Shadow the Hedgehog

 Xbox
Metascore
49

Generally unfavorable reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 24
  3. Negative: 9 out of 24
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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. Computer and Video Games
    70
    If you're a die-hard and quite old Sonic fan, Shadow the Hedgehog will probably disappoint with its weird mish-mash of styles and the same awkward and flawed 3D play of "Sonic Heroes." [Official UK Xbox Magazine]
  5. MS Xbox World
    60
    I wouldn't class this as a game that belongs within the Sonic franchise but as a unique game featuring Shadow and all his friends including Sonic.
  6. BonusStage
    60
    A monumental letdown, no ifs, ands or buts about it.
  7. Official Xbox Magazine
    55
    Frustrating core gameplay problems overshadow the edgy urban setting. [Jan 2006, p.64]
    All this publication's reviews
  8. TeamXbox
    53
    Practically nothing works the way that it should. Guns are bad, the camera is worse, and the mature departures that the story takes from the rest of the series are truly what will have the fans raging on the message boards.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. Xbox World Australia
    52
    An ultimately flawed platformer that falls short of its goals of innovation and another game that is marred by its attempts to appear darker and more mature.
  12. Eurogamer
    50
    Shadow the Hedgehog doesn't really do anything new, and doesn't really give the impression anyone's trying particularly hard.
  13. Gamestyle
    50
    Considering the series' rich history, no gamer should be forced to have such mediocrity tarnishing their childhood memories.
  14. 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.
  15. Cheat Code Central
    50
    Unlike last years popular and more importantly, playable, "Sonic Heroes," Shadow The Hedgehog is a misstep in almost every direction.
  16. 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.
  17. IGN
    49
    A long list of shortcomings, from stupid level design, unrefined controls and useless gunplay to disappointingly outdated graphics.
  18. GameSpot
    48
    Shadow the Hedgehog fails to live up to its pedigree due to terrible controls, an uncooperative camera, and an overall lack of effort.
  19. 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.
  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. Game Informer
    40
    The new gun combat is horrid. [Jan 2006, p.138]
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  22. GameSpy
    40
    The lack of speed is a real problem here.
  23. 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.
  24. 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.
  25. G4 TV
    20
    What possessed Sega to go in this direction is beyond us. Maybe maintain the edgy appeal that Sonic never had in the first place. In doing so, they betrayed the very thing that makes Sonic well...Sonic.

Awards & Rankings

25
#25 Most Discussed Xbox Game of 2005

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
6.0

Mixed or average reviews- based on 71 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 33 out of 71
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 71
  3. Negative: 22 out of 71
  1. FocusSight
    Jun 20, 2013
    3
    Shadow the Hedgehog is a mess of a game, and I'm surprised why it hasn't gotten a reputation that '06 has.
    - Slippery controls that are    Shadow the Hedgehog is a mess of a game, and I'm surprised why it hasn't gotten a reputation that '06 has.
    - Slippery controls that are extremely hard to get used to
    - A story that has multiple confusing paths that are completely forgotten in the end for the Last Story, making a selling point of the game completely negated
    - Completely forgettable music, and that's sad for a Sonic game
    - Okay graphics, with mostly dark colors
    - Gun gameplay that doesn't really add anything
    - Freezing issues when playing on a 360 (it freezes a LOT)
    - Multiple annoying missions (unless you're going neutral)
    - Replay value that's annoying and pointless to do (I'm looking at you, Cutscene Library!)
    If the things I've said don't make a difference, play the game for yourself and see how bad it really is.    … Full Review »
  2. 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.    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.    … Full Review »
  3. punger
    Apr 14, 2015
    8
    The game has some serious problems. However, it's nowhere near as bad as people say it is.

    The game has quite a lot of stage. the stages    The game has some serious problems. However, it's nowhere near as bad as people say it is.

    The game has quite a lot of stage. the stages are also large and have many paths you can take. I also like the stages themes. They aren't very memorable but they're enjoyable.

    The controls feel a little slippery, they're not that bad though.

    In terms of combat, the general combat excluding guns feels better than SA2 to me. The gun/weapon system is really good and the weapons are surprisingly fun and easy to use.

    It may just be for the fact I've not played many Original Xbox games, but the game looks really really good for the system. It runs at 480p/60 on Original Xbox and the game looks great.

    The story isn't 100%. At least the cutscenes and dialogue are pretty average. SA2 and before's dialogue and cutscenes were really bad and cringe worthy    … Full Review »
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