Shth is better than Heroes (Part 1)

On the surface, Shadow the Hedgehog and Sonic Heroes share many similarities. Both were the same console generation. Their graphics are practically the same. Each includes a large cast of Sonic characters.

But while one is talked of in a fond, nostalgic tone, the other is ridiculed. Although it later received attention for "replay value," Shadow the Hedgehog was generally seen as a failed spin-off. I liked each of these games, but I'd rate Shadow the Hedgehog over Heroes any day.

Part 1 Attitude 

One of the sharpest differences between Shth and Heroes is the attitude the two emit.

Sonic Heroes was a team-based game, and it had a light and friendly atmosphere. The colorful menu design, the shared attacks, and even the rival fights all added to this. It generally kept the characters content, determined, and/or comical despite the on-going conflicts. The ending proved surprisingly serious, but it intensified the idea of teamwork. The end made it clear pulling through any crisis was possible with help from friends.

I'm not against Heroes' tone. It's fun and character-driven qualities make it easy to see why the game is a fan-favorite. Compared to Shth, though, it seems childish.

Shadow the Hedgehog's setting was less...happy. The "edgy" menu included dark colors, intense music, and shooting sound effects. The stages were often amid large fights or destruction, with Earth at a bleak point. While the story was not lacking occasional humor, it was much more serious and generally stayed that way through out. In the end, Shadow--and Shadow alone--has to save the day.

I agree Sega kinda' over-killed the "edginess." In many ways, that actually backfired and took away from the game being "more mature." However, the lighter, friendly mood would not be appropriate in this game. It may make sense for Sonic to find the bright-spot of an alien invasion, but not for Shadow. 

Sonic Heroes, like most Sonic games, is E for Everyone. Of course, while "everyone" is welcome to play it, the general target is kids...a point that is sometimes too obvious.

Shadow the Hedgehog was planned to be T (for Teens), but was quickly adjusted when the "E 10+" (everyone ten or older) rating became a thing. After it's release, many parts of the game were called too violent.

While creating a game balanced for different ages is ideal, I don't see the harm in acknowledging an older audience. Obviously a series about talking hedgehogs isn't going to be treated realistically, but when Sonic was first introduced, he was portrayed as the coolest videogame character. Cocky and edgy, Sonic easily set himself apart. Why shouldn't Shadow be allowed to do the same?

Shadow the Hedgehog tried to make itself unique from the Sonic series, and it did. It's a story about finding ones' self, making peace with the past, and debating what "right and wrong" means. When sat next to Sonic Heroes, these ideas easily win out over "the real super power of teamwork."