Shadow the Hedgehog has been a character since 2001 when he debuted in Sonic Adventure 2 on the Sega Dreamcast. The character has since been seen a number of times, both as Sonic the Hedgehog’s arch-nemesis or foil and as his occasional ally. With the Sonic the Hedgehog 3 movie trailer taking over the internet and giving everyone a good look at the dark hedgehog, it’s a good time to look back and understand just who and what Shadow really is.
The Tragic Origin of Shadow the Hedgehog
Shadow the Hedgehog’s origin story is not for the faint of heart. The villainous and supremely powerful character began as an experiment. Gerald Robotnik, the grandfather of Dr. Robotnik a.k.a Dr. Eggman, was working to create the ultimate life form in tandem with Black Doom, the alien. Project Shadow was headed up to create a weapon, but Robotnik’s secret goal was to figure out how to cure his dying granddaughter Maria.
At some point during Project Shadow, Robotnik sought out Black Doom to help finish the creation. The alien’s DNA would be used in exchange for the seven Chaos Emeralds, which would be delivered when the Black Comet returned to Earth in about 50 years. Robotnik tried to create a device that could destroy the Black Comet if it returned in Sonic Adventure 2.
Shadow’s Awakening
When Shadow the Hedgehog awoke, he was not the grizzled, angry hedgehog fans know and love. He formed a strong bond with Maria and helped the researchers while under their care. When Gerald Robotnik‘s true intentions and his partnership with Black Doom and the Black Arms leaked, G.U.N. (Guardian Units of Nations) came in to break up Project Shadow. Robotnik was captured during G.U.N.’s raid and all those participating, including Maria, were shot dead.
Just before she died, Maria triggered Shadow’s escape pod and sent him to Earth. Unfortunately, he was captured and put in suspended animation while Robotnik was forced to continue his work. This is when Robotnik took a dark turn, programming Shadow to instead destroy humanity. Eventually, Robotnik was imprisoned and then executed. Shadow the Hedgehog remained in stasis until Dr. Eggman found him.
Shadow the Hedgehog Becomes a Villain
Once Shadow was awakened by Dr. Eggman, the grandson of the man responsible for creating the hedgehog, he repaid the favor by aiding Eggman’s quest to take over the world in Sonic Adventure 2. He was tasked with collecting the seven Chaos Emeralds. It’s then that he begins to remember what happened to Maria.
The events of Sonic Adventure 2, which won’t be fully spoiled here, see Shadow remember Maria’s dying wishes and begin to adopt her philosophies. He saves Rouge the Bat from certain death despite their grievances against one another. He ultimately makes a selfless sacrifice, and his final moments are filled with the knowledge that he honored Maria Robotnik.
Conclusion
That was only the beginning for Shadow the Hedgehog, who has since become almost as iconic as Sonic himself. As supporting characters go, Shadow has a lot of love from the community and looks to become a central figure in the Sonic film universe. The origin of Shadow seems to be loosely adapted to the screen, but the tale above is how it happened in the video game canon.
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