The REAL Shadow is BACK! - A Character Analysis of Shadow the Hedgehog in Sonic X Shadow Generations

[@BrothaKyo]

Like, I always thought Maria was a good character, but now they went and SHOWED you who she was, I understand why Shadow fights for her dreams. I don't just like her, I care about her too. I get it, Shadow.

[@liamphibia]

Maria is precious.

[@reginlief1]

Yeah it dawned on me that she’s been a little stilted in the past but she’s so well realised here.

[@BritBox777]

It's insane what a massive success the Year of Shadow has been, and the finishing blow won't even land until December 20th. Kids of my generation fell in love with Shadow because of SA2, I can't even imagine how popular he's going to be in 10 years time.

[@AceCardGaming]

If only the Sonic Team of today could go back and tell themselves after 06 how popular Shadow could still be. We could have avoided 18 years of stagnation. 😅

[@rickyrackey7930]

@@AceCardGamingI think the best way to have Shadow’s story progress is to have him meet and forgive the soldier who shot Maria 50 years later and is reeling in regret what he has done.

[@TheScarletWing2490]

The movie alone will skyrocket his reputation and popularity. There's a pretty significant amount of people who watch the Sonic Movies who have never played any of the games and are in fact discovering these characters for the first time. Dare I say Sega might want to make 2025 the Year of Shadow too cause there's no way you can just stop it after the movie comes out, if the movie is good.

[@knowingjordankid]

I really love how Shadow mentions the fake emerald that tails had in SA2. I’m happy that SEGA wrote a Shadow that actually has emotions for people now.

[@DLxxx]

But it doesn't make sense. Why is the fake emerald still intact? It was destroyed when Sonic used it to stop the Eclipse Cannon at the end of the story. It seems like a bit of random fan service.

[@thevioletskull8158]

⁠@@DLxxxI didn't remember that,good ponit. Unless Sega reconned it or Tails made another one. The second option feels like a cop out but I can see Tails making another one. The first one would need to be explained how the eclipse cannon was destroyed whike the fake emerald was not?

[@0ikess]

​ @thevioletskull8158 i mean the place in which you put the emerald in is still intact no? eggman even put the last emerald in. the problem is the fact there was an empty spot to begin with but that can be explained simply by "eggman just removed it offscreen".

[@playbossthebest936]

​​@@DLxxx its destruction isn't proven nor hinted at by the game itself

[@zekeram129]

@@DLxxxGiven that its presence was used to allow Shadow to keep an Emerald through the rest of his story without actively rubbing against Sonic's, I'd say it's a bit more than random fanservice.

[@madengineerkyouma]

Best part of the game was by far Big asking to learn Chaos Control for fishing and then changing his mind because it would make it too easy.

[@justinpritt7897]

Big is a true fisherman. Sure it'll be fast and easy. But that would break the point of fishing. Even if it is boring to some people.

[@JokerTheHedgehogX]

Why I'm suddenly remembered that "Breath of the Wild"-like fangame, where Big was trying to find Froggy in really BIG world?

[@SaddieMoon]

I still love that Maria has the same VA as Sailor Moon in this game.

[@Hilversumborn]

Stephanie Sheh will always be Hinata Hyuuga (Naruto) for me.

[@a.z.pantera5577]

Something I keep thinking about is that Shadow really didn't have any time to sit and process what had just happened before racing off to cheer on the Sonics and hand off the Emerald, and then further just sucking it up to pal around at Sonic's party. Like I'm sure Shadow would rather distract himself and suffer in silence anyways, but... dude really just needs to feel for a bit.

[@AceCardGaming]

The shot of him at the party standing alone at the end is so surreal with the added context of his campaign!

[@mr.thumbsup8335]

The dark beginnings bonus ending from the PS5 version shows Shadow back at the tree he shot down in the first episode and imagining a conversation with Maria there. So at least he got the chance to really sit down and think about what happened there, likely after Sonic’s party

[@DeviIGundam]

I always felt that he went to Sonic's party because he knew Maria was right, there are people who care about him.

[@magical_pixie_horse7346]

Big actually interacted with Gerald and Maria! Not even Rouge met them in person! I guess that honor went to Big and it's agreeable. I still would've liked to see other characters interact with them. Edit: Apparently Omega met them too.

[@jamainegardner4193]

Big simply makes the most sense for that. He just is the kind of character that happens upon wild stuff

[@Signerdragon123]

Whilst they don't interact, Maria mentions she saw Sonic briefly at one point.

[@FamusJamus]

Just imagine Cubot randomly dropping that they've met Maria and Gerald in front of Eggman.

[@mysouptoocold1656]

and omega met maria too

[@magical_pixie_horse7346]

@mysouptoocold1656 Guess I missed that dialogue.

[@megashadow1390]

I was very happy to see Mephiles being done right and now that Maria is gone, i was very happy for my edgy boi to see Rouge say that he is one of the few people she respects, that she feels compelled to say that he is special; and the fact that they canonized a version of the speech gives in Sonic 06 near the end where she says that's she'll be there for Shadow at the end of it all. And yes i LOVE all the team dark moments they deserve they own series/game tbh

[@mattshepherd3667]

I’d love more shadow/silver stories any day. Especially with character interactions we don’t see often. I mean have we ever seen shadow and blaze interact? I’m almost certain we haven’t seen silver, rogue and omega either.

[@GoldLight73]

I only wish we got see characters interacting in White Space more. Imagine Maria learning that one of Shadow’s best friends is a vindictive murder bot...

[@ilychrisfranco]

a vindictive murder bot created by her cousin no less 😭

[@AllardRT]

I mean, Omega only goes other robots and those other robots are bad, so... swings and roundabouts.

[@galactaknight1017]

I really enjoyed shadow generations, I hope team dark as a team continues in the future. Them reuniting is my favorite part of the game.

[@AceCardGaming]

Those side conversations were awesome! Makes me long for an entire game based around them.

[@galactaknight1017]

@ I couldn’t agree with you more if I tried, hopefully they consider more shadow games after the success of this one

[@sebbb5980]

I simply want Shadow, Rouge and Omega to stick together. The shipping part of my brain wants Shad and Rouge together, but my more rational thinking feels like Team Dark are the closest thing Shadow has to a replacement for the family he lost, while still being completely different characters in their own right. Eggman's direct genetic relationship to Gerald non-withstanding, the Doctor simply isn't someone that Shadow can trust the same way he does Rouge and Omega. Given that Shadow's story takes place concurrently with the original Sonic Generations (as in, before the post-Generations titles) I can actually see this as a justification for any time he's been acting slightly OOC due to Sega's mandates (a la staying distant from Rouge and Omega during Forces and leaving Rouge behind when her car broke down in that racing animation), as if he's still working through his pain. The reveal that Maria had a sister feels like something that has to be touched upon at some point. And I don't think it can happen in a mainline Sonic game. A Team Dark-centered spin-off, perhaps? Though I hope that the next time Shadow has a major role (and hopefully with Rouge and Omega also joining him) it will be more in line with his Sonic 06 characterization, having moved on from his past and basically telling everyone trying to use it against him to get lost. I haven't had the time to play through Shadow Generations in full, but even with the whole story spoiled, I have to agree that the Shadow that has been my favorite character in the canon is back.

[@liamphibia]

Honestly, Rouge & Omega are the best friends Shadow could ever ask for. They're not Maria, but they got his back & will support him all the way.

[@BonitoJoe111]

Yep, I called that ending. But what I did NOT expect was not only such an extensive interaction between Shadow, Maria, and Gerald, but also all of the crazy hidden lore behind them. Like, Maria has a little sister? Eggman's love of robotics came from his dad? The Biolizard was once a cute baby salamander Maria played with on occasion...😥 Mephiles' inclusion was also brilliantly handled, even though I wish we got more of him. And while the current actor is no Dan Green, he did an excellent job of portraying a more enraged and desperate -Memphis Tennessee- Mephiles. No...! I want... _TO EXIST!!!_ Ian Flynn and the lore team are mad geniuses. They may be one of the best things to happen to Sonic in a while.

[@lokic-ug2sc]

MEMPHIS TENNESSEE MENTIONED-

[@elizabrooke1816]

You get a gold star for the hilarious use of Rouge's saxophone theme from Sonic X. I had to stop and laugh for a good minute!

[@AceCardGaming]

I aim to please! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@FowaJCT]

19:15 No, Gerald named Shadow, "Shadow" because Project Shadow seemed hopeless, impossible, and out of reach, but Maria recontextualized the name "Shadow" as a shadow leads you towards light so that Gerald and the other researchers to not lose hope and find motivation to keep going with Project Shadow. It was in the journal. And a big moment for Maria's character.

[@stwbmc98]

The project was named Shadow by Gerald, but it was still Maria’s choice to name the ultimate lifeform himself Shadow. She says “Do you know why I named you Shadow?” in the cutscene

[@RedBoiPaul]

The more that I've think about it, the more that I have confidence that Shadow Generations saved Shadow's character and brought him back to his glory like he was in SA2, Heroes, and 06. So far, only 4 games have developed Shadow and not make him feel like an edge lord that he has been mistreated for decades. It's wonderful to see more lore of the Robotnik family and how important Maria and Gerald were to Shadow. I would pray to hope that the next mainline Sonic game would keep Shadow as he was in Shadow Generations and expand more of his character.

[@lilbasenji1]

Man this game was absolutely amazing! I had stopped playing Sonic games after Sonic Colors and I can’t think of any other main Sonic game that would be more perfect for me to get me back into the franchise than Sonic X Shadow Generations. The story was fantastic and I loved every moment of it even though I was not a fan of Shadow the Hedgehog game or what it added to Shadow’s creation lore. It was fantastic seeing Shadow being more like how I saw him and even showing him overcoming his anger. I absolutely loved Maria and Gerald in the game and their relationship with Shadow and I kinda feel sad that we probably won’t see them again in future games. The only gripes that I have with the game is that I wish that it was longer than what it was (with more cutscenes with Shadow and Maria), that there was a way to go through all the dialogue that I missed with all the characters, and that we didn’t get an endgame cutscene featuring Maria’s sister (and or Maria’s niece/nephew). I would have so loved seeing Shadow form a new relationship with a human character to (in a way) cope from the loses he had through his life. I am hoping that Maria’s sister somehow shows up in a future game or story in IDW.

[@mayracordero382]

I love to see maria's sister in a future game if that is possible.

[@justinrodriguez5957]

For as brief as the game is it does some serious lifting as far as lore and characterization goes. From the expansion of the Robotnik family to seeing the relationship between Shadow and Maria and Gerald, as well as characters such as Big (real random but I guess he's real chill with the cat), Omega and Rouge.

[@Whopper744]

Being a Shadow fan since SA2, I was extremely happy with this game. Had some truly awesome moments.

[@FamusJamus]

24:41 Just remember that current day Shadow isn't the one that immediately follows Generations. He left some weak, scared jackal at an Eggman base, and the world almost ended. Then in the comics, he let himself get talked out of finishing off an amnesiac Eggman... and then the world almost ended again. Then he got talked out of chasing a mad scientist to help stop an avalanche, which turned out to be a waste of time and lead to the completion of a couple of cyborgs that he hasn't met yet. Don't be surprised if Shadow has less chill than in '06. As for Gerald's journal, there's some actual text on the paper folder items you pick up to unlock the pages. It's likely just a draft or filler being used as a texture, but nobody's managed to read the whole thing as far as I know. There are parts about Shadow being a balance between "darkness and light" and embodying "both chaos and order, a perfect fusion of power and control". It's cool stuff.

[@sethisevilone02]

Black doom was soo good in this Also neo devil doom was hype af

[@bacanpancakesproductions6038]

Do you think that Maria’s sister might end up being a game version of Hope robotnik from the Archie comics?

[@lucas.n.carvalho.artist]

I'm betting she's the purple haired lady that we saw on TailsTube a while back.

[@RazyPINK]

I wish. Hope was such an amazing character with and without being added to Team Dark. The only family drama I cared about in the comics.

[@thevioletskull8158]

It could be a Surge situation,where Ian or whoever makes a character similar to the the Achrie character but is there own person. So Game! Hope would be similar to Achrie! Hope but would have her own thing going on.

[@VCofdaG]

That would be dream-come-true material.

[@BlackFlash09]

I had the same thoughts about Maria's sister. Maybe like Hope, she'll become an unofficial fourth member of Team Dark. Let's just hope people don't call her a "Hope clone" though.

[@haydenbutler37]

I actually cried at the end. As a Shadow fan, it hits really hard. I'm glad they finally did our boy justice. And this is the nice thing about the Sonic Team they listen to us fans.

[@andreware2039]

I do like the open door they have there for Mephiles. They have a great villain that they can bring back at any moment through anything and that interests me quite a bit.

[@shadamyandsonamylover]

I feel like Shadow’s “there is no future for you. EVER.” Is SEGA telling us that we will literally never see him come back lol

[@andreware2039]

@shadamyandsonamylover I can cope 🥺

[@shadamyandsonamylover]

@@andreware2039 fair fair =P

[@juanca2567]

The greatest piece of Shadow content ever! Only the Sonic the Hedgehog 3 movie could potentially dethrone this crown jewel in The Fearless Year of Shadow. Also I was kind of hoping for a reference to the Sonic Twitter Takeover 4 of the convenience store 🏪 called Maria’s (which was canonized further with an official artwork in Twitter/X in July 22 2019). Big the Cat would probably say something like “her name is like the name of the place that sells snacks for my friends Cream and Cheese”.

[@seanpaul4574]

For games ahead, I’d like for Shadow to meet Maria’s sister and for the former commander of GUN (the man who was in charge of GUN when they were strong arming Gerald to make them weapons) to become an antagonist to Shadow in a future game. GUN’s role in the events that surrounded Gerald’s downfall was never really addressed outside of Gerald’s diary. They basically got away with all of that Scott free. I think it would be a good next step for a Shadow centric story/antagonist.

[@AceCardGaming]

Only issue I can see with that would be how old that commander would have to be now to serve as an antagonist. Otherwise, it’s something I’d absolutely love to see!

[@somehelluvafanboy8357]

​@@AceCardGamingif dude even is alive lmao If he was 30 when that happened, he would be 80 by now

[@halrun209plays5]

What I like about the Sonic games even the spin-offs they all tell a story if something happened in a previous game it can be referenced in a newer game 30 + years of storytelling

[@mayracordero382]

I love seeing shadow and maria together again and to hope shadow will meet maria's sister in a future game!

[@liamphibia]

This is literally a sequel to Shadow the Hedgehog (2005) but like it surpasses the original in every single way.🖤❤️

[@pinstripecool34]

YES! Its basically Shadow the hedgehog 2 I like how it literally feels like shadows character arc has come full circle, he’s accepted and embraced both parts of himself his attachment to Gerald and Maria, and also his dark side and black arms DNA and is finally complete. The true ultimate life form. It’s amazing.

[@aliastheabnormal]

Someone has to be adult in the room when her teammates is an edgelord who spent half his life with amnesia and a psychopath with more ammo than god.

[@shrihana9611]

how can a robo be a psychopath tho

[@aliastheabnormal]

@@shrihana9611 You can program them that way. Just look at HK-47.

[@fossilartstudios5878]

Personnally it’s probably best mephlis had such a short encounter canonically he’s the most dangerous when he’s had prep time , in this game he finally escapes just in time for shadow to send him back , if he had more time he probably would have targeted Maria and used her as a bargaining chip to play off shadows weaknesses

[@gamemaster2819]

I see the story as essentially being like 2006 in that it takes Shadow's character development from his own game to not be binded by anyone's desires and sets his way for the future, but has it take place for the current timeline. The big problem with 2006's time reset is it essentially makes Shadow and Silver's character arcs almost pointless. They can be enjoyed, but they can't be built off of. Shadow has it easier because the development 06 built on still happened, but Silver has the disadvantage that everything his debut built up is gone. Starting with Rivals he was more just a blank slate for time-travel plots. I have seen some complaints about how Tails, Amy, Knuckles, and Shadow have just gone through the same character development they already did before the soft reboot of writing styles, but I kind of feel its more to reconfirm the past development. While the fandom is contested on how it's written, I think it's better to reconfirm character development and THEN build on it instead of just come back to it since the game series has gained a lot of fans since the writing style change. I do suspect that we'll get something similar for Blaze and/or Silver in the near future. They were like the Shadow and Cream of the mid 2000s, being the new characters that were going to have arcs of development. But then Unleashed came around and the friends lost their relevance. They're the last two characters that I believe need to be revisited and have their stories continue. The Chaotix are more static characters that I don't think need big arcs, it'd just be nice to see them doing something only they can do.

[@AceCardGaming]

I just hope Sega see Silver and Blaze as big enough to hold their own in a large story arc. That’s literally the only reason I can see that it wouldn’t happen. We all know of course that they could.

[@somehelluvafanboy8357]

That Shadow and Cream comparison is actually perfect though, considering how Silver is the 3rd male hedgehog who debuted in what was essentially Sonic Adventure 3, and Blaze first appearing in a handheld game only to debut in the mainline games a year after (plus they're paired up) And yes, one of my pitches for a new game is Silver & Blaze, where they both go on an adventure toguether, but still with their own stories, povs and level order due to mishappens separating them every once in a while, but they still interact a lot

[@Mojo1356]

9:49 Thank you finally somebody said it. I will die on the hill that Kirk was a terrible shadow beyond the Twitter Takeovers, but he finally got a good take here.

[@cynda1178]

I don’t think Shadow got closure. There was clearly more he wanted to say, and he just didn’t have the courage to. He still left with regrets, and while he knows now how Gerald thinks of him, Shadow is probably left worse off emotionally from this. He has a clearer understanding of what Maria wanted for him, but he still couldn’t save them.

[@garrettviewegh9028]

I hope we see Mephiles and GUN return in future games. They may not be as popular, but Blaze and Silver should get some attention too. Nonetheless, if you think about it, each boss we face, reflects an aspect of Shadow: Bio Lizard, Shadow when felt lost and was suffering from being used as a tool, weapon, and cure, not wanting to be made. Metal Overlord, Shadow being compared to Sonic, and how much he destests that. Mephiles, the hate and wrath Shadow once had for humanity, and the world that wronged him. Sonic, the history of being rivals with one of the few that could actually match him. And his respect for him. And finally, Black Doom, the tragic past Shadow always has tried to outrun and repress, finally forced to confront. Which Shadow now vows to face and move on.

[@Kevykev2007]

6:18: I actually have a theory on this shot being a false visual given to us when Commander Walters (That's what he's called in the movies) is recounting Shadow's Story to Team Sonic, i wouldn't be surprised if The Commander is intentionally leaving out their involvement in Maria's death and paint the whole as an accident or maybe pin the blame on Gerald

[@tedothegamerbg6593]

Between this and Frontiers, I'm interested in where they'd take Sonic and Shadow. Because these two work as protagonists of the series and putting them in unfamiliar situations will be interesting to behold.

[@manuelinacio4038]

21:00 Insert Forspoken joke

[@somehelluvafanboy8357]

One thing that would be really cool to me is I headcanon that Silver would fear falling short of the other two hogs (which he did out of universe) and being seen as the weaker less important one, while seeing Sonic and Shadow as these unstoppable mighty forces that could end Silver right there and then if they ever felt like it, which he knows theg wouldn't but the intrusive thoughts aren't nice to him. If they ever went that way, or heck any ways that goes deep into Silver's character and powers, we could have Shadow help him through it, not by making him suck it up but overcoming his insecurities and growing his power to it's max capabilities

[@metaknight1285]

I really enjoyed Shadow Generations. One of my favorite parts not mentioned in the video would have to be the specific choices of bosses for Shadow to face. Biolizard, Neo Metal Sonic, Mephilies, and for sure Black Doom all work as twisted mirrors to Shadow that he must overcome.

[@dragonman969]

If you think about it shadow and the biolozard is Maria and Eggman’s uncles

[@TevyaSmolka]

I am so happy shadow the hedgehog my favorite character is finally getting love again.

[@nman551]

I got emotional, and I loved this game. Good job Sonic team!

[@sonictiger6716]

I’m really hoping that we get an original game that has both a Sonic and Shadow story in the future, especially since this Shadow is clearly being built off the back of Frontiers.

[@samothoverlord3662]

honestly i would have made the sequence where shadow says goodbye to maria and gerlad even more emotionnal by letting him use chaos control only for it to fail because the time is crumbling down due to the time eater. showing even more that the only thing that matters to shadow is changing their fate and him to say to maria "you don't understand i will never see you again" and then the rest of the cutscene happens as kt did in the game i think it would have been better and even more emotionnal

[@klaas-wimvandiermen]

Awesome video! I'm more of a Sonic fan, but after playing Shadow Generations I appreciate Shadow. I really did enjoy the story and how Maria explained the background of his name and of course the gameplay. I was already a fan of Sonic Generations, but Shadow Generations even tops it. Such a great game.

[@WeirdguyKruckly]

i would love to see Shadow going back his 06 route of being a G U N agent working side by side with Rouge, Omega and after putting their past and differences aside even Abraham towers. I want him to be someone who has his head in the situation, being introverted but showing real emotion to the people he trusts, going on solo missions, duo missions with Omega as firepower, or Rouge as stealth, full on trio blasting through and obliterating any stage or boss in future games, some more interactions with characters Shadow hasn't talked with much like Tails, Knuckles, Blaze, etc. Interactions with should be like in 06 where Sonic is more care free and relaxed while Shadow is the one who has his head in the current situation and makes smarter decisions with both of them having a sprinkle of competitive spirits. He should also have some traits of Sonic like him only doing what he thinks is right and no one can tell him otherwise

[@digitaltailsmon4096]

What do I say…besides truly beautiful. Watching the cutscenes gave me the same feeling as frontiers. A good way to look back at the past and show change and with that move toward a hopefully new and interesting future. Only now with something that rips my heart in two with something from the past. I always loved the bound of Maria and Shadow but this just brings it to a new level. Their brother and sister energy is palpable. And it’s both soul crushing yet entertaining to witness. Even more so I loved the stuff with Gerald here. Getting to see more of him from a pre Maria death is genuinely charming and while I have my small nitpicks (wished he mentioned Eggman in those optional dialogue. Or even Maria since they brought up other family) I loved the fatherly role he had with shadow. Especially Mike killing it as him once more. But above all else I can now say like with Roger that while Kurt is not my favorite va for shadow, I can respect his acting. And can’t wait to see more. Let’s just hope the next movie is as good as this was!

[@Shrina_Dracis]

I only just now noticed that during the big "goodbye" scene where Maria and Gerald are disappearing; when Maria puts her hand on Shadow's face, he starts quivering, looking like he wants to just cry right then and there. Poor guy....

[@BreetonBoi]

This was a dope analysis dude as always! Glad to hear you finally cover this game, I think they really cooked with Shadow in this and it was a great leveller for his character. No matter what his next appearance is, I'm looking forward to seeing how his character progresses onward from this point. I like to think the success of Shadow Gens may compel Sonic team to work on more Shadow games in the future and show that characters other than Sonic are viable for their own games

[@devinsauls9137]

4:43 Ace Card Gaming to Omega: I love you!

[@AceCardGaming]

For always!!!

[@ansemthetrueseekerofdarkne2730]

They've finally perfected the design of the other humans in this series, I see.

[@shrihana9611]

maria finally looks like an adorable 12 year old

[@SorenAlba54]

To answer your questions relating to this topic, yes. From the very beginning of playing it, I was amazed of how much heart and soul was put into this addition for the remastered edition of Sonic Generations. Every single one of these actors gave it their all into this project and it came out flawlessly. I too imagined the scenario where Shadow had to choose between saving one life and that of an entire world. When Maria told him the meaning behind his name, it broke me on the inside because the way she explained, I honestly never thought it like that. When Maria and Gerald were about to fade out from existence, I couldn’t help but to feel just total sadness for him because he knew what it meant and now that he had a second chance with them, I don’t blame him for trying to stop it. However, way before this, I thought real hard about the incident that occurred. If not for that, Shadow wouldn’t be where he is now and all the good that he did, it would’ve never happened. I recall how in a Twitter Takeover, he explained how he wouldn’t change a single thing from his life since it made him who he is and how the past defines each and every one of us. From there, I have complete closure and I hope Shadow has that, as well. This year is coming to an end but it will go out with a bang or rather, a blast 💥. Get it?

[@pugman9672]

I have been loving the attention to detail and use of lore in the recent sonic stories. It also seems like we are getting set up for possible story in the future at least I hope it’s actual set up or foreshadowing that Sega follows up on. I wanna see if shadow go to chaos island, I wanna see shadow possibly cross paths with Maria sister that’s could be a Juicy story right there. I also wanna see what tails, Amy and knuckles do after frontiers since it seemed like they where gonna go their separate ways for a little while

[@Andythesonicfan]

I’m surprised I haven’t seen more people mention shadow’s character being fixed in this game

[@Hilversumborn]

I personally hope Shadow, Rouge and Omega get a Team Dark game with Maria’s little sister being introduced and playing a role.

[@sharax777]

Awesome video and analysis of an awesome game!

[@PTp1ranha]

It's so cool how they made a short and quick "best of" Sonic game to go along with this beautiful, moving Shadow game. 😏

[@hyperslash2144]

Seeing shadow cry broke me 😢💔

[@monkeyboi-m6x]

this gives me such nostalgia i remember just getting the game booting it up and playing i remember installing as much mods as possible i have a total of 250 hours on this game and seeing sonic team give it a second addition well its more of a side story while the main was happening i wish we could have this where in the game you could see a small hint like a character calling another character and in the 2nd where we focus on the side story like this you see a cutscene where that same character was talking to the man protagonist of the side story

[@4wolves239]

just gotta say i love your biggest shadow fan character done like 2006 sonic man lmao that is hilarious and im like ok instant follow just cuz of that

[@Mojo1356]

You have to keep in mind that the eclipse canon exploding was retconned in Shadow 05. The fake emerald’s fate was left a mystery ever since.

[@leandrothehedgehog]

I totally enjoyed the story, his interactions between him and his family and friends was so good, not lying, this game made me cry more than once, it hits hard in many ways, and overall I'm so happy that the true ultimate life form is finally back!!!!!

[@BlackFlash09]

I hope Shadow meets Maria's younger sister in the near future. I understand why you're upset about Rouge in Shadow Generations, but she will *ALWAYS* be Shadow's big sister. Shadow reciting Maria's wish to give everyone a chance to be happy and giving her a genuine smile. My heart... Now that I think about it, losing Maria again may very well be the reason why Shadow started pushing people away again during the Colors era.

[@math3us420]

more like shadow frontears

[@AceCardGaming]

That was terrible and I LOVE it!

[@StarSquadEnt]

Just got the game today! Can’t wait to come back to this video

[@AceCardGaming]

Make sure to come back and share your thoughts!

[@willbrgamer5137]

6:10 Funny you say that, because in that picture of the G.U.N. soldiers, none of them are wielding a gun. They might be more clear about Maria's fate, but they still shy away from showing the weapons used.

[@AceCardGaming]

I believe you hear the gunshot though? Similar to how it was in SA2.

[@willbrgamer5137]

@AceCardGaming Oh, well, fair enough. Though it's still funny that they show all the war cannons from shadow 2005 during the cutscene but draw the line at a simple pistol lol

[@somehelluvafanboy8357]

They should have "painted" him in a draw position, as in, while he's still pulling up the weapon

[@SirSonic900]

I was so happy to see the Shadow The Hedgehog that I knew from Sonic Adventure 2 come back. And I feel that Kirk Thornton did an amazing job voicing Shadow in this game. I also look forward to future games where hopefully we do see Shadow's Personality come through like it did in this game and in Sonic Adventure 2 and Sonic 06. I feel Shadow should live for himself and be happy, but at the same time, I feel he should also keep one eye on the past. And always remember the people he loved and the wish Maria had in her heart. Hopefully, Sega keeps going in this direction with Shadow because true die-hard Fans of Shadow the Hedgehog, have been wanting this for years.

[@SkyeCommons]

the shadow i grew up with is back

[@KingofAwesomness14]

it is so great to see shadow actually be SHADOW AGAIN! not this edgy no emotion having loon. Now he's himself, a person who went through literal space hell and feels like a person. It's great! SA2 Shadow is back!

[@v-nus7718]

In reference to the fake emerald, I think its fair to assume at this point that someone retrieved it in between the end of SA2 and end of Shadow 05 given Shadow used the Eclipse cannon to destroy the Black Comet. Alternatively, maybe the fake emerald was brought forward in time by the Time Eater? One of its earlier effects? Idk.

[@AceCardGaming]

The Time Eater is what I suspect the official reason will be. Bit odd that it wasn’t addressed though. As for the cannon in STH, I figured they just repaired it after it was damaged by the fake emerald explosion in SA2.

[@takeshikujo2909]

I can safely say that I love the Shadow portion of Sonic x Shadow Generations. Not just story wise but also gameplay wise. It’s just so smooth while for some reason the Sonic portion feels… kind of stiff. I don’t know if that’s a remastering issue since I never played the original, but even if I did someday, I still think that Shadow Generations knocks so much of what it did out of the park and I will play it over and over and over again. Also, I can’t wait for that Movie DLC! 🤩

[@AceCardGaming]

Yeah playing Shadow’s story with his gameplay makes going back to Sonic Generations… difficult. So much of the control, fluidity and quality of life stuff is gone and it’s very jarring to play after Frontiers and Shadow’s campaign.

[@SantosOverlord]

now i have to buy this game, dam

[@sunflow57]

They finally did him justice.

[@bowserbreaker2515]

I think Shadow was handled really well here. But nothing can beat Archie Shadow for me. His story there really touched me. His goodbye with Maria in this game is definitely inspired by a scene from Archie which Flynn also wrote. That same comic also had Gerald call Shadow "son". Shadow also smiles in Archie. This game is basically just Archie Shadow, but without the deeper parts of it.

[@RazyPINK]

Our sweet boy has returned at last.

[@DeviIGundam]

Goodbye forever, Shadow the Hedgehog.

[@leonkfox3606]

I’m one of the people that until very recently felt Shadow should have been a one off. I still don’t care for his meandering story arc in the games after SA2 and his own game was awful. Shadow Generations was the first post SA2 story where I loved Shadow and his story. And I’m optimistic for his future for the first time in…well, basically forever.

[@Arthur2light]

Also Big was there, for some reason. And he meet Elese too.

[@SaddieMoon]

3:40 It’s theorized because of the inconsistencies in SA2’s Hero and Dark endings that only the Dark one is cannon. But if not, I guess it never got destroyed in the first place.

[@Havik61]

You can back up that theory with the fact that the Eclipse Canon itself was used in 05, despite Sonic destroying it in his SA2 ending.

[@AceCardGaming]

I’m not sure the cannon was destroyed by the blast, just damaged enough to be disabled. As I said, both Hero and Dark stories start Sonic and Shadow’s race with a countdown to the canon firing. So if Shadow stopped Sonic, it would have fired again. Which we know it didn’t. My thinking is that the cannon was repaired in STH. That’s just my perspective on it.

[@justiceiria869]

​@@AceCardGamingI think of the hero and dark stories to be the ideal outcomes for the respective characters. One that shows sonic stopping egg man from using the eclipse cannon and the other showing shadow achieving his revenge. Whereas the last story shows you what actually happened, the truth basically. That allows all stories to not conflict with each other while also still having relevance. Its basically what they did with shadow 05, it just a bit more obvious in that game compared to SA2.

[@justiceiria869]

​@@AceCardGamingI think of the hero and dark stories to be the ideal outcomes for the respective characters. One that shows sonic stopping egg man from using the eclipse cannon and the other showing shadow achieving his revenge. Whereas the last story shows you what actually happened, the truth basically. That allows all stories to not conflict with each other while also still having relevance. Its basically what they did with shadow 05, it just a bit more obvious in that game compared to SA2.

[@HouseHawk62]

If the REAL emeralds didn’t get destroyed when Sonic put the fake emerald in the control panel considering Sonic and Shadow used them to go Super later, then I think it’s fairly safe to assume the fake emerald stayed in tact as well. Yes we see the cannon get damaged at the end of the Hero story but as we see in the Dark ending when Eggman puts the real emerald in, the control panel itself is fine. So I think we can safely assume Eggman just swapped the fake for the real one and the fake was never officially destroyed. Now as far as why Tails left it on the arc who knows but they had to explain some way Shadow could use Chaos Control here for gameplay while we know parallel Sonic in base Gens has the yellow emerald. Reusing the fake was the only way and think this is a good way they did it, especially since it was never ever confirmed the fake was destroyed.

[@mysouptoocold1656]

We must give thanks to the talented comic writers who have been with the franchise for years and helped fix the series despite the strict mandates

[@purpleboye_]

All of Shadow's dialogue surrounding the Biolizard fight was completely different in the japanese version. He has no sympathy for it and just wants to kill it.

[@AceCardGaming]

If we could once get a game where this doesn’t happen, that would be nice! 😅

[@somehelluvafanboy8357]

The comment above yours (in my case at least) literally just mentioned that lmao The irony

[@purpleboye_]

@@AceCardGaming the sonic generations cutscenes also remain completely untouched from the originals in the japanese version of sxshg

[@mayracordero382]

I love your video acecardgaming and shadow's design has never look incredible in sonic x shadow generations!

[@AceCardGaming]

Thanks Mayra!

[@jasondavis2381]

Black Doom may have helped create Shadow with his blood, but he's not his family. Gerald is, because he was like a real father to him, heart and soul; family doesn't necessarily have to be blood related, it's about having people in your life who give you emotional support and unconditional love.

[@infizer0]

This is a great vid! Though I can't help but laugh every time I see people shocked over Gerald having two sons. Do people not know how cousins work?? We always knew that Eggman had to have an uncle - how else would Maria exist?

[@AceCardGaming]

I guess I always thought that Maria’s mother might have been Gerald’s daughter. No idea why though lol

[@jadestewart6014]

I really enjoyed this video.

[@AceCardGaming]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jadestewart6014]

@AceCardGaming I enjoy all your videos.

[@OverlordGab]

I'd like to have 06 Shadow if possible ☺️

[@SaddieMoon]

2:58 I believe it was just a mistake.

[@Me22231]

Metal Eggman: It's Not Just Inside Of Elise Princess Elise is Iblis The Flames Of Disaster And My Future Queen

[@SUCHMISH]

Can I say something about the Fake Chaos Emerald? There was something everyone forgot about it and that is Sonic used the fake to escape the exploding escape pod in SA2, and Tails said that it was made to mirror the wavelengths and signatures that the Yellow emerald had. So in theory switching the two emeralds doesn't make any sense, because Shadow could of been using the fake emerald just fine with Chaos Control, while Sonic carried around the real emerald to go fight the Time Eater by going Super Sonic. Of course it was never shown that Rouge made the switch, so if Sonic had the fake emerald and went super sonic with that, then Shadow's plan to switch the emeralds was pointless in the first place. It's a bit confusing and paradoxical, but it was something I couldn't stop thinking about for the Sonic VS Shadow cutscene... Edit: And yes, I hope they make Shadow like Sonic 06 Shadow, He really did draw the longest straw for that game...

[@AceCardGaming]

Im fairly sure Shadow can’t use Chaos Control with the fake, that’s why he was so surprised in SA2 that Sonic could. As for Rouge switching the emeralds, the implication is that it happens off screen.

[@SUCHMISH]

@@AceCardGaming Don't forget, Shadows Power is equal to what Sonic can do, and I'm sure sonic can do what Shadow can do too... Even Omega says it himself in this game that while Shadow was created to be the ultimate lifeform, Sonic's abilities are natural compared to his and yet share the same traits (not character but physical traits). So can we really say that the fake is truly useless to Shadow or Sonic? My answer is no. Just because Shadow sees it as fake doesn't mean that it is useless. And since Shadow and Sonic share the same abilities they both could use chaos control with that fake emerald. He even says that he could barely tell the two apart, considering that it was meant to match the wavelengths and signatures of the original. Only difference is that it's supposed to overload the Eclipse cannon, but it's still implied that it could be used as a regular Chaos Emerald for anything else.

[@Howardpower679]

One thing i say Ian flynn screw up the dialog against biolizard fight In the jp dialogue shadow calls him a ugly monster just like in sa2 and that it has no chance of winning nor surviving

[@Howardpower679]

Shadow should not have shown him sympathy Shadow does not care about biolizard and just wants him dead

[@somehelluvafanboy8357]

I wouldn't say screwed up, more like "tried to make Shadow less of a heartless prick" If anything, The Biolizard is him but fucked up physically instead of mentally, having to rely on life support at all times and not having the capacity to think for itself and growing. Yes, it is a giant ugly monster, but it was made like that. Shadow should feel at least a little bit of sympathy towards it, even if just barely

[@Howardpower679]

@somehelluvafanboy8357 the thing is... He doesn't

[@thevioletskull8158]

Hold on Eggman destroyed G.U.N in forces,so what happened there?

[@johnherb-h8k]

Generations takes place before Forces, doesn't it?

[@JayPuma186]

every new sonic game i put on my clown makeup and hope that Silver is playable or Infinite comes back. it's just like when i was in middle school and i had no idea Shade the Echidna had been banished to the ether for being a female echidna (i had no concept of the comics until much later)

[@RamyGd]

I really enjoyed Shadow Generations but I think that character wise, he peaked in 06.

[@Reptile011]

Can't watch the full video yet, I have reached Rail Canyon Challenges!

[@razorvolare]

Still hoping for a "Last Story" Update for SxSG by beating both stories. Saving Maria and Gerald in a Chrono Trigger manner.

[@michaeleverett1376]

No, we should get a silver dlc campaign instead.

[@1999bazz]

Iizuka wasn't making a mistake about the biolizard. The English version has Shadow sound less cold than what his Japanese version has always been. In JP, Shadow has always referred to the biolizard as an ugly, failed experiment that needs to go.

[@hollowmanner36]

Didn't shadow need a functional eclipse canon to destroy the black comet??

[@AceCardGaming]

Could have been repaired in his own game. It didn’t explode entirely in SA2, just damaged in the explosion. You can still see it afterward.

[@RosheenQuynh]

I'm still of the mind and opinion that Shadow should've stayed dead... But I'll give Shadow Generations this: It brought closure for Shadow, even if it was just as bitter as the first time. Also, dammit PMS, I actually cried watching this but I was fine when watching the cutscenes before? Okay. Biology is whack, man.

[@EmmanuelLeal-oz2yc]

also whats your thougths on the other sonicx eps

[@SaddieMoon]

13:07 Shadow is snorting some real copium right here. There’s no way he wouldn’t have realized Sonic was the true Ultimate Lifeform again after gaining amnesia. No matter if it’s through him gaining his memories back after Shadow 05 or he figured it out by watching or hearing about Sonic. Bro literally stands there and lets Sonic handle the Time Eater.