Sonic X Shadow Generations Review

The blue blur is back for another anniversary bash – this time with Shadow the Hedgehog in tow – with the release of SEGA’s Sonic X Shadow Generations. Should players pack their bags for another retro revival, or is this generation played out?

Sonic X Shadow Generations Review

Sonic Generations garnered generally favorable reviews (just ask Metacritic) when it originally launched for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 more than a decade ago. 

It’s easy to see why – its selection of levels pulls from classic stages from the original SEGA Genesis release up to Sonic Colors in a multiverse adventure before it was cool. 

As players take on Dr. Eggman and the evil Time Eater as both Classic Sonic and Modern Sonic, fan-favorite areas like the Green Hill Zone, Chemical Plant Zone, and City Escape. Its selection of levels is all killer and no filler – just the way we like it.

Classic Sonic’s stages are side-scrolling affairs like the days of old. While the physics are a bit different compared to those found in Sonic Mania and the like, they get the job done. Meanwhile, Modern Sonic adds an extra dimension fans of later releases have come to know and love. 

While players can’t go wrong either way with both Sonics, we preferred Modern Sonic’s levels as opposed to those from Classic Sonic. We’re dyed in the (blue) wool 2D Sonic fans through and through, but Sonic Generations does 3D better with more dynamic elements, sheer speed, and just a better sense of flow.

Just note that the Sonic Generations part of Sonic X Shadow Generations is a bit on the short side, clocking in at a few hours. There’s side objectives that can be done, Red Rings to collect, and those oh-so-important high rankings to earn, but this adventure proves to be quicker than Sonic himself.

However, Sonic X Shadow Generations also features a segment with the Ultimate Life Form Shadow the Hedgehog. New to this release, Shadow Generations gives this malcontent time to shine with a completely different section that can be accessed from the main menu.

For longtime fans of Sonic Adventure 2, Shadow the Hedgehog, and other later releases, players will join Shadow for levels like Sonic Heroes’ Rail Canyon, Sonic Forces’ Sunset Heights, and other deeper cuts. The same 2D/3D structure is also in Shadow Generations, though Act 2 features the side-scrolling elements this go-around.

Shadow does keep things interesting with a number of Doom powers he steadily accumulates alongside his signature Chaos Spear and Chaos Control moves. It helps differentiate him from that faker Sonic with differences in each level.

Just note that Shadow Generations has been designed as a side story. Most stages are fairly straightforward affairs, with a number of cutscene and quick time elements causing players to wait around for seconds at a time. 

When there’s a high rank on the line, it oftentimes feels like players are twiddling their thumbs rather than engaging in the action – a big no-no when it comes to the Sonic series. Despite not hitting the highs of Sonic Generations proper, Shadow Generations is still worth a playthrough for anybody that picks up Sonic X Shadow Generations.

Sonic X Shadow Generations is twice as nice, featuring the same stellar campaign from the original release along with a solid side-story featuring the Ultimate Life Form Shadow the Hedgehog. While this new content doesn’t quite hit the same highs with a number of hands-off sequences, it’s still worth a go for those who just can’t get enough of this malcontent.

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