Shadow the Hedgehog

 GameCube
User Score
6.4

Mixed or average reviews- based on 226 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 100 out of 226
  2. Mixed: 66 out of 226
  3. Negative: 60 out of 226
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. Krossbone
    Mar 10, 2020
    9
    This game is one of the few Sonic games before the Colors era (the worst era of Sonic) that decided to take a darker turn in tone, to which some might call "edgy". However, I'd rather a game be really "edgy" (learn the definition of edgy) than a cheesy, smarm fest like Colors or Lost World, two truly awful games.

    The additions of guns and vehicles in this game add a new style of    This game is one of the few Sonic games before the Colors era (the worst era of Sonic) that decided to take a darker turn in tone, to which some might call "edgy". However, I'd rather a game be really "edgy" (learn the definition of edgy) than a cheesy, smarm fest like Colors or Lost World, two truly awful games.

    The additions of guns and vehicles in this game add a new style of gameplay that's really fun, giving Shadow ranged attacks and varying his playstyle more than in any game before it.
    The overarching plot of Black Doom and the Black Arms trying to take over Earth and cause mass genocide and delving further into his past, it makes for an awesome story.
    Some like to complain that bringing in the Black Arms supposedly. I disagree. It gives him a much more interesting backstory and more lore than an SA2 ever brought Shadow. Not to mention with the way it's written, the use of the Black Arms within the story allows us to see all the different sides of Shadow, ranging from his heroic side, to villainous side, to depressed side, to everything in-between.

    Overall, this game changes up playstyles, gives us a unique tone, and EXCELLENTLY characterizes Shadow with the varying storylines.
    (P.S. this game introduced the 4Kids voice actors to the games, meaning it's the game that introduced the best voice cast for the characters as well. Extra points for that.)    … Expand
  2. gstiker5
    Apr 4, 2013
    8
    Good
    Great Voice-Acting Dunno why people don't like it), Interesting Story, Awesome Music, Gameplay
    Bad Annoying Camera (Sometimes), Graphics are OK but are not better than Heroes Atomosphere is Well Done, Insane Difficulty Sometimes, 10 Ending To Find To unlock Final Not Just Three. Good Game but some work should have been done and I am sick of these Shadow-Hating Reviewers are    Good
    Great Voice-Acting Dunno why people don't like it), Interesting Story, Awesome Music, Gameplay
    Bad
    Annoying Camera (Sometimes), Graphics are OK but are not better than Heroes Atomosphere is Well Done, Insane Difficulty Sometimes, 10 Ending To Find To unlock Final Not Just Three.

    Good Game but some work should have been done and I am sick of these Shadow-Hating Reviewers are whining about.    … Expand
  3. BeyondAnAnomaly
    Oct 7, 2013
    8
    Hey guys! Guess WHAT!

    I'm a Sonic fan...and this happens to be one of my favorite Sonic games of all time! (AHHHHH!!!! THE HORROR! BURN THE HERETIC! BURN IT!!!!!) But really, in all honesty, I freaking ADORE this game, and one of the only reasons why I even MADE this account is just to write a review on this game, even though it's obviously not new, (released in 2005-feeling a little    Hey guys! Guess WHAT!

    I'm a Sonic fan...and this happens to be one of my favorite Sonic games of all time! (AHHHHH!!!! THE HORROR! BURN THE HERETIC! BURN IT!!!!!)

    But really, in all honesty, I freaking ADORE this game, and one of the only reasons why I even MADE this account is just to write a review on this game, even though it's obviously not new, (released in 2005-feeling a little old, anyone?) and this is October, 2013. Seeing some of the reviews here, though, I just really have to say something.

    Now, there are a few things that, I'll admit, are wrong with this game:

    -The vehicle controls are terrible. Slamming into walls is expected. Flawless driving is not. Yeah, and that part of the trailer where Shadow's riding that motorcycle? Yeah. If you actually wanna try and DO that, you're gonna have a bad time.

    -The game, in some parts, takes itself far more seriously than it should. I do laugh whenever I hear Shadow, Knuckles, or especially Sonic say "Damn!" in the game, when it's really trying to portray a dark/serious tone, when in reality, some parts of the game are like that one kid down the block who tries to be emo/punk-ish, but is really just another idiot to laugh at.

    -I can't tell you how many times I died because I fell off the level without even trying. Maybe it's just because I suck or the screwy Homing Attack that rears its ugly head every now and again...eh. Moving on.

    Finally...

    -Repeating levels can, and will, get annoying. You know how in the game Star Fox 64 where you can choose your route that you want to take? Well...you can't do that here. If you want a certain ending and do a mission you didn't mean to do...well, that just sucks. You have to go back and start over.

    Yeah. There are a numerable amount of problems in this game, yes?

    ...BUT!

    At the same time, there are so many redeeming factors:

    -The storyline is actually pretty dang good for Sonic standards. "Black Doom", the main villain of the game, plays a very interesting role in the game and could even give the player something to think about in a very twisted way...(i.e. You see that wounded researcher on the ground? Would you rather help him, or take revenge on the soldiers who shot him?) Oh sure, Shadow fighting/teaming up with alien brethren is very silly, but really, this is Sonic the Flipping HEDGEHOG we're talking about here. The concept of Sonic ITSELF is silly. Why go off about how dumb a storyline is when the series itself isn't taken all that seriously anyway?

    -The missions are fun, (albeit repetitive at points), and over time, you'll easily get really good at them. Westopolis is a really good first level to learn the game mechanics, and speaking of which...

    -I actually like the guns in this game. They immediately home in on targets, and really every weapon usable is a bunch of fun to try out. And if you don't feel like using them, you don't have to. It's actually the same with the vehicles in the game. The levels are linear, yes, but you can complete the levels in many different ways. (Someone hasn't killed me yet? Oh, good. Moving on.

    -The graphics are awesome, considering it's 2005 on the GameCube. And let's also point out that the levels are just so "Damn." cool, filled with a bunch of interesting mechanics such as ziplines, travelling through cyberspace, and jumping across falling rubble or meeting certain death. You can tell that the developers had a bunch of fun designing this game.

    -HOLY EVERYTHING THE MUSIC IS AMAZING. (But...well, it's a Sonic game. Is it not expected at this point?)

    All in all, it's a shame how beaten down this game is. It's a truly underrated gem, and frankly, it's best to keep expectations low when you play it. Yes, the idea is weird, taking itself a bit too seriously and having kinks of its own to work out, but honestly, Shadow the Hedgehog is just a truly awesome game. I thought I would hate it, but once I played it, I realized that it's possibly one of my favorite video games ever.

    Honestly, yo. If you see this game at a good price, (I got it for $11 at a game shop just recently), just at least try it before going off about how dumb Shadow looks with a sniper rifle.    … Expand
  4. tractors
    Jun 1, 2014
    10
    Ok let me say this. Shadow the hedgehog is the most underrated game i ever played. People think its bad because its... different! People are sayin that this game is slipperier than sonic heroes. That is bulls*it. Sonic heroes was slippery as s*it and shadow is much easier to play. Graphics are nothin special but graphics dont mind if game plays well. And shadow the hedgehog plays great. IOk let me say this. Shadow the hedgehog is the most underrated game i ever played. People think its bad because its... different! People are sayin that this game is slipperier than sonic heroes. That is bulls*it. Sonic heroes was slippery as s*it and shadow is much easier to play. Graphics are nothin special but graphics dont mind if game plays well. And shadow the hedgehog plays great. I had so much fun playing it. Story is hard to understeand unless you are hardcore shadow fan like me. Only thing i hate about this game are levels with Maria. I didnt know where the fu*k was i goin. But thats only problem i had with this game. Overall its must buy for shadow fans and cobanermani456 if you are reading this.... Dont be an **** and stop saying this game is sh*t. If you defended sonic lost world then dont **** about shadow. There are alot of people who loves this game you know...… Expand
  5. omgwtfbbq
    Nov 24, 2013
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This game is not supposed to be a SONIC GAME! its a 3dplatformer with great gameplay and ok graphics.Story is good and Shadow as a character is way better then Sonic. So...ALL HAIL SHADOW!!!!!… Expand
  6. GRANDDAD
    Oct 18, 2016
    10
    It makes me kind of sad to see how many people can hate this game. Seriously, this game is great, especially for emos like me. The gameplay is really fun, you get to go really fast and shoot people. I love violence so I had a blast. Shadow is a really well made character, with a very disturbing past that reminded me of myself. I also like how he curses. It shows how mature he is. Overall,It makes me kind of sad to see how many people can hate this game. Seriously, this game is great, especially for emos like me. The gameplay is really fun, you get to go really fast and shoot people. I love violence so I had a blast. Shadow is a really well made character, with a very disturbing past that reminded me of myself. I also like how he curses. It shows how mature he is. Overall, great game, especially if you're an emo like me. I hope people learn to stop being so intolerant of emo culture and accept this game for the gem it is.… Expand
  7. draphael111
    Apr 11, 2015
    10
    Shadow has a gun. There is cursing. What's not to love? As a kid I also loved the multiplayer, it was stellar with so much variety! I wish I still had my copy.
  8. Fask1ng
    Feb 3, 2015
    10
    This game is AMAZING. It is so good that I cry every time that opening theme starts playing. It is a true work of art. The graphics, gameplay and art style are perfect. 10 out of 10.
  9. BubsyBobcat
    Dec 14, 2016
    9
    While I stopped caring for Sonic the Hedgehog after I discovered the much superior Bubsy franchise. However, you still can't deny the greatness of this game. And if you do, you should be ashamed of yourself. This game is amazing. I don't really need to tell you why, as it has already been said by reviewers such as GRANDDAD. Just try it, you will love it.
  10. Wisem
    Jun 28, 2020
    10
    I find the general review very unfair, the truth is that it is a great game, the best spin-off of Sonic. It is a Sonic Heroes with more Mechanics, More graphics, more Action, and a better gameplay sincerely ... The truth is that it is excellent in history, and the design of the levels, enemies and bosses is, wow, impress ... Better Spin-Off. This is how dark the new Sonic games should be,I find the general review very unfair, the truth is that it is a great game, the best spin-off of Sonic. It is a Sonic Heroes with more Mechanics, More graphics, more Action, and a better gameplay sincerely ... The truth is that it is excellent in history, and the design of the levels, enemies and bosses is, wow, impress ... Better Spin-Off. This is how dark the new Sonic games should be, LOL. Very very enjoyable, I recommend it!… Expand
  11. DBMack1
    Feb 11, 2021
    9
    I liked Shadow The Hedgehog, i wouldn´t mid to get a Remasterd/Remake.

    Because it reminded of my childhood and yes it had its bad sides. but if you people/players give the benefict of the doubth maybe from a ok game, will becaume a good game in the PS4/PS5, XBOX ONE/SERIES X and nintendo switch.
  12. DarkInstinct
    Dec 31, 2011
    10
    I played this game when it first came and, and I was astounded by the stunning gameplay, and overall feel of the game. It allowed you to feel the power that Shadow the Hedgehog had under his control, and it shifted the camera from Sonic, to the darker Shadow. As you can see, this is a very new review, and I just played it again for Nostalgia. It has held up to everything I remembered.I played this game when it first came and, and I was astounded by the stunning gameplay, and overall feel of the game. It allowed you to feel the power that Shadow the Hedgehog had under his control, and it shifted the camera from Sonic, to the darker Shadow. As you can see, this is a very new review, and I just played it again for Nostalgia. It has held up to everything I remembered. Giving you a choice for each level, along with so many endings, and final levels. Shadow the Hedgehog, back when it first came out, left me longing for another game centered on Shadow, and when I replayed it, it gave me the same feeling. Why wasn't a sequel made for this game?… Expand
  13. Segacritic1998
    Sep 16, 2013
    9
    Why is this such a bad game????? The gameplay is fine the graphics are fine and the story is fine and your gonna rant on it just because shadow has a gun in the game wow people. Sega dont listen to them this game is awesome!
  14. StevenEvans0
    Nov 3, 2011
    8
    Really i'd give it more of a 7.6, however i did thoroughly enjoy the gameplay. The story was good, but not as good at the games that came before it. I will always look onto Shadow the Hedgehog with fond memories, however.
  15. Animer6031
    Nov 16, 2016
    7
    The game is not BAD, but the history that you need to get the Last Mode is boring ! The guns has a good function on battle moment, but the fighting moviment don't help and in the most part of the game you are going to use the Homing Attack.
  16. CoasterRoller
    Oct 19, 2016
    10
    WARNING! DO NOT LET YOUR KIDS PLAY THIS!!! IT'S FOR EMOS ONLY!!! I AM NOT EMO SO I STOPPED PLAYING BECAUSE THERE IS CURSING AND GUNS BUT IF YOU ARE EMO THEN I DON'T MIND I DON'T WANT YOU TO THINK I'M EMOPHOBIC!!! GOOD GAME BUT ONLY IF EMO!!!!1

    Sorry if that was too dramatic but I really want people to know. This game was made for emos so they don't feel hated. But if you aren't emo    WARNING! DO NOT LET YOUR KIDS PLAY THIS!!! IT'S FOR EMOS ONLY!!! I AM NOT EMO SO I STOPPED PLAYING BECAUSE THERE IS CURSING AND GUNS BUT IF YOU ARE EMO THEN I DON'T MIND I DON'T WANT YOU TO THINK I'M EMOPHOBIC!!! GOOD GAME BUT ONLY IF EMO!!!!1

    Sorry if that was too dramatic but I really want people to know. This game was made for emos so they don't feel hated. But if you aren't emo don't play it has mature themes like the d word and guns.    … Expand
  17. SonicKlonoa216
    Mar 26, 2013
    8
    This is going to be controversial... but I think Shadow the Hedgehog is a good game and a much better game the Sonic 2006 and Sonic & the Secret Rings. Why the controls and gameplay were better than them.
  18. tepig
    Aug 7, 2011
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. the king of underratted games. in this game you control shadow with the analog stick A is jump and B allows you to punch. pushing A in midair allows you to do the air dash.do the air dash near enimies to do the homing attack. you can take weapons from enimies when they have been killed. this gameplay is not perfect however. for one the analog movement feels more like an 8 directional d-pad and 2 the missions can be bland. some are good but other leave you bored. the graphics are **** it bugs me on how shiny shadow is and the rest of the characters are using toned down versions of the models from sonic heroes. the levels are also constantly reusing textures. in conclusion this is a pretty good game… Expand
  19. Zilcell
    Nov 6, 2011
    8
    Shadow's badass spin-off game provides the real story of Shadow the Hedgehog. It has some of the most action of any game from the Sonic series. Alternate endings will make you want to play it over and over.
  20. BenC
    Jul 26, 2009
    0
    This game is utter rubbish. Truly a new low in gaming standards. The controls suck, the graphics are a joke, level design is about as well designed as a 2 year olds lego creation. and come on, guns? what the fuck where they thinking? This game is best left forgotten as it is one of Sega's worst products of all time. Also what gives with all the 10/10 ratings? Have they played the This game is utter rubbish. Truly a new low in gaming standards. The controls suck, the graphics are a joke, level design is about as well designed as a 2 year olds lego creation. and come on, guns? what the fuck where they thinking? This game is best left forgotten as it is one of Sega's worst products of all time. Also what gives with all the 10/10 ratings? Have they played the game or are they just stupid sega fans who would bend over happily for the next terrible sonic game?… Expand
  21. skeletonking123
    Sep 10, 2011
    9
    Shadow is the most badass animal in gaming to me and though this plot has been nitpicked to death but i find it an interesting plot and this game also introduces one of the most awesome villains in the sonic franchise, Black Doom, which take a guess at who voiced him, you will never get it. The voice of Goku in Dragonball Z
  22. Crashloxx
    Jan 6, 2020
    10
    Que wea más buena ctm juego culiao de las manifestaciones y wea a lo vio siono shadow comunista
  23. LizK.
    Dec 18, 2005
    8
    I love Sonic, so pretty naturly I love this game. But, guys, if you DON'T like Sonic, don't get it. And if you have not even heard of Sonic and characters, rent first. And there is a HUGE improvement on the mouths since the last ones. I think Sonic Team did well this time.
  24. Hypernova2k
    Nov 25, 2014
    8
    Shadow the Hedgehog is by far the most unique game in the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise, involving
    many ways to kill enemies. Such as Your fists, Homing attacks,Guns , and melee weapons. With 2-3 possible outcomes per level, the game gives lots of replay value. The game is unfairly criticized for not being your typical sonic game, however that is the reason the game was made. Not the best    Shadow the Hedgehog is by far the most unique game in the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise, involving
    many ways to kill enemies. Such as Your fists, Homing attacks,Guns , and melee weapons. With 2-3 possible outcomes per level, the game gives lots of replay value. The game is unfairly criticized for not being your typical sonic game, however that is the reason the game was made. Not the best Sonic game, But not nearly the worst    … Expand
  25. GamecubeLover
    Jul 3, 2016
    8
    Controls are better than the other versions. The music is edgy and the story is weird. The gameplay is good. There is a good amount of variety. But I do NOT recommend this game even if I say its good.
  26. Ultra98
    Nov 10, 2022
    10
    Shadow the hedgehog 2
    Shadow the hedgehog 2
    Shadow the hedgehog 2
    Shadow the hedgehog 2
    Shadow the hedgehog 2
    Shadow the hedgehog 2
    Shadow the hedgehog 2
    Shadow the hedgehog 2
    Shadow the hedgehog 2
    Shadow the hedgehog 2
    Shadow the hedgehog 2
    Shadow the hedgehog 2
    Shadow the hedgehog 2
    Shadow the hedgehog 2
    Shadow the hedgehog 2
    Shadow the hedgehog 2
  27. KendylKlownfish
    May 6, 2011
    5
    Like the Sonic series itself in the mid 2000's, Shadow the Hedgehog flails under its amount of flaws. Pros: Fantastic visuals; excellent level design; great FMVs; lots of extras/secrets to unlock. Cons: Terrible control and camera; disappointing graphics; lacks any kind of speed; horrendous multiplayer.
  28. Mega_Panda
    Feb 18, 2014
    6
    Why...WHY DO I LOVE THIS GAME! I remember geting this game for christmas and loved it and i love it still, i even liked the guns, shadow moves and controles like butter and the level design is great. Shadow the Hedgehog gets a 6/10
  29. sdc
    Apr 3, 2015
    0
    The worst story of all time, forgettable music (In a Sonic game? Oh no...), terrible graphics that shame the 8-Bit systems, mission based structures that bore me, and the worst controls in a Sonic game, this game doesn't deserve the number of defenders it gets.
  30. BlueSpeed
    Nov 26, 2015
    7
    Shadow the hedgehog is a bad game,but there is a good thing about this game.the good things are:Shadow got his own stories,and introducing 2 of shadow's powers that is Chaos Control and Chaos Blast,even though the controls are a little bad its still fun to play it,and the game introducing us to one of the greatest sonic music such as I am all of me,never turn back.Overall this is a goodShadow the hedgehog is a bad game,but there is a good thing about this game.the good things are:Shadow got his own stories,and introducing 2 of shadow's powers that is Chaos Control and Chaos Blast,even though the controls are a little bad its still fun to play it,and the game introducing us to one of the greatest sonic music such as I am all of me,never turn back.Overall this is a good game but it needs some work into this game.… Expand
  31. EpicLadySponge
    Jan 3, 2017
    5
    Shadow the Hedgehog is a game that brings unwelcome amount of maturity (And for an E10+ game, this is what you get? Please... save that for the M-rated games.), unnecessary edginess, and guns in a series all about a hedgehog with the ability to run as fast as a human can go. I'm too confused, is this supposed to be in the exact same franchise or am I just dreaming?
  32. JPK
    Aug 19, 2018
    6
    Umm
    As A Huge Shadow Fan, I Am Both Kinda Satisfied And Disappointed With This Game
    Pros: I Can See Where They're Trying To Go With Here By Explaining How Maria Died And The Conflict That Shadow Is Dealing With, The Line “Where’s That Damn Fourth Chaos Emerald” Makes Me Smile And Laugh Every Time, The Music, The Chaotix Are Hilarious As Usual, Eggman Is Always A Great Addition, Shadow Of    Umm
    As A Huge Shadow Fan, I Am Both Kinda Satisfied And Disappointed With This Game
    Pros: I Can See Where They're Trying To Go With Here By Explaining How Maria Died And The Conflict That Shadow Is Dealing With, The Line “Where’s That Damn Fourth Chaos Emerald” Makes Me Smile And Laugh Every Time, The Music, The Chaotix Are Hilarious As Usual, Eggman Is Always A Great Addition, Shadow Of Course Is A Badass At Times, This Game Also Took Risks, And Terrific Animation For Some Cutscenes, An Interesting Story Shows At Time.
    Cons: Tries WAY TOO DAMN HARD To Be Dark And Gritty (I Don’t Have A Problem With The Game Itself Being Dark And Gritty But The Effort Is Half Cooked), Sonic And His Friends Kinda Take The Focus Away From The Main Story And Derail The Tone It’s Supposed To Set (I Think Shadow’s Main Allies Should Have Been Rouge And Omega In This Game, Sonic Could’ve Made A Cameo), This Game Should’ve Been Rated Teen, WAY TOO MANY Endings, Confusing At Times, As I Mentioned Before The Tone CHANGES CONSTANTLY With It Being The Dark Shadow The First And The Light-Hearted Sonic Interfearing The Next, Sloppy Controlls At Times, Black Doom Is A Missed Opportunity

    Verdict: A Conflicting Game, All Of The Terrific Ingredients Are There, But Only 60% Of Them Ratify.    … Expand
  33. Sentai
    Jul 6, 2018
    5
    This game is s*** there is Shadow in the game OK but why? Why GUNS in this game?! Its just like a meme where a cute dog has two pistoles and shooting on people. Sonic Forces is better!
  34. [Anonymous]
    Jul 14, 2006
    10
    One of the best sonic games ever, Shadow the hedgehog gives a new meaning to the word "fun", which anybody who gave it about 70% or below may have lost their sense of. This is to all those who scraped or otherwise brutaliated this game. Get a life.
  35. DJGTheHedgehog
    Jun 15, 2018
    10
    Absolute masterpiece of a game. 11 total endings and the edge factor. 10/10
  36. krazeeKidd102
    Apr 19, 2011
    4
    Ugh...Where do I start? First, after two beautiful, hype-filled cutscenes (yes, the intro scene counts), we start the game with terrible graphics. Seriously, even the Dreamcast games looked better than this.

    Then, there are the bad controls. Steering is nearly impossible because you shoot off at high speed as soon as you push the analog stick forward, not to mention that he goes at the    Ugh...Where do I start? First, after two beautiful, hype-filled cutscenes (yes, the intro scene counts), we start the game with terrible graphics. Seriously, even the Dreamcast games looked better than this.

    Then, there are the bad controls. Steering is nearly impossible because you shoot off at high speed as soon as you push the analog stick forward, not to mention that he goes at the same speed all the time, even with the speed boosters.

    Then, there are the missions. Some are easy and involve reaching the goal, simple as that. However, a lot of them involve finding stuff and defeating forty or so enemies of a single type in the same stage. It's boring and ripped straight out of the Chaotix gameplay of Sonic Heroes. Of course, at least Sonic Heroes had somewhat decent gameplay with a kickass soundtrack. This game's soundtrack is boring and uninteresting, as it sticks to nothing but bland, repetitive techno tracks. "I am all of me" is one of the worst themes of any Sonic game, period. And it's all for a flat-out ridiculous story. Seriously, Shadow and a random bunch of aliens. I know you brought back Shadow because of fan popularity, but this excuse of a story is piss-poor and relates very little to the SA2 plot.

    However, there are a large variety of levels, and the choose-your-own-adventure style is pretty cool (although the missions around that style are not). The level design also has a heavier emphasis on platforming than any other 3D Sonic game before it, which is a good thing.

    The point is: Don't buy this game. There are much better platformers out there, so don't waste your time.

    Overall Rating: 4.5/10

    P.S.: Don't be listen to people when they say that guns are the only thing bad about the game. Trust me. They're ironically the only good, properly functioning part of the game.    … Expand
  37. ohaiKendyl
    May 19, 2011
    4
    Shadow the Hedgehog falls flat under its excessive amount of flaws and lack of identity. Pros: Fantastic visuals and level design; lots of extras/secrets. Cons: Lacks any kind of speed; terrible control and camera; dated graphics; poorly executed "good verses evil" concept.
  38. Edork
    Nov 12, 2012
    5
    I don't think this game is as awful as the 51% critic approval rating might suggest. That's not to say it's a good game, though. The dialouge is terrible and the tone is more vapid and trashy than dark and mature, which it strides to be. The camera sucks and the controls can be really slippery. However, this game does offer some neat level designs, challenging boss fights, and the music,I don't think this game is as awful as the 51% critic approval rating might suggest. That's not to say it's a good game, though. The dialouge is terrible and the tone is more vapid and trashy than dark and mature, which it strides to be. The camera sucks and the controls can be really slippery. However, this game does offer some neat level designs, challenging boss fights, and the music, while forced, is really catchy and fits each stage you're in. The CG cutscenes are great to look at, too.… Expand
  39. MrSonicFan
    May 7, 2013
    3
    Don't play this game. Not even if you are a sonic fan. The story is stupid, The graphics and sound are terrible the good, neutral, and evil pathways are filled with plotholes and contradictions. The control is terrible. The level design is stupidly confusing. Just don't play this game. If you must play this game only play the GameCube version. It's the most bearable one. Sonic 06 is betterDon't play this game. Not even if you are a sonic fan. The story is stupid, The graphics and sound are terrible the good, neutral, and evil pathways are filled with plotholes and contradictions. The control is terrible. The level design is stupidly confusing. Just don't play this game. If you must play this game only play the GameCube version. It's the most bearable one. Sonic 06 is better than this. And that's sad.… Expand
  40. sprintinmario
    Jul 14, 2014
    5
    So Shadow the Hedgehog was released for the Nintendo Gamecube about 4 1/2 months after Resident Evil 4 was released for the same system. SO I must ask why did Shadow the Hedgehog look so bleak, barren, and uninteresting. The controls are so Freaking slippery I died like 8 times because Shadow would go careening of the damn cliff because of the freaking controls. Multiple pathways soundsSo Shadow the Hedgehog was released for the Nintendo Gamecube about 4 1/2 months after Resident Evil 4 was released for the same system. SO I must ask why did Shadow the Hedgehog look so bleak, barren, and uninteresting. The controls are so Freaking slippery I died like 8 times because Shadow would go careening of the damn cliff because of the freaking controls. Multiple pathways sounds interesting and multiple endings would help that BUT none of the normal endings matter because theres a lasting freaking story segment that has Shadow save the day anyway. I also must ask why the hell do they make us unlock every none cannon ending before we get to see the last freaking story that is Cannon to the sonic universe. That means that you have to have to play through the game more then once. Now that doesn't sound to bad but each path has two endings and you think you could pick the last stage and then choose the other mission to get the other ending BUT NO you have to play the same goddamn path again till you get to the final level then chose the other mission to get the other ending you have to do that 12 GODDAMN TIMES TO SEE THE TRUE ENDING meaning youll see the first level Westopolis 12 FREAKING TIMES. It's annoying as hell and it gets boring after the third or fourth playthrough.. In this game your primary game of getting around is "walking around in a 3-D enivorment" shooting alines with guns. YES YOU USE A FREKAING GUN IN A SONIC GAME. The models are ripped straight from Sonic Hereos so they don't look to bad but they look awful in cutscenes. The gunplay works fine but its a bit weird. The bosses are boring and repetitive and the muysic is even worse except for "I AM" and "Never Turn Back".

    Overall this game is just **** Bleak graphics, uninteresting level design, and repetitive mission structure makes this a game I never want to touch ever again.    … Expand
  41. Untitled94
    Oct 30, 2016
    7
    The game is one of the best spin-off Sonic games. The idea of Shadow The Hedgehog was pretty good. Combining the Sonic gameplay with 3rd Person Shooter elements. While the final game wasn't the best, it's still a lot of fun. Using the weapons in the game can be very satisfying, though the fact that they disappear after the ammo is out is a little dumb, weapons aren't that hard to find. ForThe game is one of the best spin-off Sonic games. The idea of Shadow The Hedgehog was pretty good. Combining the Sonic gameplay with 3rd Person Shooter elements. While the final game wasn't the best, it's still a lot of fun. Using the weapons in the game can be very satisfying, though the fact that they disappear after the ammo is out is a little dumb, weapons aren't that hard to find. For a Sonic game, it plays very well, there's just the occasional slow down moments, like in any Sonic game. People say it's "Un-Sonic-y" to have to slow down to solve stuff in Sonic games, when really, that's been around since the first game. This game is a bit too serious for a Sonic game, but it still had some cool and dark moments in it. The writing is OK. I mean it's not all bad, but damn, it looks like whoever wrote the script for this game wasn't the best at it. Overall, this is a good game. Not great, but good.… Expand
  42. mslurr
    Mar 18, 2012
    4
    While the gameplay is near-solid and the branching storyline is impressive, there are so many things wrong with this game I can't imagine how any self-respecting Sonic fan would like this. If you don't do the missions, the levels and game itself is short and forgettable. Not even the level with the Shadow androids is that remarkable. Like Heroes, the enemies have health, but they made itWhile the gameplay is near-solid and the branching storyline is impressive, there are so many things wrong with this game I can't imagine how any self-respecting Sonic fan would like this. If you don't do the missions, the levels and game itself is short and forgettable. Not even the level with the Shadow androids is that remarkable. Like Heroes, the enemies have health, but they made it worse by giving the enemies more health and Shadow a god-awful homing attack. This is to try to urge you to use the guns and vehicles, but they're still hard to control. The control itself is more slippery than Heroes, and the music is mediocre at best, save for the theme "All Hail Shadow" which is arguably one of the best character themes I've heard. And the dark theme has "I'm trying to hard" all over it. The overuse of damn, the unnecessary guns, and the extremely dark levels are just screaming that it's trying to attract the preteen who thinks guns = cool. There are few games that I dislike in Sonic, and this is one of them.… Expand
  43. Draculamarth
    Nov 5, 2013
    4
    Not even recommended for Sonic fans (which I am one of). The gameplay somehow manages to be the least of it's problems, despite, you know, being a game where the Sonic equivalent of Poochie shoots people and rides motorcycles. It's attempts and being edgy would be cute were it not for the cringe-worthy voice acting. Half the people in the voice cast had never voice acted video gamesNot even recommended for Sonic fans (which I am one of). The gameplay somehow manages to be the least of it's problems, despite, you know, being a game where the Sonic equivalent of Poochie shoots people and rides motorcycles. It's attempts and being edgy would be cute were it not for the cringe-worthy voice acting. Half the people in the voice cast had never voice acted video games before. What does that tell you? Also, the plotline makes no sense, even less so than other Sonic games that tried to have a plot.

    It does have pretty good music though, but that's a given for Sonic games.

    4    … Expand
  44. TheReaperX
    Oct 6, 2018
    0
    I wonder how is this getting good revierws. Its a big PIECE OF **** The grafics are bad the gameplay is terrible and the story isnt interesting or good. Its a big disapointment
  45. SamuelC.
    Jul 9, 2006
    9
    I understand that it's sometimes hard to control Shadow because of the controls, but this is a problem that can easily be forgotten due to great level design and the originality of finding the character's personality. Yes the game has guns and has nothing to do with the other Sonic games, but this is another type of game by Sega. Try it. You'll be happy.
  46. JenR.
    Mar 11, 2006
    9
    I admit, the controls can be a little difficult and sometimes very frustrating, but the only reason I have this game in my collection is because of Shadow's story. I had been a fan of that hedgehog since Sonic Adventure 2 and always will be.
  47. PhillipM.
    Nov 23, 2005
    10
    Of couse i'm a sega fan. But the game actually shows shadows true personality. It really gets the gamers thinking hard.
  48. Luigibarqs
    Jan 30, 2013
    4
    Shadow The Hedgehog is a game that stars the character who's name is in the title. Shadow The Hedgehog (the character, not the game) following Sonic Adventure 2 became a popular character in the Sonic Universe and much like Knuckles The Echidna and his game Knuckles Chaotix on the 32X prior, Sega created a cash-in game based on the most popular character they had at the time. How did theShadow The Hedgehog is a game that stars the character who's name is in the title. Shadow The Hedgehog (the character, not the game) following Sonic Adventure 2 became a popular character in the Sonic Universe and much like Knuckles The Echidna and his game Knuckles Chaotix on the 32X prior, Sega created a cash-in game based on the most popular character they had at the time. How did the game turn out? Sadly not very good. As with most cash-in games, it was released in an unfinished and poorly tested state. The gameplay consists of Shadow The Hedgehog doing various missions (good, evil and neutral) to determine what different level he advances to and what ending he gets and what ultimately happens to the character with regards to his memory, and what different parties are his friends and enemies and the plot's overall conclusion. Pretty much only the Final Story ending is actually canon, the others are all completely pointless. Shadow The Hedgehog uses mostly firearms, melee weapons, vehicles and his own personal abilities to complete his mission objectives. gameplay with firearms flows somewhat decently but the the overall control feel like you are constantly sliding around on ice and fighting the camera's behavior, al ot of the game mechanics are very sloppily designed and barely even function properly, this is especially noticeable when riding vehicles. The game seems to make out the character Shadow The Hedgehog an emo gun wielding lunatic with amnesia which I personally find not all that appealing.The music is your generic gothic and gritty music and excluding maybe 3 tracks, the sountrack is not all that memorable. The story flow is absolutely horrible, sometimes when you transition from one level to another, the plots don't add up and turn the entire thing into a giant plothole, but as mentioned before, since only the final story is canon, these plothole infested player created stories aren't canon in the slightest. The level designs and missions aren't that well designed and are pretty bland. The level designs themselves are very generic and poorly designed, the level visuals are generic, low quality and ugly to look at. Missions are very uncreative as well with such objectives as: beat the boss, destroy (insert number here) of (insert NPC here), reach the goal or find (insert objects or location here). When playing certain missions in the 1-player mode, characters follow Shadow The Hedgehog around to give him advice and certain ones can actually be controlled by utilizing the Player 2 controller and can help Shadow out. There is also a multiplayer deathmatch battle mode with features so limited features, such badly designed level arenas and so poorly designed mechanics that it isn't even worth looking into. In conclusion, the game is a rushed cash-in on a popular character with poor design, and beta testing that was released to stores for sale in a unfinished condition and barely playable, it does have some decent points to it but I'd recommend you avoid this game.… Expand
  49. MisterNoodles
    Jun 18, 2013
    5
    It's okay I guess. But I had two major problems with it and no one of them is not the controls even though they were pretty bad. My main two problems with this game are Shadow and guns. The two really don't work out together right? My problem with Shadow is he swears frequently, but isn't this game rated E10+. Well apparently it shouldn't, because Shadow swears nearly every single time heIt's okay I guess. But I had two major problems with it and no one of them is not the controls even though they were pretty bad. My main two problems with this game are Shadow and guns. The two really don't work out together right? My problem with Shadow is he swears frequently, but isn't this game rated E10+. Well apparently it shouldn't, because Shadow swears nearly every single time he gets hit and trust me you will get hit a lot. Now problem with the guns is basically self explanatory. Their guns what the heck are they doing in a Sonic/Shadow game I mean the ultimate life form needs guns to fight.
    Overall it's okay, but don't let kids play this    … Expand
  50. celebi734
    Dec 21, 2014
    5
    Shadow the Hedgehog is a mediocre action game with some high points and low points. First the high points. For a Gamecube game the graphics are quite nice and have a decent amount of draw distance. The story is actually pretty cool with multiple routes you can take, if you want to be a good guy you can, if you want to be a bad guy you can, if you want to be a badass rouge you can. Some ofShadow the Hedgehog is a mediocre action game with some high points and low points. First the high points. For a Gamecube game the graphics are quite nice and have a decent amount of draw distance. The story is actually pretty cool with multiple routes you can take, if you want to be a good guy you can, if you want to be a bad guy you can, if you want to be a badass rouge you can. Some of the bosses are pretty fun to fight and look pretty cool and the soundtrack is really good. Now the low points. A lot of the characters annoying and most of them unlikable with the exception of Shadow and the main villain (who's name I can't remember). The gameplay doesn't feel like a Sonic game because you get to use guns, and while you don't have to use the guns a lot of the enemies in this game can take a lot of hits so you have to use the guns almost all the time. The controls are pretty bad and the camera is horrible. The game offers multiplayer which may sound cool, but it's very boring. How boring? Metroid Prime 2's multiplayer is more fun. The game is also very hard. If I wasn't already a big Sonic fan I would've given Shadow the Hedgehog a 4.… Expand
  51. darkfury45
    Mar 30, 2015
    5
    If the gameplay and controls weren't so slippery, more people could appreciate Shadow's final moments as a good character before being butchered. The story is good, the cutscenes and bosses are nice, and although the graphics are rather lacking it's a rather reasonable looking game. The controls and physics need to be fixed to make this game fully worth the price.
  52. FRG
    Jul 24, 2013
    7
    Good game,but not the best of sonic's games,give a decent experience and a good fun,that may be the only good game of sonic in the console of mid 00s.
  53. PringleDringus
    Mar 13, 2015
    3
    Woof.
    There really isn't much to say about this game that hasn't been beat to a bloody pulp already, but as someone who A ranked every level in this game, in my opinion I think that in terms of central design, this is the worst game in the sonic franchise. It definitely isn't worse than '06 however, since it actually you know. Works.
    While this game can provide a small amount of    Woof.
    There really isn't much to say about this game that hasn't been beat to a bloody pulp already, but as someone who A ranked every level in this game, in my opinion I think that in terms of central design, this is the worst game in the sonic franchise. It definitely isn't worse than '06 however, since it actually you know. Works.
    While this game can provide a small amount of enjoyment, overall it isn't really worth playing unless you're EXTREMELY curious. The only good parts of this game are the cg cutscenes (which still look great to this day despite the ridiculousness of them) and a few of the music tracks, especially the vocal ones.
    Horrible level design and gameplay, an absolutely horrendous story, and a game that overstays its welcome by far too much (especially for those who want to beat the entire game), this is one to avoid.
    If you aren't convinced, one of the levels takes nearly half an hour to complete on average. To get an A rank.    … Expand
  54. YellowMan64
    Sep 19, 2013
    7
    Shadow The Hedgehog has guns in it, that's probably the worse part of the game. The other parts of the game are fun, which is a good thing. Some of the levels could be boring, but some of them were good. I would say It's a good game, and not something like "OMG TIS IS TEH BESTEST SANIC GAME EVAR LIKE RALLY!"
  55. ThatCooperGuy
    Jun 27, 2015
    5
    My Sonic collection comes full circle with "Shadow the Hedgehog".
    This game sucks, but it was technically the first Sonic game I ever actually played (back in 2006 on my Xbox Original). I figured I'd buy it some time in the future and play it again. It's story is the worst part and the gameplay is kinda a mix of decent and boring...
    I don't regret this purchase, just like I don't regret    My Sonic collection comes full circle with "Shadow the Hedgehog".
    This game sucks, but it was technically the first Sonic game I ever actually played (back in 2006 on my Xbox Original). I figured I'd buy it some time in the future and play it again. It's story is the worst part and the gameplay is kinda a mix of decent and boring...
    I don't regret this purchase, just like I don't regret buying Sonic '06.    … Expand
  56. SonicAndMegaMan
    Jan 15, 2014
    5
    A good concept at start from sonic team bur overall a very average and poor game with many holes it the story plot. Really a sonic game rated E10+... real good idea to add minor curse words to a game about a blue hedgehog. Shadow got so popular it was worth its own game? this game isn't horrible but it's not good i'll tell you that much. Damn this was so not a sonic game and **** theA good concept at start from sonic team bur overall a very average and poor game with many holes it the story plot. Really a sonic game rated E10+... real good idea to add minor curse words to a game about a blue hedgehog. Shadow got so popular it was worth its own game? this game isn't horrible but it's not good i'll tell you that much. Damn this was so not a sonic game and **** the people who say no it was a shadow game huehuehue. No it wasn't it's a spin off. A dark gimic that was a commercial failure with the worst oppening 3d sonic level of all time. All i can give this game is that the gun play was fun and the story was bland but not aweful. The worst thing is the bland soundtrack the theme's in this game sucked. But hey it's better than Sonic the hedgehog (06)… Expand
  57. SlashX
    Jan 29, 2014
    1
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is the worst game I have ever played.
    The amount of **** that you have to deal with in this game is more than I have experienced in every other game I have played. COMBINED.
    First, the controls; What the actual **** Sega? SA1 and SA2 (minus the mech stages) control perfectly! These controls are the WORST. They are the slipperiest controls I have seen in a game thus far. The momentum of jumping is Belmont Syndrome times 1000. 2000, even! If you play this game, which you shouldn't, you will fall off of cliffs an innumerable amount of times due to Shadow's slippery shoes. And if you
    thought Luigi was bad... Have fun playing!
    Next, the level design; AAAAAAGGGGHHH
    WORST. LEVEL DESIGN. IN HISTORY. IF YOU'LL EXCUSE ME I THINK YELL FOR THE REST OF THIS PARAGRAPH. IT'S SO. *SO*. ********SO******** BAD.
    Sorry. Anyway, the game is based around a split-path system. The next stage you go to is based on your actions in the current stage. There are 29 different stages (Though some of them are the same), 10 endings, and a whole ****in' lot of paths. In a single play-through, you complete five stages. To complete the game fully and get the final ending, you must get all of the endings. The problem? THE ALTERNATE OBJECTIVES ARE ****. They, more often then not, require you to seek and kill each and every one of a certain enemy in a stage. In a SONIC game. A SONIC game! Not only is this boring and monotonous, it goes against the principles of the series. AND NO. IT'S NOT A ****IN' ONE-OFF. IT IS A *DIRECT SEQUEL* TO HEROES. It also goes against your slippery control, which is designed for speed, not offense. Can you imagine going back to SA2, making the controls absolute **** and killing EVERY ENEMY in the stage? NO.
    NOBODY DID CAUSE THAT'S A ****TY ****IN' IDEA. The levels are so slow and boring, despite being portrayed as an action game. The levels are so huge sometimes, that in some certain search-destroy missions, you will be on stages for forty ****in' five minutes, if you don't know what you're doing. There are some stages that make you touch certain objects, or kill enemies with a certain weapon, collect rings, etc. But whatever you're doing, you can bet that it's terrible. But the best part is, if you want the full ending, you HAVE to do the stages that you don't like. Scratch that! The best part is that you have to play the first stage 10 times to beat the game fully. TEN. ****ING. TIMES.
    The graphics and music? Muddy, with bad human character models, and voice syncing... And boring, terribly one note (ha-ha) idiotic drivel.
    Enemies are a joke, especially with the guns.If you don't have guns, prepare to mash A.
    Oh, and the guns? They are, ironically, the only thing I can say that works in this game. There's a reason why my score isn't zero. If I had to kill everything with my homing attack... Ugh. I'd give it a negative 10. The guns kill things. End of story.
    Speaking of story...
    This story is terrible. Shadow's sitting somewhere, contemplating his life, because... And then, aliens, because... And then their leader, Generic Antagonist, reveals that he knows Shadow's past, and sends him off to collect the Emeralds so that he may...
    ...Get ready...
    ...Get ready...
    DESTROY THE WORLD!
    OF COURSE! HOW BOUT THAT **** Etc.
    After you finish the first stage, there is a cutscene that shows off two human characters, the President, and a G.U.N. general who lived on the Ark. He was friends with Maria until she died, and blames Shadow for the WAIT. He's a G.U.N. GENERAL. G.U.N. KILLED MARIA, YOU STUPID **** *Clears Throat*. 'Scuse me. He blamed Shadow for her death, because... And sends out troops to kill him. Problem? IN HALF OF THE STORY OPTIONS, THESE CHARACTERS NEVER APPEAR AGAIN. EVER. THEY'RE JUST GONE. WHY?
    BECAUSE! I'm not gonna bother with the rest of the story options. Wanna know why? ... Well, I'll tell you anyway! The Secret/Final/True/Whatever-The-**** ending ret-cons every single one of them! You want an evil Shadow? TOO BAD! You want a neutral Shadow? NOPE! You want an and(not really)roid Shadow? I don't know why you'd want that, but NOPES. SHADOW IS ALWAYS GOOD AND SAVES THE CONTINUITY I mean WORLD!
    Ugh. That's it, pretty much. Worst game I've ever played, and YEAH! I've played Sonic '06. I can at least laugh at that game whenever something glitches. And I find MORE enjoyment instead of less each time I play it.
    So...
    If you ever have money for a GameCube game, GO BUY SOMETHING ELSE. Like Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance, or Pokemon XD/Colosseum, or Mario Sunshine, or goddamned Kirby's Air Ride. Just something BETTER. Sigh...    … Expand
  58. Vegeta1995
    Jul 28, 2014
    1
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Shadow The Hedgehog... One of my favorite characters of the Sonic universe but with a game so horrible that even the word sh*t is too good for it. I love Sonic The Hedgehog but damn has Sega really made a bunch of horrible Sonic games such as this abomination... I rather play with my dogs turd than this piece of sh*t... But lets start off with the story; Shadow is seen looming over a cliff hit with a dose of amnesia as he tries to remember about his past, a past in which no one from the previous game, Sonic Heroes, ever bothers to explain to him either because they're stupid or straight up dick's. As he stares off into the city a cloud gathers over it and a bunch of... Aliens... Sigh... Yes aliens begin attacking the city... As Shadow begins to walk away a mysterious figure shows up named, Black Doom, explains to Shadow that he will help him regain his memories as long as he brings him the 7 Chaos Emeralds. After Black Doom vanishes, Shadow begins his hunt for the emeralds. Now this is where the story becomes a real mess... This is the first in the series to introduce branching story lines where you could choose to either follow the neutral, hero, or evil path and which ever you follow determines the ending you receive... The game has multiple endings which are either flat out stupid or hilariously horrible. One ending has Shadow accepting he is an android which is just hilariously horrible. But all those ending don't matter in the end because once beating the game multiple times and unlocking all the endings you unlock the real ending. And the real ending is still unsatisfying. It has Shadow being the hero in the end and beating Black Doom in an old tradition Super Sonic fight. Ill give Sega credit for trying out the branching story line thing but surprisingly they screwed that up. The story is such a mess and filled with plot holes... One example is in Sonic Adventure 2 Dr. Robotnik configures The Space Colony Ark to destroy the world before being sent to prison... But in Shadow The Hedgehog Robotnik configures the Ark to destroy Black Doom's comet before being sent to prison... WTH!? How is that even possible... It makes no sense... Being able to breath underwater makes more sense then that... Game play time... It's your typical Sonic game play but with a new addition of weapons. Shadow can now wield a variety of weapons such as your typical pistol and machine guns too rockets launchers and some Alien weaponry. Surprisingly the weapons handle pretty well (minus the rocket launchers which are a pain in the ass to aim) and I rather use the guns instead of the homing attack because it's programmed rather poorly. It has caused me a lot of cheap deaths because it failed to lock me onto the enemy I want to hit and sent me hurling down a pit to my death. Another thing thats horribly implemented is the handling. It feels as if you're running on ice. It's just horrible such like the various of vehicles you can drive such as motorcycles or jeeps. They're all really slow and clunky. I rather deal with the piss ass handling than drive those broken things. And the graphics are just horrible to look at... They used the same models of the Sonic characters from Sonic Heroes and put them in this dark and gritty environment. They just don't fit. The music is a hit and miss too except for the opening theme and Crush 40's "Never Turn Back". Overall Shadow The Hedgehog is just a bad game that tries to do a couple of new things but ends up doing them wrong. The graphics are as pretty as an old sh*t stained underwear from your fat uncle rob, with a horrible story that's a complete mess that'll make Amanda Byne's seem like she has her sh*t straight and with a mediocre game play. Stay away from this game. It's horrible. If you're feeling suicidal this game is the perfect way to kill yourself. But please... Call someone if you're suicidal... Please.… Expand
  59. SlyguyReviews
    Sep 21, 2014
    6
    This is not a bad game. great shooting mechanic, the controls are a little slippery, multiple endings. the missions at times can take a long time. Warning DONT TRY TO SPEED RUN you will get tired of it so take little by little. The story is average and the endings are pretty good. If you can try this game out.
  60. TSDG
    Apr 12, 2015
    7
    DECENT, It felt good, but not for the single player mode that once made me sick for being in stages too long, but I wish the multiplayer mode was online, considering the GameCube wasn't capable of it, hopefully it gets a sequel with online multiplayer!
  61. MaxShibe
    Sep 7, 2019
    5
    Slippery Gameplay, mediocre story and really repetitive. Not that good at all.
  62. Psychie
    Jan 2, 2020
    8
    I find fun in interesting places. As bad as the story is, as bland as the production values are, and as repetitive as the game can be, I genuinely have a lot of fun playing it. The guns don't hurt the gameplay, Shadow's abilities are used well, and the control isn't as bad as people say it is. At least to me.
  63. JamesDrawsThngs
    Aug 7, 2020
    3
    I'll go ahead and say this right off the bat: This is the worst Sonic game I have ever played. Oh sure, Sonic 06 comes in a close second (and I have yet to play Sonic Boom to form an actual opinion on the game), but I was far more frustrated and bored with this game compared to 06. What few good ideas that are here are not even close to making this worthwhile to sit through. From itsI'll go ahead and say this right off the bat: This is the worst Sonic game I have ever played. Oh sure, Sonic 06 comes in a close second (and I have yet to play Sonic Boom to form an actual opinion on the game), but I was far more frustrated and bored with this game compared to 06. What few good ideas that are here are not even close to making this worthwhile to sit through. From its structure, to the edginess, to its awful story, Shadow the Hedgehog is an absolute failure.

    This game came out during a time where Japanese developers were struggling to keep console gaming profitable in their own country, so many decided to focus on the Western market. Sonic has historically always been popular with Western countries, so it made sense to want to appeal to them. Their idea of appealing to the West (specifically the U.S.), however, was to turn this game into the bedroom of the edgiest pre-teen you can imagine. It's got everything: awkwardly placed, forced swearing, the use of weaponry that feels so incredibly out of place for any character in the series to use, heavy metal and excessive amounts of wangst. The best part is that there is not an ounce of irony to be had. Not even a wink to let you know that, yes, even the developers think this is ridiculous and we're gonna have fun with it. There's no fun, though. You better wear protective gear, because the edge here hurts.

    How about that story? Well, Shadow still has amnesia from Sonic Heroes, and all the characters that know him STILL REFUSE TO TELL HIM ABOUT HIS PAST. While in the middle of some reflecting, aliens pop in out of nowhere and start wrecking the city. Shadow only begins to care when the alien leader, Black Doom, tells Shadow to nab the Chaos Emerald because he owes him a solid. Shadow foolishly agrees, and is off on a treasure hunt to try and learn something (the rest of the characters sure as he** won't tell him squat). So over the course of the game, you are given multiple missions that align with being good, evil or neutral. What missions you perform determines the path you take, leading to multiple endings that allow you to shape Shadow into either a good guy, an evil prick or confused emo robot. Sounds great on paper. Bad news: none of those endings matter. Once you complete all the necessary missions, you unlock a final story segment that leads to what Sega considers cannon, rendering any choices you have made throughout the game (and the game's entire marketing tagline) completely moot. It's not like it matters too much, though, as every part of the story in this game either doesn't make sense or is just awful to sit through, not helped by the game's terrible voice direction.

    Core gameplay falls in line with that of previous 3D Sonic games. You run and platform through the level and either get to a goal, or complete specific objectives like defeating a certain number of enemies or funding a few key items. Almost every mission in the game falls into the latter two, which means at many points you'll be slowing down to scour through the levels to make sure you don't miss anything, making some missions agonizingly long. One decent inclusion they added is that you can warp between checkpoints in case you miss anything, but it doesn't make exploring these boring and bleak levels less frustrating. Not even the music, which is usually the saving grace of a bad Sonic game, isn't particularly memorable save for a few pieces. You know what else makes them frustrating? Shadow's god awful, slippery controls and the frustrating camera. It feels like butter melting around a moving frying pan. You have to just barely nudge Shadow through many of the levels just to make sure he doesn't slip off like a dunce. Ironically, I found the gunplay in this game to be the best part as it is the most functional aspect of the game. It allows you to mow down enemies a lot easier instead of using the gimped homing attack or useless punches. You also have access to two Chaos powers: Chaos Control and Chaos Blast. Both are filled by killing certain enemies. Chaos Control allows you to zoom through the level, but is only useful in instances where you just have to get to a goal. It's more useful against bosses as you can slow down time. Chaos Blast is a bit better as it's just a giant explosion and is, again, good for bosses. Actually, the best part about these powers isn't the powers themselves, but the fact that simply filling the meter gives you unlimited ammo for your weapon.

    I understand that this game does have its defenders, and if you enjoy it, that is perfectly okay. I'm glad you got something out of it. For me, though, oh god no. I will happily defend my stance as this being the worst game in the series that I've experienced. I only hang onto it for my collection. For anybody else remotely curious, do not bother giving it the time of day.    … Expand
  64. nelson2004
    Apr 7, 2021
    3
    6.3 User score for this game huh? People have definitely been wearing their nostalgia goggles for this one. Let it be known that this is the worst 3D sonic game ever. The level design is either straight forward paths with no exploration and tons of scripted sequences, or maze levels that repeat locations just to get you lost in the level not to mention the worst control of any 3D sonic6.3 User score for this game huh? People have definitely been wearing their nostalgia goggles for this one. Let it be known that this is the worst 3D sonic game ever. The level design is either straight forward paths with no exploration and tons of scripted sequences, or maze levels that repeat locations just to get you lost in the level not to mention the worst control of any 3D sonic game, I believe this game is using a modified version of the adventure engine where the speed, acceleration, and friction have all been jacked up making shadow control like if he was on ice all while the game decides to litter enemies across the stage and if that wasn't enough, shadow's other moves were severely nerfed, the homing attack is no longer a reliable tool to platform as you can barely change the direction of your dash leading to death if your trying to reach platforms while hitting airborne enemies, the spindash also makes a return and it sucks as well, you have to be stand still to use it and it only sends you a grand total of about 10 feet, you also can't gain momentum from rolling down slopes like you could in the previous games making the game feel more lifeless and boring, the only alright parts of this game are the music of course, and the gun gameplay, sure it makes shadow's other combat abilities obsolete, but who cares, they sucked anyway.… Expand
  65. Tempor
    May 3, 2021
    10
    I love the music, the fear, the action, the story, the branching plots, and Eggman.
  66. SillySalamndr
    Mar 1, 2015
    4
    Shadow the Hedgehog is a great example of a concept which was lost by the time the full game was made. Each playthrough is short, and each plot is alright for how the game is designed, but the initial "charm" of the game crumbles by the third playthrough. The gun mechanics are unsatisfying and unrewarding compared to the traditional Sonic attacks. Bosses are often rehashed, andShadow the Hedgehog is a great example of a concept which was lost by the time the full game was made. Each playthrough is short, and each plot is alright for how the game is designed, but the initial "charm" of the game crumbles by the third playthrough. The gun mechanics are unsatisfying and unrewarding compared to the traditional Sonic attacks. Bosses are often rehashed, and encountering the same boss leaves something to be desired. Because the game uses a mix 'n match of cutscenes for story, you will often feel unsatisfied with the story resulting from the game's path you have chosen. These elements would be bearable in the short play time of the game, but in order to unlock the "final story," you need to do every single ending. As a result, you need to run through the same boring starting level ten times, encounter the same unappealing bosses even more, play through the same repetitive missions, and do all of the final bosses. Oh, did I mention that there are really just three final bosses, just stuck in different endings so that you can have an even *more* repetitive game?

    Shadow the Hedgehog's one redeeming light is that it has a great multiplayer - one which I would find fantastic to play as a standalone - but I would not recommend playing the game just for that; you'd waste far too much time playing the rest of this awful game to unlock the levels.

    Overall, this game *could* have been better, but the repetitive structure of the entire game gave it nearly no replay value, despite the game requiring that you replay it nine times to unlock last bit. Regardless of any clunky controls, the repetitiveness of the game is enough to break the game.

    Personal Rating: 3.9/10    … Expand
  67. SmarfisLove
    Apr 19, 2015
    10
    Mannnn, Shadow is like the coolest character/10. Hes2 cool!!1!!>2!!@! After all, he says damn and has guns. WOW, so cool i cant even contain myself. the plots? amazing. characters? amazing. The gameplay? amazing
  68. weskergamer
    Jan 23, 2017
    9
    This is not the classic game of Sonic we know but its name implies. Shadow the Hedgehog, Sonic the Hedgehog. Excellent soundtrack, long hours of games and an interesting history, as well as good graphics. The camera is a little annoying but like the game maintains a high quality.
  69. Xcaliber
    Feb 13, 2018
    6
    This game coming after the wonderful but flawed Sonic heroes had a lot to live up too, but it was quite the disappointment. the story is hilariously edgy and feels like the design team just fished watching the matrix movies! the presentation while less colorful than previous titles looks great (mostly) and the soundtrack is pretty good but a bit generic sometimes. the gameplay is prettyThis game coming after the wonderful but flawed Sonic heroes had a lot to live up too, but it was quite the disappointment. the story is hilariously edgy and feels like the design team just fished watching the matrix movies! the presentation while less colorful than previous titles looks great (mostly) and the soundtrack is pretty good but a bit generic sometimes. the gameplay is pretty good with lots of enemys to fight and stages to platform through. the controls are kinda slippery but are quite easy to get used to and aren't as bad as some say they are. the alternate endings aren't that great so I just recommend doing a standard neutral playthrough unless you want 100%. there is also some local multiplayer that is pretty fun but nothing to special.Overall this game is OK but very flawed and I recommend if you're a hardcore sonic fan or wanna get into the series.… Expand
  70. AceDimensions
    Dec 31, 2017
    10
    Dont Listen To The Noob Sonic Fans Who Doesnt Like Anything Sega Makes For Them This Game Is Great People Hate It For Dumb Reasons The Camera Is Bad (Sometimes) But The Rest Is Great 10/10
  71. KingDedede17
    May 20, 2018
    10
    This game deserves more credit. It has multiple endings, a deep story, and great game play. So what if Shadow has a gun. Shadow is an edgy character, it makes sense for him to have a gun. The only bad thing is the camera controls, but you get used to it.
  72. gamezgeek
    May 7, 2018
    10
    Great game. Good graphics. Storyline mechanic adds a lot of replay value. The gameplay style all suits Shadow's character. Countless hours of fun.
  73. HetAlbertkanaal
    Oct 20, 2019
    10
    Shadow the Hedgehog is a fun platformer for casual gamers and Sonic fans. The choice between being a hero or a villain makes for an engaging storyline. The level design is solid and I recommend it to everyone.
  74. greninjaX
    Apr 12, 2022
    0
    too edgey. too repetitive. too tedious. there's not a single thing this game does right.
  75. KaiserkeK
    Feb 15, 2019
    10
    This is an edge masterpiece, I could never even imagine that such a fine gem could be even close to the sonic franchise. The more I get to know how edgy this was, how much emo and goth references there were just makes me laugh. This is truly beautiful, I hope they revive the franchise so that we could have a good laugh.
  76. ZXSth
    Mar 6, 2023
    5
    Unlike Sonic the Hedgehog (the one from 2006), Shadow the Hedgehog's most egregious sin is not being outlandish or outrageous, in my mind - the game is simply frustratingly lacklustre. Funnily enough, I did not find a serious portrayal of a gun-wielding anthromorphic hedgehog all that hilarious or ridiculous. In fact, the far more outrageous prospect was playing through the same stagesUnlike Sonic the Hedgehog (the one from 2006), Shadow the Hedgehog's most egregious sin is not being outlandish or outrageous, in my mind - the game is simply frustratingly lacklustre. Funnily enough, I did not find a serious portrayal of a gun-wielding anthromorphic hedgehog all that hilarious or ridiculous. In fact, the far more outrageous prospect was playing through the same stages numerous times in order to achieve the game's final ending, which I could not bring myself to do.

    This game demands a lot of time from its players, and it does not respect it at all. It also offers a rather lame experience across the board: A repetitive and par-at-best single-player experience; a pointless narrative; terrible writing; too many characters that are poorly voice-acted and entirely inconsequential to the equally inconsequential story; and one of the most forgettable and unengaging two-player modes I have ever seen in a video game.

    Where Sega was arguably able to provide a marginally better characterization of Shadow in Sonic '06, this game spits on anything that might have verged on interesting or evocative about the character by creating this low-effort video game. It is playable and tolerable, but barely anything more than that.    … Expand
  77. Maximo_Pepino
    Jun 29, 2022
    0
    One of the worst sonic games ever, Shadow the hedgehog gives a new meaning to the word "trash", which anybody who gave it about 30% or above may have lost their sense of. This is to all those who defended or otherwise sucked on this game. Get a life.
  78. Diego9028
    Dec 10, 2019
    7
    Es un juego un poco alejado de la saga principal de Sonic pero que cualquiera puede disfrutar si le interesa descubrir el pasado de Shadow.
  79. Loogie222
    Jan 25, 2020
    8
    This game is a pretty good game. Its gun mechanics are good, physics don't break, the camera is good, good storytelling, it has amazing music. what's not to love? A lot of people criticize this game for making you play the game 10 times to get the true ending, but it does the same thing for sonic adventure and sonic adventure 2. This game is just plain awesome. While its graphics are worseThis game is a pretty good game. Its gun mechanics are good, physics don't break, the camera is good, good storytelling, it has amazing music. what's not to love? A lot of people criticize this game for making you play the game 10 times to get the true ending, but it does the same thing for sonic adventure and sonic adventure 2. This game is just plain awesome. While its graphics are worse than the adventure games, it makes up for it with its story and gameplay.… Expand
  80. Christo8
    Oct 27, 2021
    9
    No entiendo las malas reseñas a mi me encantó que sea algo diferente a la saga principal... Tiene una historia increíble, buena música, muy buena jugabilidad y buenas mecanicas

    Aquí tenemos varios finales y dependiendo de nuestras acciones sean buenas o malas... Tendremos uno de los 10 finales, es bastante bueno porque podemos ver curiosidades, podemos aclarar más nuestras dudas y hasta    No entiendo las malas reseñas a mi me encantó que sea algo diferente a la saga principal... Tiene una historia increíble, buena música, muy buena jugabilidad y buenas mecanicas

    Aquí tenemos varios finales y dependiendo de nuestras acciones sean buenas o malas... Tendremos uno de los 10 finales, es bastante bueno porque podemos ver curiosidades, podemos aclarar más nuestras dudas y hasta incluso ver el lado más humano/malo de shadow... Fue muy buena inclusión

    En jugabilidad el uso de armas es bastante bueno, no te acostumbras a la primera pero después de 2 o 3 misiones ya te abras acostumbrado a usarlas, las melee son bastante inutiles pero las de fuego son muy útiles, tendrán poca munición pero balancean el juego... También shadow es algo más resbaladizo (porque usa patines) que puede ser algo molesto, el autopuntado es algo confuso pero está bien

    No revelaré la historia, pero para saber todos los detalles de cómo fue shadow creado, como fue su vida en ark, porque los G.U.N atacaron ark, Gerald robotnix era un psicópata peligroso o un buen científico que cometió errores? Todo estás preguntas importantes y más están en este juego

    Resumen... El juego merece otra oportunidad, no es mal juego tiene bastante lore y explica cosas que no entendimos o no nos explican en Sonic adventure 2, a pesar de ser un semi spin off de la saga y que Sonic no sea está vez el protagonista es un buen cambio a la saga y pienso que es un nuevo aire... Este juego superó rosas mis expectativas y eso que no tenía por la opiniones de la gente, pero mi mejor decision fue tener criterio propio y jugarlo    … Expand
  81. p_ulisses
    Jun 29, 2020
    5
    When I was a kid and was playing in the PS2, I thought this game was the best thing mankind ever made. And then, we grew up, see the series visual identity and mechanics completely distorted and make a "bruh" face. Still, I have some affection for it, since it's nostalgic. But the game has a lot of problems, like glitches, poorly made graphics, a unbalanced soundtrack with some outstandingWhen I was a kid and was playing in the PS2, I thought this game was the best thing mankind ever made. And then, we grew up, see the series visual identity and mechanics completely distorted and make a "bruh" face. Still, I have some affection for it, since it's nostalgic. But the game has a lot of problems, like glitches, poorly made graphics, a unbalanced soundtrack with some outstanding songs and forgettable and generic others, and the worst defect I think it has: the insertion of guns in the franchise, used by one of the protagonists, to pass a "cool and edgy" feeling to the children but when you grow up, the only thing you can feel is cringe. At least, I can enjoy the game's level design. Some stages are linear, but others are well inspired and cool to explore (not you, Lost Impact). I see a lot of people say this game has a good story. It's just laughable.… Expand
  82. Vevevsveveve
    Jul 11, 2021
    10
    I love this game first i play on GameCube soo its soooooo good game i love it
  83. Knight678
    Jul 24, 2021
    7
    Yes I gave Shadow a 7 because of the Gameplay,Alternative Endings,Ties into Sonic 06 by explaining why he became a agent if you play the expert mode,Ost and it's very fun to play through if you don't do all 10 endings.The only problems i have with this game is some of the dialogue,almost dead and wonky controls but apart from that it's a solid underated gem that should be ported
  84. ibblue07
    Jun 20, 2022
    7
    Giving Shadow a gun is almost like giving Goku a gun. I know it sounds silly, but he literally doesn’t need a gun if he already has Chaos Abilities at his disposal. I feel like they did it just to make Shadow The Hedgehog more edgy. However, I will say that the alternative endings are cool and makes the game feel more dynamic. Though trying to actually get all of these endings will be aGiving Shadow a gun is almost like giving Goku a gun. I know it sounds silly, but he literally doesn’t need a gun if he already has Chaos Abilities at his disposal. I feel like they did it just to make Shadow The Hedgehog more edgy. However, I will say that the alternative endings are cool and makes the game feel more dynamic. Though trying to actually get all of these endings will be a rather bumpy ride.… Expand
  85. RamenRoodles
    Aug 6, 2021
    3
    2021 Year Review:
    OH man 2005, Get your eyeliner out, get your razors for cutting your wrists, complain about your past and why you can't get along with your dad- roll all that pent up aggression in with an alter ego Sonic named Shadow who rides a chopper with a gun in one hand and a middle finger pointed upwards in the other hand. And you get Shadow the Hedgehog, the decade's most edgy    2021 Year Review:
    OH man 2005, Get your eyeliner out, get your razors for cutting your wrists, complain about your past and why you can't get along with your dad- roll all that pent up aggression in with an alter ego Sonic named Shadow who rides a chopper with a gun in one hand and a middle finger pointed upwards in the other hand. And you get Shadow the Hedgehog, the decade's most edgy character of all time. Bro I aint gonna lie that intro cutscene made me SO stoked to play this game. Shadow looks bad ass he's got some metal music in the background screaming "I AM ALL OF ME" which makes no sense but at the end you see Sonic crumbling to his feet and shadows just over him looking sinister as hell. **** crazy. BUT- do NOT, I repeat- do NOT, buy this game. Why? Cause you know its bad I know its bad you just wanna see someones opinion on an old game and I just threw it into my gamecube for the hell of it one night and it was a good laugh for about 20 mins and then I realized just how terrible of a job SEGA did my boi Shadow. It looks like an adventure game but plays NOTHING like an adventure series game. Its more like a dungeon crawler with side quests and the nothing storywise makes that much sense but the cocaine rock and gun action is supposed to carry you through it all. SURE, alternate endings are a dope idea, learning about Shadow's origin and his relationship to Maria within the Ark is all story that COULD be interesting. UNFORTUNATELY it is NOT executed well WHATSOEVER. There is one barely saving grace that is the 2 player dueling. I thought it was fun but you need to have a good knowledge of the game mechanics and GOOD LUCK finding someone else out there that has "mastered" Shadow the Hedgehog. RIP
    Put it in for nostalgia but then tuck it away until its a collector item if you already own it.    … Expand
  86. E102Gamma
    Nov 15, 2021
    2
    I believe Shadow the Hedgehog is just as bad as Sonic Heroes but for opposite reasons. Where I found Sonic Heroes's gameplay to difficult to get used to, Shadow the Hedgehog returns to a more simplified move set as it focuses on one character rather than 12. It is also one of the most stable 3D games in the entire series which came as quite a shock to me. I never came across any gameI believe Shadow the Hedgehog is just as bad as Sonic Heroes but for opposite reasons. Where I found Sonic Heroes's gameplay to difficult to get used to, Shadow the Hedgehog returns to a more simplified move set as it focuses on one character rather than 12. It is also one of the most stable 3D games in the entire series which came as quite a shock to me. I never came across any game breaking glitches in all of my playthroughs. General movement in Sonic Heroes was also horrible. Here Shadow's movement is more constrained. It takes him time to accelerate to full speed, and while at full speed, turning is delayed to prevent the player from flying off the road. It does, however, make maneuvering around corners and dodging projectiles a little problematic. Wish there was at least a side step. He also retains the floaty jump that all the games have. As far as general controls and stability, Shadow the Hedgehog is a step in the right direction. Though the spindash sucks now because Sonic Team wanted to place more focus on the weapons which also work really well.

    So the basic movement, stability and mechanics seem to be leagues ahead of Heroes but nearly everything else is far behind. The game's story is awfully generic and the levels feel bland from the very start. Add on the fact that none of the levels are built like Sonic levels. The levels do not compliment Shadow's control at all. Instead they are open areas filled with drones. Drones: enemies with AI so dumb they are no challenge to kill. Enemies continue to have health bars like in Heroes and the combat is boring. Just fire and spam the same attack till they die. No thought goes into these encounters. Every level follows a mission structure and completing a mission will lead Shadow to a different level and what was probably supposed to be a different side of the story. This game has ten endings, all of which are fundamentally the same. Once the player discovers all ten they gain access to a secret eleventh which completely discards the entire concept of the game. It, much like Sonic Heroes, is a complete **** show.

    I'm not going to go over the darker tone of the game because its a weak argument. Everyone complains about an anthropomorphic hedgehog wielding a gun but no one bats an eye at the squirrel (Conker). There is a fundamental difference between Conker and Shadow, though. Conker's Bad Fur Day is an absurd concept and it revels in that absurdness. It knows when to make fun of itself and when to take itself seriously. It has likeable and memorable characters. The developers at Rare wanted that game to be many things but they knew that none of that would ever matter unless the game was good. If the game isn't good then nothing else it offers matters. Conker is like a roller coaster with many twists, sharp turns and hills. Shadow the Hedgehog is a straight line that loops ten times over with one sharp turn at the end. Conker has personality in excess while Shadow the Hedgehog is as dull and generic as one can get.    … Expand
  87. ZacSpaghetti
    Dec 22, 2022
    8
    Shadow the Hedgehog from 2005 is over hated and under rated. While Shadow won't reach the heights of other Sonic games, it delivers exhilarating fun in its own right through tried and true "Sonic Adventure" styled game play mixed with easy to use gun play. Not to mention a fascinating, lore expanding story that will take you on a tour through what Shadow could become if he falls into theShadow the Hedgehog from 2005 is over hated and under rated. While Shadow won't reach the heights of other Sonic games, it delivers exhilarating fun in its own right through tried and true "Sonic Adventure" styled game play mixed with easy to use gun play. Not to mention a fascinating, lore expanding story that will take you on a tour through what Shadow could become if he falls into the wrong hands or is intercepted by Sonic and his friends. Only a small handful of missions dare to slow this game down!… Expand
  88. RE-con
    Aug 20, 2022
    10
    This game is super underrated and i love it
    Gameplay 8/10
    Soundtrack 10/10
    Plot 10/10
  89. KezKaz
    Nov 9, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Although the guns, language and violence, surprisingly.. this game is REALLY fun to play! With shadow retuning with his PEGI age rating from 3-7+ to 12+, you would expect it would be all the edge, or should I say.. all the hedge..hog. The game starts off on a great start, Westopolis, with the amazing soundtrack. Shadow The Hedgehog’s attacks in the game are: Punch, Kick, Spindash, light speed dash and a homing attack, this game also has a Dark and Hero story path, where drafting Gun Soldiers goes the hero route, while killing the gun soldiers gives you the dark path. The game has a great sense of speed, with a buttery smooth 60fps (not on PS2 lol) makes it feel amazing to play. This game may not be the best received, but it holds and amazing place in my heart… Expand
  90. FeelStar
    Nov 25, 2022
    5
    Shadow the Hedgehog is a incredible odd title that's often hated among most, I however played through it and found myself thinking it was quite alright. The game misunderstands a lot of what made some of the earlier titles good but also has aspects that go underseen by people nowadays too. The controls are the biggest problem, controlling shadow in the game is something that will turn offShadow the Hedgehog is a incredible odd title that's often hated among most, I however played through it and found myself thinking it was quite alright. The game misunderstands a lot of what made some of the earlier titles good but also has aspects that go underseen by people nowadays too. The controls are the biggest problem, controlling shadow in the game is something that will turn off most, but if you can push through it, the level design in some places and banger soundtrack and graphics might make you think otherwise. The story is also enjoyable too for how completely dumb every character acts in the game, mixed with moments of really good writing too. The gameplay is not very good, but the moments of good design and genuinely enjoyable music, graphics, & story makes this game quite the ok title for me.… Expand
  91. luigiguy
    Dec 14, 2022
    3
    this game is painful to play but theres a decent amout of good things about this game like some levels the soundtrack and the 9 endings. and strangly its more memrable then forces as a exprince
    3.7/10 its trash but i respect it
  92. MyNameJ3ff
    Dec 27, 2022
    10
    this game is the SH1T ,
  93. TreasureOrTrash
    Sep 8, 2023
    10
    Treasure!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Awards & Rankings

75
#75 Best GameCube Game of 2005
2
#2 Most Discussed GameCube Game of 2005
3
#3 Most Shared GameCube Game of 2005

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
51

Mixed or average reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 22
  3. Negative: 10 out of 22
  1. Thunderbolt
    40
    From its stripping down of the series' most successful gameplay elements to its obviously desperate addition of weapons and 'street' cool this is still a product of a development studio with a good imagination. But also, it seems, a lazy one only too happy to jump on the same GTA bandwagon that's currently carrying way too many developers.
    Read full review
  2. AceGamez
    40
    The poor controls, tricky camera and an irritation-filled gaming experience is unfortunately what Shadow the Hedgehog is presented as, and this doesn't deserve to be found under too many Christmas tree's this year.
  3. Nintendo Power
    80
    An enjoyable, high-octane adventure. Naysayers be damned. [Jan 2006, p.111]
See all critic reviews »