The official reveal ofSonic Frontiersin late 2021 wasn’t particularly surprising since Sega had teased it before, but its debut was still a big deal because of the questions it raised. Fans know the game will take Sonic to a new place full of mysterious technology called the Starfall Islands, but it’s unclear where his usual allies are or what kinds of powers he might have obtained by visiting these islands.Sonic Frontiersis meant to release sometime this year, so Sega and Sonic Team might release more information in the coming months, but for now, fans are left guessing.
Lots of people want to know what Tails, Knuckles, Amy, and Dr. Eggman will do in the game’s plot, but they’re only the coreSonic the Hedgehogcharacters in a franchise with tons of recognizable faces. Perhaps the most recognizable is Shadow, Sonic’s brooding counterpart who often alternates between an anti-heroic antagonist and unlikely ally. Sonic Team hasn’t confirmed that Shadow will play a role inSonic Frontiers, but consideringhow muchSonicfans love Shadow, as well as what fans know aboutSonic Frontiersso far, it wouldn’t be surprising if Shadow turned out to be a linchpin in the game’s plot.
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Shadow in Sonic Frontiers Makes Sense
A few supposedSonic Frontiersplot detailsmake it sound like Shadow has a good chance of appearing. For one thing,Sonic Frontiers' plot supposedly kicks off with Dr. Eggman trying to harness the Starfall Islands' technology, which goes horribly wrong. A disastrous experiment by Eggman sounds like exactly the kind of thing Shadow would consider interfering with thanks to his track record of begrudgingly protecting the world from destruction, although Shadow is bound to have an equally destructive solution in mind. Sonic may have to preserve the Starfall Islands from annihilation on multiple fronts.
What’s more,Sonic Frontiersmay not feature Sonic’s friends in leading rolls. AlthoughfamousSonicvoice actors will reprise their rolesinSonic Frontiers,Sonic’s friends have apparently been endangered by Eggman’s activities, suggesting that they’re not able to help him explore the Starfall Islands for most of the game. Shadow could end up working together with Sonic in their stead. Sonic and Shadow have a long history of teaming up in dire situations, including during his debut gameSonic Adventure 2.Considering how mysterious and daunting the dangers of the Starfall Islands look so far, Sonic may very well need Shadow’s help again if Tails, Knuckles, and Amy are missing.
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Shadow’s Next Big Role
Perhaps the only thing standing in the way of Shadow appearing inSonic Frontiersis the Starfall Islands themselves. SinceSonic the Hedgehogis going to such an elaborate new place, it would make sense if Sonic Team kept returning characters to a minimum so it can focus on expandingthe lore ofSonic Frontiers.Ultimately, it seems unlikely that the Starfall Islands will keep Shadow from making an appearance. New locations and enemies haven’t kept Shadow out of the spotlight in games likeSonic Boom,so there’s sure to be room for him inSonic Frontiers.
Sonicfans are already excited aboutSonic Frontiers,and with good reason. Its “open-zone” design sounds like a fun new way to make the most of Sonic’s signature speed. If Shadow returns, however, hype forSonic Frontierswill undoubtedly go through the roof.Ever sinceSonic Adventure 2,Shadow has been a fan favorite character; there’s no doubt that Sonic Team knows Shadow could be a major boon toSonic Frontiers.It’s just a matter of deciding what role he should play. Whether he’s a secondary antagonist or a consistent, brooding ally to Sonic, Shadow has a lot to offer.
Sonic Frontiersreleases in 2022 for PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
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