Summary
Sega has revealed a Fall release for theSonic X Shadow Generationsprologue animation,Dark Beginnings, along with a brief preview of the short itself, which features the return of an unexpected character: the Gizoid. The upcomingSonic X Shadow Generationsis highly anticipated by theSonicfanbase, as it features the return of Shadow the Hedgehog as a playable character.
To get fans hyped up about the upcoming game, Sega announced earlier this year thatSonic X Shadow Generationswould be getting an animated prequeltitledDark Beginningsfrom Studio Giggex, who helped animateRise of the TMNT.The animation is written by series writer Ian Flynn, and will be included as a pre-order bonus for PlayStation owners of the game. A panel at Anime Expo was dedicated to this game not only revealed a release window for the animation, but also a brief preview, which featured the return of an unexpected character fromSonic’s history: Emerl the Gizoid.
During the panel, Sega reveals thatDark Beginningswill be released in the Fall, ahead ofSonic X Shadow Generations' release, in three episodes. However, fans got a minute and a half preview of the animation, which showed Shadow and Maria talking to each other, highlightingStephanie Sheh’s take on Maria Robotnik. However, the duo are then interrupted by an explosion, caused by a robot, who then goes off to attack Professor Gerald Robotnik. This leads to a quick confrontation between them and Shadow.
Sonic X Shadow Generations: Dark Beginning Preview
Who is Emerl/the Gizoid?
LongtimeSonicfans were floored when the animation revealed that the Gizoid would be inDark Beginnings, as the character hasn’t made an appearance inSonicmedia ever since his first and only appearance in theSonicspin-off game,Sonic Battle.The Gizoid was a weapon that was awakened by Eggman, and was later named Emerl by Sonic and friends. Due to events beyond Emerl’s control, he had to be defeated, and the character hasn’t appeared since, outside of being rebuilt as Gemerl, who has had a lot more appearances in recent media, like the IDW Comics series.
Many fans were glad to see Emerl, asSonic Battleestablished that the Gizoid was found by Professor Gerald, Shadow’s creator. As such, this animation seems like it will be welding the continuity together by showing how Shadow and Emerl first clashed, way before the events ofSonic Battle. Some fans have theorized that due to Emerl’s integral role in this short, he might beShadow Generations' fourth playable character.
Sonic X Shadow Generations
WHERE TO PLAY
THE RETURN OF SHADOWIn this new standalone campaign, Shadow’s nemesis, Black Doom, has reemerged and threatens to take over the world once again. Shadow must journey into his past, confront his painful memories, and unlock new dark powers to save the world.
SHADOW EVOLVEDHarness Shadow’s new Doom Powers to battle hordes of enemies and tackle platforming challenges like never before. Surf on water, fly over obstacles, and stop time with the return of Chaos Control!A JOURNEY THROUGH TIME AND DIMENSIONSExperience the ultimate showdown between Shadow and Black Doom in a new boss battle that will test your skills and reflexes. Use all of Shadow’s abilities to defeat Black Doom and save the world!EXPLORE THE NEW WHITE SPACEStretch your legs in an all-new hub world inspired by the open-zone gameplay of Sonic Frontiers. As Shadow gains new powers, he can explore further and uncover the secrets hidden throughout!
