Sonic x Shadow Generations Review

Sonic x Shadow Generations is the latest release from SEGA and Sonic Team, combining a remastered version of the 2011 classic, Sonic Generations, with Shadow Generations, an entirely new game. This new title features the beloved Shadow the Hedgehog in his standalone adventure, which is perfect timing for the release of the upcoming Sonic movie that stars the enigmatic hedgehog.

During Sonic’s birthday celebration, an unknown assailant captures all of Sonic’s friends, trapping them in a temporal anomaly. Sonic must race through his past adventures, including encounters with his younger self, to rescue them. Meanwhile, Shadow investigates the ARK, the place of his creation, which is now under attack by his old nemesis, Black Doom.

Can both hedgehogs overcome these challenges, or will they be trapped in the temporal anomaly forever? Lace up your running shoes and get ready to speed through Sonic x Shadow Generations!

The Blue Blur Returns!

Sonic Generations, the remastered version of the 2011 classic from the PS3 era, forms the first half of Sonic x Shadow Generations. This title revisits iconic levels and bosses from Sonic’s mainline games, from the original to Sonic Colors. Players can enjoy both 2D and 3D versions of the game, each presented in different acts featuring two distinct versions of Sonic: Classic Sonic, reminiscent of the first three Sonic titles, offers a nostalgic 2D experience, while Modern Sonic brings a fresh 3D perspective with updated mechanics.

Classic Sonic retains his original abilities, such as running fast and executing the Spin Dash to overcome obstacles. Modern Sonic introduces new mechanics, including targeting and launching at enemies, and a Dash function that builds up by defeating enemies and collecting rings. Despite their similarities in speed, the differences in playstyle are drastic, offering a new way to play as the blue blur.

That said, this may cause players some confusion, but that’s a minor speed bump in a game that’s as fast as you remember it to be. It also bears mentioning that this speed can instantly be put to a halt by bumping into obstacles or by making a wrong turn, just like the original titles. This abrupt stop is jarring but is also part of what makes this a classic Sonic title.

Every time players finish a level, they earn a score based on their performance while also earning points, which they can use to purchase skills. These skills can be used to augment Sonic’s arsenal of moves, such as landing on your feet after getting damaged, beginning with 10 rings after a restart, and more. These skills have points assigned to them and you can only equip a certain number before you hit the limit, so plan your build correctly! They are also locked to classic or modern Sonic or can fit both of them, allowing for some slight adjustments to their playstyles.

Level design is an absolute blast in Sonic X Shadow Generations, which extends to both titles with replayability as its core focus. Sonic Generations will feel a bit more familiar, but seeing everything with a visual overhaul is amazing. From the levels to the visual and particle effects, the game looks fantastic, but it can be argued that this is a baseline requirement for a remaster.

After completing an area, players must collect Boss Keys to challenge the area boss, and completing three distinct challenges grants access to the boss fight. These challenges vary, from using specific character skills to collecting a set number of rings or completing a level with only one ring.

These challenges enhance replayability by encouraging repeat runs to improve recorded scores, and players are rewarded with extra stars that unlock hidden art and music tracks in the Collection Gallery. To finish the game, players must collect Chaos Emeralds by defeating bosses and challenging rivals like Metal Sonic and Shadow the Hedgehog. These rivals can also be re-challenged in hard mode, adding more replayability to an otherwise short game.

Interestingly, the game features a steep difficulty curve in its final stages, contrasting with the easier early levels. While Sonic Generations can be completed in about 4-5 hours, the numerous extras ensure players will keep coming back for more.

Shadow Is His Name

Shadow Generations is the latest expansion to Sonic x Shadow Generations, featuring Shadow the Hedgehog in his own standalone adventure. For those new to Shadow’s story, this game serves as an excellent introduction, with even the title screen providing a glimpse into Shadow’s origins and his role in the Sonic universe.

It’s highly recommended to complete Sonic Generations before diving into Shadow Generations, as the latter presents a more challenging experience. The levels are longer, traversal points are tighter, and the overall gameplay is more intense. Players who embrace the challenge will be rewarded with enhanced controls, mechanics, and access to Shadow’s unique Doom Powers.

Shadow’s control scheme mirrors Modern Sonic’s from Sonic Generations, with additional features. Notably, Shadow can use Chaos Control to stop time, aiding in navigating difficult areas. This ability becomes increasingly valuable as the game’s difficulty ramps up, which is a recurring theme in Sonic x Shadow Generations.

Throughout this 4-5 hour adventure, fans will encounter Shadow’s allies and confidants. Shadow’s journey is marked by personal stakes and a tragic backstory, adding depth to his character. While Sonic’s story in Sonic x Shadow Generations is engaging, Shadow’s arc offers a more nuanced and misunderstood perspective.

Shadow’s Doom Powers, such as Chaos Spear and various Doom forms, enhance gameplay exponentially. He can traverse water with Doom Surf, glide through the air with Doom Wings, and navigate corrupted areas using his Doom Form. As you complete the different levels as Shadow in Sonic x Shadow Generations, these Doom Powers allow you to access faster and secret areas adding to your overall score.

One drawback of Sonic x Shadow Generations as a whole is the sharp difficulty spike, which can be frustrating. I recommend familiarizing yourself with Shadow’s new Doom Powers before tackling the levels, as misunderstanding these abilities can lead to significant challenges. While Sonic Generations also features a difficulty increase, Shadow Generations takes it to another level.

Completing Challenge Zones is essential to access the Boss Battles. These boss battles are some of the best set pieces in Sonic x Shadow Generations, combining exciting cut scenes with skill-based traversal. You chip away at each boss’s health bar while avoiding their attacks, and it’s satisfying to use Doom Powers to exploit their weaknesses.

The Final Area presents the toughest challenges in the game. During my 5-hour playthrough, it took about an hour to traverse two acts and defeat the final boss. Be prepared for this fight, as it can be unexpectedly difficult. However, completing this challenge is rewarding, and you should give yourself a pat on the back for achieving it.

Even after finishing the story, there’s plenty of content to explore as Shadow. With all your Doom Powers available, you can continue to hone your skills and improve your scores on completed levels, giving replayability a boost.

Verdict: Buy it!

Sonic x Shadow Generations is a delight for Sonic fans of all kinds. Whether you’re a newcomer inspired by the films or a long-time fan from the series’ early days, this game offers a wealth of content that is sure to win you over. While completing the main story of both titles can take around 10-11 hours, countless additional hours of replayability can be had with its numerous unlockables.

One of the highlights of Sonic x Shadow Generations is gaining a deeper understanding of why Shadow the Hedgehog is such a beloved character. For those who missed Shadow’s earlier appearances in the Sonic universe, this game provides a comprehensive look at his story, alongside Sonic’s adventures and friends. It serves as an omnibus, bringing players up to speed on both characters.

Sonic x Shadow Generations combines two sides of the same coin into one accessible package, promising hours of enjoyment. If you’re looking for a standout Sonic game among the many released in recent years, this is definitely the one to choose. Having not played a Sonic title in 15 years, I found this to be the perfect reintroduction to the series, and the future of the franchise is looking exciting after experiencing this outing from our beloved Hedgehogs.

*Sonic x Shadow Generations was reviewed on a PS5 with a review code provided by the publisher.