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Shadow Generations

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Shadow Generations
The international cover art of Sonic X Shadow Generations, which includes Shadow Generations
Developer(s)Sonic Team
Publisher(s)Sega
Director(s)
  • Katsuyuki Shigihara
  • Yuka Kobayashi
Producer(s)
Designer(s)
  • Seiki Hayashi
  • Takeki Kani
Programmer(s)Kohei Moriya
Artist(s)Keiichi Matate
Writer(s)Ian Flynn[2]
Composer(s)Jun Senoue
SeriesSonic the Hedgehog
Platform(s)
ReleaseOctober 25, 2024[a]
Genre(s)Platform
Mode(s)Single-player

Shadow Generations[b] is a 2024 platform game developed by Sonic Team and published by Sega. After Shadow the Hedgehog (2005), it is the second Sonic the Hedgehog game to feature Shadow as the protagonist. Its plot runs parallel to Sonic Generations (2011) and sees Shadow travel through time as he faces his archenemy, the alien conqueror Black Doom. Like Sonic Generations, the Shadow Generations levels and bosses are drawn from previous Sonic games; it also includes levels and game mechanics from games released after Sonic Generations.

Shadow Generations is not available as a standalone game, instead being bundled with a remaster of Sonic Generations in Sonic X Shadow Generations.[c] It was released on October 25, 2024 for the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Windows to generally favorable reviews.

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.[3] As Shadow the Hedgehog, the player character of the single-player game, the player must complete a series of levels and bosses to defeat the alien warlord Black Doom. Similar to previous Sonic games, the player traverses environments filled with springs, slopes, boost pads, bottomless pits, and vertical loops, and collects rings as a form of health. Upon completing a stage, the player receives a letter grade based on their performance, "S" being the best and "D" being the worst.

Shadow controls similarly to how Modern Sonic does in Sonic Generations: he can boost to smash through enemies and obstacles, home in on enemies to attack, and stomp to destroy objects and enemies below him. Unlike Sonic, Shadow can use power-ups that grant him new abilities. By defeating enemies, the player fills a meter that allows Shadow to activate "Chaos Control", which stops time, freezes objects, and allows access to alternate paths.[4] As the player progresses, they unlock transformations enabling new methods of attack and traversal. These include attacking enemies with energy spears, teleport-launching enemies to reach higher ground, transforming into a monster to traverse over terrain, gliding, and surfing on water.[5]

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).[6] Players use it to become accustomed to transformations and to access levels and bosses.[7] Each level has two acts; the first features 3D gameplay, while the second features side-scrolling gameplay.[8] Two challenges are available for each act, which require Shadow to complete a specific objective, such as destroying a certain number of enemies or reaching the goal with only one ring.[9][10] Completing both challenges grants the player a key to unlock boss battles, where the player must deplete the health of a larger enemy to proceed. Every challenge must be completed to finish the game.[11][10]

Each level and challenge features three collectible keys, which can be used to unlock chests scattered around the hub world; these chests contain artwork, music, and backstory that can be viewed in a collection room.[11] Additional art and music can be earned by completing missions scattered around the hub world or retrieving rocket parts for Orbot and Cubot.[12] A set of more difficult challenges and boss variations are unlocked after completing the game.[10] Players can also equip alternate skins for Shadow, such as his prototype "Terios" design and his appearance in the film Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (2024), which are available as downloadable content (DLC).[13]

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.[14][15] An additional level, based on scenes from the Sonic the Hedgehog 3 film, is set to be released as DLC in December 2024.[13]

Levels Bosses
Stage Original game Boss Stage Original game
Space Colony ARK Sonic Adventure 2 (2001)[4] Biolizard Cannon's Core Sonic Adventure 2 (2001)[4]
Rail Canyon Sonic Heroes (2003)[16] Metal Overlord Final Fortress Sonic Heroes (2003)[7]
Kingdom Valley Sonic the Hedgehog (2006)[17] Mephiles Dusty Desert Sonic the Hedgehog (2006)[18]
Sunset Heights Sonic Forces (2017)[19] Devil Doom / Neo Devil Doom Radical Highway Shadow the Hedgehog (2005) / Shadow Generations (2024)
Chaos Island Sonic Frontiers (2022)[20]
Radical Highway Sonic Adventure 2 (2001)[21]
Tokyo (DLC) Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (2024)[13]

Plot

See also: List of Sonic the Hedgehog characters

While Rouge the Bat and others attend Sonic's birthday party,[d] Shadow travels to the derelict Space Colony ARK to investigate a report of strange activity. He discovers Black Doom, the leader of the Black Arms alien race, survived his defeat[e] and pursues him. Shadow finds the fake Chaos Emerald previously created by Miles "Tails" Prower,[f] but he is caught in a time anomaly created by the Time Eater and pulled into the realm of White Space,[d] where a large object, the Black Moon, hovers. As Shadow explores White Space, he discovers relics that cause his body to mutate and develop new powers. Black Doom plans to use the time anomaly's power to revive his forces and conquer the world, warning Shadow that the two will battle once his powers fully awaken. Shadow encounters 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. Gerald explains that because they are linked by blood, Black Doom and the Black Moon are growing more powerful as Shadow's powers develop; he deduces that Black Doom plans to control Shadow or use him as a new body once his powers fully manifest. Shadow and Sonic cross paths, and Sonic takes Shadow's Chaos Emerald after a battle.[d] Shadow reveals to Rouge that Sonic took the fake emerald and that he still has the real one. Shadow begins to be corrupted by his powers, but perseveres with Maria's encouragement. The Black Moon fully mutates, and Black Doom demands that Shadow face him. Shadow enters the Black Moon to confront Black Doom, defeats him, and destroys the Black Moon, losing his powers 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, Maria encourages him to let them go and move on. Shadow leaves with Rouge to swap his Chaos Emerald with the fake one before Sonic confronts the Time Eater.[d]

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.[22] Katsuyuki Shigihara, one of Sonic Generations' designers, directed Shadow Generations; other Sonic Team members who worked on Generations contributed.[6] 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.[6] They chose levels they found the most interesting and the most popular among fans,[3] while integrating Sonic Frontiers' open-world gameplay to add modern elements.[6]

Release

Sega announced Shadow Generations alongside a remaster of Sonic Generations on January 31, 2024, as a bundle dubbed Sonic X Shadow Generations, during one of PlayStation's State of Play livestreams.[23] The collection was released for the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Windows on October 25, 2024.[24] Video Games Chronicle compared this to Nintendo bundling the Super Mario game Bowser's Fury (2021) alongside a rerelease of Super Mario 3D World (2013).[6]

An additional level based on scenes from the film Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is set to be released as DLC on December 12, a week before the film's release.[25] Keanu Reeves, who voices Shadow in the film, reprised his role for the DLC.[13]

Marketing

Those who pre-ordered the physical game received a booklet detailing Shadow's in-universe creation from the perspective of Gerald Robotnik.[24] A digital deluxe edition includes the Terios skin; additional in-game music tracks; a digital art book and soundtrack containing a selection of tracks from other Sonic games; and the Sonic the Hedgehog 3 DLC.[24]

A three-episode animated prologue miniseries, Sonic X Shadow Generations: Dark Beginnings,[26] animated by Studio Giggex and SIMAGE animation,[27] and written by Ian Flynn, was released between September 25 and October 10, 2024.[28] An extended version of the prologue containing behind-the-scenes footage is available as free DLC for the PlayStation versions of the game.[29]

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.[30]

Sales

Sonic X Shadow Generations sold one million copies by October 25, 2024, the day of its wide release;[31] players could access the game up to three days early by purchasing the digital deluxe edition on any platform except the Nintendo Switch.[1]

Reception

According to Metacritic, the Sonic X Shadow Generations bundle received "generally favorable" reviews from critics.[32] According to OpenCritic 88% of critics recommended it.[34]

Notes

  1. ^ Players who purchased the digital deluxe edition on any platform except the Nintendo Switch could access the game up to three days early, on October 22, 2024.[1]
  2. ^ Japanese: シャドウ ジェネレーションズ, Hepburn: Shadō Jenerēshonzu
  3. ^ Japanese: ソニック × シャドウ ジェネレーションズ, Hepburn: Sonikku × Shadō Jenerēshonzu
  4. ^ a b c d As depicted in the 2011 video game Sonic Generations
  5. ^ As depicted in the 2005 video game Shadow the Hedgehog
  6. ^ As depicted in the 2001 video game Sonic Adventure 2
  7. ^ Based on 60 reviews
  8. ^ Based on 4 reviews
  9. ^ Based on 57 reviews

References

  1. ^ a b Petite, Steven; Hesse, Brendan (October 22, 2024). "Sonic X Shadow Generations Deluxe Edition Is Out Now, Physical Preorders Include Collectible Book". GameSpot. Retrieved October 25, 2024.
  2. ^ "Takashi Iizuka on Sonic Team's Expansion and Shadow's Evolving Motivations - TSS Interview". Sonic Stadium. Nuckles87. June 11, 2024. Retrieved June 12, 2024.
  3. ^ 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.
  4. ^ 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.
  5. ^ Norman, Jim (August 20, 2024). "New Sonic X Shadow Generations Trailer Showcases Shadow's Doom Powers". Nintendo Life. Retrieved August 21, 2024.
  6. ^ 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.
  7. ^ 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.
  8. ^ 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.
  9. ^ a b Murphy, Matthew (October 21, 2024). "Review: Sonic X Shadow Generations". Hardcore Gamer. Retrieved October 22, 2024.
  10. ^ a b c d "Sonic X Shadow Generations Review". IGN. October 21, 2024. Retrieved October 22, 2024.
  11. ^ 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.
  12. ^ a b Tailby, Stephen (October 21, 2024). "Sonic X Shadow Generations Review". Push Square. Retrieved October 22, 2024.
  13. ^ a b c d "Movie Shadow coming to Sonic X Shadow Generations – PlayStation.Blog". PlayStation.Blog. September 24, 2024. Retrieved September 24, 2024.
  14. ^ Bukacek, Jacob (February 1, 2024). "Sega Reveals SONIC X SHADOW GENERATIONS During PlayStation's State of Play". Hardcore Gamer. Retrieved June 9, 2024.
  15. ^ Bevan, Rhiannon (June 8, 2023). "Sonic X Shadow Generations Launching October 25". TheGamer. Retrieved June 9, 2024.
  16. ^ Hagues, Alana (July 18, 2024). "Sonic X Shadow Generations Showcases Side-By-Side Of Old & New Stages". Nintendo Life. Retrieved August 21, 2024.
  17. ^ Hagues, Alana (July 30, 2024). "Sonic X Shadow Generations Continues To Show Love For Sonic 06". Nintendo Life. Retrieved August 21, 2024.
  18. ^ Hagues, Alana (September 24, 2024). "Maria & Mephiles Feature In New Sonic X Shadow Generations Trailer". Nintendo Life. Retrieved October 20, 2024.
  19. ^ Sonic the Hedgehog (August 20, 2024). SONIC X SHADOW GENERATIONS - Doom Powers Trailer. Retrieved August 21, 2024 – via YouTube.
  20. ^ Romano, Sal (August 20, 2024). "Sonic X Shadow Generations 'Doom Powers' trailer". Gematsu. Retrieved August 21, 2024.
  21. ^ 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.
  22. ^ 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.
  23. ^ 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.
  24. ^ a b c Anderson, Robert (June 9, 2024). "Sonic X Shadow Generations is Up for Preorder". IGN. Retrieved June 9, 2024.
  25. ^ Stedman, Alex (September 24, 2024). "Keanu Reeves Will Headline an Upcoming Sonic x Shadow Generations DLC". IGN. Retrieved September 24, 2024.
  26. ^ Jr, Johnny Flores (May 19, 2024). "Sonic X Shadow Generations Is Getting A Shadow The Hedgehog Prequel Anime". TheGamer. Retrieved July 8, 2024.
  27. ^ "SIMAGE: Works". simage 2024. Retrieved October 20, 2024.
  28. ^ "Check Out A Preview Of Sonic X Shadow Generations: Dark Beginnings!". Sonic Stadium. July 6, 2024. Retrieved July 8, 2024.
  29. ^ Romano, Sal (June 7, 2024). "Sonic X Shadow Generations launches October 25". Gematsu. Retrieved October 20, 2024.
  30. ^ Tailby, Stephen (August 19, 2024). "Sonic X Shadow Generations Goes Nostalgia Overload with Dreamcast-Heavy Collector's Edition". Push Square. Retrieved August 22, 2024.
  31. ^ Dinsdale, Ryan (October 25, 2024). "Sonic x Shadow Generations Sells 1 Million Units on Launch Day, Sega Reveals". IGN. Retrieved October 25, 2024.
  32. ^ a b "Sonic X Shadow Generations Metacritic". Metacritic. Retrieved October 25, 2024.
  33. ^ "Sonic X Shadow Generations Metacritic". Metacritic. Retrieved October 31, 2024.
  34. ^ a b "Sonic x Shadow Generations Reviews". OpenCritic. Retrieved October 25, 2024.
  35. ^ Colantonio, Giovanni (October 25, 2024). "SSonic X Shadow Generations review: Sega finally lives and learns". Digital Trends. Retrieved October 25, 2024.
  36. ^ Nightingale, Ed (October 21, 2024). "Sonic x Shadow Generations review - brilliant new campaign leaves the blue blur overshadowed". EuroGamer. Retrieved October 22, 2024.
  37. ^ Ramée, Jordan (October 22, 2024). "Sonic X Shadow Generations Review - Reruns". GameSpot. Retrieved October 22, 2024.
  38. ^ White, Lucas (October 21, 2024). "Sonic x Shadow Generations review: Hello darkness, my best friend". Shacknews. Retrieved October 22, 2024.
  39. ^ 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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