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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!


Dr. Eggman, Sonic Adventure 2

Project Shadow (プロジェクトシャドウ Purojekuto Shadō?) is an event that appears in the Sonic the Hedgehog series. It was a medical and military research program conducted around fifty years ago with the aims of achieving immortality. The project produced two artificial lifeforms: a prototype, named the Biolizard, and the final product, Shadow the Hedgehog.

Project Shadow was a top-secret initiative requested by the United Federation and led by Professor Gerald Robotnik, the grandfather of Doctor Eggman, onboard the Space Colony ARK. The parties involved had different goals: the United Federation wanted weapons of war, while Gerald sought a cure for his granddaughter, Maria, who was suffering from an incurable disease. Initial attempts to harness Chaos Emerald energy resulted in the creation of the Biolizard, who soon became uncontrollable.

Gerald later sought the help of Black Doom, the leader of the alien Black Arms, which led to the birth of Shadow the Hedgehog. Doom provided a sample of his DNA to use Shadow to help the Black Arms invade Earth in the future. However, knowledge of the partnership caused the government to become wary of the project. Gerald, realizing the catastrophic potential of this alliance, created the Eclipse Cannon so Shadow could destroy the Black Arms upon their return. Despite his efforts, G.U.N. raided the ARK and killed everyone involved in the project, as well as Maria; Shadow was sealed on Prison Island shortly after.

Maria's death drove Gerald into madness. He reprogrammed Shadow to seek the Chaos Emeralds and initiate a doomsday program on the ARK that would destroy the Earth; he was executed when the government feared retaliation. Shadow was freed fifty years later by Eggman, whom he sought to manipulate into carrying out Gerald's final plan. However, he was eventually reformed by Sonic and his friends, leading to him saving the planet from destruction and later destroying the Black Arms as Gerald had originally envisioned. Shadow remains an active ally of Sonic and frequently helps him thwart Eggman's plans.

History[]

Beginnings[]

Sprite from Shadow the Hedgehog of a picture featuring Gerald Robotnik with his granddaughter, Maria. They are respectively found at the bottom right and top left.

Project Shadow was headed by Gerald Robotnik (bottom right), who wanted to find a cure for the uncurable disease his granddaughter, Maria (top left), was suffering from.[1]

Project Shadow was conceived over fifty years ago by the president of the United Federation at that time[note 1] under the premise of achieving immortality.[1] However, the true intent for the project was to use the results to develop weapons of mass destruction.[2]

The president personally requested Professor Gerald Robotnik, the most brilliant mind of his time, for assistance. Gerald initially refused, believing that they were crossing the limits that man should not tamper with and that they would use his research for war. However, he realized that he could co-opt the program in order to find a cure for Neuro-Immune Deficiency Syndrome (NIDS), an incurable and fatal disease afflicting his 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. All advanced research on the project was strictly confidential.[1]

At first, everyone but Gerald considered the project too reckless and far-fetched. Project Shadow's name stemmed from the irony that a shadow could not be created, referencing the belief that immortality was impossible[1] and working as a metaphor of "unreal things".[3] Gerald himself thought that the name sounded "villainous".[3]

Research and prototype[]

In the beginning, Gerald and his colleagues researched the Chaos Emeralds during experiments to apply Chaos Emerald energy to living beings, resulting in the creation of the Chaos Drives. When those tests proved successful, the project moved onto creating the prototype of an immortal being dubbed "the Ultimate Life Form".[1]

Texture from Sonic Adventure 2 of a Project Shadow report detailing the Biolizard. It notes that the Biolizard was awoken on 27 January and that, despite initial successes, the experiment went out of control and was moved to the ARK's Central Dome.

The twenty third report on Project Shadow, detailing the Biolizard, from Sonic Adventure 2.

Project Shadow eventually produced the "prototype of the Ultimate Life Form", dubbed the Biolizard, which was modeled after a lizard.[1] At 12:30 AM on 27 January, the Biolizard was brought to life. Initially, the experiment was successful: the creature's external engine and Chaos Control-inducing organ worked normally, and demonstrated many of the desired traits as he grew, including regeneration and self-reproduction, though he required a life support system to remain viable.[4][1] However, the researchers' joy was short-lived. The Biolizard exhibited an unexpected and exponentially fast growth rate, behaved like a primitive animal, and lacked intelligence and resistance to temperature and humidity changes. Although his tail and neck were strong, he was too weak to walk. Under Gerald's request, research on the Biolizard was relocated to the ARK's Central Dome, where the creature was to be kept under constant observation.[4][5] Eventually, the Biolizard evolved to become so unruly that the researchers had trouble controlling him, raising concerns on the project's viability and safety.[1]

Unease and completion[]

During development, Gerald made contact with Black Doom, the alien leader of the Black Arms race, during the return of the Black Comet. In exchange for the seven Chaos Emeralds being delivered to him in fifty years, Doom assisted the professor with his research, providing a sample of his blood as genetic material for the project.[6][7] Thanks to this collaboration, Gerald created a new version of the prototype but using a more desirable physique for the creature.[1] During this time, Gerald's views of the project changed after Maria saw the incomplete prototype and commented, "A shadow tells you which way to go to find the light." After hearing this, Gerald decided that instead of being a dark creature, his creation would be a champion of life and hope.[8]

In-game screenshot of a cutscene of Shadow the Hedgehog, showing Gerald and Black Doom overseeing the creation of Shadow.

Gerald and Black Doom overseeing the awakening of Shadow, the culmination of Project Shadow, from Shadow the Hedgehog.

Project Shadow was eventually completed when Gerald produced a more advanced version of the prototype of the Ultimate Life Form with Black Doom's DNA: Shadow the Hedgehog.[7][9] Gerald imparted the hedgehog with a heart and personality similar to that of Maria in the hopes that he would not become a weapon.[2] 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. He became close to those living on the ARK, especially Maria, who shared his curiosity about Earth, though he would occasionally ponder about what his true purpose was.

The upper echelon is going crazy. Perhaps, they aim to freeze Project Shadow. Soon, the ultimate life form, Shadow will be completed... The application to my granddaughter is also imminent. I cannot just let them stop my study at this point. Because I am the only one who can save my granddaughter's life.

Gerald's journal entry about the United Federation's threat to freeze Project Shadow, Sonic Battle

Private information about the project leaked to G.U.N., presumably by the internal staff who had witnessed the Biolizard going out of control.[1] Since the nature of the project also made the government uneasy following Gerald's contact with the Black Arms, they considered freezing funds for Project Shadow.[10][11] In an attempt to keep Project Shadow going, Gerald offered the Gizoid, an ancient robotic superweapon he had discovered, to the government. However, the bribe did not work and the Gizoid went on a rampage on the ARK.[11][12][13]

Shutdown[]

In-game screenshot of the Shadow the Hedgehog intro cutscene, showing several G.U.N. soldiers raiding the ARK.

GUN Soldiers invading the Space Colony ARK, from Shadow the Hedgehog.

Fearing the dangers and costs of Gerald's experiments, G.U.N. plotted to take possession of Shadow.[9][14] The top-ranking officials of G.U.N., who saw the research institution's independence as a threat, formulated the "ARK Shutdown Operation" (ARK封滅作戦 ARK fūmetsu sakusen?), falsely claiming in public that a biohazard outbreak had occurred in the ARK. This story allowed them to evacuate all residents and seal the research facilities. The true purpose was to close the ARK, destroy everything related to Project Shadow except for Gerald, and detain him as the cause of the supposed outbreak.[1][15]


In-game screenshot of a Shadow the Hedgehog cutscene, depicting an ARK escape pod, with Shadow inside it, on its way to Earth.

Shadow on his way to the Earth inside the escape pod, from Shadow the Hedgehog.

Find them [Shadow and Maria] before they escape!


— A G.U.N. soldier during the raid on the ARK, Sonic Adventure 2

Some time after the completion of Project Shadow, G.U.N. soldiers violently invaded the ARK, evacuating civilians and killing researchers. During the attack, Gerald put the finishing touches on Shadow and had Maria escape with him. As they reached the escape pods, Maria was shot by a soldier while helping Shadow escape. Mortally wounded, Maria ejected Shadow to Earth in a pod with her last strength, while Gerald ensured its safe departure.[1]

Despite the complications, the military's plan proceeded. Within a week, all ARK residents were moved back to Earth, the research facilities were frozen, and the people involved in Project Shadow (except Gerald) were declared victims of the fabricated accident. The operation was completed when the Biolizard was sealed deep inside the ARK to prevent him from falling into the wrong hands.[1][16]

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!!

Gerald's diary entry after learning of Maria's death, Sonic Adventure 2
In-game screenshot of a cutscene in Sonic Adventure 2, with an insane Gerald chained to a chair in his cell prior to his execution.

Gerald on Prison Island shortly before his execution, from Sonic Adventure 2.

With Project Shadow operations halted on the ARK, Gerald was taken to Prison Island to continue his research under military control. The military later retrieved Shadow and brought him to Prison Island for the professor to work on, but when Gerald learned of Maria's death, he was overwhelmed with grief and madness. Believed to still be working on Shadow, Gerald secretly developed a plan to crash the ARK into Earth as revenge against humanity. He even brainwashed Shadow to carry out this plan upon awakening.[16][9] Fearing retaliation, the military executed Gerald (although not before Gerald gave a speech condemning humanity for "taking everything away from [Gerald]" and hinting at his plans with the ARK), and Shadow was placed in suspended animation. All research on Project Shadow was permanently ceased.

Legacy[]

Sonic Adventure 2[]

In Sonic Adventure 2, over fifty years after the shutdown, Doctor Eggman learned of the existence of Project Shadow after discovering Gerald's diary. Intrigued, Eggman retrieved Shadow 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, the Black Arms invaded Earth and Black Doom attempted to lure an amnesiac Shadow to his bidding. However, Shadow learned the truth of his past, defeated Black Doom and destroyed the Black Comet using the Eclipse Cannon as Gerald had originally intended, thus thwarting the alien invasion.

In other media[]

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, G.U.N. shut it down, fearing it was too dangerous.

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.

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[]

Jakks Bendable GoSega Shadow

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

Notes[]

  1. 1.0 1.1 The United Federation president at the time preceded the current one by thirteen administrations.

References[]

  1. 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 Famitsu (29 October 2001). "Epilogue" (in Japanese). Sonic Adventure 2 Perfect Guide. p. 214. ISBN 978-4757706255.
  2. 2.0 2.1 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."
  3. 3.0 3.1 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.
  4. 4.0 4.1 Sonic Team USA (23 June 2001). Sonic Adventure 2. Dreamcast. Sega. Cutscene: Cutscene 27. "The 23rd "Project Shadows" report - Current status: 12:30 A.M. on January 27th, we initiated the experiment to start [Project] Shadow's first prototype. The experiment was successful. The life form's eternal engine and the organ to start the Chaos control were 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."
  5. 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."
  6. 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."
  7. 7.0 7.1 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... [...] 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..."
  8. Gerald Robotnik's Journal entry #620.
  9. 9.0 9.1 9.2 Prima Development (20 June 2001). "The Beginning". Sonic Adventure 2: Prima's Official Strategy Guide. Prima Games. p. 2. ISBN 978-0761536147.
  10. 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...]"
  11. 11.0 11.1 Sonic Team (27 February 2004). Sonic Battle. Game Boy Advance. Sega. Area/level: Prof. Gerald's Journal 4.
  12. Sonic Team (27 February 2004). Sonic Battle. Game Boy Advance. Sega. Area/level: Prof. Gerald's Journal 5.
  13. Sonic Team (27 February 2004). Sonic Battle. Game Boy Advance. Sega. Area/level: Prof. Gerald's Journal 6.
  14. 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!"
  15. 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."
  16. 16.0 16.1 Sonic Team USA (23 June 2001). Sonic Adventure 2. Dreamcast. Sega. Area/level: Last Story. "Rouge/Gerald: 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..."


Main article · Scripts (Hero, Dark, Last) · Staff · Manuals · Glitches · Beta elements · Gallery · Pre-releases (The Trial, Preview, TRIAL Version) · Re-releases (Battle, 2012)

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