Sonic Heroes Review

Rank @ End

Summary

BLAST AWAY! Do more characters=a better game? Uh...no?

Gameplay and Level Design

The level design is fair. There are some colorful additions and new ideas, namely the haunted theme. I don't really like the "chunky" look of some of the earlier levels like [shudders] Seaside Hill and Ocean Palace. Many of the levels are pretty long in length. 

The gameplay has its heart in the right place, but is not the best. I like the idea of team work, but unlike Sonic 2 where there's sort-of an optional thing for another player, this "team" thing is forced on the 1st player. It takes a long while to get used to the different moves, switching between characters, and even just balancing while flying. It needs a "learning period." Doing the Rose missions first helps.  

 

Story and Characters

This is a very character-focused game. Team Sonic has a pretty simplistic story, but it is fun to see the crew getting along and hanging out. Rose's is also pretty simple, but it's humorous and the first time we see Cream outside of Sonic Advance 2. Though where did Chocola even come from? 

The Chaotix have a fun story, though I wish the conclusion was not so obvious. Notably this team dodges Team Sonic because then they'd have to decide where to risk having the group recognize Knuckles. The wording when they first cross Eggman is careful for this reason (Knuckles Chaotix). 

Team Dark gets the best story, where the group hunts Eggman for their own reasons. Unfortunately the game does not decide what to do with Shadow. Does he get his memories back? Is he an android?   

This might be because the character was originally dead and Rouge was going to be a part of Team Rose (wtf). 

The game debuted Omega, Chocola, and introduced many "less known" characters like the Chaotix and Cream. I think they handled the intro well, but I can see how it would seem overwhelming. 

The plot twist is great for the game's story and for Metal Sonic's character. Before, he basically had the OVA for personality and that was basically just that he had Sonic's. Here we as a cold, creepier version. I wish they actually used the "Neo" design a bit before transforming him for 5 minutes, though.   

Music and Voice Acting

The music is pretty good. "Mystic Mansion" really got into the setting, and Bullet Station just sounds awesome. The main theme is good but tiresome. Of the team themes, only "This Machine" really works the best. "What I'm Made Of" is and always will be one of the most epic songs in the series. 

This is some of the best voice acting from the original cast, the other game probably being Sonic Battle. Ryan Drummond's voice for Sonic is happy and energetic, finally losing the sarcasm-awkwardness from the Adventure series. Just right. Jennifer Douillard has shown considerable improvement with Amy, putting a lot more into the role. Lani Minella's Rouge voice is also at it's best. 

I do have one main complaint, and it's for Charmy, who just sounds too girlish for a boy (the potato chips line still works though). 

Visuals and Graphics

The CG scenes are fair. The graphics aren't the best, but tolerable. Though do I have to sit through like 5 mintues of Metal Sonic transforming in thunder, rain, and lightning? 

Omega's design is a bit clunky for my taste, but the Chaotix redesigns are awesome. Rouge also wears a different outfit, which I might like better. Interesting to note that in the concept art her outfit was red and black, too, hm...

Final Thoughts

• The Special stage is crap. A-the boost is NOT like the modern boost, don't use it that way or you WILL PAY. B-you can get at least 6 of them by using Big and walking on the CELLING for some reason. C-you'll do fine and then--randomly come to a halt because you somehow fell. What is this, 06? 
• Sonic 2's is WAY WAY WAY better and it came out, you know, like 10 years before. 
• Ultimately I am glad they brought Shadow back, even if it meant SA2 lost a little meaning. However I'm not a huge fan of the android plot. 
• Also, the portrayal of Shadow himself in the game has been greatly exaggerated, I mean one minute he's all "space, did you say space" and the next he's all "some things never change," what the heck?! 
• Sorry, but Shadow the Hedgehog> Heroes Shadow.  The entire game is dedicated to the character's potential. Did it 100% work? No. Did it miss some opportunities with Team Dark? Yeah. But it gives still gives a better idea of "who" he is. 
• Plus "That way you guys can use your super powers," ugh, that's barely better than "you've got this, Sonic," ew.   
• This is the best we see of Metal Sonic, I think, yet the whole "Neo" idea is overrated. Forces may have been an opportunity to flesh out the character's personality when working under Eggman. Too bad.   
• Tails and Knuckles...just get bubbles...shinny little...WHY?
• Part of this game's problem is that Sonic himself is kinda' buried in all these characters. 
• Giving him a super transformation and no one else is NOT a solution. 
• So I'm confused about the sunset thing... 
• HOOHEE

Final Ranking: B 

Eh. What can I say? Beating this game is great, and it's really nice to see the characters work and talk together in the level, too. But it can be long, repetitive, and at points just...boring?

WHAT IF...Silver was replaced with Metal...hm.

Quote of the Month

"I am THE REAL SONIC."
--Metal Sonic, Sonic Heroes

Best Villain (Part 7--Conclusion)

For me, the "best villain" is an obvious three-way tie.

Robotnik, for his continued perseverance. For having the deepest connection to Sonic and the franchise. His history. His hilarity. Nostalgia, too.

Mephiles, for being a threat like no other. For his creepy way of twisting the truth. For pitting characters against each other. His dark need to destroy...his actions in Shadow's story. 

And Merlina, for being understandable. For the plot twist. For being persuasive and relatable in comparison. Being kind at heart but on the outside sad, cold, malicious, and deadly.

Best Villain? Part 3: Better

Neo Metal Sonic and Dr. Eggman Nega--two unique fiends that almost win. And like to pretend they are Eggman... 

Metal Sonic was just one of Eggman's robots...until the doc's attempts to perfect the creation ended with him locked away in room (luckily he had a walkie-talkie with him, huh Chaotix?). Metal Sonic decided that he was the "real Sonic." Masquerading as Eggman ("Don't worry boys, those were the easy ones!") allowed him to copy the data of those involved so that he could become unstoppable. 

He has a chilling redesign but it's short lived. Metal Sonic turns to Metal Overlord, having more of a metal-dragon appearance. The transformation scenes are a little long for my taste. Sonic's voice actor Ryan Drummond also voiced Metal, adding to the creepy similarities between Sonic and "the REAL" Sonic.

Metal Sonic is defeated, of course, but he was able to trick most of the characters and nearly defeated them all. Even his creator, Eggman, was not allowed to stand between Metal's need to defeat Sonic. 

   

Nega worked with Dr. Eggman in Sonic Rush, claiming to be his counterpart from another dimension. The two wreaked havoc for Sonic and Blaze. In the Rivals series, he impersonates Eggman twice (now revealed as a descendant of Ivo Robotnik, not of another dimension). He almost destroys the world with future technology and the Ifrit. Later (SRA) he returns to working alongside with Ivo/Eggman and tries to take control over dimensions.  

He has taken on Sonic, Blaze, Silver, Shadow, Espio, and Metal Sonic on separate occasions. He's also fooled numerous characters into thinking he is Eggman. He shares Eggman's intellegence but may be more insane. Although he looks like "our" Eggman, he has his own personality. Dr. Eggman Nega is notably willing to "cross the line" and seems to want to destroy the world rather than conquer it (unlike Ivo/Eggman). 

Unfortunately Nega is often forgotten due to only appearing on hand-held games. 

Both these characters are interesting and add to their stories for the better. They surpass the "Erazor" level, but they can't survive without Eggman around, too.   

Quote of the Month

"......"
--Metal Sonic, Sonic Rivals 2

Sonic CD Review

As with all my reviews, the rank will be posted at the bottom.

Summary

Though it's often forgotten compared to other "classics" (like Sonic 1-3&K) Sonic CD may be one of the best games to date.

Gameplay

• The gameplay is naturally similar to Sonic 1, with the addition of the "peel out" move, which is interesting. I like the way it looks, but the spindash is more practical, really. 
• The ability to "time travel" in just a few seconds is awesome. I wish future games (*cough*cough*06!*aheck*Generations!) had looked to this game for inspiration. 
• The "fight" with Metal Sonic was more of a race, which was likely a better choice. It highlighted the focus on speed and Sonic proving who's fastest. 
• Most of the bosses are easy...I like that, because I often find hard battles disruptive of Sonic's fast-paced nature (Looking at you, Lava Reef). However I believe the final battle should have been a bit tougher, or at least tougher for the good ending. 

Level design and Visuals 

• The animated cutscenes are AWESOME and legendary among Sonic fans. They convey a lot of Sonic's attitude and generate energy for the game. 
• The cutscenes also make the game standout from it's cartridge counterparts. 
• However Sonic's colors show a bit lighter that intended, which contributes to the misconception that "classic" Sonic is light blue. The design also includes gold buckles on his shoes (originally not a part of his design) and is obviously closer to the Japanese-cute portrayal of Sonic that the edgy American one (design-wise). 
• The levels are colorful and exciting. With the exception of Tidal Tempest (which looks very similar to Labyrinth Zone) all of the stages look new and unique. Does Stardust Speedway bare resemblance to Starlight Zone? Yeah, but it's not obvious and has it's own, music/industrial/city theme.  
• This is even more impressive when adding in the different versions of each level (past, bad/good futures). Each manages to be different yet in corporate the same themes: the past is primitive, the bad future is ruined, and the good future is harmonious. 
• I also like the lack of enemies in the good future (as a little "reward" for the player) with the only caution being obstacles.
• Still, the game makes time travelling (to the past in particular) somewhat difficult. There are many spots that can cause a slow down. 

Story and Characters

• The game introduced Amy Rose and Metal Sonic. Though I'm not a huge fan of Metal Sonic, I can't deny that his original appearance was a combination of creepy and cool. Amy was cute and helped add a bit more tension to the game. 
• Sonic acts as himself, the hero with an attitude. Robotnik seems a bit creepier in this one (because of how he distorts the future or...his US theme).
• The basic plot of Amy being kidnapped is not that unique, but at least the situation was different than the basic Mario/princess version. 
• The idea of Little Planet and Time Travel is amazing. It gave the game an exploratory sub-plot and I really like the contrast between outcomes. It really motivates the player to get a good ending.   

Music and Sound Effects

• There has been some conflict over the different Sountracks, and I've established that I prefer the US version. However both are good and fit the game in their own ways. 
• Each main theme manages to kick-off the start with a bang. Both have slower closing songs that help transition the tone into the credits. 
• The levels are clearly distinct and help impact the mood just as well as the level design. I love how they had similar sounds or the same instruments yet told a completely different story (between the futures).   
• My main favorites among the American include the versions of Stardust Speedway, Wacky Workbench, and Tidal Tempest. 
• Some of my favorite tracks from the Japanese levels include the versions of Metallic Madness, Tidal Tempest, and Palmtree Panic.  
• Overall both Soundtracks were pretty good, with a few odd-balls on each but mostly masterpieces.  
• The sound effects are okay, but I've kinda' grown disillusioned since "I'm outta' here" is actually "I'm outer here." 

Final Thoughts

• CD is one of my favorites. Though elements would be seen in future games, there was never a title quite like it. 
• The I've always found the cutscenes inspiring, as well as the settings. Though the original cutscenes were not as clear, they were still awesome. 
• CD is also good for replays. Like most "classic" games there are multiple paths, but with the addition of time zones, there are even more possibilities. 
• I really like that the Time Stones are not required to get a good future. The player can try to get them or destroy the machines in the past. 
• Even switching the soundtrack (on the re-release version) can give a new point-of-view.
• I can kind of understand the US calling Amy "Princess Sally," since Sally Acorn fit into "west" canon better, was in the cartoons/comics, and was even pink in her early days.
• Even so, while the dialogue is okay the story given just doesn't match what is on screen. 
• The name of the game itself hasn't aged well. At least it's not "Sonic Cassette." 
• I think part of Sonic CD's weakness was simply that the CD was an expensive add-on not many people wanted. But now we got re-releases!  
• I like the level names. Beautiful Alliteration.
• I found the Easter Eggs fascinating (mainly the Angel/Eggman Statue, not creepy Fun is weak Infinite).
• I like both Soundtracks, but (as I have explained) I do prefer the US version and think it's underrated. Regardless, the petty bickering needs to end. A little debate is fine. Actually going to the point of insulting someone or trying to start a fight over it is ridiculous. 

Ranking (S is highest, E is worst): S

Practically a perfect game, give or take.

Yes. On the Edge was leaping from explosions long before Shadow. 

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."

Who Might Be in Sonic Movie 2? (Game Characters)

Last time I went over who from the movie may come back. This time, I'm reviewing the "main" character's of the Sonic video game series and seeing who's more likely to show up. Note that because they were already in the movie, I'm excluding Sonic and Tails.

Knuckles--85%

While I am worried the movie will slow down and just focus on introducing Tails (in order to avoid the dreaded "CONFUSING NEW VEIWERS?!"), I wouldn't be surprised to see Knux showing up, too. For one thing, Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles are a tight combination--"Team Hero." Knuckles is pretty recognizable, appearing in nearly every game (and, yes, in some...internet memes...).

The Sonic Movie increased his chances even more be showing some Echindas' in the "Baby Sonic" flashback. This could mean some origin changes for "movie Knuckles." One the other hand, Knuckles has been tricked over 7 times across different incarnations, so it's just as likely he'll be very similar to the Knuckles who debuted in Sonic 3. 

Metal Sonic--60%

It's hard for me to say this, (because I have no desire to see this as a reality) but there is a good chance Metal could be in the next sequel.

I'd say it's either going to be Metal Sonic, or Shadow. I don't think there's room for both.

A classic fan will recognize Metal from Sonic CD, or the "old" movie (OVA). A modern fan will sight Heroes and possibly Rivals 2. A version also made it into Sonic Boom. Usually, he's simply Eggman's robot.

Still, since the character doesn't have a real personality (aside from in Heroes and beyond the games), his purpose could be swapped for any robot. The "unique" thing about Metal is that he's literally a copy off of Sonic...and there are a lot of in-game robots that are "copies."

Then again, having little to no details to explain could work in the robot's favor. He would not need an introduction besides a few words from Robotnik, saving time for focusing on the other characters.

Oh no...what if he uses Sonic's quill as a power source...DON'T DO IT PARAMOUNT!

Shadow--50%

Before actually seeing the movie, I would have ranked Shadow much higher. Although he's less familiar to non-Sonic fans, he's been in almost every "main console game" and a few handheld ones, too. He also appeared in several comics and the shows Sonic X and Sonic Boom. He's the second most popular character in the series (second to Sonic himself). He is often considered Sonic's greatest rival.

Shadow's popularity not only caused the character to return to the series (after his "death") but earned him his own spin-off. Shadow the Hedgehog is the only spin-off starring another character released in the 2000s (in the 90s there was Knuckles' Chaotix and two Tails-related 8-bit games). Although Shadow the Hedgehog was his only game, Shadow would go on to co-star in his own "story" or "episode" within other Sonic games.

Shadow's background features humans, mainly Gerald and Maria Robotnik, rather than "Mobians." This also makes him a prime candidate for the Earth-bound Sonic Movie.

However, the Sonic Movie wasn't Earth-bound. Sonic apparently has rings that can go wherever. The movie also showed Tails and echidnas, meaning Tails and Knuckles are more likely to have a big role. With that in mind, it's hard to imagine they'll have enough time for Shadow's complex story.

Amy--30%

Amy has appeared in over 15 games, two TV shows, and all the comics. And she is certainly popular among Sonic fans.

Still, I'm not sure what purpose Amy would serve. Although she's Sonic's main love interest, Sonic usually goes out of his way to avoid her...something that might seem out of character for "movie" Sonic. I'm also assuming Sega's rule would limit how far they could pursue the "movie Sonamy" relationship. If Metal Sonic does appear, she might be taken hostage, but that role could be swapped for any other character important to Sonic.

It'd be nice to see her peppy attitude and huge hammer on the big screen. But considering the amount of other characters (and the times she's been excluded in the past...like the old "movie" where they had a human/cat-girl instead) I'm not sure if she'll make it in.

EDIT: I have seen an article since writing this that claims Amy will be in the movie. But I'm not sure if this will be accurate. 

Blaze--20%

Blaze has two things going for her. Maybe three. For one, she's from another dimension, fitting in with the "dimension" plot. For another, she has "special powers" as well (pyrokinesis). She also lived an "isolated" life (in-part) because of her powers. Plus, she's a princess--what else could a movie ask for?

Unfortunately, Blaze is even less known than characters like Shadow and Silver. She's never managed to make it onto television, either. Though Sonic-fans generally adore her, she doesn't get as much attention. A new fan would likely call Blaze "obscure" despite being a re-occurring character.

Also--like Shadow--she'd need more time to explain her background...time that's being used by Tails and probably Knuckles.

Rouge--10%

Wherever Shadow goes, Rouge seems to follow. But if Shadow's not in the movie, Rouge doesn't have as good a chance. Even an introduction just with Knuckles seems unlikely since (so far) there is no Master Emerald.

Rouge's main problem is that she can't work for the government. Maybe she could in a Sonic X fashion...when the "aliens" become more common place, but if/when would that be?

While it would be weird, perhaps she would appear as a human...[shudders]. Then she could work as a spy for the government without complications.

To keep her the same, they might instead only focus on her as a treasure hunter. But how would that fit into the story?

Add in the fact that Rouge's appearance might not sit well with those unfamiliar with her, and Rouge's chances become even thinner.

Silver--10%

While the character does achieve a fair amount of attention, it's within the Sonic community. Recently he's been given more opportunities than Blaze, but he's received some criticism for being "another rival hedgehog" and debuting in the (over) hated game, Sonic the Hedgehog (2006).

He, like Blaze, does share some similarities with Sonic: powers and isolation. However, Silver has a complex background that would be hard to fit into the movie. Especially since there is more of a "dimension" angle than time travel.  Perhaps his "future" could be re-worked into a dimension, but I still don't think his chances are very likely.

Chaos or other villains--10%

With both the possibility of an adaption and the limitless creations other worlds could spawn, an alternate conflict could be possible. I'd say the "monster" villains are more likely than the calculating ones because they would be easier to explain (and it's hard enough to get Mephiles or Eggman Nega around as it is). Still, they might just make up their own creature, or rely on Robotnik and his robotic skills.

Cream, Big, The Choatix, Babylon Rogues, other game characters--1%

While a cameo or small reference may come to be, I don't see any of these characters having a big role. It's not that I don't want them in. But the amount of characters and backstories that would accompany them is too complex (even if that backstory is simply "polite" or "likes frogs and fishing"). And the characters don't have the same popularity or occurrences as those mentioned.

Obviously if a certain game is adapted, the chances increase. But it's not looking like "Sonic Riders: the Movie," it's looking like "Sonic 2" (better hope it's at least "Sonic 2: & Knuckles"). 

Non-game Characters (Comics, Cartoons, etc) .01%

It's harder to allow this for copy-right issues. I'd like to see a "Turtles Forever" multiverse...thing...but the chances are very small, even for a cameo.

Sonicomics: Is IDW Ruining Shadow?

Shadow is one of my favorite characters, and one of the most popular in the entire series. But in IDW...like the turtles say, what the shell?

Summary/notes

Shadow first made an appearance at the end of issue 5 with Rouge. He immediately got into a fight with Sonic over morals. This was a little annoying (sometimes it seems like head-writer Ian Flynn has picked up a habit of throwing characters together for a brawl like every-other issue). Still, it's not too out of character. He wanted to neutralize the Eggman threat, though Sonic had a point--Shadow was kind of hypocritical.

The next time we see Shadow he bails on a team-plan to take on Neo Metal Sonic. At first this is cool--he actually almost saves the day. But than Sonic points out that Neo can just copy the "ultimate lifeform's" data, making Neo's following transformation Shadow's fault. After they beat the Metal monster, Shadow walks off.

In the more recent, Metal-virus saga, Shadow made an awesome entrance that was swamped by yet another argument between Sonic and Shadow. Arguing about the SAME problem as in issue 6. That Sonic let Eggman (as "Tinker") go. Shadow then decides he can handle the hoard of Zombots himself (and shortly becomes one). The two then fight it out AGAIN until Sonic & co decide to retreat.

He also appeared in a TSR adaptation where he (no, really?!) raced with Sonic.

So my point?   

Shadow's been acting off. He's overconfident, yeah, but not stupid. He learned to work as a team in Heroes--even if he prefers solo work, he wouldn't have dived into the Zombots like that. The same could be said for the Metal Sonic thing.

It's clear Flynn just made Shadow a zombot so he and Sonic would fight again. Fighting is fine, but it's OFF. Like bringing the ethical problem back. I don't mind morals--it adds depths, themes...but Shadow made it clear after Shadow the Hedgehog that he was leaving the past behind him. It seems doubtful that he'd nag on Sonic for a past mistake. And sure, let's fight over it in the middle of the zombie-robot apocalypse.

Shadow's been portrayed in different ways. I complained in my post about Archie-Blaze that Flynn didn't write her right. I felt Archie-Shadow was a little off, too. When Flynn took over, Shadow did act more like himself, but he was definitely too friendly with Sonic and other characters (even if he didn't admit to it).

("after reboot")

The best "Comic Shadow" was probably after the reboot. Considering Sonic Universe immediately jumped into what was basically a Shth sequel, his personality was much closer to the games. Still found ways to get into (mostly pointless but also amusing) fights, though. Maybe that's the difference with IDW--the fights are just pointless. I'll give IDW the 1st one. Need to show Shadow as an anti-hero and all that. But what's the real point of Zombot Shadow?   

To *TRY* to make the comic look cool?

I don't know, I just see this as a bad beginning to the character. I don't hate Ian Flynn, but they should let more writers contribute to balance it out better.

...hmm, maybe I should review the main cause for this article, "Crisis City Parts 1/2" (which is not bad...for the other members of Team Dark, heh).

Quote of the Month

"Data...has been copied..."
--Metal Sonic, Sonic Heroes

Quote of the Month

"You're all worthless now that I've copied all your data!"
--Metal Sonic, Sonic Heroes