Maria Robotnik

Past

It has been implied that Maria comes from a long line of brilliant scientists.^[7]Backbone Entertainment, Sega Studio USA (24 November 2006). Sonic Rivals. Sega. Area/Level: Meteor Base Zone (Shadow’s version). “Eggman Nega: Heh heh heh… I’m here to change my destiny! I come from a long line of brilliant scientists, but that lineage was disrupted with Dr. Eggman’s failures!” She was born and raised onboard the Space Colony ARK. Before she could visit Earth, however, she contracted Neuro-Immune Deficiency Syndrome, an incurable and inevitably fatal disease.^[8]“５０年前の真実”” (in Japanese). ソニックアドベンチャー2パーフェクトガイド. Enterbrain. 10 October 2001. ISBN 978-4757706255. Due to her illness, which left her frail and weak, Maria needed constant attention, which meant she could not leave the ARK’s hospital, leaving her confined in space. Additionally, her condition was only mitigated by the low gravity onboard the ARK, further confining her to the station.^[9]Flynn, Ian; Sega (8 December 2021). Sonic the Hedgehog Encyclo-speed-ia. Dark Horse Books. p. 119. ISBN 978-1506719276. “Maria Robotnik – A loving and generous girl suffering from NIDS (Neuro-Immune Deficiency Syndrome). She lived aboard the ARK so that the low gravity would keep her condition in remission.” Despite receiving medical help, Maria only grew weaker over time. While looking down at Earth from the ARK, Maria developed an interest in it and longed to go there.

Onboard the ARK, Maria was looked after and cared for by her grandfather, Gerald Robotnik. Maria came to mean everything to Gerald,^[10]Sonic Team USA (23 June 2001). Sonic Adventure 2. Dreamcast. Sega. Cutscene: Last Story. “Gerald: I found Maria’s name among those who died when the ARK was shut down. She meant everything to me! And I couldn’t bear the thought that she died because of my research. I lost everything!” and the two of them would work and live together onboard the ARK.^[11]BioWare (30 September 2008). Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood. Nintendo DS. Sega. Area/Level: Codex. “Prof. Gerald Robotnik entry: His most remarkable creation was the Space Colony ARK, where he lived and worked with his granddaughter.” Maria also befriended a young Commander with whom she would play.

In an attempt to save Maria’s life, Gerald, who was the greatest scientific mind of his time, agreed to work on Project Shadow, a government project for creating an immortal life form. Gerald believed that he could make a cure for Maria’s illness with the creature they sought to make. Gerald’s research eventually led to the creation of Shadow the Hedgehog, an immortal and powerful creature, who received a soul identical to Maria’s.^[12]Sonic Team (27 February 2004). Sonic Battle. Game Boy Advance. Sega. Area/Level: Gimme Shelter. “Rouge: He was not interested in researching weapons. He was researching a way to bring happiness and hope to all people. But, he was forced by the government and by the military to use his research for war. That’s why he gave you and Gizoid a “soul.” A soul identical to his beloved granddaughter, Maria.” Maria eventually befriended Shadow, and they grew very close to each other. While raised together,^[13]Sega of America . Shadow. Sega. Archived from the original on 5 March 2005. Retrieved on 26 October 2017. “Maria, who was raised with Shadow and was Shadow’s only friend, died in front of his very eyes; her final wish was that Shadow save the world. Saving the world from what is a secret only Shadow knows. Traumatized by the grief of her death, Shadow remains strong enough to keep the promise he made to her.” Maria remained by Shadow’s side, and they would spend their time together gazing down upon Earth from the ARK’s control room, wondering what the planet was like and wishing to visit it.

When the Artificial Chaos went on a rampage onboard the Space Colony ARK, Maria sought out Shadow to help save the ARK. Shadow complied with Maria’s wishes, saying that he would do anything to protect her and the ARK, and the Artificial Chaos crisis was soon averted by the combined forces of Shadow and GUN.^[14]Sonic Team (15 November 2005). Shadow the Hedgehog. Nintendo GameCube. Sega. Area/Level: Lost Impact.

When the government began growing suspicious about Project Shadow, Gerald prepared a contingency video for Shadow where he told the black hedgehog about Project Shadow’s imminent shutdown and about how he was meant to defeat the Black Arms, an evil alien race who helped create Shadow, with the Eclipse Cannon when they returned in fifty years to conquer Earth. During the recording, Maria joined her grandfather and promised to help Shadow protect the planet alongside him.

Sometime after the completion of Project Shadow, Maria’s peaceful existence was shattered when GUN attacked the Space Colony ARK to eliminate everything and everyone related to the project, as the military had come to believe that Project Shadow was too dangerous. Meeting up with her grandfather during the attack, Maria was entrusted with Shadow by Gerald, who told her to escape the ARK with Shadow in some escape capsules. While Gerald distracted GUN, Maria and Shadow tried to escape the raid, but Maria was unwilling to leave the other researchers in the captivity of GUN and pleaded with Shadow to help them.^[15]Sonic Team (15 November 2005). Shadow the Hedgehog. Nintendo GameCube. Sega. Area/Level: The Doom. After Shadow made his decision, he and Maria continued onward but were attacked by a Heavy Dog on their way to the escape capsules. Fortunately, Shadow defeated the Heavy Dog, allowing him and Maria to resume their escape.

Eventually, Maria and Shadow reached the ARK’s escape pods in the research center. There, Maria saved Shadow by initiating his escape pod’s launch with him in it. However, the GUN Soldiers were right behind them, and Maria ended up being mortally wounded by a GUN Soldier’s gunshot. With her last strength, before saying goodbye, Maria asked Shadow to protect the world for her sake and give everyone a chance to be happy, just as the black hedgehog was jettisoned from the ARK. Afterwards, as Maria perished, her parting words were “Bring hope to humanity.”^[16]Sonic Team (27 February 2004). Sonic Battle. Game Boy Advance. Sega. Area/Level: Prof. Gerald’s Journal #7. “My beloved granddaughter… They tell me her parting words were, ‘Bring hope to humanity.'”

Legacy

Maria’s death had a profound impact on those close to her, significantly shaping numerous conflicts that would determine the world’s fate. Shadow the Hedgehog, who witnessed Maria’s death firsthand, was deeply traumatized and developed a strong hatred for humanity due to their actions. The Commander, who considered Maria like a sister, also suffered a great loss and developed a lifelong grudge against both Gerald and Shadow, blaming them for her demise. However, no one was more affected than her grandfather, Gerald Robotnik, who was driven mad with grief. In his anguish, Gerald devised a plan to destroy the world by having the Space Colony ARK collide with Earth once all seven Chaos Emeralds were inserted into the Eclipse Cannon. To ensure the plan’s success, Gerald brainwashed Shadow, twisting his memory of Maria’s last request to motivate Shadow to seek revenge against humanity. Before losing his sanity, Gerald made Maria’s last words the keywords that would activate Emerl’s free-willed emotion-based A.I.

The events leading to Maria’s death also partially motivated Shadow’s rush to rescue Rouge the Bat from a similar fate on Prison Island.

In contrast, Maria was seen positively by the public even after her death, sparking jealousy in her cousin Ivo (Dr. Eggman), who, despite never meeting her, disliked her for being perceived as special. Over fifty years after Maria’s death, during the Starfall Islands incident, Dr. Eggman wondered if Maria was similar to his own creation, Sage.

Maria’s last request for Shadow to protect the world and its people became a driving force in his life. Shadow promised to keep this pledge despite his hatred for humanity. When Shadow was reawakened nearly fifty years later, he initially sought to avenge Maria’s death, driven by Gerald’s manipulated memories, aiming to destroy the human race. It wasn’t until the last moment that Shadow remembered Maria’s true dying wish, leading him to aid Sonic the Hedgehog and his allies in stopping Gerald’s apocalyptic plan. Although Shadow seemingly sacrificed his life, he survived but lost his memories, retaining only the traumatic image of Maria being shot. During the Black Arms invasion, Black Doom tried to exploit Maria’s death to sway Shadow to his side. Fortunately, Shadow discovered his true purpose through a final message from Maria and Gerald, providing the motivation to defeat the Black Arms.

Today, Shadow continues to honor his promise to Maria, repeatedly saving the world in her name.

While frail in appearance, Maria was strong in spirit. Eternally cheerful, optimistic, and positive despite her condition, Maria could see the good in almost anyone or anything. She was a kind, loving, and generous soul who always put others before herself, supported her friends, and held an unconditional love for the people of the world, even showing compassion towards her enemies when they were distressed. Because she never got to visit Earth, Maria was very interested in the planet and wished to see it. She was also very encouraging and could help others accept themselves and calm down in stressful situations, including Shadow.

Always gentle and thinking about others before herself, Maria found it easier than most to forgive, forget, and trust. Even after GUN violently raided the ARK and shot her down, Maria did not hold any ill will against the people on Earth and only wished for them to live happy lives. She was utterly selfless, sacrificing her life for Shadow’s sake, having faith that he would carry on her dreams for her.

Despite her youth and frailness, Maria was brave, determined, and had a strong sense of righteousness. When the Artificial Chaos went on a rampage, Maria wanted to stop them to save the innocent. During GUN’s raid on the ARK, she refused to leave the injured researchers behind. Even on her deathbed, Maria remained undeterred and only wished for Shadow to fulfill his purpose.

Maria did not have any special skills, and because of her Neuro-Immune Deficiency Syndrome (N.I.D.S.), she had a frail and weak body. However, she did possess some abilities: she was able to run fairly quickly and had enough strength to land weak blows.

Gerald Robotnik

Gerald Robotnik is Maria’s grandfather and the one who took care of her when she was suffering from her disease. Like Maria was the jewel of Gerald’s eye, Maria was very fond of Gerald and was always seen smiling and caressing him in his presence. She always referred to him as simply “grandfather,” and she admired him for his creations that could help mankind, most noticeably his Heal Units.

Dr. Eggman

She and Eggman never knew each other; however, he appears to resent her for people thinking better of her and ignoring him, thus hurting his ego. During the Starfall Islands incident, the doctor created the A.I. Sage, eventually coming to consider himself her father. At one point during the incident, he wondered if Sage was anything like how Maria was.

Shadow the Hedgehog

Shadow, I believe in you…

Maria Robotnik, Shadow the Hedgehog.

Maria’s most significant relationship was with Shadow the Hedgehog, a creation intended to find a cure for her illness. They were raised together aboard the ARK and developed a deep bond, with Maria seeing Shadow as a brother figure. They shared a dream of visiting Earth, which united them in spirit as they often contemplated the planet from the ARK. Maria always empathized with Shadow, particularly when he struggled with his purpose.

Despite knowing Shadow’s mission to protect humanity, Maria steadfastly supported him, believing in his ability to fulfill his destiny. She promised to aid him against threats like the Black Arms and had unwavering faith in his capabilities. Whenever problems arose, Maria turned to Shadow for help, trusting him implicitly. Ultimately, Maria sacrificed her life and her dream of visiting Earth to save Shadow from GUN. Even in her final moments, Maria’s sole concern was for Shadow to carry out his purpose, urging him to do so for her sake and fulfill her dream vicariously through him.

The Commander

Maria shared a brother-sister relationship with the Commander, one of her friends before she met Shadow. They would play together joyfully, although Maria sometimes found herself chasing after the Commander due to his antics. Despite occasional annoyances, they cared deeply for each other.

Friends/Allies

• Gerald Robotnik (grandfather)
• Shadow the Hedgehog
• Commander

Neutral

• Guardian Units of Nations

Enemies

• Black Arms
  • Black Doom

Archie Comics

Main articles: Maria Robotnik (Archie) and Maria Robotnik (Pre-Super Genesis Wave)

In the Sonic the Hedgehog comic series by Archie Comics, Maria Robotnik is depicted as a female Overlander, the daughter of Geraldo Robotnik and Meredith Sanders, and a member of the House of Ivo.

In the pre-Super Genesis Wave timeline, set 50 years ago, Maria suffered from Neuro-Immuno Deficiency Syndrome and was cared for by her grandfather Gerald Robotnik aboard the Space Colony ARK. Gerald created Shadow the Hedgehog with the hope of finding a cure for her illness. Unfortunately, before Maria could spend much time with Shadow, the military raided the ARK in an attempt to seize him. In a tragic turn of events, Maria was shot and killed while assisting Shadow in his escape.

After the Super Genesis Wave event in the comics, which rebooted and altered the storyline, Maria’s character closely mirrored her portrayal in the Sonic game series.

Sonic X

Main article: Maria Robotnik (Sonic X)

In the Sonic X anime produced by TMS Entertainment, Maria Robotnik is portrayed as a human from Earth and a member of the Robotnik family. Her depiction closely resembles her game counterpart from the Sonic series.

Maria appears in Shadow the Hedgehog’s memories through flashbacks in the anime. Like in the games, she is depicted as a terminally ill patient confined to the Space Colony ARK. During her time on the ARK, Maria forms a deep bond with Shadow. When GUN arrives to shut down Project Shadow and apprehend Shadow himself, Maria courageously sacrifices her life to save Shadow. Before her passing, she implores Shadow to protect the world in her stead.

This portrayal in Sonic X aligns closely with the emotional and tragic storyline surrounding Maria Robotnik from the Sonic games.

Films

Paramount

Main article: Maria Robotnik (Paramount)

Maria Robotnik is scheduled to make an appearance in the forthcoming movie “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” from Paramount Pictures, portrayed by actress Alyla Browne.^[17]Alyla Browne (@alylabrowne) on Instagram. Instagram (16 February 2024). Retrieved on 16 February 2024.

Shadow, what do you think it’s like on earth?

Maria wondering about the planet with Shadow, Sonic Adventure 2

Shadow I beg of you, please do it for me… for a better future! For all the people who live on that planet… give them a chance to be happy… Let them live for their dreams. Shadow, I know you can do it. That’s the reason why you were brought into this world. Sayonara, Shadow… the Hedgehog.

Maria’s last words to Shadow, Sonic Adventure 2.

Please, Shadow… I need your help! Everyone’s fate depends on… YOU!

Maria’s last words to Shadow, Shadow the Hedgehog.

• In the GameCube and PlayStation 2 versions of Shadow the Hedgehog, Maria can be controlled by the second player in the stages The Doom and Lost Impact. In these stages, she can sprint at high speeds and break through sturdy objects and enemies by striking down on them. Additionally, she can damage enemies by jumping into them, although it requires close proximity. This game marks her only appearance as a playable character, thus making her the first playable human female in the Sonic series.

• In the original Dreamcast version of Sonic Adventure 2, Maria had long eyelashes. However, in Sonic Adventure 2: Battle and all subsequent appearances, they were removed.
• Her appearance and attire draw inspiration from Alice, the protagonist of Lewis Carroll’s novels “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” and “Through the Looking-Glass.”
• Maria’s name serves as the password for activating Shadow the Hedgehog and accessing the ARK’s files regarding Project Shadow. The password “Ma-Ri-A” reflects the Japanese phonetic pronunciation, matching the katakana for her name “マリア.”
• In Sonic Adventure 2: Battle, players can unlock a narrator with Maria’s voice by obtaining all 180 emblems in the game. It can be purchased in Chao World’s Black Market for 30,000 Rings. In the original Dreamcast version, it was a downloadable feature for the VMU available on the game’s official website.
• The music played during Maria’s flashback scenes in both Sonic Adventure 2 and Sonic Adventure 2: Battle is an instrumental version of “Throw It All Away,” Shadow’s theme in the game.

• In the Lego set 76999 “Super Sonic vs. Egg Drillster,” there’s a part featuring Lego versions of Maria and Shadow, used as a screen on Dr. Eggman’s computer.
• A character named Marie from another Sega game, “Rhythm Thief & the Emperor’s Treasure,” shares a design similar to Maria.
• In the original Japanese version of Sonic Adventure 2, a gunshot sound is heard before the flashback scene of Shadow being put into the capsule, implying she was shot. In the English version, no gunshot is heard, but Shadow still cries out “MARIA!” as if she was injured. When selecting Japanese voices in the North American and European releases, the gunshot sound remains audible.
• In “Team Sonic Racing,” one of the Performance Parts for the Dark Reaper is named “Maria’s Boon.”
• During the third part of the Sonic X Takeover viral marketing campaign for “Sonic Forces,” a question directed at Shadow inquired about Maria’s well-being, with both Eggman and Sonic hesitant to respond, and Shadow issuing a veiled threat in reply.^[18]Sonic Twitter Takeover 3 – All Answers (Sonic, Shadow and Eggman)#@Mudkip Captain
• Takashi Iizuka mentioned that if Maria were alive today, she would be older than Dr. Eggman.
• Stephanie Sheh will voice Maria Robotnik in “Sonic X Shadow Generations,” marking her role as the same voice actress as Zeena; they are the first characters to share the same voice actress in five years since Cream the Rabbit and Omochao.