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. TonyR.
    Sep 8, 2006
    8
    It's okay. Still not the greatest game ever. Poor level design but cool guns.
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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)
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. Nameless2131
    Feb 6, 2020
    8
    10/10 -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  10. 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
  11. 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 =)
  12. 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.
  13. 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
  14. 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.
  15. 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!
  16. 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
  17. 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
  18. 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.
  19. MyNameJ3ff
    Dec 27, 2022
    10
    this game is the sh1t .
  20. 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
  21. 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.
  22. 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.
  23. 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
  24. Crashloxx
    Jan 6, 2020
    10
    Pa que le ponen mala nota feos culiaos si la wea es entera wena GTA Sonic siono
  25. 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.
    Read full review
  2. IGN
    47
    A long list of shortcomings, from stupid level design, unrefined controls and useless gunplay to disappointingly outdated graphics.
    Read full review
  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.
    Read full review
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