“Sonic X Shadow Generations” is a two-for-one treat that’s an absolute must-play for fans of the Sonic universe. As someone who’s been following Sonic and Shadow’s adventures for years, I was thrilled to jump into this game, which seamlessly combines classic Sonic gameplay with a whole new experience for Shadow the Hedgehog. The package offers two distinct adventures, each bringing something exciting to the table: a remastered version of “Sonic Generations” and an all-new story campaign starring Shadow himself.
Let’s start with Shadow’s story in Shadow Generations. It’s refreshing to see the “Ultimate Life Form” back in the spotlight with new abilities that really make you feel his unique power. Shadow’s journey is set against the return of his nemesis, Black Doom, who’s threatening the world once again. What makes this campaign compelling is the way it dives into Shadow’s past, forcing him to confront memories that continue to haunt him. The storytelling is well-paced, with Shadow gaining new abilities that give the gameplay a fresh feel while still being rooted in the classic Sonic formula. One this I wasn’t expecting was the new Doom Powers. I had a blast using them to crush enemies and navigate levels in ways that felt entirely new. Shadow can surf across water, fly through the air, and even manipulate time using Chaos Control. These abilities elevate the platforming experience to new heights, making each level feel like a puzzle waiting to be solved with Shadow’s expanding skillset. The levels themselves are a mix of iconic stages from Shadow’s past, but they’ve been twisted and warped by Black Doom’s sinister influence, giving them a surreal and challenging quality.
Exploring the expansive hub world is another aspect of the game that surprised me in a good way. Inspired by the open-zone gameplay introduced in “Sonic Frontiers,” this hub world allows you to roam freely, discover hidden secrets, and unlock new areas as you gain new powers. The sense of exploration here really enhances the experience, giving the game a more modern feel while still maintaining the fast-paced platforming that fans love. Each corner of the hub world holds something new, encouraging players to explore every nook and cranny for hidden collectibles and power-ups. A potential downside for some, who just want to play level after level without wanting to physically travel to the next stage may find this hub cramping your speed. I myself felt that at times, but it’s still a cool hub at the end of the day.
Now, let’s talk about the remastered “Sonic Generations.” It was already one of the best Sonic games ever made, and this remaster proves that Sega wasn’t content with just resting on its laurels. The visual improvements are somewhat noticeable, with upgraded textures, reworked cinematics, and smoother performance overall. Whether you’re speeding through iconic 3D and 2D stages as Modern or Classic Sonic, the experience feels more polished than ever. The levels look stunning with the updated graphics, and the controls feel just as tight and responsive as I remember from the original. Going back to this game I couldn’t help but feel as though it has become inferior to the new Shadow game, mainly due to them taking all that made this game so good and improving it even more, where as this game is still more of a nice and faithful remaster.
I found myself getting sidetracked hunting for hidden items in each level and aiming for high scores (really wanted to get S rank on every level) on each stage, the pinball section of the Casino Nights Zone is also really cool. These small additions, along with the behind-the-scenes art and music available in the museum, make this remaster feel like a love letter to long-time Sonic fans. The combination of 2D and 3D stages keeps the gameplay varied and exciting. What really makes “Sonic X Shadow Generations” stand out is how well these two games complement each other. Shadow’s campaign adds a darker, more narrative-driven experience that balances the light-hearted, high-speed antics of Sonic Generations. Shadow’s new mechanics, like the Doom Powers, bring a lot of depth to his adventure, and the hub world gives players a reason to keep exploring even after the main story is done. On the flip side, “Sonic Generations remains” as fast-paced and thrilling as ever, with the remastered visuals making it look better than ever before.
It’s clear that Sega has put a lot of effort into refining both experiences. The enhanced visuals and bonus content breathe new life into an already fantastic game. “Shadow Generations” feels like the game Shadow fans have been waiting for, giving him the spotlight and new gameplay mechanics that really suit his character. If you’re a Sonic fan, this collection is an absolute no-brainer. It’s the perfect time to revisit “Sonic Generations” in its remastered glory while also diving into Shadow’s new adventure. With Sonic the Hedgehog 3 arriving in theaters soon,” Sonic X Shadow Generations” is the perfect way to catch up on the lore and get hyped for what’s next in the Sonic universe. Whether you’re here for the nostalgia or excited for something new, this game delivers on all fronts.
8.5/10
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Related: Reviews by Nick Navarro
Gaming since I was given an original Nintendo as a kid. I love great storytelling and unique ingenuity. When both collide in a single game, I'm a happy gamer. Twitter/IG @NickNavarro87
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