Sonic X Shadow Generations Hands-On Preview: The True Power of Chaos Control

Sonic X Shadow Generations Hands-On Preview: The True Power of Chaos Control

As a long-time fan of the Sonic series, I must say that the upcoming release of “Sonic x Shadow Generations” has me absolutely thrilled! Having grown up with these iconic characters, it’s heartwarming to see them evolve and come together in such an exciting way.


In October, the remastered version of “Sonic Generations,” titled “Sonic x Shadow Generations,” hits the shelves. The game speaks for itself with its intriguing premise – a continuation of the classic Sonic Generations, but also offering an entirely new campaign starring Shadow the Hedgehog. Given that 2021 is being hailed as “The Year of Shadow” and “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” set to release in cinemas in December, diving deeper into Shadow’s story seems perfectly fitting.

During Gamescom, Game Rant had the opportunity to test a short sample of Sonic x Shadow Generations. In Sonic’s role, we managed to play through Chemical Plant Acts 1 and 2; switching to Shadow, we took on Kingdom Valley Act 1 and engaged in the Metal Overlord boss battle. From this sneak peek, it’s evident that Sonic x Shadow Generations seamlessly complement each other, while remaining distinct games with unique playstyles.

During Summer Game Fest, Game Rant had the opportunity to try out a demo of “Sonic X Shadow Generations“, which included stages like Green Hill, the first act of Space Colony Ark, and a battle against the Biolizard Boss.

Shadow’s Kingdom Valley and Metal Overlord

Zipping through Shadow’s Kingdom Valley was an exhilarating dash from one landmark to another, brimming with adversaries to vanquish in my role as Shadow. The rail-grinding, the soaring on wings of an eagle, and all aspects emphasizing speed were superbly executed, making Shadow appear more tangible than Sonic. It was crucial for Sonic Team to ensure that each character played uniquely, and they succeeded; Shadow carries a substantial heft and impact, whereas Sonic is characterized by swiftness and agility. This distinct quality will significantly contribute to the complete game upon its release.

In Kingdom Valley, we got to test out Shadow’s Doom Powers as we glided through water passages, and the stunning scenery of the level and its waterways was truly captivating. It’s worth mentioning that this particular stage didn’t seem as tailored for Shadow’s Chaos Control as Space Colony Ark Act 1 did. Nevertheless, we managed to build up the ability quite a bit, even though there were fewer spots in Kingdom Valley compared to Space Colony Ark. However, there were certain situations where it proved useful. Mastering Chaos Control can significantly alter one’s approach to Shadow’s levels and gameplay because its applications are not always obvious. Recognizing these uses requires skill that a demo may not fully demonstrate. These surfing segments served as excellent practice for the Metal Overlord boss battle, though.

1. The Metal Overlord is back as a recurring villain in the Sonic series, and players will find Shadow engaged in a high-speed chase with him. The chase involves manipulating water to knock debris at the boss. To survive, it’s crucial for players to dodge attacks since the Metal Overlord packs a punch. Timing is everything when dodging rockets and even counterattacking them against the boss. The gameplay was quick and intense, showcasing Shadow’s capabilities perfectly. Upon entering Sonic’s levels, it quickly became clear why Sonic Team combined the Chemical Plant with these specific stages.

Sonic’s Chemical Plant Act 1 and Act 2

The levels in Sonic’s Chemical Plant exhibit classic elements of his gameplay such as pulleys, track reversals, warp pipes, and more, demonstrating a level of refinement typically seen in full releases rather than demos. Remarkably, the Chemical Plant stages incorporate water sections that slow down Sonic’s speed, which is why these levels were paired together during the demo phase. The way Sonic and Shadow interact with these water areas is distinctly different. Shadow’s abilities allow him to glide over the water, emphasizing his control and strength, while water hinders Sonic’s abilities, prompting players to avoid it as much as possible for optimal speed. Comparing these water segments side by side highlights the unique characteristics of Sonic and Shadow, suggesting that this design philosophy may be prevalent throughout the entire game, including its development.

In the collection titled “Sonic x Shadow Generations“, you’ll find two separate gaming engines at work: one for “Sonic Generations” and another dedicated to “Shadow Generations“. Originally, the same engine was employed for “Sonic Generations“, but it received an upgrade in this remastered version, enhancing its graphics, gameplay mechanics, and overall atmosphere. The team behind Sonic decided against using the outdated engine for “Shadow Generations“, instead opting to create a fresh, upgraded one. This decision results in a potent blend where both games share a similar gaming experience, yet retain their individuality – much like our two spiky friends, Sonic and Shadow.

Read More

2024-08-27 11:05