Sonic X Shadow Generations Includes A Deep Cut Reference To Shadow's Original Design

Summary

• Sonic x Shadows Generations features a surprising deep-cut for one of the original concept designs for Shadow.
• The skin, called Terios, is part of the Digital Deluxe version of the game and is based on concept art for Sonic Adventure 2.
• Shadow's history isn't something that a lot of fans are aware of, making it a nice surprise to see front and centre.

Sonic x Shadows Generations' pre-order bonus is a skin named "Terios", which is a deep-cut reference to the original design for Shadow the Hedgehog.

Yesterday's Summer Game Fest showcase might have generally been considered a letdown by most gamers, but there were a few memorable moments, like Sparking Zero finally getting a release date and a new Power Rangers game getting announced. One of my favourite trailers was the one for Sonic x Shadows Generations, which gave us our best look yet at Shadow's campaign alongside some incredible music.

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Although we didn't get to see too much new footage, the trailer ended by confirming the game's release date and revealing a surprising amount of pre-order and deluxe edition bonuses, including an Adventure 2 skin for Sonic and excerpts from Gerald Robotnik's journal. The digital deluxe version of the game also comes with a skin for Shadow that is a deep-cut reference for fans.

Shadow's Terios Skin Is A Reference To His Past

As reported by Twitter user HistorySonic, the "Terios" skin for Shadow that's included with the digital deluxe version of the game is actually a reference to one of the original concept designs for the character. Before Shadow had his iconic black and red design that we all know and love, he originally looked a lot different, with a big scar running down his face, strange rings over his hands, and a surprisingly buff build.

Of course, some of these elements did end up making it into Shadow's final design, such as the red eyes, bracelets, and shoes, but it's still a very different look for the character. Sonic x Shadows Generations is paying tribute to Shadow's past by making one of those designs a skin in the game and giving it the name "Terios".

The concept images for Shadow were shared at Sonic's 25th-anniversary party, which was hosted in Joyopolis.

For those that don't know, Terios was the name that was given to Shadow during development, so it makes sense that the skin is also being called that, especially since a lot of fans are unaware of that fact. I certainly wasn't until I saw all of the surprised reactions that couldn't believe Sega would have such a deep-cut in Sonic x Shadow Generations. I guess it's not just Sonic getting classic skins anymore.

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