Know the Rogues

Jet the Hawk, Wave the Swallow, and Storm the Albatross are Sega's Babylon Rogues.

10 Fun facts about the Babylon Rogues

1 Their leader is the youngest.

Jet the Hawk is only 14, a year younger than Sonic. Wave is 18, and Storm is 19. Despite his age Jet is quite skilled with extreme gear, nick-named the "Legendary Wind Master." 

2 They're all birds. 

This may seem fairly obvious, but it's notable. Being a "hover" racing game, it made sense for these rivals to have a connection to the air. Another odd bit: all three have blue eyes. 

3 Jet the Hawk was likely named for famous the boarder, Tony Hawk.

It all makes sense now, doesn't it? He also may have been inspired by "classic" character, Bean the Dynamite.

4 Their theme is "Catch Me If You Can."

The song appeared in original Riders and was remixed and later remade in Zero Gravity. The song references Jet and the team as well as the names of their moves (wing, claw, melancholy, victory, etc). It was oddly absent from Free Riders.

5 They actually use their sunglasses. 

It's a part of their "extreme gear" and...shields them from debris? It shows their skill compared to Sonic, who simply leaves his stylish shades atop his head.

6 Wave is the third female flight type. 

The others were Rouge the Bat and Cream the Rabbit. It's said that Wave has a rivalry with sneaky Rouge...(besides Tails, of course). 

7 They're descendants of thieves, genies, and aliens (and pirates?)  

The Rogues carry on the traditions of their ancestors: stealing!

In the end of the first game, it's implied that the Rogues are descendants of genies. The second game expands on this, revealing that their advanced technology was actually of another world.

Also, a picture of Jet's father shows a pirate-like appearance--it would be in line with their thieving heritage... 

8 Their voices are opposite of Team Hero (almost, anyway)

In the first two games Jet and Sonic were both voiced by Jason Griffith. Storm and Knuckles were both voiced by Dan Green. Wave, however, was voiced by Bella Hudson (Blaze the Cat). 

In Free Riders, Wave and Tails were both voiced by Kate Higgins, and Knuckles and Storm were both voiced by Travis Willingham...Jet meanwhile was voiced by Micheal Yurchak.

9 Versions of the Rogues (maybe?) exist in Blaze's World.

In Sonic Rush Adventure, Sonic and friends discover a location similar to Babylon Garden, Sky Babylon. The ruins there hint at further similarities.

10 Wave, Jet, and Storm are one of the few characters to be animated outside of a TV show.

Sonic Rider's opening starts with an awesome animation sequence. 

Who Might Be in Sonic Movie 2? (Game Characters)

Last time I went over who from the movie may come back. This time, I'm reviewing the "main" character's of the Sonic video game series and seeing who's more likely to show up. Note that because they were already in the movie, I'm excluding Sonic and Tails.

Knuckles--85%

While I am worried the movie will slow down and just focus on introducing Tails (in order to avoid the dreaded "CONFUSING NEW VEIWERS?!"), I wouldn't be surprised to see Knux showing up, too. For one thing, Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles are a tight combination--"Team Hero." Knuckles is pretty recognizable, appearing in nearly every game (and, yes, in some...internet memes...).

The Sonic Movie increased his chances even more be showing some Echindas' in the "Baby Sonic" flashback. This could mean some origin changes for "movie Knuckles." One the other hand, Knuckles has been tricked over 7 times across different incarnations, so it's just as likely he'll be very similar to the Knuckles who debuted in Sonic 3. 

Metal Sonic--60%

It's hard for me to say this, (because I have no desire to see this as a reality) but there is a good chance Metal could be in the next sequel.

I'd say it's either going to be Metal Sonic, or Shadow. I don't think there's room for both.

A classic fan will recognize Metal from Sonic CD, or the "old" movie (OVA). A modern fan will sight Heroes and possibly Rivals 2. A version also made it into Sonic Boom. Usually, he's simply Eggman's robot.

Still, since the character doesn't have a real personality (aside from in Heroes and beyond the games), his purpose could be swapped for any robot. The "unique" thing about Metal is that he's literally a copy off of Sonic...and there are a lot of in-game robots that are "copies."

Then again, having little to no details to explain could work in the robot's favor. He would not need an introduction besides a few words from Robotnik, saving time for focusing on the other characters.

Oh no...what if he uses Sonic's quill as a power source...DON'T DO IT PARAMOUNT!

Shadow--50%

Before actually seeing the movie, I would have ranked Shadow much higher. Although he's less familiar to non-Sonic fans, he's been in almost every "main console game" and a few handheld ones, too. He also appeared in several comics and the shows Sonic X and Sonic Boom. He's the second most popular character in the series (second to Sonic himself). He is often considered Sonic's greatest rival.

Shadow's popularity not only caused the character to return to the series (after his "death") but earned him his own spin-off. Shadow the Hedgehog is the only spin-off starring another character released in the 2000s (in the 90s there was Knuckles' Chaotix and two Tails-related 8-bit games). Although Shadow the Hedgehog was his only game, Shadow would go on to co-star in his own "story" or "episode" within other Sonic games.

Shadow's background features humans, mainly Gerald and Maria Robotnik, rather than "Mobians." This also makes him a prime candidate for the Earth-bound Sonic Movie.

However, the Sonic Movie wasn't Earth-bound. Sonic apparently has rings that can go wherever. The movie also showed Tails and echidnas, meaning Tails and Knuckles are more likely to have a big role. With that in mind, it's hard to imagine they'll have enough time for Shadow's complex story.

Amy--30%

Amy has appeared in over 15 games, two TV shows, and all the comics. And she is certainly popular among Sonic fans.

Still, I'm not sure what purpose Amy would serve. Although she's Sonic's main love interest, Sonic usually goes out of his way to avoid her...something that might seem out of character for "movie" Sonic. I'm also assuming Sega's rule would limit how far they could pursue the "movie Sonamy" relationship. If Metal Sonic does appear, she might be taken hostage, but that role could be swapped for any other character important to Sonic.

It'd be nice to see her peppy attitude and huge hammer on the big screen. But considering the amount of other characters (and the times she's been excluded in the past...like the old "movie" where they had a human/cat-girl instead) I'm not sure if she'll make it in.

EDIT: I have seen an article since writing this that claims Amy will be in the movie. But I'm not sure if this will be accurate. 

Blaze--20%

Blaze has two things going for her. Maybe three. For one, she's from another dimension, fitting in with the "dimension" plot. For another, she has "special powers" as well (pyrokinesis). She also lived an "isolated" life (in-part) because of her powers. Plus, she's a princess--what else could a movie ask for?

Unfortunately, Blaze is even less known than characters like Shadow and Silver. She's never managed to make it onto television, either. Though Sonic-fans generally adore her, she doesn't get as much attention. A new fan would likely call Blaze "obscure" despite being a re-occurring character.

Also--like Shadow--she'd need more time to explain her background...time that's being used by Tails and probably Knuckles.

Rouge--10%

Wherever Shadow goes, Rouge seems to follow. But if Shadow's not in the movie, Rouge doesn't have as good a chance. Even an introduction just with Knuckles seems unlikely since (so far) there is no Master Emerald.

Rouge's main problem is that she can't work for the government. Maybe she could in a Sonic X fashion...when the "aliens" become more common place, but if/when would that be?

While it would be weird, perhaps she would appear as a human...[shudders]. Then she could work as a spy for the government without complications.

To keep her the same, they might instead only focus on her as a treasure hunter. But how would that fit into the story?

Add in the fact that Rouge's appearance might not sit well with those unfamiliar with her, and Rouge's chances become even thinner.

Silver--10%

While the character does achieve a fair amount of attention, it's within the Sonic community. Recently he's been given more opportunities than Blaze, but he's received some criticism for being "another rival hedgehog" and debuting in the (over) hated game, Sonic the Hedgehog (2006).

He, like Blaze, does share some similarities with Sonic: powers and isolation. However, Silver has a complex background that would be hard to fit into the movie. Especially since there is more of a "dimension" angle than time travel.  Perhaps his "future" could be re-worked into a dimension, but I still don't think his chances are very likely.

Chaos or other villains--10%

With both the possibility of an adaption and the limitless creations other worlds could spawn, an alternate conflict could be possible. I'd say the "monster" villains are more likely than the calculating ones because they would be easier to explain (and it's hard enough to get Mephiles or Eggman Nega around as it is). Still, they might just make up their own creature, or rely on Robotnik and his robotic skills.

Cream, Big, The Choatix, Babylon Rogues, other game characters--1%

While a cameo or small reference may come to be, I don't see any of these characters having a big role. It's not that I don't want them in. But the amount of characters and backstories that would accompany them is too complex (even if that backstory is simply "polite" or "likes frogs and fishing"). And the characters don't have the same popularity or occurrences as those mentioned.

Obviously if a certain game is adapted, the chances increase. But it's not looking like "Sonic Riders: the Movie," it's looking like "Sonic 2" (better hope it's at least "Sonic 2: & Knuckles"). 

Non-game Characters (Comics, Cartoons, etc) .01%

It's harder to allow this for copy-right issues. I'd like to see a "Turtles Forever" multiverse...thing...but the chances are very small, even for a cameo.

Who Might Be in Sonic Movie 2? (Movie Characters)

I'm rating a few characters from the movie and will cover the game's "main re-occurring characters" next post.

Sonic--100% Chance

Um, duh?

Tails 100%
You can't undo the end of the movie.

Dr. Robotnik--100%

Since he is the main villain, (and Carrey already on board with the role), it's a given. Actually the question is whether he'll go insane and adopt the "Eggman" name or if he'll stick to being smart, skinny Robotnik. And if he'll be the only villain...

Tom Wachbowski--99%

Since they went to the bother of creating this new character, I doubt the plan won't include him. However, he might have less of a role depending on how the story progresses. Besides, it's be hard to write him out now.

Dr. Maddie Wachbowski--95%

Once again, since Sonic is linked to these new characters, I doubt they won't be in it. Still, since she doesn't have as close a relationship to Sonic (yet?), so there's a little doubt.

Commander Walters--60%

Since he had a smaller role in the first movie, it's hard to say. Likewise, the setting of the next movie (if it's still on earth or hopping dimensions) will have a big impact on whether he returns.

As I have previously mentioned, he bares a resemblance to the game's "Commander" (sometimes called "Abraham Tower"), but I'm not sure if this was a hint at a future plot, fan service, or even just a coincidence. If they do decide to adapt Sonic Adventure 2 and/or (parts of?) Shadow the Hedgehog, he could end up in a bigger role. 

Agent Stone--40%

Since Robotnik was separated from Stone, and Stone presumably worked for the military under Robotnik rather than for him directly, I'm not as confident he'll be back. He might get replaced by a robot, who knows? On the other hand, it's possible there is more to this character that meets the eye.

Longclaw--30%

I think there could be more explored with Longclaw...who is she? She was defiantly a weird addition. While the movie (kinda?) implied she died, I'd never rule out an unseen death. What makes me doubt this, though, is that she never found a way to contact Sonic. Her "death" just seems like a strange set up to build Sonic's background that they didn't plan to expand further. I could be totally wrong! The next movie could be: "Sonic 2: The Search for Longclaw," but I feel she's more likely to be mentioned than seen.

Who Might be in Sonic Movie 2? (Intro)

Since the Sonic movie did surprisingly well, and the end featured a small bonus cliffhanger, a sequel is probably a reality.

The first movie introduced us to our hero--Sonic--and villain, Dr. Robotnik. It also introduced us to Tom Wachbowski, Sonic's new human friend. All of these characters have a very high chance of returning...but will we get to see more of the Sonic cast from the games?

I'd say there are two big factors.

• In the movie, Sonic seemed to have a list of other places crossed off and said the "Mushroom Place" was the last safe place. Does that mean Sonic went else where before being stuck on Earth, or was this just a misunderstanding? 

• If he did go else where, then he may have already met some characters (and Tails knows who he is). 
• If not (and Tails has just "heard of him"), then the chances of other characters being involved are slimmer. 

• Is the next movie adapting a game(s), or is it following it's own path. 

• If only adapting one game (or even combining some into one), the introduction rate is going to be slow. 
• If they follow their own ideas (as the first movie), then it's harder to tell. They could bring characters from "other dimensions" and have a bigger plot that way, but I doubt they'd risk "confusing new viewers."    

Based on these factors and general knowledge about these characters, I'll be rating who is most/least likely to be in the next movie in my next posts...

The Maria Mystery Conclusion

Based on my research, this is likely what happened:

Pre-invasion (50 years ago)

1. The BioLizard, a large creature with chaos control (but a primitive live-support system) is created. 
1. BioLizard is considered a failure. 
2. A historical experiment when on a rampage and nearly destroyed the Ark (Emerl). 
3. Prof. Gerald worked with Black Doom to correct his errors. 
1. Shadow is created. 
2. Child Commander spies and is shocked to see Black Doom. 
4. Maria befriended Shadow the Hedgehog. 
5. An outbreak of Artificial Chaos...caused Chaos. 
6. Due to various pressures, the United Federation decided to shut down the Ark and imprison or eliminate anyone involved with "Project Shadow."

The Doom

1. Maria ran with Shadow. 
1. (possibly helping fellow researchers or using heal units to gain GUN's trust).
2. At some point the two are nearly caught in one of the halls. 
2. Maria prepares to launch Shadow in escape pod to earth.
3. Maria is shot or injured. She says goodbye to Shadow. 
1. Shadow falls to earth in one of the pods. 
2. Maria dies.
4. The Professor is taken to Prison Island. 
1. Shadow is found and taken to Prison Island. 
2. Shadow is eventually put in suspended animation. 
3. Prof. Gerald is eventually executed.  

Present Time

1. Shadow is released but eventually remembers his promise. 
2. After a brush with death Shadow remembers little. 
1. Black Doom gives Shadow false memories to gain the hedgehog's support. 
3. Shadow (re?)remembers his promise. 
4. Shadow makes peace with the past.  

Shadow is one of the few characters to have a known background beyond the events of the games. It would be interesting to see this further expanded. On the other hand, Shadow letting go of the past was a wise move that prevented him from being used by others. Furthermore, Maria Robotnik hasn't appeared in the games since 2005. Ergo, seeing her again is unlikely.

Despite the different styles or stories, all end with Maria wishing the best for a world she never got to visit.

The Maria Mystery Q&A

Maria-related Questions and Answers

Why does Maria's appearance change?

• Shadow's memories are inconstant do to interference from Black Doom, possibly Gerald, and possibly himself (blocking it out).
• Also, in the real world, 4 years passed between SA2 and Shth, allowing new tech or designs. 
• Since Sonic X was an Anime and comics have different artists, she's had different styles.

How did Maria get Shadow in that tube thing?

• It's never shown. In the games I'd assume she tricked him (like Eggman tricking Sonic but less menacing). Not sure how she did with the setting in Sonic X.

Why couldn't Maria go too?

• From the way it looks, someone had to release the escape pod from the outside. Perhaps there was an auto mode but GUN shut it down. 
• Also, if Maria did have NIDS, she may have had trouble surviving on the planet.

When/how did Maria really die?

• The hallway scene seems fishy. Maria's promise in SthH and Sonic X imply she was shot during/before that scene. SA2 might suggest after, though it's hard to tell. 
• The only real fact is that she died in the "accident," likely killed by a GUN soldier. 

Why isn't Maria mentioned as much?

• Shadow accepted his past and has decided to live in the present.
• Also, in the real word, the games have generally taken a "less serious" turn.

In Sonic 06 why doesn't Shadow time travel back and save Maria? 

• As mentioned, Shadow accepted what happened and decided to lay the issue to rest. 
• He was also too busy tracking/dodging Mephiles to further explore this Time Travel version of Chaos Control.

Why does Amy/Chris/Molly/Hope remind Shadow of Maria?

• All these characters display some innocence or youth. 
• Amy is the same age and wears a dress and headband. Her positive personality also seemed similar to Maria.
• Molly and Chris are both humans (Chris being the same age as Maria, Molly the same gender). All have similar blue eyes. 
• Hope is related to Maria and looks almost identical, but is obviously not the same person.

Is Maria a playable character?

• In the PS2 and Gamecube versions of Shadow the Hedgehog, the character can be controlled with a second controller, similar to Tails' role in Sonic 2. 
• Maria is the first playable human female character. 
• Otherwise, no.

Who voiced Maria?

• Moriah Angeline voiced the character in Sonic Adventure 2. 
• Rebecca Honig (known for voicing Cream the Rabbit) voiced the character in Sonic X and Shadow the Hedgehog. 
• Bella Hudson (known for voicing Blaze the Cat) is sometimes mistaken as her voice actor in Sonic X, but it was Rebecca Honig (she just did a slightly different take between the appearances).
• Ironically, Hudson did voice Molly.  

What's Maria the Hedgehog?

• A fan creation where she came back as a hedgehog (not canon).

Is Maria Shadow's girlfriend?

• That's up to interpretation, but the main opinion is that she was like a sister to him.

Is Maria in Sonic Boom?

• Nope!

The Maria Mystery (Extra)

There is more to the flashbacks, as well what is said during Shadow the Hedgehog levels like "The Doom" and "Lost Impact."

Still, I think I've covered the biggest "mysteries," here (bigger project than I imagined). However if looking for answers solo, here's some videos displaying the matter and a list of her main appearances:

Videos

• Maria's death in the English and Japanese versions of Sonic X. 
• Maria's death including the uncensored beginning of Shadow the Hedgehog
• Clips from Shadow the Hedgehog, Sonic Adventure 2, and Sonic X (Sub)

List Of Appearances

Sonic Adventure 2

There are three flashbacks in Sonic Adventure 2.

• (Team Dark) Shadow and Maria run down one of the halls (Shadow's point of view). Then it skips to Maria's promise.
• (Team Dark) In the second, there is a scene with the two staring out one of the Ark's windows, with Shadow debating his purpose.
• (Last Story) Maria's real promise.

Later, the Professor's diary confirms Maria's death.

Sonic Battle

Mentioned in the Professor's Journals. 

Shadow The Hedgehog

• In the game's first cutscene, Shadow and Maria are chased but this time she's killed in the hall.
• (Semi-Dark) Following the story to "The Doom" will reveal a flashback--when the Ark was taken over. 
• Black Doom shows Shadow the first cutscene but from space (although it's possible they get away). 
• In "The Doom," Shadow has the option to exact revenge on GUN (not likely in the actual event since they hadn't killed Maria yet) to save researchers (Can Shadow say no to Maria?) or to simply escape as soon as possible (most likely scenario).
• The end reveals another flashback with a Gun robot implied to have killed Maria.
• (Hero) If taking the story to "Lost Impact" Shadow will recall an event from before GUN invaded. The Artificial Chaos (from SA2) have gone rouge, and it's up to Shadow to either help stop them or get to the goal.
• Another version of Maria's promise. This one is significantly shorter.
• (Last Way) In the end of the game, Maria appears in a video with Gerald warning Shadow of things to come.

Dark Brotherhood

Mentioned in Codex

Sonic X

There are four major flashbacks in Sonic X.

• (ep 36) Shadow remembers running from the military with Maria and Gerald. Then Maria--despite Shadow's protest--launches him to earth. Shadow also recalls looking out the window with Maria, both wishing to see the planet.
• (ep 37) The next information comes from Mr. Schimtz, who was one of the soldiers on the Ark. He reveals that he fired at her.
• (ep 38) Two final bits are seen in another episode. One is Maria's promise, and the other features Maria wearing a pink dress (the one might simply be a fantasy of them getting to see earth).
• She makes a cameo appearance in flashbacks in season 3. 

Archie Comics

• (issue 98) Maria's first appearance.
• (issue 141) A holographic version of her helps Shadow find his purpose.
• She had a few flashbacks and cameos in other issues. 

The Maria Mystery: Final Words

One of the most common elements since Maria's debut is her last words. Although they all seem to have the same message, their existence further adds to the mystery...

Quoted References

Sonic Adventure 2 (Released Jun 2001)

"Shadow I beg of you, please do it for me... for a better future! For all the people who live on that planet...give them a chance to be happy...

"Let them live for their dreams. Shadow, I know you can do it. That's the reason why you were brought into this world.

"Sayonara, Shadow the Hedgehog"

Archie Comics (Issue 98, Released Sep 2001)

"Keep going, Shadow! I'm right behind you! We're almost there! I'll jump in as soon as you clear the hatch! UNGH!"

In 2007 Maria was able to give her request as a hologram: "You have to go and protect everyone now. And you'll always have me...[if you hold me in you heart]."

Sonic X (Japanese) (Released Dec 2003)

First Memory:

"I beg you...Shadow...Please, do it for me...for all of the people who are living on that planet...[inaudible] Adios, Shadow the Hedgehog."

Second Memory:

"I beg you, Shadow...You'll have to take my place in the future. Everyone who lives on that planet...give them a chance, and they will live very blessed lives.

Then our wish will be realized. You were created just for that cause. The one who will watch over and protect us...just like a shadow."

Sonic Battle (Released Jan 2004)

"Bring hope to humanity."

The quote came from the Professor's Journal, "They tell me her parting words were 'Bring hope to Humanity.'" This suggests it was heard by a GUN soldier or someone else aboard the Ark.

Sonic X (English Dub) (Released Dec 2004)

First Memory:

"Listen Shadow, I want you to promise me...please...whatever happens remember I'll always be your friend, Shadow. We always talked about going to visit the planet one day...but it looks like you'll have to go there with out me. Sayonara, Shadow the Hedgehog."

Second Memory:

"Shadow, please promise me...That you'll help people...and be...friends with them...I'm sure you'll be very happy down there, Shadow. I only wish that I could go along with you.

"The world looks so beautiful from up here in space...but my Grandfather says the people who live there have to face many problems. That's why you were created. To help those people. And...to be their friend."   

Shadow the Hedgehog (Released Nov 2005)

"Please, Shadow...I need your help! Everyone's fate depends on...YOU."

Maria also expressed that Shadow would protect the planet while appearing on an old video created before her death. 

Conclusion

I always found "Maria's promise" as one of the deepest points of the Sonic series as a whole. Here is a young girl, close to death, asking for hope and happiness...not revenge.

Which Sonic X adaption is more accurate to SA2? 

I think they're both fairly accurate. The original is worded closer to the games (as you can see), and adds a bit about Shadow's name. The dub adds more about wanting to visit the planet. The main message is the same, though.

So, what are her last words? 

Her last wish is for Shadow to save/help the world. Her specific last words to him were "Sayonara, Shadow the Hedgehog." Her very last words were "Bring hope to humanity."

Yikes, how many times did she die?!

She only died once in the games; Shadow doesn't remember it correctly.

Anyways, from what I've found, Maria's wish was actually the same through out, just worded differently. Except for that awful inaccurate original Archie appearance.

The Maria Mystery: Death

One of the greatest mysteries regarding Maria is how she died.

Sonic Adventure 2
Maria's "death" is shown twice.

• SA2 doesn't actually show Maria's death. While it would often be assumed that Maria was killed helping Shadow escape, it's not directly shown.
• Do to both limited technology and the need to censor gore, it's hard to tell if Maria already had been shot, as future appearances suggest, or if she was simply killed after Shadow already escaped. 
• Her death is confirmed by Professor Gerald's diary: "I found Maria's name among those who died."

Sonic Battle
-Sonic Battle also confirms her death on the Ark. It mentions her last words, leading to wonder who heard them and told the Professor (likely GUN rather than Shadow because it mentions "they told me").

Sonic X
Maria's "death" is shown three times.

-A scene similar to SA2 is shown in Shadow's flashback, where Maria falls at the end (her "fall" is partially censored in the English version).

-A scene nearly identical yet different was shown as recalled by the man who shot her. This confirms her as being shot releasing Shadow (after being warned not to).

-Maria is shown in a separate flashback, in a setting more akin to SA2, on the floor (presumably already shot), where she asks Shadow her promise.

Sonic X English Censorship possibility

-the man who shot Maria Mr. Schimtz mentions that Maria was "taken away," opening the possibility that Maria was still alive. However, this was also after the man erupted in tears saying "she was so young." It's possible Maria was injured and died later, or perhaps he was referring to her dead body.
-Ultimately, the show often used phrases such as "take away" in place of "kill," so it's likely she died one way or another.

Shadow the Hedgehog
Maria's "death" is shown three times.

-The first cutscene shows Maria shot in one of the Ark's halls. While the scene of the two fleeing had previously been in both SA2 and SX, this was the first time Maria was shown to be killed in the hallway.

-After "The Doom," a level set during GUN's massacre, Maria and Shadow run into one of GUN's robots. Maria then disappears and and image of her falling is shown. Maria was implied to have been killed by the robot.

-Maria is shown falling to the floor like in Sonic X, where she begs Shadow to save the world. She was presumably shot/injured right before this.

Shadow the Hedgehog Censorship

-When the game was planned to be rated Teen, the hall scene where short-haired Maria was shot was longer (but how/where she was shot remained).
-The scene where Black Doom "reminds" Shadow of what happened originally has Maria's death reflected in the hedgehog's eyes. Since the scene shows the Shadow and Maria running down the hall, it may have been another indication that she was hurt in the hallway.

Archie Comics

-Maria is shot helping Shadow escape. Although the style changed, the scene was the same.
-During one of Shadow's flashbacks in the rebooted continuity, Maria is shown with an expression similar to the hall scene of Shadow the Hedgehog. However, her hair is it's normal length, meaning it may have simply been a similar--but not the same--scene.

Conclusion

While mild compared to other genres, it is rare for a character to die (without returning) in the Sonic series. With the different plots and episodes, what happened can get confusing, but it's clear she died helping Shadow escape.

Was Maria killed before Shadow was released or in the hallway?

Maria was shot before Shadow was released and likely died after. The hall way scene was most likely a creation by Black Doom to cloud Shadow's judgement or corrupt his memory. "The Doom," the stage featuring GUN's take over, may be a pun. It describes the tense situation as well as who was creating the memory--Black Doom.

Who killed Maria?

A Gun Solider. In Sonic X this character was shown to be Mr. Schmitz (Mr. Smith in the original).

Notably Mr. Smith knew about Professor Robotnik's experiments and thought Maria was releasing multiple creatures. Mr. Schmitz only heard rumors and did not "know what to expect," and he thought there was just one creature being released. 

In the games the solider is hard to distinguish from other soldiers.

Why kill Maria?

As seen in Sonic X, Maria was sending a powerful, dangerous creature to Earth. Mr. Shmitz warned her to stop, stressing that he was serious, but Maria pulled the lever anyway. From his point of view, he had to fire (though he regrets it).

The games are a bit harsher, only saying that they "eliminated" everything related to the project. The professor mentions that they would all be imprisoned, but it's unknown if other survivors were incarcerated. "The Doom" level suggests that fellow researchers were harmed, if not killed. 

Maria also may have been targeted because of her connection to Shadow.

Is this the darkest point in the Sonic series? 

No. Ever hear of "Fun is Infinite?" Or Sonic 06: Last Story?

Maria's death would have a large impact on both Shadow and her grandfather Gerald Robonik. Robotnik went insane from the event, plotting to destroy the world he once tried to protect. Shadow began to set the mad man's plan in motion, but remembered Maria's true wish. He strives to keep her promise to this day.

The Maria Mystery: Appearance

When it comes to Maria Robotnik, questions have been left unanswered...

One of the mysteries if the most obvious, her visual look.

Appearances

Maria originated in Sonic Adventure 2, where she, a blond 12 year-old, looked similar Alice from Alice in Wonderland.

When the game was released as SA2 Battle, on Gamecube, there were some slight differences...

Maria's first look in the Archie comics was WAY off. Having brown hair and a white dress, she hardly looked like the same person.

Maria in Sonic X would be closer to the original, being nearly identical. The only main difference is the addition of shoes...SA2 Maria was barefoot.

In one of her last appearances on the show, she was also shown wearing a pink dress.

Shadow the Hedgehog's first cutscene showed some differences a returning fan might have noticed. Her dress was slightly different--no long sleeves--and her hair was shorter. She looked younger, blonder, (and thanks to more advanced technology) more realistic (not to the same point as humans in 06, though).

For a moment her hair looks longer for some reason...

Just thought that was weird.

However, in other parts of the game, her hair is it's SA2 length. Also (like in Sonic X) she now has shoes.

The Archie comics would later correct their mistake and retcon Maria's real look in. Although the style varied by artist, she looked much closer to the games.

"nearly identical to her game counterpart"

Conclusion

So what does this mean? That Maria doesn't look the same.

That's not saying much. This is a video game, and appearances change all the time (just look at Sonic). And appearing in "other media" will naturally lead to differences. I assume "brown haired" Maria was a coloring error.

But what of (at least some of this) is on purpose?

The main oddity is the Shadow the Hedgehog cutscene...Was it simply a background, in-the-real-world decision to update her look? Or was were the creators hinting that Shadow's memory was tampered with? Considering Black Doom's role and personality, the evil alien would have no trouble fooling Shadow into doing his work.

Whether a last minute change, or to cause more questions, the inconsistency remains strange.

WHAT IS THAT SHOE?!