The Maria Mystery: "NIDS"

Due to the in-universe mystery behind Project Shadow and the different versions told in real life, questions regarding Maria are still left unanswered.

Episode 1: Backgrounds and Complications

NIDS Storyline

Maria first appeared in Sonic Adventure 2. A backstory was created for the character and Gerald's motivations for Project Shadow: NIDS.

• Maria had an illness known as "Neuro-Immune Deficiency Syndrome." 
• Part of the reason Professor Gerald agreed to work on the project was to help cure Maria. 
• Maria also had to live aboard the Space Colony Ark because of her illness.

Despite this, there are still details missing. Who were Maria's parents? Were they more like her or Eggman? How did Maria get NIDS?

Support and Contradictions 

To further complicate (or, perhaps, simplify) things, the backstory did not present itself in the actual game. She lived on the Ark with her grandfather; she befriended Shadow and helped him escape. Any other details are not spoken of directly.

Still, Sonic Battle briefly mentions the cause (not as "NIDS").

"The application to my granddaughter is imminent."
--the Professor's Journal (#4), Sonic Battle

The disease would only be mentioned by name in Sonic Chronicles. The game featured background information for new players.

"Professor Robotnik thought of his granddaughter Maria, who was suffering from an incurable disease known as Neuro-Immune Deficiency Syndrome."
--Codex, Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood

This officially makes the name "Neuro-Immune Deficiency Syndrome" rather than "Neuro-Immunodeficiency Syndrome."

However, the codex did list one piece of inaccurate information* and the DS title also took elements from the Archie comics. The game's ending also unresolved.

*It said Shadow and Sonic stopped Eggman at the end of SA2, but they stopped the BioHazard/BioLizard.

As a result, the information and the game itself is questionably canon.

Speculation: When helping Maria in Shadow the Hedgehog, Maria stops to catch her breath at the end (during the ranking). While this could simply that she can't keep up with Shadow, it's also possible this is a symptom of her "illness."

Maria with child-GUN Commander

More Speculation: Maria's friend, "Commander," has an odd appearance: grayish hair, one green eye and one blue eye. Even as a child he has gray hair. This makes me wonder if the he also had some illness like NIDS (or some genetic problem) that required his presence on the Ark. It would not be life-threatening, though, because he would live on 50 years later.

"Other Media"

The English version ("dub") of Sonic X does not include the NIDS plot. However, the Japanese ("original") version of Sonic X briefly mentions the basics of the situation:

"She had a disease that wouldn't allow her to leave [the Ark]."

--Shadow, Sonic X # 38 (Translated)

The Archie comics would mention NIDS directly as a motivator for creating Shadow (spelled as "N.I.D.S." or "Neuro-Immuno Deficiency Syndrome").

Real World Factors

One of the reasons NIDS was left out is because of the resemblance to AIDS. Some say NIDS was inspired by AIDS. Either way, this could have been controversial.

Conclusion

Is "NIDS" Canon?

If I have to give a straight answer, yes. The back-up evidence is weak and lacks an obvious presence. However, there is nothing to disprove the background story, and it's something that has appeared across different sources.

Consider it a bonus. Something to add depth and understanding to the story for those who want it. Personally, I believe this plot is more crucial for understanding Professor Robotnik than Shadow or even Maria. One of the main themes is whether Project Shadow was something menacing or hopeful, and this aids the latter.

Next Time... 

This is the beginning of the Maria mystery, her origins. Next I'll point out the small yet strange differences in her appearances...