Shadow the Hedgehog

{{short description|Video game character}} {{About|the character|the video game|Shadow the Hedgehog (video game){{!}}''Shadow the Hedgehog'' (video game)}} {{Good article}} {{protection padlock|small=yes}} {{Use mdy dates|date=April 2019}} {{Infobox character | name = Shadow the Hedgehog | image = ShadowTheHedgehogSA2.png | image_upright = 0.8 | species = [[Hedgehog]]/[[Black Arms]] | alt = A tall and angry black hedgehog making a menacing pose. He has red eyes, dark skin around his snout and ears, red streaks on his quills and arms, black and gold handcuffs, white fur on his chest, and white, black, red, and yellow skates, with yellow-orange fire from his air shoes. | caption = Artwork for ''[[Sonic Adventure 2]]'' (2001) by Yuji Uekawa | series = [[Sonic the Hedgehog]] | creator = {{ubl|[[Takashi Iizuka (game designer)|Takashi Iizuka]]|Shiro Maekawa}} | designer = [[Kazuyuki Hoshino]] | firstgame = ''[[Sonic Adventure 2]]'' (2001) | voice = {{Collapsible list|title=[[Japanese language|Japanese]] |[[Kōji Yusa]] (2001–present) |[[Toshiyuki Morikawa]] ([[Sonic the Hedgehog (film series)|live-action franchise]])}} {{Collapsible list|title=[[English language|English]] |David Humphrey (2001–2004)<ref name="Cygnettheatre"/> |[[Ryan Drummond]] (2001; additional lines in ''Sonic Adventure 2'')<ref name="Drummond"/> |[[Jason Griffith]] (2004–2010)<ref name="amtcworld.org">{{cite web |title=Jason Griffith |url=https://www.amtcworld.org/featured-grads/jason-griffith/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160324030023/https://www.amtcworld.org/featured-grads/jason-griffith/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=24 March 2016 |website=amtcworld.com |access-date=23 August 2019}}</ref> |[[Kirk Thornton]] (2010–present)<ref name="otakon.com">{{cite web |title=Otakon ®: Please Welcome Kirk Thornton to Otakon 2019 - News & Announcements |url=https://www.otakon.com/news/2019/07/11/please-welcome-kirk-thornton-to-otakon-2019/ |access-date=23 August 2019 |archive-date=March 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230301181457/https://www.otakon.com/news/2019/07/11/please-welcome-kirk-thornton-to-otakon-2019/ |url-status=live}}</ref> |[[Ian Hanlin]] (''[[Sonic Prime]]'')<ref name="Griffin-2022"/> |[[Keanu Reeves]] ([[Sonic the Hedgehog (film series)|live-action franchise]])<ref name="THRReeves">{{Cite web|last1=Couch|first1=Aaron|last2=Kit|first2=Borys|date=April 15, 2024|title=Keanu Reeves Joins 'Sonic 3' as Shadow|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/keanu-reeves-joins-sonic-3-shadow-1235874487/|website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|access-date=April 15, 2024|archive-date=April 15, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240415200616/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/keanu-reeves-joins-sonic-3-shadow-1235874487/|url-status=live}}</ref> }} }} {{nihongo foot|'''Shadow the Hedgehog'''|シャドウ・ザ・ヘッジホッグ|Shadō za Hejjihoggu|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} is a character created by the Japanese game developers [[Takashi Iizuka (game designer)|Takashi Iizuka]], Shiro Maekawa, and [[Kazuyuki Hoshino]]. He is a major character in [[Sega]]'s ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' franchise. Shadow is an [[Anthropomorphism|anthropomorphic]] black hedgehog created by [[Professor Gerald Robotnik]], the grandfather of [[Doctor Eggman]]. Shadow shares design traits and attributes with [[Sonic the Hedgehog (character)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]. He is an [[antihero]] who has good intentions but will do whatever it takes to accomplish his goals, putting him at odds with Sonic.

Shadow first appeared in the [[Dreamcast]] game ''[[Sonic Adventure 2]]'' (2001), although he was conceived during the development of ''[[Sonic Adventure]]'' (1998). Iizuka devised the concept, while Maekawa developed his character and Hoshino designed him. Influences included the ''[[Dragon Ball]]'' character [[Vegeta]], the [[Image Comics]] character [[Spawn (character)|Spawn]], the ''Sonic'' character [[Metal Sonic]], and [[speed skater]]s. [[Sonic Team]] envisioned Shadow as a one-off character who would only appear in ''Sonic Adventure 2'', but his popularity among fans led to his inclusion in subsequent games, beginning with ''[[Sonic Heroes]]'' (2003).

Shadow has featured in [[List of Sonic the Hedgehog video games|many ''Sonic'' games]], including the standalone games ''[[Shadow the Hedgehog (video game)|Shadow the Hedgehog]]'' (2005) and ''[[Shadow Generations]]'' (2024). Shadow is one of the few ''Sonic'' characters to have a full [[character arc]]; after witnessing the death of his best friend [[Maria Robotnik]], he initially seeks revenge, but later vows to keep his promise to her that he would protect the world from danger. [[Kōji Yusa]] voices Shadow in Japan, while his English voice has been provided by David Humphrey, [[Jason Griffith]], and [[Kirk Thornton]]. [[Keanu Reeves]] voices him in the feature film ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (film)|Sonic the Hedgehog 3]]'' (2024).

Shadow is one of the most popular ''Sonic'' characters and was named one of the greatest video game characters by ''[[Guinness World Records]]'' in 2011. However, he has proven divisive among [[video game journalist]]s. Some praised his role in ''Sonic Adventure 2'', his levels' preservation of the ''Sonic'' theme, and his portrayal in the ''Sonic 3'' film, but others criticized his dark and brooding characterization, particularly in later games, and ranked him among the worst ''Sonic'' characters. The ''Shadow the Hedgehog'' game received generally unfavorable reviews, though it sold well.

==Character== Shadow is an [[Anthropomorphism|anthropomorphic]] black hedgehog appearing in [[Sega]]'s ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' series of [[platform game]]s and its various [[Spin-off (media)|spin-offs]]. He first appeared in the 2001 installment ''[[Sonic Adventure 2]]'',<ref name="GSpot: SA2Hands-On"/> the final ''Sonic'' game released for a Sega [[video game console]].<ref name="IGN: SA2rev">{{cite web |last=Chau |first=Anthony |title=Sonic Adventure 2 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/06/22/sonic-adventure-2 |website=[[IGN]] |date=June 22, 2001 |access-date=February 2, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612150014/http://www.ign.com/articles/2001/06/22/sonic-adventure-2 |archive-date=June 12, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> His roles in the games vary. Some, such as the main series games ''Sonic Adventure 2'',<ref name="IGN: SA2rev"/> ''[[Sonic Heroes]]'' (2003),<ref name="Dunham-2003" /> and ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (2006 video game)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' (2006) feature him as a major [[playable character]],<ref name="IGN: 06rev">{{cite web |last1=Castro |first1=Juan |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/12/01/sonic-the-hedgehog-review-2 |title=Sonic the Hedgehog Review |website=[[IGN]] |date=November 30, 2006 |access-date=February 2, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181031005431/https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/12/01/sonic-the-hedgehog-review-2 |archive-date=October 31, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> and he is the protagonist of the spin-off ''[[Shadow the Hedgehog (video game)|Shadow the Hedgehog]]'' (2005) and a [[downloadable content]] (DLC) package for ''[[Sonic Forces]]'' (2017).<ref name="Casamassina-2005">{{Cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/11/17/shadow-the-hedgehog-2|title=Shadow the Hedgehog|last=Casamassina|first=Matt|date=November 17, 2005|website=[[IGN]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190203030358/https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/11/17/shadow-the-hedgehog-2|archive-date=February 3, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Phillips-2017">{{Cite web|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2017-09-19-sonic-forces-will-let-you-play-as-shadow-the-hedgehog|title=Sonic Forces will let you play as Shadow the Hedgehog|last=Phillips|first=Tom|date=September 19, 2017|website=[[Eurogamer]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190202212449/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2017-09-19-sonic-forces-will-let-you-play-as-shadow-the-hedgehog|archive-date=February 2, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> Shadow also appears as an unlockable playable character in [[Sonic Dream Team]], after an update in 2024 to commemorate the Year of Shadow campaign.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-09-24 |title=Shadow the Hedgehog Coming to Sonic Dream Team |url=https://www.sonicstadium.org/articles/sonic/shadow-the-hedgehog-coming-to-sonic-dream-team-r2593/ |access-date=2025-10-02 |website=www.sonicstadium.org |language=en-US}}</ref> Others, such as the anniversary game ''[[Sonic Generations]]'' (2011), limit him to a [[Non-player character|non-playable]] role.<ref name="Kotaku: Plumbs">{{cite web |last1=Fahey |first1=Mike |title=Generations Plumbs the Darkest Corners of Sonic's History |url=https://kotaku.com/generations-plumbs-the-darkest-corners-of-sonics-histor-5839465 |website=[[Kotaku]] |date=September 12, 2011 |access-date=February 2, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190202212329/https://kotaku.com/generations-plumbs-the-darkest-corners-of-sonics-histor-5839465 |archive-date=February 2, 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> He also appears as one of the characters who can be summoned using the Assist Trophy item in the ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]'' series.<ref>{{cite web|last=Santi|first=Blaise|date=September 24, 2022|title=Super Smash Bros: 10 Assist Trophies Who Deserve To Be Fighters|website=Game Rant|url=https://gamerant.com/super-smash-bros-assist-trophies-deserve-to-be-fighters/|access-date=October 25, 2024}}</ref>

Shadow is a mysterious, sharp-witted, and brooding [[antihero]].<ref name="Sonic the Hedgehog">{{Cite web|url=http://www.sega.com/sonic/globalsonic/post_allabout.php?article=soniccharacters|title=Sonic's Friends / Sonic's Foes|website=[[Sonic the Hedgehog]]|publisher=[[Sega]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090217221441/http://www.sega.com/sonic/globalsonic/post_allabout.php?article=soniccharacters|archive-date=February 17, 2009|url-status=dead|access-date=February 2, 2019}}</ref><ref name="Vincent-2018">{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailydot.com/unclick/dolce-gabbana-shoes-shadow-the-hedgehog/|title=These Dolce & Gabbana kicks are stealing Shadow the Hedgehog's style|last=Vincent|first=Brittany|date=June 28, 2018|website=[[The Daily Dot]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190202212428/https://www.dailydot.com/unclick/dolce-gabbana-shoes-shadow-the-hedgehog/|archive-date=February 2, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2012/03/05/gamings-most-notorious-anti-heroes|title=Gaming's Most Notorious Anti-Heroes|date=March 5, 2012|website=[[IGN]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190202212436/https://www.ign.com/articles/2012/03/05/gamings-most-notorious-anti-heroes|archive-date=February 2, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> While his ultimate goal is to protect the world from danger,<ref name="Sonic the Hedgehog" /> he dislikes humanity,<ref name="Sonic the Hedgehog-2">{{Cite web|url=http://sonic.sega.jp/chara/shadow/index.html|title=キャラクターデータシャドウ・ザ･ヘッジホッグ|website=[[Sonic the Hedgehog]]|publisher=[[Sega]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061231041529/http://sonic.sega.jp/chara/shadow/index.html|archive-date=December 31, 2006|access-date=February 2, 2019}}</ref> and once he has set a goal, he does whatever it takes to accomplish it.<ref name="Sonic the Hedgehog" /> This often causes him to take risks without thinking them through and puts him at odds with series protagonist [[Sonic the Hedgehog (character)|Sonic the Hedgehog]].<ref name="Annual2014">{{cite book |title=Sonic the Hedgehog Super Interactive Annual 2014 |date=August 2013 |publisher=Pedigree Books |isbn=9781908152077 |page=15 |chapter=Eggman's IQ Math Test}}</ref> Although a loner, Shadow collaborates with treasure hunter [[Rouge the Bat]] and robot [[E-123 Omega]] in games such as ''Sonic Heroes'', ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' (2006), and ''Sonic Forces''.<ref name="Dunham-2003">{{Cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/12/03/sonic-heroes-profiles-team-dark|title=Sonic Heroes Profiles: Team Dark|last=Dunham|first=Jeremy|date=December 2, 2003|website=[[IGN]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190202212529/https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/12/03/sonic-heroes-profiles-team-dark|archive-date=February 2, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author1=Jenni |title=Sonic Forces' Episode Shadow Add-on Will Be Free At Launch |url=https://www.siliconera.com/2017/09/19/sonic-forces-episode-shadow-add-will-free-launch/ |website=[[Siliconera]] |date=September 19, 2017 |access-date=February 2, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190202212546/https://www.siliconera.com/2017/09/19/sonic-forces-episode-shadow-add-will-free-launch/ |archive-date=February 2, 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> Shadow allies with Sonic in some games,<ref name="Vincent-2018" /> but also does so with [[Doctor Eggman]] in ''Sonic Adventure 2'' and ''Shadow the Hedgehog''.<ref name="Casamassina-2005"/><ref name="GSpot: SA2Hands-On2"/>

Shadow shares many similarities with Sonic.<ref name="Dunham-2003" /> Visually, ''[[GameSpot]]''{{'s}} Ben Stahl described Shadow as "an evil version of Sonic himself—similar in appearance, but with darker skin, more angled eyes, and a fearsome snarl instead of Sonic's trademark grin."<ref name="GSpot: SA2Hands-On">{{cite web |last1=Stahl |first1=Ben |title=Sonic Adventure 2 Hands-On |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/sonic-adventure-2-hands-on/1100-2662976/ |website=[[GameSpot]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140322130558/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/sonic-adventure-2-hands-on/1100-2662976/ |archive-date=March 22, 2014 |date=December 8, 2000}}</ref> ''[[GamesRadar+]]''{{'s}} Justin Leeper said that if Sonic was [[Superman]], then Shadow would be his [[Batman]].<ref name="GR+: 06rev">{{cite web |last1=Leeper |first1=Justin |title=Sonic The Hedgehog review |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/sonic-the-hedgehog-review/ |website=[[GamesRadar+]] |date=November 21, 2006 |access-date=February 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180414234022/https://www.gamesradar.com/sonic-the-hedgehog-review/ |archive-date=April 14, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> The characters control similarly in games, as both share [[Skill (role-playing games)|skills]] and the ability to run at great speeds.<ref name="Dunham-2003" /><ref name="GSpot: SA2Hands-On2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/sonic-adventure-2-hands-on/1100-2708046/|title=Sonic Adventure 2 Hands-On|last=Stahl|first=Ben|date=May 17, 2006|website=[[GameSpot]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190202212308/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/sonic-adventure-2-hands-on/1100-2708046/|archive-date=February 2, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Paste: Brings"/> Shadow has unique attributes in some games, such as his uses of firearms and vehicles in ''Shadow the Hedgehog'' and ''Sonic the Hedgehog'', respectively.<ref name="IGN: 06rev"/><ref name="Casamassina-2005" /> He can also use the [[Chaos Emeralds]] to perform "Chaos Control"—allowing him to distort time—and create weapons like spears.<ref name="Dunham-2003" /><ref name="Sonic the Hedgehog" /><ref name="Sonic the Hedgehog-2" /> Like Sonic, Shadow can transform into a "Super" form, giving him special powers.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Bramwell |first1=Tom |title=Shadow the Hedgehog |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_shadowthehedgehog_xbox |website=[[Eurogamer]] |date=November 15, 2005 |access-date=February 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180130145419/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_shadowthehedgehog_xbox |archive-date=January 30, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="DCMag: SA2rev">{{cite journal |last1=Mathers |first1=Martin |title=Review – Sonic Adventure 2 |journal=Dreamcast Magazine |date=July 2001 |issue=24 |pages=34–41}}</ref> In ''[[Shadow Generations]]'', he is given a new form known as “Doom Wings Shadow,” where he sprouts wings and can fly across the stage with invincibility until losing rings in a similar manner to [[Super Sonic]].

===Other media=== Outside of the video game series, Shadow appears in the anime series ''[[Sonic X]]'' (2003–2006), which adapts the story of the ''Sonic Adventure'' games, as well as ''[[Sonic Boom (TV series)|Sonic Boom]]'' and ''[[Sonic Prime]]''. The original Japanese cast from the games reprised their roles for the former,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Jones |first1=Tim |title=THEM Anime Reviews 4.0 – Sonic X |url=http://www.themanime.org/viewreview.php?id=355 |website=THEM Anime |access-date=February 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140915060412/http://themanime.org/viewreview.php?id=355 |archive-date=September 15, 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref> while Jason Griffith (who also voiced Sonic) voiced Shadow in its English dub by [[4Kids Entertainment]].<ref name="MC: Griffith" /> In the ''Sonic Boom'' (2014–2017) spin-off franchise, Shadow appears in the 2014 games ''[[Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric]]'' for the [[Wii U]] and ''[[Sonic Boom: Shattered Crystal]]'' for the [[Nintendo 3DS]], as well as the television episodes "It Takes a Village to Defeat a Hedgehog" and "Eggman: The Video Game", voiced by Kirk Thornton (who also voiced Orbot).<ref>{{Cite episode |title=It Takes a Village to Defeat a Hedgehog |series=Sonic Boom |series-link=Sonic Boom (TV series) |station=[[Cartoon Network]] |date=November 14, 2015 |season=1 |number=52 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Suprak |first1=Nikola |title=Shadow Joins The Cast In New Sonic Boom: Shattered Crystal Trailer |url=https://www.hardcoregamer.com/2014/09/03/shadow-joins-the-cast-in-new-sonic-boom-shattered-crystal-trailer/102094/ |website=Hardcore Gamer |date=September 3, 2014 |access-date=February 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170614104528/http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2014/09/03/shadow-joins-the-cast-in-new-sonic-boom-shattered-crystal-trailer/102094/ |archive-date=June 14, 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Olney |first1=Alex |title=Sonic Boom Games Now Have Their Official European Release Date, Shadow Confirmed |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/08/sonic_boom_games_now_have_their_official_european_release_date_shadow_confirmed |website=[[Nintendo Life]] |date=August 14, 2014 |access-date=February 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170926194523/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/08/sonic_boom_games_now_have_their_official_european_release_date_shadow_confirmed |archive-date=September 26, 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Ian Hanlin]] voices Shadow in the animated [[Netflix]] series ''[[Sonic Prime]]'' (2022–2024).<ref name="Griffin-2022"/> After Sonic inadvertently opens the path to the Paradox Prism for Eggman, Shadow has a vague vision of the universe's shatter and tries to prevent it but fails, he manages to escape it using Chaos Control and is trapped in the void between Shatterspaces.

Shadow also appears in the [[Sonic the Hedgehog (comics)|''Sonic the Hedgehog'' comic books]] published by [[Archie Comics]] and [[IDW Publishing]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Magnett |first1=Chase |title=Comic Book Reviews for This Week: 6/27/2018 |url=https://comicbook.com/comics/2018/06/27/dc-marvel-comic-book-reviews-june-27/ |website=ComicBook.com |date=June 27, 2018 |access-date=February 8, 2019 |archive-date=February 9, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190209124830/https://comicbook.com/comics/2018/06/27/dc-marvel-comic-book-reviews-june-27/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Hogan |first1=Patrick |title=Saying Farewell To Three Decades of Weird Sonic the Hedgehog Comics |url=https://kotaku.com/saying-farewell-to-three-decades-of-weird-sonic-the-hed-1797191658 |website=[[Kotaku]] |date=July 24, 2017 |access-date=February 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190105093856/https://kotaku.com/saying-farewell-to-three-decades-of-weird-sonic-the-hed-1797191658 |archive-date=January 5, 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> Shadow had 2 story arcs in the Archie Sonic spinoff line titled ''[[Sonic Universe]], The Shadow Saga'' and ''Shadow Fall'', the latter of which served as a spiritual successor to his solo game from 2005. Shadow's likeness has been used in ''Sonic'' merchandise.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Fahey |first1=Mike |title=Sonic The Hedgehog's "Ultimate Life Form" Doesn't Deserve This Statue |url=https://kotaku.com/sonic-the-hedgehogs-ultimate-life-form-doesnt-deser-510263172 |website=[[Kotaku]] |date=May 29, 2013 |access-date=February 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105060806/https://kotaku.com/sonic-the-hedgehogs-ultimate-life-form-doesnt-deser-510263172 |archive-date=November 5, 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref> Shadow made his live-action debut in a non-speaking [[cameo appearance]] in the [[Post-credits scene|mid-credits scene]] of the 2022 film ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (film)|Sonic the Hedgehog 2]]'', and was voiced by [[Keanu Reeves]] in the sequel ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (film)|Sonic the Hedgehog 3]]'', released on December 20, 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pitman |first=Robert |date=2024-07-11 |title=Shadow The Hedgehog's Live-Action Movie Debut Just Got Even More Exciting 6 Months Before Sonic 3 |url=https://screenrant.com/sonic-hedgehog-3-shadow-generations-dark-beginning-animated/ |access-date=2024-07-12 |website=[[Screen Rant]] |language=en |archive-date=July 11, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240711203329/https://screenrant.com/sonic-hedgehog-3-shadow-generations-dark-beginning-animated/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Shadow was created by [[Takashi Iizuka (game designer)|Takashi Iizuka]] and Shiro Maekawa, who respectively served as director and writer of ''Sonic Adventure 2''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Fast talking |url=http://uk.playstation.com/psp/news/articles/detail/item87848/Fast-talking/ |publisher=[[PlayStation]] |access-date=January 26, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110807145004/http://uk.playstation.com/psp/news/articles/detail/item87848/Fast-talking/ |archive-date=August 7, 2011 |url-status=dead |date=December 2, 2007 |quote=I also would have to pick Shadow for the fact he is a character I created.}}</ref><ref name="Sega: 006">{{cite web |title=006:前川司郎 |url=http://sonic.sega.jp/SonicChannelOld/creators/006/index.html |website=[[Sonic the Hedgehog]] |publisher=[[Sega]] |access-date=January 26, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308142010/http://sonic.sega.jp/SonicChannelOld/creators/006/index.html |archive-date=March 8, 2016 |language=ja}}</ref> During the development of the original ''[[Sonic Adventure]]'' (1998), [[Sonic Team]] conceived a black hedgehog who equaled or exceeded Sonic's [[Cool (aesthetic)|coolness]]. The idea was revived during brainstorming sessions for ''Sonic Adventure 2'', as the game features two "[[Good and evil|good vs. evil]]" storylines.<ref name="Stadium: OnStage">{{cite web |author1=Paul.STR337 |title=Summer of Sonic 2011: Sonic Team on Stage |url=https://www.sonicstadium.org/2011/07/sos-2011-stage-interview-barrels-brown-sonic-and-crash-bandicoot-discussed/ |website=Sonic Stadium |date=July 18, 2011 |access-date=January 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170309182542/https://www.sonicstadium.org/2011/07/sos-2011-stage-interview-barrels-brown-sonic-and-crash-bandicoot-discussed/ |archive-date=March 9, 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> Iizuka wanted to appeal to American audiences with an [[antihero]], a popular character archetype in the US at the time.<ref>{{cite AV media|title=Takashi Iizuka Answers Our Burning Sonic x Shadow Generations Questions|date=June 8, 2024|access-date=June 9, 2024|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TV5406Ua9FM|via=[[YouTube]]|people=Iizuka, Takashi; Keys, Austin; Lawanson, Akeem}}</ref> Concept art indicates that Shadow was primarily inspired by the ''[[Dragon Ball]]'' character [[Vegeta]], but Iizuka denied this, instead citing the [[Image Comics]] character [[Spawn (character)|Spawn]] as an influence.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Foster |first1=George |title=Sonic Team Head Says Shadow Being Inspired By Vegeta Is A "Myth", Fans Prove Him Wrong |url=https://www.thegamer.com/sonic-x-shadow-generations-dragon-ball-z-vegeta-team-lead-says-not-inspired-myth-fans-prove-him-wrong/ |website=TheGamer |access-date=July 10, 2024 |date=July 7, 2024}}</ref>

Shadow was initially named "Terios" ("reflection of"), referencing his role as Sonic's doppelganger.<ref name="HistoryOfSonic">{{cite book |last1=Petronille |first1=Mark |last2=Audureau |first2=William |title=The History of Sonic the Hedgehog |date=January 1, 2013 |publisher=Pix'n Love |isbn=978-1926778563 |pages=248–249 |language=en}}</ref> He was renamed Shadow after another new character, a bat, who became Rouge.<ref>{{cite web |author1=[[Sega]] |title=Happy Monday! Here's some original Sonic Adventure 2 concept art, featuring an early look at Shadow and Rouge. (~1999.) |url=https://sonicthehedgehog.tumblr.com/post/172280890958/happy-monday-heres-some-original-sonic-adventure |website=[[Sonic the Hedgehog]] |publisher=[[Tumblr]] |access-date=April 10, 2024 |date=2018}}</ref> Sonic Team tasked Maekawa with developing Shadow, a task he found challenging. One night, while he brainstormed lines for a scene in which Sonic confronts Shadow for impersonating him, Maekawa came up with Shadow's first line: "Hmph, aren't you the fake one here?" From here, Maekawa envisioned the hedgehog as a delicate, pure character who would refer to himself using the more humble [[Japanese pronoun]] {{Nihongo|''boku''|僕}}.<ref name="Sega: 006"/> Iizuka made sure that Shadow's introduction also brought new events to the game, as he wanted players to care about the character.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Terpstra |first1=Arjan |title=Official Sonic the Hedgehog 25th Anniversary Art Book |date=2017 |publisher=[[Cook & Becker]] |location=[[Amsterdam]] |isbn=978-9082457650 |page=187 |language=en}}</ref>

[[Kazuyuki Hoshino]] designed Shadow. Like he had when he designed [[Metal Sonic]] for ''[[Sonic CD]]'' (1993), Hoshino imagined Shadow in a confrontation with Sonic to produce the design.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sonic CD – Developer Interview Collection |url=http://shmuplations.com/soniccd/ |website=Shmuplations |access-date=March 24, 2020 |date=March 24, 2020}}</ref> Early Shadow designs bore a strong resemblance to Sonic, with darker colors, droopier spines, and a scar on the left of his face.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Reynolds |first1=Ollie |title=Sonic X Shadow Generations Shows Off Awesome Terios Skin |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2024/10/sonic-x-shadow-generations-shows-off-awesome-terios-skin |website=[[Nintendo Life]] |access-date=October 28, 2024 |date=October 16, 2024}}</ref> Hoshino said these designs reflected Shadow being originally "more obviously evil"; he called the initial incarnation "Terios the Prisoner". For the final design, Hoshino remembered that he had designed Metal Sonic with a jet engine to distinguish him from Sonic. Likewise, he drew inspiration from [[speed skaters]] for Shadow's design since he wanted Shadow to rival Sonic's speed in a unique manner.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Nightingale |first1=Ed |title=Sega showcases Shadow the Hedgehog design, in never-before-seen sketches |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/sega-showcases-shadow-the-hedgehog-design-in-never-before-seen-sketches |website=[[Eurogamer]] |access-date=October 28, 2024 |date=October 28, 2024}}</ref> The red stripes featured in Shadow's design was inspired by traditional [[kabuki]] makeup.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Contributor |first=Tails' Channel, Newsfeed |date=2024-07-06 |title=Take a look at the new Shadow the Hedgehog prologue short: Sonic x Shadow Generations at Anime Expo 2024 panel recap |url=https://tailschannel.com/sonic-the-hedgehog/take-a-look-at-the-new-shadow-the-hedgehog-prologue-short-sonic-x-shadow-generations-at-anime-expo-2024-panel-recap/ |access-date=2025-08-27 |website=Tails' Channel |language=en-US}}</ref>

''Sonic Adventure 2'' was intended to be Shadow's only appearance, but his popularity among fans led to him returning in ''Sonic Heroes''.<ref name="Stadium: OnStage"/><ref name="HistoryOfSonic"/> Additionally, Sonic Team wanted to feature Shadow in a spin-off game.<ref name="NWR: Confirms">{{cite web |last1=Pallesen |first1=Lasse |title=Sega Confirms Shadow The Hedgehog |url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/10414/sega-confirms-shadow-the-hedgehog |website=Nintendo World Report |date=March 24, 2005 |access-date=January 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180930025602/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/10414/sega-confirms-shadow-the-hedgehog |archive-date=September 30, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> By 2005, Sonic Team was interested in developing a high-speed [[shooter game]]. They chose to focus on Shadow—whom they felt would provide "the perfect venue... to try our hand at this genre"—leading to the development of ''Shadow the Hedgehog''. Series co-creator [[Yuji Naka]] hoped ''Shadow'' would lead to a spin-off series about the character.<ref name="GSpy: Talks">{{cite web |last1=Kemps |first1=Heidi |url=http://cube.gamespy.com/articles/654/654735p1.html |title=Sega's Yuji Naka Talks! |website=[[GameSpy]] |page=1 |date=September 30, 2005 |access-date=January 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306212428/http://cube.gamespy.com/articles/654/654735p1.html |archive-date=March 6, 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref> When developing Shadow's design and world, Sonic Team was influenced by films such as ''[[Underworld (2003 film)|Underworld]]'' (2003), ''[[Constantine (film)|Constantine]]'' (2005), and the ''[[Terminator (franchise)|Terminator]]'' series.<ref>{{cite web|title=Shadow The Interview|last=Castro|first=Juan|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/08/25/shadow-the-interview|website=[[IGN]]|date=August 25, 2005|page=2|access-date=April 23, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518090753/http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/08/25/shadow-the-interview|archive-date=May 18, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

The team abandoned Shadow's shooting gameplay when working on ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' in 2006. Instead, director [[Shun Nakamura]] emphasized combat to differentiate his gameplay from that of Sonic's; while Sonic was designed for speedy platforming, Shadow was designed for fighting enemies.<ref name="Sonic: 06Shadow">{{cite web |last1=Nakamura |first1=Shun |title=シャドウのストーリー |url=http://sonic.sega.jp/sonic/soleanna/004/index.html |website=[[Sonic the Hedgehog]] |publisher=[[Sega]] |access-date=January 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160329065935/http://sonic.sega.jp/sonic/soleanna/004/index.html |archive-date=March 29, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> After ''[[Sonic and the Black Knight]]'' (2009), Shadow did not appear as a playable character in a ''Sonic'' platformer for some time,<ref name="Phillips-2017" /> until the release of ''Sonic Forces'' in 2017.<ref name="Poly: EpisodeShadow">{{cite web |last1=Frank |first1=Allegra |title=Shadow is playable in Sonic Forces DLC |url=https://www.polygon.com/2017/9/19/16333322/episode-shadow-playable-sonic-forces-dlc |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |date=September 19, 2017 |access-date=January 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215121913/https://www.polygon.com/2017/9/19/16333322/episode-shadow-playable-sonic-forces-dlc |archive-date=December 15, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> Nakamura explained that Sonic Team brought Shadow back for ''Sonic Forces'' so it would appeal to fans of the ''Adventure'' games, as the character is "extremely popular" among that group.<ref name="EuroG: Impact">{{cite web |last1=Robinson |first1=Martin |title=Sonic Mania and its impact on the future of the Sonic series |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2017-10-23-sonic-mania-and-its-impact-on-the-future-of-the-sonic-series |website=[[Eurogamer]] |date=October 23, 2017 |access-date=January 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215181353/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2017-10-23-sonic-mania-and-its-impact-on-the-future-of-the-sonic-series |archive-date=December 15, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> Iizuka has commented that another Shadow-oriented spin-off is a possibility.<ref>{{cite journal|title=Sonic Lost World|journal=[[Official Nintendo Magazine]]|date=October 2013|issue=94|pages=48–49|quote='''Takashi Iizuka''': At Summer of Sonic a lot of people were asking if we might feature characters like Shadow, or if there was any possibility of spin-offs. The focus isn’t on taking characters and building around them, but on the game itself. Obviously, if there was a game in which we could use the characters in the best way, we might consider it.}}</ref>

===Voice portrayal=== In Japan, [[Kōji Yusa]] voices Shadow, except in the Japanese dub of the film, ''Sonic the Hedgehog 3'', where [[Toshiyuki Morikawa|Toshizuki Morikawa]] voices the character.<ref name="SA2"/><ref name="S06"/> Shadow's English voice actor has changed several times. David Humphrey was the first to assume the role,<ref name="Cygnettheatre">{{Cite web|url=https://www.cygnettheatre.com/who-we-are/artists/david-humphrey-2/|title=David S. Humphrey|date=February 2018|access-date=July 22, 2021|archive-date=July 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210722200149/https://www.cygnettheatre.com/who-we-are/artists/david-humphrey-2/|url-status=live}}</ref> with [[Ryan Drummond]] filling in for a few lines in the Finalhazard boss level in ''Sonic Adventure 2''.<ref name="Drummond">{{cite web|title=Ryan Drummond on Twitter:"Yup. For that one game. Don't tell Sega!"|url=https://twitter.com/RYANtheDRUMMOND/status/1316642485855117312|date=October 15, 2020|publisher=Twitter|access-date=August 19, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201015073026/https://twitter.com/RYANtheDRUMMOND/status/1316642485855117312|archive-date=October 15, 2020}}</ref> Humphrey was replaced by [[Jason Griffith]], who voiced Shadow and Sonic in the English dub of the [[anime]] series ''[[Sonic X]]'' (2003–2006), and in video games beginning with ''Shadow the Hedgehog'' in 2005.<ref name="MC: Griffith">{{cite web |title=Jason Griffith Games Profile |url=https://www.metacritic.com/person/jason-griffith |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=February 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170506183948/http://www.metacritic.com/person/jason-griffith |archive-date=May 6, 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Kirk Thornton]] has voiced Shadow since 2010, starting with ''Sonic Free Riders''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Kirk Thorton Games Profile |url=https://www.metacritic.com/person/kirk-thorton |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=February 3, 2019 |archive-date=February 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190206235049/https://www.metacritic.com/person/kirk-thorton |url-status=dead }}</ref> In ''[[Sonic Prime]]'', Shadow is voiced by [[Ian Hanlin]].<ref name="Griffin-2022">{{Cite web |last=Griffin |first=David |date=October 27, 2022 |title=Sonic Prime: Exclusive Release Date and Character Posters Reveal for Netflix Animated Series |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/sonic-prime-release-date-character-posters-netflix |access-date=October 27, 2022 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=October 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221030123816/https://www.ign.com/articles/sonic-prime-release-date-character-posters-netflix |url-status=live }}</ref> Canadian actor [[Keanu Reeves]] voices Shadow in the 2024 film ''Sonic the Hedgehog 3'',<ref name=2024film>{{Cite web |title=Keanu Reeves is Shadow the Hedgehog in the third Sonic movie, fulfilling fan casting dreams |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/keanu-reeves-is-shadow-the-hedgehog-in-the-third-sonic-movie-fulfilling-fan-casting-dreams/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240417213111/https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/keanu-reeves-is-shadow-the-hedgehog-in-the-third-sonic-movie-fulfilling-fan-casting-dreams/ |archive-date=April 17, 2024 |access-date=April 18, 2024 |website=[[PC Gamer]]|date=April 15, 2024 |last1=Fenlon |first1=Wes }}</ref> and reprised his role in downloadable content for ''Sonic X Shadow Generations''.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Colbert |first1=Isaiah |title=Keanu Reeves Will Lend His Shadow the Hedgehog Voice to Sonic X Shadows Generations |url=https://gizmodo.com/sonic-x-shadow-generations-movie-dlc-keanu-reeves-sega-2000503093 |website=[[Gizmodo]] |access-date=September 26, 2024 |date=September 25, 2024}}</ref>

==Character biography== Within the ''Sonic'' series' [[fictional universe]], Shadow the Hedgehog was created by [[Professor Gerald Robotnik]] through [[genetic engineering]]. In ''Shadow the Hedgehog'', it is later revealed that Gerald made a deal with the alien [[Black Doom (Sonic the Hedgehog)|Black Doom]] to use his blood in order to create the Ultimate Lifeform, but in exchange, Shadow would need to gather all 7 Chaos Emeralds and give them to the Black Arms. His creation was part of an experiment, "Project Shadow", meant to cure his granddaughter [[Maria Robotnik|Maria]] from a deadly illness.<ref name="Dunham-2003" /><ref name="Sonic the Hedgehog" /><ref name="SA2"/> While Shadow and Maria formed a strong bond, the United Federation government and a military organization, the Guardian Units of Nations (GUN), deemed him a threat. GUN raided the Space Colony ARK on which Maria and Shadow lived, killing the former as she sent Shadow to Earth in an escape pod. Shadow was later recovered by GUN and placed in [[suspended animation]].<ref name="SA2"/><ref name="EuroGrev">{{cite web |last1=Taylor |first1=Martin |title=Sonic Adventure 2 |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_sa2_dc |website=[[Eurogamer]] |date=June 23, 2001 |access-date=February 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160316051509/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_sa2_dc |archive-date=March 16, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> Maria's death traumatized Shadow, who vowed to keep his promise to her that he would protect the world from danger.<ref name="Sonic the Hedgehog" /> In ''Sonic Adventure 2'', Gerald's grandson, Doctor Eggman, learns of Shadow and revives him as part of a plan to conquer the world and defeat Sonic the Hedgehog.<ref name="GRev: SA2rev">{{cite web |last1=Liu |first1=Johnny |title=I finally figured it out… Review |url=https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/32236-sonic-adventure-2-review |website=[[Game Revolution]] |date=July 1, 2001 |access-date=February 6, 2019 |archive-date=February 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190206235049/https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/32236-sonic-adventure-2-review |url-status=live }}</ref> Believing that the promise he made was one of revenge on humanity, Shadow agrees to help Eggman, framing Sonic for their evil deeds.<ref name="EuroGrev"/><ref name="GRev: SA2rev"/> However, Shadow eventually allies himself with Sonic to prevent the world's destruction after he remembers the promise he made to Maria.<ref name="SA2">{{cite video game|title=[[Sonic Adventure 2]]|developer=[[Sonic Team USA]]|publisher=[[Sega]]|date=June 18, 2001}}</ref> However, he is unable to handle the power of all seven Chaos Emeralds in a Super State as well as Sonic, plummeting to Earth from space after the final [[boss fight]].<ref name="Dunham-2003" />

Shadow is presumed dead until ''Sonic Heroes''; Rouge the Bat discovers him alive in an Eggman base during a search. He [[amnesia|remembers nothing]] except his name and Maria's death,<ref name="Dunham-2003" /><ref name="Herald Sun">{{cite journal|date=February 26, 2006|title=Game of the week; Shadow the Hedgehog; GameCube/PS2/Xbox (rrp $79.95) Rating: 3.5/5|journal=[[Herald Sun]]|issue=1|page=F02}}</ref> forming "Team Dark" with Rouge and E-123 Omega to find Eggman and learn of his past.<ref name="Dunham-2003" /> In ''Shadow the Hedgehog'', Shadow, still experiencing amnesia, becomes caught in a three-way war between Eggman, GUN, and the Black Arms, an alien army led by Black Doom.<ref name="NWR: Confirms"/> Shadow can choose to help GUN, Sonic and his friends, Eggman, or the Black Arms.<ref name="Casamassina-2005" /> At the end of the game, Shadow recovers from his amnesia and learns the truth about his past, including that Gerald created him using Black Doom's DNA. Black Doom uses that in an attempt control him, but Shadow stands up to him and ultimately defeats him. After the battle, Shadow chooses to put the past behind him and move on,<ref name="ShadowGame">{{cite video game|title=[[Shadow the Hedgehog (video game)|Shadow the Hedgehog]]|developer=[[Sega Studios USA]]|publisher=[[Sega]]|date=November 15, 2005}}</ref> and in ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' is depicted as working with GUN.<ref name="S06">{{cite video game|title=[[Sonic the Hedgehog (2006 video game)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]|developer=[[Sonic Team]]|publisher=[[Sega]]|date=November 14, 2006}}</ref> In ''[[Shadow Generations]]'', Shadow, believing the Black Arms have resurfaced, returns to the ARK, where he is thrust into the dimension of White Space by the Time Eater (concurrently during the events of ''[[Sonic Generations]]'').<ref name="SonicGenerations">{{cite video game|title=[[Sonic Generations]]|developer=[[Sonic Team]]|publisher=[[Sega]]|date=November 1, 2011}}</ref> Along his journey, he manifests mysterious Doom Powers, which he uses to fight against Black Doom; Shadow also encounters Gerald and Maria, taken from another point in time, who assist in helping Shadow control his new powers as he confronts and destroys Black Doom once and for all. Upon his triumph, Maria and Gerald return to their time period as Shadow joins Rouge to help Sonic against the Time Eater.

==Reception and legacy== Shadow quickly proved popular among players of ''Sonic Adventure 2'', contributing to his return in later games.<ref name="HistoryOfSonic"/> Additionally, responses to his introduction were favorable; critics considered his levels in ''Sonic Adventure 2'' among the game's highlights.<ref name="IGN: SA2rev"/><ref name="GRev: SA2rev"/><ref name="GSpot: SA2rev">{{cite web |last1=Ahmed |first1=Shahed |title=Sonic Adventure 2 Review |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/sonic-adventure-2-review/1900-2777051/ |website=[[GameSpot]] |date=June 19, 2001 |access-date=February 6, 2019 |archive-date=February 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190206235049/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/sonic-adventure-2-review/1900-2777051/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="PS: SA2rev">{{cite web |last1=Michalik |first1=Nathan |title=Sonic Adventure 2 Review (PS3) |url=http://www.pushsquare.com/reviews/psn/sonic_adventure_2 |website=[[Push Square]] |date=October 16, 2012 |access-date=February 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171214191344/http://www.pushsquare.com/reviews/psn/sonic_adventure_2 |archive-date=December 14, 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> ''GameSpot''{{'s}} Shane Satterfield wrote Shadow's levels were exciting and helped preserve the general theme of ''Sonic'' games, and wished they had been more plentiful.<ref name="GSpot: SA2Brev">{{cite web |last1=Satterfield |first1=Shane |title=Sonic Adventure 2 Battle Review |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/sonic-adventure-2-battle-review/1900-2848236/ |website=[[GameSpot]] |date=February 15, 2002 |access-date=February 6, 2019 |archive-date=February 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190206235048/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/sonic-adventure-2-battle-review/1900-2848236/ |url-status=live }}</ref> ''[[Nintendo Life]]''{{'s}} Mark Reece similarly felt Shadow's levels successfully adapted the ''Sonic'' formula to 3D.<ref name="NLife: SA2Brev">{{cite web |last1=Reece |first1=Mark |title=Sonic Adventure 2: Battle Review (GCN) |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/2011/10/sonic_adventure_2_battle_retro |website=[[Nintendo Life]] |date=October 6, 2011 |access-date=February 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170926181255/http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/2011/10/sonic_adventure_2_battle_retro |archive-date=September 26, 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> However, despite strong sales,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.segasammy.co.jp/english/ir/library/pdf/printing_annual/2006/e_2006_annual.pdf|title=Sega Sammy Holdings Annual Report 2006|date=July 2006|publisher=[[Sega Sammy Holdings]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160330020047/http://www.segasammy.co.jp/english/ir/library/pdf/printing_annual/2006/e_2006_annual.pdf|archive-date=March 30, 2016|url-status=live|access-date=November 27, 2017|page=47}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.segasammy.co.jp/english/ir/library/pdf/settlement/2007/e_200703_4q_pre.pdf|title=Fiscal Year Ended March 2007 Full Year Results|date=May 14, 2007|publisher=Sega Sammy Holdings|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160729222445/http://www.segasammy.co.jp/english/ir/library/pdf/settlement/2007/e_200703_4q_pre.pdf|archive-date=July 29, 2016|url-status=live|access-date=November 27, 2017|page=15}}</ref> the 2005 ''Shadow'' game received generally unfavorable reviews<ref>{{cite web |title=Shadow the Hedgehog for PlayStation 2 Reviews |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/shadow-the-hedgehog/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-2 |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=February 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180502082036/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-2/shadow-the-hedgehog |archive-date=May 2, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Shadow the Hedgehog for Xbox Reviews |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/shadow-the-hedgehog/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=February 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180703082350/http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox/shadow-the-hedgehog |archive-date=July 3, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Shadow the Hedgehog for GameCube Reviews |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/shadow-the-hedgehog/critic-reviews/?platform=gamecube |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=February 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180705064328/http://www.metacritic.com/game/gamecube/shadow-the-hedgehog |archive-date=July 5, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> and, according to ''[[Official Nintendo Magazine]]''{{'s}} Thomas East, tarnished the character's reputation.<ref name="ONM: best/worst">{{cite web |last1=East |first1=Thomas |title=The best and worst Sonic characters |url=http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/50022/features/the-best-and-worst-sonic-characters/?page=3 |website=[[Official Nintendo Magazine]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029185609/http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/50022/features/the-best-and-worst-sonic-characters/?page=3 |archive-date=October 29, 2013 |page=3 |date=May 29, 2013}}</ref>

Reviews for ''Shadow the Hedgehog'' criticized numerous aspects of the character, such as his controls, use of firearms, and characterization.<ref name="GR+: 10"/><ref name="GI: Shoot">{{cite magazine |last1=Helgeson |first1=Matt |title=They Shoot Hedgehogs, Don't They? |url=http://www.gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/ACF9E983-A37C-48E7-BA3E-EE74B1858338.htm?CS_pid=220511 |magazine=[[Game Informer]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060526221039/http://www.gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/ACF9E983-A37C-48E7-BA3E-EE74B1858338.htm?CS_pid=220511 |archive-date=May 26, 2006 |url-status=dead |date=January 2006}}</ref><ref name="1UP: Shadow">{{cite web |last1=Bettenhausen |first1=Shane |title=Shadow the Hedgehog (GC) |url=http://www.1up.com/reviews/shadow-the-hedgehog |website=[[1UP.com]] |date=November 23, 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108105236/http://www.1up.com/reviews/shadow-the-hedgehog |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 8, 2012 }}</ref><ref name="GSpy: Shadow"/> ''[[Game Informer]]''{{'s}} Matt Helgeson decried Shadow as a character who lacked personality and mocked his "ridiculous" and "laughable" [[Clint Eastwood]] rasp,<ref name="GI: Shoot"/> while ''[[GameSpy]]''{{'s}} Patrick Klepek felt the game was proof the ''Sonic'' series had [[jumped the shark]].<ref name="GSpy: Shadow"/> Similarly, ''[[1UP.com]]''{{'s}} Shane Bettenhausen compared Shadow to Poochie,<ref name="1UP: Shadow"/> a character from ''[[The Simpsons]]'' episode "[[The Itchy & Scratchy & Poochie Show]]" (1997) symbolic of creating a new character simply to boost a flagging series.<ref>{{cite book |editor-last=Alberti |editor-first=John |year=2003 |title=Leaving Springfield: "The Simpsons" and the Possibility of Oppositional Culture |publisher=Wayne State University Press |isbn=0-8143-2849-0 |page=[https://archive.org/details/leavingspringfie00albe/page/144 144] |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/leavingspringfie00albe/page/144 }}</ref> Klepek thought guns made sense for Shadow's character but did not have a compelling use in the game, and expressed hope Sonic Team would "[bury] him alongside the same graves as the third-tier of characters from ''[[Knuckles' Chaotix]]''."<ref name="GSpy: Shadow">{{cite web |last1=Klepek |first1=Patrick |title=Shadow the Hedgehog |url=http://cube.gamespy.com/gamecube/shadow-the-hedgehog/667700p1.html |website=[[GameSpy]] |pages=1–2 |date=November 16, 2005 |access-date=February 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120318010235/http://cube.gamespy.com/gamecube/shadow-the-hedgehog/667700p1.html |archive-date=March 18, 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref> Critics reviewing the 2006 ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' considered Shadow's gameplay slightly better than that of Sonic's but felt it did not add enough to the experience,<ref name="IGN: 06rev"/><ref name="GR+: 06rev" /> while ''[[Den of Geek]]''{{'s}} Chris Freiberg wrote that the Shadow DLC for ''Sonic Forces'' added some [[replay value]] to a game he criticized for its short length.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Freiberg |first1=Chris |title=Sonic Forces Review |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/games/sonic-forces-review/ |website=[[Den of Geek!]] |date=November 10, 2017 |access-date=February 6, 2019 |archive-date=February 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190206235048/https://www.denofgeek.com/us/games/sonic-the-hedgehog/268910/sonic-forces-review |url-status=live }}</ref>

Reviewers have called Shadow—both the game and the character—an ill-advised attempt to bring a sense of maturity to the ''Sonic'' series.<ref name="ONM: best/worst"/><ref name="GI: Shoot"/> Indeed, ''[[IGN]]''{{'s}} Levi Buchanan and ''1UP''{{'}}s Jeremy Parish considered him one of the series' biggest problems;<ref name="IGN: Wrong">{{cite web |last1=Buchanan |first1=Levi |title=Where Did Sonic Go Wrong? |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/02/20/where-did-sonic-go-wrong?page=2 |website=[[IGN]] |date=February 20, 2009 |access-date=February 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181217063002/https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/02/20/where-did-sonic-go-wrong?page=2 |archive-date=December 17, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="1UP: Reset">{{cite web |last1=Parish |first1=Jeremy |title=Hit Reset: How Sega Can Save Sonic the Hedgehog |url=http://www.1up.com/do/feature?pager.offset=1&cId=3157060 |website=[[1UP.com]] |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120719160922/http://www.1up.com/do/feature?pager.offset=1&cId=3157060#selection-669.0-666.3 |archive-date=July 19, 2012 |page=2 |date=February 12, 2007}}</ref> Parish wrote that of the unnecessary ''Sonic'' characters Sega should retire, Shadow was the most in need of it.<ref name="1UP: Reset"/> Numerous [[video game journalist]]s have mockingly described the character as "edgy",<ref name="Poly: EpisodeShadow"/><ref name="GR+: 10"/><ref name="Paste: Brings">{{cite web |last1=Compendio |first1=Chris |title=Shadow the Hedgehog Brings His Edge to Sonic Forces as Playable DLC |url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2017/09/shadow-the-hedgehog-sonic-forces-dlc.html |website=[[Paste (magazine)|Paste]] |date=September 19, 2017 |access-date=February 2, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190202212441/https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2017/09/shadow-the-hedgehog-sonic-forces-dlc.html |archive-date=February 2, 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> [[internet slang]] referring to someone who exhibits disconcerting behavior in an effort to impress others. The character has also been the subject of several [[internet meme]]s, such as one claiming the character loves [[Latinas]], which was acknowledged in ''Sonic the Hedgehog 3''.<ref>{{cite web | last=Kuhnke | first=Oisin | title=Yes, Shadow's love for telenovelas in Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is because of that one meme, and no, I don't understand why the Sonic fandom is like this either | website=VG247 | date=January 29, 2025 | url=https://www.vg247.com/shadow-love-for-telenovelas-in-sonic-the-hedgehog-3-is-because-of-that-one-meme | access-date=May 21, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last=Russell | first=Bradley | title=Sonic 3 director's commentary reveals how the movie secretly brought the unlikeliest of Shadow memes to life | website=GamesRadar+ | date=January 29, 2025 | url=https://www.gamesradar.com/entertainment/live-action-movies/sonic-3-directors-commentary-reveals-how-the-movie-secretly-brought-the-unlikeliest-of-shadow-memes-to-life/ | access-date=May 21, 2025}}</ref>

[[File:Reunião com o ator norte-americano Keanu Reeves (46806576944) (cropped).jpg|thumb|right|160px|Actor [[Keanu Reeves]] (pictured) voices Shadow in the live-action film series, an adaptation of the character that earned critical praise.]] Shadow is a divisive ''Sonic'' character.<ref name="Kotaku: Plumbs"/><ref name="EuroG: Impact"/> Some, such as East, who ranked him one of the series' best characters, praise him for his role in ''Sonic Adventure 2'';<ref name="ONM: best/worst"/><ref name="Kotaku: Plumbs"/> ''Game Informer''{{'s}} Brian Shea called Shadow a "fun equal" to Sonic who delivered the series' traditional sense of speed,<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Shea |first1=Brian |title=Sonic Forces: Free Day One DLC Adds Shadow As Playable Character |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/games/sonic_forces/b/playstation4/archive/2017/09/19/free-day-one-dlc-adds-shadow-as-playable-character-sonic-forces.aspx |magazine=[[Game Informer]] |date=September 19, 2017 |access-date=February 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215173441/https://www.gameinformer.com/games/sonic_forces/b/playstation4/archive/2017/09/19/free-day-one-dlc-adds-shadow-as-playable-character-sonic-forces.aspx |archive-date=December 15, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> and ''[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]''{{'s}} Allegra Frank said he is a fan-favorite.<ref name="Poly: EpisodeShadow"/> "For others," wrote ''Kotaku''{{'s}} Mike Fahey, Shadow "signifies the looming death of a beloved series." Fahey felt Shadow's self-titled game was when the ''Sonic'' franchise lost its identity, and dismissed those who argued in favor of his role in ''Sonic Adventure 2''.<ref name="Kotaku: Plumbs"/> [[James Stephanie Sterling]], writing for ''GamesRadar+'', ranked Shadow among the series' worst characters, arguing he lost his relevance over time and calling him "the ultimate example of a good idea gone rotten."<ref name="GR+: 10">{{cite web |last1=Sterling |first1=Jim |author-link=Jim Sterling |title=The 10 worst Sonic friends |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/the-10-worst-sonic-friends/2/?page=2 |website=[[GamesRadar+]] |date=January 19, 2011 |access-date=February 6, 2019 |archive-date=April 26, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190426153054/https://www.gamesradar.com/the-10-worst-sonic-friends/2/?page=2 |url-status=live }}</ref> Brian Shea from ''Game Informer'' included Shadow in a similar list, observing that his "brooding 'tortured soul' personality wore on him quickly".<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2015/05/16/10-worst-sonic-the-hedgehog-characters.aspx |title=The 10 Worst Characters In Sonic History |last=Shea |first=Brian |date=May 16, 2013 |magazine=Game Informer |access-date=April 6, 2022 |archive-date=October 10, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191010224807/https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2015/05/16/10-worst-sonic-the-hedgehog-characters.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref> In a more positive write-up, ''Fanbyte''{{'s}} Kenneth Shepard argued Shadow's characterization was more complex than most characters in the series, but later games leaned harder on a one-dimensional "edgelord" archetype.<ref name="Fanbyte">{{cite web |last1=Shepard |first1=Kenneth |title=Shadow the Hedgehog Wasn't an Edgelord Until Sega Made Him One |url=https://www.fanbyte.com/trending/shadow-the-hedgehog-wasnt-an-edgelord-until-sega-made-him-one/ |website=Fanbyte |date=June 23, 2021 |access-date=April 7, 2022 |archive-date=April 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407042631/https://www.fanbyte.com/trending/shadow-the-hedgehog-wasnt-an-edgelord-until-sega-made-him-one/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Despite this, in 2005 Naka said Sonic Team had determined Shadow was the series' most popular character excluding Sonic himself,<ref name="GSpy: Talks"/> a finding reaffirmed in a 2009 Sega poll<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sonic.sega.jp/SonicChannel/event/016/index.html|title=ソニックチャンネル/イベント/ソニックキャラクター人気投票結果発表！|date=December 15, 2009|access-date=March 27, 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091215064017/http://sonic.sega.jp/SonicChannel/event/016/index.html|archive-date=December 15, 2009|website=[[Sonic the Hedgehog]] |publisher=[[Sega]] |language=ja }}</ref> and 2025 ''[[Dengeki Online]]'' poll.<ref>{{cite web |title=The results of the "Sonic" character popularity poll have been announced! The winner is... that popular character!? |url=https://dengekionline.com/article/202512/61295 |website=[[Dengeki Online]] |access-date=December 24, 2025 |language=Japanese |date=December 24, 2025}}</ref> In 2011, ''[[Guinness World Records]]'' named Shadow among the 50 greatest video game characters of all time.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Marchiafava |first1=Jeff |title=Guinness Names Top 50 Video Game Characters Of All Time |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2011/02/16/guinness-names-top-50-video-game-characters-of-all-time.aspx |magazine=[[Game Informer]] |date=February 16, 2011 |access-date=February 13, 2019 |archive-date=January 21, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180121053547/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2011/02/16/guinness-names-top-50-video-game-characters-of-all-time.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref>

In the film adaptation ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (film)|Sonic the Hedgehog 3]]'' (2024), Shadow and his voice actor [[Keanu Reeves]]'s portrayal received critical praise. ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]''{{'}}s [[Owen Gleiberman]] said that Reeves's "tones of deepest resonance" made Shadow empathetic to the audience,<ref name="VarReview">{{Cite web |last=Gleiberman |first=Owen |author-link=Owen Gleiberman |date=December 18, 2024 |title='Sonic the Hedgehog 3' Review: Faster and More Fun Than the Other 'Sonic' Movies, with Jim Carrey in an Epic Turn |url=https://variety.com/2024/film/reviews/sonic-the-hedgehog-3-review-jim-carrey-1236250284/ |access-date=December 18, 2024 |website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |publisher=[[Penske Media Corporation]] |language=en-US |archive-date=December 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241229094453/https://variety.com/2024/film/reviews/sonic-the-hedgehog-3-review-jim-carrey-1236250284/ |url-status=live }}</ref> ''[[The New York Times]]''{{'}}s Glenn Kenny felt Reeves brought "suitable [[Emo subculture|emo]] brooding" to Shadow,<ref name="NYTreview">{{Cite news |last=Kenny |first=Glenn |date=December 19, 2024 |title='Sonic the Hedgehog 3' Review: Life Comes at You Fast |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/19/movies/sonic-the-hedgehog-3-review.html |access-date=December 20, 2024 |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |language=en-US |archive-date=December 20, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241220174435/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/19/movies/sonic-the-hedgehog-3-review.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and ''[[The A.V. Club]]''{{'}}s Matt Donato wrote Reeves added "stoic somberness" to the established cast.<ref name="AVreview">{{Cite web |last=Donato |first=Matt |date=December 18, 2024 |title=Keanu Reeves and two Jim Carreys kick ''Sonic The Hedgehog 3'' into enjoyable overdrive |url=https://www.avclub.com/sonic-the-hedgehog-3-review |access-date=December 18, 2024 |website=[[The A.V. Club]] |publisher=[[Paste Media Group]] |language=en-US |archive-date=December 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241218150911/https://www.avclub.com/sonic-the-hedgehog-3-review |url-status=live }}</ref> ''[[The Hollywood Reporter]]'' said that Reeves brought the same gravitas to Shadow that he did to [[John Wick (character)|John Wick]], feeling his delivery of "quiet condescension" made him "all the scarier for the lack of overt menace".<ref name="THRreview">{{Cite web |last=Scheck |first=Frank |date=December 18, 2024 |title='Sonic the Hedgehog 3' Review: Keanu Reeves and Jim Carrey in a Zippy Sequel That Gets the Job Done |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/sonic-the-hedgehog-3-review-keanu-reeves-jim-carrey-1236089195/ |access-date=December 18, 2024 |website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |publisher=[[Eldridge Industries]] |language=en-US |archive-date=December 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241218144021/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/sonic-the-hedgehog-3-review-keanu-reeves-jim-carrey-1236089195/ |url-status=live }}</ref> ''[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]'' contrasted Eggman actor Jim Carrey's "gloriously deranged" performance with the "utter sincerity" of Reeves, who they praised for making Shadow a "weirdly likable little ball of pain".<ref name="PolygonReview">{{Cite web |last=Hassenger |first=Jesse |date=December 18, 2024 |title=Sonic 3 is the sloppiest Sonic movie yet — and best |url=https://www.polygon.com/review/498909/sonic-3-movie-review |access-date=December 18, 2024 |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |publisher=[[Vox Media]] |language=en-US |archive-date=December 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241218181143/https://www.polygon.com/review/498909/sonic-3-movie-review |url-status=live }}</ref> ''IGN''{{'}}s Matt Donato said that Reeves's own identity, which was already reflected in the character by his voice, "profound[ly]" paralleled the tragedy in Shadow's story considering Reeves had experienced [[Keanu Reeves#Personal life|"unthinkable" hardships in his life]]; Donato concluded that Reeves "is Shadow the Hedgehog".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Donato |first=Matt |date=December 26, 2024 |title=Sonic 3 Understands the Importance of Voice Acting, and It Shows |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/sonic-3-understands-the-importance-of-voice-acting-and-it-shows |access-date=February 7, 2025 |website=[[IGN]] }}</ref>

In April 2024, Sega launched the marketing campaign ''Fearless: Year of Shadow'', with several projects starring Shadow the Hedgehog, such as [[Shadow Generations|''Sonic X Shadow Generations'']] and the film ''Sonic the Hedgehog 3''.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://kotaku.com/shadow-the-hedgehog-fearless-sonic-movie-3-generations-1851398367 |title=Move Over Luigi, It's The Year Of Shadow The Hedgehog |last=Shephard |first=Kenneth |date=April 9, 2024 |magazine=Kotaku |access-date=June 8, 2024 |archive-date=June 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240608052605/https://kotaku.com/shadow-the-hedgehog-fearless-sonic-movie-3-generations-1851398367 |url-status=live }}</ref> Since this campaign, the character has seen a resurgence in popularity among the Sonic fan base, as well as general audiences.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jr |first=Johnny Flores |date=2024-12-22 |title=Sonic Fans Think Year Of Shadow Was A Big Success For The Series |url=https://www.thegamer.com/shadow-shadow-the-hedgehog-year-of-shadow-success-for-series/ |access-date=2025-10-02 |website=TheGamer |language=en}}</ref>

==Notes== {{Notelist}}

==References== {{Reflist}}

==External links== * Official character profiles on [https://web.archive.org/web/20081218122800/http://www2.sega.com/sonic/globalsonic/post_allabout.php?article=soniccharacters Sonic Central] and [https://web.archive.org/web/20080129181546/http://www.sonic-city.com/en/characters/shadow/index.html Sonic-City] (archived) * [http://sonic.sega.jp/SonicChannel/character/shadow.html Shadow at Sonic Channel] (in Japanese) * [http://info.sonicretro.org/Shadow_the_Hedgehog Shadow the Hedgehog] on Sonic Retro, for character stats and additional plot information * [https://web.archive.org/web/20251210045917/https://sonicthehedgehog.com/yearofshadow/ Fearless: Year of Shadow] (archived)

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