GAME
Shadow the Hedgehog

Format: PS2
Sega
£34.99

5 060004 765737
Age Restrictions: 12+
Available
18 November 2005


Shadow the Hedgehog, a dark and mysterious character is struggling to discover his true identity. The story follows a complex battle between aliens, Dr. Eggman and the G.U.N. Army. Players control Shadow's destiny, ultimately deciding if he becomes a hero or a villain. Multiple endings reflect critical decisions at every stage of the game...

Oh dear. Oh dear. Did anyone actually test this game before it was released onto an unsuspecting public? I doubt it. Shadow the Hedgehog has to be about the most rushed game I've ever had the misfortune to play.

In theory it sounds like a great idea. You have the opportunity to change the destiny of Shadow, so that he can either be good or bad. And, as you progress through the game, doing good or bad deeds, the storyline alters. Unfortunately the gameplay is so painful, that I doubt anyone other than the most religious Sonic fan will actually be able to play this for more than a couple of hours without wanting to take it back to the shop and demand their money back.

I've never been a fan of the 3D Sonic games. Sonic the Hedgehog seems to only really work as a 2D platform game. Shadow the Hedgehog adds strength to this argument. It looks messy, it's clumsily designed and no one actually thought to add any serious gameplay.

As Shadow, you run around collecting rings and picking up weapons to dispatch your enemies. The main problem with this is that it's incredibly difficult to dispatch an enemy without spilling your rings everywhere. When you do manage to pick up a weapon, it's difficult to shoot at your desired target and you could spend some time shooting the wrong side by mistake. To be honest, the whole gun idea was a bad move.

It looks hideous, it handles like a pig, and is so boring that I doubt anyone will ever finish it. Please don't waste your money on this game without trying it first. You might think it's the best game of the Sonic franchise to date... somehow I doubt it.

Nick Smithson

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£25.99 (Amazon.co.uk)

   

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