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Is Sonic x Shadow Generations a remake or remaster?

Shadow Generations

Sonic fans are anxiously awaiting the chance to play as Shadow in Sonix x Shadow Generations but is there anything new to look forward to? Is Sonic x Shadow Generations a remake or remaster?

Sonic x Shadow Generations is a two-game bundle coming out on October 25, 2024. It was initially teased during PlayStation’s State of Play at the start of the year, showing gamers playing as Shadow as he defends the world from Black Doom, a world that often sees Shadow himself as a threat.

While the ability to play as Shadow has excited fans of the iconic series, it’s also raised a lot of questions about the game. Sonic Generations had gamers playing as Sonic, so is there new content? Is Sonic x Shadow Generations a remake or something else?

Sega says Sonic x Shadow Generations is a remaster with a new game

Sega explicitly labels Sonic x Shadow Generations as a remaster in marketing materials.

Fans are a bit confused since Sonic x Shadow Generations actually contains two games. So here’s a simple explanation; the bundle includes a remaster of Sonic Generations as well as a brand-new game featuring Shadow.

Sonic Generations came out in 2011 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the series and has been praised as a top modern Sonic game. It contains a blend of 2D and 3D stages, now upgraded with brand new visuals for 2024.

Meanwhile, Shadow Generations is a new game that lets gamers play as the Ultimate Life Form, Shadow. There will be brand new levels and powers taken from Shadow’s lore. Players can experience Shadow’s new Doom Powers, stop time with Chaos Control, and surf and fly.

Sega previously shared three of the levels from Shadow’s game: Space Colony ARK, Bullet Station, and Kingdom Valley. These levels are inspired by Shadow’s appearances in other games, like Space Colony ARK’s similarities to the Final Chase level of Sonic Adventure 2.

The line between remakes and remasters is sometimes blurry.

In theory, a remake is a completely new interpretation of an older game, with modern upgrades to its gameplay, graphics, story, and mechanics. A remake is meant to bring an old game into the modern world to appeal to a new audience. Meanwhile, a remaster is more focused on cosmetic changes, including visuals and audio.

Things have gotten confusing over time, especially games like Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater self-labeling as a remake, despite only featuring overhauled visuals. Regardless, Sega is being straightforward with fans; Sonic x Shadow Generations is a remaster, not a remake.

Written by Olivia Richman X Twitter Logo

Olivia is a long-time esports and gaming journalist who has covered everything from EVO and Pokemon TCG tournaments to Amouranth's escapades. She has contributed major esports publications including Dot Esports, Upcomer, Inven Global, and more. You can find her doing Yoshi's down air in Smash Bros, freezing enemies as Mei in Overwatch 2, and running around with a cat on her shoulder in The Finals.

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