I imagine they do have a timer, I just think the ring based one is a game mechanic.
As for the question about Shadow’s character, I think what they did in Shadow Gens is good but, please move away from the past. It should be laid to rest.
I agree whole-heartedly. I'm tired of his past continuously getting brought up. I want to see his present and future and what he can bring to the table in terms of story. What new challenges he can overcome. Not old potholes he keeps bumping into. I like Shadow Generations, but his past is a tired cliche at this point. Involving Maria, using stuff from the tragedy on the ARK, Gerald, etc. I do like the concept of the Black Arms and I feel like they COULD be ironed out more perhaps, but nothing that deeply involves his past all too much so it doesn't become a trend. Something new would be better.
They've brought back the core of Shadow's character. He's at a good baseline
Now they just need to stop making him a wet blanket. The "mostly prickly but ultimately cares" bit is tired. (I'm saying this in relation to how he's generally been portrayed in the twitter takeovers)
It's been long enough that, in an ideal world, he would've significantly softened up by now
My ideal developed Shadow is one who is still quiet and retains that air of reclusive mysteriousness, but is far more sociable than he was throughout the modern era, has wholesome slight smiles (can't have too many of those for the resident stoic), and has become vaguely closer in personality to Sonic. To me, Shadow is Sonic's greatest rival not just because he remains his equal to this day, but because they are ultimately the most similar, standing on two sides of the same coin even back then, and eventually becoming more closely aligned. I like to think that Sonic's way of life ultimately influenced Shadow to loosen up more, while Shadow inspired Sonic to become more steadfast and dutiful
In terms of characterization, it feels like the lingering effects of the Pontac era that still plague Shadow characterization to this day. It's a good baseline, but his baseline feels like it's been shifted drastically from his inception. Which is expected I suppose, but still a far cry from what he was. Adventure Era (nix Shadow 05 and Battle) was nothing like how he's portrayed now. Shadow, despite having a tragic past, had a fun-loving side to him that was paired with his serious and competitive nature. He'll make goofy one-liners, smile, and socialize. SA2 Shadow shows this, in spite of his quest. Same for Sonic Heroes Shadow.
Then you have 06 Shadow, which is a perfect example of how to characterize him in a way that takes all of what he went through into account. It's a perfect mix of edge, yet depth. Despite that, 06 Shadow never feels too edgy or ridiculous. Shadow becomes more complete and affirmed in his goals going forward, establishes his connection to his
friends and doesn't try to hide that fact from anyone, seems like the most mature person in the room who is always trying to get the job done for the world, yet still retains the competitive energy and confidence from before without looking like he's constantly having a Super Vegeta (TM) moment.
Back in those days, he was never completely annoyed or loathed Sonic, he actually found him to be a great rival and often had fun competing against him. It was kind of like a sibling rivalry that established them as true equals in their fields while going about things their own way. Honestly, I see Shadow as having a more "kuudere" archetype in terms of outward expression. Stoic, calm, but honest and CAN express emotions rather easily when he wants to. Not this angry tsundere that Shadow is these days. I enjoyed how Shadow in 06 was super calm and often held control in chaos (badum-tss) and being more low-energy to Sonic's high chaotic energy. It's a cool yin-yang that I enjoy.
I also enjoyed how back in those days, he wasn't really defined by his rivalry with Sonic, either. He had his own separate goals and things to do than worrying about the next "victory over Sonic" he'll have. Bro was
LITERALLY in his lane. I also felt a mutual trust in Sonic that Shadow had that while they go about stuff differently, their goals ultimately come to align. I don't believe in this "antihero Shadow" rhetoric. I firmly believe Shadow is a true hero through and through that realistically wouldn't get in Sonic's way if Sonic is trying to actually save the world or anything as it's made abundantly clear that Sonic is a naturally good-aligned character. Only time I see him getting in Sonic's way is if he was going to do something rash and without thought. The duality of Sonic and Shadow is that Sonic is a do-er while Shadow is a thinker. So I think that conflict could be cool, but shouldn't cause a form of divide but more establish their way of carrying out tasks as well as checking one another when necessary.
Sorry if this is a long read, I just feel very passionately about Shadow. He's the most depthful character in the series who's permanently affected the franchise, yet gets mistreated, mischaracterized, and misunderstood constantly and it's sad to see. He's a character who has insane potential be a great character and the tools are there, the team just needs to pick them up and utilize them properly.
