Looking for an exciting gaming experience? Check out our review of Sonic X Shadow Generations for all the details on this epic crossover adventure!
ime flies. When I look back and think about reviewing Sonic Generations back in 2011, I get goosebumps. But here we are more than a decade later doing the same thing with this kind of “special remaster” called Sonic X Shadow Generations . A 2-in-1 pack that includes two very different campaigns, both of which can be chosen at the start. So we can delve into the remaster of the fantastic original title Sonic Generations, but instead discover the great incentive that this pack includes, which is the solo campaign for Shadow . A new mode that, in terms of plot, runs parallel to the original game, proposing us to fight against the evil alien Black Doom.
2D and 3D Sonic Platforms
If there was one thing that stood out about the original title, it was for mixing several generations of Sonic, with everything that this entails. Thus, in Sonic Generations it is possible to participate in traditional 2D development levels taking control of Classic Sonic . An old-school version of the blue porcupine who is capable of moving at dizzying speeds while performing his well-known whirlwind attack.
In addition to these more traditional and really good stages, there are those starring the current 3D version of Sega’s mascot. Levels that take place in areas recreated in three dimensions alternating with 2D gameplay areas and in which it is possible to carry out a greater number of actions, from directly attacking rivals to grinding through certain parts of the background, etc. A combination of 2D and 3D gameplay that, at least in my opinion, after all these years continues to work like a charm and provides a lot of fun overall.
And to access them, you can explore a small central world that houses these areas with their different actions that you can choose from. A scenario designed in 2D… unlike what happens with the one that has been captured in Shadow’s campaign. The central world in which this character moves is entirely three-dimensional and covers up to six different areas, which must be unlocked little by little through the relevant collectible objects.
A campaign that, as I have already mentioned, is totally independent from the original and adds between 3 and 4 hours of extra time to the whole, giving more substance to the original title. In addition, Shadow presents exclusive abilities that notably differentiate him from his blue counterpart (in either of its two controllable “versions”) and that, in the end, shape a different gameplay.
Thus, this character is able to freeze time for a few moments , which is perfect for using initially mobile elements such as rockets and other projectiles as improvised platforms or, also, to more easily avoid adversaries. A very striking ability, as is his ability to adopt a new winged form, an ability that allows him to glide through the scenarios and take alternative routes. Skills to which are added others such as the possibility of attacking adversaries with magic spears and many others focused on Shadow’s offensive capacity.
On the other hand, it is also necessary to face the final bosses that appear in the game. These fights are blocked from the start, and it is necessary to find special keys that are given to us when we overcome certain well-marked challenges in the central world. These battles, without being the most attractive part of the title, are not badly recreated.
Due to Shadow’s idiosyncrasy and also his unique abilities, the campaign is more action-oriented than platform-oriented. This is something that, while in my particular case I like less since I enjoy platforming more, more objectively it seems to me a wise decision to complement and differentiate itself even more from what was experienced in Sonic Generations. A proposal that, in addition, it is necessary to point out that it is completely three-dimensional, that is, it does not alternate between 2D and 3D gameplay as happens in the version starring Sonic.
What is common in both campaigns is how well designed the levels are (in general), being able to take different paths in many cases to reach the end, which increases the total replayability of the adventure. And this factor suits this production perfectly, given that precisely and in my opinion its biggest defect is its duration, which in total is close to 8 or 10 hours . But, as I said, I consider it to be one of those perfectly replayable titles that invite you to beat them more than once.
Finally, I’d like to point out that the visuals are quite competent. The highlight is the fluidity with which the action unfolds, which is displayed at a very stable 60 frames per second (at least in the version I’ve tested, corresponding to PS5). I also liked the great differentiation that exists between the different levels and game areas, with much-loved scenarios (such as Green Hill) that can be seen in Sonic Generations, or the integration of some specific area that appeared in Sonic Frontiers that appears in Shadow’s adventure and that I prefer not to reveal.
A technically sound and colourful finish, which is best of all: its excellent soundtrack. A soundtrack made up of new arrangements of classic songs as well as some other new compositions that adapt perfectly to Shadow’s campaign. And to this is added sensational dubbing in our language and very good sound effects.
5 things you should know:
- At the beginning of the game we can choose to play Sonic’s campaign or Shadow’s.
- Throughout the stages, 2D and 3D gameplay alternate.
- The level design is very successful overall, especially the 2D stages.
- There are numerous cutscenes between levels that tell the story.
- The game is fully localized into Spanish.
The remarkable platform adventure Sonic Generations that we enjoyed so much almost fifteen years ago (nothing less), returns in the form of a remaster to which a completely new independent campaign starring Shadow has been added. Therefore, we are faced with two different and independent games whose narratives are intertwined, being an irresistible pack for all fans of this great Sega saga. It may be a bit short if you don’t want to squeeze the most out of each of these campaigns, but it is a very enjoyable production and suitable for a wide number of users.