The Sonic the Hedgehog franchise has recently experienced a revival, thanks to a series of projects that have each been highly successful. Leading this resurgence was Sonic Frontiers, the first major 3D Sonic game to successfully implement an open-world format. This momentum was further supported by multiple re-releases of classic Sonic games and nostalgic titles like Sonic Mania, all of which have been well-received by fans. Now, we have Sonic X Shadow Generations, an expanded release of a classic Sonic game originally launched during a challenging period for the franchise.
Sonic Generations was Sega’s attempt to appeal to both nostalgic fans and newer audiences, blending classic 2D Sonic gameplay with more modern 3D elements. It brought together both classic and modern versions of Sonic in a single title, giving fans a unique fusion of past and present. While not a direct remaster, this new release includes a fresh campaign featuring Shadow the Hedgehog, providing an impressive mix of 2D and 3D gameplay. In a way, this release is similar to how Nintendo re-released Super Mario 3D World on the Switch, packaged with the additional Bowser’s Fury experience. Sega may have drawn inspiration from this approach.
When Sonic Generations was originally released, it marked one of Sega’s early ventures into PC ports. Though it was a solid release, it didn’t entirely meet modern PC gaming standards. Enthusiastic fans and modders helped improve the experience through fan-made fixes and mods. Now, the remastered version of Sonic Generations offers a more accessible way to enjoy this classic title. While the remaster does not add many graphical customization options, they are largely unnecessary. However, ultra-widescreen support is notably absent, as the game currently crops the edges of the screen to fit within an ultrawide aspect ratio.
Aside from this minor issue, the remaster of Sonic Generations performs smoothly, supporting resolutions up to 4K and frame rates of up to 60 FPS. It is optimized for a wide range of hardware and runs efficiently without demanding extensive resources. On the Steam Deck, for instance, it consistently hits 60 FPS with impressive visuals. While I haven’t tested it on consoles like the PS5 or Nintendo Switch, general feedback suggests this is a solid port across all major platforms.
Shadow Generations, however, is a distinct addition, serving as a story-driven expansion that delves into the origins of Shadow the Hedgehog. This new campaign, accessible through a separate menu, explores Shadow’s backstory and ties in well with the upcoming Sonic movie, set to release later this year. The movie, based on pre-release trailers, will prominently feature Shadow and other key characters like Professor Gerald Robotnik. This game is slightly more demanding on hardware than Sonic Generations, offering a wider array of graphical options for enhanced visual control.
From the moment I began playing Shadow Generations, it was clear that this is no mere side project—it feels like a fully developed, standalone title. The story mode includes beautifully animated cutscenes, showcasing high production values. Shadow’s gameplay style diverges from Sonic’s while still sharing the same fast-paced core mechanics. Both characters rely on speed, but Shadow’s abilities lean into his darker, chaotic persona. For instance, Shadow can briefly stop time, allowing him to evade attacks or perform powerful moves, which adds a unique tactical layer to the gameplay.
I appreciated how Sega crafted Shadow Generations to run in parallel with Sonic Generations, seamlessly integrating its story within the same timeline. The levels in Shadow Generations are a blend of fresh designs and reimagined classics, which will feel familiar to fans of past Sonic titles. Similar to Sonic Generations, Shadow Generations alternates between 3D and 2.5D perspectives, giving it a nostalgic yet modern feel that feels like a tribute to recent Sonic games. Shadow’s abilities, such as his homing attack and speed boost, mirror Sonic’s, but as the story unfolds, he gradually unlocks new powers that introduce unique traversal options.
Shadow’s Chaos powers make his gameplay stand out, and his ability to stop time often allows for the easier achievement of higher ranks by bypassing obstacles in creative ways. While Shadow Generations is a bit shorter than the main game, it includes a hub area where players can explore between levels, reminiscent of Sonic Frontiers. The levels themselves are over-the-top and action-packed, capturing Shadow’s immense power—he can even punch through missiles at times. Some of the zones culminate in a boss fight, and with over a dozen zones between the two games, there is plenty to keep players engaged. For completionists, the addition of ranks and collectibles provides extra content to explore.
Overall, Sonic X Shadow Generations is a well-crafted re-release. While a full remaster might not have been essential for PC players who already had access to Sonic Generations, console players were previously limited to a dated version capped at 720p and 30 FPS. This remaster caters to them, delivering a smoother and more polished experience. For PC users, Shadow Generations is less exciting due to the steep $49.99 price tag if you are only interested in the new content. However, for those who have yet to experience Sonic Generations, this release provides a comprehensive entry point into the franchise’s recent evolution.
Sonic X Shadow Generations Game Information
- Price: $49.99
- Publisher: Sega
- Developer: Sonic Team
- Platform: PC (Reviewed)
- Disclaimer: A review code was given by the publisher
