Sonic X Shadow Generations: Classic Speed Meets Dark Combat

SEGA’s iconic mascot returns to consoles and PCs with Sonic X Shadow Generations , a reimagining of the popular 2011 title that adds a shadowy new dimension to the classic formula. I had the chance to play the game hands-on at Summer Game Fest 2024 and came away impressed with how it blends nostalgia with fresh ideas. Despite not having sought out Sonic titles in the past, this is one that has me excited.

Breaking it down, at its core, Sonic X Shadow Generations is two games in one that blend new ideas with a classic formula. The first half is a remastered version of the original Sonic Generations , which sees modern and classic versions of Sonic teaming up to save their friends from a time-bending villain. The levels have been given a gorgeous visual upgrade, with crisp 4K textures and smooth 60 FPS gameplay that makes Sonic’s trademark speed feel more exhilarating than ever.

What makes Sonic X Shadow Generations so special is the all-new Shadow campaign. Taking place after the events of 2005’s Shadow the Hedgehog , it follows everyone’s favourite anti-hero as he confronts his nemesis, Black Doom, once again. The developers have clearly put a lot of thought into making Shadow feel distinct from Sonic, with a darker tone and gameplay mechanics that emphasize his unique abilities.

Shadow’s stages lean heavily on the darker aesthetic established in games like Sonic Adventure 2 , with industrial environments and alien landscapes contrasting nicely with Sonic’s more colourful worlds. These sections feel very different from the Sonic sections of the game and showcase different mechanics and unique concepts that give these levels a feel all their own.

Combat plays a much bigger role in Shadow’s campaign than Sonic’s more speed-oriented gameplay. Shadow can use new “Doom Powers” that allow him to manipulate time and space in creative ways. Even more excitingly, when you have enough power, you can use Chaos Control to freeze enemies in place, setting up satisfying combo attacks. It gives the gameplay a much more direct focus on combat, and it is incredible to see it all in action.

Even more exciting than the regular levels are the boss battles, which take the tension to another level. I took on the massive Biolizard in an intense multi-phase battle that had me running along its spine while dodging energy blasts. It felt suitably epic and challenging without lapsing into frustration. It also felt like a section of Bayonetta or Devil May Cry, with a much more mature feel that was an exciting thing to see in a Sonic title.

Visually, Sonic X Shadow Generations is a spectacle that pulls no punches when it comes to showcasing the team’s skills. The remastered Sonic stages pop with vibrant colours and fluid animation, while Shadow’s levels have a grittier, more realistic look that suits the character perfectly. Little touches like Shadow’s fur reacting to the wind as he runs add an extra layer of polish. The team has gone all out with this release, and it is truly stunning.

“Sonic X Shadow Generations is a spectacle that pulls no punches when it comes to showcasing the team’s skills.”

Of course, no Sonic game would be complete without a fantastic, blood-pumping soundtrack. While I didn’t get to hear the full score, I did hear a nice mix of remixed classics and new compositions that capture the essence of both Sonic and Shadow. If you enjoyed the intense and entertaining music of Sonic in the past, you will feel right at home here.

Sonic X Shadow Generations isn’t just a simple remaster with some extra content thrown in. It feels like a genuine attempt to evolve the Generations formula while paying homage to multiple eras of Sonic history. The addition of Shadow as a playable character opens up exciting new gameplay possibilities, and longtime fans will appreciate the deeper dive into his backstory.

However, I have questions about how the full package will balance these two elements and whether it will do justice to each character. It is clear that a lot of time is being put into the Shadow stages, so will it be possible to have as many as we have seen in the past with the Sonic stages? How will the two campaigns be integrated story-wise? And will the Hub world offer meaningful content beyond being a fancy-level selection screen? While these questions will not take away from a solid experience, they will help to temper expectations of what the final game will look like.

From what I’ve played so far, Sonic X Shadow Generations has the potential to be one of the most exciting Sonic releases in a long time. It strikes a good balance between nostalgia and innovation, offering something for longtime fans and newcomers alike. The improved visuals and smoother gameplay address many of the technical issues that held back the original Generations, while the Shadow campaign offers a fresh twist on the formula.

Sonic X Shadow Generations is set to release later this year on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. If my time with the game is any indication, both the Blue Blur and the Ultimate Lifeform are in for quite an adventure.