Sonic X Shadow Generations Reviews
Shadow's campaign provides some of the best 3D levels of the series, but it's coupled with a dated and unnecessary remaster. If only Sega went all-in on the future.
Sonic X Shadow Generations takes an already excellent game and spring jumps it to new heights with a creative Shadow campaign and an appreciable graphical upgrade.
Sonic X Shadow Generations is a loving homage to all eras of Sonic and a reminder of why both the character and his games continue to endure.
It frustrates me that few of these improvements trickled down into Sonic Generations, but as a whole product, it’s hard to fault a package that gives us a faithful remaster of one of the most beloved Sonic games, and a great Shadow game to boot. I only hope now that Sega trusts itself to look to the future some more, and keeps moving ahead with the new formula that Sonic Frontiers - and now Shadow Generations - promises us.
Sonic X Shadows Generations is a celebration of a specific era of Sonic games, for better and worse.
My hope is that Sega going back and reflecting on what Shadow has lost in the past 20 years will make the company think about what it can reclaim. What better time to realize this than during the Year of Shadow, just as a new generation of Sonic fans is about to learn all about him when Sonic the Hedgehog 3 premieres in December? Sometimes brand synergy leads to a genuine celebration of something, and in the case of Shadow Generations, it’s long overdue.
All told, this feels like a solid offering from Sega and Sonic Team. Generations remains a perfect history lesson for younger fans, while Shadow’s new narrative provides a tantalizing introduction to the character before he hits the Hollywood big time just before Christmas. It’s one of Sonic’s better recent outings made just that little bit better - and you can’t really complain about that.
Sonic X Shadow Generations stands as a reminder as to where the series has gone and will be going in the future. While Sonic Generations values the original with some added features, Shadow Generations breaks the glass ceiling set by an already top-tier Sonic title. The integration of Doom Powers is a feature that is as edgy as it is fun. For those who love the series or have never played it before, these two games are the windows into the prominent highlights of Sonic and Shadow. Sonic X Shadow Generations is a must-play for those who want to witness the rise of the blue blur as well as the Ultimate Lifeform himself as he descends into chaos. As the saying goes, every light has its shadow, and in this case, it's time to embrace the darkness.
Sonic x Shadow Generations is exactly what a remastered re-release should be. 2011's Sonic Generations looks and performs much better, while the new Shadow Generations puts Shadow in the limelight and gives his story closure. With bosses and stages old and new, it's a fantastic action platformer with just the right dash of nostalgia.
In what can only be described as a monumental return to form for both hedgehogs, Sonic X Shadow Generations combines two excellent campaigns to create what is likely the very best 3D Sonic game so far. The remastered Generations content remains a delight, taking you through some of the series' most iconic stages, but Shadow's new chapter represents the franchise's 3D gameplay at its very best. It introduces a bunch of awesome new abilities while showcasing some of the most creative stages we've ever seen, and we're keen to keep replaying to nail those crucial S-ranks. Alas, there's still no Chao Garden, but we'll keep hoping and praying for its inclusion in the future. The future of 3D Sonic looks bright.
Sonic X Shadow Generations is a fantastic bundle of Sonic games, which learned all the right lessons from Sonic Frontiers.
Alongside a lovingly remastered Sonic Generations showcase, Shadow Generations is a dark and broody triumph that not only pays homage to the cult classic outing of yester-year for the troubled hedgehog, but also irons out all the aspects that fans didn't quite take to, effectively giving Shadow the do-over they deserve. It's a fast-paced and fluid Sonic title with great new mechanics, a tonne of replayability, and just the right amount of challenge. The fact that this is a short experience will irk a few, as will the lack of crossover between the two games, but all in all, Sonic x Shadow Generations is yet another strong Sonic outing that proves the dark days for the franchise may well be behind us.
Sonic X Shadow Generations recalls one of the great games of the series and adds extra content that doesn't quite shine. Sonic's adventure is now very enjoyable, but Shadow's approach has fallen tragically short.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Sonic X Shadow Generations represents the true future of a series that's finally ready to grow.
While it’s relatively short, Shadow Generations feels like someone took Sonic Frontiers and retroactively applied its secret sauce to an older 3D Sonic platformer, elevating it to heights previously unseen. Sonic Generations is a respectable remaster of a decent game, but pales in comparison.
Whether you are a veteran player of the franchise or not, here you have fun show to spare. The changes mostly improve the original and the Shadow campaign is a real flip. That's how we like Sonic, friends of SEGA.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Sonic X Shadow Generations is a great time. The remaster is exactly as you'd expect and the new game on top of it is better, more polished, varied, and refined. It's almost converted me to a 3D Sonic guy, which is shocking, and, because it's about Shadow instead of Sonic, you don't have to put up with anywhere near as many obnoxious voice performances. Shadow himself is just a bit broody and says things like "the ultimate power" in an almost-Keanu Reeves voice which really makes me laugh – especially with the Keanu voice pack coming in December for some top tier silliness.
Sonic X Shadows Generations delivers a sturdy one-two punch of fan service, providing a solid remaster of a 2011 favourite and coupling it with a new game starring a fan favourite. The usual 3D Sonic platforming issues remain and the Shadow Generations open-world hub may annoy those who disliked Sonic Frontiers but overall it's a brilliant package.
Thanks to a magical level design and a gameplay that comes out strengthened by the tweaks and the Doom skill, SEGA and Sonic, with the precious contribution of Shadow, remind us that the timeless adventures of the blue hedgehog are special.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Although it may only take around twenty hours for a long-time Sonic player to collect and experience everything Sonic X Shadow Generations has to offer, its level designs, gameplay mechanics, and incredible music reach a fantastic balance that makes replaying several stages over and over again a joy. Sonic X Shadow Generations is the best way to play one of the series' most enjoyable games that celebrates its past, and with the new Shadow content being a cut above the rest, it's a hopeful tease of where the franchise will go in the future.