Sonic X Shadow Generations review by Alex
Sonic X Shadow Generations is a new instalment in the 3D Sonic Universe. This time, the player will experience an all new expansion to Shadow’s story, along with Sonic’s story all brought up to date with modern consoles in mind.
When in the main menu, you are presented with either Sonic’s story or Shadow’s. Specifically for this review I’ll be focusing on the Shadow Segment, as it is all new content. You get the usual plethora of options along with a catch-up of Shadow’s story up to this point, I found this feature quite useful as it caught me up on the story of shadow from his 2005 game.
For stage selection, initially you are thrown straight into the first level. However upon completion you are sent into a level select area which adapts and expands depending on how much you’ve completed/ unlocked, this is very reminiscent of the Sonic portion. Levels are contained in different zones, they each have different locations and can require some exploring to get to.
Guidance on each ability is presented with the usual means in a modern sonic game, that being the question mark in a multi-coloured circle. There are also visual cues as well as audio cues on when to use or which ability, boss battles for instance can be very time sensitive on whether you hit or get it. These can range from onscreen button prompts, to subtle pattern in attack / defence.
Shadow’s combat is very interesting, you get presented with different options throughout the story with their ups and downs, from projectiles to the usual sonic abilities to Shadow’s time stop ability. Gameplay is very much what you’d expect from a Sonic game with some extra twists for Shadow’s story, fast paced and sick music.
Graphics have been enhanced in the current gen versions, bringing the sonic story’s visuals up to par with modern consoles. I am also happy to report that this game is compatible with last gen consoles, this is a welcome addition as many game studios are starting to move away from backporting. This is likely due to the still millions of players on previous gen consoles, rich for many are more than adequate for their gaming needs.
As with other sonic games, you can go back to any level you like, in fact you are encouraged to to unlock all of the collectables that you may have missed. Throughout the levels of are tons of different collectibles, as well as the incentive to get a high score / rank for each level. This is influenced by how fast you made it through the level, as well as rings.
What I dislike about the game is that the menu can be a bit confusing, while I like that you have a sort of sandbox in the menu to do as you please. I’d much rather a menu which I can flick to or a way to teleport over to a level. A feature I wish was included was a way to try out an ability in a separate area, on top of the question mark bubbles should be a button to take you to a test facility. Here it could teach you the basics / allow you to get a feel for the ability before using it in level. I often died due to my inability to use new powers quick enough or in the right way. Other than that, my experience with the game has been overall positive.
Available on PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, XBox and PC 22/10/24 (PEGI 7) 4.2 Stars
Youth #Gottit View:
This game is an excellent addition to the the Sonic Franchise. From the improved visual fidelity offered by current gen consoles, to new game mechanics and story offered by Shadow’s segment . It is a must buy for both resuming players, those who have been out of the loop, and new alike!!!
