Sonic x Shadow Generations

With Sonic X Shadow Generations, SEGA brings back one of the best games ever created for the cult saga. This ultimate edition is worth the detour, especially for the new chapter devoted to Shadow, which offers more gameplay possibilities and a more exhilarating setting and rhythm than in the past. However, this chapter suffers from the comparison with Sonic Generations, which may seem old-fashioned to some player. It's far from being perfect, but it's a nice letter of intent about what the future of the license might hold.

Shadow's section shows that the Sonic Team has learned over the years how to better transfer the blue hedgehog's speed orgies into the third dimension.

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.

The spruced-up port of Sonic Generations isn't worth mentioning apart from the 2D levels, but the Shadow campaign scores points with fun levels and serves up a worthy comeback for the shadow hedgehog.

On its own merits, Sonic Generations does its best to bring the best of both Classic Sonic and Modern Sonic together in a fun and creative adventure that’s sure to please Sonic fans all around. However, it tries too hard to fit itself into the same mould while attempting to keep true to the 3D Shadow experience, ultimately falling short of the lofty heights it aims for. Die hard fans might enjoy, but more casual players may find themselves overwhelmed by the sense of speed.

Sonic X Shadow Generations is a mishmash of enjoyable 2D platforming and frustrating 3D sequences. Shadow at least manages to somewhat mitigate the clumsy controls thanks to some interesting gameplay wrinkles. The title also looks good, but probably won't bring the pair of hedgehogs back to the forefront of the genre.

Sonic X Shadow Generations recalls one of the great games of the series and adds extra content that doesn't quite shine. Sonic's adventure is now very enjoyable, but Shadow's approach has fallen tragically short.

Sonic X Shadow Generations is a weird package. On one hand, Sonic Generations is a remaster of a great game from 2011 that now feels like it's a little outdated. And on the other, Shadow Generations is the conclusion to a storyline that the franchise hasn't really cared about since 2006. As someone who specifically got into Sonic games during that early 2000 period, this collection feels like it speaks directly to me. But it also feels much like its protagonists--lost in a place out of time and desperate to return to fonder times. It's a nice enough trip down memory lane, but the trip features all the speed bumps you'd expect from games from that era.

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.