Summary
Stephanie Sheh has been revealed as the new voice actor for Maria Robotnik in the upcomingSonic X Shadow Generations. Back in January, Sega announced that the 2011 anniversary titleSonic Generationswould get a next-gen remaster, but with the added twist of new levels centered around Shadow the Hedgehog. Sonic’s edgy rival only had a supporting role in the original game, butSonic X Shadow Generationswill revisit his appearances in past titles, as well as his surprisingly dark and tragic backstory.
A crucial component of that backstory is Maria Robotnik, the young, terminally ill granddaughter of the late Professor Gerald Robotnik. Maria lived with Shadow and her grandfather aboard the Space Colony ARK until she was tragically killed in a raid by G.U.N forces fifty years before the events ofSonic Adventure 2. Maria’s death served as theprimary motivation for Shadowto annihilate all of humanity, and it was remembering her final wish to protect the planet that eventually drove him toward redemption. Maria would later appear in the 2005 spin-offShadow the Hedgehogas a supporting character, providing the Hero missions for two flashback levels set aboard the ARK.
In her previous video game appearances, Maria Robotnik was voiced by Moriah Angeline and Rebecca Honig, and now a third actress is taking over the role inSonic X Shadow Generations. As revealed in an announcement for the upcoming Sega panel at Anime Expo 2024, Stephanie Sheh will voice Maria intheSonic X Shadow Generationsprequel short, and she will be present at the panel to answer questions alongside Kirk Thornton - the voice of Shadow in games and tie-in media sinceSonic Free Ridersin 2010.
Stephanie Sheh Will Voice Maria Robotnik in Sonic X Shadow Generations
Sonic the Hedgehogfans might already recognize Stephanie Sheh as the voice of Zeena of the Deadly Six, an evil band of Zeti that Sonic and his friends battled inSonic Lost World. Her other notable gaming roles include Mona and Katin numerousWarioWaregames, Rebecca Chambers inResident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles, and Kyrie inDevil May Cry 4. Outside of gaming, she is known for playing Usagi Tsukino/Sailor Moon in the more recentSailor Moondub, Katana inDC Super Hero Girls, and Suzi Q inJoJo’s Bizarre Adventure,among other roles.
It will be interesting to see what Stephanie Sheh brings to the character of Maria Robotnik, who is seen as one of the most important andtragic supporting characters in theSonic the Hedgehogmythos. Shadow’s memories of Maria will presumably play a big role in the new levels added toSonic X Shadow Generations, which is set to launch sometime this fall.
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!
