As a long-time enthusiast of the Sonic series, I must admit that my heart skipped a beat when I heard about Shadow Generations. Having grown up with the original game, I can’t help but feel nostalgic about those dark and broody levels filled with apocalyptic vibes.
It seems like the Sonic series is doing exceptionally well, doesn’t it? With the upcoming release of Sonic 3 in December and Keanu Reeves set to play Shadow the Hedgehog, there’s a palpable sense of anticipation surrounding its reemergence.
In my childhood, I frequently played Sonic games on Game Boy and NDS systems. Games like Sonic Rush, Sonic Battle, and Sonic Adventure were no exception as I was always there, zipping around at top speed. Though I have affection for the entire team, Shadow has consistently been one of my preferred characters within the franchise.
Brooding, edgy, and unapologetically badass, Shadow’s nuanced backstory stands apart from the rather happy-go-lucky vibe of Sonics ensemble, and that, in a nutshell, is why the prospect of Sonic x Shadow Generations drew me in.
This game abounds with varying 2D and 3D levels, along with numerous references back to the lore of Shadow and some iconic instances from Sonic. The thrilling ride brought out the excitement within me like a child.
But the question remains: is this yet another game that solidifies the consistency of modern Sonic outings, or one that flatters to deceive through nostalgia? We found out in our Sonic x Shadow Generations Review, conducted on PS5.
Putting The ‘Edge’ In Hedgehog
The narrative of this game unfolds concurrently with “Sonic Generations,” starting as Shadow explores a strange distortion in the abandoned Space Colony ARK, only to be pulled into the White Space much like Sonic and his companions.
In a bizarre realm detached from the conventional flow of time, Shadow unearths hitherto concealed abilities and learns that an ancient foe, Black Doom, is preparing him as the ultimate host for a second conquest of the world.
“One minor complaint I have about the game is its narrative. It seems a bit too coincidental, with not much detail provided regarding why unusual occurrences persist. It appears that additional explanations might have introduced more inconsistencies in this relatively unimportant storyline.
The antagonist, Black Doom, lacks clear reasons for his actions, with no backstory provided as to why he resurfaces to wreak havoc after being defeated in the past. Additionally, because the content has a playful and exaggerated style, it’s somewhat challenging to maintain a serious tone even when Shadow speaks gravely, urging you to take things seriously.
But the only saving grace is that this dark and traumatic side story explains Shadow’s lack of involvement in Sonic Generations. Shadow has his side adventure, and much of the plot revolves around him revisiting his trauma of not just losing Maria but his purpose as the Ultimate Lifeform. But even still, it would have been nice to see a little more cohesion and crossover.
In simpler terms, Sonic games aren’t typically renowned for complex stories or coherent timelines, and I don’t think intricate storytelling or character development are the main concerns for most Sonic game enthusiasts. However, we can only judge what is presented to us, and while it’s enjoyable, quirky, and full of action, it occasionally falls short.
Rolling Around At The Speed of Darkness
Similar to many classic Sonic platformers, Shadow Generations showcases exceptionally swift gameplay and flexible camera perspectives that effectively convey the breathtaking pace of Shadow. Unlike Sonic Generations, it primarily focuses on three-dimensional gameplay experiences.
Sonic Team masterfully designed each game scene with a strategic camera perspective to highlight the expansive dimensions of the levels, accentuating Shadow’s potent abilities and swiftness in a manner that appears almost otherworldly.
In such high-speed rail maneuvers, it’s truly captivating when the view shifts to the expansive backdrop of the distant skybox. At those instances, it’s hard not to pause for a moment and admire the intricate detailing in the level layout.
Representing speed authentically in video games can be one of the most challenging aspects due to the human brain’s limited capacity to absorb and process large amounts of information quickly. As a result, making quick decisions while moving at high speeds is a skill that evolves as you progress through the game.
With time, you’ll come to rely on your gut feelings, making it feel natural to discover improved routes. If you’ve grown accustomed to playing 3D Sonic games, this won’t pose any issues for you.
When you’re darting rapidly through your surroundings, it makes strafing more challenging. Moving like a shadow gives the sensation of being slick, and frequently missing a platform or target due to overshooting becomes an ongoing issue when aiming for precision.
Moving swiftly can bring excitement, but at times, everything seems to merge together so quickly that it becomes challenging to understand what’s happening around you. Before you realize it, you’ve collided with an obstacle and lost any forward progress. Additionally, getting struck and losing your prizes is incredibly irritating. Who would have thought mastering supersonic speed was such a challenge?
No Tickets To The Gun Show
I regret to inform Shadow the Hedgehog enthusiasts, this time around, there won’t be any guns for Shadow to fire. Instead, Black Doom grants him powers that take form as dark goo. These powers allow Shadow to transform into a sticky tentacle monster or fly using menacing wings.
A significant part of the game involves you grasping these skills seamlessly and moving through the environment effortlessly. Mostly, these skills are not just tricks; instead, they are practical tools that can be effectively utilized on nearly every map to enhance your navigation along the paths.
The sequence of moves clearly demonstrates that Shadow matches Sonic in every aspect, leaving no room for doubt. His skating in the jet boots gives an impression of effortless flying, while each Homing Attack sees him seemingly teleport instantly, suggesting, “This isn’t about you, kid.
Yet, even without his pistols akimbo, Shadow is still a certified badass in every way. Whether it’s beating up a boss or stopping time with Chaos Control, Shadow is a force to be reckoned with.
In these instances, the action unfolds like fast-paced interactive sequences known as Quick Time Events. However, these pauses within the game that let you relax and fully appreciate the ensuing pandemonium are a clever application of this sometimes controversial gameplay technique.
Although I was hoping to engage in a battle with Sonic when our paths crossed during the narrative, it seemed that wasn’t an option. While I understand the necessity of your character losing the fight, it felt like there could have been a thrilling skirmish prior to your inevitable defeat at the hands of the iconic blue hedgehog. Ah well, I guess not everything can be perfect.
Eat, Sleep, Rings, Repeat
Just like most Sonic games, each level features a scoring system with grades ranging from D to S, based on how effectively you completed the stage. Your score is determined by factors such as the number of rings collected and the time it took you, turning every stage into an engaging challenge or puzzle to master.
In addition, nearly every stage conceals three hidden items that grant access to treasure chests dispersed throughout the White Space central area. This incentivizes players to replay these levels not just for the thrill of beating their previous scores, but also for discovering overlooked elements from initial playthroughs.
Despite the fact that Shadow Generations offers roughly 6 hours of narrative content, its difficult levels and online mode make it enticing to return multiple times. If you’re a fan of the series or a collector at heart, every collectible serves as a tiny burst of dopamine, acknowledging your dedication and ability.
To put it simply, regardless of how you view it, six hours isn’t a lot of content to offer, and if you were hesitant about spending money on this new event, I think this could be the deciding factor for many. Frankly, I wouldn’t fault them for their decision.
Blink And You’ll Miss It 
The game skillfully blends the artistic aesthetics of its characters with the realistic, yet stylized, environment designs. Every skybox is meticulously crafted to highlight the graphics potential of contemporary gaming platforms.
As a fan, I can’t help but feel that Sonic Generations’ remastered greatness sparkles even more in terms of graphics, thanks to its seamless blend of classic 2D and modern 3D gameplay. However, let’s give credit where it’s due: Shadow Generations truly excels at creating an atmosphere that’s dark, apocalyptic, and downright eerie – and they manage to surpass expectations in this regard.
In this game, you’ll find a top-notch soundtrack packed with fantastic tunes, a blend of high-energy tracks that combine EDM and rock elements, as well as some fast tempo beats. Any fan of Shadow would immediately identify the music by Crush 40 and the other nostalgic tracks reminiscent of earlier Sonic games.
This contrast between the guitar riffs and heavy beats of Shadow’s outings compared to, say, the Green Hill Zone theme only further cements that Shadow is his own, more mature and serious entity. But that being said, there’s no shame in headbanging along to these tunes and letting your hair down, even if Shadow won’t.
Although it’s undeniable that the artists responsible for the game designs did an exceptional job, Shadow Generations can at times be tough on the eyes, particularly during the initial stages of the White Space. The screen is so brightly lit in these areas that it can be almost blinding while playing, causing me to pause my gameplay occasionally due to sensory overload from both the game’s intensity and the high contrast of its visuals.
This issue blends into the overall gameplay, making it feel somewhat overwhelming. Due to the extensive attention paid to creating a realistic environment, players can find themselves overloaded with information when rushing through at high speeds. It becomes challenging to distinguish between elements of the interactive environment and those that are purely decorative.
Typically, mastering a level requires understanding its key elements and completing it first before attempting to excel, which might instill a sense of admiration for each level. However, this can also unnecessarily prolong an experience that is already brief.
Closing Comments:
In addition to a beautifully revamped presentation of Sonic Generations, Shadow Generations offers an emotionally resonant and captivating storyline that honors the beloved, enigmatic past adventures of our spiky protagonist, while addressing and improving upon elements that some fans found less than satisfying. This results in a high-speed, seamless Sonic game with innovative features, extensive replay value, and an optimal level of difficulty. Some may be disappointed by its brevity or the lack of interaction between the two games, but overall, Sonic x Shadow Generations is another impressive entry in the Sonic series that suggests the franchise’s troubled past might be a distant memory.
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2024-10-21 16:09