Sonic X Shadow Generations (PS5) review: The black hedgehog taking the spotlight

Sonic X Shadow Generations isn’t just another remaster. It’s actually a straightforward remaster of the original Sonic Generations that came out in 2011 and a seemingly new game – Shadow Generations – at the same time, one that is a heartfelt celebration of Sonic’s long-standing legacy, amplified with the grit of his ultimate rival, Shadow the Hedgehog. This reimagined version is a nostalgic journey for long-time fans and a solid introduction for those new to the iconic blue blur and his enigmatic counterpart.

From the moment I fired up Sonic Generations, the enhanced visuals and smoother frame rate were immediately apparent. Sonic Generations has always been a go-to game for many Sonic fans, and this remaster brings it back with fresh polish, maintaining the core charm while adding new layers of detail. It’s still the thrill it used to be, and this re-release brings even more to the table than I expected – particularly the rewritten and re-recorded dialogue. Shadow’s infamous “you got this, Sonic” during the original finale haunted me for years, feeling out of place for the usually brooding anti-hero. Now, it’s been revised to something much more fitting of his personality, which makes all the difference for fans who know and love these characters.

The addition of Chao collectables is another fun nod to Sonic Team’s rich history. Hidden throughout each level, these little creatures add a fresh layer of challenge, though they’re not particularly rewarding beyond the joy of finding them. The Red Star Rings, meanwhile, still unlock cool artwork and music. While the Chao don’t add much beyond nostalgia, their presence alone stirs hope for a future Chao Garden comeback.

The real heart of this game, however, is Shadow Generations. This expansion isn’t just more Sonic content with a Shadow skin – it’s a complete reimagining that leans into the complex and sometimes darker facets of the Sonic universe, elevating Shadow’s character in a way we haven’t seen in years. The story brings back some familiar faces, like Black Doom from 2005’s Shadow the Hedgehog, and intertwines it cleverly with Sonic’s timeline. It feels like Sonic Team finally embraced what makes Shadow compelling: his emotional weight, his struggle for identity, and his willingness to take on the darkness.

Gameplay-wise, Shadow’s journey has more in common with Sonic Frontiers. The White Space hub world is now a full 3D environment that can be freely explored, packed with enemies, collectables, and secrets. Shadow’s levels draw from his own history, but they’re genuinely well-crafted and bring a challenge that’s clearly made for his unique skills. Instead of Sonic’s typical homing attacks, Shadow has teleportation kicks and Chaos Spear, making encounters feel distinct and more tactical. Using Chaos Control to freeze time adds another layer of depth, giving players room to experiment with different approaches to platforming and combat.

What really stands out though, is how different Shadow’s gameplay is from Sonic’s. Sonic zips through levels with carefree flair, while Shadow’s approach is more intense and calculated. This ethos is mirrored in boss battles too – Shadow’s confrontations with past adversaries feel like tributes to his legacy, updated to match his current capabilities. Taking on foes like Neo Metal Sonic without relying on Chaos Emeralds was initially a bit strange, but it underscores just how much Shadow has grown.

Challenge Gates return as well, adding replayability for players who want to attain bragging rights or to perfect their skills. These gates unlock boss keys, and while they’re not extremely difficult, can provide a solid test of your mastery over Shadow’s abilities as they demand precision and quick thinking.

As far as story goes, Shadow Generations digs deep into the psyche of Shadow, bringing back Black Doom and other haunting memories. Unlike other portrayals that reduce Shadow to just being an edgy anti-hero of sort, the narrative here embraces his complexity. By the end of it, Shadow is in a hopeful place, and it feels like real character growth – which I thought was long overdue in his backstory.

For lore lovers, there’s plenty to enjoy too. The White Space hub has medallions that can unlock art, music, and even diary entries from Dr Gerald Robotnik. It’s a small but welcome detail that lets you dive deeper into the backstory and history of the Sonic universe. The collection room, where all these unlockables are kept, will no doubt be a delight for completionists and hardcore Sonic fans.

All in all, Sonic X Shadow Generations feels like a loving tribute to the Sonic universe. It takes one of the blue hedgehog’s best games and makes it even better by giving Shadow his own well-deserved time in the spotlight. Shadow Generations doesn’t just rehash old tales – it gives them new life, adds layers to the universe, and honours what has come before while pushing things forward. For fans, this is the game we’ve been waiting for. One that turns our nostalgic dreams into a modern, playable reality.

Sonic X Shadow Generations is now available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC.

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