Summary
In preparation forSonic X Shadow Generations' release later this Autumn, Sega has announced an animated prequel short starring Shadow the Hedgehog will premiere later this Summer. The upcomingSonic X Shadow Generationsis an updated re-release of the 2011 title, not only upgrading the original game with 60 FPS and HD graphics, but also featuring Shadow as a playable character for the first time since 2017’sSonic Forces. The remaster will also add on an additional story campaign taking place from Shadow’s perspective, as he faces off against some of his past foes.
Shadow’s story inShadow Generationswill dive into the hedgehog’s dark and troubled past, with the game pitting him against past foes like Black Doom from theShadow the Hedgehogspin-off. Many fans are interested in seeing how the developers are tackling Shadow’s backstory, with many hoping to see Sega and Sonic Team streamlining his character into the anti-hero figure that made him such a fan favorite in the first place. An upcoming prequel short will also be exploring the character’s past before the game’s launch.

On the officialSonic the HedgehogTwitter account, it was announced that a prequel short titledSonic X Shadow Generations: Dark Beginningswill be premiering during Sega’s panel at Anime Expo on July 6, which is all about Shadow himself.Sonic the Hedgehogproducer Takashi Iizuka,Shadow the Hedgehog’s voice actorKirk Thornton, and voice actor Stephanie Sheh will be present at this panel, with fans being encouraged to send in questions that will be answered during the panel. Fans have until the end of May to send in their questions.
Sonic X Shadow Generations: Dark Beginnings Will Be Shown at Anime Expo 2024
This continues a recent trend with new mainlineSonic the Hedgehogreleases, where an animated prologue short starring a certain character gets released before the game’s launch.Sonic Frontiershad an animated short starring Knuckles and how he gets entangled in the game’s events, andSonic Superstarshad a similar prologue that featured the game’s villains, Fang the Hunter, Trip the Sungazer, and Dr. Eggman. It’s only natural ina year focused on Shadow the Hedgehogthat he would get his own short beforeSonic X Shadow Generations' launch too.
Some fans noted that Maria,a character integral to Shadow’s backstory, will likely make an appearance in the short. This is based on Stephanie Sheh’s presence as a special guest on the panel, when the last character she played in the franchise was Zeena fromSonic Lost World, a game that didn’t feature Shadow in any capacity. With that taken into consideration, Sheh will likely be Maria’s new voice actor. Many are very excited to see the short, hoping it will be faithful to Shadow’s character.
Sonic X Shadow Generations
WHERE TO PLAY
THE RETURN OF SHADOWIn this new standalone campaign, Shadow’s nemesis, Black Doom, has reemerged and threatens to take over the world once again. Shadow must journey into his past, confront his painful memories, and unlock new dark powers to save the world.
SHADOW EVOLVEDHarness Shadow’s new Doom Powers to battle hordes of enemies and tackle platforming challenges like never before. Surf on water, fly over obstacles, and stop time with the return of Chaos Control!A JOURNEY THROUGH TIME AND DIMENSIONSExperience the ultimate showdown between Shadow and Black Doom in a new boss battle that will test your skills and reflexes. Use all of Shadow’s abilities to defeat Black Doom and save the world!EXPLORE THE NEW WHITE SPACEStretch your legs in an all-new hub world inspired by the open-zone gameplay of Sonic Frontiers. As Shadow gains new powers, he can explore further and uncover the secrets hidden throughout!