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Sonic X Shadow Generations review

October 21, 2024

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Sonic X Shadow Generations is a remaster and brand new game that combines two exciting adventures into one package. Developed by Sonic Team and published by Sega, this game brings back the classic charm of Sonic Generations while introducing a fresh experience with Shadow the Hedgehog. Originally released in 2011, Sonic Generations is known for its unique blend of 2D and 3D gameplay, allowing players to enjoy the best of both worlds. Now, over a decade later, Sonic X Shadow Generations is set to capture the hearts of a whole new generation of gamers.

Join me as we dive into the world of Sonic and Shadow as they team up to face new challenges and revisit classic stages. Let’s explore what makes this game stand out in the crowded world of platformers.

Sonic X Shadow Generations details

Platform(s): PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One and PC
Developer(s): Sonic Team
Publisher(s): SEGA
Genre: Platform
Modes: Single-player
ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10+)

A dual journey through time

In Sonic X Shadow Generations, you step into a world where Sonic and Shadow take centre stage. The story kicks off with Sonic celebrating his birthday, surrounded by friends and, of course, chili dogs. Just as the party gets going, a massive purple wormhole appears, sucking everyone into a strange dimension called The White Space. This unusual hub connects various stages from Sonic’s past, mixing nostalgia with new experiences.

As Sonic races to rescue his friends, you also get to experience Shadow’s journey. Shadow’s story runs parallel to Sonic’s, focusing on his quest to confront his nemesis, Black Doom. This dual storyline adds layers to the game, showing how their paths intersect. Shadow awakens with new abilities, allowing him to explore areas that Sonic cannot reach. This twist keeps the gameplay exciting and offers a unique perspective on the familiar world.

The game does a great job of balancing both stories. Playing through the stages gave me the feeling of a rush of excitement as I recognized familiar settings from past games. While Sonic’s adventure is lighthearted, Shadow’s journey brings a darker tone. This contrast adds depth to the experience and makes it enjoyable. As you progress, you’ll see how the two stories complement each other, creating a satisfying blend of action and character development. Sonic X Shadow Generations offers a fun and layered story that appeals to both new players and longtime fans. It’s a great reminder of why so many gamers fell in love with these characters in the first place.

A blend of classic and modern gameplay

Sonic X Shadow Generations offers two distinct gameplay styles. The game combines classic 2D platforming with modern 3D action. As you play, you switch between Sonic and Shadow, each offering unique abilities and challenges.

Sonic’s levels are fast-paced and filled with loops, jumps, and enemies. You’ll find yourself racing through familiar environments, which brings back memories of earlier games. I remember the excitement of zooming through City Escape, feeling the rush of nostalgia. The controls are smooth, allowing you to perform tricks and maneuvers with ease.

On the other hand, Shadow’s gameplay introduces a different vibe. His levels are darker and more complex, reflecting his character’s backstory. You can use Shadow’s new abilities, like swimming and climbing, to explore areas Sonic can’t reach. This adds a layer of strategy to the gameplay. I found it refreshing to switch gears and tackle challenges from a different perspective.

While Sonic and Shadow each have their own style of gameplay, their controls feel quite different. I found Sonic’s movements to be smooth and quick, making it easy to react fast in the game. I could zip through levels without much trouble. On the other hand, Shadow’s controls can feel a bit awkward and less straightforward. For me, switching from Sonic’s quick moves to Shadow’s abilities, like the Double Jump and Doom Surf, took some getting used to. Honestly, it was a bit frustrating at first, especially in tricky parts where you need to be precise. I felt that some of Shadow’s movements were too sensitive, while others felt slow and unresponsive.

The game also features collectibles, which encourage exploration. In Sonic’s stages, you hunt for Red Star Rings, while Shadow’s levels have Collection Keys. These collectibles not only add to the fun but also give you a reason to replay levels. Overall, I really enjoyed how Sonic X Shadow Generations’ gameplay strikes a balance between nostalgia and something new. While Shadow’s controls do have a learning cuve, overall I think the game makes it a worthwhile experience for fans of the series.

Nostalgia meets modern design

Sonic X Shadow Generations brings together a mix of old and new styles. The graphics are bright and colourful, capturing the essence of the Sonic universe. As you race through levels, you’ll notice the attention to detail in the environments. For example, the reimagined Chemical Plant Zone looks fantastic, with its vibrant colours and smooth animations. Unfortunately, there are a few small performance issues I encountered while playing that took away from some of the fun.

The Sonic Generations portion of the game usually runs smoothly at 60 frames per second, but when there was a lot going on I experienced some frame drops and stuttering, especially in Shadow Generations. This takes away from the game’s fast-paced action that we all expect in a Sonic game. Additionally, while the graphics have been updated for modern consoles, they can sometimes feel a bit outdated. These minor issues aren’t game-breaking, but it’s a reminder that this game is both a remaster and something new, showing the challenge of mixing nostalgia with today’s gaming expectations.

The character designs in Sonic X Shadow Generations stand out. Classic Sonic has that nostalgic charm, while Modern Sonic feels more dynamic and sleek. Shadow’s darker aesthetic adds a nice contrast, making his character pop against the bright backgrounds. The soundtrack is a mix of remixed tracks from previous games. You’ll hear familiar tunes that bring back memories, like the catchy beats from City Escape. Being a Sonic fan since 1991, I found it hard not to tap my feet to the music while playing.

The characters are voiced by actors who do a good job of bringing Sonic, Shadow and friends to life. Sonic’s upbeat personality shines through, while Shadow’s more serious tone adds depth and mystery to his character. I never got tired of the banter between them, it adds a fun layer to the gameplay.

Is Sonic X Shadow Generations worth buying if you have already played Sonic Generations?

If you already have played Sonic Generations, you’re probably wondering if Sonic X Shadow Generations is worth buying. The answer really depends on how much you like Shadow and the new features in this game.

Sonic X Shadow Generations includes a remastered version of Sonic Generations which keeps all the original conten. It adds new Lost Chao collectible missions, which can be a fun throwback for fans of the Chao system. The main reason to play Sonic X Shadow Generations is the new all-new Shadow Generations part of the game. This part of the game offers a new twist on the classic gameplay. Shadow has new abilities like swimming and climbing, which change how you play through the levels. The open-world hub, called White Space, is a big change from the 2D hub in Sonic Generations, giving you a larger area to explore.

While Sonic Generations might feel a bit old compared to newer games, Shadow Generations brings in modern elements. If you enjoy Shadow’s character and the darker themes he represents, this game is likely a good fit for you. In the end, if you’re a fan of the series and want to see Shadow’s story alongside Sonic’s, Sonic X Shadow Generations has enough new content to make it worth your while. It’s a great way to experience both characters in a new light.

Sonic X Shadow Generations is a great way to celebrate the franchise’s history while looking ahead

Sonic X Shadow Generations brings together a fun mix of old favourites and new adventures. If you enjoyed Sonic Generations, you’ll likely enjoy this updated version too. The game does a fantastic job of combining classic and modern gameplay.

Shadow Generations adds depth to the experience, giving you a fresh perspective on the story. Shadow’s new abilities, like swimming and climbing, make his gameplay feel unique. It’s exciting to see how these mechanics change the way you approach levels. The open-world hub is a fun addition, allowing you to explore at your own pace.

However, there are some minor issues. There are some frame rate drops during intense moments and the controls feel different between Sonic and Shadow. It takes some getting used to. But these small problems don’t overshadow the overall fun of the game.

As a longtime fan of Sonic, I found myself smiling throughout my time with the game. The blend of old and new elements made me feel like a teenager again. Whether you’re a long time fan or new to the series, Sonic X Shadow Generations has something for everyone. It’s a solid addition to the Sonic lineup and worth your time.

Pros	Cons
New Lost Chao collectible missions are a fun throwback for fans of the Chao system.	Shadow’s controls can feel clunky and inconsistent, making gameplay frustrating at times.
Shadow Generations introduces new abilities and a vast hub area, enhancing exploration and gameplay variety.	The White Space hub area in Shadow Generations can feel bland and lacks engaging collectibles.
The integration of Doom Powers in Shadow Generations adds a fresh and exciting gameplay dynamic.
Both games offer a nostalgic experience while showcasing iconic landscapes from the Sonic series.