confront Dr. Eggman. It was there that he met Hope Kintobor, Eggman's cousin who looked extremely similar to Maria. Becoming protective of her, Shadow would become angered if she was placed in danger, his feelings for Maria influencing any action involving Hope. It was because of Eggman's relation to Maria that made Shadow join forces with him for a time, although he only stayed a part of his force until he could get a hold of Gerald's diaries (Hope having already found refuge in Knothole and, later on, Station Square). Asking for help from the Freedom Fighters, Shadow was able to talk to holographic versions of Gerald and Maria, learning about his Black Arms heritage and how they would eventually be coming, ready to attack the planet.

With this knowledge, Shadow went off to Station Square, where he joined up with G.U.N., working alongside Rouge the Bat once again. Eventually recruiting E-123 Omega and forming "Team Dark," Shadow is once again able to keep an eye on Hope, all the while trying to keep peace on Mobius, waiting for the day where he may be called to fight against the oncoming forces of Black Doom.

Sonic X

Sonic the Hedgehog and Shadow, from Sonic X.

Once again, Shadow the Hedgehog's introduction in Sonic X is quite similar to that of Sonic Adventure 2. Revealed in episode 33, "The Puzzle of Project Shadow," he is awoken by Dr. Eggman in yet another attempt at global domination. Many of the same events occur as they do in the games, as the arc Shadow is used in is a direct adaptation. Driven by his promise to Maria, the anime makes one notable difference as it is Chris Thorndyke, not Amy Rose, which triggers the return of Shadow's memory and his true promise to Maria. Realizing his folly, he joins Sonic to battle Finalhazard, the result being his assumed death.

It is discovered in the second series that Shadow did not perish, but was instead rescued by Dr. Eggman, who put him in stasis. His fate is discovered in episode 60, "The Return of Shadow," and when he is awoken he remembers nothing of his past, save for a vague image of Maria. He once again takes on the role of anti-hero, helping to fight off the Meterex while at the same time not getting along with Sonic and the gang. There is one episode in which Shadow befriends Molly, a teenage girl that reminds him of Maria. However, he is unable to prevent fate from happening again, Molly sacrificing herself to save others during a Meterex attack. At the end of the series, Shadow once again becomes instrumental in stopping the villain, doing it not only for Maria but for Molly.

In the Sonic X comic book series, Shadow only appears once, though it is the Shadow from the main Archie series. Sent there during a battle with Metal Sonic, Shadow encounters the Sonic X cast some point after his doppelganger was presumed dead.

Miscellaneous

  • Though the design of Shadow the Hedgehog was meant to be a secret until such time SEGA decided to reveal it in all its glory, details of the character were leaked when ReSaurus announced they were making figures of Shadow and Rouge, much as they had for the first Adventure title. Ironically, the company went out of business before they could release these figures to the masses.
  • During the promotion of his spin-off game, Shadow was used as a guest announcer and performer for the Japanese wrestling league Pancrase, jumping and posing in the ring. The night ended in Shadow giving the winner of that night's matches ten SEGA games.[3]
  • The fact Shadow uses guns in Shadow the Hedgehog was based on suggestions mailed to Sonic Team, where kids were asking for a game where Sonic could use a gun. Feeling it out of his character, they decided to give the ability to Shadow, hoping to both fulfill these requests and broaden their playing audience. The look and feel of the game was also based on such movie franchises as Underworld, Constantine, and The Terminator.[4]
  • Though Shadow has been voted one of the most popular Sonic the Hedgehog characters, he is also one of the most controversial. Having become synonymous with the downturn of the Sonic franchise, there are those who argue that he is the embodiment of what has gone wrong with the series, showcasing how far it has strayed from its Mega Drive roots. Other fans argue that while the series may have strayed, Shadow has also allowed the games to evolve, and broaden Sonic's universe and appeal. Regardless of which way one looks at the argument, it cannot be denied the importance of the character in regards to the history of the Sonic franchise, be it good or bad.
  • For years, the elements of Shadow's backstory have been the subject of much fan debate. Even with the translation of story elements from Japanese guidebooks and the subsequent release of Shadow the Hedgehog, the many plotholes and inconsistencies in Shadow's story still inspire argument after argument over the black and red hedgehog, making any sort of explanation of the character a difficult endeavor.

Appearances

Video Games

Television Series and Film

Comic Books

Theme Songs

Voice Actors


Characters in the Sonic the Hedgehog game series
Recurring characters
Heroes Sonic (Super, Starfall, Hyper, Darkspine, the Werehog, Excalibur) | Tails (Super) | Knuckles (Super, Hyper) | Amy (Super, Hyper) | Mighty (Super) | Ray (Super) | Espio | Charmy | Vector | Cream | Big | Blaze (Burning) | Silver (Super) | Sticks
Anti-heroes/Neutrals Shadow (Super) | Rouge | E-102 Gamma | E-123 Omega | Jet | Wave | Storm
Villains Dr. Eggman | Metal Sonic (Rocket, Neo, 3.0) | Mecha Sonic (8-bit, Mk. II, Mk. III, Super) | Fang | Tails Doll | Metal Knuckles | Chaos (Perfect) | E-Series | ZERO | Biolizard (Finalhazard) | Black Doom (Devil Doom) | Eggman Nega | Orbot | Cubot | Deadly Six (Zavok, Zazz, Zomom, Master Zik, Zeena, Zor)
Teams Sonic/Heroes | Rose | Dark | Chaotix | Babylon
Other Animals (Flicky) | Froggy | Chao (Hero, Dark) | Tikal | Pachacamac | Omochao | Chaclon | Gerald & Maria Robotnik | President | King Boom Boo | Cheese | Chocola | Vanilla | G.U.N. Commander | Wisps | Mother Wisp
One-off characters
Heroes Emerl | Marine | Lumina Flowlight | Chip | Shahra | Knights of the Round Table | Caliburn | Yacker | Avatar | Barry | Trip (Super)
Anti-heroes/Neutrals Bean | Bark | Shade | Merlina | Sage
Villains Witchcart | Hocke-Wulf | Bearenger | Carrotia | Battle Kukku Army (15th, 16th, Dr. Fukurokov) | E-101 Beta | Void | Chaos Gamma | Gemerl | Shugo-hei | Iblis | Mephiles | Solaris | Erazor Djinn | Captain Whisker | Johnny | Master Core: ABIS | Ix (Super) | Dark Gaia | King Arthur | Hard Boiled Heavies | Infinite | The End | Mirage Express
Teams Vector | Eggman
Other Birdie | Illumina | Secretary | Elise | Duke of Soleanna | Sonic Man | Coconut Crew | Vikings | Professor Pickle | Wentos | Don Fachio | Dodon Pa | Koco | Ancients | Conductor | Conductor's wife | Ariem | Heavy | Bomb | Tiara Boobowski | Honey
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