5/5 ★ – M_Riolu's review of Sonic x Shadow Generations.

Sonic Generations has been my favorite Sonic game since I beat it in 2020 with Sonic Frontiers coming in second. So when Sonic X Shadow Generations was announced and the Shadow gameplay would have the Frontiers formula, I was ecstatic. Ever since I got the game, I have been playing it nonstop to get 100% completion in both Sonic and Shadow Generations. So here’s my review of Sonic X Shadow Generations. Gameplay (Sonic Generations): The gameplay for Sonic Generations remains about the same as in the original game. You have the option between the original controls and controls similar to Frontiers depending on which feels better for you. I’ve played many hours of the original Generations, so of course I had to go with the legacy controls. Outside of that, the only big difference is the addition of the drop dash which was originally featured in Sonic Mania and has been in just about every Sonic game since. While a fine addition to Classic Sonic’s gameplay, it was definitely not needed for Modern Sonic. The game retains the same 9 stages, 90 challenges, and 8 bosses as well as the Casino Night Pinball stage which was DLC in the original game. However, the playable version of Sonic 1 was removed from the game, probably so more people would buy Sonic Origins. Within each stage are the 5 red rings which were unchanged, but also 3 Chao that you can find hidden around each Act. From what I know, there’s no real point for them outside of just seeing Chaos in a mainline Sonic game again. Gameplay (Shadow Generations): The gameplay for Shadow Generations is basically just a better version of what was seen in Frontiers. But now that we are playing as Shadow, we get some new abilities to use which are either Chaos or Doom powers. Using these abilities will unlock different shortcuts within each stage. Just like with Sonic Generations, there are multiple challenges to complete for each stage. There are 4 for each stage, 2 3D stages, and 2 2D stages. Just about every stage is pulled from an important part of Shadow’s history, whether it was before or after the events of Sonic Generations, with the only exception of Chaos Island from Frontiers. The same is said with the bosses, however, none of them are from games passed Generations’s original release. Overall, I found all of the stages, challenges, and bosses to be great and really fun to play and try to perfect. Just like with Sonic Frontiers, there are many collectibles to be found in the “open zone” portion of the game as well as in each stage. I found it very satisfying to collect all of the collectibles as a lot of them were in a lot of places that were hard to get to. Story: While there isn’t much story to talk about when it comes to Sonic Generations, the story in Shadow Generations is really good. The game kinda does repeat the same story as told in Shadow The Hedgehog (2005), it’s still interesting to see a new version of it that doesn’t make you beat the game 10 times. Music: Just like with basically every Sonic game, Sonic X Shadow Generations has amazing music and remixes. All of the music is still the same in Sonic Generations, but there are plenty of amazing remixes in Shadow Generations. I honestly think I prefer all of the remixes over their original versions because they are just that good. They also remixed my favorite Sonic song, so 10+ points for it. Visuals: The new animations in Shadow Generations are absolutely incredible. It’s clear that the budget has increased a lot since Forces as each scene feels cinematic and is matched with great visuals and choreography. The environments within each stage also look incredible, especially the stages that haven’t been seen in many many years. Closing Statement: Sonic X Shadow Generations easily skyrocketed into first place as my favorite Sonic game and is easily one of my favorite platformers. I’m holding out hope that Sega continues to keep releasing games of this quality as I think they could easily catch up to Mario at this pace. Playtime: 26 Hours Trophies Obtained: 41/41 Riolu Rating: 10/10 Should You Play It? Even if you aren’t a big Sonic fan, I highly suggest trying the game out. It’s easily one of the best 3D platformers and is a short and enjoyable time. Beaten: November 3, 2024