Every light has its shadow, as the saying goes. This saying can mean many things, whether it’s said as a good or bad thing. SEGA’s long (and fast) running series,Sonic the Hedgehog, has been the light of the company’s video games, having spawned numerous TV shows and movies. When it comes to a highlight of the series’ games, none can look past the 2011 platformerSonic Generations. All that is left forSonic Generationsis to add its Shadow…which is exactly what SEGA and the Sonic Team did.
Sega Reveals SONIC X SHADOW GENERATIONS During PlayStation’s State of Play
Sonic Generations is coming back at last, but this time Sonic’s longtime rival Shadow is getting in on the action too.
Relive and Learn
Sonic X Shadow Generationsbrings the beloved title remastered for the latest consoles and adds a side story centered on the antihero Shadow the Hedgehog. Shadow has had a prominent focus this year, given that the game is part of the 2024Sonic the Hedgehogmarketing campaign “Fearless: Year of Shadow.” His appearance has been seen in other games, but withSonic the Hedgehog 3bringing the likes of Keanu Reeves to voice the role, it’s no surprise that Shadow is getting his overdue time in the spotlight.
With the two games, the stories themselves play into each other, as the events occur alongside each other. The blending between the two stories is subtle, since Shadow doesn’t have too big of a role inSonic Generations, butShadow Generationsvalues the traditions set by its partner in crime. In other words,Sonic Generationsran so thatShadow Generationscould run at the speed of sound. The story of Shadow uses what has been given and builds upon that structure, creating its own entity within that universe.
…Sonic Generationsran so thatShadow Generationscould run at the speed of sound.
For those who haven’t playedSonic Generations, the game follows Sonic, alongside Tails, as they form an alliance with their past selves to restore their timelines back to where it was before. Both Sonics travel through 2D and 3D levels from previous Sonic games, which both commemorate the classic and modern playstyles of the series up untilSonic Colors.Shadow Generationsrelies on that same premise but adds levels from games up until 2022’sSonic Frontiers. The stages continue the tradition of highlighting the iconic landscapes of the Sonic series. Shadow’s story focuses on his journey into the past in order to defeat his nemesis, Black Doom, whose paths have intertwined long ago.
Reach for the Stars
Sonic X Shadow Generationshas a similar structure in gameplay, with two acts per stage, but differs in additional missions, withShadowhaving two per stage instead of three to four in Sonic.Sonic Generationshas added missing chaos to the collectible Red Star Rings, which adds a new element to the remaster.Shadowholds off on the Red Star Rings and installs Collection Keys, which can also be found throughout the White Space. The layout of the White Space is vastly different asSonicholds its 2D side-scrolling perspective, whileShadowboasts an open-world environment filled with obstacles and collectibles. It is reminiscent ofSonic Frontiers, which is a plus when it comes to integrating the more modern aspects of the series.
Shadow Generationsis a different hybrid compared toSonic Generations, as it introduces Doom Powers onto the scene. These abilities add a refreshing aspect and challenge the traditional style of the game, which works to its advantage.Shadow Generationshits the sweet spot when it comes to nailing action-packed and dynamic gameplay. There hasn’t been aSonictitle likeShadowbefore and if this marks where the series is aiming to go, you can be sure that it’s going to be one for the ages.
Shadow Generationshits the sweet spot when it comes to nailing action-packed and dynamic gameplay.
The level designs are more complex in Shadow, which isn’t a bad thing at all. In terms of difficulty,Shadow Generationsscratches the surface of being hard, which is great.Sonic Generationshas varying levels of difficulty, butShadowfinds itself to be on the lighter side of the spectrum. The reasoning behind this is the controls, as both games have slight differences in commands.Shadowdoesn’t have the Drift and Light Speed Dash abilities thatSonicdoes, but instead has those for different Chaos Powers. One of the key differences is that while Modern Sonic uses Jump Dash, Shadow has Double Jump.
Escape From the City
Something that should be recognized by both games is that the stages aren’t one-way streets. Every replay feels like a new journey and the game allows you to explore those routes whenever you want. For anyone who’s played Sonic, the desire to go for an A or the coveted S ranking is strong. Luckily, both games give players the platform to go the distance and speed run your way to the top. Shadow adds more obstacles, as well as more opportunities to find those niches within the stage.
The challenges inSonic X Shadow Generationsare tons of fun as your skills are put to the test. Shadow utilizes the Doom Powers for multiple missions, while some are time-based and collectible-based. Boss Battles are also a key element for both games and bring back familiar foes fought in past entries. A distinct contrast in the battles is the playstyle and tone, sinceShadowgoes full force with his edgy commentary and Sonic sticks to his snap-back remarks.
Speaking of snapping, the musical compositions forSonic X Shadow Generationscontinue to keep those toes tapping songs that keep the nostalgia alive.Sonic Generationscaptured the essence of the classic and modern games, featuring the deep blue 8-bit symphony of Chemical Plant: Act 1 to the orchestral flair of Rooftop Run: Act 2.Shadow Generations brings forth that metallic characteristic that has had its place in bothSonicandShadowgames. The music of the franchise is a gateway into the characters' mindset. Plus, the stages and combat pair nicely with the songs, which is always a valuable asset when it comes to capturing the essence of a playthrough.
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All Hail Shadow
From a visual standpoint, the graphics forSonic Generationslook sharper and brighter, especially on the PlayStation 5, but there is a frame-rate issue. It’s more noticeable in cutscenes and in the earlier stages of the game.Shadow, on the other hand, has a modern look to it and has some incredible visuals, especially near the end of the stages. AsSonic Generationsdid for the classic games,Shadow Generationsshowcases the future potential of the franchise and breathes a new sense of identity, regardless of how edgy it may be.
Shadow Generations’ story is different from the one told inSonic Generations. Similar to how Sonic and Shadow are the opposite of each other, the same can be said for their pasts. Shadow’s history is acknowledged here, and for those who don’t know, it’s dark. Much like our protagonist/antagonist, the tone is still recognized and doesn’t forgo any changes to the backstory. If anything,Shadow Generationsembraces that shift in darkness as it is valued through the motivations and art design, which is rich in black, red and purple hues.
AsSonic Generationsdid for the classic games,Shadow Generationsshowcases the future potential of the franchise and breathes a new sense of identity, regardless of how edgy it may be.
As previously mentioned, whileSonic Generationsshowcases the bright and bustling streets of City Escape,Shadow Generationsreimagines the dark abyss of the Space Colony ARK. The Sonic franchise is known to take the lighter route when it comes to storytelling, but as Shadow and his previous games have confirmed, there’s a reward that comes with the risk of taking a darker street.Shadowdoesn’t go too far into the depths, but there’s a noticeable difference when it comes to playstyle. His attacks are brutal and merciless, his mentality is no match for those who go against him. Sonic teases those attributes in the game with his mannerisms and catchphrases, but Shadow strikes the core of the enemy. That dynamism fuels the fire that has been set by previous installments that featured Shadow.
Closing Comments:
Sonic X Shadow Generationsstands as a reminder as to where the series has gone and will be going in the future. WhileSonic Generationsvalues the original with some added features,Shadow Generationsbreaks 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 XShadow Generationsis 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.
