Summary
Jeff Fowler, the director forSonic the Hedgehog, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 and the upcoming Sonic the Hedgehog 3 revealed in asocial media postthat one of his first jobs in the visual effects industry was as an animator on Sega’s Shadow the Hedgehog (2005).
“One of my first jobs in the VFX industry was animating this amazing character for his first SEGA standalone game,” Fowler’s post reads. “Twenty years later, I could not feel more honoured to bring Shadow to the big screen in Sonic the Hedgehog 3.”
Year of Shadow
The screenshot shared by Fowler in the post is from the iconic opening cutscene of Shadow the Hedgehog where Shadow wields a submachine gun, rides a motorcycle and beats up some ne’er-do-wells over the intense synth of the original track I Am (All of Me).
Shadow the Hedgehog was not received well by critics when it was released, but, over time, the standalone title has attracted a cult following among Sonic fans. Regardless of how well the game controlled or played, you must admit Shadow is one cool hog.
We recently received confirmation that Keanu Reeves will voice everyone’s favourite Hedgehog (sorry Sonic). Sonic the Hedgehog 3’smost recent trailersaw Team Sonic teaming up with Dr Robotnik to counter the threat of Shadow, an experiment that escaped from captivity.
We’re currently in the middle of the Year of the Shadow, an initiative by Sonic Team that places a spotlight on Shadow the Hedgehog. Shadow is not only the focal point of the upcoming film, but he’s also getting his own game (sort of) inSonic X Shadow Generations.
Our own Rhiannon Bevanpreviewed the upcoming remake slash expansionat Gamescom. She praised the level design of the new Shadow sections, but felt the new bosses struggled with the early 2000’s jank they were originally forged in.
Sonic the Hedgehog 3
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 continues the adventures of Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles, and teases the introduction of Shadow the Hedgehog.
