Shadow the Hedgehog

The Good
The game brings a darker tone to a normally cheesy, boring series. Sonic has never satisfied me until I tried out this game. The addition of guns makes the game a lot more fun, because it adds more combat style to the game than just jumping on enemies' heads (even though you can do that, also). The storyline is also great, and Shadow's voice acting impressed me. The game has perfect replay value; you can play through all the possible stories (over 300), unlock Expert Mode by getting an A rank on every mission, unlock all 10 endings to unlock the final story and beat the main game, and it even has a 2-player battle mode! You can drive vehicles and man turrets, and even though it isn't completely useful, it is so much fun to do so. The controls are good, but maybe this is only because I'm not a Sonic fan and haven't played many previous ones. Plus, Shadow is one of my favorite video game characters.

The Bad
The graphics could have used a bit of work. The intro and some of the cut-scenes looked great, but most of the game looked only about as good as the Dreamcast. The voice acting for everybody BUT Shadow (except Espio) was terrible, especially Tails and Charmy, and that bugged me so much. The game also gets really frustrating at times. I also didn't really like how you couldn't aim some of the weapons. The multiplayer mode doesn't have much to do, although it is still kind of fun, which was a little disappointing. It also is annoying how the characters give you hints all the time for the most obvious things.

The Bottom Line
If you are a huge Sonic fan, rent it first. You may not be used to the somewhat shaky controls and gun-play. However, if you are looking for a somewhat darker platform game or like shoot-'em-up games, then don't look any further. It is a great game with lots of replay value. Some flaws, but those can be overcome.

The Good
What I loved most about the game was it gave my personal favorite character his own game. Shadow the Hedgehog has all of the speed, excitement and twisty roads you would expect to find in a normal Sonic game. The use of guns I thought wouldn't work to begin with, but as the story and the main character is so dark, it somehow worked.

Another thing I liked about the game is the various routes you can choose to complete the game, which gives it an RPG feel. The main thing that really give the mood is the music of the game. The main theme works so much I put it on my iPod (sad, eh?).

The Bad
It took me about 2 months to realise that you had to defeat the 10 different bosses at the end of the game to get the last story. I also think that each different story is, although challenging, far too short, i.e. only five levels per story.

The Bottom Line
This, I feel, is a must have for hardcore Sonic fans (like me). However some aspects of the game, like the use of firearms, may not be suitable for the younger fans.

The Good
The fact that this game focuses on a character other than Sonic.

The Bad
I've to say, this game takes everything away from a true Sonic game! It's all about shooting and killing, and finding Shadow's past. What I don't really understand is this. After you choose Shadow's past, none of the endings of the game are said what Shadow thinks about in Sonic Next-Gen.

Also, the two player mode doesn't allow players to have a race.

The Bottom Line
Shadow the Hedgehog is an okay game if you don't want to keep playing as Sonic or his friends.