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Shadow Generations

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Shadow Generations
The cover art of Sonic X Shadow Generations, in which Shadow Generations is bundled
Developer(s)Sonic Team
Publisher(s)Sega
Director(s)Katsuyuki Shigihara
Producer(s)
Writer(s)Ian Flynn[1]
SeriesSonic the Hedgehog
Platform(s)
ReleaseOctober 25, 2024
Genre(s)Platform
Mode(s)Single-player

Shadow Generations[a] is a platform game developed by Sonic Team and published by Sega. It follows Shadow the Hedgehog (2005) as the second Sonic the Hedgehog game to feature Shadow the Hedgehog as the protagonist, and its plot, which runs parallel to the events of Sonic Generations (2011), sees Shadow travel through levels from previous Sonic games as he faces his archenemy Black Doom.

Shadow Generations is not available as a standalone game, instead being bundled with a remaster of Sonic Generations in Sonic X Shadow Generations,[b] which released on October 25, 2024 for the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Windows. The compilation release received positive reviews from critics.

Gameplay

See also: Gameplay of Sonic Generations and Sonic Frontiers

Shadow Generations is a platform game that shifts between side-scrolling and 3D gameplay. Being included in Sonic X Shadow Generations, players can switch between Shadow Generations and a remaster of Sonic Generations (2011) at will.[2] Shadow the Hedgehog serves as the player character and controls similarly to Sonic, but can stop time to freeze objects and access alternate paths using "Chaos Control".[3] As the player progresses, they unlock "Doom Powers", power-up transformations that grant Shadow new abilities. These include attacking enemies with multiple "Chaos Spears", teleport-launching enemies to reach higher ground, transforming into a monster to traverse over terrain, gliding, and surfing on water.[4]

Unlike Sonic Generations' side-scrolling hub world, the hub world in Shadow Generations is 3D and features open-world gameplay similar to that of Sonic Frontiers (2022),[5] and players use it to become accustomed to Doom Powers.[6] Each stage features two acts; Act 1 primarily utilizes full 3D movement, while Act 2 is largely based around 2D side-scrolling gameplay.[7] Two additional challenge stages are available for each act, which requires Shadow to complete a specific objective.[8] Completing both of an act's challenge stages grants a key needed to unlock the game's boss battles.[9] Each level and challenge features three collectible keys, which can be used to unlock one of several chests scattered around the hub world; these chests contain artwork, music, and backstory that can be viewed in the game's collection room.[9] Additional art and music can be earned by completing missions scattered around the hub world or retrieving rocket parts for Orbot and Cubot.[10]

Levels

Shadow Generations' levels and bosses, like those in Sonic Generations, are drawn from previous Sonic games, including some from games released after the original Sonic Generations.[11][12] One additional level will be available as downloadable content.[13]

Levels Bosses
Stage Original game Boss Stage Original game
Space Colony ARK Sonic Adventure 2 (2001)[3] Biolizard Cannon's Core Sonic Adventure 2 (2001)[3]
Rail Canyon Sonic Heroes (2003)[14] Metal Overlord Final Fortress Sonic Heroes (2003)[6]
Kingdom Valley Sonic the Hedgehog (2006)[15] Mephiles Dusty Desert Sonic the Hedgehog (2006)[16]
Sunset Heights Sonic Forces (2017)[17] Devil Doom / Neo Devil Doom Radical Highway Shadow the Hedgehog (2005) / Shadow Generations (2024)
Chaos Island Sonic Frontiers (2022)[18]
Radical Highway Sonic Adventure 2 (2001)[19]
Tokyo (DLC) Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (2024)[13]

Plot

See also: List of Sonic the Hedgehog characters

While Rouge and several others are attending Sonic's birthday party,[c] Shadow travels to the derelict Space Colony ARK to investigate a report of strange activity. There, he encounters Black Doom, the leader of the Black Arms aliens who had survived his apparent demise,[d] and pursues him. Shadow finds the fake Chaos Emerald previously created by Tails,[e] but is caught in a time anomaly created by the Time Eater and pulled into the realm of White Space,[c] where a large object called the Black Moon hovers in the air.

As Shadow explores White Space, he rescues several other trapped there, including E-123 Omega, Orbot and Cubot, and Big the Cat. Shadow also encounters strange relics that cause his body to mutate and develop new powers. Black Doom appears and reveals he plans to use the time anomaly's power to revive his forces and take over the world, warning that the two will battle once Shadow's powers fully awaken. Later, Shadow finds Maria and Gerald Robotnik, pulled from a time before their deaths, and wonders if he can avert their fates.

As Shadow's powers grow, the Black Moon begins mutating, affecting White Space. Gerald explains that because they are all linked by blood, Black Doom and the Black Moon are growing more powerful as Shadow's powers develop, deducing that Black Doom plans to control Shadow or use him as a new body once his powers fully manifest. Sonic finds Shadow, demanding his Chaos Emerald, and the two battle one another, with Sonic winning and claiming the Emerald for himself.[c] However, Shadow reveals to the arriving Rouge that Sonic took the fake Emerald, and that he still has the real one. Shadow begins to be corrupted by his powers, but manages to stave it off with Maria's encouragement. The Black Moon fully mutates, and Black Doom demands Shadow face him so that he can take control of the hedgehog.

Shadow enters the Black Moon to confront Black Doom, who transforms into Devil Doom before attaining a new form, Neo Devil Doom. Shadow defeats him and destroys the Black Moon, though his powers are lost in the process. As Shadow returns to Gerald and Maria, the loss of Black Doom's power causes them to begin fading back to their time. Though Shadow is reluctant to leave them to their fate, Maria encourages him to let them go and move on, and, while emotional, he leaves with Rouge to exchange his Chaos Emerald with Sonic's fake before he confronts the Time Eater.[c]

Development

Shadow Generations is part of "Fearless: Year of Shadow", a 2024 Sonic the Hedgehog marketing campaign centering around Shadow the Hedgehog to commemorate both the release of the game and of the film Sonic the Hedgehog 3, in which Shadow is prominently featured.[20] Katsuyuki Shigihara, one of Sonic Generations' designers, directed Shadow Generations; other Sonic Team members who worked on Generations contributed.[5] Sonic series producer Takashi Iizuka said that, as in Sonic Generations, Sonic Team chose to revisit levels from past Sonic games to recall Shadow's history.[5] They chose levels they found the most interesting and the most popular among fans,[2] while integrating Sonic Frontiers' open-world gameplay to add modern elements.[5]

Release

Sega announced Shadow Generations alongside a remaster of Sonic Generations on January 31, 2024, during one of PlayStation's State of Play livestreams.[21] The two are scheduled to be released in Sonic X Shadow Generations for the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Windows on October 25, 2024.[22] Video Games Chronicle compared this to Nintendo bundling the Super Mario game Bowser's Fury (2021) alongside a re-release of Super Mario 3D World (2013) in Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury.[5] Pre-orders for the physical release of the game received a booklet detailing Shadow's in-universe creation from the perspective of Gerald Robotnik;[22] the booklet's contents can also be unlocked in-game.[23] A digital deluxe edition of the game includes a skin based on an early Shadow design, "Terios"; additional in-game music tracks; a digital art book and soundtrack containing a selection of songs from other Sonic games; and the "Sonic the Hedgehog 3 Movie Pack" downloadable content, which adds an extra level based on the 2024 film Sonic the Hedgehog 3 and a skin for Shadow based on his appearance in the film.[22] Keanu Reeves, who voices Shadow in the film, will reprise his role for the DLC.[13] The Sonic the Hedgehog 3 Movie Pack will be released on December 12, one week before the film's release.[24]

A three-episode animated prologue miniseries, Sonic X Shadow Generations: Dark Beginnings,[25] animated by Studio Giggex and SIMAGE animation[26], and written by Ian Flynn, was released between September 25 and October 10, 2024.[27] An extended version of the prologue containing behind-the-scenes footage is available as free downloadable content for the PlayStation versions of the game.[28]

Sega collaborated with Limited Run Games to produce a collector's edition including the soundtrack, an art book, a keychain with Sonic and Shadow's shoes, Chao figurines, a statue of Sonic and Shadow standing on a Dreamcast, a steelbook case, and a mock Dreamcast jewel case. The collector's edition was available for order between August 19 and October 6, 2024, and is scheduled to ship in July 2025.[29]

Reception

According to Metacritic, the Sonic X Shadow Generations bundle received generally positive reviews from critics.[30] According to OpenCritic, 79% of critics recommended it.[31][needs update]

Notes

  1. ^ Japanese: シャドウ ジェネレーションズ, Hepburn: Shadō Jenerēshonzu
  2. ^ Japanese: ソニック × シャドウ ジェネレーションズ, Hepburn: Sonikku × Shadō Jenerēshonzu
  3. ^ a b c d As depicted in the 2011 video game Sonic Generations
  4. ^ As depicted in the 2005 video game Shadow the Hedgehog
  5. ^ As depicted in the 2001 video game Sonic Adventure 2
  6. ^ Based on 53 reviews
  7. ^ Based on 33 reviews

References

  1. ^ "Takashi Iizuka on Sonic Team's Expansion and Shadow's Evolving Motivations - TSS Interview". Sonic Stadium. Nuckles87. June 11, 2024. Retrieved June 12, 2024.
  2. ^ a b Iizuka, Takashi; Keys, Austin; Lawanson, Akeem (June 8, 2024). Takashi Iizuka Answers Our Burning Sonic x Shadow Generations Questions. Retrieved June 9, 2024 – via YouTube.
  3. ^ a b c Shea, Brian (June 8, 2024). "Sonic x Shadow Generations: It Is Better To Have Lived And Learned". Game Informer. Archived from the original on June 9, 2024. Retrieved June 9, 2024.
  4. ^ Norman, Jim (August 20, 2024). "New Sonic X Shadow Generations Trailer Showcases Shadow's Doom Powers". Nintendo Life. Retrieved August 21, 2024.
  5. ^ a b c d e Robinson, Andy (June 9, 2024). "'Shadow doesn't need a gun, he is a weapon' - Sonic Team talks Shadow Generations". Video Games Chronicle. Retrieved June 9, 2024.
  6. ^ a b Piedra, Thalia (August 20, 2024). "Sonic x Shadow Generations interview: Shadow the Hedgehog's new Doom Powers detailed". PlayStation Blog. Retrieved August 21, 2024.
  7. ^ a b Wood, Rhys (October 21, 2024). "Sonic x Shadow Generations review: one of the best games in series history, and Sonic Generations". TechRadar. Retrieved October 22, 2024.
  8. ^ a b Murphy, Matthew (October 21, 2024). "Review: Sonic X Shadow Generations". Hardcore Gamer. Retrieved October 22, 2024.
  9. ^ a b c Scullion, Chris (October 21, 2024). "Sonic X Shadow Generations delivers a double helping of fan service". Video Games Chronicle. Retrieved October 22, 2024.
  10. ^ a b Tailby, Stephen (October 21, 2024). "Sonic X Shadow Generations Review". Push Square. Retrieved October 22, 2024.
  11. ^ Bukacek, Jacob (February 1, 2024). "Sega Reveals SONIC X SHADOW GENERATIONS During PlayStation's State of Play". Hardcore Gamer. Retrieved June 9, 2024.
  12. ^ Bevan, Rhiannon (June 8, 2023). "Sonic X Shadow Generations Launching October 25". TheGamer. Retrieved June 9, 2024.
  13. ^ a b c "Movie Shadow coming to Sonic X Shadow Generations – PlayStation.Blog". PlayStation.Blog. September 24, 2024. Retrieved September 24, 2024.
  14. ^ Hagues, Alana (July 18, 2024). "Sonic X Shadow Generations Showcases Side-By-Side Of Old & New Stages". Nintendo Life. Retrieved August 21, 2024.
  15. ^ Hagues, Alana (July 30, 2024). "Sonic X Shadow Generations Continues To Show Love For Sonic 06". Nintendo Life. Retrieved August 21, 2024.
  16. ^ Hagues, Alana (September 24, 2024). "Maria & Mephiles Feature In New Sonic X Shadow Generations Trailer". Nintendo Life. Retrieved October 20, 2024.
  17. ^ Sonic the Hedgehog (August 20, 2024). SONIC X SHADOW GENERATIONS - Doom Powers Trailer. Retrieved August 21, 2024 – via YouTube.
  18. ^ Romano, Sal (August 20, 2024). "Sonic X Shadow Generations 'Doom Powers' trailer". Gematsu. Retrieved August 21, 2024.
  19. ^ Piedra, Thalia (August 20, 2024). "Sonic x Shadow Generations interview: Shadow the Hedgehog's new Doom Powers detailed – PlayStation.Blog". PlayStation.Blog. Retrieved October 20, 2024.
  20. ^ Shephard, Kenneth (April 9, 2024). "Move Over Luigi, It's The Year Of Shadow The Hedgehog". Kotaku. Archived from the original on June 8, 2024. Retrieved June 8, 2024.
  21. ^ Shea, Brian (November 1, 2011). "Sonic X Shadow Generations Brings The Greatest Hits Package To Modern Consoles". Game Informer. Archived from the original on January 31, 2024. Retrieved January 31, 2024.
  22. ^ a b c Anderson, Robert (June 9, 2024). "Sonic X Shadow Generations is Up for Preorder". IGN. Retrieved June 9, 2024.
  23. ^ Shepard, Kenneth (October 22, 2024). "7 Things To Know Before Starting Sonic X Shadow Generations". Kotaku. Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  24. ^ Stedman, Alex (September 24, 2024). "Keanu Reeves Will Headline an Upcoming Sonic x Shadow Generations DLC". IGN. Retrieved September 24, 2024.
  25. ^ Jr, Johnny Flores (May 19, 2024). "Sonic X Shadow Generations Is Getting A Shadow The Hedgehog Prequel Anime". TheGamer. Retrieved July 8, 2024.
  26. ^ "SIMAGE: Works". simage 2024. Retrieved October 20, 2024.
  27. ^ "Check Out A Preview Of Sonic X Shadow Generations: Dark Beginnings!". Sonic Stadium. July 6, 2024. Retrieved July 8, 2024.
  28. ^ Romano, Sal (June 7, 2024). "Sonic X Shadow Generations launches October 25". Gematsu. Retrieved October 20, 2024.
  29. ^ Tailby, Stephen (August 19, 2024). "Sonic X Shadow Generations Goes Nostalgia Overload with Dreamcast-Heavy Collector's Edition". Push Square. Retrieved August 22, 2024.
  30. ^ a b "Sonic X Shadow Generations Metacritic". Metacritic. Retrieved October 22, 2024.
  31. ^ a b "Sonic x Shadow Generations Reviews". OpenCritic. Retrieved October 22, 2024.
  32. ^ Nightingale, Ed (October 21, 2024). "Sonic x Shadow Generations review - brilliant new campaign leaves the blue blur overshadowed". EuroGamer. Retrieved October 22, 2024.
  33. ^ Ramée, Jordan (October 22, 2024). "Sonic X Shadow Generations Review - Reruns". GameSpot. Retrieved October 22, 2024.
  34. ^ "Sonic X Shadow Generations Review". IGN. October 21, 2024. Retrieved October 22, 2024.
  35. ^ White, Lucas (October 21, 2024). "Sonic x Shadow Generations review: Hello darkness, my best friend". Shacknews. Retrieved October 22, 2024.
  36. ^ Donaldson, Alex (October 21, 2024). "Sonic X Shadow Generations review: one of Sonic's modern classics well-refined, with a strong (but short) new campaign". VG247. Retrieved October 22, 2024.
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