Sega is declaring 2024 the Year of Shadow, with a plethora of events and content planned in honor of the edgy anti-hero of the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise. Shadow the Hedgehog was first introduced in 2001’s Sonic Adventure 2 as an evil doppelganger of the Blue Blur who plotted to destroy the world. In later games, he would evolve into a heroic yet dark figure who assists Sonic and his friends in times of need and is still considered to be one of the most popular Sonic the Hedgehog characters.

Shadow has seen an increased presence in recent years, having had a supporting role in the Sonic Prime animated series and showing up as a suspect in last year’s free April Fool’s game, The Murder of Sonic the Hedgehog. 2024 looks to continue this momentum for Sonic’s brooding rival, as he is set to have a starring role in the upcoming Sonic the Hedgehog 3 after briefly appearing in the last film’s post-credits scene. On the games front, this fall will see the release of Sonic X Shadow Generations, a remaster of 2011’s Sonic Generations with new levels centered around Shadow.

Related

Gamer Carves Incredible Custom Case for Sonic Adventure 2: Battle Out of Wood

A gamer with a knack for wood carving creates a custom box for Sonic Adventure 2: Battle, adding a unique twist to the game’s classic cover art.

As it turns out, there is plenty more fun to be had with the Ultimate Life Form in 2024, as Sega recently announced a new year-long promotional campaign titled “Fearless: Year of Shadow.” This campaign will celebrate fans of Shadow with special events throughout 2024, while encouraging said fans to “embrace their inner Shadow” by facing life’s challenges head-on. This is best illustrated in a recent trailer for the Year of Shadow event showcasing a teen girl who pulls off an impressive bike trick after being inspired by Shadow’s courage and independence, winning over some new friends in the process.

2024 Is All About Shadow the Hedgehog

Shadow has an affinity for motorcycles in the Sonic the Hedgehog games, and the Year of Shadow will reflect this by touring a custom-built, Shadow-themed motorcycle at Motor GP, with two confirmed appearances planned in Austin, Texas this weekend and the UK in August. Special events are planned for mobile titles like Sonic Dash and Sonic Forces that will allow players to unlock special Shadow character skins like Super Shadow, Vampire Shadow, Sir Lancelot, and Dragon Hunter Lancelot. The Sonic Symphony World Tour is also returning this year with new Shadow-inspired scores and footage of some of the Ultimate Life Form’s coolest onscreen moments.

Fans will be able to enjoy meals inspired by the ever-brooding Shadow the Hedgehog at the Sonic Speed Cafe, an official Sonic the Hedgehog-themed restaurant that first opened last summer. Gamers can already order a stack of Shadow’s Chaos Chocolate Pancakes as part of the new Sonic menu at their local IHOP from now until May 5, as well as build their own adventures with the LEGO Shadow the Hedgehog Escape set. More information about the Year of Shadow will be unveiled soon, so Sonic the Hedgehog fans should stay tuned to learn how they can honor the legendary anti-hero this year.

Sonic the Hedgehog

Sonic the Hedgehog is a prolific game franchise that started life on the Sega Genesis/Mega Drive. Covering both 2D and 3D iterations through the generations, Sonic is known for speedy movements and interesting platforming mechanics.