Sonic X Shadow Generations

We Sonic fans are an interesting, resilient bunch. For decades, we have survived strings of some of the worst AAA games ever made, punctuated occasionally by an okay game. And yet, we persevered! Whenever people on the internet would make fun of us, we would proudly say “30 years of bad games didn’t kill us. You really think YOU can?” Yet here I stand, hand in hand with my best friend Shadow the Hedgehog, 25 years after the franchise sped into the third dimension with Sonic Adventure – and I can confidently say that Shadow Generations is the best 3D Sonic game of all time.

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 Ch...

Sonic X Shadow Generations is a welcome remake that adds just enough to be worth a re-visit. This is the Sonic we have wanted, and Sega would do well to keep this mascot ticking to this beat.

Sonic X Shadow Generations brings back one of the best Sonic games in recent years, and it is great to play on the Steam Deck.

With an enhanced version of one of the series' best 3D outings to date, as well as a legitimately great brand-new adventure starring a returning fan-favourite, Sonic X Shadow Generations is well worth a look for fans of Sega's platforming franchise.

Shadow Generations feels like a sequel. This is a pretty neat trick for an add-on bundled with a remaster. The controls are better, the graphics are crisp, and the level design is great. While the Sonic section looks awesome, it still feels like the original release. Which is normally fine for a remaster. But it pales a bit compared to the new content. On the other hand, both halves have that incredible corny energy that I love. Sonic (and Shadow) are synonymous with edgy nonsense for me, and this game truly delivers on that front. Whether you played the original or not, Sonic X Shadow Generat...

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 Gener...

Sonic x Shadow Generations essentially bundles up a remaster of the original game with a new Shadow-led sequel. Though while taking control of Shadow is fun thanks to his range of new abilities, and there's a new Sonic Frontiers-inspired hub world to explore, it's basically more of the same, complete with highs and lows.

“Sonic X Shadow Generations represents the true future of a series that's finally ready to grow.”

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 Shadows Generations is a celebration of a specific era of Sonic games, for better and worse.

People will no doubt call Sonic X Shadow Generations a “love letter” or “tribute” to Shadow the Hedgehog, Sonic’s brooding rival who debuted back in 2001’s Sonic Adventure 2. But as a person who grew up seeing the black-and-red hedgehog as the emotional center of the franchise, it feels more like an apology. Sega has not been kind to Shadow over the years. Where once he was a complex, playable mainstay in the series, the Ultimate Lifeform has become a flanderized background character defined almost entirely by not liking other people and wanting to beat the blue blur in any competition that wi...