#everyone clowns on the shadow game from sonic but it had the right idea of just branching out LOL

[tawna]

if microsoft was smart they would make a dedicated crash bandicoot studio called "wumpa studio" or something and make crash 5 along with spinoffs (like a puzzle game for coco, tomb raider-style game for tawna, cooking simulator for dingodile, etc etc)

[another-sonic-blog]

any advice to write Silver or Shadow?? Shadow it's the most difficult for me to write D:

Disclaimer: I am not a professional writer, but I wrote this with the few fanfiction experiences that I have as well that all of this is based off MY interpretation of Shadow’s character.

I am not going to lie Shadow the Hedgehog is hard to write. Mostly because you won’t have much canon content to work with. Or at least, there’s not canon content that portrays the REAL Shadow the Hedgehog (Besides Sonic 06 and SA2). If you are going to write Shadow then you are going to write it solely based on character interpretation mostly. There’s something I most say, there is a CONNECTION between Shadow and Silver (There’s a connection with Sonic as well, but we won’t talk about that right now). If you think these two hedgehogs are nothing alike … then let me tell you, they are actually very similarly written.  

Before we go into writing tips, it’s important to analyze the character at hand.

Let’s shortly analyze the character.

Alright, let’s talk about Shadow the Hedgehog

           Shadow’s character has constantly been mis-written throughout the years. Even in the recent IDW Sonic comics, the current writer didn’t do his character justice. The best interpretation that we have of his character is in Sonic 06. (SEGA may have failed to write a coherent plot story but they did great in Shadow’s character and portraying Silver’s character, but will talk about later) There’s a lot into Shadow’s character but to make things simple, I’ll say that there are 3 main traits that make up Shadow’s character (And a few other sub-traits that don’t show up often as well but they are there). First off, Let’s get rid of the idea that Shadow is an ‘edgy’ character. He is not.

So, if Shadow is not edgy? Who is Shadow the Hedgehog? Shadow is this …

1.     Determined. This may seem as a simple asset, but it really it is not. The Shadow that we see in Sonic 06 is not the same Shadow from SA2 or Shadow the Hedgehog’s game. After all the turmoil he went through, Shadow still wants to save the world and play an anti-hero character … But, why? After his tragic and complicated past … Wouldn’t he want to disappear and live a peaceful life? Why doesn’t he want to? Simple … He cares for others. (We will talk about this into more detail later) He cares for the world and the friends he made. He cares for Team Dark. He wants to keep saving the world because HE WANTS TO. Not because of a promise, not because of Maria, not because he was created to protect earth. In Shadow’s game, it was shown clearly that Shadow let go of his past and was born a new. If there’s something we all can agree on is that Shadow is the depiction of ‘Determination’ because even when the whole world is against him, he will still fight.  

If you are going to write his character, then this is an asset you for sure need to include and keep in mind when writing him.  He is determined and he cares.

2.  Insecure.  Although I really dislike how Sonic brought up Shadow’s past and even dared to compared Shadow to Eggman, the author did something good. He portrayed Shadow’s insecurities. Shadow has made ALOT of mistakes in the past. He had messed up again and again till the point in which he is insecure about the decisions his takes. We can see 2 things in these panels.  

1.     Shadow regrets and recognizes his past mistakes.

2.      Shadow is extremely insecure. (Which is really ironic because of his determination but we will speak about that later)

Alright, so what is there to insecurity? There is a lot actually, Sonic knows that Shadow is determined and he would do anything in order to accomplish his goals. Nothing will stop him, so the blue blur used Shadow’s insecurity against him to get what he wants. Shadow lets Sonic get into his head leaving the faith of the world on Sonic’s hands. Because unlike him, Sonic is a hero, Sonic has never done anything bad. Sonic always makes the right choices … unlike Shadow, Sonic was never evil.

He came to the realization that no matter what he chooses, he is going to be wrong.  If he ‘kills’ Eggman and it turns out that he was good, then that would be another mistake. If he lets Eggman go around freely and it turns out that he was evil, then that would be another mistake. In reality, no matter what he choses he would blame himself for whatever the outcome is. The only difference is that he can blame Sonic along with himself as well.

So, we see that Shadow’s insecurities can easily be manipulated by others. Thus, making him do whatever other people pleases.

This is character flaw that plays extremely well with determination, only if written correctly. It is hard to do but it is possible. I’ll talk about that in a few.

3. Caring. One of the best things to came out of Sonic 06 was Shadow’s interaction with Team Dark. Can you see how betrayed Shadow looks when Omega tells him that he would be the one to persecute him? How he says he will remember Rouge will stay by his side no matter what? Like I mentioned before, Shadow the Hedgehog cares for them and he is loyal to them to death. As you can see, he didn’t say anything to Omega nor plans anything against him even if in the future they become enemies. He may not show it often but the bond that he has with Team Dark is the main reason why he wakes up and saves the world from disaster. As well as that he cares for everyone living on it.

So, now that we know his main traits … Determination, insecure and caring … What do we get? Shadow the Hedgehog. These are traits that are hard to write and that’s what is so appealing to this character. One single mistake and you can mess up the whole character. So, here is the question. How can we be determined and be insecure at the same time? Don’t you need to be confident about yourself in order to be determined? Not really and here is why.

           If you are insecure but you really care for others, then you are determined to protect them no matter the cost. It doesn’t matter if you will regret your decisions later, as long as the people you care about are safe.

Shadow’s blind loyalty is double edge sword. We can see in SA2 that Shadow is completely determined to blow up a planet because that was what ‘supposedly’ Maria wanted.

“Besides, there’s no way to save anyone.”

           This can imply a lot of things. I may be overthinking it but to me, this sentence revealed something about Shadow’s character. Before Amy arrived to ask for help, we find Shadow looking at the Earth, really REFLECTING for a long time. There was a part of Shadow who DID NOT WANT TO DESTROY EARTH.  The boy probably actually NEVER wanted to destroy Earth.

“That is the only thing that matters to me now.”

           Shadow really didn’t care if he was the real Shadow or not. Shadow is so loyal and he CARED so much for Maria that he puts his insecurities a side (Yes, he has insecurities even here. He is about to blow up a planet, of course he is insecure the boy doesn’t even remember fully who he is and he actually doesn’t want to destroy earth.) His determined side takes over and we can see that he would do ANYTHING, overcome his insecurities (even if it will haunt him later on) and destroy planets just because he really does CARES for others.

With this said, I think you will understand now why writing Shadow the Hedgehog is difficult. He is a complicated character and it is supposed to be so. How can you show that a quiet character cares without it being ‘out of character?’ How can you write a determined character without it being prepotent? How can you show that a character is insecure without making him look weak?

There is clearly a balance and it’s your job as a writer to create such balance.

So, I will pint point SEGA current and past ‘mistakes’ while writing Shadow the Hedgehog.

They want to highlight Shadow’s determination SO MUCH that he comes out as prepotent, arrogant, cocky, egocentric, etc. It just seems that they can’t get the balance right in this one. Let’s take for example this: 

“I don’t run.”

           So, Sonic IDW. Everyone hated this, calling Shadow a clown and such. Let’s take it into context. Shadow is stopping an army of Zombots to give time for a truck full of Mobians to escape. If you think about it Shadow sacrificed himself so the others could run away safely. That’s actually not bad, it’s a very Shadow thing to do. This panel had so much POTENTIAL to highlight Shadow’s personality but the writer failed to compliment one important element and that is to add Shadow’s caring side.

           The writer preferred to highlight Shadow and Sonic’s rivalry (which honestly is non-existent at this point). He wanted to show just how ‘determined’ Shadow was to prove that he is better than Sonic. However, it just came out as plain clownery. It made it seem that Shadow only cared to prove how ultimate he was instead of caring for the situation at hand.  The whole story could have been saved if Shadow had said something along the lines of: “If I don’t stop the Zombots everyone is going to get infected … Rouge and Omega, everyone … I can’t let that happen I am going to stop them no matter what!”

           That short dialogue alone showed two things, Shadow’s determination and that he cares for others. The author did show Shadow’s insecurity as to how surprised he was when he found out that he was infected. However, it came out short because once again his ‘overly determined’ side showed up.

Like I said before, this panel had potential to show Shadow’s personality. The writer really wanted to highlight Shadow’s three main traits but it wasn’t well balanced and it came out as another bad written Shadow the Hedgehog.

Before we continue, I want to say that I am not writing this to talk bad about Ian Flynn. He has written the other Sonic characters pretty decently, and it bothers me more how he wrote Sonic recently (but that’s another talk for another time) I understand why Shadow is hard to write and that’s why I don’t get as upset when people sometimes wrongly write him.  It honestly just shows how complex this character is.

So, now that we know that SEGA’S main problem is the unbalanced systematic writing of Shadow the Hedgehog, let’s jump into trying to keep on ‘character.’

Now, here are some basic tips.

1.     Remember Shadow top three traits. He is determined, he cares and he is insecure.

When writing him, always try to think of these traits. Shadow is composed of so much more but including more traits would be complicated to write about and many of your readers may not follow along as well. Especially if you starting to write. Even professional writers have problems writing him, so don’t put too much pressure on you. Ask yourself the following questions: “Why is Shadow doing this? Does this correctly highlight one of his main traits? Am I adding this to put more meaning to the story or the character?

2.     One of the main reasons why SEGA has such a hard time writing Shadow is because there has been so many writers throughout the years who wrote character. Everyone has different character interpretations. Although this is not wrong, having different character interpretations in writing is wrong when there is a CONTINUITY. Which is why most of the times Sonic game’s stories aren’t that great. Let’s talk for instance … Sonic has always being a good character throughout the whole games and then suddenly he is bad. Weird, right? It just doesn’t seem right. This is what happens to Shadow in every single game, his character has been interpreted in so many ways that at this point it Shadow is a really messed up character. So, my tip for this is to be consistent. You are going to be the only one writing your story, so don’t be influenced by other writers and suddenly writer Shadow in another way.

3.     The game Shadow the Hedgehog really tried to incorporate something about Shadow. That depending on the circumstances, Shadow would react differently. He is a very dynamic character and you never really know how he will react. Allow Shadow to experience many things. For him to experience unknown things and feelings because only that way the REAL Shadow the Hedgehog would come into light. Write stances that are unknown to him. He is at G.U.N. and others are trying to make friends with him? If he likes someone how would he react? What kind of activities would he do for fun? I cannot stress enough how important it is for your character to interact with other characters and for them to experience new things. Explore all of these!

This turned out longer than I expected, and I am actually missing so much more information I want to add but I don’t want to make this too long. Sorry for any writing mistakes, I wrote this on the go lol. I’ll write some tips on how to write Silver tomorrow. For now, I hope this helps you understand a little bit more of Shadow’s character and why he is hard to write but don’t worry! The more your write, the better you get.  I’ll give you some Silver tips soon, and explain how he is connected with Shadow’s character.

Thank you for the ask!

[blackhakumen]

Mini Fanfic #590: Unexpected Reunion (Super Smash Bros Ultimate)

It was a normal, peaceful day in the Smash Mansion and Shadow and Hat Kid was about to watch a Halloween themed movie together. When suddenly.......

????: (Appears From Out of the Ground in a Shadow-ly Like Form) Herrrre's SNATCHER!

Hat Kid: ('Gasps')

('Click')

Shadow: (Immediately Pulls his Gun on the Figure)

Snatcher: Huh. A black, edgy hedgehog with a gun....(Turns his Head at the Viewers) That definitely wouldn't stir up any controversies in the long run.

Shadow: Enough talk. Who are you and what are you doing in this-

Hat Kid: Shadow!

Shadow: Hm? (Turns to Hat Kid) What's wrong, sister?

Hat Kid: (Whispers Something into Shadow's Ear)

Shadow: (Listening to Everything Hat Kid is Telling Him) Mhmm... Uh-huh....Wait....(Turns to Snatcher for a Few Seconds Before Turning Back to Hat Kid) You mean to tell that you know this clown?

Hat Kid: (Simply Nodded)

Shadow: And that he's one of your friends from that space trip of yours?

Hat Kid: (Nodded Once More)

Shadow: (Looks Back at Snatcher One More Time Before Turning Back to Hat Kid) Are you absolutely sure that he's not a threat?

Hat Kid: (Nodded Once More Before Giving Shadow the Puppy Dog Eyes)

Shadow: (Sighs in Defeat Before Putting his Gun Down) Fine. He can stay for a while....

Hat Kid: (Rapidly Clap her Hands Happily Before Hugging Shadow) Thank you!~

Shadow: (Gently Pats.the Top of Hat Kid's Head With a Small Smile on His Face) Yes. Yes. It's no problem.

'Ahem'

The duo finally turn their attention to Snatcher, who is crossing his arms impatiently.

Snatcher: Hate to ruin your little family moment or whatever, but you do know that I'm still here, right?

Hat Kid: (Happily Waves at Snatcher)

Shadow: (Puts on a Straight Face) We noticed. So I take it you're uhh...

Snatcher: Snatcher's the name, tormenting fools and their souls are my game! AHAHAHAHAHAHA!!

Shadow: (Raised an Eyebrow in a Suspicious Manner) Really now?

Snatcher: (Place his Arms Behind the Back of His Head in a Relaxed Manner) Yeeeup. Been doing it for eternity now and it never gets old. Judging by your edgy appearance, I'm guessing your name is-

Shadow: Shadow. Shadow the Hedgehog. I'm the Ultimate Lifeform....(Gently Ruffles the top of Hat Kid's Hair) as well as this little rascal's older brother.

Hat Kid: (Giggles Softly)

Snatcher: Ah yeah. The kid did told me about having two brothers here.... Where's the other one?

Shadow: Out running. His name is Sonic, in case you were wondering.

Snatcher: Generic name, but whatever.

Shadow: So..... Snatcher.... Exactly how did you and Hat Kid first met?

Snatcher: We met back in Subcon Forest. She was walking around, looking for her little time pieces or whatever, and once she fell for one of my booby traps, I immediately stole her soul!

Shadow: (Eyes Widened in Surprised) You stole her what?!

Snatcher: Her soul! S-O-U-L! Honestly, were you even listening the first time I said it, Mr. Ultimate Lifeform?

Shadow: (Glares at Snatcher While Gritting his Teeth and Balling his Fist) I did.....

Hat Kid: (Frowns Worryingly While Calming Shadow Down) Shadow, it's okay.

Snatcher: Oh relax, will ya? I didn't entirely kept it for myself. I gave her a contract to sign to do all the tasks I have planned, in order for her to leave my forest. And....(Facepalms While Sighing) To my literal surprise, she was able to do all of them, with little to no problem.

Shadow: She did?

Snatcher: Yeah. And let me tell ya, I picked out the most challenging objectives ever known to men and spirits alike! I made her murder spirits, clean the Subcon Well, deliver mail and packages to my loyal subjects, mess around with Queen Vanessa's manor-

Shadow: (Crosses his Arms) So basically, you made her do your chores.

Snatcher: (Glares Fiercely at Shadow) HEY! THOSE WERE NOT CHORES!! THEY WERE THE MOST GRUESOME TASKS THAT NO MEN, WOMEN, OR ANY OTHER LOWER CLASS SPECIES COULD EVER HOPE OF COMPLETING!!

Shadow: (Raised an Eyebrow) ..............

Snatcher: ('Groans in Defeat') Okay. Fine. So maybe they were just chores. But they were difficult a-and deadly! And yet somehow, that little twerp was able to complete them all!

Shadow: (Turns to Hat Kid) You were able to accomplish all of that just to get your soul back?

Hat Kid: (Proudly Nodded) Mmhmm!

Shadow: (Chuckles Lightly as He Ruffles the top of Hat Kid's Hair Once More) I guess you really are full of surprises, huh kiddo?

Hat Kid: (Giggles Softly)

Snatcher: (Rolled his Eyes While Groaning) Alright. That's enough rambling on about my failures for one day. Let's change the subject, shall we?

Shadow: (Turns Back to the Snatcher) Okay, sure. What else do you want to talk about?

Snatcher: You, of course! Shadow, isn't it? Tell me. How exactly did you get the name "Ultimate Lifeform" in first place? It sounds wayyyyyy to exceptional to be given to anyone.

Shadow: I can assure that the name alone, is far from being an empty title. It was given to by Professor Gerald Robotnik, the man who created me in the Space Colony Ark, many years ago.

Snatcher: (Starts Getting Intrigued) Oh? You don't say.....

Shadow: That's right. I originally created to be an immortal being, but....(Frowns a bit Sadly) Let's just say that... during those years, the professor would used me later for something I.... really don't want to get into right now....(Or possibly ever.)

Hat Kid: (Starts Feeling Sympathy for Shadow as She Hugs Him Tightly)

Snatcher: Ah. So you got yourself a case of a troubling past?

Shadow: ('Sigh') For the most part. But that's all in the past now. I may have been through a lot during those times and done things I'm not proud of, but that doesn't mean I could let them get the better of me. Especially now that I have people in my life, whom I love and cherish everyday. That's why I do whatever I can to fight and protect them, as well as everyone else in this world. No matter how challenging it may be at times.

Hat Kid: (Smiles Softly at Shadow's Speech)

Snatcher: Yeesh. For an Edgelord, you really are a goodie two shoes.

Shadow: (Shrugged) That may be the case, but at the end of the day, and for the most part, it's who I am. And I'm proud of that.

Snatcher: (Rolled his Eyes) Whatever floats your boat, man.......(Suddenly Begins to Grin Evilly While Coming Up with an Idea) Say.....If you want, I can make you an offer you-

Shadow: No.

Snatcher: Ah come on! You don't even know what it is!

Shadow: And whatever this offer of yours is, I'm not interested in it. No matter how many times you would try to convince me.

Snatcher: ('Groans Heavily') Does anyone ever told you how much of a killjoy you really are?!

Shadow: I have been called that on some occasions. It never bothered me, really.

Snatcher: ('Sighs in Defeat') This is already getting boring. I'm outta here.

Shadow: Already?

Snatcher: Yep. I have places to be, souls to steal, fools to torture. Vice versa.

Shadow: Well, if that's the case, I suppose it was..... somewhat nice to meet you in person.

Snatcher: Likewise. You seems like an interesting fellow.....Even if you are a too goody for your good. (Turns to Hat Kid) And as for you, brat, it was.....kind of...sort of....nice to...see you again or whatever-

Hat Kid: (Happily Gives The Snatcher a Hug)

Snatcher: (Groans While Blushing a Little) Yeah, yeah. I know. I missed you too. Now let go of me already!

Hat Kid: (Giggles Softly While Pulling Away)

Snatcher: I swear. Nothing seems to faze you anymore. ('Sigh') No matter. I'm leaving now so......Bye! (Disappears Out of Thin Air)

Shadow: (Sighs While Turning to Hat Kid Once More) You have some weird friends and enemies, you know that? Then again, I had deal with Eggman on most occasions. So I guess I had no room to talk, huh?

Hat Kid: (Giggles Softly) Maybe~

@keyenuta

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@26shann

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