Shadow is an artificial created life form in the design of a male, anthropomorphic hedgehog. He resembles Sonic in many ways, such as how his hover skates propel him at extreme speeds to rival those of Sonic; but he distinguishes himself with greater use of his signature ability to use Chaos Control with Chaos Emeralds. He is Sonic's rival and is the anti thesis of Sonic himself in all aspects of Shadow's life. The rings on his hands are inhibitors sealing his true power.