Best Levels in Sonic X Shadow Generations, Ranked

As a lifelong Sonic fan who’s spent countless hours running, spinning, and bouncing through these iconic stages, I must say that each of these levels brings its unique charm and thrill to the table!

Standouts not just for reworking the classic Sonic Generations and its impressive nine levels, but also for incorporating five additional stages in the Shadow Generations expansion, resulting in an abundance of captivating, enjoyable, and distinct level concepts, along with Planet Wisp.

This ranking system allows us to compare these two fast-paced games and determine which levels rank from least favorite to most favorite. Remarkably enjoyable, even the levels ranked as the worst on this list are among the best stages in the entire Sonic series.

This will mostly be about how fun they are to play, and how good the overall level design is.

For each stage, I’ll look at Act 1 and Act 2 together as if they belong to the same level. This means merging both the original (Classic) and updated (Modern) versions of each level for the list entry. Additionally, I will focus on the base forms only, so no Super Sonic or Doom Wing Shadow variations will be taken into account.

10 Speed Highway

It’s a One-Way Track.

Speedway Road, uniquely named, delivers on its promise with challenging, lightning-fast course layouts. It’s particularly thrilling when you’re soaring over rooftops, racing along structures, and utilizing crane buckets for vertical jumps into the air.

This game is relatively simple due to its exceptionally high standards and straightforward levels, which may not provide the extra difficulty that some players seek.

Many stages possess unique features or elements that make them distinctive, and for the Speed Highway, these special features are the crane buckets and rockets. However, while these items help navigate from one point to another, their functionality is somewhat narrow as they don’t offer much beyond transportation.

9 Chaos Island

Alternate Paths Galore

It seems that many users on Twitter have expressed negative opinions about Chaos Island, a point that leaves me doubting the judgment of most Sonic fanbase members.

The design of these levels is incredibly skillful, and using Doom Morph to traverse platforms and subsequently gain a significant speed increase by pulling oneself up is, in my view, simply fantastic.

They are also quite versatile and abundant with various possibilities, as one might anticipate from a complex system.

In essence, it’s an enjoyable experience that offers considerable mobility, despite Doom Morph sometimes feeling cumbersome due to the game’s lackluster tutorialization. However, it remains impressive overall in the bigger picture of gaming.

8 Crisis City

Happiness Lies Trapped in Misery.

In essence, Crisis City presents a story split into two distinct parts: one engaging and exhilarating, while the other can be somewhat sluggish. The appealing aspect of this game is its traditional side, which keeps you hooked from start to finish, with moments requiring patience as you wait for moving platforms or fire whirlwinds to pass.

However, these are nowhere near as annoying as the 2D segments in the modern iteration, which usually force you to wait for slow lava platforms, which sucks.

Besides that temporary hiccup, let me tell you, I’m thoroughly enjoying this level! Each environment perfectly encapsulates a post-apocalyptic urban landscape, and the contemporary 3D Sonic gameplay is nothing short of amazing.

Regrettably, there are parts that slow down the flow, yet I find myself enjoying the occasional pauses to appreciate the aroma of the ashes. In essence, it’s incredibly strong and I frequently return to it because of this quality.

7 Radical Highway

The Disgusting Air of Darkness

Throughout the game, Black Doom’s illusions frequently disrupt lower levels, but the authentic Radical Highway level itself, towards the end, is simply exhilarating.

What I dislike about it is constantly soaring above everything, as the wings are often urged to do so. However, the less traveled lower paths are truly awe-inspiring.

It’s enjoyable to participate in a final challenge that assesses your ability, requiring you to accurately toss spears, execute timed attacks, perform seamless jumps with added speed, and strike poles – any mistake, no matter how small, could lead to immediate consequences.

This stage is quite challenging, and I find it better to turn off the wings during gameplay, despite being the only level where they are utilized. It’s also unique because it’s the only one with two 3D acts. Although I usually appreciate the 2D aspect in this game, having two 3D acts is still quite impressive.

6 Rooftop Run

They Look Like Ants

Here, the distinctions between each level are so minute that they might shift based on my whims of the moment, since I find virtually no faults in any of them.

In Unleashed, I’m utterly smitten by Spagonia, and the portrayal in Generations takes it to another level, enhancing almost every aspect, particularly speed.

The atmosphere is vibrant and joyful, akin to a grand celebration, as Sonic speeds through the urban landscapes, and each scene reminiscent of Unleashed has been beautifully enhanced with added sparkle and allure, particularly the ascent of the towering clock tower.

Running through this level brings me joy, and there’s plenty of enjoyment to be found in the Classic version as well, with its exciting blimp and barrel antics!

5 Space Colony Ark

Hanging on the Edge of Tomorrow

In a game, The Ark presents an exhilarating opening level unlike any other. It blends the exploratory nature of space rails with numerous offshoots and clever shortcuts, while also incorporating the straightforward trajectory and intense speed of booster gameplay.

This establishes a remarkable pattern for subsequent Shadow Generations, offering an engaging and enjoyable gameplay experience.

From the very start of the stage, multiple paths and destinations are presented, requiring swift decision-making as the route chosen significantly alters the dynamics of the stage’s progression.

Additionally, you can often leap or jump from various points on numerous platforms and tracks to bypass certain sections of the game level. Remarkably, even in a 2D setting, it maintains an effortlessly fluid and entertaining experience.

4 Sky Sanctuary

Free Falling

Among the most remarkable transformations within the series, Sky Sanctuary evolved from an average-at-best scene in its initial portrayal to a breathtaking journey through ancient cloud-above ruins. Now, Sonic dashes across colossal stone bridges and delves into intricate architectural structures, creating an amazing experience that’s hard to beat!

I’ve consistently been captivated by the dimly lit interior sections, a stark contrast to the overwhelming brightness that characterizes the majority of this level.

In virtually every part of the stage, you’ll usually find three distinct routes to choose from, with each one offering varying degrees of difficulty, ensuring a fresh and unique experience whenever you replay the stage.

My only qualm is Classic Sonic’s Red Rings’s requirement that you play the level three times, but it’s an excuse to play this one over and over, and I’m certainly not complaining.

3 Chemical Plant

Back to Back (Hey!).

At the Chemical Plant, Act 1 follows a standard trajectory, but Act 2 takes things to another level with challenging paths requiring massive leap jumps, thrilling cranes that necessitate daring leaps, and engaging water sequences that are sheer fun.

Classic Sonic’s spin dash also comes in full force in this stage, letting you do massive skips.

The water in Chemical Plant is similar to how Hydrocity is designed. It’s used more like a punishment for not going fast or not getting on the high route, and the better you play, the less you need to get your feet wet.

This method is incredibly efficient for setting up water level designs, and contrary to what one might assume, it requires significantly less time spent on slow-moving blocks. To top it off, it comes accompanied by an exceptionally catchy tune.

2 City Escape

Trusting in What You Can’t See

Among all the levels when considering only the cost of damages, this Sonic level stands out as one of the top choices. Additionally, it ranks high in terms of enjoyable gameplay too.

When you initiate a stage with snowboarding on pavement while weaving through numerous vehicles to the beat of loud music, it’s a clear sign you’re in for an exhilarating experience. Zipping along at supersonic speeds has never looked so enticing.

Besides the amazing introduction, City Escape is enjoyable because it includes parts where you skateboard away from the truck throughout the entire level in Act 1. In the updated version, you zip through city streets and ramps, and let’s not forget the thrill of crushing robots and zooming at high speed through a stunningly beautiful environment. It’s the epitome of Sonic; it just doesn’t get any better!

1 Kingdom Valley

Life’s an Open Book

Regarding the best Sonic stages, I firmly assert that Kingdom Valley from Shadow Generations’ Shadow ranks among the top – not just because it’s a recent favorite (referred to as recency bias), but genuinely so.

It’s quite surprising (or even exhilarating) to see so many levels from Sonic 06 on this list, but they truly deserve their spot and more, as they’ve proven their worth.

Experience a wonderful sense of freedom! Every now and then, fresh paths emerge, making it seem as if you’re navigating through a Sonic-style interactive novel filled with choices. It’s astonishing how this journey appears so limitless.

This stage offers numerous options for detours and boasts a great deal of mobility, while still preserving a thrilling pace from start to finish.

In Act 2, I particularly enjoy some of the best 2D levels featuring both Sonic and Shadow, as it maintains the fundamental principles of the series while introducing exciting, fast-paced pillars for a more engaging gameplay experience.

It’s unbelievable, and I can’t stop replaying it. Please send help.

2024-10-25 15:09