Sonic Team: Shadow Was Meant to Die in Sonic Adventure 2
Takashi Iizuka says Shadow's popularity surprised Sonic Team, leading them to revive him in Sonic Heroes after his intended death in Sonic Adventure 2.
Shadow the Hedgehog was originally intended to be killed off at the end of Sonic Adventure 2, according to Takashi Iizuka. Speaking at Tokyo Game Show, the Sonic Team veteran said the character's popularity caught the studio off guard.
"Shadow's popularity surprised Sonic Team after Sonic Adventure 2," Iizuka said. The team had planned his story as a one-off, but fan response changed those plans.
Sonic Team decided to revive Shadow in Sonic Heroes because of that popularity. He has since become a series regular, starring in his own video game and most recently in Sonic X Shadow Generations.
Iizuka also said Shadow is his personal favorite character. The hedgehog has been voiced by Keanu Reeves in recent appearances.
The comments, reported by pcgamer.com, offer a rare look at how fan reaction can reshape a character's fate in a long-running franchise.
Quick answers
Was Shadow supposed to die in Sonic Adventure 2?
Yes. Takashi Iizuka said Shadow was originally intended to be killed off at the end of Sonic Adventure 2.
Why did Sonic Team bring Shadow back?
Sonic Team decided to revive Shadow in Sonic Heroes because of his popularity after Sonic Adventure 2.
Who is Takashi Iizuka's favorite character?
Iizuka said Shadow is his personal favorite character.