Adwin McCants, contributor
The original “Sonic Generations,” released by Sega in 2011, features Sonic’s modern character and high speed gameplay first seen in the “Sonic Unleashed” crossover with his past self from the original trilogy of side scrolling games. The game featured levels from every mainline Sonic game recreated both in modern Sonic’s 3D boost gameplay and in classic Sonic’s slower and more deliberate 2D gameplay. However, while the game was a celebration of Sonic’s long history, there was one element lacking and that element can be best exemplified by one character: Shadow.
Shadow The Hedgehog, first introduced in “Sonic Adventure 2,” has become the prime example of the most contentious part of what makes Sonic unique. Shadow, by nature, marked the complete change of the franchise from a fun adventure series to a story heavy, edgy and extremely anime inspired franchise full of continuity. Where classic Sonic games focused on fighting Doctor Robotnik’s robot army, in Shadow The Hedgehog’s spin off game in 2005, the government’s army engaged in warfare against a demonic alien who was related to Shadow’s creation. A strong shift to be sure, and one that was barely referenced in the games released before and after “Generations.”
Indeed, it seemed as if Sega was ashamed of that part of the Sonic franchise during the time that “Generations” was released. That is, until recently. If you enjoy unapologetically sincere stories carried by “rule of cool” logic, combined with a fast paced platformer which encourages you to play levels again and again, “Sonic X Shadow Generations” is as great as it gets. The 3D boost levels in the original “Generations” is considered some of the best Sonic gameplay created, and now with a new storyline focused on his rival Shadow, the game design reaches an even higher peak.
If you enjoy unapologetically sincere stories carried by “rule of cool” logic, combined with a fast paced platformer which encourages you to play levels again and again, “Sonic X Shadow Generations” is as great as it gets.
adwin mccants
Each level lasts just the right amount of time and contains spectacles with moments of incredible speed and sections where practice is required to go fast. There are also collectables which entice you to memorize each level. If you have never tried Sonic before, you’ll be able to have your first experience be one of your best. The game’s story is meant to be enjoyed by long term fans who are knowledgeable of the story behind each character, but even if you know next to nothing, you’ll be entertained by the spectacle and unapologetically hardcore story focusing on Shadow’s past.
Embracing the game series’ troubled past, “Sonic X Shadow Generations” shows just how cool these games can be.