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 package deal that is nicely 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 advantageous; the increase 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 price dips, and a few cutscenes solely serve to spotlight its age.
These are superficial annoyances, although — the sport itself is as you bear in mind it, with extra Chao to seek out and gather in every stage. The sport performs precisely because it did on the time, which is to say the Traditional Sonic ranges have barely funky physics however are broadly gratifying, whereas the Trendy Sonic phases characterize a few of the greatest ‘Increase’ fashion gameplay within the collection.
Having mentioned that, we nonetheless have some points with how 3D Sonic operates right here; phases are supposed 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 may cause a whole lot of frustration. It might probably all really feel too quick and chaotic at instances. Nevertheless, while you do discover a rhythm, it may be a whole lot of enjoyable, and hurtling by means of phases primarily based on zones from all through the collection’ 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 operating parallel to the occasions of Sonic Generations, the black and pink hedgehog additionally will get pulled into the Time Eater’s shenanigans, leaving him in a white void that includes areas 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 obtained lots 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 pace 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 can even discover mild trails throughout this part that allow you to sprint by means of a portion of the extent.
On prime of that, Shadow will steadily 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 a substitute of Sonic Generations’ side-scrolling hub, Shadow is handled to a completely 3D house that steadily grows bigger as you play by means of phases. It isn’t an infinite setting when all is claimed and carried out, 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 additional issues to see and do.
As a substitute of Purple Rings, every stage accommodates three tokens to seek out — each in a position to unlock chests within the hub world, which include music, paintings, and extra for the Assortment Room. You can even observe 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 definitely extra targeted than Frontiers.
Structurally, Shadow Generations has a lot in widespread with its stablemate. You may blast by means of 3D and 2D phases primarily based upon zones from varied titles Shadow has appeared in (and one he hasn’t), and in between you will discover the white house, the place challenges award you keys that open up boss fights. It is nice seeing some traditional phases revisited; franchise followers will relish rocketing by means of ranges from Sonic Journey 2, Sonic Heroes, Sonic Forces, and extra.
The extent design itself seems like a step above, too. Staples of recent Sonic are right here — alternate pathways resulting in shortcuts, auto-pilot sequences of springs, and loads of spectacle surrounding the core motion. Nevertheless, due to 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 stage, 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 of slippery every now and then, however total we loved enjoying his facet of issues far 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 changing into too samey. Doom Wing, which lets Shadow glide, may be activated in each stage 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 nicely. They’re few in quantity, and do not current a substantial amount of problem, however the fights are enjoyable and diversified, once more making respectable use of Shadow’s new strikes. It is also simply neat to see throwbacks to previous antagonists.
Conclusion
Sonic X Shadow Generations is a good two-for-one deal, however for us, the antihero’s half of the package deal steals the present. Whereas the remaster of the 13-year-old platformer is completely advantageous, Shadow’s model new marketing campaign outshines it with a lot improved gameplay and stage design. The older sport undoubtedly exhibits its age in some regards, however bundling collectively one of the beloved Sonic titles with among the best 3D entries in current reminiscence makes for a compelling double characteristic.
