LEGO Sonic the Hedgehog 76995 Shadow the Hedgehog Escape review

LEGO Sonic the Hedgehog adds the series’ antihero to its line-up in 76995 Shadow the Hedgehog Escape, an affordable and accessible package that will prove irresistible to franchise fans.

First appearing in Sonic Adventure 2 in 2001, Shadow the Hedgehog has proven to be something of a divisive character within the Sonic the Hedgehog universe. Intended to be Batman to Sonic’s Superman, the dark antihero was in fact created by Doctor Eggman’s own grandfather, Professor Gerald Robotnik.

Dark, brooding and with a permanent scowl, Shadow is beloved by some fans of the franchise, while others merely roll their eyes at the character’s attempts to be ‘cool’ and his frequent use of guns, motorbikes and other macho-associated trappings.

With all that in mind, it should come as no surprise then that the LEGO Sonic the Hedgehog theme would eventually add Shadow to its line-up of video game-based sets at some point, with what is ultimately a simple and affordable build in the shape of 76995 Shadow the Hedgehog Escape.

— LEGO Sonic the Hedgehog 76995 Shadow the Hedgehog Escape set details —

Theme: LEGO Sonic the Hedgehog Set name: 76995 Shadow the Hedgehog Escape Release date: January 1, 2024 

Price: £18.99 / $19.99 / €20.99 Pieces: 196 Minifigures: 1

LEGO: Order now

— Where to buy LEGO Sonic the Hedgehog 76995 Shadow the Hedgehog Escape —

76995 Shadow the Hedgehog Escape will be released on January 1, 2024 and will be available to buy from LEGO.com, LEGO Stores and some third-party retailers.

— LEGO Sonic the Hedgehog 76995 Shadow the Hedgehog Escape build —

There’s plenty to be impressed with in 76995 Shadow the Hedgehog Escape, the most affordable entry in the LEGO Sonic the Hedgehog theme to date. Included in the set is a brick-built version of Shadow’s Dark Rider motorcycle as seen in Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing, a mini lab with stasis chamber, the first-ever minifigure of the title character, a Clucky figure and a RhinoBot Badnik.

The bike itself closely mirrors the look of the original video game ride, with a colour scheme that matches Shadow the Hedgehog himself. However, the version in 76995 Shadow the Hedgehog Escape has more of a Harley Davidson Chopper appearance to it with lengthened front forks, although it does retain its printed Shadow logos and printed rear wheel covers, elements that could just as easily have been stickered pieces.

76995 Shadow the Hedgehog Escape’s stasis lab is a simple enough build, one that comes with a few neat play features. It’s possible to place the included Shadow the Hedgehog minifigure inside and have him bust out of the chamber by pressing down on the yellow and black lever on the side. A foldable dropdown barricade can be used to prevent Shadow escaping on his bike, although swerving around it would seem to be the obvious manoeuvre to pull off when faced with the easily-avoidable obstacle.

The lab features yet another impressive printed piece, a black and red control panel that shows stats and life sign read-outs for Shadow the Hedgehog. Again, there’s no reason why this couldn’t have been a cost-saving stickered piece, so its inclusion in 76995 Shadow the Hedgehog Escape is very welcome.

The LEGO Sonic the Hedgehog set is rounded out with a small brick-built RhinoBot, a Badnik creation of Doctor Eggman’s that debuted in 1994’s Sonic the Hedgehog 3 video game. This version of the animal mech character has a moveable head, but essentially acts as a mini vehicle for carrying the Clucky figure or other minifigures inside itself.

— LEGO Sonic the Hedgehog 76995 Shadow the Hedgehog Escape characters —

76995 Shadow the Hedgehog Escape’s key selling point is without a doubt the inclusion of the first-ever Shadow the Hedgehog minifigure. The character’s debut is extremely impressive to say the least, with Shadow boasting an all-new printed head mould that has much longer and wilder spines than those of the theme’s Sonic the Hedgehog minifigures.

The Shadow the Hedgehog minifigure also features a new torso with front and back print, dual-moulded and printed legs, and printed arms with gold highlights. All of this attention to detail helps to accurately capture the look of the video game antihero, with 76995 Shadow the Hedgehog Escape currently being the only way to obtain the character.

Rounding out the LEGO Sonic the Hedgehog set is a Clucky figure that’s previously appeared in 76991 Tails’ Workshop and Tornado Plane. The small character can be placed inside the RhinoBot to show how Doctor Eggman’s Badnik has captured the creature, but the empty space inside the mechanised enemy does seem more suited to allowing a minifigure to ride inside of it.

— LEGO Sonic the Hedgehog 76995 Shadow the Hedgehog Escape price —

With a pocket money-pleasing price point, 76995 Shadow the Hedgehog Escape is the most affordable entry in the LEGO Sonic the Hedgehog theme. The cost of the set is more impressive considering it includes the debut of a unique minifigure, some basic play functions and a handful of extra builds.

While it won’t take most builders more than 25 minutes to assemble the set, 76995 Shadow the Hedgehog Escape does still offer plenty of value for money. The model also boasts a number of printed pieces instead of stickers, elements that could always be repurposed for other LEGO Sonic the Hedgehog construction projects.

— LEGO Sonic the Hedgehog 76995 Shadow the Hedgehog Escape pictures —

— LEGO Sonic the Hedgehog 76995 Shadow the Hedgehog Escape pros and cons —

In terms of price, piece count and play features, 76995 Shadow the Hedgehog Escape ticks all the right boxes. The icing on the cake is the inclusion of the first-ever Shadow the Hedgehog minifigure, which might be reason enough to pick up the model.

There are some minor niggles with the build, such as plenty of patience being required in order to get Shadow to actually hold the bike’s handlebars, but nothing to hold back fans of the character from picking up this impressive LEGO Sonic the Hedgehog set.

76995 Shadow the Hedgehog Escape pros	76995 Shadow the Hedgehog Escape cons
The most affordable LEGO Sonic the Hedgehog set to date	Can be tricky to fit the bike’s handlebars into Shadow’s hands
Includes the first-ever Shadow the Hedgehog minifigure	The set doesn’t take long to assemble
Added play features and additional builds	Clucky figure could have been replaced with a new animal friend

This set was provided by the LEGO Group.

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— Alternatives to LEGO Sonic the Hedgehog 76995 Shadow the Hedgehog Escape —

The next-most affordable model currently available in the LEGO Sonic the Hedgehog theme is 76990 Sonic’s Speed Sphere Challenge, a 292-piece set that comes with a Sonic minifigure and a special launcher play mechanic.

If it’s more two-wheeled brick-based fun you’re after, then 76245 Ghost Rider Mech & Bike offers up a similar brooding antihero option, while 71768 Jay’s Golden Dragon Motorbike comes in at a cheaper price point and piece count, but does include two impressive minifigures.

— LEGO Sonic the Hedgehog 76995 Shadow the Hedgehog Escape FAQs —