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 Group 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 fashionable platforms, and whereas it is completely serviceable, the actual 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 properly well worth the asking value in the event you’re a fan. The remaster of Sonic Generations saves a beloved title from being caught on PS3, and it is fantastic; the increase to efficiency is welcome and it seems to be moderately good in movement. Nonetheless, 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 further Chao to search out and accumulate 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 fulfilling, whereas the Fashionable Sonic phases signify among the greatest ‘Increase’ type gameplay within the collection.
Having stated that, we nonetheless have some points with how 3D Sonic operates right here; phases are supposed to be performed many occasions 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 loads of frustration. It could all really feel too quick and chaotic at occasions. Nonetheless, once you do discover a rhythm, it may be loads of enjoyable, and hurtling by phases based mostly 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 actually 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 areas from his previous. In addition to coping with that, it seems that Black Doom is again on the scene. Awakening unusual, alien talents as he goes, Shadow’s bought a lot to scowl about.
Primarily based 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 might then briefly pause time, permitting you to dodge hazards or use them as platforms. It’s also possible to discover mild trails throughout this part that allow you to sprint by a portion of the extent.
On prime 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 broaden.
Once more, the affect of Frontiers is evident right here. As a substitute of Sonic Generations’ side-scrolling hub, Shadow is handled to a totally 3D house that step by step grows bigger as you play by phases. It is not an unlimited setting when all is claimed and performed, however it’s a extra fascinating one to discover. Shadow’s Doom talents make it a enjoyable place to zoom round, and there is some further issues to see and do.
As a substitute of Pink Rings, every stage accommodates three tokens to search out — each capable of unlock chests within the hub world, which include music, art work, and extra for the Assortment Room. It’s also possible to 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 centered than Frontiers.
Structurally, Shadow Generations has a lot in frequent with its stablemate. You may blast by 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 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 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. Nonetheless, 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 little bit slippery now and again, however total we loved taking part in his aspect of issues way more than Sonic’s. Constructing off of what was achieved in Frontiers, the chaos of earlier titles lastly feels beneath management.
It additionally helps that Shadow’s further talents make his phases extra diverse. 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, will be activated in each stage as soon as unlocked, and it warrants its personal rating/time information, because it permits for a really totally different playthrough of every stage.
The bosses ought to get a fast shout-out as properly. They’re few in quantity, and do not current a substantial amount of problem, however the fights are enjoyable and diverse, 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 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 fantastic, Shadow’s model new marketing campaign outshines it with a lot improved gameplay and stage design. The older sport positively exhibits its age in some regards, however bundling collectively one of the vital beloved Sonic titles with among the finest 3D entries in current reminiscence makes for a compelling double characteristic.