Sonic X Shadow Generations is divided into two parts. The first half is a remastered version of the Sonic Generations from 2011, while the second half is an entirely new campaign starring Shadow the Hedgehog. Though they share a similar structure, these two parts deliver different experiences.
Also Read: Pokemon News: Game Freak Confirms Massive Data Breach
Sonic Generations focuses on recreating Sonic’s classic and modern gameplay, taking players through stages from the Blue Blur’s past.
Shadow Generations, on the other hand introduces new gameplay mechanics and a fresh storyline.
The real star of Sonic X Shadow Generations is Shadow’s campaign, which feels more like a full remake than a remaster.
The Shadow Generations portion draws inspiration from Sonic Frontiers and delivers a more open, ambitious and polished experience compared to Sonic’s levels.
Shadow’s campaign brings players back to Space Colony Ark exploring his dark backstory without getting bogged down by the overly edgy tone of his previous solo adventures. The game smartly blends Shadow’s past with modern gameplay elements.
One of the highlights of Shadow Generations is the introduction of Doom Powers, which add variety to Shadow’s gameplay.
These powers include surfing, flying and using projectiles, and they open up new paths and strategies in each level.
Shadow’s basic controls also feel tighter and more responsive than Sonic’s, with his double jump and separate homing attack button offering more precision and control.
Compared to Sonic’s side of the game, Shadow’s levels feel much more open. While both campaigns follow a similar structure completing stages and fighting bosses, the difference in design philosophy is striking.
Shadow’s levels are more ambitious taking full advantage of his new abilities. They encourage players to experiment with different routes and powers.
The levels maintain a sense of momentum, where Shadow rarely has to stop moving. This contributes to a satisfying flow with enemies smartly placed to keep the action going.
On the flip side, the Sonic Generations half of the game remains largely unchanged from its 2011 release. While it’s great to see a faithful remaster of one of Sonic’s best 3D outings, it also highlights how much the series has evolved since then.
The levels are visually sharper, but the core gameplay mechanics and structure remain the same. The boss battles often considered a weak point of the original Sonic Generations which haven’t been improved.
Some players may find these encounters lackluster compared to the more polished fights in Shadow’s campaign.
One of the issues with Sonic X Shadow Generations is how few of the improvements seen in Shadow Generations have been applied to the Sonic side of the game.
The controls in Sonic Generations can still feel clunky at times with the homing attack. This can lead to frustrating deaths and a lack of fluidity especially when compared to Shadow’s smoother gameplay.
The final boss battle remains a weak point, with repetitive dialogue and limited involvement for classic Sonic. These are small but significant issues that could have been addressed in this remaster.
Both campaigns feature Challenge Acts, which break up the regular level structure by introducing specific objectives players must complete to progress the story.
While some of these challenges add a fun twist, others can be frustrating especially when they force players to complete them in very particular ways.
The Challenge Acts in Shadow Generations are made more enjoyable thanks to the variety of abilities and powers Shadow has at his disposal.
Also Read: Steam News: Steam Now Explicitly States You’re Buying a License, Not a Game
When it comes to purchasing Sonic X Shadow Generations, players will have two main choices, the Standard Edition and the Digital Deluxe Edition.
Each edition comes with its own set of bonuses and early access options.
1. Standard Edition ($49.99)
- Availability: Digital and physical forms (physical version available only for PS4, PS5, and Nintendo Switch).
- Release Date: October 25, 2024.
- What’s Included: The Standard Edition of Sonic X Shadow Generations offers the core game and the Sonic Adventure Legacy Skin DLC.
- Physical Bonuses: For those purchasing the physical version of the Standard Edition, you will also receive Gerald Robotnik’s Journal. This collectible item offers insight into the creation of Shadow.
2. Digital Deluxe Edition ($59.99)
- Availability: Exclusively digital.
- Release Date: October 22, 2024 (with three-day early access).
- What’s Included: The Digital Deluxe Edition is packed with additional content for the dedicated Sonic fan.
Here’s a Complete List of Bonuses:
- Three-day Early Access
- Sonic Adventure Legacy Skin DLC
- Additional Shadow Level
- Terios Skin
- Skill Points for Sonic Generations
- Extra BGM Pack
- Digital Art Book
- Digital OST
Thos who are looking to pre-order Sonic X Shadow Generations will be pleased to find that there are enticing bonuses available. However, the bonuses differ based on whether you opt for the Standard Edition or the Digital Deluxe Edition.
1. Standard Edition Pre-Order Bonuses
- Sonic Adventure Legacy Skin DLC: Players who pre-order the Standard Edition will receive this exclusive skin for Sonic, inspired by his classic Sonic Adventure design.
- Gerald Robotnik’s Journal: This physical item is exclusive to those who purchase the Standard Edition physically.
2. Digital Deluxe Edition Pre-Order Bonuses
- Three-Day Early Access: Pre-ordering the Digital Deluxe Edition allows players to access the game on October 22, 2024, a full three days before the standard release.
- Additional Content: Along with the early access, players will also receive the additional Shadow level, Terios skin, extra skill points and more as part of the pre-order package.
Sonic X Shadow Generations is set to release across a wide variety of platforms. Whether you’re a console or PC gamer, you’ll be able to experience the action-packed journey of Sonic and Shadow. However, it’s important to note that physical editions are only available for select platforms.
1. Available Platforms
- PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5: Both digital and physical editions will be available.
- Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S: Only digital versions will be available for Xbox platforms.
- Nintendo Switch: The game will release in both digital and physical formats on this platform.
- PC (Steam and Epic Games Store): For PC gamers, the game will be available digitally on Steam and the Epic Games Store.
Both Steam and the Epic Games Store versions of Sonic X Shadow Generations will feature Denuvo DRM. While this may not impact all players, some fans of DRM-free gaming might be disappointed by its inclusion.
Unfortunately, a DRM-free version of the game will not be available on platforms like GOG.
Also Read: Video Games News: Red Dead Redemption PC Pricing Confirmed, Pre-orders Now Live
