Sonic X Shadow Generations, is more than a simple remake and adds an entirely new game to the mix. I played the demo during my time at Gamescom where I controlled both Sonic and Shadow. Let’s jump in!
A blast from the past
First off, the Sonic Generations part of the game is exactly what you’d expect; a gorgeous remastered version of the 2011 classic. Just like the original release, it offers a perfect blend of 2D and 3D gameplay, with levels that feel like a greatest hits album of Sonic’s most iconic stages. Running through these levels felt like reconnecting with an old friend. The 2D sections capture the spirit of the original Sega Mega Drive era with pixel-perfect platforming and incredible speed. At the same time, the 3D segments modernize these classics with new camera angles and extra challenges. Just like the original game it offers the perfect experience for veteran fans and newcomers.
What stood out most was how faithful the game remains to its roots. The controls are tight, and the levels are packed with branching paths, inviting players to explore and replay them for better times or to uncover hidden secrets. However, despite the remaster’s higher resolution and smoother 60FPS performance, some might be disappointed by the lack of significant visual upgrades, it’s till a gorgeous game but it never feels like something that could only run on the modern consoles. Nothing to really worry about as there’s plenty of great stuff happening in this new version but it’s worth pointing out nevertheless.
Enter Shadow
The real star of the show is Shadow who brings in completely new levels and gameplay. Most of my demo time was spent with Shadow as I was curious to see how this new content would fit in with the already great base. If Sonic’s side of the game is a nostalgic trip down memory lane, Shadow’s campaign is diving into uncharted territory. The levels here are larger, more open, and draw clear inspiration from Sonic Frontiers, offering a more expansive experience that contrasts with Sonic’s tight, fast-paced runs. In the demo, I got to play through Kingdom Valley, Space Colony Ark Act 1, and a boss battle against the infamous Biolizard, both reimagined with stunning visuals and new mechanics. What I loved about Space Colony and the Biolizard stages was the perfect combination of visuals and gameplay. Those levels are extremely well made and offer a more flashy take on the overall gameplay. The Kingdom Valley left me a bit less impressed because I wasn’t that convinced by the graphics there, the green fields didn’t look that great although the level itself did offer some interesting gameplay mechanics.
Talking about those mechanics, Shadow’s gameplay introduces fresh mechanics that set him apart from Sonic. His Chaos Control ability allows him to freeze time momentarily, which adds a strategic layer to the high-speed action. This is useful during platforming segments, where I had to stop time to get past otherwise impossible obstacles. The boss battle with the Biolizard also showcased some of Shadow’s more powerful new abilities to take it down more easily. I just loved that Shadow isn’t just another skin for Sonic but an entirely different character instead.
Early conclusion
My 30 minutes with Sonic X Shadow Generations left me eager to dive deeper into what this game has to offer. The dual nature of the game; combining a well-loved classic with brand-new, innovative content, feels like a winning formula. For Sonic fans, the remastered levels are a nostalgic joy, while Shadow’s new abilities and expanded level design inject a much-needed freshness into the series. This is how you handle a remaster.
