Sonic X Shadow Generationsis a re-written love letter to Sonic history, now with a PS note for his one true rival, Shadow The Hedgehog.
As far as video game characters go, Shadow The Hedgehog is one of my all-time favourites. I’ve been enamoured with him since seeing his debut inSonic Adventure 2 Battleas a child, and I was unbelievably hyped to see him get the spotlight again inSonic X Shadow Generations.
During Summer Game Fest earlier this year, I spoke with Sonic Team director Takashi Iizuka onSonic X Shadow Generations, and what it was like to remaster Sonic’s history again
Sonic Generationsis already one of my favourite Sonic games, as it felt like a true celebration of the best, and worst, in Sonic’s long-standing history as a gaming icon. It’s one I’ve regularly gone back to so I was excited to play it again with enhanced visuals and a smoother framerate.
Advert
Advert
It was well and truly a blast, and it offered more extra content than I’d originally expected. Aside from the graphical stuff, the game actually features rewritten and re recorded dialogue. Something that never quite sat right with me during the finale toSonic Generationswas the generic, corny dialogue that came spewing out of Sonic’s friends’ mouths when encouraging the pair to keep fighting. Shadow’s infamous “you got this Sonic” has lived in my head rent-free for years, so I was thrilled to see it rewritten to something more in-line with Shadow’s character in the remaster. It’s a small change, but one I appreciated immensely and I’m sure other fans will too.
The other big change is a new collectible, Chao, three of which will be hidden throughout each level in need of saving. Now I’m thrilled to see them return, but was a tad disappointed to see they don’t actually reward you with anything once you’ve saved them. Red Star Rings are a returning collectible, and grabbing those rewards you with artwork and music so they’re worth grabbing when possible. The Chao on the other hand offered nothing more than a few extra hours of collecting, though I’m at least happy to see Sonic Team haven’t forgotten them and I’m hoping this means a new Chao Garden is on the cards for future games.
That’s about it forSonic Generations,on to the real bread and butter of this title:Shadow Generations.
SEGA
Advert
Advert
Despite being packaged withSonic Generations, Shadow Generationsis a completely different animal. It plays more likeSonic Frontierswith its physics and visuals, but each level is masterful in its design and I’ve already got favourites I could replay again and again. First though is the White Space hub world, which can be explored in 3D as opposed toSonic Generations’2D. LikeSonic Frontiersthere’s an assortment of enemies, rails, springs, collectables and more for Shadow to mess around with, with more of the world becoming explorable as you advance the story.
Shadow’s levels can be found in this hub world, and come from games Shadow himself was part of, with one exception. The nostalgia was real here, but taking off the rose-tinted glasses they were just genuinely well-designed. Again the gameplay differed toSonic Generations, they weren’t just Modern Sonic stages with Shadow slapped in, they felt purposefully designed with him in mind.
Advert
Advert
SEGA
Instead of the homing attack Shadow teleports and kicks his enemies, and can use Chaos Spear to stun them at long-range. Shadow can also utilise Chao Control, which freezes time temporarily to make platforming easier, unlock new paths of progression, and take down enemies with no resistance.
Chaos Control was my favourite part of Shadow’s gameplay, and I loved finding new and intuitive ways to use it to shave a few seconds off my personal best time in levels. Doom Powers are also unlocked as you progress the story, like his Doom Wings that let him glide short distances and destroy whatever he comes into contact with. The levels also boasted cinematic quick-time events, like Shadow beating the hell out of an enormous missile but sending it careening off into the distance with a powerful kick. Again this added flair distinguishesShadow GenerationsfromSonic Generations. While Sonic is more likely to parkour his way through danger with a smirk and some style, Shadow would rather obliterate anything standing between him and his goal.
Advert
Advert
SEGA
Advert
Advert
In terms of additional content there’s a wealth of bonus material to comb through for those with an interest in art, music and lore. Medallions unlocked in the levels can be used to open chests in the White Space, which will contain either artwork, a new song that can be played during levels, or a page of Dr Gerald Robotnik’s diary. All of this can be viewed in a collection room at any time, so if you’re a completionist you’ll want to fill this room up pretty quickly.
SEGA
Sonic X Shadow Generationslovingly remasters an already great Sonic title, a celebration of the blue blur and his triumphs over the years, It also goes a step further and celebrates a character just as important to the Sonic canon as the hero himself.Shadow Generationselevates the overall package to new heights, and both games combined make for a masterful journey through one of SEGA’s richest world histories, for long-time fans and newcomers alike.
Back in 2013 I dreamed of the daySonic Generationsgot a sequel featuring levels from Sonic’s history that didn’t make it into the final game, and even further back in 2005 I hoped SEGA would give Shadow another chance to shine following a frankly messy spin-off.Sonic X Shadow Generationshas turned those hopes and dreams into reality, and I’m ever so thankful for it.
Pros: Lovingly remastered visuals and more collectables for Sonic Generations, Shadow’s story is handled well and does wonders for his character, White Space exploration is enjoyable, new levels and Doom powers make for a completely unique experience
Cons: Sonic Generations could have done with a little bit more than just Chao
For fans of: Sonic The Hedgehog, Super Mario, Astro Bot
9/10: Exceptional
Topics:Reviews,Sonic,Sega,Xbox,PlayStation,PC,Nintendo
