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
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  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. 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
  16. 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.
  17. 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
  18. 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.
  19. 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
  20. Crashloxx
    Jan 6, 2020
    10
    Que wea más buena ctm juego culiao de las manifestaciones y wea a lo vio siono shadow comunista
  21. 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.
  22. 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
  23. 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.
  24. Ultra98
    Nov 10, 2022
    10
    Shadow the hedgehog 2
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  25. [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.
  26. DJGTheHedgehog
    Jun 15, 2018
    10
    Absolute masterpiece of a game. 11 total endings and the edge factor. 10/10
  27. 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.
  28. 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.
  29. 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.
  30. 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.
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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 »