The Sonic franchise houses a large cast of characters. While the core trio of Sonic, Tails and Knuckles usually take the spotlight, one black hedgehog got a lot of attention. Created back in 2001, Shadow the Hedgehog is one of the most popular Sonic characters. Tons of merchandise, his own stand-alone game and even some gold bling; SEGA knows he’s special.
Taking some notes from a green plumber, Shadow is having his own year in 2024. And today we break down some of the announcements and what it could mean for the Sonic series overall.
Who is Shadow?
Before we break down the reveals and information on this initiative, let’s set the stage. Created in 2001 and introduced to the world in the Dreamcast classic Sonic Adventure 2, Shadow is the ultimate lifeform. He was created by Eggman’s grandfather and before being sealed away, he lost his closest friend Maria. Woken up by Eggman many years later, he joins the good doctor on his mission to take over the world.
But when events go south, he joins the Sonic and company to save the day at the climax of Adventure 2, giving up his own life to save the world. He comes back in Sonic Heroes and eventually becomes an anti-hero of sorts. While Sonic’s other rivals either become close friends with him like Knuckles or annoying racing rivals like Jet the Hawk, Shadow is beyond that.
Depending on the game/media, he either is doing his own thing or actively working with the G.U.N. (the police in Sonic’s world). But regardless, he is a heroic, sometimes moody fellow that is willing to help those in need.
Like his name implies, Shadow is a mirror to Sonic himself. Fast as the wind, but more aggressive and willing to get the job done when Sonic cannot.
Throw it All Away – Year of Shadow Details
Revealed April 9th, 2024, SEGA dropped this trailer on various social media platforms.
SEGA describes the initiative as the following on the official website;
In 2024, we’re bringing Shadow into the light with a new fan celebration campaign – Fearless: Year of Shadow.
While we ran with our successful Fast. Friends. Forever. program last year, our new annual campaign this year celebrates what it means to be Fearless, and embracing your inner Shadow…
From the trailer itself, it presents a hopeful message for young boys, to stay strong and always push onward. While Sonic, specifically his Classic Sonic and Movie series appearances, inspires everyone Shadow always had an additional ‘cool’ factor that Sonic himself lacks.
And what is cooler than a motorcycle? Shadow’s bike from his self-titled game and Sonic & SEGA All Stars Racing is a real motorcycle now. You can check it out on the official site, with motorcycle riders racing using said bike in a future race event.
Lastly, the Sonic Symphony will be getting music focused on Shadow’s adventures for future shows going forward! I will be going to the NYC show in June, so expect coverage on the new tracks being played. If prior Sonic-focused music events imply anything, I could see this including music that will be utilized in Sonic X Shadow: Generations.
Any other initiatives and information surrounding ‘Fearless: A Year of Shadow’ will be covered as the story develops.
Undefeatable Chaos – Future of the Franchise
2024 isn’t only just the year of the master of Chaos Control. It is also a major milestone year for the Sonic franchise, with the third Sonic Movie releasing this December and a Knuckles focused show releasing in the coming weeks. Not to mention a full year of Sonic Symphony showings and a potential remake on the horizon.
As a longtime fan of this franchise, one of its biggest Achilles heels is quality control. Even Sonic experiences I gave high praise to like Sonic Dream Team and Sonic Frontiers suffered from polish issues. Recently, Sonic Team creative officer sat down with Game Informer for an interview.
The interview itself touches on a lot, including his disappointment at SEGA not fighting harder for the Dreamcast’s survival and his many years with SEGA. But one comment he made, stuck out with me specifically.
I returned to Japan in 2007. The Japanese Sonic Team was making new games according to the vision of whichever director was leading the individual product. Each director and producer were creating their own titles during this time. That’s how they created Sonic Unleashed, Secret Rings, and Sonic 06. So, when I got back to Japan each of those directors were creating Sonic titles based on their own interpretations. I didn’t think it was a good idea.
SEGA management and a lack of a unified vision for the Sonic franchise were the key reasons games suffered. With multi-media efforts like the movies helping give Sonic a larger audience, SEGA and Sonic Team need to have a solid image for Sonic.
And what defines Sonic as a brand? Adventure. Bold, new directions. And Sonic Frontiers is just the start for the franchise.
Closing Thoughts
I personally can’t wait to see how they redefine Shadow and show the world why he’s not only a cool character but a great rival to Sonic himself. But what do you all think? Let us know in the comments below!
