Summary
Sega is declaring 2024 the Year of Shadow, with a plethora of events and content planned in honor of the edgy anti-hero of theSonic the Hedgehogfranchise. Shadow the Hedgehog was first introduced in 2001’sSonic Adventure 2as an evil doppelganger of the Blue Blur who plotted to destroy the world. In later games, he would evolve into a heroic yet dark figure who assists Sonic and his friends in times of need and is still considered to be one of the most popularSonic the Hedgehogcharacters.
Shadow has seen an increased presence in recent years, having had a supporting role in theSonic Primeanimated series and showing up as a suspect in last year’s free April Fool’s game,The Murder of Sonic the Hedgehog. 2024 looks to continue this momentum for Sonic’s brooding rival, as he is set to have a starring role in the upcomingSonic the Hedgehog 3after briefly appearing in the last film’s post-credits scene. On the games front, this fall will see therelease ofSonic X Shadow Generations, a remaster of 2011’sSonic Generationswith new levels centered around Shadow.
As it turns out, there is plenty more fun to be had with the Ultimate Life Form in 2024, as Sega recently announced a new year-long promotional campaign titled “Fearless: Year of Shadow.” This campaign willcelebrate fans of Shadowwith special events throughout 2024, while encouraging said fans to “embrace their inner Shadow” by facing life’s challenges head-on. This is best illustrated in a recent trailer for the Year of Shadow event showcasing a teen girl who pulls off an impressive bike trick after being inspired by Shadow’s courage and independence, winning over some new friends in the process.
2024 Is All About Shadow the Hedgehog
Shadow has an affinity for motorcycles intheSonic the Hedgehoggames, and the Year of Shadow will reflect this by touring a custom-built, Shadow-themed motorcycle at Motor GP, with two confirmed appearances planned in Austin, Texas this weekend and the UK in August. Special events are planned for mobile titles likeSonic DashandSonic Forcesthat will allow players to unlock special Shadow character skins like Super Shadow, Vampire Shadow, Sir Lancelot, and Dragon Hunter Lancelot. The Sonic Symphony World Tour is also returning this year with new Shadow-inspired scores and footage of some of the Ultimate Life Form’s coolest onscreen moments.
Fans will be able to enjoy meals inspiredby the ever-brooding Shadow the Hedgehogat the Sonic Speed Cafe, an officialSonic the Hedgehog-themed restaurant that first opened last summer. Gamers can already order a stack of Shadow’s Chaos Chocolate Pancakes as part of the newSonicmenu at their local IHOP from now until May 5, as well as build their own adventures with the LEGO Shadow the Hedgehog Escape set. More information about the Year of Shadow will be unveiled soon, soSonic the Hedgehogfans should stay tuned to learn how they can honor the legendary anti-hero this year.
Sonic the Hedgehog
Sonic the Hedgehog is a prolific game franchise that started life on the Sega Genesis/Mega Drive. Covering both 2D and 3D iterations through the generations, Sonic is known for speedy movements and interesting platforming mechanics.
