Sonic X Shadow Generations Review

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Fast Facts

Reimagined Originals Reimagined?

Sonic The Hedgehog – SEGA’s spikey blue mascot – re-returns in this upgrade of what is a classic game to begin with. Generations had to do something special to stand out as a remaster and Sonic Team chose to give Shadow a trip down memory lane promising new abilities and some other added bells and whistles. Does this nostalgia filled trip feel as fresh as Green Hill or all get a little lost in the Labyrinth?

Sonic (& Shadow) Dashes Into Action

Sonic Generations originally released to a positive reception however there were some people questioning where Shadow was during the story. SEGA now answers that question with the addition of Shadow Generations which is a separate mode you select at the main title screen. You have the option of also playing through the original Sonic Generations story too which has a few additions of its own.

Level design in the Sonic section of the game is by and large exactly the same as the original which is certainly not a criticism – The original Generations is still one of my favourite Sonic Team releases to date. You control Classic Sonic in act 1 of the levels in 3D rendered 2D gameplay using his trademark spin dash and platform gameplay. Act 2 sets Modern Sonic loose and brings his 3D controls to the front with the likes of the homing attack and boost. You can play the acts in either order for each level although I did find the Classic Sonic levels to be slightly easier as the game itself suggests.

Shadow’s levels are by far the most difficult although not impossible. The controls differ slightly compared to Sonic but the acts for each level are reversed so Act 1 is the 3D level and act 2 is the 3D/2D hybrid. Shadow’s control scheme remains the same throughout, however. You can unlock and upgrade abilities through the story such as Shadow’s Chaos Spear in addition to the wings you see in the trailer.

Style and Stability

I found Sonic x Shadow Generations to be a really well presented game but it really comes alive graphically when you jump into Shadow’s levels. Space Colony Ark is the very first of them and even that is a wonderful sight even in handheld. I particularly enjoyed the level design overall even when zipping through it at breakneck speeds.

Sonic’s gameplay is as you’d expect for the Blue Blur – fast paced and full of action. Shadow’s is very much the same but with other added elements. Gameplay remains engaging throughout and manages to steer clear of monotony. Shadow’s abilities in particular left the gameplay feeling fresh as you played through.

Sonic has a lot of returning boss enemies from previous games. Dr. Robotnik obviously makes an appearance as does Metal Sonic (above). Shadow himself has some of his past return however I won’t mention exactly what here. The story and gameplay certainly compliment one another and no moment feels wasted.

I want to take a moment to mention the soundtrack, too. The music in the game is nothing short of incredible. Remixed original music is faithful to their origins whilst offering new flairs with more modern technology and the original pieces for the game hit all the right notes. The visuals and music match spectacularly and only enhance the experience.

Gotta Go Faster, Or Just Gotta Go?

Sonic X Shadow Generations is, simply, brilliant. It does everything you want it to and then some. Is it perfect? The answer is no, it isn’t, but heck it’s fun! There are a few things missing that would be nice such as the Chao Garden from Sonic Adventure – especially as Chao have been added to the game!

This game is beautiful, it’s fast and it’s fun. I’ve had a blast playing it and will certainly be playing more to find all the secrets! I would highly recommend the game to anybody that has even a passing interest in Sonic. Sonic x Shadow Generations is, for me, a great way to cap off Sonic Team’s Year of Shadow.

Rapid Reviews Rating

Rapid Reviews Rating

4.5 out of 5

4.5

Sonic X Shadow Generations is available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Steam & other digital storefronts. To purchase the Switch version from the Nintendo Store, please click here.

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