Sonic the Hedgehogfans have been treated to plenty of surprises over the last three years. 2022 saw the release ofSonic the Hedgehog 2in theaters, as well as the release of what would go on to be the series' fastest-selling 3D entry,Sonic Frontiers. 2023 gave fans DLC for that same title throughout the year, as well as the 2D co-op platformer,Sonic Superstars. Now, in 2024, Shadow the Hedgehog fans have gotten an entire year dedicated to the Ultimate Lifeform, complete with himhaving his own game inSonic X Shadow Generations.
It’s quite incredible how much Sega has put into supporting Shadow during his “Fearless: Year of Shadow” campaign, even going as far as to have him advertise the upcomingSonic Racing: CrossWorldsgame with no sign ofSonic the Hedgehogto be seen in its teaser trailer. Shadow’s year isn’t over just yet, though, as there are plenty more releases coming before 2024 ends. In fact, this current week is stuffed to the brim with things that are likely to make all sorts ofSonicfans happy.
Sonic Fans Have Something New Coming Out Over the Next Few Days
December 18 Marks Shadow’s Arrival in Sonic Dream Team
Sonic Dream Teammay have started out as a simple, breezy platformer, but frequent updates since it was launched have given it a surprising amount of depth and challenge for fans to discover. Now, starting on December 18,despite Sega’s previous mandates on his appearances, Shadow will be made available inSonic Dream Teamas a playable character. He will even be sporting his trademark Chaos Control and Chaos Shift abilities to differentiate him from the other six characters already available.
Shadow’s inclusion comes with a few snags, however. He’ll only be available to play as part of the daily Tails' Challenges mode until players can fully unlock him for the other modes. Tails' Challenges is a unique mode inSonic Dream Teamwhere players can take on three challenges daily to earn experience toward a reward track, andShadow is getting his own set of rewardsthat add new music and more. The trick with this is that Tails' Challenges only allow players to do so much, and depending on how far into the track Shadow’s unlock is, players might be working toward him for a while.
IDW Publishing’s Sonic Riders Comic Arc Comes to a Close on December 18
December 18 also sees the release of IDW’sSonic the Hedgehogissue 75, which is scheduled to be a double-sized issue that closes out the current story arc. Fans who love theSonic Ridersseries who haven’t heard of the IDW comics should look into catching up, as this entire arc is themed around it - from the unique outfits to the action-filled races. Each character has a special role to play as all of their individual plot threads are coming together for a conclusion that threatens to change the course of the story going forward, so fans won’t want to miss issue 75 if they can help it.
December 19 and December 20 Bring Sonic and Shadow to the Silver Screen
It could be argued that thearrival ofSonic the Hedgehog 3in cinemasis what the entire franchise was building up to this year. The thirdSonicfilm is effectively aSonic Adventure 2adaptation, which excites plenty of fans on its own. WhileSonic 3is scheduled to hit theaters on December 20, some locations are offering showings on December 19, with AMC and Regal theaters hosting a special “Fan Event” where tickets are being offered as early as 3 PM that day. Fans who don’t have an AMC or Regal theater near them may want to check their local cinema anyway, as some still offer December 19 viewings a bit later in the day. Otherwise, they can catch the movie on December 20 as scheduled.
The Sonic Series Isn’t Stopping Anytime Soon
As exciting as the near future is forSonicfans, there’s definitely more coming in the future. How soon it will come, though, is up in the air.Sonic the Hedgehog 3seems to be teasing a reveal supposedly later this month dealing with an unknown character seen inpreviousTailsTubeshorts,Sonic Rumbleaims to launch globally sooner rather than later, and, of course, there’s at least one game that will excite fans going into 2025. Considering how much fans have gotten in the last few years, it’s safe to assume that the surprises will continue beyond next year. Those interested should sit tight and enjoy the ride until Sonic Team and Sega are ready to share more regarding the blue blur’s next adventures.
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!
