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0 Sonic X Shadow Generations was originally released back in October last year. With the recent Switch 2 release, the game got the update treatment. With that, we were lucky to hear from SEGA, who threw us a review key for the Blue (and black) hedgehog’s latest game. So sit back as we check out just how the latest console’s game plays, as well as give our thoughts on the storyline.
Blue or Black? Who’s the fastest?
If you are a fan of any of the Sonic games, then you will know what you are going to expect. Fast action, blurry visuals, and a cheesy but engaging story. I can’t wait!
Gameplay
So, just what does Sonic X Shadow Generations bring to the franchise? Well, for starters, Shadow gets a brand new story! Exciting huh! We finally get to see why he’s considered the Ultimate Life Form through never-before-seen abilities. All showcased by battling Shadow’s nemesis, Black Doom, who has rudely come to try to take over the world?!
Black Doom has a habit of entering the levels at the worst moments. Along with the world being manipulated in both 3D and 2D, Shadow must journey through previous adventures and piece together the timeline to stop his evil plan. To do so you must harness new Doom Powers to battle through the hordes of enemies in front of you. These allow Shadow to traverse the level like never before, pulling off some impressive tricks along the way.
Alongside Shadow’s fantastic story, you also get a fully remastered version of Sonic Generations. Where Dr Eggman teams up with his past self, as well as the Time Eater, to rewrite history. Join Sonic on an adventure to piece back together the timeline and find his friends. Playing through 2D and 3D versions of iconic Sonic games with uprated graphics and even better cinematics. Just feels right.
The fun doesn’t stop there. As well as different game modes, you’ll also find a whole bunch of extras. Such as collectables and trying to find the Chao in each level. You can even try and get the high score on the Casino Nights Zone’s pinball table. Whilst exploring the White Space, you will also find a room that will let you check out a Museum. Showcasing behind-the-scenes art, music and much, much more. This game has so much packed into it.
Graphics & Audio
With the Switch 2 comes updated graphics. You can play Sonic Generations at either 1080p 60fps in handheld, or 1440p at 60fps. Personally, I love how fluid the game is when playing on a big tv, but also similarly buttery smooth when out and about in handheld. This is an absolute joy to play in those settings.
With the Shadow Generations side, you actually get two visual modes; you can either play in Quality mode, offering 1080p and 30 fps, but with updated visuals. Or you can opt for the Performance Mode, which will see you reaching 60fps at the cost of reducing the resolution to 720p. This, unfortunately, felt like a bit of a let-down as this isn’t much of an increase from the Switch 2. Thankfully, Sonic Generations makes up for that in abundance. It looks incredibly even when at full pace around the levels.
The audio is typical earworm-worthy and an absolute joy to listen to. Even the nice ring of coins was perfect!
Longevity
With a main story of around 6 hours, you aren’t going to get a massive experience out of that. However, for a total completion of Sonic X Shadows Generations, you are looking closer to 30 hours. As with the majority of Sonic games, you can replay the levels to try and beat your own times as well as make sure you are faster than all your friends.
Final Thoughts
As with all Sonic games, you get what you expect. Fast-paced, frantic action with a little dash of challenge. Sonic X Shadow Generations is no different. The game comes to Switch 2 with a mixed experience. Fortunately, the Sonic version of the game more than makes up for the inadequacies of the Ultimate Life Form.
Sonic X Shadow Generations receives the Thumb Culture Gold Award.
Disclaimer: A code was received in order to write this review.
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