- For other uses, see Project Shadow (disambiguation).
Project Shadow (プロジェクトシャドウ Purojekuto Shadō?), also known as Project Shadows,[1] is an event that appears in the Sonic the Hedgehog series. It was a medical and military research program conducted by the United Federation around fifty years ago with the aims of achieving immortality and creating a military weapon.
The results of Project Shadow produced two creatures endowed with immortality: the prototype, named the Biolizard, and the final product, Shadow the Hedgehog. However, the project was shut down by the military when it was deemed too dangerous, which indirectly resulted in the deaths of Gerald and Maria Robotnik. The project's legacy formed the basis for the events in the Space Colony ARK incident and the Black Arms incident a few decades later.
History[]
Beginnings[]
Project Shadow was conceived over fifty years before the Black Arms' arrival on earth by the President of the United Federation at that time (thirteen presidents before the current one) under the premise of achieving "mankind's ultimate eternal dream: researching for immortality."[2] However, the true intent for the project was to use the results to develop weapons of mass destruction.[3]
The President personally requested Professor Gerald Robotnik, the most brilliant mind of his time, for assistance. Initially, Gerald refused, believing that they were crossing the limits that man should not tamper with and that they would use his research for war. But then he realized that he could co-opt the program in order to find a cure for Neuro-Immune Deficiency Syndrome, an incurable and fatal disease afflicting his beloved granddaughter, Maria. As such, Gerald eventually accepted the request and agreed to lead the project on the Space Colony ARK, an orbiting facility isolated from earth. There, all advanced research on the project was strictly confidential.[2]
The name "Shadow" in particular was coined for the project due to the irony that a shadow could not be created, referencing the belief that immortality was impossible[2] and working as a metaphor of "unreal things".[4] However, Gerald himself thought that the name sounded "villainous".[4]
Research and prototype[]
At first, everyone thought that Project Shadow was far too reckless and far-fetched to have ever been fabricated by Gerald's gifted mind. In the beginning, the professor and his colleges researched the Chaos Emeralds, resulting in the creation of the Chaos Drives, during tests to apply Chaos Emerald energy to living beings. When those tests proved successful, the project moved onto creating the prototype of an immortal being dubbed "The Ultimate Lifeform."[2]
During development, Gerald needed help with his work and as such made contact with Black Doom, the alien leader of the Black Arms race, during the fifty-year return of the Black Comet. In exchange for the seven Chaos Emeralds being delivered to him in fifty years, the alien assisted the professor with his research, going so far as to provide genetic material for the project in the form of his own blood.[5][6]
The twenty third report on Project Shadow, detailing the Biolizard, from Sonic Adventure 2.
The project eventually produced the "Prototype of the Ultimate Lifeform", dubbed the Biolizard, which was modeled after a lizard.[2] At 12:30am on 27 January, the Biolizard was brought to life, his external engine and Chaos Control-inducing organ working normally.[1] The Biolizard demonstrated many of the desired traits as he grew, including regeneration and self-reproduction, though he required a Life Support System fueled by Chaos Drives to remain viable. While the researchers were overjoyed over the Biolizard's evolution, their joy proved brief.[2] In addition to having an unexpected and exponentially fast growth rate, the Biolizard was like a primitive animal. He also lacked the strength to walk, although his tail and neck were strong. As such, he was kept under constant observation.[7] Eventually, the Biolizard evolved to become so unruly that the researchers had trouble controlling him.[2]
Over time, the development of the ultimate lifeform continued and shifted. Using the DNA of Black Doom,[6] Gerald created a new version of the prototype but using a more desirable physique for the creature.[2]
Unease and completion[]
Because of the Biolizard's violent nature, doubts about Project Shadow began internally from the researchers, who began questioning the duration, significance and safety of the research. Eventually, private information about the project leaked to GUN, presumably by the internal staff who had witnessed the prototype going out of control.[2] Since the nature of the project also made the government uneasy following Gerald's contact with the Black Arms, they considered freezing Project Shadow.[8][9] In an attempt to keep Project Shadow going, Gerald offered the Gizoid, an ancient robotic superweapon he had discovered, to the government as a bribe. Unfortunately, the bribe did not work and the Gizoid went on a rampage on the ARK.[9][10][11]
Gerald and Black Doom overseeing the awakening of Shadow, the culmination of Project Shadow, from Shadow the Hedgehog.
Project Shadow was eventually completed after years of research when Gerald produced a more advanced version of the prototype of the Ultimate Lifeform with Black Doom's DNA: Shadow the Hedgehog.[6][12] Gerald imparted the hedgehog with a heart and personality similar to that of Maria in the hopes that he would not become a weapon.[3] In addition to possessing immortality, Shadow did not need machinery to live, could complete tasks alone, and possessed both high intelligence and his own identity. The hedgehog himself became close to those living on the ARK, especially Maria, who shared his curiosity of earth, though he would occasionally ponder about what his true purpose was.
Shutdown[]
GUN Soldiers invading the Space Colony ARK, from Shadow the Hedgehog.
Fearful of how dangerous and costly Gerald's experiments were, the military plotted to take possession of Shadow.[12][13] The top-ranking officials of GUN, who saw the research institution's uniqueness as hostile, arrived at the decision to set a plan to close the ARK itself. To this, they formulated the "ARK Seal Destruction Operation" (ＡＲＫ封滅作戦 ARK fūmetsu sakusen?) that took advantage of its current situation. Making up a public story that a biohazard had occurred within the ARK research institution for ostensible purposes, all of the colony's residents were to be evacuated while the research facilities were sealed. The plan's true purpose, however, was to close down the ARK's research facility, destroy everyone and everything (except Gerald) related to Project Shadow, and detain Gerald as the cause of the accident.[2][14]
Sometime after the completion of Project Shadow, the ARK was violently invaded by GUN Soldiers, evacuating civilians and killing researchers. During the attack, Gerald put his finishing touches on Shadow. As GUN's Special Forces rushed the ARK's laboratory, Gerald had Maria escape with Shadow.[2] In the ensuing chase, Maria and Shadow got to the escape pods, but Maria was shot by a soldier when helping Shadow escape. Mortally wounded, Maria ejected Shadow to earth in an escape pod with her last strength. Meanwhile, Gerald made sure the escape pod was ejected safely toward earth.[2]
Shadow on his way to the earth inside the capsule, from Shadow the Hedgehog.
Despite the complications, the military's plan went along. Within a week, the residents of the ARK had all been moved back to earth, the ARK's research facilities had been frozen, and the people involved in Project Shadow, except for Gerald, were announced as victims of the accident told to the public. The plan was completed when the Biolizard was sealed away onboard the ARK after finding him in the deepest part of the space station.[2] The ARK was then sealed off, probably to prevent the Biolizard from falling into the wrong hands.[14]
Aftermath[]
With the operations about Project Shadow ceased on the ARK, Gerald was taken to Prison Island to continue his research under military control.[12] The military later retrieved Shadow and brought him to Prison Island for Gerald to continue his work,[12] but when Gerald learned that Maria had been killed, he went mad with grief. While it was thought that he was continuing his research with Shadow,[12] Gerald secretly created a program that would cause the ARK to fall to earth and destroy it as his revenge at humanity, going as far as to brainwash Shadow to make him carry out his revenge when he awoke.[14] When the military began to fear how Gerald might retaliate, however, they incarcerated him on Prison Island. Knowing only the danger of Project Shadow, the military sealed the island and abandoned the professor's research.[12] Gerald was subsequently executed while Shadow was placed in suspended animation on Prison Island.
Legacy[]
Sonic Adventure 2[]
In Sonic Adventure 2, over fifty years after the shutdown, Dr. Eggman learned of the existence of Project Shadow after discovering the diary of his grandfather, Professor Gerald.[12] Reading of a "top-secret military weapon" that was shut down by the military because they feared it, Eggman retrieved the weapon, Shadow the Hedgehog, from Prison Island to use him for world domination. This set in motion a chain of events that initiated Gerald's doomsday program, but Shadow overcame Gerald's brainwashing and saved the earth, as per Maria's last wish.
Shadow the Hedgehog[]
In Shadow the Hedgehog, it is revealed that Black Doom had his own, non-humanitarian agenda in contributing to Project Shadow: his goal was to produce an agent who would gather the Chaos Emeralds for him fifty years later so he could invade earth and enslave the human population at this planned time. Ironically, Black Doom was the only one who got what he wanted from Project Shadow, only for it to backfire on him spectacularly: while Shadow did collect the Chaos Emeralds as Black Doom wanted, Shadow learned the truth of his past and instead of using them for Black Doom, he used them to become Super Shadow to defeat Black Doom and destroy the Black Comet using the Eclipse Cannon, thus thwarting his invasion.
In other media[]
Animation[]
Sonic X[]
In the Sonic X anime series, Project Shadow was a medical research program directed by Gerald Robotnik for the purpose of creating the ultimate creature. This led to the creation of the Bio Lizard and Shadow the Hedgehog. However, though the project was a success, the military shut it down, fearing it was too dangerous.
Books and comics[]
Archie Comics[]
In the Sonic the Hedgehog comic series and its spin-offs published by Archie Comics, Project Shadow was carried out by Professor Gerald Robotnik onboard the Space Colony ARK for the purpose of creating an immortal lifeform. It was also part of Gerald's own research into a cure for Neuro-Immuno Deficiency Syndrome, which his granddaughter, Maria Robotnik, had contracted. The project gave birth to the Biolizard and Shadow the Hedgehog. Upon learning of Shadow's birth however, G.U.N. decided to use him as a weapon. They subsequently captured Gerald and Shadow, and Gerald was forced to continue on the project under military control. However, the project was discontinued when G.U.N. began to fear Gerald's retaliation.
After the Super Genesis Wave re-wrote reality, Project Shadow became largely identical to its game counterpart.
Film[]
Paramount[]
In the Sonic the Hedgehog film series produced by Paramount Pictures and its spin-offs, Project Shadow was a secret government project sealed over fifty years before the events of the series. It led to the creation of Shadow the Hedgehog.
Merchandise[]
Shadow bendable figure with a Project Shadow soccer ball, by Jakks Pacific.
In 2013, Insert Coin made a Project Shadow-themed hoodie. In 2020, Jakks Pacific released a sports-themed line of bendable action figures, including a Shadow figure with a soccer ball accessory with the Project Shadow logo on it.
Gallery[]
| Gallery |
|---|
 Sonic Adventure 2 wallpaper  The logo appears on Shadow's Race Outfit in Sonic Adventure 2: Battle  Hoodie by Insert Coin |
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Sonic Team USA (23 June 2001). Sonic Adventure 2. Dreamcast. Sega. Cutscene: Cutscene 27. "The 23rd "Project Shadows" report - Current status: 12:30A.M. on January 27th, we initiated the experiment to start Shadow's first prototype. The experiment was successful. The life form's external engine and the organ to start the Chaos control are working normally. However, the measurements of the experiment was higher than we expected, we will continue this experiment at the Central Dome from now on."
- ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 2.11 2.12 "５０年前の真実" (in Japanese). ソニックアドベンチャー2パーフェクトガイド. Enterbrain. 10 October 2001. ISBN 978-4757706255.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Sonic Team (27 February 2004). Sonic Battle. Game Boy Advance. Sega. Area/level: Gimme Shelter (Shadow's Episode). "Rouge: He was not interested in researching weapons. He was researching a way to bring happiness and hope to all people. But, he was forced by the government and by the military to use his research for war. That's why he gave you and Gizoid a 'soul.' A soul identical to his beloved granddaughter, Maria."
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Sega (29 July 2016). Act:006 影の来し方. Sonic Channel. Archived from the original on 8 May 2022. Retrieved on 29 May 2022.
- ↑ Sega Studio USA (18 November 2005). Shadow the Hedgehog. PlayStation 2. Sega. Area/level: The Last Way. "Black Doom: The professor was in development of the ultimate life force but he needed my help. So we made a deal... I helped him and he promised to deliver me the SEVEN Chaos Emeralds."
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 Sega Studio USA (18 November 2005). Shadow the Hedgehog. PlayStation 2. Sega. Area/level: The Last Way. "Black Doom: Such bravado for a little hedgehog! I thought you were different from the rest... but maybe not. We are more alike than you think... the same blood runs through our veins. / Shadow: This can't be... Uugghh... Just... who are YOU? / Black Doom: Don't you know? You were created from my blood... / Shadow: Wha...what!? / Black Doom: That's right... You are a part of me... do you feel that? I can control you... You can cannot escape me... nor can you escape your past! Hahahahaha... / [...] / Black Doom: Gerald.. you fool! Shadow is already in my control..."
- ↑ Sonic Team USA (23 June 2001). Sonic Adventure 2. Dreamcast. Sega. Cutscene: Cutscene 27. "The 23rd "Project Shadows" report - Note: Pr. Gerald pointed out that the growth speed of the first prototype is getting faster. The current body length is 2.7m, and the current weight is 350kg. It's growing so fast in the last couple of days at an exponential level. Professor has requested that the control part of the life form's vital organs needs to be reinforced. We need to keep an eye on the prototype because the prototype is not strong enough to walk by itself, but it has a strong neck and a tail. The prototype is sensitive to the temperature and humidity changes, and its intelligence and learning ability level is still low. At this point, the prototype is still more like an animal."
- ↑ Sega Studio USA (18 November 2005). Shadow the Hedgehog. PlayStation 2. Sega. Area/level: The Last Way. "Gerald: この研究所は政府の手によって封鎖されるであろう... 研究資料はもちろん、ワシや研究所の仲間達も、幽閉されてしまうやもしれん。ワシが犯してしまった過ちによって...、あの彗星と悪魔と、接触してしまったばっかりに... [This research establishment may have its funds frozen by the hands of the government... The research materials, as well as my colleagues in the research establishment, will most likely get incarcerated... Due to the mistake that I have committed... Just for contacting that comet and the devil...]"
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 Sonic Team (27 February 2004). Sonic Battle. Game Boy Advance. Sega. Area/level: Prof. Gerald's Journal 4.
- ↑ Sonic Team (27 February 2004). Sonic Battle. Game Boy Advance. Sega. Area/level: Prof. Gerald's Journal 5.
- ↑ Sonic Team (27 February 2004). Sonic Battle. Game Boy Advance. Sega. Area/level: Prof. Gerald's Journal 6.
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 12.4 12.5 12.6 Prima Development (20 June 2001). "The Beginning". Sonic Adventure 2: Prima's Official Strategy Guide. Prima Games. p. 2. ISBN 978-0761536147.
- ↑ Sonic Team USA (23 June 2001). Sonic Adventure 2. Dreamcast. Sega. Area/level: Iron Gate. "Eggman: Hahahahaha!! That was all too easy. Now, let's take a look at what my grandfather was working on... a top-secret military weapon! The military shut down the research because they feared it!"
- ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 Sonic Team USA (23 June 2001). Sonic Adventure 2. Dreamcast. Sega. Area/level: Last Story. "Rouge/Gerald: I don't quite know what happened, or what went wrong. Was it a mistake to create the Ultimate Life Form? I thought it would be something that would benefit mankind... But then the military guards landed on the Colony that day. They were sent to destroy the research project that I had been working on. My colleagues at the research facility, my granddaughter Maria, I hope you are all safe. The colony was completely shut down, probably to prevent the prototype from falling into the wrong hands. The ARK was shut down under the premise that there had been an accident. I found Maria's name among those who died when the ARK was shut down. She meant everything to me! And I couldn't bear the thought that she died because of my research. I lost everything! I had nothing more to live for! I went insane!! All I could think about, was to avenge her! Somehow, someway, I got scared as I no longer was able to control my thoughts. All I could think about, was that I wanted it all to end. Based on my original projections, I was able to complete my project; Shadow. I designed its mind to be perfect, pure... I will leave everything, to him. If you wish, release and awaken it, to the world. If you wish to fill the world with destruction..."
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