Ever wish Sonic 2 had a little more edge? Project Shadow is a slick ROM hack that throws Shadow the Hedgehog into the mix—yeah, before he was even a thing in the official games. You still get the classic Sonic 2 zones, but now with Shadow’s chaos powers and that sweet, slightly-too-cool-for-school attitude.

First thing you’ll notice? Shadow controls like a dream—same speed as Sonic but with a smoother slide and this satisfying teleport-dash thing. Emerald Hill Zone feels weirdly fresh when you’re blasting through it as him. And yeah, Tails is still here if you want the OG experience, but let’s be real, you’re here for the edgy hedgehog.

It’s still Sonic 2 at heart, just with a little extra attitude. Perfect if you’ve played the original to death and need a new reason to run through Chemical Plant again.