Shth is better than Heroes (pt 2)

I like Sonic Heroes, but it seems overrated for what it is. On the flip side, Shadow the Hedgehog seems underrated and portrayed in a misleading light. For that reason I'm showing why Shadow the Hedgehog is a better game than Heroes.

Gameplay

About Heroes 

Sonic Heroes debuted a new, team-based type of gameplay. The player could toggle between one of three characters. While there were 12 characters, the basics remained the same: there was speed (Sonic, Shadow, etc), flight (Tails, Cream, etc), and power (Knuckles, Vector, etc).

The environment was crafted so that only certain characters' abilities would be allowed to proceed. This method was interesting and added to the game's theme of working together.

However, the unique qualities would be a downfall as well. The game is difficult to get used to. It does include a tutorial level and recommends playing at with Team Rose (easier). Still, it's a lot for a player to digest.

The levels could often seem very long or difficult to a new player. Even now that I am skilled with this type of gameplay, returning to the game I need to practice with a level.

Another problem I encountered was how the power types moved in circular motions as they attacked. There are many of levels set in the sky or above water with steep edges. Although Power was best for attacks, I often found myself switching to Flight so there was less a risk of falling off (to death). 

Flight characters were the safest, but were very slow (because the team members weight a lot? BIG?).

The Speed's "Triangle Jump" also proved difficult in high places. In Mystic Mansion, for example, one has to jump onto a specific grind rail (or bone, in this case) with out falling in order to move on.

Speed characters also preformed a mid-air move which was more annoying than the Homing attack. Though the Homing Attack was still available, it was difficult and slow.

Most of the other attacks were fine, but they were not powerful unless on level 2 or 3. In order for the characters to be at their best, they must "level up" in the stage three times. Losing a life will rest their levels to 1.

The most enjoyable thing about Heroes' gameplay is the unique team-attack, Team Blast.

About Shth

In contrast, Shadow the Hedgehog was the only main playable character in his game. The biggest change in traditional Sonic games was the addition of weapons (mainly guns) and vehicles.

Unlike Sonic and The Black Knight's sword-based gameplay, the weapons were easy to use (easier than many shooter games, for that matter). Shadow generally seems to aim himself while running forward, with the occasional need for precise shooting. The controls are simple and the title does not require the same "adjustment period" as Heroes.

The guns would receive backlash, despite calls for a gun-based game style before (See also: Gamma). Though the game is remembered for it's realistic looking guns, the majority are actually alien, futuristic, or cartoonish in design. There were also knives, swords, and Heal Units (heals wounded or makes an enemy neutral). Though weapons are required on some paths, their use in most levels is technically optional.

Shadow can instead use the homing attack, the spindash, or a series of small attacks. The "Triangle Jump" is still a bother for new players, but it's slightly improved since Heroes.

The vehicles are not great, but the majority are optional. Though the hover craft, motorcycle, and car(s) are alright, the strange jumping one and it's similar, shooting companion are a pain.

While Shadow can be quite fast, speed was not always the goal. The player had the option of "choosing" who to help or ignore. Many of the levels have a mission given by fellow character who would offer help. The player could also remain neutral (decline to help). Due to this "mission" nature, the levels could vary from 2 minutes or 12.

Most of these side-characters are playable with a second controller on PS2 and Gamecube, sort of like Tails in Sonic 2.

Shadow the Hedgehog had effects similar to Team Blast. Acting as a "hero" or "villain" affected the Hero/Dark gauges. When full, Shadow was invincible, had unlimited ammo, and could either use Chaos Blast (a powerful attack; dark) or Chaos Control (races forward; hero).

So...

Shadow the Hedgehog is a better gameplay experience. The guns' violent stigma hurt how the game was seen. However, actually playing the game is quite fun. The choices and options (from a gameplay point) help ensure that replaying the game is unique. The style also made itself "free" of Sonic ("Personally, I wouldn't go near those things") without changing too much.

Sonic Heroes can be fun as well, but it feels more restricted. As I have mentioned, it "takes some getting used to." Having the characters bond is nice, but this is is not a spin-off or side-game. I'm not sure if having such a sharp difference in gameplay for a main game was a good idea. That being said, while I love the "team" element, most Sonic games have preferable gameplay.   

Sonic Advance 2, an prime example of Modern Sonic in 2-D

Interesting Note: both the unique styles of Sonic Heroes and Shadow the Hedgehog would be sighted as reasons to bring Sonic to his speed-based "roots" in Sonic 06 (though the execution of 06 obviously left much to be desired).