The Sonic franchise has experienced its ups and downs over the years, but it’s clear that SEGA is returning to form with their latest release: a remastered version of Sonic Generations paired with a brand-new addition—Shadow Generations. This dual package not only celebrates one of Sonic’s greatest titles but also introduces a fresh experience with Shadow the Hedgehog at the helm. The combination of nostalgic thrills with modern improvements makes this one of the best Sonic offerings in recent years. Now with the release of of Sonic the Hedgehog 3 movie coming up very soon this is a perfect time to dive deep into the history of Shadow.
Sonic Generations Remastered: A Timeless Classic Gets a Shine
For long-time Sonic fans, Sonic Generations is an absolute gem. It’s widely regarded as one of the best Sonic games, and this remaster only reinforces that reputation. Generations still shines with its blend of 2D and 3D gameplay, bringing the perfect balance of speed, platforming, and iconic level design. The remastered version doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel, and that’s a good thing. Instead, it polishes the experience with modern visual upgrades, smoother performance, and some added bonus content that enhances replay-ability.
The variety in level design is as strong as ever, showcasing classic and modern takes on iconic stages, from the lush Green Hill Zone to the industrialized Chemical Plant. Each stage is crafted to perfection, blending challenge with pure fun, all while honouring Sonic’s rich history. For those who already love Sonic Generations, the remaster feels like coming home, but with an added layer of sparkle and fluidity that makes the experience feel fresh even years later.
Shadow Generations: A Worthy Addition with New Powers and Puzzles
The biggest draw of this release is the inclusion of Shadow Generations, a game that runs parallel to the events of Sonic Generations. Shadow is no stranger to Sonic fans, but this time, he steps into the spotlight in a game that builds on the foundations of Generations while carving its own path. Much like Sonic’s journey through his past, Shadow’s adventure takes him back through some of his most iconic moments, but with the addition of brand-new mechanics that set the game apart.
One of the most exciting changes in Shadow Generations is the introduction of DOOM powers. These new abilities, like the DOOM spear, allow Shadow to attack enemies from a distance, adding a tactical layer to the game that contrasts Sonic’s speed-focused approach. These powers also provide versatile movement options, making both the hub world and the main levels feel fresh and dynamic. While the core gameplay remains true to the fast-paced nature of a Sonic game, these new abilities keep things feeling distinct and engaging throughout Shadow’s adventure.
The white space hub area in Shadow Generations is another highlight. Borrowing elements from Sonic Frontiers, the open world here is far more refined and enjoyable. Instead of a sprawling, aimless space, the hub is more compact and interactive, featuring optional puzzles and numerous collectibles. The space evolves as players progress, which keeps exploration fun and rewarding. There’s a wealth of extras to uncover, including lore, concept art, and music, which gives players more incentive to slow down and explore the world at their own pace.
Collectibles and Replay-ability
One of the standout features of Shadow Generations is its focus on collectibles. Every level contains three hidden tokens, giving players a reason to revisit stages beyond simply beating their fastest times. This adds a layer of strategy, encouraging players to take different routes and explore new paths in search of these items. The collectible aspect adds depth and longevity to the game, offering a perfect balance between speedrunning and careful exploration.
This combination of high-speed action and exploration makes Shadow Generations more than just a copy of Sonic Generations. It encourages players to think differently about how they approach each level, with the option to either race through or slow down and hunt for secrets. The incentive to collect everything gives players a reason to come back again and again, much like the original Generations.
Visuals: Stunning Worlds with a Mix of Hits and Misses
Visually, both Sonic and Shadow Generations are a treat, although there are a few areas where they could have been improved. The remastered Sonic Generations looks better than ever, with its vibrant, remade classic levels standing out as some of the best-designed in the series. The stages remain visually intuitive, ensuring that players can keep up with the fast-paced action without losing their way.
In Shadow Generations, the white space hub world is a major improvement over the open world in Sonic Frontiers. It’s simple yet beautiful, with evolving visual changes that keep the player engaged. While some stages in Shadow Generations are stunning and a joy to replay, a few are less memorable, with designs that don’t quite match the visual polish of the best levels. Nevertheless, the majority of the game looks fantastic, and the intuitive stage layouts ensure that even the less impressive visuals don’t detract from the overall experience.
Final Verdict: A Solid 9/10 and a Must-Buy for Fans
In the end, Sonic x Shadow generations is a must-have for Sonic fans. Sonic Generations remains one of the best Sonic games of all time, and the addition of Shadow Generations elevates this package to a whole new level. The new mechanics and collectibles in Shadow’s adventure add depth and replay-ability, while the visual upgrades and refined hub world make it clear that SEGA has learned from its past mistakes, especially when compared to Sonic Frontiers. This is a perfect time to hop in and catch up on Shadows story before the release of Sonic the Hedgehog 3 movie later this year.
Given the price tag of £44.99 ($58.70) at launch for the standard edition.
With a nearly flawless remaster of Sonic Generations and a well-crafted new experience in Shadow Generations, this game earns a solid 9/10. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the series, this collection offers something for everyone. Given the price tag of £44.99 ($58.70) at launch for the standard edition, and given you get two fantastic Sonic games for that price it is a worthy addition to any library.
Sonic x Shadow generations releases worldwide on all major consoles on October 25th 2024.
