Why Modern Shadow's Character Fell Off

[@SonicHubYT]

What are your thoughts on the current characterization of Shadow The Hedgehog?

[@mrfarman0]

If he ain’t the goat in sonic movie 3, I give up

[@sharonmukada]

I think his charactization shined in 06 and prime not to edgy like in boom his desing I'd cool his personality is peak bit I wish sega made shadow a better promenade character we love

[@pranjalrath]

It makes me cry

[@mickeymouse-fc7mwe]

He’s always been edgy but now their making him look emo af

[@brickzoneanimations8395]

Decent, the resent tails tube and forces is Kirk’s best work but everything else is horrible.

[@AdamSelvig]

12:23 don’t forget shadow was actually grieving when Sonic was dead he actually cared about Sonic

[@Kookie_13_]

I genuinely hate the way shadow acts now especially the new tailstube. It’s genuinely abismal. Shadow and Sonic DONT HATE EACH OTHER

[@thevibinshark9539]

No seriously sega just threw all that he and knuckles were away to make the characters more “appealing” and easier to understand for the younger audience. Hence why the once interesting and deep Knuckles and Shadow, are now comically dumb and edgy for simplicity sake

[@Du-yw1pz]

Right because in his literal debut they had a rivalry with each other but didn't outright HATE each other they just saw that since they had common abilities in speed they were a match to go toe and toe but later on in the game Shadow actually grows respect for Sonic and sees both of them as on par with each other and as equals. But BOY did that get overlooked and thrown out the window.

[@aarushbhadwaj-gs7kd]

And I just recently heard from Ian flynn(In his bumble King podcast) that this is the direction they are going for Shadow. And I personally believe, Shadow's character was mid in the Tails tube episode. I mean he and Sonic did have some respect for each other (especially after Sonic managed to escape death by using that fake Chaos Emerald, that's when Shadow started respecting him) But I seriously don't like the fact that Shadow wants to be superior then Sonic. Edit: All that rivalry had ended after SA 2. In Sonic Heroes and even in Sonic 06(Even though the timeline is erased) they worked together and only had friendly banter once in a while. And that's common between buddies. (Even though Shadow wont openly call Sonic his buddy)

[@Tartarboi]

Agreed, they only disagree with each other's way of interacting with a scenario or a situation, I like Prime Shadow more than kirk's shadow

[@Du-yw1pz]

@@Tartarboi Matter of afact i think the Prime cast in general should take over as the video game cast tbh.

[@JakeNazzaro]

In Sonic The Hedgehog 3 Shadow has to be portrayed like he was in Sonic Adventure 2, Shadow 2005, and Sonic 2006 in order for the movie to be successful.

[@josephfrye7342]

Even though sonic 06 reboot sucks so does Shadow 05 reboot

[@Starrmonster02]

What about sonic prime

[@IMMORTAL-zx2us]

Hi JakeNazzaro, I'm a subscriber

[@donttrunn]

@@Starrmonster02 shadow was perfect in prime imo I think everyone agrees

[@DaYapGuy]

​@@Starrmonster02What ABOUT Sonic Prime.

[@AnhTaiPhan]

I see many people here saying that the problem is him being edgy. The real problem isn't the edge but the fact that he has become apathetic. Shadow was highly likable because he was one of the most ''human'' character in SA2; we could relate to how he felt and his decision to become better was inspirational. Removing his soft side is definitely a concerning downgrade. Shadow needs to be both edgy and empathetic to work. Nobody will root for a character with a totally shitty attitude.

[@CSTH1]

I actually agree with a lot of your points here, and this is coming from someone who's a big fan of Shadow. He never had to try to be cool because he already was, and he never had this constant disdain for Sonic or friendship. Unfortunately, after what Ian Flynn said in that clip, I don't have much confidence in his writing for Sonic X Shadow Generations. I hope that he changes for the better, but I don't think it's going to happen. In terms of his current voice actor, I don't have a problem with him. I think Kirk Thornton can do a great Shadow if he is given good writing and not the "Edgey the Hedgey" stuff we've been getting as of late. Sonic Movie 3 appears to be one of Shadow's last chances to rise from the pit of darkness and be himself again. It's just up to SEGA and Sonic Team to do the right thing...

[@HouseHawk62]

I feel like if they gave Kirk a good script and direction he could be a great Shadow but I don’t have much optimism unfortunately

[@benraven9087]

Sonic fans for the past 14 years: "We don't like this Shadow. Shadow's not an edgelord. Make Shadow cool again!" Sega: "Hmm, interesting plan. How about this plan: I do what I want, and you don't tell me what to do."

[@sonicsucks20]

I like what segas doing with the character so I have no complaints.

[@benraven9087]

@@sonicsucks20 well, judging by your username, I think it's safe to say your not the right person to ask.

[@freezasama5802]

Sega: actually we like edgy the hedgy so shut up and we will continue to make him more edgy

[@MayaEspok]

​@@freezasama5802 Then sega wants sonic dead Hope sega sells sonic to another company that will care about him ..

[@freezasama5802]

@@MayaEspok they don't even deserve sonic the way they've treated him over the years it's awful thankfully frontiers was a more true sonic to what we know but the damage pre-frontiers has already been done

[@chillihog1543]

Praying Paramount n Jeff gets Shadow character for not only Movie 3, but for future projects too. And hopefully the reception of Movie Shadow's characterization is so good that Sega decides to get rid off edgy Squidward Shadow n bring back chad SA2-06 Shadow

[@SonicHubYT]

Lmaooo squidward shadow goes hard

[@chillihog1543]

@@SonicHubYT Chaos Clarinet gonna be the most op power up ☠

[@tjlnintendo]

They did a fantastic job with Knuckles in movie 2. I have trust for now.

[@alsonot_pl1yn]

shadow needs to be re written to act more like adventure era

[@Bakesuta]

The Adventure 2, heroes, and Shadow the hedgehog versions of shadow were my favorite 100%

[@tjlnintendo]

@@Bakesuta Even 06 did him justice

[@Bakesuta]

@@tjlnintendo shadow is never lame he's just too much for some people to handle 🥴👍

[@josephfrye7342]

@@Bakesuta although shadow is fucking dead in adventure 2 battle.

[@MegaGeek-gr6ts]

Shadow used to be my favorite character and now becoming my least favorite. The way they write him now pisses me off.

[@jacobfrye3614]

i’m ngl ian sounds very frustrated talking abt shadows current direction i really think he wants something better cause he’s a big fan of 2000’s sonic stories and for sure he would know abt 06 shadow

[@SonicHubYT]

Agreed

[@Caybee1999]

Yeah, anyone who thinks Ian doesn’t understand Shadow clearly has never read Archie. Shadow was very well-portrayed there.

[@HouseHawk62]

@@Caybee1999 yep and I see a lot of people (not all but a lot) saying that Ian "hides" behind the "mandates" and makes excuses and just doesn't get the characters and it's the oddest thing to me to because he, and the rest of the writers, WORK for SEGA not the other way around. Sonic and the gang are OWNED by SEGA. The writers can pitch ideas and scripts and direction all they want but the big wigs at the top have the final say so because they own the IP and rights.

[@Caybee1999]

@@HouseHawk62 Agreed. Ian plays an important role in Sonic stories, but he isn’t the end all be all for everything that happens in the franchise. Though I kinda sometimes wish he had that power. I trust him more than the Sega executives when it comes to characterization.

[@sonicfan2403]

I would be frustrated as well because the way SEGA has been giving him so many mandates, it limits what he can do as a writer.

[@SonicXShadowSpeedyAndFriendsVR]

I feel like his characterization was only good in prime, hopefully his characterization gets done right in movie 3 and Sonic X Shadow Generations

[@Roobieee]

I think shadow is still cool if he is written good

[@GDMcGurk]

he's cool either way but his best characterisation was still Sonic 06 which was nearly 20 years ago

[@KeltkeGH]

I miss the Heroes, Battle and 06 Shadow.

[@Ayvee_]

I like shadows character in the early days, and seeing his character in 2010s, i didn't like how hes acting edgy. I hope that the new game, really fix his character.

[@LeoPerez-kq6qb]

I miss the old shadow he was good in SA2,Heroes,and 06.But he coming too edgy and Kirk did his best performance as shadow in Forces But now people are worried about Sonic X Shadow generations if Shadow is gonna act edgy and Sega please bring back Normal Shadow.

[@KOTSOSMC2002]

A few more things. In Generations he's not half bad, amidst the destruction he antagonizes Sonic for the Rival Battle (this is very reminiscent of the Rivals games cause they're mostly fighting so a cool level can happen, not for the narrative) which could be excused by saying Shadow was just suspicious of Sonic not being good enough or even the real/current Sonic at that point, maybe he thought with the Emeralds he could do a better job. After being bested he sticks around and even roots for Sonic at the battle with the Time Eater, he wasn't half bad. Then there are the Takeovers. His love for coffee, him expressing he likes buying stuff from local stores and not chains to support independent businesses, him complimenting Tails, singing along with Amy (and the rest at some point), saying he wants to open an animal center to help stray cats (note that it was a question about a wish if they could have one and he was the ONLY one that gave a non-selfish one). When he heard Vanilla is making dinner for all he got excited and asked if he can join. Shadow calling Sonic trying to reach out and save him from falling to Earth after the Biohazard battle his most cherished memory, in the process thanking Sonic pretty much eternally for his determination in trying and comments he'll never forget that. THAT is the Shadow I want, when the situation is dire he is calm, collected and a complete badass, but he is up for teamwork. When all's well and good he's chill and happy, maybe a bit goofy, he's just... A friend.

[@Kookie_13_]

11:54 also shadow has put the past behind him now. Ever since shadow the hedgehog he hasn’t been doing it for Maria. Hes been doing it for himself

[@Kitty255Again]

Thought it was him putting the past behind him but keeping Maria in his heart?

[@Kookie_13_]

@@Kitty255Again he knows of Maria and still thinks about her but he’s no longer just ima do whatever my could be fake memory says Maria wanted. Ima do what I want. so if his memory of Maria ever changes again then he wouldn’t go, oops, I decided to do this now, he would do what he wants because he is his own person now

[@bridgetthonnold1289]

@@Kookie_13_ I have a question for fans sonic is not mean and rude to his friends and others around him at all right? He is a nice and kind guy right?

[@Kookie_13_]

@@bridgetthonnold1289 sonic is a nice guy. He’s not a hero who saves the world. He’s someone who does what he thinks is right. And thankfully his morals align with that of a hero so he saves the world every time because he wants to do .not because he is needed to. So if it means working with Eggman to save the world he does. But Eggman is the villain so most of the time sonic is fighting Eggman and making quips and battle banter with Eggman. but yeahs he’s a nice guy.

[@bridgetthonnold1289]

@@Kookie_13_ok cool. Sonic and shadow don’t have feelings for each other in sonic prime at all right? Some fans said they do but they don’t. They are friendly rivals.

[@christianbishop7463]

I'm going to start keeping my hopes low for Shadow"s characterization in Shadow Generations, so that I can (hopefully) be pleasantly surprised

[@agentomecha634]

The idea that Shadow “has no love for the world or its people” does not sit right with me. That may have very well been the case in SA2, but he was brainwashed into thinking that way. In the very same game, he goes back to save Rouge. Shadow even risks his life to stop the Space Colony ARK from colliding with the Earth once Amy convinces him to help and he remembers his promise to Maria. And in 06, he willingly works for the same government body who took everything away from him in order to help protect the world. He even steps in to save Sonic from Silver and shows sadness at the sight of Omega deactivated in the future. And when Rouge says she will stay by his side even if the rest of the world turns on him, you can tell that he appreciates it. Even if he doesn’t always show it, Shadow does truly care for others and is willing to aid and protect them at all costs. That’s why Shadow is my favorite Sonic character. That is also why I do not like the direction SEGA has took his character the past decade. I don’t blame the writers for how he’s portrayed now. I blame the higher ups at SEGA for imposing limitations on his character and not allowing the writers to deviate away from them. And I actually don’t hate how Kirk Thorton voices Shadow. I feel like if he was given good material to work with, he would be a great Shadow. I just hope with Shadow Generations, we can see some change with Shadow’s character for the better. And I hope the 3rd movie does his character justice and reminds SEGA why people like Shadow.

[@SonicHubYT]

Agreed man we need the best for shadow going forward and hopefully SxSG can deliver

[@supersonic20116]

We will have to give Keanu shadow [movie shadow]a chance.

[@SonicHubYT]

I’m pretty confident in movie shadow

[@brickzoneanimations8395]

SA2, Heroes, 06 and Prime is the best interpretation of shadow ever lets hope Ian Flynn makes Shadow Right in Sonic X Shadow Generations the resent tailstube and forces is definitely Kirk’s Thornton best work as shadow but lets hope this doesn’t flop.

[@hanselowusu3526]

It's funny how people compare modern day shadow to Vegeta when Vegeta still has times when he shows that he cares for his family and even his rival Goku. Shadow just feels much edgier than Vegeta and he acts like he hates everything, and I kind of blame Shadow 05 for its multiple pathways and varying portrayals of shadow in the game.

[@terrencehill502]

At least Vegeta shows respect for Goku even though they rivals

[@Daheg-nr7ol]

They must be talking about cell saga vegeta or something but even then not completely accurate

[@sb14andmore50]

You're just blaming Shadow 05 for "ruining" Shadow because of the multiple pathways you can take to get to the true story, but, here's the thing, Shadow was made to answer the fans' question of whether or not Shadow was an android or not, cuz Heroes never acknowledged that, it was just rouge being all like "Shadow *COULD* be a robot *OR* he could be the real deal" if you wanna blame anything for ruining Shadow's character, it's boom, cuz he had no need to be there in the first place

[@thymecrafter]

@@sb14andmore50the 2010 writers “read some wikis and watched some cutscenes” i’m betting that they looked to the game with HIS name on it for info

[@knowingjordankid]

My thoughts on the current characterization of Shadow the hedgehog is not really good. The worst Shadow characterization in the meta era was Shadow in Sonic boom. I think the time when Shadows character started to act edgy is when the Rivals games came out. The three main games that were Shadows best characterization were SA2,Heroes, and 06 and that’s the direction that I want SEGA to handle Shadow in the future. I definitely think that Shadow in the TailsTube is a little too edgy. I hope that Shadow can change to what he was in the 2000s before the Rival games ruin Shadow a little bit then the Meta era just ruin him fully. Great video Chris!

[@kairoprovidence9739]

The thing is that the director of the sonic movies directed shadow the hedgehog so they can’t mess him up in Sonic movie 3

[@thymecrafter]

the game that RUINED him?

[@math3us420]

i really want the movie 3 to come out and nail shadow's character and show sega how it's done but I got a feeling that the movie isn't going to stand out from the current direction

[@donttrunn]

Shadow could really develop his own story with team dark just like in sonic heroes and 06, also him working with sonic in prime was perfect wish we got more of that

[@BerryTheFox]

I Hope Shadow The Hedgehog Character Needs To Be Justice In Sonic Movie 3!

[@Ssbuking]

For me it’s not really that Shadow is lame, his character has downgraded. Kind of like how Sonic’s character once did and still kinda has downgraded. Sonic and Shadow for me have the same problem with their characterization. 2010s were the worse for The Sonic franchise. And made Sonic from being snarky, cocky and confident from what he used to be, to now. Tho while being still cocky, he’s just goof! (You’ve seen him in Sonic Prime! He was messy!) Everything is a joke to him! Even him being voiced by Roger doesn’t work anymore for who really Sonic is! He sounds like 13-14 year old nerd and doesn’t fit for Sonics attitude! And the same is said for Shadow! Where he was meant to be kind of the opposite of Sonic, not being as optimistic, a bit dark and edgy. But now he’s even more edgy, and acts like he hates Sonic most of the time! And it’s also due to his voice! Kirk makes him sound more aggressive, angrier, and edgier! Compared to his character in Sonic 2000s games and his character in Sonic Prime! So SEGA NEEDS TO FIX SONIC AND SHADOWS CHARACTERIZATIONS!

[@rando6677]

Sega mandates don’t effect the movies. So no one should be worried until we see a trailer about shadow

[@RatchetClankFan112]

He’s doing a lot better with prime and comics he’s was in and improving when he’s was fighting shadow androids and I’m glad we’re out of the meta era

[@Hedgie3]

In December 2022 I finally got through all the three stories in Sonic Adventure 2, then Shadow became my second favorite character in this franchise beside Sonic, and I absolutely HATE what they've been making him act like ever since 06 became a glitchy failure game and those new writers got hired! I suspect that this was caused by them looking at his edgy spin-off game to know what to have Shadow behave like from then on. I so strongly hope that Paramount will have the not so edgy version of him who doesn't swear, doesn't use guns, and does care about other people but was memory-swapped by Gerald Robotnik when that scentist went insane because Maria got shot dead, be in Sonic 3 the movie! If that does happen then hopefully the reactions from the majority of fans who will watch that movie and do want the better version of him to return could show the people at Sega that they made a huge mistake by not letting Shadow continue to have the personality that made so many people become big fans of him in the early 2000s. Please may his story in Sonic X Shadow Generations be a sign that they've already realized that mistake and are trying to bring the better version of him from SA2, Heroes, and 06 back for the future Sonic games that he will be included into!

[@benraven9087]

Tailstube No. 7 was the first Tailstube episode I didn't finish. I didn't even make it to the halfway point. Both the writing and Kirk's direction were that bad.

[@LannyLeArtist]

I highly dislike that shadow isnt friends with team dark anymore

[@LannyLeArtist]

@@Eberheim22231-p?

[@SonicTheBlueBlur1991]

​@@Eberheim22231-p What...?

[@mitchellhancock7920]

Wait, what?

[@StellarWheat5]

It's a bot report it for spam its the best we can do

[@RaiginAnimator]

I’m pretty sure they are friends in everything but name Sega won’t allow them to say it or acknowledge it But they’re typically together and crack Jokes with eachother I want them to be friends to but yea

[@risha5642]

I actually had hope for Shadow's writing getting better but now it's gone. A lot less excited for Sonic x Shadow Generations and the Sonic 3 movie now 😭

[@lemon5000-tj6nv]

i genuinely find it baffling why theyre going to keep going with that 2010s direction with shadow even tho ppl dont like it, they fixed tails and knuckles with frontiers after everyone complained about their characters during the 2010s so why cant they do the same with shadow? if they dont want to go back to his 2000s direction then why not go for something like his portrayal in prime, ppl actually liked that

[@SonicHubYT]

I really liked him in Prime, so we'll see what they go for in the new game.

[@BlueBlur2003]

​@@SonicHubYTI'm not too optimistic considering what Ian Flynn said in the BumbleKast podcast. Bro said Shadow will be more written like the TailsTube in the new game, he even sounded disappointed to say it.

[@chillihog1543]

While I love Jason Shadow n thought Shadow's character peak in 06, still I'll give Kirk this. I thought he done an excellent job in Forces n Forces actually kinda got his characterization right. For 1, Sonic Team actually let Kirk just use his regular voice without sounding edgy for Shadow. And 2, while Shadow n Sonic didn't interact much, at least he didn't out right try to hate on him. 3, bruh this is the year of Shadow n yet we still haven't seen Shadow with Rouge n Omega. Prime has done on good job of justifying Shadow's anger towards Sonic but the whole Shadow being alone n not acknowledgement being part of Sonic's group (Especially no knowledgement towards Rouge) is kinda wack. At least Forces n comics, Shadow actually gave a damm about Rouge n Omega being in trouble. Shadow might not show emotion, but it doesn't mean he out right hates it or find it weak. Shadow is willing to be kind to others if he finds them sweet or thoughtful. Hell even Murder of Sonic got Shadow right, how come we're going back to edgy the hedgy Sega🤦‍♂️. And lastly for Forces, ayo gotta appreciate the fact that the game let Shadow do a smile at the end. Ik the new posters have Shadow do the smirk but still I doubt will see Shadow stop being a doom n gloom edgelord for Shadow Generations so I gotta give some props for Forces

[@LakahelClinch]

Yeah but also shadow is still a cool Sonic character sorry my opinion

[@antdawgjr]

We’re not saying he isn’t cool, it’s that he’s out of character.

[@AdamSelvig]

Bring 06 shadow back

[@juiceDpunk983]

Anything past unleashed isn't canon. Sega haven't got a clue. The 2010s bear killed the characters lmao. At least the Japanese voices are consistent

[@alexvaillustrations8689]

I'm really hoping they get shadow correct in up coming games and the movie cuz im so sick of how they are depicting shadow. hes not an edge lord hes a hero who cares about his friends (team dark) and others to

[@GDMcGurk]

i seen a comment which describes current Shadow perfectly, "an edgy loser who hates every he comes into contact with" and it's seeming accurate, Shadow in Sonic 06 was the best Shadow ever in my opinion, i wish we could have that Shadow back, he'll be my favourite character either way but dear lord i'd love Shadow's glory days to come back

[@matthewtartt9422]

I don’t think Sonic fans have the right to use the term “loser”. 😂

[@GDMcGurk]

@@matthewtartt9422 not wrong but also most Sonic fans aren't wrong if they describe Shadow like that, he's been such a fucking mid character in recent games

[@matthewtartt9422]

@@GDMcGurk Let’s be honest and take our nostalgia glasses off. Sonic and his cast of friends have never been cool. They all have been mid.

[@GDMcGurk]

@@matthewtartt9422 in your opinion, i love Sonic's friends, whether it be Amy, Rouge, Omega, Silver, Blaze, Cream, anybody, my only problem is that the last few times they've portrayed Shadow, he's been an edgy loner who doesn't care about having friends when his backstory suggests he's way more than that

[@matthewtartt9422]

@@GDMcGurk Ohh. So being a loner is edgy now? Hmm. Didn’t know being friends with people was an obligation.

[@ManicsVideos]

Sonic prime shadow is peak shadow. He actually feels like a complete character

[@corkyship6295]

I prefer shadow and sonic relationship from sonic prime

[@alicesacco9329]

Sonic prime is a happy island where Shadow is likeable again. Unfortunately I'm hopeless for Shadow. Sega seems to prefer the flanderized edgelord which brain has been eaten by zombies long before the I DW comics.

[@sonicmoore6196]

Gosh I hope they get his character right in the movie! Bring back the Shadow we old Sonic fans grew up on around the SA2 era

[@andriemillares6722]

Even though Ian Flynn was the new writer, SEGA is still stick to Shadow being... this🤦. Let's hope for the better that Shadow's character is written perfectly in Sonic X Shadow Generations.

[@VXMasterson]

I know this is just me coping, but I like to pretend Sonic and Shadow being at odds is like a brotherly rivalry.

[@HouseHawk62]

I just don’t understand how or why the higher ups at SEGA think this is appealing to younger audiences, which is clearly who they’re targeting with this type of direction. Like do they not see “against the protagonist just for the sake of it” “overly edgy and unfriendly” characters get flamed by many audiences including kids across different media and representations because it’s just bad writing and rarely ever brings anything to a story or narrative? Like literally nobody, with any sense, is asking for Sonic and Shadow to be best friends but them being against each other just because it’s just such bad writing. For both of them honestly.

[@JH-no8sy]

I hate the throat cancer voice for him, but he will always be my heart. Been with the franchise since it started and he’s my favorite.

[@goni2493]

And now we get him back in autum this year.

[@glitxhysepi]

12:43 genuinely one of the very few BEST lines by shadow, this is why i love sonic 06.

[@shadic1988]

Someone winds up going "Well the Japanese versions of the games are consistent with him" but the problem is nobody should be having go to the foreign side of things to see that. What have been given on the American version is insulting because Sega themselves seem to have forgotten what made Shadow the second most popular.

[@alicesacco9329]

The Japanese version lacks consistence just like the translated version. I watched Japanese versions OF Sonic. The dialogue are more incisive but is far from perfection.

[@KOTSOSMC2002]

Japanese versions are just as bad on most accounts in general, not just Shadow, people keep bringing them up like they're completely different experiences but they truly aren't. Colors is cringe in Japanese as well, Gens is one-note and bland in Japanese as well, Forces' script is undercooked and lacks depth in Japanese as well, they're generally the same. Only thing that sticks out for Japanese Sonic is that Japanese Team Sonic Racing references 06, always a win in my books🤙

[@AdamSelvig]

And I yet to continue to make this point and I shall continue to stand by it shadow is a hero not 2010s or modern shadow he ain’t no hero 06 shadow is a hero

[@op_magee]

Popping off at the Ad Dubs recognition from Sonic Hub, worthy!

[@SonicHubYT]

They are so goated

[@op_magee]

@@SonicHubYT Would you ever wanna make a video on them? Maybe talk about IDW in general: like how it's doing so much with its stories & characters, then bring up Ad Dubs and how they're contributing to its growth?

[@KoolzyKidz03]

Hey! Shadow The Hedgehog is not lame! He's the best that I know it!

[@colekleijnen2060]

I always considered Humphrey and Griffith to be the real Shadow. A story of a traumatized being with conflicting emotions trying to find meaning and purpose in the world. He meets his group of friends and finds purpose in fighting for them. A very nice 'growing up' story. Meanwhile current Shadow (I cant even remember the VA's name) is like a 50 year old man who thinks hes still homecoming king. He either is flat and doesn't care about anything or hes unbearably egotistical. Edgy for the sake of being edgy is not a good character trait for repeated appearances. Especially when they are few and far between and generally relegated to DLC.

[@Leafpotato1]

Already? It’s not even may and there’s this much drama

[@xtentasticx]

"That is very much his current direction" You mean, straight into the ground? They already sent him there in SA2...

[@aeon87]

I....never thought about this. Shadow is my favorite character. I'm starting to worry. I don't want this sanitation of a great character. I'm missing the early 2000s now, where experimentation gave us the best versions of Shadow and the others. I'm scared.

[@cmineawesome1007]

Maybe the current direction is trying to portray him as having a tougher outside softer inside if that makes sense but that’s just a theory.

[@ShadowTheHedgehogCZ]

Also remember that the scene in 06 where Rouge said she will always be on Shadow's side... that was the same game where Amy said that she will be on Sonic's side even if he's gonna become the bane of the world. I am pretty sure they wanted to go for the same theme here, meaning that Rouge's loyalty would be just as unbreakable, even if Shadow were to become a villain. As for those characters, their relationship was more important than anything else. And now, they are not friends? Give me a break.

[@TheLedezmas]

I’m a little disappointed about the current direction of Shadow. I don’t think it’s lame or anything, but I just kind of wish it was as strong as SA2 Shadow or maybe even Heroes. 06 would also do well. I’m not mad, but I am a little upset about it, and I’m sure we’ll see changes to him in the years to come. For now, I’m okay with the current one, but hope for an improvement.

[@RaiginAnimator]

One thing I hate is that Ian Flynn always gets the blame for stuff like this Like he’ll make a joke about Shadows direction and his Hatedom will then Immediately try to take blame off Sega and Say he is a parasite ruining Sega with his bare hands. Bro stfu

[@TheCrimsonFucker_]

I mean, he isn't flawless. He originally planned for Shadow to take off his inhibitor rings against the zombots and he would have still been overrun and turned. That would have pissed off fans even more than what originally happened. He might be a very experienced writer, and be quite adept when it comes to Sonic and his cast; but like I said, he isn't perfect. Which is fine, but that doesn't mean some fault doesn't also fall onto him when he writes questionable things like what I presented.

[@SSJKDotsSanctum]

I wish they continued off of where Shadow left off in Sonic 06. Shadow progression from potential weapon of chaos, black doom arc, and then becoming a Agent of GUN.

[@the-flip-of-flips]

honestly i think shadow in sonic adventure 2, sonic heroes, and sonic prime are good examples of shadow

[@johnpett1955]

Something I think the writers should do is make the current written version of Shadow actually a Shadow android and that the real Shadow is a different character entirely.

[@binda79]

Maybe in the movie he’s gonna be fixed like knuckles.

[@sea461]

W video! I love your video essays, you are like a journalist! Every point you have is conveyed very well, and you do a great job at this stuff! And I agree with everything you said. I’m fine with however shadow is portrayed as, but I prefer his sa2/06 portrayal.

[@masonschroeder7846]

The new Shadow voice sounds like Vegeta in the Ocean Dub just deeper😭

[@ehsanulalam4541]

Sonic 06 is peak shadow

[@danielschott4639]

Sonic: extravert Shadow: introvert

[@acejumper1681]

He is still cool even if his modern characterization is in line with his own game.

[@cullbear55]

Modern Shadow is trash SEGA *trying* to make him cool just makes him uncool It makes him come off like he's oh so better than everyone else and that they don't deserve to be friends of his, which is bullcrap. Shadow is supposed to be kind. He cares about the world and its inhabitants, even if he may try to hide or deny his feelings sometimes. I like it when Shadow is allowed to smile and have friends. He can still butt heads with Sonic from time to time, but they really dumbed him as a character down. I swear, you can hear in Ian Flynn's voice (I'm also a Flynn, ha) that he doesn't like the current direction either.

[@thedemoniclegend7999]

I’m alright with the new shadow but my opinion the best shadow ever was sa2

[@mrfarman0]

Phew no one can say first as the first comment, shadow has the most potential for being one of the best, sometimes I wish they made him, him.

[@Bakesuta]

He's not lame... This title is bait >:(

[@SonicHubYT]

@@Bakesuta opinions are bait?

[@szszabolcs9582]

I think the next mainline game that will feature Shadow would make him go through a character arc of lerning that he can't take everything by himself and he needs help from others like Rouge and Omega

[@krisdreemurr3533]

*Shadow - from now on from Forces, is no more than the one from SA2 evil, cruel, arrogant and very unwise from the era there. But I think Shadow from Generations will hopefully have a mini story about him, because that's the only way to get a second game for your favorite black hedgehog.*

[@ShadowTheHedgehogCZ]

The official Shadow bio says he has no love for the world or its people? Now this the crux of the problem I feel...

[@theofficialpocket]

"Tails, he's spouting gibberish and laughing at nothing" -Shadow Tailstube #7

[@SonicHubYT]

I kinda liked that line lol but the overall edgey and antagonistic tone mixed with the acting wasn’t doing it for me

[@theofficialpocket]

@@SonicHubYT yea Shadow was nagging and telling on Sonic to Tails lol

[@SuperSonicJR]

I think shadow was at his peak in his debut game, I hope Sonic Team can bring back the shadow we all know from SA2. I really like Shadow but I can agree Shadow has gone lame. Give Shadow a gun that will fix everythingLOL. On this topic Knuckles needs some help too but I can tell they are working on it though.

[@SSJKDotsSanctum]

He also fell off because they don't do shit with Shadow. The last Shadow game we got was Shadow the Hedgehog and he either was features or cameos since then.

[@glitxhysepi]

i just don't know why sega wont write shadow like he was portrayed in SA2, shadow 2005, and sonic 2006. have we not made it clear enough that we love the old characterization more? why even keep it for 20 years anyway??

[@Lorenzio12]

WHO WILL HAVE THE ADACIDY TO CALL SHADOW LAME

[@Starrmonster02]

I DONT KNOW WHO IN THERE RIGHT MIND CALLS THE COOLEST CHARACTER LAME I WOULDNT HE BADASS

[@SonicTheBlueBlur1991]

I mean, he is pretty lame in Sonic Forces and IDW.

[@Justtriple67]

@@SonicTheBlueBlur1991IDW is wild he knocked neo metal outta his super form

[@SonicTheBlueBlur1991]

@TripleVR67 And he didn't listen to Rouge, which resolved to him getting affected by Zombots.

[@Justtriple67]

@@SonicTheBlueBlur1991 oh

[@Mr.Alfredos]

This makes sonic prime Shadow look like the godfather.

[@MyRoomIsAMess]

I know that I'm late to this, but in the ending of Shadow the Hedgehog, he decides he wants nothing to do with his past and fully rejects it. He even rejects Maria. He stops caring for her. So that his modern characterization caring for Maria seems like a retcon like the two others.

[@ryanolphie2166]

I think a good middle ground going forward is to have Shadow act like an eggy loner that dislikes Sonic, but have his actions show that deep down he's still the same Shadow up to the 06 game. The basic idea is that our ultimate lifeform has put up some walls to try and distance himself from others, but is unable to hide his true self through his actions. Though I can also see his antagonism towards Sonic more of a clash of personalities where Shadow exaggerate how he fells towards the blue blur

[@delilahvaughn-torres3091]

Wydm shadow was the best and still is 😁

[@LonelyPrimeShadow]

LEAVE MY BOY SHADOW OUT OF THIS!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Starrmonster02]

YEAH SHADOW IS BADASS

[@LonelyPrimeShadow]

@@Starrmonster02 Damn straight.

[@GDMcGurk]

@@Starrmonster02 he is indeed but the last time Shadow was at his best was Sonic 06

[@LonelyPrimeShadow]

@@GDMcGurk Yeah.

[@ryanbrown7489]

Here's hoping the next Sonic movie does for Shadow what they did for Knuckles.

[@myfavoritesongdfilip]

It all started when shadow fucked up in metal virus arc bro lost so much aura

[@ethannguyen4015]

Idea: If there ever is a Sonic Frontiers 2 with Shadow, I think SEGA can fix Shadow’s character like this: Sonic and Shadow’s interactions will show that Shadow seems so grumpy and arrogant all the time because he internally feels he still needs to live up to being the Ultimate Life Form by pushing his feelings and everyone away, including Team Dark, and not letting himself feel any sort of kindness or happiness. Maybe here Shadow explains that he constantly antagonizes Sonic because he did call Sonic an Ultimate Life Form but now Shadow feels he himself isn’t good enough for the title anymore, meaning that everything he lived through and being with Maria was for nothing. Maybe he doesn’t want to admit that he internally has softened up a bit thanks being around Sonic and his friends for so long. Maybe Sonic in this scenario will teach Shadow that he can still be the Ultimate Life Form but he doesn’t need to push people or his emotions away. Sonic maybe might tell Shadow that he doesn’t need to treat his friends like trash because that gets him nowhere and actually hurts him more than before. Basically the theme here is “What does it mean to be the Ultimate Life Form”. Maybe in this idea, Shadow will grow to like Sonic more and understand why Sonic was, in one perspective, a better example of the Ultimate Life Form or what meaning Shadow still hasn’t found yet And maybe Sonic can say Shadow doesn’t have to be exactly like him but he just needs to open himself more to a better way of being the Ultimate Life Form (Open Your Heart, it’s gonna be alright~) Either this idea should come up or maybe Shadow should have that phase in his character arc where he has to choose what will happen if the world betrays him. That part was erased along with Sonic 06 so that erasure could be contributing to why Shadow’s character is lacking. If it gets brought back in, say, “SxSh Generations”, then I think that could help Shadow learn that his friends are a strength and it could bolster his development like what happened in 06

[@Billy521]

Keep it up nice video keep up the effort and work

[@bluespheresguy2306]

I recommend using the original japanese stories of the sonic games and not english ones i understand you maybe dont know japanese and that is why you dont use them but windii has translated lot of the japanese cutscenes. (unfortunately most of her videos were deleted but there are some repost i have made a playlist of most of the reposts on my channel.) but other than that good video. There are also a few retranslated mods you can use. And the voice acting is just way better.

[@nothingthestreamerisonline]

Shadow being my favorite character I hope they fix him for generations

[@RealBroccoliHour]

Literally the only game in the “meta era” where Shadow legitimately acts the way fans have been criticizing him for is Rise of Lyric, which is an alternate universe. I have absolutely no idea why Sonic fans freak out so much over Shadow’s character in Generations, colors DS, or Forces. And considering how weirdly flanderized the movie versions of the characters already kind of are, I have a feeling Shadow’s gonna act more or less the same as what we’re used to, but fans will be fine with it because at least it wasn’t written by Pontac and Graff.

[@thesonicpotato2365]

I moslty didn't care, but holy crap, now i see how absolutely trash this is. If they bring back 06 and prime shadow's personality, everything would just go so much better

[@finnban9676]

Shadow the Hedgehog was never an edgy character, or lame. He is a very kind person deep down, but he has a hard time expressing himself right, to those who are very close to him. The reason why he says all the stuff that makes it sound like he’s edgy is that he needed more time to decompress on the information of his true self. He does care a lot about other people 100%, which also makes him a good addition to team Sonic, and that he is true friends with Team Dark (Rouge and Omega). The way you’re saying all that, in my own opinion, is that you’re telling me other people prefer to enslave him on becoming an edge lord they thought of him, in excuse to keep him away from Rouge, or for some other reason. Ian Flynn, I think, has been misled by everyone’s comments that were said negatively about him. Moreover, people continue to deny the fact that Shadow and Rouge are truly a canon couple. Maybe they don’t ever believe in that at all. Why not bring back the Shadow The Hedgehog we were supposed to know ever since Sonic Adventure 2? This is a huge load of lies. Shadow The Hedgehog is cool!👊😠

[@matthewtartt9422]

He was never edgy. He just wanted to destroy the entire planet for the sins of a few… not edgy at all

[@tjlnintendo]

@@matthewtartt9422 He wanted to destroy the earth because that what he thought Maria wanted out of revenge. When he found out the truth, he changed his tune quick.

[@matthewtartt9422]

@@tjlnintendo I want to die ngl to ya

[@finnban9676]

No. I’m not gonna agree with any of that. I stay close to trusting Rouge’s instincts otherwise, regardless

[@freyajones9748]

Sega has never learn a thing from tbe fans ,they hate how hes been portrayed as edgy wich he was never was ,he is a dark hero with a tragic backstory.

[@ej_matthewsart]

Im truly of the opinion that they should either bring back GUN and make shadow and rouge agents again and/or make shadow and cream interact more eventually placing them in a student/mentor relationship due to cream reminding shadow of maria. Outside of that, shadow really has very little reason to exist as a character. He was amazing in sa2 but once they showed he died, he lost purpose. Really wish they kept him dead.

[@victorbakery1579]

I think they could bring his best character back in the most recent series from Netflix, sonic prime.