Hannan Mundia 
Sonic X Shadow Generations remasters the 2011 classic while adding a new story mode, but how much does it really change from the original?
Overall, the Sonic series is in a weird place. While the movies have been highly successful, with Sonic the Hedgehog 3 on the way, that’s the only positive Sonic fans have recently seen. The Knuckles Paramount+ show wasn’t received well, and most modern games have had their own issues. Though the dark days of Sonic ’06 and Sonic Boom are seemingly in the past, the only critically successful Sonic game of the last 20 years is throwback 2D platformer Sonic Mania.
Sega seemingly decided that a change in approach was warranted. The announcement that Sonic Generations would get a modern remake was like music to a Sonic fan’s ears. Things became more interesting with the brand-new Shadow-centric game running parallel to Sonic Generations. While the game is an excellent return, it feels like a trailer for fans to expect better things.
The Good:
- Incredibly responsive controls
- Possibly the best boost-era Sonic game
- Enjoyable overworld
The Bad:
- Too short
- The game reuses one area throughout multiple stages
Review Details:
- Reviewed on: Nintendo Switch
- Platforms available: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC
- Official release date: October 22, 2024
Sonic x Shadow Generations is a big step in the right direction
After the infamously sluggish Cyber Space stages in Sonic Frontiers, everyone was concerned about how Sonic x Shadow Generations would handle traditional stages. Luckily, the game turned out to be one of the best iterations of the boost formula.
Sonic x Shadow Generations has two games that players can select from the menu. The first is a remaster of Sonic Generations, which isn’t much different from its original counterpart except for some new dialogues and secrets. The game looks better than ever, with the iconic vibrant colors popping out in every frame. This remaster is the best way to experience Sonic Generations for those who haven’t played the original, and a perfect blast from the past for those who did.
The brand-new Shadow story sets Sonic x Shadow Generations apart from the original. Running alongside Sonic Generations, it stars Shadow in an original story that introduces new gameplay mechanics. It’s a short but welcome addition.
The new Shadow the Hedgehog-focused content doesn’t last long enough
Shadow Generations’ story gives Shadow’s character more depth. It reintroduces characters that haven’t been in the games since the Sega Dreamcast era, which will pleasantly surprise hardcore fans. Various moments in the game remind fans that Sonic’s iconic adventure runs parallel to Shadow’s. Additionally, some clever storylines tie the new campaign to iconic moments in other games featuring Shadow.
From the first stage, it’s clear how much Sonic Team has worked on the level design and the game’s feel. Each stage offers multiple routes players can take to reduce their completion time. These diverging paths make all the stages replayable and make it a treat to go through a mission multiple times to find the most efficient route. Almost every stage has a gorgeous set piece that never gets old, even during replays.
To make things interesting, Shadow Generations introduces new abilities that Shadow can use as he progresses through the story. Players acquire abilities like Chaos Control, Doom Spears, and Doom Blast throughout the campaign. Constantly giving players new toys to play with ensures that the game doesn’t get too repetitive and also encourages replayability using them.
The gameplay is polished which many modern Sonic games can’t realistically claim. Each boss in the game is a spectacle with lots of things for fans to love. Callbacks and incredibly well-animated transitions make it a treat to do them. One of the best parts about the boss fights is that they force players to change their strategies. Learning new ways to take down bosses ensures they don’t get repetitive.
The overworld, which combines the best parts of Sonic Generations and Sonic Frontiers, is one of the biggest improvements in Shadow Generations. Instead of being in a 2D plane, players can explore the White Space in 3D. Like Sonic Frontiers, many obstacles are scattered throughout the map, each hiding collectibles. The well-designed obstacles make traversing from one stage to another more engaging and enjoyable. However, the map isn’t too big, especially compared to Sonic Frontiers, which is understandable.
Unfortunately, the Shadow Generations campaign is short, with only six stages. Each stage has challenges that players can do that can increase replayability. However, sometimes it feels like they exist to extend the game’s length artificially. Players must complete all challenges to acquire the keys they need, which can get infuriating for players looking for a casual experience.
Some stages morph midway to another classic Sonic level, but the problem is that it’s always the same one, so it outstays its welcome midway through the game. It would’ve been better to see different stages morph into various iconic levels. That way, fans could look forward to them more.
Sonic x Shadows Generations perfectly understands what makes older and modern Sonic games great. The short Shadow campaign and the tried and tested Sonic Generations remaster make the overall package feel like a teaser for even better things to come.
The Bottom Line: Sonic x Shadow Generations takes the best parts of modern Sonic games to deliver the best Sonic experience in years, though there are higher highs to achieve.
Score: 8/10
