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Shadow Takes the Stage: Best Sonic Games to Play as Your Favourite Anti-Hero
Shadow the Hedgehog is undeniably one of the most popular characters in the Sonic franchise, commanding a devoted fanbase since his first appearance. Debuting in Sonic Adventure 2 on the Sega Dreamcast, Shadow sacrificed himself to save the world from the formidable Finalhazard. His story took an unexpected twist when fans demand led SEGA to resurrect him, revealing that he hadn’t perished but was instead saved by a Badnik and placed in stasis, ready for future adventures.
Though he’s built a reputation as a fierce antihero, Shadow hasn’t always been at the forefront of the series. His appearances in major titles have been limited, often relegated to spin-offs. However, fans are excited for Sonic X Shadow Generations, which promises to showcase Shadow in his prime with a unique storyline. So, which games truly highlight this enigmatic figure? Join us as we explore the 10 best Sonic games where you can step into the shoes of this iconic character and experience the thrill of playing as Shadow!
Release Date: 25 September 2008
Platforms: 3DS, Nintendo DS
Developer: BioWare
Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood invites players into an exhilarating turn-based RPG adventure where Sonic and his friends confront a formidable threat: the Marauders, who have kidnapped both Knuckles and the Master Emerald.
In Chapter 4, titled “A Wolf in the Shadows,” Shadow makes his entrance, initially clashing with Sonic. However, as the true motives of the Marauders unfold, Shadow realizes that he must join forces with Sonic, becoming a valuable playable character.
Shadow embodies the Power-type class, bringing the heat with his strong attacks. Although he takes a bit longer to recover compared to Shifter and Support characters, his impressive defense offers a solid advantage. With slightly lower HP than Sonic but the ability to teleport and unleash his ultimate move, Chaos Spear, Shadow adds a thrilling dynamic to the team as they battle to save their friends and thwart the Marauders’ plans.
Release Date: 7 January 2004
Platforms: Game Boy Advance
Developer: Sonic Team
Originally released in Japan in 2003 followed by international released the following year, Sonic Battle is the Sonic series’ second foray into the fighting game genre, following the arcade classic, Sonic the Fighters. While critics had mixed feelings about the game upon its launch, it has since earned a cherished spot in the hearts of fans, particularly for its portrayal of the enigmatic Shadow the Hedgehog.
What sets Sonic Battle apart is its rich narrative, featuring ten unique characters, each with their own intertwining storylines. At the centre of the drama is Emerl, a battle droid with great power, who catalyzes the action. Shadow’s journey is especially gripping, as he teams up with allies to take down foes, revealing layers of his character and motivations along the way.
Release Date: 13 November 2007
Platforms: PSP
Developer: Backbone Entertainment
Sonic Rivals 2 is a racing video game in the Sonic the Hedgehog series and also serve as a sequel to Sonic Rivals. The game features more playable characters, bringing the total to eight. His storyline puts him together with Metal Sonic, a robotic version of Sonic, controlled by Eggman Nega, the primary villain, who has kidnapped the Chao. The game follows Shadow, Sonic, Knuckles, and Silver, each with their own goals surrounding the mystery. His powerful attack is Chaos Control, which slows any opponent down massively.
Release Date: 7 November 2017
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC
Developer: Sonic Team
Shadow makes a striking return as a playable character in this title, featuring his own dedicated DLC, Episode Shadow. This engaging 3-level campaign serves as a prequel to Sonic Forces, diving deep into significant themes, including the mysterious origins of Infinite. The levels cleverly remix classic themes from Shadow’s iconic debut in Sonic Adventure 2, creating a nostalgic experience for longtime fans.
What stands out is the quality of writing in Shadow’s story and dialogues—refreshingly strong for a modern Sonic game. Unlike many moments in Forces, which often veer into cheesy territory, Shadow’s narrative feels authentic and impactful, leaving a lasting impression (with the exception of that particular Infinite cutscene, of course).
Completing the DLC unlocks Shadow for play in the main game, allowing him to race through over 10 of Modern Sonic’s levels. While the levels may be brief, taking around 30 minutes to complete, this DLC marks a significant moment in gaming history: Shadow’s first mainline appearance in years.
Release Date: 3 March 2009
Platforms: Nintendo Wii
Developer: Sonic Team
Sonic & The Black Knight is an exhilarating action-adventure platformer that seamlessly blends hack-and-slash elements. As the second—and final—installment in the Sonic Storybook series, following Sonic and the Secret Rings (2007), this game whisks players away to the legendary realm of King Arthur.
The tale begins with Sonic being summoned by the enigmatic wizard Merlina, who claims they must stop the corrupted King Arthur, known as the Black Knight. However, as the plot unfolds, it becomes chillingly clear that Arthur isn’t corrupted at all. Instead, Merlina harbours dark ambitions of her own, yearning to transform into the Dark Queen to alter the course of the legendary tale.
Sonic courageously rallies the Knights of the Round Table to stand against her. Among them, Shadow takes on the guise of Sir Lancelot, a fascinating twist as he becomes playable after conquering the ‘Faraway Avalon’ level. Lancelot embarks on a thrilling adventure through the perilous Shrouded Forest in search of a mystical Barrier Stone.
What sets Lancelot apart is his unique playstyle. His special move, Chaos Punishment, allows him to vanish and then reappear in front of enemies for a swift, powerful slash. When he’s not near an enemy, he glows blue and soars through the stage with a grace that’s truly captivating. As a member of the Knights, Lancelot embodies the Knight Style, bringing a distinct flair to the action and enhancing the game’s adventurous spirit.
Release Date: 5 January 2004
Platforms: GameCube, Xbox, PS2, PC
Developer: Sonic Team
In the thrilling aftermath of Shadow’s resurrection, SEGA capitalizes on his skyrocketing popularity among fans. Found in a stasis capsule by the cunning Rouge, Shadow is quickly unleashed—only to be confronted by E-123 Omega, one of Eggman’s formidable robots. This 3D platformer takes players on an exhilarating journey, racing through vibrant levels filled with rings to collect, robots to defeat, and the elusive seven Chaos Emeralds to gather in a quest to thwart Doctor Eggman.
As players plunge into the adventure, they seamlessly switch between the unique abilities of the three characters on their team, each crucial to overcoming obstacles scattered throughout the levels. While Rouge takes charge as the team’s leader, Shadow is at the heart of the narrative. Awakening him from stasis propels the story forward as the reluctant trio bands together—Omega seeks vengeance for his imprisonment, and Shadow, grappling with amnesia, is on a quest for his true identity.
Known for his unparalleled speed, Shadow represents the Speed Type character, unleashing lightning-fast moves that defy expectations. Yet, even today, debates swirl among fans: is the Shadow we see in Sonic Heroes the genuine article, or merely a clone created by the diabolical Dr. Eggman? The intrigue only adds to the excitement of the adventure in this classic game.
Release Date: 15 December 2005
Platforms: GameCube, PlayStation 2, Xbox
Developer: Sonic Team
Shadow the Hedgehog quickly became a fan favorite, so much so that just four years after his debut, a game was crafted around his character. While the game stirred up quite a bit of controversy—largely due to its gunplay—it remains a must-play for loyal Shadow enthusiasts. Impressively, Shadow’s journey resonated with many, leading to over two million copies sold.
What makes this title stand out is its focus on Shadow’s complex search for his past, grappling with the challenges of amnesia. Unlike traditional Sonic games, this one breaks the mold by allowing players to choose their own path. The non-linear gameplay is driven by a Morality System, where your decisions shape the story, leading to different levels and multiple endings.
Unlocking all those endings isn’t just a journey; it culminates in the coveted Final True ending, making this game a must-play for fans looking to dive deep into Shadow’s character.
Release Date: 14 November 2006
Platforms: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3
Developer: Sonic Team
Sonic the Hedgehog (commonly referred to as Sonic ’06) is a platform game released in 2006 to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the Sonic series. Players take control of Sonic, Shadow, and a new character named Silver as they battle Solaris, an ancient evil pursued by Dr. Eggman. Each playable character has their own campaign and unique abilities, requiring them to complete levels, explore hub worlds, and fight bosses to advance the story. In multiplayer modes, players can work together to collect Chaos Emeralds or race to the end of a level.
Shadow faces the cunning and manipulative Mephiles, who tries to tempt him into cooperating with his evil plans. Shadow’s playstyle resembles Sonic’s but places a greater emphasis on using gun vehicles and combat. He can utilize various Chaos Powers to inflict significant damage on his opponents. Alongside Silver, he time-travels ten years into the past, witnessing the tragedy that befell the Duke of Soleanna and uncovering the truth about Mephiles. Although the graphics are subpar, the game offers strong character development for Shadow.
Release Date: 19 June 2001
Platforms: SEGA Dreamcast, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, PC
Developer: Sonic Team
One of the most celebrated titles in the franchise, Sonic Adventure 2 marks the debut of Shadow, and it was well-received by fans, despite some disappointment regarding his death at the end. The campaign is divided into “Hero” and “Dark” storylines. While Sonic and his friends strive to thwart Eggman’s villainous plans in the Hero story, the Dark storyline follows Shadow on his quest for revenge.
Even 20 years later, this game stands out among the many titles SEGA has released since, overshadowing its predecessor. In Sonic Adventure 2, players switch between characters like Sonic/Shadow and Knuckles/Rouge, as well as Tails/Eggman. The speed-oriented levels are outstanding and are among the best 3D platforming experiences available. It’s clear why Adventure 2 has such a strong following among Sonic fans. It introduces Shadow, features one of the most memorable stories due to Maria, and represents an early high point for the series’ 3D platforming.
Release Date: 25 October 2024
Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series, Nintendo Switch, PC
Developer: Sonic Team
Sonic X Shadow Generations is the new entry in the Sonic franchise pairs the iconic blue hedgehog with the brooding edgelord, Shadow the Hedgehog, for an unforgettable adventure. This exciting title features a comprehensive remaster of Sonic Generations, a fan-favourite collection of both 3D and 2D levels, complete with stunning visuals and fresh bonus content.
But that’s not all! Dive into the brand-new campaign where Sonic and Shadow must confront their own histories to save the future from a mysterious creature wreaking havoc through time and space. With two high-speed experiences packed into one game, you’re in for a thrilling journey!
If you’ve played Sonic Generations, you know the thrill that awaits. The remastered version delivers enhanced visuals while keeping the excitement of racing through nostalgic levels intact. With each level consisting of two acts—first, as past Sonic navigates 2D landscapes, then modern Sonic zooms through the same areas in dazzling 3D— the gameplay remains both tight and polished, showcasing Sonic Team’s best work yet.
Sonic X Shadow Generations will hit the shelves on 25 October 2024 for PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Epic Games Store and Steam.
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