Gotta Go Even Faster!
2011’s Sonic Generations was the best modern Sonic game of the time. Sonic games were in an odd spot back in often playing with many game breaking glitches (looking at you Sonic 06) and just packing the speed and fun factor of the previous generations Sonic Adventure series and games like Sonic Heroes. 3D “platformer” Sonic titles had an identity problem. Even 2008’s Sonic Unleashed showcased outrageously tight speed levels, but when players transitioned to the Hulk like engaged Werehog, the game often fell flat. It’s easy to see why a remake of Sonic Generations would perk up fans ears in 2024! That being said, Sonic is positioned in a much better place right now with high quality movies (the 3rd one is opening in December) as well as better quality titles like Sonic Frontiers and Sonic Superstars. Not without their flaws though, these games and Sonic the Hedgehog have been around for generations now. The question is, does the ultimate life form additional content warrant another look at this now classic title? Let’s Doomwing dive into the new and sometimes improved Sonic X Shadow Generations to find out.
Great Scott! The Plot.
Sonic Generations chronicles the many games the faster than a speeding bullet hedgehog has starred within with remade levels. Every level is lovingly re-crafted and presented to players through a white hub world. ‘The Time Eater’ villain of the game, is terrorizing Sonics memories and its up to the player to save Sonics friends in every level. Overall, Sonic Generations presents itself well and the narrative is good enough for players to go Back in Time with. The new addition here is collectible Chao characters alla Sonic Adventure games. This was a nice touch but other than the story beats featuring Shadow, the game is very similar here.
The same cannot be said for Shadow Generations. This 6-8 hour new campaign features Shadow unlocking his past and ‘Black Doom’ takes on the Time Eater roll in this campaign. Without spoilers, this is the best Shadow narrative players have ever been given. It’s engaging, the cut scenes are worth watching and innovative, but most of all, has high production value and finally gives the ultimate life form their own ultimate game. Shadows’ story will have players in its clutches and it’s exciting to see Shadow in his own narrative.
Gripping Gameplay
Sonic Generations is an older title and it feels this way from the get go. When this game first released, it featured the tightest gameplay any Sonic title had ever scene. Thankfully, this game still holds up today, but Sonic has become the gameplay Generations introduced. Each level in both Sonic and Shadow Generations features 2 Acts. One level in 2D style and one in modern 3D. Act 1 is always easier than Act 2 according to the game and usually this proves to be true. The 2D levels do an effective job of focusing on platforming and less on breakneck speeds of the 3D Levels. Staying elevated on the courses in both viewpoints are the keys to success and make it easy to see the replayability of each level. There’s collectables to grab of course, but the speed running and time trials are just as enticing to achieve.
Shadow Generations does what Sonic Generations did well, and makes it even better. With the addition of the ‘Doom’ power ups and the 2D Shadow levels cleverly translating these abilities to a different viewpoint; Shadow Generations earns its own identity. The speed of these levels feels more mature than Sonic Generations and finally gives Shadow the edge a game like his has to have (he doesn’t even need a cool motorcycle). The gameplay elements that don’t make a return here though are the motorcycle and guns from his self titled 2005 title. This is for the best as these elements were hokey then, and would have hurt the speed of the gameplay. The power ups all have a different identity and while some aren’t as fun as the others, it’s clear there’s different gameplay elements for everyone to enjoy.
Power of Presentation
Sonic Generations is still a great looking game. But Shadow Generations is an even better one. The game plays well and frames are a smooth. The extra details in the Shadow gameplay are noticeable even at quick speeds. The menus are laid out and the hub worlds, though sometimes a task to explore are a unique way of laying out and tributing the levels of the past.
But the best part is the music in the game. Tracks can be customized and if players want to make their own playlists featuring their favourite songs, they can. Meaning I’m keeping City Escape playing the entire time. All the Crush40 is here for players to enjoy.
Chaos Conclusion
This really is the definitive way to enjoy some of Sonic’s (and now Shadow’s) greatest levels and hits from the past. The smoother frame rate, extra campaign featuring Shadow, and overall tight gameplay even for a Sonic 3D title makes the future seem very bright for the blue blur. It’s clear that Sonic Team has been living and learning from the past generations of Sonic game titles.
Sonic X Shadow Generations
Summary
Sonic X Shadows Generations is a great re-release of Sonic at his best and a new game in Shadow Generations that captures the speed and darker tone the character deserves. While Sonic Generations itself remains largely unchanged, the new 6-8 hour Shadow the Hedgehog campaign is impressive and very fun. This is worth a pick up for every Sonic fan out there.
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