>>107787845Dude, let's factor in the aspect of shadows demographic, which is mostly women, the main thing is, Shadow is hugely polarizing to entire sonic vets, and basically has no staying power unlike tails and knuckles in most mainstream games.
Hell Rouge is more popular and recognizably acclaimed as a fap bait with hentai artists than fucking Shadow the Hedgehog who is basically always a sleeper yaoi hentai fujobait with sonadow.
The real list would be based on actual popularity with demographic int wrest.
Popularity of Male characters for men
adult fans
Sonic > Tails > Knuckles > Shadow > Metal > the rest
Teen fans
Sonic > Shadow > Tails > Knuckles >the rest
Kid fans
Shadow = Sonic = Silver >the rest
Popularity of Female characters for men
adult fans
Rouge = Amy > the rest
Teen fans
Amy > Rouge > Blaze >the rest
Kid fans
Blaze > Amy > Rouge > the rest
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Popularity of Male characters for women
adult fans
Sonic = Shadow > Silver = Knuckles > the rest
Teen fans
Shadow > Sonic > Silver > Knuckles > the rest
Kid fans
Shadow > the rest
Popularity of Female characters for men
adult fans
Amy > Rouge = Blaze > the rest
Teen fans
Amy > Blaze > the rest
Kid fans
Amy > Blaze > Cream > Rouge the rest