Sonic’s Most Controversial Moments: Tails Jealousy, Shadow’s Dark Intro, and More

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Summary

  • Tails is uncharacteristically jealous of Eggman, straining his relationship with Sonic in Lost World.
  • Shadow’s unexpected dark introduction in Rise of Lyric didn’t resonate well with many fans.
  • Tails’ lack of courage when encountering Chaos in Sonic Forces received mixed reviews from players.

In most Sonic games, the story often plays second fiddle to the gameplay, but this doesn’t mean that the stories are unimportant. Over time, the Sonic franchise has built up a rich and intricate lore filled with significant characters and events. While it’s exciting when Sonic Team explores new narrative paths, there have certainly been instances across the series where fans found themselves puzzled.

Controversial instances in games don’t automatically equate to being negative; instead, they often evoke a wide range of opinions due to their peculiar, disconcerting, or unexpected nature. Unsurprisingly, these intriguing parts of the Sonic series have sparked countless discussions and debates among players online. Let’s delve deeper into them to understand what elements make them so polarizing.

This list contains spoilers!

7. Tails Being Jealous Of Eggman

Tails Starts Getting Unusually Irritated At Sonic During A Crucial Moment In Lost World’s Story

In the latter stages of the tale of Sonic Lost World, Sonic, the Blue Comet, comes to understand that the only means of preventing the Deadly Six from destroying the planet using Eggman’s device is by joining forces with the villain himself. This, because he’s the only one who can halt its operation. Suddenly, Tails begins to reproach Sonic for his choice, suggesting that it appears Sonic lacks confidence in Tails’ mechanical abilities and is instead relying heavily on Eggman.

It’s understandable that a bit of conflict between Sonic and Tails can add depth to their bond, but it feels unusual for Tails not to pick up on the fact that Sonic isn’t abandoning or ignoring him. Consequently, this scene is often either overlooked by viewers or remains disliked by many over time.

6. Shadow’s Introduction In Rise Of Lyric

Sonic Boom: Rise Of Lyric’s Depiction Of Shadow Was Quite Different From What Fans Are Used To

In the “Sonic Boom” games, the characters deviate somewhat from their usual portrayal, but when Shadow appears for the first time to challenge Sonic in “Rise of Lyric,” he comes across as a completely different kind of hedgehog. Upon his introduction, Shadow criticizes Sonic and his companions as weak, then launches into a harsh speech about the futility of creating connections and relationships.

Given that Shadow is typically known for being quiet and not very volatile with his words in the series, his initial portrayal in the game as more verbose and emotional was unexpected and initially met with some skepticism upon release. However, over time, many fans have come to appreciate this unique depiction of Shadow, even though it may not appeal to everyone.

5. Tails Cowers In Fear From Chaos

Despite Already Facing Chaos Previously, Tails Lacks The Courage To Take Him On Again

Despite not initially demonstrating the same level of bravery or self-assurance as Sonic, particularly in combat situations, Tails has undeniably progressed significantly from his early appearances in the series. His main character development revolves around proving himself to Sonic and becoming a more dependable ally instead of a potential hindrance. This particular scene in Sonic Forces, however, stirred up a lot of dissatisfaction among fans.

During the process of fixing a malfunctioning Omega, Tails is unexpectedly approached by Chaos. Instead of attempting to defend himself or resist, he becomes frightened and shouts for Sonic’s aid. This reaction felt unusual to some players given that in “Sonic Adventure,” Tails faced a Chaos much larger than the current one, but not everyone found it problematic.

4. Shadow Holding A Gun

SEGA Certainly Wasn’t Trying To Hide The Dark And Gritty Aesthetic Of Shadow’s Standalone Game

The single-player game of Shadow the Hedgehog deviates noticeably from other games in the series, mainly due to the integration of firearms. Although the Sonic franchise occasionally touches on darker elements, it’s generally recognized as a series suitable for gamers of all ages. Consequently, when Shadow appears brandishing a gun in the opening cinematic of Shadow the Hedgehog, this was a highly contentious scene at the time, due to its departure from the franchise’s usual tone.

There was much discussion about whether taking a gritty and moody approach was the right move for the game. Some felt it fit well with Shadow’s style and reflected the third-person shooter trend in gaming at the time, while others found it too extreme and lacking in sensitivity. Nowadays, people often find the depiction of Shadow using a gun as an amusing footnote in the series, but it remains a point of contention among fans.

3. Sonic Being Killed

Sonic Takes A Strike Right Through The Chest, Killing The Protagonist

2006’s version of Sonic the Hedgehog is not generally viewed with great affection by series enthusiasts due to its somewhat awkward gameplay mechanics. However, it does offer an ambitious narrative that features a host of captivating characters, such as Mephiles, who serves as the main villain. Though Mephiles initially seems menacing simply based on his eerie visage, few anticipated that he would take Sonic’s life with a solitary attack.

For quite some time, the instance where Sonic appears to perish has sparked much debate among fans. On one side, this dramatic turn raised the game’s tension and brought a more somber tone to the narrative. However, others argue that killing off Sonic was a tad too extreme for a franchise that is fundamentally about enjoyment and positivity.

2. Black Doom Being Involved In Shadow’s Backstory

Black Doom Is Inserted Into Shadow’s Backstory Seemingly Out Of Nowhere

Initially appearing in “Sonic Adventure 2”, Shadow’s character was gradually fleshed out, revealing his status as the ultimate life form and explaining his origins by the story’s end. Players grew to know him better and understand his purpose. The idea that Shadow survived a lunar fall was generally accepted due to popular demand for his return. However, it was the alterations to his backstory in his solo game that sparked debate among fans.

In a sequence depicting events on the ARK, it’s disclosed that Shadow originated with some DNA from Black Doom, a wicked alien dictator commanding the Black Arms army. Critics argue this addition was uncalled-for and ventured too far for the sake of appearing edgy and fashionable. However, many enthusiasts have grown to admire this narrative development, particularly in “Sonic X Shadow Generations”, where Shadow’s extraterrestrial abilities are employed within the gameplay.

1. Sonic Being Kissed By Elise

An Infamous Moment That Entered The Uncanny Valley

It’s generally agreed that one of the most contentious scenes in the series, often pointed out as the catalyst for Sonic’s “meme” phase, is the kiss between Sonic and Princess Elise towards the end of Sonic 06. Throughout the story, their relationship develops nicely as Sonic encourages her to appreciate the world’s wonders and relieve herself from stressful duties, even if fleetingly. However, the situation becomes odd after an unexpected death of Sonic.

It’s revealed that the only method to revive Sonic the hedgehog, enabling him to thwart Solaris, is through Elise bestowing a kiss on him. This act, strangely enough, proves effective. What adds to the peculiarity of this scene is that Elise chooses to kiss a lifeless body, as Sonic hadn’t regained consciousness yet. Though some found this iconic moment intriguing, many considered it an odd and extraneous addition to the game’s plotline due to its unconventional nature.

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2025-03-30 09:34