Finally this is Shadow’s true self. I am so tired of the misconception that he is evil, selfish, and doesn’t care about anything but to beat Sonic and prove he is the best when that is completely off. Yeah he is Sonic’s rival but so are half of his other friends. On his own he is a true hero if anything a bit darker but true and noble with a very sad and tragic backstory and amnesia for a while.
Sonic isn't even a factor into Shadow's original arc back in SA2, he barely gives him a passing thought throughout the story. Only when Sonic is a roadblock in his way does Shadow even pay him any mind.
As much as I'm utterly unimpressed with this game despite being a Shadow fan, all the scenes with Maria and Gerald are so beautiful. But the game itself is just a nothingburger and yet another tired Boost nostalgia rehash.
this makes the game fully worth it. Its earned, its in characater, its deep and ocmplex, and it is fantastic. Sega genuinely loves the sonic series, and this is just one of the incredible proofs
@@kilochampion787 Bruh, why are you pretending that we never seen him smile before? We seen him smile in SA2, sonic heroes, sonic x, sonic free riders, sonic boom, and sonic forces...
@@franyato5630 bro, it's hedgehog engine 2, gameplay is just as Sonic Forces just with a few additional things that to me are the same as rhe wisps from Colors. Also, there was absolutely no story cooking or anything like that. This was just another mediocre game.
Tbh I don’t think he was gonna go anyway. He was kinda brushing Rouge off about going. Regardless of his investigation of the Ark. He’s only there in the ending because they were teleported there.
@@MetalLee1234 Not really as the point of Shadow Generations is that the story of this game has to be parallel to how the original Sonic Generations’ story is going on as we are seeing that story from Shadow’s perspective like what he’s been doing during Sonic Generations prior to when Sonic fights him for the Yellow Chaos Emerald.
My poor baby boy... Shadow smiling was the cutest thing ever. All his interactions with Maria were so sad considering her death, and that last part where he cries is so sad. I love this game, definitely fighting with Sa2 for my favorite Sonic game. It might just be!!
Love how Doom Shadow makes quick work of Mephiles showing the complete gap in strength. Not even his darkness can defeat Black Doom's power within Shadow.
The doom powers are just new abilities. It's arguable if they even boost Shadow's strength that much more beyond his regular capabilities. Most of them are just mobility options
I feel like 10 years ago the thought of Black Doom and Mephilies (who has always been a great villian) returning was pretty laughable. Great to see them back though. Hopefully we get a full length game with a big vision such as Sonic 06 again some day, with better execution of course
We can hope but I wouldn't count on it, they did a fine job of wrapping everything up here even to the point of indicating that Mephilies was a refraction of light off of Black Doom with the whole Sarahan thing he had going on... (A high ranking angle capable of perceiving as much as God) I would like to see The End being repurposed as an actual high level threat to Sonic's world in the future though... Ideally as some kinda power up for Metal Sonic to be the Terminator he was always designed to be...
@@Bakanineinstein I dont think its that Mephilies was a creation of Black Doom, it was more likely him being stuck in a state where he doesn't exist after what happened in Sonic '06. Its like how Crisis City is in Sonic Generations despite the same thing occurring. Time Eater just simply pulled both from moments when they otherwise wouldnt have existed. Iblis was more of a monster so it probably didn't understand or care its situation within the time anomaly, but Mephilies stated that he wanted to exist again.
Honestly I feel if Sonic and Elise had more of a brother-sister relationship like Shadow and Maria the story of Sonic 06 would’ve been much better received,I’d say Elise has a pretty good and consistent character arc and it’s totally the impact somebody like Sonic would leave in a person,sadly they had to ruin it by having romantic elements in their relationship😓
That final cut scene man. I watched my younger brother finish the final boss and saw that cut scene like two hours ago. And I legit cried again rewatching this. The fact that the two people he loved are being taken away a second time hurts me. And him actually crying is just the cherry on top. My younger brother and I both agree that Shadow is (in our opinions) the best written sonic character. And we're both really excited to see him in the third movie.
The ending was so well-done. Shadow’s panic in trying to hold onto them, cuts deep, and him saying “But you don’t know what’s going to happen!” hurts so much. And Maria’s final words to Shadow is such a gut punch bc we know and HE knows that he’ll never see her again. Seeing him shaking trying to keep it together pains me, and his “Wait…!” is soft, but it’s just like a little kid calling out to a parent that’s waking away from them. The real kicker is when Shadow’s whole body just shakes and tenses up just before he leaves - he wants to hug them and say one final goodbye, but he can’t bc of how the whole time travel thing worked. So before he gives in to his emotions, he runs off with tears in his eyes knowing that this is the last time he’ll see them. 😭 Shadow really would do ANYTHING to save Maria, but ran knowing full well that he can’t. And Rouge noticing and realizing Shadow’s tear and possibly even knowing the circumstances behind it is just the bow on the package. This was emotional the first time I watched this when I beat the game, but I was BAWLING while writing this comment bc the little details made this so much more heart wrenching and tragic, it’s so good. 😭😭😭
The Sonic V Shadow sequence was so fucking cool. I was wondering how they were gonna incorporate Shadow’s appearance in Generations into his story and Ian did a bang up job. And hearing “It’ll be a date to DIE for.” again after all these years brought a huge smile to my face.
I can tell you how funny it is seeing rouge at the birthday party meanwhile shadow is trying to hunt down whatever is hiding on the ark. the lighting and overall tone difference is VERY obvious once you see it. Shadow: Rouge...... there's something here...... LURKING......... Rouge: OMG Shadow!! Sonic's party is so lit you gotta get over here!!
And now instead of tilting at the towers He's become a SpongeBob meme (Specifically the "i want to LIVE!!!" meme) edit: also because HE is the one titlting the towers now
Nah, this is just a rare win. The IDW comics have been utter trash and Frontiers is mediocre. This, while still has issues and the voice actors don't feel right, actually feels like a genuine effort for once.
@@LucarioShirona You would be correct. I don't like Ian Flynn's writing for IDW, a good chunk of Archie (particularly the post reboot issues) or Frontiers, but credit is credit where it's due. Still, the scene with Sonic is a cringy "There ! There ! He said it ! He said it !", it's just lazy and overindulgent. But the scenes with Gerald and Maria feel right.
20:21 I always wondered how Maria felt about Shadow being made from Black Arms DNA. Her reaction stuck me fearsomely! But nevertheless, she doesn't love him any differently, which is still wholesome
Imo Frontiers was the start of Sonic’s redemption arc, this was literally peak Not really that big on Sonic, but this game literally reignited whatever hope i has for this franchise, peak
I adore it. This game really shows how Shadow is great both as a character and as a part of the games. The only complaint I have is him getting rid of his anger so quickly, but besides that this is a 9/10 Sonic story in my book. Just great stuff. Also, Maria looks ADORABLE here. I love that she's back for this one! If anything, I would have wanted more of Rouge and Omega as well, but I am not complaining about it: in this case, we're focusing on Shadow, so it's fine to make the two individuals that made him who he is be the stars, for a moment. Just... Sega? Please, can we have a Team Dark game? I'd love them to have another standalone story together.
@@Adamm17-iq9gu bruh I have a sister She makes me even more MAD (in all seriousness, yea a good sibling is great to be a voice of reason when you're out of it)
Its a lot more likely than you think, if you have someone you trust that much and know you can emotionally rely on them just their presence can calm you down. And I say this as having been in that spot and also calming someone else down, its quite touching.
I was not prepared to cry at the end there. This writing was brilliantly made and loved every moment of it. Especially loved how they added the SA2 "Faker" moment between him and sonic 😂
A Shadow fan's dream come true. So many feels by the end of this 😢 Also happy to see Team Dark (kinda) back together again. The parts with Rouge were adorable; my wife and I shipped them way back when so seeing them interact and sort of show the relationship they have over the past games was awesome for us❤
Shadow getting a run of villains that actually want to take advantage of the time anomalies for their own personal gain is such a great angle to go with. Robotnik and Eggman, yeah obviously, but Mephiles showing up like he's going to un-retcon himself is actually something he'd do with this incredibly specific opportunity.
I was laughing so hard through that whole boss fight 😂 Mephiles is so salty and Shadow having no clue who he is just pisses him off more-it’s so beautiful and I’m so glad they put him in even though they would technically have an excuse not to because he’s not from this Shadow’s memories 😂
That final scene of Shadow crying reminds me of the final scene in Sonic X season 2. Because in that scene, Sonic also cries but we don't see his face, we just see the tears flying back. I always remembered that scene as one of the saddest and most beautiful in Sonic X and I'm elated that they recreated such a powerful moment here with Shadow. I think it's the best way to portray the emotions and real pain of Shadow. It's more powerful because instead if directly showing Shadow cry, it lets the audience fill in the gaps and realize the truth themselves.
The ending had me crying this game is just so beautiful. Shadow and Maria relationship is just perfect, and that one drop of tear from Shadow is just so sad 😞😔
22:00 I love all the throwback lines from previous games “The blue hedgehog… of all places…” Shadow in SA2 “Well then, it’ll be a date to die for.”- Shadow in Heroes “I’ve found you, Shadow” Sonic in SA2 except this time he calls Shadow by his actual name and not “faker”
@@umayrrahman9936They actually set that up. When he got the Fake Emerald he said "Even I have a hard time distinguishing between the two of them" and assuming Shadow has a stronger connection to the Emeralds, then it makes sense that Sonic would mistake it.
@@ChrisCalebDanielhe could probably sense it. Also because he knows how this works. And cause its the damn fourth chaos emerald. Also missed opportunity to have a reference to the character battles in the adventure games by having shadow fight sonic in gameplay and not just a cutscene even though canonically sonic is the winner.
Hands down Kirk Thortons best performance as Shadow, he’s a talented VA and although I didn’t like his initial performances, there was no doubt in my mind he had potential to be a great Shadow, he just needed good voice direction and writing, Forces showed signs of improvement and Sonic X Shadow nailed the landing. His performance backed up by the stellar character animation in this game, which is a far cry from the stiff, lifeless animation of the past few games, really made everything work perfectly, Shadows expressions and movement had so much energy that has been missing for a long time now.
I wasn’t ready for that. Not even one bit. I’m 32, in my house, bawling my eyes out at the ending. This is the best writing I’ve seen in a Sonic game since I was a kid. Fantastic job! Now to find a kleenex
This isn't the 1st time Shadow canonically shed a tear. Back in SA2, his debut game, Amy comforted him in the ARK in the last story, which led Shadow to remember his promise to Maria, prompting him to shedding a single tear.
I’m gonna be honest with you guys is I really like how shadow say “perhaps I can change their fate” when he see those two again where he could probably change it where they don’t die and he’ll be fine again
Just finished the game I need to appreciate how AMAZING the animation is here oh my GOD- the expressions- subtle movements- ACTIVE PHYSICS INSTEAD OF ANIMATING THE QUILLS BY HAND
@@awwimangel and It's inconsistent. Base game we have Gens Sonic, but in Shadow's cutscenes, we have the "more" modern Frontiers Sonic. Reminder, they remade the Sonic cutscenes, so they HAVE the model.
I wish this included all the optional npc dialog. That flavor text broke my heart multiple times. Even little things like Big meeting Maria and hoping to teach her to fish one day.
@@starbrine2020 and you will be just as displeased calling it another Sonic Forces even though the level design of this game absolutely murders Forces’ level design.
@@Mojo1356 what?? I said *gameplay* is the same as Forces, now level design (layout) are just recycled stages from other games, my clearest example, Kingdom Valley Act 2 is Planet Wisp from Colors. And yes, I will be as displeased if they do the exact same thing with Silver or any other game.
@@starbrine2020 that’s still wrong though- gameplay is more Sonic Frontiers’ buttery smooth open zone controls meeting colors boost formula with the best powers since the Wisps use in Colors. Not to mention you are so far the only person I’ve seen say the story here sucks. Either way, with how well the direction was received here, I am certain you will be disappointed with what a Silver Generations ends up being like, and the rest of us will welcome it with open arms. As for Kingdom Valley act 2, it lasts too long for it to be something like a short Colors stage. It might have ideas borrowed from Planet Wisp, but even then, Eggmanland and I think 1 other stage from Unleashed did it first.
They really did Shadow justice here. Just seeing his true self and how he interacts with Maria and Gerald. Its been such a great year for Shadow fans and we still have the movie coming up. Hoping the movie will do him justice too. Also 23:45 I just wanna say I really like how Shadow really does view Sonic as his equal. If he's gonna beat him, he wants it to be on equal terms. Also that scene just made me happy hearing Rouge's theme playing once again. I missed Fly In The Freedom.
I agree. Frontiers walked so shadow generations could FREAKING FLY BABY. Unfortunately shadow generations is a much shorter game (atleast it feels like that way to me)
38:11 you can see in his eyes that he genuinely was to be “selfish” and treasured this moment forever but when Maria stopped him he felt like he had no choice as he just wanted to make Maria happy 😭😭😭😭😭
BEST GAME THIS FRANCHISE HAS EVER SEEN, NOT EVEN GLAZING, oh my god this was genuinely and unironically so GOOD, please make Ian Flynn write more games 😢
I knew that this game would’ve been surreal, but it exceeded my expectations. I don’t remember the last time I was so happy… and I don’t remember the last time I’ve cried so hard! I really thought that I would’ve tanked everything, but Shadow’s smile at 31:32 made me burst into tears. ❤
As soon as the city escape music started playing I got super excited, and Ben though it wasn’t an actual fight, the confrontation between sonic and shadow was so cool, such a sick cutscene, and I love the re contextualisation that sonic only won because shadow was holding back on his doom powers and lost focus
23:50 God the moment it happened I knew what was gonna happen. But I love that Sonic fell for his own trick there. ESPECIALLY when this game implies it's been between a few months to almost a year since SA 2.
I just got done beating the game and was a little confused at the direction they took with the ending at first. Shadow said with a smile that he was gonna keep fighting to fulfill Maria’s wish no matter what, and, further still, Gerald told him to live for himself. So why did he desperately try to save them in his last few moments with them exactly? And it just now hit me that it wasn’t Shadow regressing or anything; it was him finally being given the space to grieve normally. He shed a tear back in SA2 but he’s never really been able to reconcile with all those big emotions until now. This is the first time since he first saw Maria die that he’s really felt that sense of panic and helplessness, but this time the circumstances are far more peaceful; no amnesia, no military gunfire, no capsules being jettisoned into space. It’s like instead of watching Maria get murdered, he’s watching her die of old age. He knows he can’t do anything to stop it and it tears him apart, but at least this time he’s not being ripped away from the situation before he has a chance to process it. He gets to feel everything someone should feel when they’re watching a loved one pass on, and the game’s final moments display that quite well. This game’s story was a big step up from Frontiers’, hats off to you Ian Flynn.
Incredibly bittersweet ending, I thought it would've taken place at Sonic's Birthday Party with Shadow reflecting on what happened but this one is more gut punching. My like one complaint would be since on the Generations side they didn't replace the original time eater bossfight (lets be real its kinda bad), we don't get a moment of Sonic and Shadow fighting together to end this whole time travel crap. Shadow just sits on the sidelines and does nothing during that moment
After what Shadow went through in this game with Black Doom, Gerald and Maria....yeah. I doubt he's in the mood to jump into a fight against some huge time monster he knows almost nothing about. Two super Sonics are more than enough to deal with it.
I have to say Kirk Thornton has improved so much as Shadow over the years,there are times where I can even hear David Humphrey’s Shadow in his in this game (specifically during gameplay,some of his damage voice clips sound exactly like David)
39:14 this can be a nod to Sonic X series where sonic tears brush over Chriss’ face at their final goodbye (sonic was carrying Chris on his back as he ran)
Its genuinely so great to see Sonic Team finally embrace their history instead of mocking it like they did in the 2010s. This game looks amazing
2010s was a rough time to be a Sonic fan
Was rough being a shadow fan in the 2010s how they destroyed his character
No they're not, otherwise the character would be in character and build upon what they've already established.
@ at least shadow isn’t edgy meme fodder anymore
@YoooAwp yes he is, especially in Generations now, seeing as he sucks at controlling his emotions.
Finally this is Shadow’s true self. I am so tired of the misconception that he is evil, selfish, and doesn’t care about anything but to beat Sonic and prove he is the best when that is completely off. Yeah he is Sonic’s rival but so are half of his other friends. On his own he is a true hero if anything a bit darker but true and noble with a very sad and tragic backstory and amnesia for a while.
Facts
Sonic isn't even a factor into Shadow's original arc back in SA2, he barely gives him a passing thought throughout the story. Only when Sonic is a roadblock in his way does Shadow even pay him any mind.
@ Another fantastic point. I hope the movie does Shadow justice to who he truly is
Shadow is so cute ❤❤❤❤❤
Gotta love how Shadow had no idea who Mephiles was but still instantly knew to throw hands
I LOVED SEEING MEPHILIS IS BACK, ITS SO GOOD
He’s one of the villains from sonic the hedgehog (2006) one of the best villains of all time in sonic games
Ah yes: Memphis
@@airank3861 "If it looks like me, I'll tussle"
27:46 I actually was not prepared for this moment with Shadow and Maria, the lines, realizing she named him. The music from SA2, even. So wholesome ❤
This is why we love shadow
OH MY GOD I DIDNT REALISE THE SA2 MOTIF
idk kinda wack...
gimme terios back!! 😁
hell naw@@ssppeeaarr
As much as I'm utterly unimpressed with this game despite being a Shadow fan, all the scenes with Maria and Gerald are so beautiful. But the game itself is just a nothingburger and yet another tired Boost nostalgia rehash.
31:33 Shadow's genuine smile makes me cry.😭
His optimism is restored!
It took him 23 years to actually smile again.
this makes the game fully worth it. Its earned, its in characater, its deep and ocmplex, and it is fantastic. Sega genuinely loves the sonic series, and this is just one of the incredible proofs
@@kilochampion787 Bruh, why are you pretending that we never seen him smile before? We seen him smile in SA2, sonic heroes, sonic x, sonic free riders, sonic boom, and sonic forces...
@@johnmyers4103 I’m not counting those cocky ass smirks. I mean a smile that actually shows he’s happy
This game is a huge love letter to Sonic and ESPECIALLY Shadow fans. They were COOKING for this.
They censored the game buddy ,what kind of love letter is that?
@@AkaKaka-x2uone that exposes the babies and snowflakes from the true fans
@@franyato5630 bro, it's hedgehog engine 2, gameplay is just as Sonic Forces just with a few additional things that to me are the same as rhe wisps from Colors. Also, there was absolutely no story cooking or anything like that. This was just another mediocre game.
But none of that matters as long as ONLY you Shadow and Sonic fans are pleased right ?
😒😒😒😒😒
@@Diainvcgtslover i'm neither, and i'm quite happy
31:34 Shadow's genuine smile made my fucking day. Between this game and the upcoming third movie, this is a really good time to be a Shadow fan :).
Year of Shadow, baby.
@@pkmntrainermark8881where’s the year of silver…
@@Ryan_Vue233gotta wait another decade i guess
@@susiehaltmann3342 NOOOOOOOOO
I love how silver is just taking it like he don’t care abt ppl wanting him to be populat
Ian Flynn is one hell of a writer.
That he is, as much as some parts of the sonic fandom wanna believe otherwise:/
Iam Flynn seems to be a HUGE Sonic Fan, which does show very well in all of his end results.
He has gotten better over the years.
@@kap1618Neo Devil Doom: Shadow...! You...! Gaaaah! 36:15
*Explode* 💥
@@bngln1712 Missed opportunity to have him say: O happy dagger, This is thy sheath
It’s cool to see Shadow’s point of view in Generations of why he wasn’t at the party
I mean, I doubt he would've actually showed up anyway.
@ Rogue made him go
Tbh I don’t think he was gonna go anyway. He was kinda brushing Rouge off about going. Regardless of his investigation of the Ark. He’s only there in the ending because they were teleported there.
@@cobaltprime9467 I think Shadow changed his mind when he found out there was free food ngl
I wander where Silver was at bc just like Shadow he wasn’t at the party at the beginning
26:17 "Heyyyyyyy, what's uuuuuuup? It's meeeeeeeeeee!"
Surprise old fart and blond girl!!!
It's me.THE DEVIL!!!
"STOP!!"
Hey kid, wanna sin?
“I don’t know how to impress upon you that physical damage has no long term effect on my body.”
Eh bing bong what’s up you’re doing a bad job
38:57 poor shadow gets to see maria and the professor again and knows it will be the last time
He just meet them now he will lose them again
That's what I'm saying
@@ninjalord785 sorry
But I have a feeling they are going to meet again
He’ll be losing them to the pressure
@@skeletonman888 Everything'll be just like an illusion
I wasn’t ready. For shadow to cry. Omg
A single tear. Just like in SA2.
To be fair his one tear is equal to the amount of water we would have come out our eyes cuz he has some large eyes
Shadow: Yep
23:35
This cutscene with Rouge is so nice! I love how expressive they look here... 👌
NAAAAAAWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW
Ian retconning Shadow’s fight with Sonic in Generations to make sense really works! Such great writing
That could have been a Shadow from a different timeline.
@@MetalLee1234 Not really as the point of Shadow Generations is that the story of this game has to be parallel to how the original Sonic Generations’ story is going on as we are seeing that story from Shadow’s perspective like what he’s been doing during Sonic Generations prior to when Sonic fights him for the Yellow Chaos Emerald.
My poor baby boy...
Shadow smiling was the cutest thing ever.
All his interactions with Maria were so sad considering her death, and that last part where he cries is so sad. I love this game, definitely fighting with Sa2 for my favorite Sonic game. It might just be!!
Love how Doom Shadow makes quick work of Mephiles showing the complete gap in strength. Not even his darkness can defeat Black Doom's power within Shadow.
Shadow didnt need dooms power that just made things easier for him
Nothing really suggests it was quick work. But Shadow definitely trounced him considering he's even more powerful in this game.
The doom powers are just new abilities. It's arguable if they even boost Shadow's strength that much more beyond his regular capabilities. Most of them are just mobility options
@@shyguyrocks1 they probably dont minus doom spear which is arguably a better chaos spear.
@@shyguyrocks1huh? They definitely boost him you clearly see it multiple times.
I feel like 10 years ago the thought of Black Doom and Mephilies (who has always been a great villian) returning was pretty laughable. Great to see them back though. Hopefully we get a full length game with a big vision such as Sonic 06 again some day, with better execution of course
We can hope but I wouldn't count on it, they did a fine job of wrapping everything up here even to the point of indicating that Mephilies was a refraction of light off of Black Doom with the whole Sarahan thing he had going on... (A high ranking angle capable of perceiving as much as God)
I would like to see The End being repurposed as an actual high level threat to Sonic's world in the future though... Ideally as some kinda power up for Metal Sonic to be the Terminator he was always designed to be...
@@Bakanineinstein I dont think its that Mephilies was a creation of Black Doom, it was more likely him being stuck in a state where he doesn't exist after what happened in Sonic '06. Its like how Crisis City is in Sonic Generations despite the same thing occurring. Time Eater just simply pulled both from moments when they otherwise wouldnt have existed. Iblis was more of a monster so it probably didn't understand or care its situation within the time anomaly, but Mephilies stated that he wanted to exist again.
Project 06 proves that 06 would’ve been good if they actually fixed their game.
Honestly I feel if Sonic and Elise had more of a brother-sister relationship like Shadow and Maria the story of Sonic 06 would’ve been much better received,I’d say Elise has a pretty good and consistent character arc and it’s totally the impact somebody like Sonic would leave in a person,sadly they had to ruin it by having romantic elements in their relationship😓
I swear a remake better fix it
That final cut scene man. I watched my younger brother finish the final boss and saw that cut scene like two hours ago. And I legit cried again rewatching this. The fact that the two people he loved are being taken away a second time hurts me. And him actually crying is just the cherry on top. My younger brother and I both agree that Shadow is (in our opinions) the best written sonic character. And we're both really excited to see him in the third movie.
The ending was so well-done. Shadow’s panic in trying to hold onto them, cuts deep, and him saying “But you don’t know what’s going to happen!” hurts so much. And Maria’s final words to Shadow is such a gut punch bc we know and HE knows that he’ll never see her again. Seeing him shaking trying to keep it together pains me, and his “Wait…!” is soft, but it’s just like a little kid calling out to a parent that’s waking away from them. The real kicker is when Shadow’s whole body just shakes and tenses up just before he leaves - he wants to hug them and say one final goodbye, but he can’t bc of how the whole time travel thing worked. So before he gives in to his emotions, he runs off with tears in his eyes knowing that this is the last time he’ll see them. 😭
Shadow really would do ANYTHING to save Maria, but ran knowing full well that he can’t. And Rouge noticing and realizing Shadow’s tear and possibly even knowing the circumstances behind it is just the bow on the package. This was emotional the first time I watched this when I beat the game, but I was BAWLING while writing this comment bc the little details made this so much more heart wrenching and tragic, it’s so good. 😭😭😭
The Sonic V Shadow sequence was so fucking cool.
I was wondering how they were gonna incorporate Shadow’s appearance in Generations into his story and Ian did a bang up job.
And hearing “It’ll be a date to DIE for.” again after all these years brought a huge smile to my face.
As someone who's first Sonic game was Heroes, hearing that line again got me so giddy!
I know it's Ian doing fanservice, but in context I would like to imagine Sonic was just messing with Shadow and he was in the mood to play along.
I can tell you how funny it is seeing rouge at the birthday party meanwhile shadow is trying to hunt down whatever is hiding on the ark. the lighting and overall tone difference is VERY obvious once you see it.
Shadow: Rouge...... there's something here...... LURKING.........
Rouge: OMG Shadow!! Sonic's party is so lit you gotta get over here!!
24:41 Memphis tenesse and he’s part lizard
“I too, have insomnia, but unlike you mine is not caused by depression!”
And now instead of tilting at the towers
He's become a SpongeBob meme
(Specifically the "i want to LIVE!!!" meme)
edit: also because HE is the one titlting the towers now
Mephiles new, more sympathetic personality reminds me of Memphis
@@idosarts_and_krafts oh god i just realized he uses pillars in this fight that tilt.
@@metaalboekee665 (realises that too) HO-LY SHT.......
Ian Flynn needs to stop cooking.. I'm using too many tissues 😢
Nah, this is just a rare win. The IDW comics have been utter trash and Frontiers is mediocre. This, while still has issues and the voice actors don't feel right, actually feels like a genuine effort for once.
@@yrooxrksvi7142 The comment is technically being positive
@@LucarioShirona You would be correct. I don't like Ian Flynn's writing for IDW, a good chunk of Archie (particularly the post reboot issues) or Frontiers, but credit is credit where it's due. Still, the scene with Sonic is a cringy "There ! There ! He said it ! He said it !", it's just lazy and overindulgent. But the scenes with Gerald and Maria feel right.
@@yrooxrksvi7142I actually enjoy idw
@@yrooxrksvi7142💯
33:52 one of the best music desision to a final showdown
There are others.
@@PrimalDragon1740yh he said one
@@Ttnytntny I know. But there are others
@@PrimalDragon1740 Your comment is pointless because it basically repeats what GVSKIARTS said.
20:21 I always wondered how Maria felt about Shadow being made from Black Arms DNA. Her reaction stuck me fearsomely! But nevertheless, she doesn't love him any differently, which is still wholesome
Imo Frontiers was the start of Sonic’s redemption arc, this was literally peak
Not really that big on Sonic, but this game literally reignited whatever hope i has for this franchise, peak
It was really the Sonic movies that help kickstart Sonic’s redemption arc but ye
23:44 bold move of Sega to put this camera angle of rouge in knowing the fanbase
Wait... was Shadow allowed to cry in a game before Sonic?! This game is truly groundbreaking
Thank you Ian Flynn
he cried all the way back in sa2, it's about time he let a tear out once more
The only other time it happened was Adventure 2 in the Last Story after he remembered Maria's real wish. But that's it.
He cried in Archie Sonic issue 171.
You never fail to make me cry, Shadow❤️🖤.
I adore it. This game really shows how Shadow is great both as a character and as a part of the games. The only complaint I have is him getting rid of his anger so quickly, but besides that this is a 9/10 Sonic story in my book. Just great stuff.
Also, Maria looks ADORABLE here. I love that she's back for this one! If anything, I would have wanted more of Rouge and Omega as well, but I am not complaining about it: in this case, we're focusing on Shadow, so it's fine to make the two individuals that made him who he is be the stars, for a moment.
Just... Sega? Please, can we have a Team Dark game? I'd love them to have another standalone story together.
A sister can make anyone calmer within an instant
@@Adamm17-iq9gu bruh
I have a sister
She makes me even more MAD
(in all seriousness, yea a good sibling is great to be a voice of reason when you're out of it)
Its a lot more likely than you think, if you have someone you trust that much and know you can emotionally rely on them just their presence can calm you down. And I say this as having been in that spot and also calming someone else down, its quite touching.
I was not prepared to cry at the end there. This writing was brilliantly made and loved every moment of it. Especially loved how they added the SA2 "Faker" moment between him and sonic 😂
A Shadow fan's dream come true. So many feels by the end of this 😢 Also happy to see Team Dark (kinda) back together again. The parts with Rouge were adorable; my wife and I shipped them way back when so seeing them interact and sort of show the relationship they have over the past games was awesome for us❤
Shadow getting a run of villains that actually want to take advantage of the time anomalies for their own personal gain is such a great angle to go with. Robotnik and Eggman, yeah obviously, but Mephiles showing up like he's going to un-retcon himself is actually something he'd do with this incredibly specific opportunity.
I was laughing so hard through that whole boss fight 😂 Mephiles is so salty and Shadow having no clue who he is just pisses him off more-it’s so beautiful and I’m so glad they put him in even though they would technically have an excuse not to because he’s not from this Shadow’s memories 😂
38:29 literally this moment got me almost crying
The only time we actually have shadow cry
I did start crying
32:16 Shadow... It's me... THE DEVILLLL!
The time has come
TO STEAL FROM WALMART!
Uh bing bong hey what’s up your doing a bad job
@@lewis676 i KNOW I'm doing a bad job
@idosarts_and_krafts walmart is evil so you are getting negative sin points
STOP!
That final scene of Shadow crying reminds me of the final scene in Sonic X season 2. Because in that scene, Sonic also cries but we don't see his face, we just see the tears flying back.
I always remembered that scene as one of the saddest and most beautiful in Sonic X and I'm elated that they recreated such a powerful moment here with Shadow. I think it's the best way to portray the emotions and real pain of Shadow. It's more powerful because instead if directly showing Shadow cry, it lets the audience fill in the gaps and realize the truth themselves.
The ending had me crying this game is just so beautiful. Shadow and Maria relationship is just perfect, and that one drop of tear from Shadow is just so sad 😞😔
i think it was more he was crying all the way back...
to wherever he was during sonic bday.
The expressions in the cutscenes are SOO GOOD, THIS IS THE KIND OF CUTSCENE ANIMATION AND EFFORT WE NEED SEGA
I love how the only reason Mephiles is here is to return to the canon timeline.
And to which sadly, that didn’t end up happening.
Wait but except… kinda? I- I don’t know
He is canon lol.
Hopefully this isn’t entirely the last we see of him. I think he’s a great Foil for shadow.
@@aderose I agree .
Im just happy hes back.
37:25 I like rouge voice sounds nice and fresh also the dialogue between shadow and rouge truly shows how they are friends
Teenager 😅
Aslında fikrimi değiştirmeye başladı. Sanırım performansı güzel.
Really?? Ignoring her voice actor not being a good person it doesn't fit her to me, I would love to have one thats like Sonic X's rouge voice
Really? I think its her worst one yet...I didnt mind it in the miniseries but its even whinier here
@@Oakleyyz yup
This might sound nuts but honestly this has to be the most heavy, emotional game story in Sonic games history.
22:00 I love all the throwback lines from previous games
“The blue hedgehog… of all places…” Shadow in SA2
“Well then, it’ll be a date to die for.”- Shadow in Heroes
“I’ve found you, Shadow” Sonic in SA2 except this time he calls Shadow by his actual name and not “faker”
My question is... how on earth did Sonic know he had the emerald.
Lmao true so sonic can sense shadow has a chaos emerald but apparently CANT sense that shadow gave him a fake one???
Most intelligent sonic moment
@@umayrrahman9936They actually set that up. When he got the Fake Emerald he said "Even I have a hard time distinguishing between the two of them" and assuming Shadow has a stronger connection to the Emeralds, then it makes sense that Sonic would mistake it.
@@ChrisCalebDanielhe could probably sense it.
Also because he knows how this works. And cause its the damn fourth chaos emerald.
Also missed opportunity to have a reference to the character battles in the adventure games by having shadow fight sonic in gameplay and not just a cutscene even though canonically sonic is the winner.
Hands down Kirk Thortons best performance as Shadow, he’s a talented VA and although I didn’t like his initial performances, there was no doubt in my mind he had potential to be a great Shadow, he just needed good voice direction and writing, Forces showed signs of improvement and Sonic X Shadow nailed the landing. His performance backed up by the stellar character animation in this game, which is a far cry from the stiff, lifeless animation of the past few games, really made everything work perfectly, Shadows expressions and movement had so much energy that has been missing for a long time now.
I wasn’t ready for that. Not even one bit. I’m 32, in my house, bawling my eyes out at the ending. This is the best writing I’ve seen in a Sonic game since I was a kid. Fantastic job! Now to find a kleenex
39:14 A tear
I’m surprised 😮 shadow finally showed emotions and shed a tear.
This isn't the 1st time Shadow canonically shed a tear. Back in SA2, his debut game, Amy comforted him in the ARK in the last story, which led Shadow to remember his promise to Maria, prompting him to shedding a single tear.
i thought it was a cum droplet because of the one polygon bat
I’m gonna be honest with you guys is I really like how shadow say “perhaps I can change their fate” when he see those two again where he could probably change it where they don’t die and he’ll be fine again
27:55 omg the name lore
It was first explained in a Japanese Sonic Comic though
....terios still the GOAT.
😟🤗
@@ssppeeaarrno ew. He looks gay compared to shadow
I love that Kirk was given a good director to work with. He did a really good performance in this game.
Great Movie It made me cry when Maria and Shadow separated again!
Shadow smiling at Maria was the most wholesome thing I've ever seen!😭😭😭😭
22:30
"Shadow, give me the Chaos Emereald, and i'll owe you a date."
"Well then, it'll be a date to DIE FOR!"
HE CRIED 39:29
Just finished the game
I need to appreciate how AMAZING the animation is here oh my GOD- the expressions- subtle movements- ACTIVE PHYSICS INSTEAD OF ANIMATING THE QUILLS BY HAND
15:26 A personal timestamp for myself to cope.
Not gonna lie... When Shadow and Maria said their goodbyes in the last cutscene, I was almost about to shed a tear, like Shadow did...
22:04-23:30 I LOVE THIS CUTSCENE SO MUCH IT LOOKS SO INSANE!!!! 😍❤️🔥
Bro Sonic has a lot more of the type of tone we expect to have smiling a lot throughout the cutscene
My question and only complaint is: WHY TF DID THEY USE FRONTIERS SONIC?!?! THEY ALREADY HAD GENS SONIC, DIDN'T THEY?!
@@jonamations06 Fr!! Cuz that made no sense 💀💀
@@awwimangel and It's inconsistent. Base game we have Gens Sonic, but in Shadow's cutscenes, we have the "more" modern Frontiers Sonic. Reminder, they remade the Sonic cutscenes, so they HAVE the model.
Thank you so much for sharing this on my birthday🎉
Hope you had fun with your family and friends today 🎉
M bday is today October 23, I am now 29 years old!!!
Maria “but a shadow will show you where to find the light”
Shadow “Thanks Zelda”
Maria “who?”
Gerald “I LOVE THAT SERIES!”
I wish this included all the optional npc dialog. That flavor text broke my heart multiple times. Even little things like Big meeting Maria and hoping to teach her to fish one day.
39:12 You could never make me hate Ian Flynn
Dude, the music choice was so good! 😭❤
It's Silver's turn.
@@starbrine2020 and you will be just as displeased calling it another Sonic Forces even though the level design of this game absolutely murders Forces’ level design.
@@Mojo1356 what?? I said *gameplay* is the same as Forces, now level design (layout) are just recycled stages from other games, my clearest example, Kingdom Valley Act 2 is Planet Wisp from Colors.
And yes, I will be as displeased if they do the exact same thing with Silver or any other game.
SAME. I need Silver Generations!!
@@starbrine2020 that’s still wrong though- gameplay is more Sonic Frontiers’ buttery smooth open zone controls meeting colors boost formula with the best powers since the Wisps use in Colors. Not to mention you are so far the only person I’ve seen say the story here sucks. Either way, with how well the direction was received here, I am certain you will be disappointed with what a Silver Generations ends up being like, and the rest of us will welcome it with open arms.
As for Kingdom Valley act 2, it lasts too long for it to be something like a short Colors stage. It might have ideas borrowed from Planet Wisp, but even then, Eggmanland and I think 1 other stage from Unleashed did it first.
@@starbrine2020 It's not lol
1:50 Shadow The Hedgehog: *rips a page of the story and chuckles* Like that’s ever gonna happen. (Shrek Reference)
Somebody once told me
GOD THE SCENE WHERE ROGUE CATCHES A TEAR OF SHADOW MADE ME CRY
the cutscene quality is much more better
omg..... "Shadow...this isn't over yet....the black arms will rise again!" black doom knew about this game before we did
They really did Shadow justice here. Just seeing his true self and how he interacts with Maria and Gerald. Its been such a great year for Shadow fans and we still have the movie coming up. Hoping the movie will do him justice too. Also 23:45 I just wanna say I really like how Shadow really does view Sonic as his equal. If he's gonna beat him, he wants it to be on equal terms. Also that scene just made me happy hearing Rouge's theme playing once again. I missed Fly In The Freedom.
Animation is really good. I wish we had this for Frontiers.
I agree. Frontiers walked so shadow generations could FREAKING FLY BABY. Unfortunately shadow generations is a much shorter game (atleast it feels like that way to me)
38:11 you can see in his eyes that he genuinely was to be “selfish” and treasured this moment forever but when Maria stopped him he felt like he had no choice as he just wanted to make Maria happy
😭😭😭😭😭
ABSOLUTE CINEMA OMFG POOR SHADOW😭😭😭😭😭❤🖤✨
This is what the original shadow the hedgehog should have bin. This is the Best shadow since Sonic 06 by far 😎
Man the writers know to rlly be emotional when giving Shadow major stories 😭
Generations?
Immortal Sonic.
BEST GAME THIS FRANCHISE HAS EVER SEEN, NOT EVEN GLAZING, oh my god this was genuinely and unironically so GOOD, please make Ian Flynn write more games 😢
This story with the game itself were just phenomenal the characterization of shadow in this game was just peak this game was worth the wait
So basically, they finally made a good Shadow spinoff game
Shadow 05 was good, I'm not sure why it's so hated tbh.
@@op_HarrisonLewellynLinkin Park couldn’t match the forced edge of that game
@@british35 aw dang
I knew that this game would’ve been surreal, but it exceeded my expectations. I don’t remember the last time I was so happy… and I don’t remember the last time I’ve cried so hard! I really thought that I would’ve tanked everything, but Shadow’s smile at 31:32 made me burst into tears. ❤
As soon as the city escape music started playing I got super excited, and Ben though it wasn’t an actual fight, the confrontation between sonic and shadow was so cool, such a sick cutscene, and I love the re contextualisation that sonic only won because shadow was holding back on his doom powers and lost focus
23:50 God the moment it happened I knew what was gonna happen. But I love that Sonic fell for his own trick there. ESPECIALLY when this game implies it's been between a few months to almost a year since SA 2.
I just got done beating the game and was a little confused at the direction they took with the ending at first. Shadow said with a smile that he was gonna keep fighting to fulfill Maria’s wish no matter what, and, further still, Gerald told him to live for himself. So why did he desperately try to save them in his last few moments with them exactly?
And it just now hit me that it wasn’t Shadow regressing or anything; it was him finally being given the space to grieve normally. He shed a tear back in SA2 but he’s never really been able to reconcile with all those big emotions until now. This is the first time since he first saw Maria die that he’s really felt that sense of panic and helplessness, but this time the circumstances are far more peaceful; no amnesia, no military gunfire, no capsules being jettisoned into space. It’s like instead of watching Maria get murdered, he’s watching her die of old age. He knows he can’t do anything to stop it and it tears him apart, but at least this time he’s not being ripped away from the situation before he has a chance to process it. He gets to feel everything someone should feel when they’re watching a loved one pass on, and the game’s final moments display that quite well. This game’s story was a big step up from Frontiers’, hats off to you Ian Flynn.
38:09 That moment broke my heart into a thousand fucking pieces 💔💔💔
12:26 shadow, it's me. THE DEVIL
Shadow's story is so amazing. It just makes you understand and feel for the pain he endured.
This game is insane... I didn't think we'd get this game, but MY GOD. It hits right in the feels.
The difference of graphics in both scenes rouge appears is so funny bye
Incredibly bittersweet ending, I thought it would've taken place at Sonic's Birthday Party with Shadow reflecting on what happened but this one is more gut punching. My like one complaint would be since on the Generations side they didn't replace the original time eater bossfight (lets be real its kinda bad), we don't get a moment of Sonic and Shadow fighting together to end this whole time travel crap. Shadow just sits on the sidelines and does nothing during that moment
I'm actually fine woth shadow not being g in the final boss as he's probably not in the best place emotionally
After what Shadow went through in this game with Black Doom, Gerald and Maria....yeah. I doubt he's in the mood to jump into a fight against some huge time monster he knows almost nothing about. Two super Sonics are more than enough to deal with it.
Seriously?! Why are these cutscenes so much more animated and expressive than the entirety of Sonic Frontiers! 🔥🔥🔥
The ending was so emotional and it's a peak cutscenes to have a sad moment with Shadow and Maria together
shadow's character is so good but can i just say that i love how they made rouge so much more "💅" than usual
I can't believe they're connecting it to his solo game. Nice continuity.
4:49 That is a pretty big compliment to Tails and he wasn't even there to hear it.
This is absolute gold! 👍🤩🤟
My only compliant is that rouge sounds less like a fem fatale and more like A teenage Amy in her brat phase trying to do an impression of rouge.
I have to say Kirk Thornton has improved so much as Shadow over the years,there are times where I can even hear David Humphrey’s Shadow in his in this game (specifically during gameplay,some of his damage voice clips sound exactly like David)
I'm crying so hard. Shadow finally gets to see Maria again😢😢😢😢😢
👏 Wow! What an amazing video!
39:14
this can be a nod to Sonic X series where sonic tears brush over Chriss’ face at their final goodbye (sonic was carrying Chris on his back as he ran)
25:23 Mephiles' blinks
Good lord I didn't think he could do that
SAYYYY WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATTT?????
HE HAS EYE LIDS?!
24:39
Mephiles: You took everything from me!
Shadow: I don't even know who you are...
30:30 that shall be known as Shadow dark doom angel
Ian flynn is the ultimate sonic writer
Ladies and gentleman, they COOOOOOOKEEEDD!!!!!!!!!! 🔥 🔥🔥🔥