Shth is Better than Heroes (Part 7)

2-Player

YOU MAY LOOK LIKE ME BUT I KNOW YOU'RE JUST A FAKE

Alright, this is a simple and sometimes unnecessary element, but it's been popping up in games since the original sequel, Sonic the Hedgehog 2. Both Sonic Heroes and Shadow the Hedgehog feature a "multiplayer" mode (with another controller, not online). 

Heroes, first.

Heroes has a couple different options, which at at a glimpse seems to be to it's advantage. Reaching the goal first, gathering rings, using the Bobsled and Special Stages...

Contrary to that idea, the differences in gameplay and goals are a mistake, here. For side missions and stages in general, it makes sense. However, to welcome a second player is to also welcome a new player. 

Heroes' is going to be a challenge for any new player, possibly even for returning players. So while player 1 is a genius at switching between flight, speed, and strength, player 2 is going to fall behind and get frustrated. 

The main way for this mode to work is if "Player 2" is already experienced with the game. 

Another con is that many of the choices are not available right way--the player has to get emblems, and Heroes isn't very generous with it's unlockables. 

Shadow 

Shadow the Hedgehog is rather simple: kill the other player first. Not very exciting, but what justifies it is the tie-into the plot of game (and to an extent, Sonic Heroes) by making the characters "Shadow Androids." Various versions of Shadow who believe they are the real Shadow.   

Like with Heroes, it works best with someone familiar with the game, yet victory for a new player is still a possibility. There are a few locations based on areas in the game but not the same exact layout, posing more of a challenge for "Player 1." Also, since some of the Androids already have arms (pun intended) the shooting-element should be fairly straight forward. 

As an added bonus, every side character--save hovering Charmy Bee and Black Doom ("Doom's Eye")--can be controlled with a second controller during the stages. This allows someone to potentially help with the mission or a boss fight, reminiscent of Sonic 2. It's not perfect, but it is a cool concept and something I'd like to see more often.     

So...

With online mode and wireless controllers, the days of friendly competition and sibling rivalries over video games seems to have morphed. In the early 2000s, though, it was a factor that helped build value, and something that should not be overlooked when considering older games.  

Neither of are the best in the series, but ShtH's different approach worked better than Heroes'.