Shth is better than Sonic Heroes (Part 3)

Problems create a story. If there is not threat, there is no story. Overall, there was more at stake in Shadow the Hedgehog than Sonic Heroes.  

Conflict

Main Villain and Side Villains

Though I'm not a huge fan of Metal Sonic, he makes a better villain. Metal Sonic is shown to be cunning, cruel, and clever. The unexpected twist--that Metal Sonic had overthrown his own creator--was one of the highlights of Sonic Heroes. With a new edgier look, he creepily wants to prove he is "the real Sonic."

Black Doom is an evil creature, constantly asking for destruction and showing no sign of compassion whatsoever. Still, Black Doom lacks something I can't quite figure out...or maybe it's just his constant nagging throughout the game...I'm not sure, but he's more along the "Erazor Djinn" level of villainy rather than the "Mephiles" level (he comes across as lame).

Though Eggman was perceived as the villain in Heroes, he really did nothing. Metal's "fake" version of Eggman is uninteresting. Not very threatening, even in all that armor.

Shadow the game also had Eggman in a more neutral position than usual (though he behind was many of the bosses). Still seemed like in Heroes...somehow hard to take serious in comparison to his Adventure or Genesis days.

In Shadow the Hedgehog, there was also the Commander. Though he is contradictory (and lacks a real name), I was content with his inclusion. It gave a different point of view and helped explain GUN's actions in SA2 (imagine: "sir, a hedgehog stole a Chaos Emerald." "A HEDGEHOG? DEPLOY THE TROOPS NOW!") 

Even though Black Doom isn't as good as Metal Sonic, the multiple villains helped Shadow the Hedgehog and it's many storylines.  

Enemies

Heroes relies many on Egg Pawns, which are kinda' boring in design. There are bigger robots with sleeker or bulkier designs, but none really stand out.

Shth also used the lackluster Egg pawns, but there were others to fight as well...

• I much prefer the  Black Arms--villainous aliens--to the useless wisps of Sonic Colors. They were threatening in appearance and I like the laser/ray-gun type of weapons they have. 
• GUN is a little annoying because they keep attacking even if there is no one there or if Shadow is "on their side." It was still interesting to see GUN actually use their men instead of robots for once (though they have plenty "Flying Mantis Dog Whatever" robots, too).

I would have liked it better with nicer graphics, but Shadow the Hedgehog has cooler enemies to fight. 

Main Conflicts

The situation in Shadow the game was huge from the start: an alien invasion. Though Shadow wanted to avoid getting involved, soon he was dropping right into the middle of it.

Heroes was divided into several smaller problems: Team Hero needed to stop Eggman, Team Rose wanted to find their missing friends, Team Chaotix was trying to please their client, and Team Dark wanted revenge on/answers from/treasure from Eggman. This was fun and light-hearted, but it doesn't have the immediate urgency of that massive attack on Earth. 

In the end the Teams must band together to stop "Neo" Metal Sonic, who was behind everything. This a nice reward for finding all of the Chaos Emeralds. However, I've always felt that the absence of Super Tails/Knuckles was very anti-climatic (they just get shinny bubbles?).

In Shadow the Hedgehog, Shadow has to stop Black Doom for once and for all. What gives the end an extra punch is Maria, who appears on an old video. Shadow's connection to Black Doom is also revealed--a little cliche, but it makes the situation all the more personal. This also gets points for redeeming Professor Gerald Robontik and revealing the true purpose behind the Eclipse Canon.

The trouble met in Sonic Heroes was not bad, but it didn't seem like the stakes were as high.   

Personal Conflicts

Shadow the Hedgehog out does Heroes by a far in this category. Using the different paths for different outcomes, the game was able to address the different conflicts Shadow has. He lost his memory and his purpose. The struggle between good and evil is a prevalent theme, as well as identity and the relevance of the past.

The Last Way tries to unite the stories and step up the game. By the end, everything literally is on Shadow's shoulders. To resolve the conflict, Shadow does what is right but decides the past is the past.

To it's credit, Heroes has some personal conflicts. For the most part it's about getting along with each other. But Team Dark's story took it a step further when it showed that the "Shadow might be a robot" plot affected the entire team. Still, it's weaker compared to Shadow the Hedgehog.

"The original must exist somewhere."

Underground is Better than Sat Am (Part 3)

Pre-Robotnik (Sat AM)

Origin Plots

Sonic Underground dedicated a not only it's theme song, but three episodes to explaining the Hedgehog's "beginnings." Sat Am expanded from it's original explanation (in it's pilot) as well, featuring a great deal of what happened in an important 2-parter. 

Brief Comparison

In Sonic the Hedeghog, Dr. (Julian, in this 'verse) Robotnik tricks his way into power and promptly takes over. King Acorn is thrown into the "void." Sonic's Uncle Chuck has a startling confession--he designed the Robotisizer. It was supposed to help Mobians, but in Robotnik's hands it became a tool of evil. The young Freedoms Fighters--little kids at the time--narrowly escaped to Knothole.

In Sonic Underground, Robotnik's take-over was for-told to Queen Aleena, Sonic's mother. She was given a chance to protect herself and her children, but it meant separating from them. They were destined to reunite and stop Robotnik, but she can not make contact with them until the right time.

Each hedgehog was raised in a different background and saw a different side to Robotnik's rule. They found each other, but their guardians would all be robotized. Sonic already had ties to the resistance, and the other two joined "the freedom fight." The three vowed to find their mother and stop Robotnik. 

So...

Underground's plot is a bit more complicated, expanding on the Mobius seen in Sat Am. It also took the time to show the characters "getting to know" each other while in Sat Am they are all already friends. While I find Sat Am's episode interesting and comical, it's hard to believe Sonic wouldn't recognize himself or older Sally. Just as a personal preference, I also preferred Jaleel White voicing younger Sonic (in Underground) rather than a different voice (Sat Am).

Surprisingly, I also think it was generally "darker" than Sat Am, mainly for when Sonic's adoptive parents are taken to be robotisized and Sonic comes back to find the house in flames.

Usually I prefer sci-fi over fantasy, and Underground's defiantly incorporates more fantasy elements. The Sat Am version certainly has it's points, too. Still, Underground showed more changes in the characters from who they were to who they are now. Plus they created an emotional tie that out does Sally and her father's. Despite the differences, Underground has more impact.

The Molly Debate (Part 5)

Episode 5: The More They Stay the Same...

Conclusion

I like to defend the dub because sometimes people draw conclusions without even giving it a chance. It could be worse. But this is a known weak point.

They should have worked around their rules without disrupting the story. I really wish they had done the original scene and put it on DVD as a special feature or something. Except for fan edits, we'll never see Molly's death in English.

So should 4kids' have censored Molly's death? Probably not. Should they be blamed for it? The show is like, 15 years old. Complaining about 4kids won't do anything--4kids is gone.

Should the entire dub be remembered for this and this only? No. Like it or not, it was Sonic X's success in the west that even allowed the series to go on for another season. So it can't be all bad, now can it?

The Verdict: The dub did not "ruin everything," but no, they shouldn't have changed the ending.

Cersorsh*t, in the first degree.  

So is the English "A Revolutionary Tale" episode worthless? No. It has some nice qualities, and the end game is the same--Shadow leaves Eggman and goes out on his own mission. It would be a good idea for fans to see the original, but the English version serves its purpose.

Besides, much as 4kids may be criticized for censoring, Sega themselves have strayed from "darker" or "deeper" stories in favor of silly, comical ones. Sonic was supposed to be tortured yet he's acting like a clown for most of Sonic Forces. Dub or Subbed, Sonic X treated Sonic more seriously than that.

Apparently being eaten by a tree is appropriate for TV-7, though? 

The Molly Debate (Part 4)

Before I draw any conclusions, this debate will look into "why" Molly's death may have been censored. 

Episode 4: Who Gave You the Key, Molly?!

Why this was "maybe necessary."

My number one guess as to why this happened: rules and mandates. I'm sure 4kids ("for kids") probably had some kind of mandate against showing a direct, on-screen death (Ya' know, kinda' like how Sega says Sonic can't cry in the comics).

This wasn't aimed at Sonic, though, but for the company as a whole. In some cases, 4kids completely cut episodes (of other shows). No doubt the same company that censored signs reading "Casino" or "House of Amy Rose" saw Molly being blasted out of the sky as too harsh.

It could been broadcasting rules, though. I remember Sonic X being rated TV-7, the same as, for example, Spongebob. Now think. Did anyone ever officially die on screen on Spongebob? The closest I can think of is Bubble Buddy letting the tide come in, but that wasn't "onscreen."

Point is Sonic X may have needed a higher raking for an on-screen death, and 4kids wanted to keep it at that level. Even "darker" Sonic games are for players of at least 10.

Sonic probably attracted an older audience than expected (much like a lot of things "Sonic"). They weren't accounting for such viewers.

My final theory: they saw Molly's death as a suicide. She viciously attacks the Meterex in a futile way after finding out everyone she trusted betrayed her. Suicide is an even deeper topic to expose to a younger audience, so cutting such a scene would make sense. However, if that were the case the dialogue could just be changed so her death would be more of an accident.

Hm...Conclusions? The answers are just up ahead...

The Molly Debate (Part 3)

Before I draw any conclusions, this debate will look at both sides. In this episode, the English version.

Episode 3: Just Like in That Story, Remember? 

What the Dub did good

Being the 4kids cast, I'm generally impressed with the voice acting. As I have mentioned before, Jason Griffith does a perfect voice for Shadow. Kathleen Delaney (Rouge) did all right. Bella Hudson (also known for voicing Blaze and Wave) voiced Molly as determined but vulnerable as well.

Shadow isn't nice, but he's not as cold-hearted as in the original. Sure, Shadow's an anti-hero, but he's not complete a$$4@!*, either. "Don't cry, Molly," is probably the best moment of the episode. Overall 4kids gave the audience the same sympathy for Shadow that SA 2 did by arguably writing the character better.

Molly was also portrayed with more confidence than her Japanese version, who seemed...determined, yet doomed. Rouge is portrayed with her usual flair, and if I recall accurately, some viewers got a kick out of the line, "some boob set a booby trap."

This version also named the planet Cascade. Pretty name, plus the Wiki doesn't have to call it "Molly's planet," ha.

Update: Another name was listed in Japanese on an Eyecatch card, but it's not actually spoken, giving English viewers the impression the planet had no name.

I also think 4kids was justified in censoring Rouge appearance a bit, because in this episode...

WTH?

They got a little too carried away.

lol they try.

Next up, Molly's "goodbye."

The Molly Debate (Part 2)

They were too lazy to eliminate the grave from this scene.

Before I draw any conclusions, this debate will look at both sides. In this episode, the original.

Episode 2: A Revolutionary Fail 

Why this was "totally unnecessary."

The original is has a deep moment for Shadow. It's like he loses Maria again--if Maria was a star-fighter pilot (or, uh, whatever it's called). It's a turning point for him, and explains why he became so focused on stopping the Meterex in later episodes.

Also, death is a part of life. Trying to shield away from it may cause more trouble than help.

Also, the deaths of other characters like Maria, Emerl, and Cosmo are not eliminated (though they were not as direct). Plus the video games had characters "die" or reach a fate equivalent (Sonic dumped that magic lamp in LAVA, I don't see how the Erazor Djinn could still be around).

What ELSE did the dub cut?

In addition to Molly's death scene and her grave, the other major change would be a conversation Rouge and Shadow have. In the Dub, it's worrying about the current situation--which is...okay. But there was a deeper discussion in the original.

Since her death was cut, of course her makeshift grave is also gone. Along with it is a brief comparison to Maria that was perhaps meant to imply Shadow's memory was back. 

The dialogue also makes the other Resistance members a bit more sympathetic.

The Molly Debate (Part 1)

In 2006, when Sonic X was still airing, the death of a character, Molly, was censored. 

As a whole, I liked the dub just fine. Despite a few changes here and there honestly most of the episodes are pretty much the same.

I recently watched a comparison of Molly's death--I had seen both episodes in the past but it's been a while. To my surprise, there were still people whining about Molly's death. As if the episode aired yesterday.

I've been back and forth on this, to be honest. Originally I thought it was fine. At least 4kids didn't cut the episode.

Later, I'd think Molly's death was a huge part of season 3, but honestly it's not. Either end is the same: Shadow takes his own path, like in the games. And now I see it as sort of cliche--Shadow meets another young girl and she dies within the same episode she debuts? Come on.

The scene looks really awkward, too--Shadow randomly flies to Molly's ship and still can't save her. What happened to teleportation, huh?

Still, "A Revolutionary Tale" was the only episode that made me question the dub's capability. This wasn't just cutting out a gun or making a sign blank. This was completely transforming the ending to something with less impact.

So welcome to "the Molly Debate."

Episode 1: The More Things Change...

Eggman and Crew "help" some local rebels. This resistance has been fighting the Meterex for years, and are growing tired. Though Molly--associating Shadow with local legend--believes they have a chance, her fellow fighters betray her. After his encounter with Molly, Shadow separates from Eggman and follows his own path against the Meterex.

The episode is a great science fiction based story. The "resistance" may have been inspired by Star Wars or the Terminator, or perhaps even past Sonic cartoons. The mystic "Black Wind" story is also interesting (especially since Sonic is usually the one described like "the wind").

Hey, they did dress kinda' like Cyrus.

Diverging from the main plot, the entire episode focused on Shadow, Rouge, and Eggman rather than Sonic/the "good guys." An odd occurrence only rivaled by Season 1's "Adventures of Knuckles and Hawk," which mainly starred Knuckles rather than Sonic. As a result, this one has a rare anti-hero/"spin-off" style to it.

Unlike most aliens introduced in Season 3, Molly, Leon, and others in the group are human in appearance. What's more, the ships and fighters used resemble the same enemies of Lucas (Dark Oak) and Earthia's (Cosmo's people). This is a hint at their past and why the Meterex are set on destroying them.

Though often remembered as an important moment for Shadow, the events--or perhaps Shadow's reaction to them--affected Rouge. Previously she made it clear she was only out in space for her own gain, but after seeing the severity of the situation she later accompanies Shadow on his journey to stop the Meterex.

Due to the fascinating concepts in the story, the effects on the characters involved, and Molly herself, the episode sticks out.

But is Molly's death the key to the episode, or do the elements stand without it? Was 4kids justified or delusional? Let's see...

Elise is better than Sara

Look, Elise is not the best female Sonic character, or even the best female human Sonic character. If anything, though, she's better than Sara from "Sonic: the Movie" or as fans refer to it, the OVA ("Original Video Animation").

History

In 2006 the over-hyped (and then over-hated) game Sonic the Hedgehog (2006) was released.

The game debuted several new characters, including reoccurring time-traveler, Silver, and the series darkest villain, Mephiles. "Princess Elise the Third," meanwhile, wasn't everyone's favorite.

Right after the game's opening, she is kidnapped, and continues to be a damsel in distress. Making matters far worse, her role in the Last Story quickly became controversial.  

The OVA was a brief 2 part-er released originally in Japan (1996).

In 1999, it was dubbed and turned into a short "movie." It's often praised for it's "CD" like animation and being closer to the games, but it's voice acting and use of cliches is often criticized.

There were a few changes in the American version ("Robotnik" instead of "Eggman," for example), but even the original story itself added some unique characters and ideas that were never seen before (like Knuckles' hat).

Among these changes was the addition of a "cat girl," Sara. She took Amy's place in the story, which was inspired from Sonic CD. There is some opposition to the character, but she's never received the same amount of hate as Elise. In fact there are many who like her and are sympathetic toward her character. 

The Bad

As mentioned, Elise gets kidnapped a number of times within her debut. Her "relationship" with Sonic is shallow, and her promise not to cry is often sighted as unrealistic. What really pushed players over the edge when she kissed sorta-dead Sonic.

Sara is a brat. She's annoying, demanding, and doesn't seem to care about anything except her own needs. She and Sonic don't interact much, but if she really does like him, she's too busy kissing Knuckles and getting grouped by Robotnik and Tails.

Though only "kidnapped" once, Sara is a hostage most of the movie (though it seemed like she was content with that).

The Good

Elise is haunted because she's the "seal" or the "Iblis Trigger." In the game she learns to take chances (a bit) and to find happiness in little moments. While the Last Story took things too far, in Sonic's episode the two had (a bit of) potential.

Though the game didn't exactly allow it too play out right, there was at least an attempt at character development.

Sara has a cute design, and her girlishness contrasts many of the other characters.

So...

I feel bad for Elise. She wasn't great, but she had some promise. Which is far more than I can say about Sara. Cute anime appearance aside, I can't really think of anything positive to say about the character or her part in the movie. It's no contest; Elise is better than Sara.

Chilidogs

Sonic's favorite food is chilidogs. This was a re-occurring case in the Sonic cartoons and comics that even influenced the games. Starting with Sonic Unleashed (2008), the food was officially his favorite and would make subsequent appearances. 

90s

The origin of Sonic's love of Chilidogs began in Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog, appearing often in the series. Tails was also a fan.

Sonic the Hedgehog ("Sat Am") also incorporated the element into many of it's episodes. The comics followed suit, though they appeared less frequently as the series continued. 

Sonic Underground immediately picked up the idea again when it aired. It wasn't unusual for Sonic to gulp down chiligdogs in large quantities.

2000s

"Pretty Tasty"

Sonic X was the first cartoon to largely ignore the tradition, possibly because it was the first series not by DiC Entertainment or the first not made under "western" cannon. However there was ONE in the episode "How to Catch a Hedgehog" (it was not called so by name, just seen). It was clearly at least a cameo-reference. 

When food became a large part of Sonic Unleashed, Chilidogs were described as Sonic's favorite. Sonic could also earn different versions of dogs by doing missions.

Again they were shown as Sonic's # 1 food in Sonic and the Black Knight.

2010s

Tails gives Sonic one as a gift in Sonic Generations, and it's shown as a popular food item at Sonic's birthday party. Though somewhat referenced in dialogue, Chilidogs kinda' disappeared.

Luckily Sonic Boom carried on the "Chilidog tradition" and used it in the show. However the writers were originally on the fence about whether they should have.

Sonic's Fear

Sonic's Fear of Water

Since Sonic 1's Labyrinth Zone, Sonic's distaste for water turned into a fear.

Sonic hitches a ride off Manic in "Head Games"

Though early canon showed that Sonic disliked water, it was not until Sonic Underground that it completely turned into a fear. Though Sonic "faced his fear" in "The Deepest Fear," his persistent hydrophobia would be a a reoccurring gag through out.

Sonic freaks before realizing he fell in shallow water in "Cracking Knuckles"

Though Sonic X ignored many elements of "western canon," Sonic's fear was shown in the very first episode. Like in Underground, Sonic's fear caused him to act off, perhaps moreso. Sonic sort-of faces his fear in "Cruise Blues," but not before doing everything in his power to try and get away from the situation. This was also a reoccurring gag throughout this series.

Sonic Channel Art

The games never officially addressed whether Sonic had a fear. He's faced many water levels, but it's obvious that he can not swim. Some of the Olympic games have Sonic in a life-vest.

In Razor the Sharks' "Origins"

Again, Sonic was shown weary of water Archie comics, notably in the story arc "Waves of Change." Still, he was portrayed as more comfortable with it compared to previous versions.

Sonic Boom also carried the idea into its show, hinting at it from the start and focusing on it in the episode "I Can Sea Sonic's Fear From Here."

Sonic Racing (in Cartoons)

TSR/"Overdrive" Short

Every Sonic cartoon has managed to make a race-centric episode. Considering that this is Sonic, it makes a lot of sense.

Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog

"Mobius 5000"
In this episode, Sonic and Tails participate in a race to save an orphanage. This race is done in a car. Also, there more references to the games than normal, featuring several versions of zones and the Special Stage. 

Sonic the Hedgehog "Sat Am"

"Sonic Racer"
Dr. Robotnik lures Sonic into a trap with something he can't resist: a chance to prove he's the fastest. Though the plan is for Sonic to be a distraction, Sally is worried the hedgehog's ego will get him into deep trouble.

Sonic Underground

"Winner Fakes All"
Robotnik's done it again! This time, though, Sonic realizes that participating may not be the best idea and decides to let it go. Unfortunately his siblings know him too well and think he's in the race.

Sonic X

"Fast Friends" (Jp: "Speed Match! Sonic vs Sam")
Sam Speed, Chris' uncle, has had a rivalry with Sonic since he showed up in "Chaos Control Freaks." This need to prove who is faster comes to a climax as he demands a race with the support of the government...and Eggman.

Sonic Boom

"Blue with Envy"
A new character, Swifty the Shrew, starts stealing the spotlight, and than he cons Sonic into a race. But things are not as they seem...

Sonic's Guitar

Sonic was originally planned to be in a band in the Sonic 1 Sound Test, but that idea was scrapped. Still he was only a singer and not playing guitar. That seems to be taken up by the cartoons...

AoStH

Sonic can be seen playing guitar for...the first time?

Sat Am

Sonic's guitar appeared twice--one was in the pilot.

The other was part of a make-shift disguise.

Underground

The guitar became a musical weapon and used throughout the series.

A red version similar to the Sat Am one was in the episode "Beginnings."

As well as a "baby" one.

Sonic X

Sonic never played the guitar...but Prison Island sure looks like one!...and it...didn't in the games...

Sonic Boom

Sonic picked up the guitar again. Red, like some of his past, and it's three-necked like Underground.

Movie

Sonic briefly plays a green guitar.