Shadow the Hedgehog

 PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: Sega
  • Release Date: Nov 15, 2005
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
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  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 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 informationOH 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.… Expand
  2. Zakthehedgehog1
    Oct 21, 2014
    6
    Muuaaaaa A Sonic The Hedgehog spin off i can t be dark, Muaaaaaaaa A Sonic Spin off if can t have guns and Vehicles , SHUT THE **** UP, ITS A ****ING SPIN OFF,
    Yes, The Levels are too longs
    Yes, Sometimes the camera it Doesn t helps But is a very entertaining game The Use of weapons an this game its not perfect but it isnt bad the Story is a its a little confuse but memorable for    Muuaaaaa A Sonic The Hedgehog spin off i can t be dark, Muaaaaaaaa A Sonic Spin off if can t have guns and Vehicles , SHUT THE **** UP, ITS A ****ING SPIN OFF,
    Yes, The Levels are too longs
    Yes, Sometimes the camera it Doesn t helps
    But is a very entertaining game
    The Use of weapons an this game its not perfect but it isnt bad
    the Story is a its a little confuse but memorable for the Sonic Standars
    Besides, ITS ****ING SHADOW THE HEDGEHOG
    Its Not precisely a good game but , is acceptable spin off    … Expand
  3. Legendkiller250
    Nov 15, 2015
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I always wanted to play this game but never did i watched playthroughs and i only have little things to say The opening theme is badass but i think thats were the budget went like sonic o6
    Gun combat in a game about speeding throught the level is just going to slow you down
    Chaos control 2wise DONE youv beat the level welll done u happy you didnt even playit? nope;/
    Choseing good or bad is great :D so this game in one word???????????
    MEH    … Expand
  4. Silver1995
    Nov 18, 2019
    6
    Again an underrated game. Some say that the game is good, while others that the game sucks, it is better not to play it. But there are those people who, although they love this game, but appreciate this game soberly. I am one of those people.
    This game has many advantages, for example, graphics that look good for 2005, the soundtrack, not counting some songs, is pretty good, the plot with    Again an underrated game. Some say that the game is good, while others that the game sucks, it is better not to play it. But there are those people who, although they love this game, but appreciate this game soberly. I am one of those people.
    This game has many advantages, for example, graphics that look good for 2005, the soundtrack, not counting some songs, is pretty good, the plot with 11 endings pleases, I like the idea with weapons, vehicles, it’s a pity that the implementation of these ideas came out badly. But there are significant disadvantages to this game. A terrible English voice acting that bleeds ears, control, camera, aiming, all this was done terribly. And PlayStation 2 versions generally have very big problems with optimization. Perhaps due to the fact that PS2 was the weakest, in terms of power, console in its generation.
    But still, this game has potential and ambitiousness, like Sonic 2006. It’s a pity that not all developers succeeded in realizing it.
    My rating: 6.5 out of 10.
    (If there are errors, then I'm sorry, I used a translator)    … Expand
  5. PhilK.
    Feb 4, 2006
    1
    Why did I buy this game!!! 50$ in the garbage! Storyline is too short, gameplay is horrendous, and to top it off this is the easiest game ive ever played! It took me a 1/2 hour to beat campaign mode. Sega has taken a HUGE step backwards. Name anything that makes a game good I bet you they screwed up that part too, graphics, gameplay, an interesting story line, the list goes on and on.
  6. TonyR.
    Sep 8, 2006
    8
    It's okay. Still not the greatest game ever. Poor level design but cool guns.
  7. Hexnar
    Sep 8, 2013
    5
    It's a sonic game with a different main character. People complain of speed, 'cept we're not playing as Sonic here, are we? Nopers, not Sonic! The gun idea... Not so awesome, the battles, same. The levels for all sonic games were always quite straightforward, here you have a bit more space. The auto-targetting is terrible, camera is just like every other 3D sonic game released sinceIt's a sonic game with a different main character. People complain of speed, 'cept we're not playing as Sonic here, are we? Nopers, not Sonic! The gun idea... Not so awesome, the battles, same. The levels for all sonic games were always quite straightforward, here you have a bit more space. The auto-targetting is terrible, camera is just like every other 3D sonic game released since Dreamcast failure. I got this game for $1, I think I've gotten my money's worth out of it. Story line is a bit dull, but I don't care, the fast paced movements and puzzles in completing the different missions in each level give it variety and difference. Mediocre game, fun to play, can be frustrating, steep learning curve, there's no 'here's a training level to get you used to it' straight into the game. That's the only thing it's missing in my opinion.… Expand
  8. babysnakest
    Jan 19, 2015
    9
    Metascore: 8.7/10
    This game had a great story. It had different branches of depth like different universes where Shadow the Hedgehog, the main character can go through. Shadow being in a completely destroyed world and the gunplay completelly outshades the game into more mature audiences. We can clearly see that SEGA was making another franchise. NOTHING TO DO WITH SONIC as a main    Metascore: 8.7/10
    This game had a great story. It had different branches of depth like different universes where Shadow the Hedgehog, the main character can go through. Shadow being in a completely destroyed world and the gunplay completelly outshades the game into more mature audiences. We can clearly see that SEGA was making another franchise. NOTHING TO DO WITH SONIC as a main protagonist.. It's not a Sonic game. They tried to popularize this new 'hero' as a new Sonic into a more mature audience. Speed may not be the main focus on this series. Shadow is a character of his own. The Graphics and Controls are the downside of this game. The Multiplayer was also a very good spendtimer with friends. I also have to state that the music of this game is awesome. SEGA tried to make a new franchise parallel to the Sonic's one, but they failed since the majority of people saw this as another Sonic game.    … Expand
  9. mrbadass
    Dec 9, 2013
    5
    the game is good it has that "shadow the hedgehog touch" the powers the amenesia ,it includes the sonic series characters.,
    on the other hand the game dosent sound like a sega game it seems like a" resistance game" for litele kids,the game has glitchs,bad grapchics,and the worst storyline EVER in a sega game you have three choices in each level you can achive the good ending by doing the    the game is good it has that "shadow the hedgehog touch" the powers the amenesia ,it includes the sonic series characters.,
    on the other hand the game dosent sound like a sega game it seems like a" resistance game" for litele kids,the game has glitchs,bad grapchics,and the worst storyline EVER in a sega game you have three choices in each level you can achive the good ending by doing the good side missions or you can do the bad missions to achive the bad ending or u can just go to the end of the level, sounds fun dosent it well it ISN´T ,IN SOME LEVELS there are easy side missions and others no, like how the hell can you only pass a level by finding 7 keys call me impacient but i have no time to find those keys and the grapchics,the enemies,the soundtrack DONT HELP but puting the anoying sides missions apart i say it wont bother you much.
    and now to the part of the game i like the multyplayer the game has great levels and soundtracks for the multyplayer ,the characters... are just shadow with diferent looks but the character dont mather altough a great multyplayer can comes with his flaws like the glitchs but if your looking for a game to play with your friends i would pick this game.    … Expand
  10. how_are_u
    Aug 20, 2014
    7
    I found this game very fun despite a few control errors and hard levels. If you're a sonic fan, get this. If you're a new sonic fan, you might want to play Sonic The Hedgehog (2006) for a while to get used to 3D Sonic controls and level design. Once you've played that., play Shadow.
  11. Sonic45X
    Nov 12, 2014
    9
    Shadow the Hedgehog is probably one of the best Sonic games I've ever played. The level are fun, the controls are smooth, the music is awesome, the gun play is great and It's barely glitchy. The only thing that I don't like about the game is that the story is pure crap and it's graphics are jarring at best. Other than that, It's an awesome game! Yeah, it's far from perfect but I defidentlyShadow the Hedgehog is probably one of the best Sonic games I've ever played. The level are fun, the controls are smooth, the music is awesome, the gun play is great and It's barely glitchy. The only thing that I don't like about the game is that the story is pure crap and it's graphics are jarring at best. Other than that, It's an awesome game! Yeah, it's far from perfect but I defidently recommend this game to any PlayStation 2 owner who is a fan of the Ultimate Life Form.… Expand
  12. kaliam
    Apr 16, 2015
    10
    I loved the story more than anything! The best part is how your in game decisions (good, evil, or neutral) alter the story and change what stage you go to next. I probably played through the story over 100 times to get every possible scenario. The soundtrack was very fitting for the game! Loved everything about the story mode! (multi-player sucked, but I didn't buy the game for that)
  13. JudgeFargo
    Aug 26, 2015
    7
    I'll be the first to admit that Shadow the Hedgehog is not the best game in the Sonic franchise. There are some rather prominent problems with the game. Chiefly, the camera angles can be horrendous at times, with the game only giving you limited control over the camera at certain points (with the camera sometimes being locked in place in particular parts of certain levels) this can lead toI'll be the first to admit that Shadow the Hedgehog is not the best game in the Sonic franchise. There are some rather prominent problems with the game. Chiefly, the camera angles can be horrendous at times, with the game only giving you limited control over the camera at certain points (with the camera sometimes being locked in place in particular parts of certain levels) this can lead to some deaths that feel unfair to the player, as sometimes you fail to make a precise jump whilst dealing with a less than helpful camera angle. The level design is somewhat varied, however enemy and obstacle placement prevent you from hurtling along the level at high speed, slowing the game down somewhat. The gunplay, whilst an interesting feature in a Sonic game, can be awkward to handle at times, a lock-on feature would have done wonders for this game.

    The good points however are that, to begin with we get some further backstory about Shadow as a character, something that is more than appreciated by long time fans, as Shadow was still quite the mysterious character after his Debut in the Sonic Adventure series. The levels, as mentioned earlier, are quite varied, with levels based on cityscapes, haunted castles, theme parks. space stations, industrial facilities and secret bases to name a few. Going back to the story, one review mentioned that the story is somewhat short, whilst this is true, this is also due to the fact that the game has multiple endings, which unlock multiple special items to be used in the game, giving the game an element of replay value.    … Expand
  14. EpicLadySponge
    Feb 2, 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?
  15. Shadow1
    Mar 24, 2016
    10
    This good game . Almost on par with Sonic Adventure . In Shadow the hedgehog . Interesting and strange gameplay . This is shooter , platformet and action-adventure . Good soundtracks . Special I am all of me , Chosen one and All hail Shadow . Very interesting storyline . Dark levels is not bad . graphics in Sonic Heroes . PS2 , GC and Xbox have this game , but Shadow the hedgehog better onThis good game . Almost on par with Sonic Adventure . In Shadow the hedgehog . Interesting and strange gameplay . This is shooter , platformet and action-adventure . Good soundtracks . Special I am all of me , Chosen one and All hail Shadow . Very interesting storyline . Dark levels is not bad . graphics in Sonic Heroes . PS2 , GC and Xbox have this game , but Shadow the hedgehog better on PS2 than SHadowThe hedgehog on XBOX and GC . poor 9 of 10… Expand
  16. Maxreviews420
    May 13, 2016
    5
    When I first got this game I enjoyed it but there is still a lot bad with it like the ice movement physics, graphics and even level design is horrible but I didn't have many problems with the gunplay but still this is just Ratchet and Clank as well as a telltale game put together in a bad package because this game had much more potential than this
  17. Coreyhardie
    Aug 5, 2016
    7
    You do have to wonder what hell they were thinking with this concept but it liked it, as strange as that is, good replay value, soundtracks badass, the gunplay is actually solid. Still what were they smoking?
  18. shadowhedgehog
    Sep 22, 2016
    10
    the best game ever with the best character ever i dont play many gun games but this is so good i make and exception and u can choose to be hero or villain or neutral what other sonic game does that i ask that gives it another edge
  19. MasonDavidson
    Oct 21, 2017
    5
    Shadow the Hedgehog is slightly below average. People hate this game and often count it as one of the worst games ever made, but the retroactive hate for this title is somewhat a product of revisionist history. When this was released the general consensus was that it was more or less fine, the light swearing, dark tone and use of guns was an odd departure for a Sonic-branded title and lentShadow the Hedgehog is slightly below average. People hate this game and often count it as one of the worst games ever made, but the retroactive hate for this title is somewhat a product of revisionist history. When this was released the general consensus was that it was more or less fine, the light swearing, dark tone and use of guns was an odd departure for a Sonic-branded title and lent the game some novelty value, it wasn't broken or fundamentally unplayable like some other games in the series, but it was still unpolished and uninspired, at the end of the day it all culminated in a game that was a memorable sort of mediocre.

    It's a fairly brief game to play through to one ending, I was able to start a single playthrough and beat it in about an hour and a half without the use of any exploits, but the branching paths and multiple endings make this game around 12 hours to truly complete when all is said and done. Unlocking those branching paths can be a pain though, considering the player is required to complete specific objectives to unlock new paths but often the game will speed you past those objectives with no way of backtracking, forcing you to either repeat a level or just deal with the new path you've been set on.

    The level design ranges from fine to counter-intuitive, which isn't unlike most other 3D Sonic titles, often you're encouraged to go fast but then punished afterwards for doing so, the worst levels are guilty of requiring the player to take a slow and deliberate approach to gameplay for more precise platforming and combat, but the game becomes more mundane when played this way and is not really fine tuned for this sort of play. Often the game bombards the player with different objectives, directives and instructions at the same time and makes it massively easy to accidentally do the wrong thing or hit the wrong enemy because of the generally imprecise controls, especially when it comes to attacking.

    With all this you'd think I hate this game and believe it or not I actually don't. It's story is ludicrous, it's a product of all the cringe-inducing angsty tropes of its era, it has a weird anti-charm about it that makes it sort of endearing and novel to mess around with in the modern era. As bad as it is, if you happen to come across a copy of this title for a couple bucks I'd actually recommend it just on its novelty and humor value alone, plus it actually has some relatively fun local multiplayer I still bust out on occasion.    … Expand
  20. CyberRobotnix
    Dec 15, 2017
    7
    This game is the first Sonic game to have a multiple ending system and it is also the first game being aimed at adults instead of childrens.

    This game also has many kickass musics. The gameplay is a hit or miss to me, personally the gameplay was fun even though it was a bit broken. The game has a few glitches and some AI problems, that's pretty much why I give it a 7/10 instead of    This game is the first Sonic game to have a multiple ending system and it is also the first game being aimed at adults instead of childrens.

    This game also has many kickass musics.

    The gameplay is a hit or miss to me, personally the gameplay was fun even though it was a bit broken.

    The game has a few glitches and some AI problems, that's pretty much why I give it a 7/10 instead of 9/10. The other problem of this game that makes it not get a 10/10 is that sometimes it is kinda repetitive.

    I recommend it, but if you are interested into the franchise you should start off with Sonic 3 and knuckles, Sonic CD, Sonic Mania or Sonic generations (for a more modern gameplay).    … Expand
  21. Declankearns
    Apr 23, 2019
    7
    So many people hated this game because of the frustrating controls and the fact that that you have to beat the game 10 times to finish the game (which just baffles me because there are far worse games). As a kid I actually liked the game and even today it falls under the genre of "guilty pleasure" (for some gamers). Despite its flaws, the game has a decent soundtrack, good replay value,So many people hated this game because of the frustrating controls and the fact that that you have to beat the game 10 times to finish the game (which just baffles me because there are far worse games). As a kid I actually liked the game and even today it falls under the genre of "guilty pleasure" (for some gamers). Despite its flaws, the game has a decent soundtrack, good replay value, Shadow gets lots of character development and proving to be a fun game in the end. Its definitely not one of best and its definitely not one of the worst. But we can all agree that its a 100000 times better than Sonic 06.… Expand
  22. DJGTheHedgehog
    Jun 15, 2018
    10
    Never in my life have I played a better Sonic game in all my life. Black Doom is one of the best video game villains of all time. The choices and freedom you have in this game is amazing. Shadow the Hedgehog is one of the best developed characters of all time. This game blows Revenge of the Sith (PS2) way out of the water with it's combat. You can choose to kill soldiers or hellish aliens.Never in my life have I played a better Sonic game in all my life. Black Doom is one of the best video game villains of all time. The choices and freedom you have in this game is amazing. Shadow the Hedgehog is one of the best developed characters of all time. This game blows Revenge of the Sith (PS2) way out of the water with it's combat. You can choose to kill soldiers or hellish aliens. 10/10 I've never played a game where you have to play the first level 326 in order to get 100%. Westopolis > Coruscant… Expand
  23. MattTGM
    Aug 3, 2018
    7
    While the game has many flaws, it is still a fun experience. The mechanics are better than everyone makes them out to be, and while the controls are not the greatest, they are still serviceable. This is a game that gets far too much hate, it is still very enjoyable. Also, the soundtrack is great.
  24. Nameless2131
    Feb 6, 2020
    8
    10/10 -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  25. Antropo_Mix
    Sep 3, 2019
    7
    Well, Shadow The Hedgehog no is so bad at all in my opinion. Have good music, great graphics (well, because that and some visuals effects the FPS...) and holy sh*t, more than 100 routes! I know who have some things who are bad like the waiting time (like 1 minute to play the next stage) but is a GOOD GAME. No is perfect, of course, but I think is acceptable to play (also have multiplayer,Well, Shadow The Hedgehog no is so bad at all in my opinion. Have good music, great graphics (well, because that and some visuals effects the FPS...) and holy sh*t, more than 100 routes! I know who have some things who are bad like the waiting time (like 1 minute to play the next stage) but is a GOOD GAME. No is perfect, of course, but I think is acceptable to play (also have multiplayer, you can control 2 OW THE EDGEs with you friend!). In my opinion one of the best Sonic games in PS2 (no counting Sonic Mega Collection).… Expand
  26. carracer_gamer
    Oct 3, 2019
    6
    this is an ok game but it did not go well because i an explosion happened or something fast happened the game looked like it was about to freeze and it is buggy
  27. MemoTortas21
    Apr 15, 2020
    10
    Amé este videojuego cuando era niño, y actualmente me sigue gustando muchísimo, era algo diferente a lo de la época, tenía muy buenos gráficos, y las batallas son más que entretenidas con una dificultad justa, lo que más me entretuvo era jugar el multijugador con mi hermano
  28. GrandBalaxon
    Jun 27, 2020
    8
    Ok, I got why people don't like this, but I'm not one of them. I had a lot of fun playing someone not a Sonic for the first time in my life. The second time was Sonic Heroes and this game has become the best Sonic game for me.

    Aw, and the two players mode was great. I had a lot of time spent with my friend and sister battling with each other in those mode. The memories =)
  29. Floch
    Jul 1, 2020
    9
    Meu jogo favorito do PS2, entendo que muita gente não gosta desse jogo mas pra mim isso é completamente impossível, amo muito esse jogo apenas queria um porte pro computador.
  30. DaniilBog
    Feb 6, 2021
    9
    Ru//Eng
    Это неплохая игра про Шедоу. Она явно не заслуживает такого (отрицательного) отношения. Проблемы с камерой и прыжками в пустоту проходят буквально через пару уровней, и я могу вспомнить только пару уровней, в которых было слишком много пропастей. Возможность пройти свой уникальный путь (из 361) действительно увлекает. Оружие очень полезно, может быть за исключением гранатомётов    Ru//Eng
    Это неплохая игра про Шедоу. Она явно не заслуживает такого (отрицательного) отношения. Проблемы с камерой и прыжками в пустоту проходят буквально через пару уровней, и я могу вспомнить только пару уровней, в которых было слишком много пропастей. Возможность пройти свой уникальный путь (из 361) действительно увлекает. Оружие очень полезно, может быть за исключением гранатомётов (они не имеют авто-аима), транспорт действительно не нужен в этой игре, но тебя не заставляют использовать его, так что я не могу назвать это проблемой. Само строение уровней разнообразно, задач не много, но они разнообразны. Эта игра стоит того чтобы пройти её хотя бы пару раз.
    //// WARNING Google translate/////
    This is a good game about shadow. She clearly doesn't deserve this (negative) attitude. Problems with the camera and jumping into the void go through just a couple of levels, and I can only remember a couple of levels where there were too many abysses. The opportunity to go your own unique way (out of 361) is really exciting. Weapons are very useful, maybe with the exception of grenade launchers (they don't have auto-aim), transport is really not needed in this game, but you are not forced to use it, so I can't call it a problem. The structure of the levels itself is varied, there are not many tasks, but they are diverse. This game is worth it to pass it at least a couple of times.    … Expand
  31. 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.
  32. 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 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 guysSeriously,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.… Expand
  33. KendylKlownfish
    Apr 26, 2011
    4
    Even if you're looking for a little bit of life in Shadow the Hedgehog, I'd turn to the NGC version. The PS2 version emphasizes bad control and camera to a whole new level.
  34. Thebluehydra
    Oct 28, 2014
    6
    I fully and shamelessly admit that this game is one of my guilty pleasures. Yes, the controls are awful, the level design is insipid, and the voice acting is just... satanic, I can't help but like it. Part of it is to blame that I loved it as a child, and another part is that it's trying to hilariously hard to be taken as a dark, gritty Sonic game, and it's adorable. It's not quite as badI fully and shamelessly admit that this game is one of my guilty pleasures. Yes, the controls are awful, the level design is insipid, and the voice acting is just... satanic, I can't help but like it. Part of it is to blame that I loved it as a child, and another part is that it's trying to hilariously hard to be taken as a dark, gritty Sonic game, and it's adorable. It's not quite as bad as everyone says, either; if you have some time to waste, give it a look, but I won't blame you for hating it.… Expand
  35. SkyLoxLove
    Dec 4, 2015
    10
    I don't care what people say about this game. It's amazing in my opinion. The music Is amazing!! I am all of me by crush 40 seriously. No matter what year it is I will always love this game!
  36. DiscoDiva
    Jan 18, 2013
    8
    Really fun and really memorable. The game had its thrill, good music, perfect difficulty standard, fun little side game types like co-op (Flawed but still fun) and the Multiplayer (Real Fun).
    The guns in this game ARE NO PROBLEM AT ALL as many people say, Its auto aim almost but still good enough. The side missions of choosing your story was clever and a great as an idea. Overall, Its a    Really fun and really memorable. The game had its thrill, good music, perfect difficulty standard, fun little side game types like co-op (Flawed but still fun) and the Multiplayer (Real Fun).
    The guns in this game ARE NO PROBLEM AT ALL as many people say, Its auto aim almost but still good enough. The side missions of choosing your story was clever and a great as an idea. Overall, Its a must play if you forget Bob saying the game sucks.    … Expand
  37. 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, 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 fillsI 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.    … Expand
  38. Bajo19
    May 17, 2015
    8
    I have spent like 60 hours on this game when I was younger. Challenge of doing every single storyline was so addicting. Music was fantastic. 8/10.. deal with it.
  39. NerdConsultant
    Oct 19, 2014
    1
    what the hell was sega on when they came up with this say what you like about sonic 06 and belive me it is a worse game on a lot of levels but at least that game didn't have a story that sucked no matter which way you picked and a final story that's just as bad with an awful retcon which i won't spoil for anyone sadistic enough to play through this rubbish

    couple with gameplay that    what the hell was sega on when they came up with this say what you like about sonic 06 and belive me it is a worse game on a lot of levels but at least that game didn't have a story that sucked no matter which way you picked and a final story that's just as bad with an awful retcon which i won't spoil for anyone sadistic enough to play through this rubbish

    couple with gameplay that sucks unless you're just aiming to get to the end of the level (with a few very rare exceptions) and you have a game that is really not fun    … Expand
  40. SenpaiEXE
    Oct 9, 2019
    1
    Shadow The Hedgehog is awful, stay away from it. Nothing about this game is good except the soundtrack. Level design trash, story lame as hell, Shadows controls feel like he had bananas instead of shoes, Lame characters that u will never care about, and the god awful endings that don't matter.

    Even Sonic 06 is better go play that game instead of this garbage
  41. MyNameJ3ff
    Dec 27, 2022
    10
    this game is the sh1t .
  42. VidyaBum
    May 6, 2015
    3
    I never cared for the guns, or for Shadow having his own "I'm so hardcore with guns & aliens" game.

    But this gets a 3 nonetheless: -Good points: .................thinking real hard right now... -Ammo mechanic is pretty nice -Bad points: -Slippery control -boring, overdone gameplay except for the guns system -TERRIBLE level design -terrible mission design -terrible mix of    I never cared for the guns, or for Shadow having his own "I'm so hardcore with guns & aliens" game.

    But this gets a 3 nonetheless:

    -Good points:
    .................thinking real hard right now...
    -Ammo mechanic is pretty nice

    -Bad points:
    -Slippery control
    -boring, overdone gameplay except for the guns system
    -TERRIBLE level design
    -terrible mission design
    -terrible mix of "I'm so hardcore" Shadow and the cute fluffy classic Sonic cast(no really, you get cutscenes about world domination and extermination and right after you get Tails' childish voice telling you "we're gonna beat the bad guys!")
    -stupid story
    -stupid cutscenes
    -stupid pretty much everything

    The should not be good but is:
    -I couldn't stop laughing at every cutscene
    -I couldn't stop laughing at the mix of Sonic world and ALIUMS
    -I couldn't stop laughing

    Not worth playing, definitely worth trying to see just how silly it can get.    … Expand
  43. elitefour
    Oct 26, 2013
    5
    this game could be awesome
    but sega made a lot of mistakes
    they could do something better it they would take
    his time,they could fix the gameplay,the could made
    different endings with a better story and with better levels
    with more speed and less action and ridiculous things
    why a hedgehog needs a gun and a motorcycle?
    he is the ULTIMATE LIFEFORM!!!!
  44. SolidSnivy
    Mar 22, 2015
    3
    OK, this is going to be tough...
    So this is a game about Shadow, the black and crimson Hedgehog first seen looking like a badass in Sonic Adventure 2. This game seeks to follow his past, and provides a plot where Sonic Heroes didnt.
    But lets talk about the gameplay! So the main addition to this game are...guns. A kids character using guns. Already we're in the yellows. What is the sense    OK, this is going to be tough...
    So this is a game about Shadow, the black and crimson Hedgehog first seen looking like a badass in Sonic Adventure 2. This game seeks to follow his past, and provides a plot where Sonic Heroes didnt.
    But lets talk about the gameplay!
    So the main addition to this game are...guns. A kids character using guns. Already we're in the yellows. What is the sense in giving a kids character a gun!? And dont hit me back with the "it's a more mature game/character" excuse, SA2 was for the lower maturity, as was Heroes. They both feature Shadow as well, children will see the familiar character and want to buy it. So the shooting system...well, its all Auto-Aim. So you have to be near the enemy to shoot them. If you can see them, that is, due to the wonky camera!
    As for the homing attack...well it does decent damage but onoy seems to be capable of hitting three targets before just flying off wherever. And by "wherever", 9/10 times it means into a bottomless pit.
    This being the PS2 version, there is Co-Op! But it is never really explained. You can play as any support character, minus Charmy the Bee, with the second controller. Kinda like Sonic 2 and Adventure.
    For spoiler reasons, i wont go over the plot, but youll find it confusing and strange. Also, you need to play the game TEN TIMES OVER to unlock the last story! Even Heroes only did that 4 times!
    Controls and movement are slippery as ever, like in Heroes. Even the graphics are pretty much the same, but due to the darker colours and other crazy stuff, it looks...uglier. Even Super Shadow looks disgusting. And you should know by now that mentioning Super Shadow isn't a spoiler.
    Not much else to say really, just that the 2P mode is pretty weak, in level missions can be a total pain and doesnt the quote " Those Black Aliens are out of control!"......sound JUST a little bit racist?
    This game is Evil!    … Expand
  45. YoutubeTGW
    Sep 3, 2015
    5
    it is very easy to talk about how BAD this game is about spoiling anything major. One biggest issue is that he tournament tear like chapter menu, I want caught a menu because you can't select the chapter, but you go up or down a tear depending on if you're going to be a good guy bad guy or just do neither and just go straight down the centerline of the tournament tears. The Voice acting isit is very easy to talk about how BAD this game is about spoiling anything major. One biggest issue is that he tournament tear like chapter menu, I want caught a menu because you can't select the chapter, but you go up or down a tear depending on if you're going to be a good guy bad guy or just do neither and just go straight down the centerline of the tournament tears. The Voice acting is bad and I couldn't help but notice if you hear Maria's breathing in the opening cut saying she sounds like a child but when you're far enough on the "good guy" tear or path and you meet her in a certain level and she's your companion for that chapter she sounds like a full grown woman. Is it Maria supposed to be a child? if they designed this game better and had a better storyline Shadow would've gotten more of his own games.
    The gameplay felt like a cliché having shadow use guns like they are trying WAY too hard to reach an older audience. The could've had more to his attacks then just his homing attacks and spin dash attacks to try to make him different then sonic, I know chaos blast and Chaos control but filter attacks you only get when you fill a certain meter. AI for the enemies and the companion characters were crap. and all in all this game was way too easy for a teen audience I was trying way too hard to please with this game. Shadow the hedgehog deserve a better game than this crap. Only get this game if you want to Mulefat and all in all this game was way too easy for a teen audience I was trying way too hard to please with this game. Shadow the hedgehog deserve a better game than this crap.    … Expand
  46. meyerpark
    Aug 9, 2022
    0
    Shadow the hedgehog was a great game but kinda overrated on ps2 lolol. This game needs a remaster or remake though
  47. heytherebigboy
    Mar 29, 2014
    0
    Wow, is this even a game? Have these people ever played a Sonic game? What is the problem you ask? Well Shadow doesn't have enough guns. Also this game lacks the snorting of cocaine and the administering of heroine and other happy drugs. This is the way I think the game should've went. First, Shadow is seen at the trap house, making his daily roundabout, when all of a sudden, Dr. EggmanWow, is this even a game? Have these people ever played a Sonic game? What is the problem you ask? Well Shadow doesn't have enough guns. Also this game lacks the snorting of cocaine and the administering of heroine and other happy drugs. This is the way I think the game should've went. First, Shadow is seen at the trap house, making his daily roundabout, when all of a sudden, Dr. Eggman steals his '64 Cherry Red Impala with all sorts of suspensions and 400 inch rims. Shadow is not happy with this, and gets his glock ready. He then shouts, "hey foo, give me my muda-fcking ryde back!" And then the game ends. That would have been better than this weak excuse at a video game. Well, that's all.… Expand
  48. KeenanS
    Jun 8, 2009
    4
    Shadow the Hedgehog had great potential to be something cool, but in the end all we get is a disastrous third-person action title with slopping platforming and running and a lame protagonist trying to be the iconic Final Fantasy VII hero Cloud. The gameplay is atrocious thanks to the bad camera and rotten controls which will make you die several times. The storyline is among the worst Shadow the Hedgehog had great potential to be something cool, but in the end all we get is a disastrous third-person action title with slopping platforming and running and a lame protagonist trying to be the iconic Final Fantasy VII hero Cloud. The gameplay is atrocious thanks to the bad camera and rotten controls which will make you die several times. The storyline is among the worst ever told in the history of storytelling; essentially it's a defecation of storytelling. The voice actors were horrendous and the dialogue was even worse. The graphics bounce back and forth between okay and downright ugly. This game is an uneven and cluttered mess of bad design choices that even the most adamant Sonic fans will hate it. If the rumored sequel is true, they better damn well fix all the problems with the first game, or better yet just don't release it!… Expand
  49. bolt7
    Sep 16, 2010
    3
    A thoroughly uninteresting mess that takes itself far too seriously, Shadow the Hedgehog destroys everything that made Sonic popular in the most violent ways it can. Story is bad, controls are slippery and the gun play is awful- there is absolutely no reason to concern yourself with this title aside from the pretty rockin' soundtrack.
  50. Stealthgear
    Jun 21, 2015
    1
    This is the worst unfinished concept for any game I've ever seen on the Ps2. Yes, it is objectionable to have a clone of Sonic who is armed. Sonic, who they started pushing as a kids character, is in this game and is friends with him. The first level has a demonic voice telling you to eliminate all the humans. You can just press forward and win. Twitchy controls make it so you barely seeThis is the worst unfinished concept for any game I've ever seen on the Ps2. Yes, it is objectionable to have a clone of Sonic who is armed. Sonic, who they started pushing as a kids character, is in this game and is friends with him. The first level has a demonic voice telling you to eliminate all the humans. You can just press forward and win. Twitchy controls make it so you barely see whats happening. There is no gameplay anywhere in this. The other reviewers with positive scores are not real gamers. This does not qualify as an actual game. This is some kind of derivative of Sonic Heroes style game which was also poor. The engine Sega has been using for 3d Sonic has just been wrong for over a decades time. I hate this game.… Expand
  51. Watermelon789
    Jun 13, 2011
    5
    Sega said it wanted a hardcore hedgehog, so they painted in black and gave it a gun. Seriously , Sega you're a genius in what you do, in fact you are my "idol". This is a huge disappointment in the famous series, yeah, maybe i like the sonic series, but the classic one, forget about the Sonic series is lost.
  52. Sensless
    Jun 27, 2014
    5
    Average game

    The animation isnt too good, neither is the voice acting.
    the story is kinda cool, and i like the non-linear level system
    The turning is better and more controlable

    Overall, i would call it a game.
  53. ShadowUchiha73
    Feb 1, 2016
    7
    This might just be the most unfairly picked on Sonic game of all time, despite being a 'Shadow' game. Everyone just detests this game as a one that was apparently so bad that it forced Sega to reboot the franchise, to which I say: it was his 15th anniversary. Shadow the Hedgehog has plenty of levels along with a vast assortment of weaponry. The controls can take a level play session to getThis might just be the most unfairly picked on Sonic game of all time, despite being a 'Shadow' game. Everyone just detests this game as a one that was apparently so bad that it forced Sega to reboot the franchise, to which I say: it was his 15th anniversary. Shadow the Hedgehog has plenty of levels along with a vast assortment of weaponry. The controls can take a level play session to get use to, but what are first levels for? Shadow runs very fast and can slow down easily; not only is the running spot on, the platforming is helped by the fact that Shadow slows down when jumping, also the rail grinding is fixed. In my honest opinion, the games repetition is quite possibly the only reason I don't think Shadow the Hedgehog is as good as Sonic Adventure 2: Battle, yes I really did just type that. Shadow the Hedgehog, along with Sonic (2006), understands what a Sonic game is, and gets the three fundamental things correct such as: music, graphics, and level design.… Expand
  54. Longanimals
    Sep 23, 2015
    0
    Felt like a poorly done batman game compared to Sonic the Hedgehog. Horrible story, Horrible physics, and the whole "Multiple Endings" BS wanted me to go play Mass Effect. Seriously, what's the point to multiple endings if there is ONE CANONICAL STORYLINE. Sega messed up big time. I'd rather play '06 than this load.
  55. fujitanaoto00
    Sep 28, 2016
    4
    O jogo em si é fraco, tendo pontos so pela historia que qualquer fã do universo sonic deveria conhecer, apesar de chegar depois do heroes, parece muitas vezes ter gráficos piores.
    É facil cair ao usar o ataque teleguiado e o uso de armas pareceu muito falho, o jogo também tenta ser pesado demais para a serie sonic, como visto no final da opening com shadow
  56. ashketchum
    Apr 25, 2018
    2
    Perhaps the most edgy game that I have ever played. When I first played Shadow the Hedgehog, it jarred me for several reasons; a disturbing atmosphere, bad controls, but most of all, it just felt so boring. Shadow is very different from other Sonic games, and the main difference that you will likely notice first is the guns. Honestly, the addition of guns in itself was, I feel, a poorPerhaps the most edgy game that I have ever played. When I first played Shadow the Hedgehog, it jarred me for several reasons; a disturbing atmosphere, bad controls, but most of all, it just felt so boring. Shadow is very different from other Sonic games, and the main difference that you will likely notice first is the guns. Honestly, the addition of guns in itself was, I feel, a poor creative choice, but if the mechanics were good, I wouldn't have any problem. However, the game mechanics were poor, and the gun controls felt almost unnatural. Add to this bland level design, a forgettable soundtrack and a story that is even less linear than the game itself, Shadow cements itself as probably one of the weakest Sonic games ever created.… Expand
  57. TheReaperX
    Oct 26, 2018
    0
    absolute whorst sonic game EVER. The graphics are trash, the gameplay is terrible and the story isnt interesting. Stay away from that awful game, not because its so brutal etc.
  58. pur__0_0__
    Apr 16, 2022
    0
    You know what they say, the more the merrier!
    You know what they say, the more the merrier!
    You know what they say, the more the merrier! You know what they say, the more the merrier! You know what they say, the more the merrier! You know what they say, the more the merrier! You know what they say, the more the merrier! You know what they say, the more the merrier! You know what    You know what they say, the more the merrier!
    You know what they say, the more the merrier!
    You know what they say, the more the merrier!
    You know what they say, the more the merrier!
    You know what they say, the more the merrier!
    You know what they say, the more the merrier!
    You know what they say, the more the merrier!
    You know what they say, the more the merrier!
    You know what they say, the more the merrier!
    You know what they say, the more the merrier!
    You know what they say, the more the merrier!
    You know what they say, the more the merrier!
    You know what they say, the more the merrier!
    You know what they say, the more the merrier!
    You know what they say, the more the merrier!
    You know what they say, the more the merrier!
    You know what they say, the more the merrier!    … Expand
  59. T.J.
    Jun 20, 2005
    10
    I was hoping for a Sonic game that wasn't based on Sonic. Shadow, when I first saw him, was a dark character and much more "Get out of my face" than Sonic. Shadow the Hedgehog was a great idea and I love it. I know people will say stuff like "Shadow sucks, make Sonic Heroes 2!" or some crap like that, but I own Sonic Heroes and I, first of all, got somewhat bored of it, especiallyI was hoping for a Sonic game that wasn't based on Sonic. Shadow, when I first saw him, was a dark character and much more "Get out of my face" than Sonic. Shadow the Hedgehog was a great idea and I love it. I know people will say stuff like "Shadow sucks, make Sonic Heroes 2!" or some crap like that, but I own Sonic Heroes and I, first of all, got somewhat bored of it, especially since you need to collect all the chaos emeralds to fight Metal Sonic. The gun was a big surprise in the Sonic universe and a big improvement personally. I wonder if you get to fight the Sonic Team if Shadow's evil and if you get to beat the yoke out of Eggman if Shadow's good. GO SHADOW!!!!!!!… Expand
  60. MarkK.
    Oct 6, 2007
    5
    Simple rule: Guns + Sonic = Garbage. Some good ideas, but fails to deliver with medicore gameplay and the same flaws any other 3-d sonic game ever had. Some speed is still present but this still soulless stuff. A real shame.
  61. AshR
    Oct 24, 2008
    5
    Well I hate to say it, but this game really disappoints me. It is a far cry from the usual Sonic games--even the more recent 3D ones! The gameplay is repetetive and involves slippery controls and uncreative level design. I found myself often becoming frusterated for being constantly flung off of cliffs or over railings. Also, the use of guns in a Sonic game is just strange and almost Well I hate to say it, but this game really disappoints me. It is a far cry from the usual Sonic games--even the more recent 3D ones! The gameplay is repetetive and involves slippery controls and uncreative level design. I found myself often becoming frusterated for being constantly flung off of cliffs or over railings. Also, the use of guns in a Sonic game is just strange and almost uncomforable. What ever happened to the homing attack? Shadow himself is quite negative, and the story needs some repairs. It seems choppy and strange and the animation really needs work. I suppose the game is playable, but ask yourself.... Does this feel like the Sonic I grew up with? I really wonder what Sonic Team is thinking when they put up titles like these.… Expand
  62. BoBBoBBy
    Aug 8, 2006
    0
    COMPLETE disapointed I think I am really losing intrest in the Sonic Team's work they have run dryer than dirt and I really loved Sonic,so sad :( Oh yeah and the multiplayer was the one thing I was hoping would be good after playing the fucked up single player but it SUX there is nuthin!
  63. JayM.
    Sep 3, 2006
    10
    i love this gam its cool i still play to find out whats happend to him but i think its a good all around shooter games if u want a shooter game this is the 1.
  64. BenV.
    Nov 13, 2005
    0
    A complete rip-off of other much better games. You would think that combining platforming gun combat from the Ratchet and Clank series as well as "good and bad" choices from games like Fable would make a great game, but not with this. Easily the worst game this year. Sega has failed its fans once again. Here's the Bad. The gameplay is atrocious with barely any variety; your choices A complete rip-off of other much better games. You would think that combining platforming gun combat from the Ratchet and Clank series as well as "good and bad" choices from games like Fable would make a great game, but not with this. Easily the worst game this year. Sega has failed its fans once again. Here's the Bad. The gameplay is atrocious with barely any variety; your choices amount to nothing; the camera never works properly; the auto targeting reminds me of Drakes of the 99 Dragons; and the main character and story are as dull and unoriginal as ever. The Good? None really, except that it shows that Sega has no reason to exist in the gaming market. If you're simple, read this: Do not buy, rent, or get near Shadow of the Hedgehog.… Expand
  65. SunnyS.
    Dec 17, 2005
    0
    Just read the reviews and you'd understand. Crappy graphics, rubbish gameplay (like sonic heroes), really cheesey voice acting etc.
  66. JohnB.
    Feb 1, 2006
    0
    Sega never learns...nor do the fans that continue to root Sega on for its terrible games. Sonic died back in 94 and will never come back as long as money continues to loom over Sega's shoulders.
  67. BenF.
    Apr 17, 2006
    10
    One the games I really liked. Ignore the reviews. the people who write reviews are the adults. Remember, it's adults who grade this game, trust me. Buy it if you love shooter games.
  68. DragonKnight
    Apr 27, 2006
    0
    Oh please, will someone please hunt this hedgehog down and shoot it. I thought the Adventure titles were bad, this makes them look like they're amazing revolutionary games. This game has poor, ugly, disgusting graphics. it has annoying, irritating, bothersome, horrid sound. The story sucks and the good/evil deal is just an annoying gimmick. The story is dull, you really don't Oh please, will someone please hunt this hedgehog down and shoot it. I thought the Adventure titles were bad, this makes them look like they're amazing revolutionary games. This game has poor, ugly, disgusting graphics. it has annoying, irritating, bothersome, horrid sound. The story sucks and the good/evil deal is just an annoying gimmick. The story is dull, you really don't care about any of these mascots now just pleading and begging for death after being humilated with such filth that are their recent games. The gameplay isn't fun in any regard. The shooting is as bad as it gets, not only is it out of place and completely ridiculous, it is horribly broken and takes many shots before you hit your wretched target. Do not buy, do not rent, just try and forget it exists. Not only this game, but every Sonic game that was made after 1994.… Expand
  69. NickM.
    Jul 9, 2006
    3
    This game goes somewhat off the point of the sonic francise, which is speed. I feel that there was too much guns and not enough speed. The gun idea was.... somewhat a good idea, but it could be better. To make the game worse, camera and controls!
  70. TomK.
    Jan 22, 2007
    0
    There's a reason why so many people here in the UK run over hedgehogs on country roads. A black emo hedgehog with a crap pistol does not a good game make. Let this animal join the black parade early.
  71. SS
    Dec 2, 2007
    2
    Avoid this game at all costs... I beat it, and I'm not proud of it. The Sonic series and it's fans deserves better than a platformer with slipshod control and an even worse shooter. Shadow was cooler in SA2, enough said. May Sega stop making pointless spinoffs and get Sonic The Hedgehog back on track. If not, well there's always Super Smash Bros Brawl.
  72. TheQuietGamer
    Jan 13, 2014
    8
    I had always been curious about this game, I liked the character and thought a darker interpretation of the Sonic universe would be cool, but I never picked it up because it was technically a Sonic game, a series I hated at the time. The negative reception from both critics and fans didn't help either. I'm glad I finally got around to playing it. It's not perfect but it provides a uniqueI had always been curious about this game, I liked the character and thought a darker interpretation of the Sonic universe would be cool, but I never picked it up because it was technically a Sonic game, a series I hated at the time. The negative reception from both critics and fans didn't help either. I'm glad I finally got around to playing it. It's not perfect but it provides a unique and fun experience.

    Most of the complaints I have with the game are aimed at the story. It's nonsensical and is filled with plot holes and characters who make idiotic decisions. It's cool that it has many branching paths that lead to different endings, but the fact that you have to unlock all 10 of these ending in order to get the cannon ending is something I feel is a little unnecessary and just a way to extend the game's length. Considering the number of Youtube reviewers that have gone in depth with what's wrong with the story I'm not really going to go into a lot of details. Let's just say that story isn't the reason you should play this game. You should play it because it is a successful experiment on classic Sonic gameplay with a new protagonist.

    A lot of people have made complaints about the controls and I don't really get that. The only issues I had were some light problems with the camera and homing attack, the latter of which would send me over edges and careening into a bottomless pit unto my death at times. Both issues were easy to tolerate and avoid, especially when you compare them to the issues so many other PS2 games have with things like the these. In my opinion these are some of the best controls I've experienced with a game in the Sonic series. I also found the gunplay to work very well. The auto lock-on system makes aiming a breeze. They did decrease the effectiveness of things like the homing attack and the spin dash, but combat still has a nice flow to it. Overall I feel like the gunplay paid off in the end.

    As far as difficulty and length goes this game is the easiest and shortest Sonic game I've ever played. This is acceptable when you realize that the game is meant to be replayed multiple times in order to experience all of the different endings. Another cool feature is the branching path function of the game. In each level your given one of three tasks to complete labeled hero, dark, and neutral. Depending on which one you choose to complete you get to see different cut-scenes and play through different levels. This adds a surprising amount of replay value, despite the fact that some missions can be more tedious to complete than others.

    Overall I found "Shadow the Hedgehog" to be a flawed but incredibly fun experience. It ends up being one of the best Sonic game I've ever played. It's experimentation pays off and it avoided many of the issues I have come to expect from Sonic games of this era. If you're willing to expect some change than I recommend this to all of you Sonic fans out there. You might have to overlook some issues, but I found it to be worth it in the end.    … Expand
  73. roymcgeeters
    May 19, 2012
    7
    OK, so I am re-reviewing this because I just didn't like the first review of the game I did. It was rushed, and I was just wrong about it. But I won't say anyything about that anymore. Let's move on. It undeniable how popular Shadow the Hedgehog has become...as a character. He is emo, a nega version of Sonic, and he is just flat out cool. But what about his game? Those of you who hadOK, so I am re-reviewing this because I just didn't like the first review of the game I did. It was rushed, and I was just wrong about it. But I won't say anyything about that anymore. Let's move on. It undeniable how popular Shadow the Hedgehog has become...as a character. He is emo, a nega version of Sonic, and he is just flat out cool. But what about his game? Those of you who had played Sonic Adventure 2 and enjoyed it will probably appreciate this one too, at points anyway. The opening cutscene and music in it is phenominal. SEGA has always excelled in opening cutscenes, and Shadow the Hedgehog is no exception. It pumps you up for the action you're about to face. While its not as good as Sonic Unleashed's opening, the main theme of the song, "I Am", Phenominal. The best song in any Sonic game, I don't care what anyone says. Then you start out the game with another cutscene that begins the game with Shadow having no recollection of his past, only remebering Maria and his name...and how to breathe, and talk, and walk, and run, and thank god he hasn't forgotten how to be awesome. Then aleins attck Westopolis, and the leader of the aleins, Black Doom, tells Shadow that he knows him and to "find the seven chaos emeralds and bring them to me, as promised." What happends next is up to you. You enter the level with 3 objectives, each revolving around good, evil, or neutral. Depending on what missions you do determines what level and storry route you will take, encouraging players to play the game multiple times to unlock all of the endings in all of the levels. It's crazy fun to determine the fate of the planet and choose your route. There are ten possible endindgs and to see how Shadow treats the other characters is just plain fun. But what you have to do to get them is where everything goes downhill. The first level in the game, both evil and good missions are exactly the same: kill all of the enemies, except what mission you're doing, you have to defeat either the aleins (good) or GUN soldiers (evil). EVERY SINGLE ENEMY! The first time I played the first level, I wanted to kill all of the GUN soldiers, but then, I used chaos control. The chaos abilities in the game were, indeed, a dissapointment. First off, Chaos blast doesn't have a very good range, and it will be much more fun if you just home attack them. Second, chaos control has got to be the worst move EVER in the whole series. OK, mabey not if you're doing a neutral mission, which just requires you to get to the end every time, but if you are doing a good or evil mission, you have to take your time, and find and/or kill everything, but chaos control blasts you through the stage which means you missed some of your objectives which means you have to back track. I don't have a HUGE problem with this, but you don't really know WHERE you missed your objective and somtimes, you'll be forced to start over, and in doing so, you also get a lower chance of an A rank. It took me 15 minutes just to kill all of the enemies in the first level, and if you use chaos control near the end of the level, you will just go straight to the goal ring and there is now way to stop chaos control in mid air, you will accidentalyend up doing a neutral mission instead of the one you wanted to do. Also, the melle attack is completely useless. Shadow already has the homing attack. Why does he need to use his fists? And why does he need to use vehicles if he moves faster than them in the first place? UGHHH! However, if the next thing in the game weren't present, I wouldve hated it: The level design. Sure, the first level and some others are too simple and require you to go slow, but stage like Lethal Highway, Carnival Park, Final Haunt and some others were just made for running around; FAST. When Shadow goes fast, it is fun, although he is a bit slippery. The level: They're big; and theres lots of them. There are some framrate issues, but nothing to big, except for mabey in levels like The Doom and Lost Impact. The guns in the game are just...well...guns...nothing specilal. The bazookas are worthless as you can bar;ey aim with them, not a lot to be said here. The in-game cutscenes are attrocious. There's NO being nice on this one. It is as blocky as Minecraft (although Minecraft looks a whole lot better), and for some reason, it take several loading screens to load a cutscen. 10-15 seconds, a cutscene loads, and no matter how long it is, it will always take the same amount of time, and more time to load a level. This is true in the begining of the game and in the last story. Also, some of the endings of the game are unstatisfactory. There are like 3 or 4 i which Shadow just concludes that he is the most awesomest Hedgehog in the world and others, he literaly KILLS Eggman...okay then... Shadow the Hedgehog won't blow your mind, but it is worth buying it used from GameStop. The missions lack in variety, not enugh bosses, chaos powers suck, t… Expand
  74. FRG2
    Nov 25, 2015
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Lets see.

    Graphics 5/10

    The technical aspects, at least on the PS2 side of things, are lost. There are a lot of framerate drops and some glitches here and there. Not good, taking in count this was 2005, the year the 360 launched - although, taking in count this is the PS2 and thus the least powerful of the bunch, its okay at best. The cinematics look really, REALLY good, even if they are only cinematics.

    Story 8/10

    Perhaps the best part of the game, the game allows for plenty of paths to take and thus a lot of options to choose from, hence the extra points. The plot itself is pretty simple, Shadow wants to know his past and has to search for the Chaos Emeralds to know the truth. However, the reason this game dosent get a 9 or even 10 its because of its inconsitencies with SA2, which, there are a lot to just ignore.

    Gameplay 5/10

    Soooo... what is this? GUNS IN SONIC? WHO THOUGHT THAT WAS A GODSOFDOE. Alright, lets get serious. First of all this isn't the first game to feature guns; first being SA2(on Tails gameplay), which was even worse, so you all shut up. But yeah.... that dosen't make it all good either. Its somewhat imprecise at times, but when you get used to it, its really easy to control. Like i said though, this is supposed to be a Sonic game, and although i aprecciate this is more of a spin-off in its own direction, at times the controls can be imprecise and sent yourself to your doom. The objectives are also really repetitive, most of which are ''Find this'', ''Destroy this'', ''Destroy this many things'' and so on. It becomes repetitive and boring.

    Overall: It isn't a bad game, but by no means you should buy it. Unless you are a die hard Sonic fan.

    Ranking: 6/10    … Expand
  75. RiverFilms
    Mar 13, 2022
    4
    I remember enjoying this game a lot as a kid simply because it was different from the games I normally played, with it being edgy and also my introduction to the Sonic franchise. I would play the multiplayer with friends quite often since they had never seen this game before as well, and yet it may not have been a hit among them it was still fun for a few rounds.
  76. Mazhi
    Dec 18, 2019
    7
    La verdad es que el juego no era tan malo. Buen diseño de niveles y bastantes finales, según creo recordar. Posiblemente en realidad fuese una mierda, pero es una mierda que me gustó mucho.
  77. Crashloxx
    Jan 6, 2020
    10
    Pa que le ponen mala nota feos culiaos si la wea es entera wena GTA Sonic siono
  78. E-TEAN-S
    Jun 15, 2022
    3
    I don't mind the controllers or the edgy stuff, but the level desing and the boss desing it's the worst i seen in my live
  79. ShadowBestGame
    May 21, 2023
    7
    Regular game, much "edgyer" for a sonic game, bad camera and regular levels but its a It is quite enjoyable if you know how to enjoy it, its strongest points are probably its ost (crush 40 and all the other composers and sega bands never disappoint in this regard) and its story which bathes in the character of shadow to express his past and how his view of his past is changing, this is notRegular game, much "edgyer" for a sonic game, bad camera and regular levels but its a It is quite enjoyable if you know how to enjoy it, its strongest points are probably its ost (crush 40 and all the other composers and sega bands never disappoint in this regard) and its story which bathes in the character of shadow to express his past and how his view of his past is changing, this is not counting the fact that he has many alternative endings, maybe if they had polished more things or removed a little "edgy" things it would be a much better game and thus be much more appreciated… Expand
  80. Um_retrogamer
    Aug 16, 2023
    8
    O jogo é bom sim, traz tudo o que promete tento a jogabilidade igual a sonic adventure 2 adicionando coisas novas como armas, veículos, etc (não gostei muito da ideia de armas e veículos mais esta ok) alem disso o jogo tem mais de 300 caminhos pra você desbloquear, as cenas são simplesmente lindas e trazem um lado mais dark para o jogo justamente para mostrar a história do shadow, eu zereiO jogo é bom sim, traz tudo o que promete tento a jogabilidade igual a sonic adventure 2 adicionando coisas novas como armas, veículos, etc (não gostei muito da ideia de armas e veículos mais esta ok) alem disso o jogo tem mais de 300 caminhos pra você desbloquear, as cenas são simplesmente lindas e trazem um lado mais dark para o jogo justamente para mostrar a história do shadow, eu zerei o jogo e digo que valeu a pena então se você quer um Sonic bom para ps2 va de sonic heroes ou shadow the hedgehog… Expand

Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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
  1. GameSpy
    40
    The lack of speed is a real problem here.
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  2. IGN
    47
    A long list of shortcomings, from stupid level design, unrefined controls and useless gunplay to disappointingly outdated graphics.
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  3. Cheat Code Central
    50
    Unlike last years popular and more importantly, playable, "Sonic Heroes," Shadow The Hedgehog is a misstep in almost every direction.
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