Shadow the Hedgehog (game)
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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.
Contents
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 weapons can, naturally, harm opponents, but also have 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 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 manipulate time and space) and "Chaos Blast" (creates an 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. Preliminary gameplay movies have revealed an instance of Knuckles tagging along with Shadow through a section of a level, and the opening movie, released on IGN, features Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Rouge, Omega, Cream, Amy, Espio, Vector, and Charmy in a quick view. Eggman, according to the official site, is once again a proper full fledged villian. GUN(revealed to be "Guardian Unit of Nations") also make an appearance this time and can be sided with.
Storyline
(From the offical site)
Who am I, and why can't I remember?
"Some 50 years ago in a secret Army research lab, Shadow was created as the Ultimate Life Form by Professor Gerald Robotnik. Yet Shadow now suffers from amnesia and is desperate to find out if he was created to save the world or do the evil bidding of the dark side.
One day as Shadow sat trying to remember anyt hing that might spark this memory, the skies filled with an alien army called the Black Arms, and they descended upon the city carving a path of destruction with fiery explosions. Their leader, Black Doom, stunned Shadow when he called him by name and spoke of their forgotten agreement.
"Find the seven Emeralds and bring them to me as promised" said the dark leader.
Shadow suddenly realised the Emeralds were the key to unlocking his mysterious past... now, how to beat everyone to them?"
Stages
Confirmed Stages:
-Westopolis
(Which then appears to fork into)
-Digital Circuit
-Glyphic Canyon
-Lethal Highway
-Cryptic Castle
The levels may not have a linear progression, as has been the case for nearly all Sonic games since the first. Sonic Adventure style Adventure fields may be used as a result. A level select in a demo reveals a "last scenario," but crashes upon selection.
Music
Crush 40 once again seems to be musically active for this game, the first known song entitled "All Of Me". It is assumed that this song will become the title theme, akin to "Open Your Heart", "Live and Learn" and "Sonic Heroes" in previous games. Julien-K is also back with a song entitled "Waking Up."