Shadow the Hedgehog (game)
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Revision as of 22:34, 4 October 2005 by Ss is testing (talk | contribs)
Shadow the Hedgehog is a game starring an antihero of the Sonic the Hedgehog video game series. It was revealed at Sonic's inauguration into Walk of Game, and is projected for a release on November 25, 2005.
Gameplay
Little is known about the gameplay, but it can be assumed from the footage that Shadow must get from the start of the level to the end, as has traditionally been the case for the Sonic titles. The biggest change, however, would be his ability to use several weapons; he was shown using an MP5 submachine gun, a sword and a bazooka, among a few others. The gun can, naturally, harm opponents, but also has the ability to break down large pieces of the level, such as tall columns. Just how this will impact gameplay remains to be seen. This game is different from others as your decisions determine Shadow's future. In videos, no sound is yet developed. Also, as seen in a preview video Shadow now has at least two Chaos ablities, Chaos Control and Chaos Blast.
Pre-Release Comments/First Impressions
The gaming community had strong opinions on the preview 'Shadow' videos posted on popular Internet gaming sites (such as GameSpot or IGN.com).
Many comments were made about the gun Shadow wielded. Some argue that it goes entirely against the spirit and/or gameplay mechanic of the Sonic series or that Shadow should be powerful enough that a gun would not be necessary, given that he has proclaimed himself to be the "Ultimate Life Form" in Sonic Adventure 2. Others note his technological background in defense of the weapon, from his inception to the hoverboots he wears.
Another topic of discussion is that Shadow getting a game over Sonic; after Sonic Heroes, many fans had been hoping for a new Sonic game that would take the direction that game was heading and lead it toward a more retro feel, closer to that of the original Sega Genesis games. When it was revealed that that was not the direction the new title was heading, some people were disappointed.
A rebuttal to some of the criticisms would be that this is a sidestory game, and not starring Sonic himself; therefore, as it isn't a true Sonic game, it should be given some freedom to attempt new things without hampering the main series. Another rebuttal is that this is an early preview, and that it may have changed significantly by the game's ultimate release.
Game Features
Beside wielding weapons, it has been confirmed that Shadow can use vehicles (4x4s, motorbikes and alien crafts have been revealed thus far). As in most Sonic games, the Chaos Emeralds play a big part in this game, as Shadow needs them to regain his memory and to use Chaos Powers. These powers, according to the developers, will be the ultimate in destruction and speed. The two confirmed Chaos Powers are "Chaos Control" (lets Shadow minpulate time and space) and "Chaos Blast" (creates and explosive blast of energy damanging enemies). Instead of having a linear storyline, you have the ability to choose your path as focused on in the trailers eg: 'hero or villain' or 'justice or revenge'. Although you play as Shadow, all major Sonic characters are expected to appear at points in the story.