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He was created as the "Ultimate Lifeform" by Professor Gerald Robotnik. Shadow is ageless and immortal, however, that doesn't mean that he does not feel pain. Since his debut, Shadow has appeared in a multitude of games, television shows, and comic books. Shadow is Sonic's arch-rival yet frenemy and the leader of Team Dark, with Rouge and Omega.
His past was, for the most part, almost a complete mystery until the game Shadow the Hedgehog revealed the events surrounding his creation. In contrast to Sonic, Shadow is typically portrayed as a tortured, or a renegade who can just as easily serve the forces of evil as those of good. However, he does what he needs to do to accomplish what he knows to be right. According to an official poll, Shadow is the second most popular character in the series, second only to Sonic himself.
The professor created me using alien DNA. The Black Arms, he called them. The same DNA as this...larva. This ugly, heartless creature. I may look like a hedgehog, but I'm really no different than this thing.
„
~ Shadow about his identity.
Shadow was created 50 years before Sonic Adventure 2, with a project called Project Shadow in the works. Led by Professor Gerald Robotnik, it was a government-sanctioned initiative to create "The Ultimate Lifeform," an immortal being that could be used for the benefit of the nation, likely in a militaristic fashion. While Gerald had initial misgivings to the purpose of the research he was assigned to, he realized that his results might be able to save his granddaughter, Maria. Suffering from the incurable disease Neuro-Immune Deficiency Syndrome, Maria only had a short time left to live, and Gerald was willing to do whatever it took to save her life. Going against his worries of stepping into territory man had no business playing with, the professor immediately began work, hoping that he could apply any newly gained knowledge to find a cure to N.I.D.S.
Even with the resources at his disposal, Professor Gerald was unable to make significant progress. Without alerting anyone, Gerald decided to plea to the stars for help, contacting the Black Arms race, an alien civilization that lived upon the Black Comet, a celestial object that passed near the planet every 50 years. Its leader, Black Doom, offered to assist Gerald in his quest. He offered his blood - which ended up being the key to perfect the ultimate lifeform - in exchange for the seven Chaos Emeralds, which he would collect the next time he passed through. Knowing that the Black Arms' intentions were less than desirable, Gerald made the deal regardless, albeit with preparations to defeat the Black Arms with the cannon built into the ARK, and was able to successfully create Shadow the Hedgehog.
Once brought to life, Shadow immediately befriended Maria, and they became close during their short time together. Gerald, meanwhile, made precautions for the return of the Black Arms, ensuring that the Eclipse Cannon - an extremely powerful laser built into the ARK - was compatible with the seven Chaos Emeralds, so that when they did return with the Black Comet, humanity would be able to defend itself instead of bowing to their whims.
However, Gerald's progress was ruined when it was leaked to G.U.N. how he was able to create the successful prototype. During the meeting between Gerald and the Black Arms, one of the other children aboard the ARK had accidentally seen what transpired and reported back to those in charge. As ties between the ARK and the United Federation had already been strained, hearing the news of the dealings with an alien race scared those in charge. Afraid of the implications, it was decided to launch an invasion and put a stop to the work being done there.
What happened next was nothing short of madness, as G.U.N. troops descended onto the ARK, causing chaos and confusion wherever they went. Immediately they went after the Biolizard, which they thought was the successful "Project Shadow" prototype, and in the process of putting the creature into stasis, lost quite a few soldiers. From there they went about doing damage control, shutting down everything, getting everyone off the ARK, and killing those who resisted if need be. Knowing that the G.U.N. forces would be there at any moment, Maria convinced Shadow to enter an escape pod, her final wish to him that he gives the people on the planet a chance to be happy. Wishing him goodbye, Shadow could do nothing as he watched the G.U.N. soldiers' storm into the lab, firing a shot which would forever change the hedgehog's life as it ended the life of Maria Robotnik.
Learning of his granddaughter's death, Professor Gerald soon went mad with grief, swearing vengeance on humanity for taking away the only thing that ever meant anything to him. Though just what exactly transpired is cloudy, what is known is that both Gerald and the escape pod that held Shadow were gathered by G.U.N., Shadow having to be put to sleep in a stasis capsule within Prison Island, and Gerald being incarcerated and charged with the crimes that happened aboard the ARK.
Sonic Adventure 2
Sonic Heroes
Shadow the Hedgehog
Shadow serves as the titular main protagonist of this game, where he attempts to find out his true past. When Black Doom and his army of aliens, the Black Arms, invaded, and Black Doom told Shadow that he held the answers, and that he should help him take over the world and bring the seven Chaos Emeralds to him, Shadow was reluctant to obey Black Doom, but realized the Chaos Emeralds might have the answers. There are many different paths Shadow can take: Throughout the game, Shadow can choose to help Black Doom, the heroes, sometimes Eggman, or else not help anyone and go straight for the Chaos Emeralds. Because of this, the game has ten normal endings, though the true ending is unlocked by viewing all of them. The endings are split up into a Dark Path and Hero Path with Shadow facing a boss at the end once he finishes that choice:
In the Pure Dark path with the sixth level being GUN Fortress, if Shadow chooses to help Rouge, he faces Black Doom, angered that Shadow would betray the Black Arms at the last minute when G.U.N. was on its last legs. If Shadow destroys G.U.N.'s mother computers and cuts off their ability to summon reinforcements to protect the base, Sonic and the Commander, piloting the G.U.N. mech Diablon, face him in a final stand to stop Black Doom from attaining ultimate victory.
In the Semi-Dark path with the level Black Comet, if Shadow helps Knuckles, he faces Eggman in the Egg Dealer. If he chooses to help Black Doom and destroy G.U.N.'s forces assaulting the Black Comet, Sonic and the Commander, in the Diablon, face Shadow in a final stand to stop Black Doom from winning.
In the Neutral path with the level Lava Fortress, joined by E-123 Omega, Shadow faces Eggman in the Egg Dealer, no matter which path he chooses.
In the Semi-Hero path with the level Cosmic Fall, if Shadow helps Vector, he faces Black Doom after the dark prophet admits to having been involved in Shadow's creation, thus why people refer to Shadow as the "Evil One". If Shadow helps Black Doom, he faces Eggman in the Egg Dealer, who refuses to let Shadow tarnish Professor Robotnik's legacy.
In the Pure Hero path with the sixth level being Final Haunt, if Shadow helps Black Doom defend the Black Comet from the inevitable counterattack by G.U.N., he faces Sonic and the Commander in the Diablon, only wishing to prove who is the stronger hedgehog between Sonic and Shadow. If Shadow helps Sonic, they face Black Doom together, with Shadow vowing to uphold the promise he made to Maria Robotnik to protect the Earth.
Sonic Battle
Sonic the Hedgehog (2006)
Shadow's story begins as he infiltrates Eggman's White Acropolis base to locate Rouge, who had infiltrated the base earlier, but G.U.N. has lost contact with her. After he finds her and they escape together, dealing with Eggman's Egg Cerberus that was blocking their way out, they arrive in Soleanna New City, with Rouge in possession of the Scepter of Darkness. When they attempt to meet up with Rouge's G.U.N. contacts in Kingdom Valley, they are confronted by Eggman. In the scuffle, the Scepter is broken, freeing Mephiles the Dark from his imprisonment within it. Using Shadow's shadow to gain physical form, Mephiles then banishes Shadow and Rouge to the apocalyptic future of Soleanna where it and the world have been devastated by Iblis, the Flames of Disaster, and turned into a literal Hell on Earth. Soon meeting up with Team Sonic in the ruins of Eggman's White Acropolis base in that time period, they then work together to find two Chaos Emeralds so Sonic and Shadow can use Chaos Control together to generate a time portal to return to the present. However, after dealing with Iblis and getting the Emeralds, Shadow remains behind in the future, and finds Omega. After learning of how humanity will turn against him, Shadow later returns to the present himself, and later rescues Sonic from being killed by Silver. When Silver is unable to counter Shadow's Chaos Control with his psychokinesis, he tries to use a Chaos Emerald himself against Shadow, but their attempts to use Chaos Control simultaneously results in opening a time portal that allows the two hedgehogs to travel 10 years into the past to see the origins of Iblis and Mephiles as a result of the Solaris Project going catastrophically wrong.
As a result, Silver returns to the present to help Sonic, while Shadow rejoins Rouge and Omega to find and deal with Mephiles, acquiring a new Scepter of Darkness to try and imprison him again, but Mephiles easily escapes the second attempt to imprison him as he was too powerful now to be trapped in the Scepter a second time. Taking on a crystalline form from his Shadow-like appearance, he then summons hundreds of clones to fight Team Dark. Shadow, taking off his Limiters, and with Rouge and Omega backing him up, plows headfirst into the melee to show the Mephiles clones his full power.
By the time it is over, there is no sign of Mephiles. Only then, Team Dark is dragged into a pocket dimension where they find Eggman, Silver, Tails, Knuckles, and Amy, and also Princess Elise cradling a lifeless Sonic, having been murdered in cold blood by Mephiles so that Elise would free Iblis and Mephiles could reunite with Iblis and become Solaris once more to bring about the end of the space-time continuum. As everyone fears that Solaris is unstoppable with Sonic dead, Elise senses he might still be able to be resurrected, and Team Dark join everyone else with finding the Chaos Emeralds. Once all seven are collected, Elise revives Sonic, turning him into Super Sonic. Sharing his power with Shadow and Silver to turn them into Super Shadow and Super Silver, the three hedgehogs face off with Solaris, and manage to destroy his consciousness, slaying Mephiles once and for all, and causing Solaris to implode and revert back into the tiny flame that he was born from. Sonic and Elise then travel 10 years into the past, and Elise sees to Solaris' death once and for all by blowing him out, thus altering the timeline with Solaris' extinction.
Sonic X Shadow: Generations
Shadow has been dispatched by G.U.N. to investigate a life-form anomaly on the Space Colony ARK. While there, Rouge contacts him to let him know he is going to miss Sonic's birthday party, but Shadow blows her off, before noticing the hallway in the distance looking warped and distorted. Going to investigate, he soon has a run-in with Doom's Eye, indicating that Black Doom has somehow survived his defeat and the destruction of the Black Comet by the Eclipse Cannon previously. After Doom's Eye vanishes, Shadow finds the room containing the fake yellow Chaos Emerald that Tails tried to use against Eggman previously to cause the Eclipse Cannon to backfire if it was inserted with the other Chaos Emeralds. Taking it and the authentic one, Shadow soon spots the Time Eater as it emerges from a time rift in space some distance from the ARK, and at the same time it attacked Sonic's party and dragged everyone into White Space, Shadow and part of the ARK are drawn in as well.
Finding himself in a separate area from Sonic's region of White Space, Shadow decides to investigate further. He soon discovers that Black Doom is there as well, having somehow restored his body, and is attempting to rebuild the Black Arms within White Space. Later, Shadow hears a scream and sees someone being pursued by Black Warriors. He quickly arrives to defeat them and save the person, only to find to his shock that it is Maria Robotnik, soon being joined by Professor Gerald Robotnik, her grandfather. Surmising that they must have been brought to White Space by the Time Eater from a point before the ARK raid that cost Maria and Gerald their lives, Shadow has them stay there while he continues to investigate the area. During this time, Shadow collects Doom Gears that cause him to unlock latent abilities contained within his Black Arms blood and DNA, such as the Doom Spears, Doom Blast, Doom Surf, Doom Morph, and Doom Wing.
When he rejoins Gerald and Maria later, Black Doom appears before them to gloat that his final clash with Shadow is nearing. Maria vows that Shadow will never aid Black Doom, but the dark prophet and leader of the Black Arms makes it clear that, as long as Shadow has Black Arms blood in his veins, the Black Arms' lust for destruction will always be a part of him. When Shadow vows to use that power to destroy Black Doom and prevent the return of the Black Arms, Black Doom gloats that he's learned from his previous encounter with Shadow during the events with the Black Comet, and one way or another, Shadow will serve Black Doom again as the first of his new Black Arms forces. When Shadow questions Gerald about what Black Doom meant by "learned from our previous encounter", the professor surmises that Shadow defeated Black Doom in the future, but one of the Death Leeches, larva of the Black Arms, must have survived on the ARK and was used by Black Doom to rebuild his body so he could try to rebuild the Black Arms, and potentially, the Black Comet as well. Incensed by how a single Black Arm larva was able to survive and resurrect Black Doom, Shadow becomes consumed with rage, vowing to wipe out the Black Arms for good this time. Horrified, Maria pleads for him to stop, heartbroken to see him give into his anger and begs him to not succumb to it. She then explains why she named him "Shadow" in the first place, and asks him to fight with peace and hope in his heart instead of anger. For the moment, Shadow leaves to think things over.
When he returns later with his Doom Wings out, and the Black Moon having turned the White Space into a Doom Zone, though Black Doom beckons him for their final confrontation, Shadow fights off his anger and gets full control of his Doom abilities, deciding the time is now to deal with Black Doom for good. Gerald apologizes for what led Shadow to the path he's on now, but is proud of how he navigated it and wishes his surrogate son good luck. When Maria wants to go with him, Shadow tells her to stay back. When she stumbles due to a tremor from the Black Moon, Shadow comes to her aid, and with a genuine smile, promises to uphold his promise to her and come back safely after he deals with Black Doom. With that, Shadow spreads his Doom Wings and heads for the Black Moon for his final fight with Black Doom.
Black Doom assumes his evolved form of Devil Doom to fight Shadow, but when that is not enough, he evolves further into Neo Devil Doom to fight Shadow. Despite his best efforts, Shadow manages to overpower Neo Devil Doom, break free of when Neo Devil Doom tries to crush him between his claws, blasts him with Doom Spears and Doom Blast, before delivering a final, piercing strike through Neo Devil Doom, causing Black Doom to scream and roar in anguish before exploding spectacularly, ending the life of the Black Arms' dark prophet and leader once and for all, and ensuring the Black Arms do not return.
However, with Black Doom dead, Shadow loses his Doom abilities as his Black Arms DNA and blood go dormant with their link to Black Doom severed permanently, and with the Black Moon's destruction, the White Space begins to recover, meaning Gerald and Maria will be returned to their time period. Though Shadow tries to intervene, knowing of their destiny with the ARK raid, Gerald and Maria assure him it is alright, and to keep them in his heart, even if he never sees them again. Accepting that, Shadow departs moments before Gerald and Maria are returned home, and as he passes Rouge at they head to regroup with Sonic for his fight with the Time Eater and Eggman, a single tear from Shadow splashes on Rouge, much to her surprise, but understanding why, she decides not to question Shadow about it and hurries to rejoin him as they head to cheer Sonic on for his fight with Eggman and the Time Eater.
Sonic Forces
In "Episode Shadow", Shadow and the rest of Team Dark are investigating one of Eggman's facilities that seems too heavily guarded for being out in the boondocks. When Omega charges in headfirst without waiting for Shadow, Shadow tries to catch up to him, but soon hears Omega engaging an emergency withdrawal before the signal with him goes dead. Only afterwards does Shadow encounter Infinite, who reveals that he and Shadow have met before.
During an earlier raid on Eggman's lab in the Mystic Jungle, Shadow had easily dispatched the elite Jackal Squad that Eggman hired to defend his lab. When their captain arrived to fight him and avenge his squadmates, Shadow easily overpowered him, called him weak and pathetic, and warned him not to face him again before teleporting away with Chaos Control to continue his mission. Unknown to Shadow, when the captain saw he was shaking with fear, that, combined with Shadow's insults, caused the captain to snap in a psychotic meltdown, declaring he was not weak. As a result, the captain agreed to be granted use of Eggman's perfected Phantom Ruby Prototype, and in that moment, the captain was reborn as Infinite.
Infinite then tests his new power with trapping Shadow in a virtual reality of Green Hills, attacking him with all manner of what he could manifest against the Ultimate Life Form, all while having Shadow deal with radio reports from Rouge and Omega, with Omega soon repeating Infinite's madness mantra from when Shadow originally defeated him, causing Shadow to clutch his head in pain. When it was all over, impressed by his new power, Infinite took his leave from Shadow, laughing manically and taunting Shadow that not even Sonic would stand a chance against him. Before Shadow could follow, Rouge contacted him to warn him that the base was about to blow and to evacuate immediately. With no other option available, Shadow retreated just in time.
As he and Rouge discussed things later, Rouge mentioned Eggman having launched an assault on the City, but Sonic was on his way to help. However, Shadow was haunted by the last thing Infinite told him about Sonic, and soon Rouge reported that Sonic was in trouble. Before Shadow could come to his aid, Sonic was bested in battle by Infinite and taken prisoner aboard the rebuilt Death Egg.
Come the main game, six months after Infinite defeated Sonic, morale is low among the people, and the Resistance led by Knuckles, including Silver, Amy, and the Chaotix, alongside Rouge and Shadow, are struggling to fight the Eggman Empire, with Eggman in control of 99% of the planet. Joined by a new recruit, the Resistance manages to rescue Sonic from the Death Egg and begin to make headway against the Eggman Empire. Shadow later shows up personally to save Sonic from a Shadow Replica created by Infinite that was about to attack him in Sunset Heights in the City. Afterwards, Shadow explains about the Replicas to the Resistance, and from there, an attempt to attack Eggman's capital of Metropolis fails thanks to Infinite arriving to throw the attack into disarray. Realizing they need to neutralize Infinite's Phantom Ruby powers, the Resistance goes after the Death Egg. Once it is destroyed, they attack Metropolis again, but despite Eggman being ready this time, and revealing he built a backup reactor under the Eggman Empire Fortress in case the Resistance did go after the Death Egg, the Resistance manages to capture Metropolis and prepare for the final siege on the Eggman Empire Fortress.
As Shadow joins everyone for the final assault on the Eggman Empire Fortress, they are soon rejoined by Omega, having been repaired from what happened prior, and looking for some payback on Infinite. However, Infinite launches Eggman's endgame, and creates a massive virtual sun to drop on the Resistance to wipe them out one and for all. Luckily for the Resistance, the Rookie had acquired a Phantom Ruby Prototype of their own, and used it to dispel the virtual sun, saving the Resistance from total annihilation. Even Shadow is impressed by the effort. Thanks to the Rookie, Sonic, and Sonic's classic self, Infinite is defeated, Eggman's Death Egg Robot is demolished, and the Replica army is erased, making the Resistance the ultimate victors of the War to Take Back the Planet. As a result, after Classic Sonic is returned to his dimension, Shadow joins everyone as the Resistance is officially disbanded, and everyone goes their separate ways to begin the process of rebuilding the world from the carnage the war had wrought on it.
Shadow was at first mysterious, cold, and initially vengeful, before turning to the side of justice. He usually acts with cool and businesslike indifference, only occasionally showing his vulnerable side. He is rarely seen with others for an extended period of time and usually distances himself from essentially everyone. He is usually soft-spoken, silent, and only speaks a few words before a fight. However, Shadow never bluffs. If he makes a threat or a promise, he has every intention of carrying it out.
Shadow's personality is the total opposite of Sonic, because while Sonic is carefree, playful, and a joker, Shadow is violent, ruthless, and aggressive. However, like Sonic, Shadow can be extremely arrogant, often belittling his opponents and insulting their lack of strength. He believes no one can beat him, and tends to see anyone as a fool for challenging him. Shadow also has a ruthless and merciless edge in combat that all other characters in the series lack, and displays a natural "killer instinct".
Shadow's infamous ruthlessness and aggression lead to fear and nervousness that inhibits characters from his unshakable intent or sheer power in combat. Numerous characters from the Sonic series have shown absolute dread from encountering Shadow. Shadow's enemies never treat him lightly; he is one of the very few people Sonic takes seriously and acts hostile towards.
Alongside his dark and violent demeanor, Shadow can be smug and stubborn. He often displays a vain and sarcastic sense of humor, and always speaks his mind no matter how cold it may be. He is also one of the more intelligent and logical characters. He was the only one who saw through Mephiles’s deception in Sonic the Hedgehog (2006) and tricked Eggman into fulfilling his revenge plan in Sonic Adventure 2.
On occasion, Shadow appears to have some degree of mental instability. This is demonstrated by his instances of post-traumatic flashbacks to Maria's face before and during the events of Shadow the Hedgehog, though it could be argued that they were simply an effect of his amnesia. Another example could be that in many games Shadow is featured in, he pursues his foes with disturbing determination; that is to say, he'll go to any length to accomplish something he desires or feels should be a certain way, no matter what the cost. In his own game, he also showed a rather coarse language.
Shadow also possesses some sense of identity, as evidenced when after falsely being told that he isn't the Ultimate Lifeform due to a lab report, he states to Rouge that even if his memories were fake, he is still Shadow the Hedgehog. Similarly, in Sonic Heroes, during the Egg Fleet level, he mentions that even without his memories, he is still the Ultimate Lifeform, Shadow the Hedgehog. These qualities make him rarely susceptible to being manipulated by other forces.
Although he does come off as somewhat cold and apathetic, Shadow is extremely compassionate and does care for the well-being of others. When Omega begins his attack in Sonic Heroes, Shadow could have easily forgotten about Rouge and engaged Omega without defending her. Instead, Shadow saves her from Omega, despite having absolutely no memory of her. He was also shown to be legitimately shocked when he learned that his goal of gaining the Chaos Emeralds to restore his memories was manipulated by Black Doom to wipe out humanity. Likewise, when the GUN Commander finally confronts him with his memories of Shadow's nightmarish creation, Shadow agrees to face judgement if he was indeed responsible for the ARK massacre 50 years ago.
Despite being a loner, Shadow is also very protective of his friends, like in Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood, where he went looking for Omega when he was missing and was also quite enraged when he found out that the Marauders had been hurting Omega, and agreed to join Sonic and his friends to get revenge for what they did to him.
Shadow brushes off most kindness or sympathy that is sent his way; in Sonic Heroes, when Rouge showed concern for Shadow when he saw a broken android, Shadow curtly brushed her concern away. Also, in Shadow the Hedgehog, after Sonic suggested some "friendly competition", Shadow bluntly rejected his offer. At times, however, Shadow is also capable of showing gratitude. In Sonic Adventure 2, after Amy made him remember his promise to Maria, Shadow told her that he is keeping his promise both to Maria and her. Also, in Sonic the Hedgehog (2006), when Rouge told him that she would always be by his side, he acknowledged her.
Even though Shadow often fights for the greater good, he is considered an anti-hero for the most part due to his morality. He does whatever is necessary to get what he wants or feels is right, though this enthusiasm causes him to take risks and jump into situations without fully thinking it through. Regardless, Shadow does have his moments of selflessness, helpfulness, and heroism. He nearly gave his life at the end of Sonic Adventure 2 to save Earth and helped Silver uncover the truth of the Solaris Project, after saving Sonic from Silver.
Appearance
Normal Form
Shadow is a black spotted Hedgehog. He sports red highlights in his spines, and they are turned upward, similar to Sonic's when in his Super state.
Super Form
Shadow has Lemon/Yellow Fur. He still retains his red highlights in his spines, but his speed and abilities are greatly enhanced, similar to Sonic in his Super state.
Powers and abilities
Chaos Energy Manipulation
Shadow's trademark ability. He can use Chaos energy in various ways, such as in energy bursts, time-stopping, teleporting, defending, increasing his stats, and many other ways. This power can be upgraded if Shadow removes his Inhibitor Rings, which increases his power so great that he could destroy an entire army of perfect clones of a time demon; However, his stamina depletes much faster than normal.
Gravity Manipulation
Shown in Sonic Free Riders, Shadow can control gravity to dive and to make maneuvers in his Extreme Gear.
Space-Time Manipulation
Shadow can alter space-time, allowing him to distort it and to create dimensional/chaotic rifts. He can also use an ability called Chaos Control to stop or slow time around him, during which he is able to move freely of a brief period while everything is motionless, giving him the advantage of more time against his opponents. Using Chaos Control while in possession of a Chaos Emerald can allow him to teleport which can be used to give him an edge in confrontations and even avoid catastrophic time shattering events.
Super Strength
Shadow has shown great strength, being able to lift heavy concrete plates and to break solid metal with strong attacks.
Super Speed
Shadow is one of the fastest characters of entire franchise, being able to move on par with Sonic (although slightly slower according to some in-game stats gauges). His immense speed allows him to perform various feats such as running on vertical surfaces or ceilings, Boosting, and even using Light Speed Dash to collect a trail of rings in midair.
Super Durability
Shadow is very resistant to damage, shown in feats such as surviving from a fall from space to Earth, being shot multiple times, being struck by a gigantic robot, and many other things. Shadow can hold his own with most enemies and is as durable as Sonic is.
Proficient Gunman
Shadow is very proficient in using guns, being able to effectively aim and shoot at insane speeds. He's also able to use different varieties like machine guns and handguns.
Skilled Swordsman
Shadow is apt to use swords and katanas as weapons since he managed to defeat many G.U.N. agents, Eggman robots, and Black Arms aliens using swords. He's able to go head-to-head with Sonic although with the latter winning Shadow still showed prowess.
Master hand-to-hand combat
Shadow is master at the art of physical damage with his bare hands, having his fighting style, depicted as brutal and quick, with swift punches, karate chops, and roundhouse kicks as part of his arsenal.
Skilled Biker
Shadow is a skilled motorcycle/bike user and can drive better than many people. He's also able to do many stunts like jumping with it or spinning as well.
Homing Attack
Although not used often, Shadow has a homing attack just like Sonic and works just as efficiently.
Transformations
Super Shadow
Using all 7 Chaos Emeralds, Shadow can transform into Super Shadow, which gives him 100% physical damage reduction, faster than before and many other abilities, such as increased super strength.
Hero & Dark Forms
Hero Shadow boosts his space-time manipulation, allowing him to teleport to very far distances and to stop time for a longer time; He needs a Chaos Emerald and to be calm. Dark Shadow boosts his attack, grants infinite ammo to any weapon that he is currently using, and allows him to keep using Chaos Blasts; He needs one Chaos Emerald and to be enraged.
Possessions
Inhibitor Rings
Shadow has rings that control his power around his wrists and on the socks. If he removes those rings, his power increases greatly, but he loses much more stamina too.
Darkness/Air Shoes (Extreme Gear)
Shadow has shoes that can make him hover around the ground, and that allows him to skate rather than run, granting him more durability on races, but he is slower on some types of terrain.
Heroic Acts
Sonic Adventure 2
Rescued Rouge from the Prison Island explosion.
Helped Sonic defeat the Biolizard and its fused form with the Eclipse Cannon, Finalhazard.
Sacrificed himself to save humanity, despite his grudge against them.
Sonic Heroes
Defended Rouge from Omega, despite not remembering her.
Maria... I just don't know anything anymore. I often wonder why I was created; What my purpose is for being here. Maybe if I go down there, I will find the answers. Maybe...
Shadow: My name is Shadow. Since you were so kind to release me, my master, I will grant you one wish. Eggman: Now what?! Shadow: Behold the true power I possess!
Shadow: I've been waiting for you, doctor. Now, I will show the glorious achievement of what the world's leading scientist, Professor Gerald has created. The ARK was the first space colony created by mankind. Not many people know that the ark contained a top secret research facility where weapons of mass destruction were being created. This is one of them. A weapon capable of destroying an entire planet... code named: The Eclipse Cannon. Eggman: Destroying an entire planet, was this my grandfather's legacy? Shadow: But, it's been deactivated for sometime, now. To reactivate it, large amounts of energy are necessary. (...) Eggman: Oh... So THAT'S Why we needed the Chaos Emerald! Shadow: Exactly. To reactivate the machine, We need the seven Chaos Emeralds. Once you have that, then you'll have the ultimate power of destruction to use as you please. And then... The world could be yours!
So that was your plan from the very beginning, huh? Or was it a direct order from the president? NOW I know who you are! You're that government spy, Rouge the Bat, aren't you?!
You best try your hardest, or else you'll get hurt.
„
~ Before fighting Emerl, Sonic Battle.
“
Shadow the Hedgehog... Why does that name haunt me...? It's the only thing I can remember... And... that gruesome image...
„
~ Suffering from amnesia, his own game.
“
Hmm. Look how pathetic they are! I don't have time for these humans.
„
~ Witnessing the arrival of the Black Arms.
“
Just what was that all about? If he says he knows the truth about who I am... Then like it or not, I have to believe him. The only way I'm going to get the secrets to my past is to get those Chaos Emeralds!
„
~ From the prologue of his own game.
“
You might look like me, but I know you're just a fake.
„
~ In multiplayer battle mode.
“
(cackling) The pieces are coming together. This ultimate life form they keep referring to is the black hedgehog, and he... Died! And I'm it's copy. I must be the android Dr. Eggman created. And it's clear what needs to be done! Doctor... You're going straight to the place you've created me from.
„
~ Learning who he actually is and ready to drive Eggman out for creating him.
“
A Chaos Emerald? You've gotta be kidding me, guys! This is like taking candy from a baby, which is fine by me!
„
~ Before taking a hidden Chaos Emerald on board Tails' spaceship.
“
I'll be there Maria! I swear! Whatever it takes, I'll take care of the ARK and the professor!
If what you say is true, then I will respectfully accept my fate. (...) But I just need some time... to uncover the real truth.
„
~ To Abraham Tower before leaving him to buy himself some time.
“
Goodbye, Doctor!
„
~ Putting an end to Eggman.
“
I'm Shadow the Hedgehog, and I made a promise that I intend to keep. With the power of these emeralds, Black Doom and his army are finished! This is WHO I AM!!
„
~ Pure Hero ending.
“
It's do or die, Sonic the Hedgehog.
„
~ After defeating Sonic and Diablon in the Final Haunt.
“
DAMN YOU! NO... IT'S NOT TRUE!
„
~ Shadow's breakdown, also his Star Wars reference.
“
I've heard enough. You're boring me to death, Black Doom! You're going DOWN!
„
~ Confronting Black Doom.
“
You have no control over me. I know the reason why I'm here. I've made a promise, and I'm here to keep it! Today... I PUT MY PAST BEHIND ME!!
„
~ Shadow to Black Doom before he puts an end to him.
~ Shadow to Rouge about what he needed to do in Sonic (2006).
“
Let's get this over with.
„
~ Confronting Egg Cerberus.
“
Ha! There's no strength in numbers!
„
~ Destroying enemies.
“
Who are you? And how do you know my name?
„
~ Meeting strangers who know him.
“
Same to you.
„
~ As Sonic warns Shadow to not be late.
“
DON'T TOUCH IT!
„
~ Shouting at Rouge to stay away from the Chaos Emerald because Iblis is emerging.
“
Shadow: That's absurd. Whatever it is you wanna do, you can do it alone. Mephiles: You forgive humanity this folly then? Shadow: I determine my own destiny.
„
~ Confronting Mephiles.
“
Don't bother to try and deceive me. I know who I am!
„
~ In the beginning of the first fight with Mephiles.
“
I'm Shadow. Shadow the Hedgehog.
„
~ Introducing himself in Sonic's way.
“
Don't bother. With a Chaos Emerald's power, I control time and space. You can't break free.
„
~ About Chaos Control.
“
Shadow: Mephiles isn't trying to help you create a better future, he's trying to eliminate the past. Silver: What?! What are you talking about? Shadow: To discover what happened, it seems we must see what took place ten years ago. Follow me if you want the truth.
„
~ Shadow telling Silver that Mephiles is lying to Silver.
“
We'll have to split up. I'll pursue Mephiles.
„
~ Shadow demanding Silver to find their own target from the accident.
“
You have no desire for revenge. You only crave destruction. Your only lust is to fuel Iblis until there is nothing left of time itself.
„
~ Shadow to Mephiles.
“
Certainly, It might have been possible, if he was still alive.
„
~ Mourning Sonic.
“
The time space rift is expanding. There's no more time, I need to hurry.
„
~ In the beginning of the final act in End of the World.
~ Shadow's all-star move, Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed.
“
Someone needs to be taught his place.
„
~ Shadow's all-star move.
“
It was one month before the doctor took over the world. The first time I encountered... him.
„
~ Shadow telling us his story in the beginning of the prequel of Episode Shadow.File:00000000.ogg
“
Hmph, should've hired some defense squads for the defense squad, eh, doctor?
„
~ Teasing Eggman for hiring Jackal Squad.
“
Worthless. Don't show your pathetic face around me ever again.
„
~ Shadow after defeating Infinite since a couple of months ago, Sonic Forces.
“
I can't imagine the doctor would do something like that without reason. (...) Yeah... looks like this won't be your garden variety recon mission. (...) I'm more than enough on my own. I'll handle things my way. (...) Cut the chatter, I'm on my way.
„
~ Shadow in the intro of Episode Shadow.
“
Got it!
„
~ Following orders in his own game, and Sonic Forces.
“
You should've known better than to send Omega an op like this.
„
~ Shadow disappointed about Omega going on ahead of him.
“
Already on it! Heh, I knew it. So much for recon!
„
~ Following Rouge's orders as Rouge lost Omega's signal.
“
Omega, what happened? What's going on over there?!
„
~ Trying to provide support to Omega.
“
What is going on here...?
„
~ Approaching to Omega's destination.
“
I don't know you. And the only thing of no consequence around here is that big mouth of yours.
„
~ Shadow having forgotten the first time he met Infinite.
“
What the-! Where am I? That guy... What happened to Infinite?
„
~ Shadow confused about who's Infinite.
“
This is where Omega was destroyed... but there's no sign of him here.
„
~ Finding where Omega disappeared.
“
Ugh... What is this? My head...!
„
~ Hearing "I am not weak" echo through his mind.
“
Ngh... What...? Where? I'm back here? No, is this an illusion?
„
~ After escaping virtual reality.
“
Sonic? What are you plotting? (hears an explosion) What--IS this...?! STOP! WHERE DO YOU THINK YOU'RE GOING, INFINITE!?
„
~ Realizing Infinite's going up against Sonic and chases after him.
“
Rgh! Withdrawing now! What's the meaning of all this?
„
~ Shadow before escaping the collapsing facility.
“
Rouge, are you telling me the truth?
„
~ While Rouge is explaining what happened.
“
What is it, Rouge? What happened?
„
~ When Rouge shouts his name to get over here.
“
That was a fake.
„
~ After saving Sonic's life from his duplicate.
“
Shadow: Infinite can create virtual reality projections. They have mass and form, but no heart and soul. Sonic: Virtual Reality? So all those familiar faces who were a part of Eggman's army... Shadow: Replicas. The problem is, they may not be real, but their powers are as formidable as the originals. According to Rouge, Infinite can create unlimited numbers of them. Sonic: So fight after fight, he can just keep cranking up counterfeits? Shadow: Exactly. As it stands, there's no way we can win this. Sonic: Of course we can win this! We always do! We just haven't figured that part out, yet.
„
~ Shadow to Sonic.
“
This should effectively put a stop to the doctor's greatest weapon.
„
~ After the Death Egg blows up.
“
There's no more time. We have to break into the fortress now.
„
~ Before the final battle begins.
“
The Doctor hasn't given up. Don't let your guard down yet.
~ Super Shadow before casting Chaos Control with Super Sonic together.
“
This is the end of you, and the end to my cursed past!
„
~ Super Shadow after defeating Devil Doom.
“
Only one thing left to do... To put the past behind me!!
„
~ Super Shadow as he sends the Black Comet back into space
“
A Super-Dimensional being… Heh. This might even be a fair fight!
„
~ Super Shadow when first facing Solaris.
“
No, it's not over yet!
„
~ Super Shadow after defeating Solaris for the first time.
“
I will release you from the chains of your past!
„
~ Super Shadow When attacking Solaris.
“
Time to unleash the ultimate power!
„
~ Super Shadow.
As Lancelot
“
The king's orders are absolute, Gawain.
„
~ Lancelot to Sir Gawain when Gawain questions the King's orders.
“
Shadow: I have found you, apprentice knight, enemy of my King! Sonic: Who the heck are you? Shadow? Shadow: I am Lancelot, Knight of the Round Table. I challenge you to a duel!
„
~ Lancelot's first words during Sonic's first encounter with Lancelot, and introducing himself in the first fight against Sonic.
“
What shall it be? Will you abandon your sword and flee?
„
~ Lancelot when beginning to fight Sonic.
“
Very well, then! Brace yourself, Knave the Hedgehog!
„
~ Lancelot after Caliburn tells him that Sonic's name is Knave.
“
Now we shall see what you can do.
„
~ Entering into battle against Sonic.
“
Knave the Hedgehog, eh? A fitting name, I'd say.
„
~ Lancelot teasing Sonic.
“
Are you truly a knight? You seem more like a court jester.
„
~ Lancelot fighting Sonic.
“
I was far too careless. Tsk...
„
~ Lancelot after losing to Sonic after their first fight.
“
I thought I was the Ultimate Knight...
„
~ Lancelot after losing to Sonic after their second fight.
“
We have orders from the king. Have you any last words?
„
~ Lancelot to Merlina the Wizard.
“
For the kingdom and its people!
„
~ Lancelot and Gawain when they retrieve their swords.
“
Anyone who can remain hidden from me can rightfully boast a great deed.
„
~ When starting a "find the hidden fairies" mission.
“
Time to fly!
„
~ During the "Reach the Goal" mission in the Shrouded Forest.
“
There is nothing that I cannot do.
„
~ While fighting during a mission in Great Megalith.
“
A stone? In the Dragon's lair?!
„
~ When starting the "Reach the Goal" mission for the Dragon's Lair.
“
A battle against a dragon? This is going to be interesting indeed.
„
~ After encountering the dragon in the Dragon's Lair.
“
You are the one and true king Arthur?!
„
~ Lancelot, Gawain, and Percival realizing the truth about Sonic.
Shadow seems to be ambidextrous, as he leads with his left hand in Shadow the Hedgehog and uses his right hand in the Sonic the Hedgehog (2006) and other games.
Concept art's of Shadow depict him in multiple different designs, while Shadow is often looking grumpy, some show him with a happier look compared to the final version.
Some concept art's also show him in a dark navy blue colour as apposed to black, one of them even depicts him with black sclera eyes and a red iris with the other one missing, similar to the eyes of Metal Sonic.
Sonic the Hedgehog (2006) is the only game where he and Sonic worked together without any arguments.
Shadow (along with Knuckles) was supposed to appear in Sonic Unleashed but was scrapped (for unknown reasons). However, in one of Brenda's interview questions asking what coming from the planet's core, the player can have Sonic incorrectly answer 'Shadow the Hedgehog'.
Shadow's line "Where's that damn fourth Chaos Emerald?" from his solo game became an Internet meme among the fans of the franchise.
Coincidentally, in Sonic Generations, Sonic can fight Shadow for the fourth Chaos Emerald (if the character defeats Perfect Chaos beforehand).
Shadow is one of the older characters in the series (chronologically being 50-years old). However, since he was stuck in suspended animation for most of his life and possesses eternal youth he is physically and arguably mentally 16 years old.
Shadow also appeared in the Flash movie "Sonic: Nazo Unleashed" and the upcoming movie "Return of Nazo" created by Chakra-X, where he is helping Sonic and his friends to save the world from the villainous hedgehog, Nazo.
Shadow is a supporting non-playable character and a quest giver in LEGO Dimensions.
Shadow's favorite anime is Kill la Kill as revealed in the Sonic the Hedgehog Twitter Takeover 3.
During Shadow's tenth Town Mission in Sonic the Hedgehog (2006) his IQ is determined as 200 by his colleague Frances, only 100 points lower than Dr. Eggman's.
When Shadow was first being planned as as character, his concept art once depicted him as a dark navy blue colored hedgehog with powder blue skin on his belly, muzzle, and inside his ears. He had one red eye and one with a cataract. He had a noticeable injury around this eye. He wore a red scarf and denim blue colored boots with white cuffs, stripes and buttons with near identically colored gloves with golden bangles. This birthed the creation of a fan created character known as Terios the Hedgehog. Eventually, a Terios skin was made available for Shadow in the video game Sonic X Shadow Generations.
According to a photo in Professor Gerald's journal, Shadow was apparently born 06:23:20:01, or June 23rd 2001. This is a reference to Sonic the Hedgehog's tenth anniversary.
Shadow and Sonic are the only characters in the franchise to use the word hell.
