Again in 2011, Sonic Generations was heralded as a return to type for SEGA’s spiky mascot. After a spate of poorly-received video games, Sonic Crew lastly introduced the hedgehog again with this easy and reflective title, celebrating the character’s twentieth anniversary. 13 years later, this fan favorite has returned with a remaster on trendy platforms, and whereas it is completely serviceable, the true draw is a model new marketing campaign starring the edgy antihero, Shadow the Hedgehog.
The pair of video games are bundled collectively in Sonic X Shadow Generations, a bundle that is effectively well worth the asking value in case you’re a fan. The remaster of Sonic Generations saves a beloved title from being caught on PS3, and it is nice; the enhance to efficiency is welcome and it appears to be like fairly good in movement. Nevertheless, there are nonetheless one or two spots the place the sport judders or the body charge dips, and a few cutscenes solely serve to focus on its age.
These are superficial annoyances, although — the sport itself is as you bear in mind it, with extra Chao to seek out and acquire in every degree. The sport performs precisely because it did on the time, which is to say the Basic Sonic ranges have barely funky physics however are broadly gratifying, whereas the Fashionable Sonic phases symbolize among the greatest ‘Enhance’ model gameplay within the sequence.
Having mentioned that, we nonetheless have some points with how 3D Sonic operates right here; phases are meant to be performed many instances as you memorise their layouts and optimise the run, however earlier than you attain that time it may be painful. Obstacles that cease you useless, enemies you could not have seen coming, and unpredictable physics could cause a whole lot of frustration. It might all really feel too quick and chaotic at instances. Nevertheless, once you do discover a rhythm, it may be a whole lot of enjoyable, and hurtling via phases based mostly on zones from all through the sequence’ historical past stays charming.
Whereas the remaster will pull in followers of the unique, it is the all-new Shadow Generations that basically sweetens the deal. With a narrative working parallel to the occasions of Sonic Generations, the black and purple hedgehog additionally will get pulled into the Time Eater’s shenanigans, leaving him in a white void that includes places from his previous. In addition to coping with that, it seems that Black Doom is again on the scene. Awakening unusual, alien skills as he goes, Shadow’s acquired a lot to scowl about.
Based mostly upon the foundations laid down by 2022’s Sonic Frontiers, Shadow Generations feels far smoother to play than the remaster. Furthermore, Shadow is frankly a extra fascinating character to play as in comparison with Sonic’s streamlined Generations transfer set. He matches the blue blur’s velocity and homing assault, however has entry to a projectile that may stun enemies, and Chaos Management, which builds up as you defeat enemies and may then briefly pause time, permitting you to dodge hazards or use them as platforms. You may also discover gentle trails throughout this section that allow you to sprint via a portion of the extent.
On high of that, Shadow will step by step unlock a brand new vary of Doom powers as you progress. Doom Spears improve his projectile so he can goal a number of enemies directly, whereas Doom Blast launches sure foes into the air, knocks them again, after which teleports you to the place they land. One other, Doom Surf, permits Shadow to traverse water, which turns out to be useful when the hub world begins to increase.
Once more, the affect of Frontiers is obvious right here. As an alternative of Sonic Generations’ side-scrolling hub, Shadow is handled to a completely 3D area that step by step grows bigger as you play via phases. It is not an unlimited surroundings when all is alleged and finished, however it’s a extra fascinating one to discover. Shadow’s Doom skills make it a enjoyable place to zoom round, and there is some further issues to see and do.
As an alternative of Crimson Rings, every stage accommodates three tokens to seek out — each capable of unlock chests within the hub world, which comprise music, art work, and extra for the Assortment Room. You may also monitor down rocket components within the hub, which you’ll be able to return to Cubot and Orbot, rewarding you with but extra goodies. All of it feels fairly cohesive, and positively extra centered than Frontiers.
Structurally, Shadow Generations has a lot in widespread with its stablemate. You may blast via 3D and 2D phases based mostly upon zones from numerous titles Shadow has appeared in (and one he hasn’t), and in between you will discover the white area, the place challenges award you keys that open up boss fights. It is nice seeing some traditional phases revisited; franchise followers will relish rocketing via ranges from Sonic Journey 2, Sonic Heroes, Sonic Forces, and extra.
The extent design itself seems like a step above, too. Staples of contemporary Sonic are right here — alternate pathways resulting in shortcuts, auto-pilot sequences of springs, and loads of spectacle surrounding the core motion. Nevertheless, because of the improved controls and pacing, the standard complications related to 3D Sonic are largely cured. You are still rewarded for skilful play and studying the layouts of every degree, however doing so is extra enjoyable in Shadow Generations since you do not run into these momentum-halting partitions or traps. Shadow can really feel a bit slippery every so often, however general we loved taking part in his aspect of issues rather more than Sonic’s. Constructing off of what was achieved in Frontiers, the chaos of earlier titles lastly feels underneath management.
It additionally helps that Shadow’s extra skills make his phases extra diversified. As you unlock them, future acts will incorporate them, and whereas these powers are solely helpful in sure locations, they diversify the design and cease issues from turning into too samey. Doom Wing, which lets Shadow glide, might be activated in each degree as soon as unlocked, and it warrants its personal rating/time data, because it permits for a really completely different playthrough of every stage.
The bosses ought to get a fast shout-out as effectively. They’re few in quantity, and do not current quite a lot of problem, however the fights are enjoyable and diversified, once more making first rate use of Shadow’s new strikes. It is also simply neat to see throwbacks to previous antagonists.
Conclusion
Sonic X Shadow Generations is a superb two-for-one deal, however for us, the antihero’s half of the bundle steals the present. Whereas the remaster of the 13-year-old platformer is completely nice, Shadow’s model new marketing campaign outshines it with a lot improved gameplay and degree design. The older recreation undoubtedly exhibits its age in some regards, however bundling collectively one of the vital beloved Sonic titles with the most effective 3D entries in current reminiscence makes for a compelling double function.
