Quite possibly the greatest of the 'hogs 3D days, SA2 had everything, good story, levels, even references to the 2D era (Eggrobo, Metal Sonic), new characters (well, that idea is losing it's warmth with every game), and a not-so-sugary sweet ending. Until now....this game had Shadow's 1st appearance, and he was central to the plot from start to finish, when he fell into oblivion at the end, and was even the last image of the ending, posing in space as a tribute. BUT NOW....this one-shot has apparently survived, and has his backstory destroyed (Black Doom? tsk...), along with the sinister presence he first gave in SA2. Now he's just a silly cliche that has lost his charm from that very game , with his own weapons and vehicles bringing his so-called "Ultimate Life-Form" rep into question and has to always figure out something he has done in the past as a constant plotline, clearly stretching his SA2 plot to a well worn out jumper that not even the worst of Christmas sweaters could love. Sorry Shadow fans, if you dislike this then don't waste your time on this picture.