Back in 2011, Sega released Sonic Generations, a new take on the classic series that lets players enjoy both the old and then modern Sonic variants. Now here we are 13 years later and that game is back, but now with a little bit of an edge to it as Shadow has joined the action. The inclusion of Sonic X Shadow Generations is definitely a welcomed one, but is it enough for fans of the blue blur and black shadow to race towards this release? More to the point can this part remaster, part new adventure get over the finish line?

Going into the release, one thing you will come to learn really quickly is that the 2011 game, Sonic Generations is the same game, not account for a few modern updates. That means it is the same story, same levels and same gameplay, but now has some nicer visuals, updated animations and even some bolder colours. The downside to that is that there is nothing new, no additional levels or changes here, so for those who have played the original release to death, there might not be anything special for this version. Thankfully, the added inclusion of the Shadow experience does help mitigate that and actually has a narrative that runs along side Sonic Generations, which is nice.

The story for the Shadow part of the game, tells how he was created, with the hope that he would be the ultimate life form. There is a little more to it and for spoiler reasons, we won’t say anything more, don’t worry if the game is not for you, the upcoming movie will give you a version of Shadow’s origins. If you have played the 2005 Shadow the Hedgehog game, the story is eerily similar to that, but given that they are not completely changing the characters origins, that makes sense. For those familiar with the history of Shadow, there is nothing new to be learnt here, but for those who have yet to experience it, it is a nice inclusion. As mentioned before, this Shadow experience plays out alongside the Sonic Generations story, but Shadow is put into this weird time displacement, that results in him being left in this large white area.

With the main Sonic Generations experience, you will play that in the more traditional 2d plane, with Sonic running and platforming across the stages. Shadow on the other hand has a 3d space to run around in, more like the recent Sonic Frontiers. As you explore the world you will discover hidden challenges and items, the latter of which is more akin to collectables for collectables sake, so younger players won’t be punished if they don’t find them all. The open space also leaves Shadow with plenty of space to bust out his new Doom power, which he gets after defeating each boss in a stage. In order to get to that point though, you’ll need to collect keys which can be attained via each challenge, which has an Act I & II. Once completed and collected 3 keys, you’ll then move onto a boss fight challenge.

Depending on your gaming preferences, that might sound repetitive and to a degree you would be correct, as the general layout doesn’t change. Where it differs is depending on the challenge/acts contained within the stage, there are some side scrolling, and some that are more 3D in that you run forwards with a little more depth, which looks impressive. And within these levels come specific requirements such as needing to destroy a set number of enemies; collect a certain amount of rings, or just getting through to the end of the level within the timeframe.

The previously mentioned Doom Powers give the game a little metroidvania design to enjoy, as you will slowly unlock these powers over time. These abilities will let Shadow use powers such as a speed boost, morph into a symbiote looking creature which then grant access to certain areas, as well as using Doom spears to shoot at enemies or trigger some switches to continue on the level (just to name a few). These all look similar in the likes of Marvel’s lethal enforcer’s powers, and is definitely a fun addition to the Sonic style games, however, isn’t one that’s necessarily needed. That said, what else can you do to a series that has been around for a while and really only involves running. Something definitely needed to be added in and the anti-hero, Shadow, is the perfect character for it. Not to mention the ‘shared blood’ between the main antagonist, Black Doom and Shadow.

Sonic X Shadow Generations are a great game(s) for those who love the Sonic franchise. Not only do you get the remastered 2011 game, but you get the addition of Shadow Generations that runs parallel to it. For those, like myself, who haven't touched a Sonic game in an extremely long time, playing Shadow Generations has been a nice refresh in that the visual graphics have been updated, the 3D levels feel insanely fast with a lot of movement, and it’s a Sonic game done right to emulate speed. The only call out is controlling Sonic or Shadow are a little difficult on the handheld Nintendo Switch (which I used for this review) due to the flimsy little joystick on the JoyCon. However, when played on a proper controller it is more manageable. And yes, as you’d expect, it has its annoying collectibles scattered everywhere for those who love to trophy hunt and completionists, but it’s not one that would stop a player from ignoring and push the narrative forward. Furthermore, the game does feel as though it hits its peak quite early on and Shadow’s extra abilities are a welcomed one, but may not feel as though it’s enough to keep players entirely motivated unless you’re a mega Sonic fan. The combination of the remaster and the new content means that there is a nice mix of 2D side scrolling type stages and 3D open world stages and with a decent run time for each game, it should keep Sonic the Hedgehog fans happy.