Shadow the Hedgehog

 PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: Sega
  • Release Date: Nov 15, 2005
Metascore
45

Generally unfavorable reviews - based on 28 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 28
  3. Negative: 18 out of 28
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  1. Play Magazine
    75
    I narrowly recommend it for series die-hard, unless it keeps you from buying "Rush", in which case you should opt for your DS all the way. [Dec 2005, p.58]
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  2. Game Over Online
    70
    Shadow the Hedgehog has a couple good ideas that are ruined by sorry gameplay. What happened?
  3. BonusStage
    60
    A monumental letdown, no ifs, ands or buts about it.
  5. IC-Games
    53
    The magic of the 2D versions have all but been lost in a search for technical accomplishment and it suffers terribly for it.
  6. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    52
    This premise would still be stupid even if Shadow didn't suffer from slowdown issues, a nonexistent lock-on system, a horrible camera, and bottomless pits in which to fall. But it does, and it is stupid--just like this is a stupid way to spend 50 bucks.
  7. Just RPG
    52
    The ability to choose your own destiny in Shadow the Hedgehog is cool, but much of that is overshadowed by the problems with the camera, controls, targeting, and so on.
  8. Cheat Code Central
    50
    Unlike last years popular and more importantly, playable, "Sonic Heroes," Shadow The Hedgehog is a misstep in almost every direction.
  9. Total Video Games
    50
    As a long-term Sonic fan Shadow the Hedgehog fills me with absolute dread and disdain; it’s an abysmal game that manages to expand upon the issues of previous Sonic games, whilst completing negating the core ingredients of the Sonic series.
  10. The Sydney Morning Herald
    50
    The action is also largely mindless, with a poor targeting system and a game camera that never quite follows the action the way you want it to.
  11. My Gamer
    50
    Sonic Team really dropped the ball on mission design, the graphics are lackluster, camera control issues can result in needless deaths, and the storyline can be a little hard to follow for anyone that is not a Sonic junkie.
  12. IGN
    47
    A long list of shortcomings, from stupid level design, unrefined controls and useless gunplay to disappointingly outdated graphics.
  13. GameSpot
    47
    Shadow the Hedgehog fails to live up to its pedigree due to terrible controls, an uncooperative camera, and an overall lack of effort.
  14. TotalGames.net
    43
    Nasty visuals, odd camera work, silly levels - Shadow suffers from all the problems for which people have criticised every other 3D Sonic game only, for the most part, to a greater degree. Deserves to get lost among the Christmas rush and never found or spoken of again.
    All this publication's reviews
  15. Worth Playing
    42
    The new ideas they've had work surprisingly well - sure, the hero has a gun, but it's a gun that works fluidly and effectively. The only problem is that the rest of the game has been dressed up in an attitude that really doesn't fit the franchise in the least, and then further marred by graphical inadequacy and unpleasant sound.
  16. Jolt Online Gaming UK
    41
    Shadow the Hedgehog is awful. Stay away from it.
  17. GameSpy
    40
    The lack of speed is a real problem here.
  18. PALGN
    40
    Shadow the Hedgehog could signal the death of Sonic spin offs, the title tries too hard to be impressive and ultimately fails miserably.
  19. Game Informer
    40
    The new gun combat is horrid. [Jan 2006, p.138]
    All this publication's reviews
  20. 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.
    All this publication's reviews
  21. Times Online
    40
    Sega seems to be lazily exploiting a franchise that appears way past its sell-by date. Reinvent the character by all means, but give him back his sharp edges.
  22. GamePro
    40
    For all the consternation about a gun-toting enigma invading a kid-friendly video-game series, the only thing to fear in Sega's Shadow the Hedgehog is the game's slap-dash excution. [Mar 2006, p.80]
    All this publication's reviews
  23. DarkStation
    40
    Sega has jumped the shark with their Sonic franchise, as this release massively disappoints with frustrating controls and useless camera.
  24. 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.
  25. Official Playstation 2 Magazine UK
    40
    Flaccid gunplay, horrible stop/start pacing and dull bosses mean that Shadow isn't ready for the limelight just yet. [Apr 2006, p.84]
    All this publication's reviews
  26. Digital Entertainment News
    40
    Someday, Sega might actually do Sonic right in 3D, but at the moment, this is the worst attempt yet.
  27. PSM Magazine
    30
    We could go on and on about the frustrating platforming, inconsistent graphics, but we're anything but sadists. [Jan 2006, p.78]
    All this publication's reviews
  28. Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
    30
    A couple of good ideas, a couple of bad ideas, but all executed so poorly that the game almost feels unfinished. Combine that with a control and camera system that's been getting progressively worse for the past six years or so, and it's official: The hedgehog has jumped the shark.
  29. Gaming Age
    25
    Combine the relatively poor visuals with monotonous level designs, and you'll find yourself in the middle of a level with no real visual cues of where you are within the level.

Awards & Rankings

11
#11 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2005
12
#12 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2005

User Reviews

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User Score
6.0

Mixed or average reviews- based on 229 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 86 out of 229
  2. Mixed: 75 out of 229
  3. Negative: 68 out of 229
  1. RatchetClank53
    May 14, 2012
    10
    OH NO, a positive Shadow the Hedgehog review? I am prepared for the hate. Regardless, Shadow the Hedgehog was released in 2005 and is theOH NO, a positive Shadow the Hedgehog review? I am prepared for the hate. Regardless, Shadow the Hedgehog was released in 2005 and is the first Sonic related game in which the protagonist is not Sonic the Hedgehog and is a character introduced in Sonic Adventure 2. The purpose of the game is for players to find out more about Shadow than they originally knew of in SA2. This information includes Shadow's past such as how he was created and more details about Maria. When it comes to the actual story, it gives you a different feel in each of the different sides you choose. I believe players disliked the story because they didn't want a different style in which you can play through different outcomes and have increased replayablility. Now let's get into the gameplay. Many people found the gun concept to be "Pointless", the speed of Shadow to be too slow, and the performance of the game graphics wise, but I found none of those to be an issue. the guns bring variety to the series, Shadow runs just as fast as Sonic and runs as smoothly as in SA2, and the graphics were not bad. Heck, even the split screen I found fun playing with my friends. The only minor issue I found within the game was, well, nothing. Overall, don't listen to the other reviewers unless you prefer everything to be the same rather than variety. That is why this game deserves a perfet 100.… Full Review »
  2. Ghito
    Nov 4, 2012
    7
    Seriously,why does everyone hates this game? i mean,it's not the best sonic game i've ever played,but it's better than SONIC THE HEDGEHOGSeriously,why does everyone hates this game? i mean,it's not the best sonic game i've ever played,but it's better than SONIC THE HEDGEHOG '06,you have to admit this game was good,okay,it had glitches,and no speed at all,BUT,you guys DO remember that in sonic heroes ,team dark was more focused in combat rather than speed,right?yeah,well thats how shadow rolls.....and why do you guys complain so much about guns in the game,YOU PLAY SONIC GAMES,A BLUE SUPERSONIC HEDGEHOG WHO WEARS SHOES!!!!SHOES!!!!,and you guys complain about guns?pfft,anyways,i like this game,Live with it.… Full Review »
  3. Vixuzen
    Nov 25, 2013
    10
    I don't see why this game is so hated. It has really cool soundtrack and levels are really enjoyable. It's just one of those games, thatI don't see why this game is so hated. It has really cool soundtrack and levels are really enjoyable. It's just one of those games, that require mre skill. The idea of dropping 10 rings after hit instead of all of them makes this games actually a lot easier. I like the fact, that you can choose, if you want to do Hero, Dark or Neutral (go to finish line) missions. Also, the storyline fills gaps that SA2 and SH left for Shadow. It has great replay value.
    This game is a platforming shooter and that's the main reason why it's hated so much. Those kinds of games are actually my favourite. In other words, you should buy this game, if you want to know more about Shadow The Hedgehog without going to wiki pages or if you like platforming shooters.    … Full Review »
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