Sonic X Shadow Generations
MSRP
$50.00
“Sonic X Shadow Generations represents the true future of a series that’s finally ready to grow.”
Pros
- Smooth Sonic remaster
- Shadow Generations is fantastic
- Excellent music
- Lots of collectibles
Cons
- Sonic Generations movement can be rough
- So can its late levels
- So can its bosses
How can we learn from our past mistakes if we’re all too scared to confront them?
That’s been the narrative of the Sonic the Hedgehog series for decades. Anytime the series has encountered challenges, its developers have hesitated to address them. While the “never give up” attitude mirrors Sonic himself, it can also be detrimental. The latest game, Sonic X Shadow Generations, reflects the importance of learning from mistakes. The remastered version of Sonic Generations, included in the package, was well-received but had its own flaws.
Sega’s new game, Shadow Generations, is a revelation compared to Sonic Generations. It’s a reminder of how past mistakes can lead to future improvements if we pause to reflect.
Revisiting Sonic Generations
Sonic Generations featured Sonic teaming up with his past self to navigate through a collection of nostalgic levels. The game had its strengths but also weaknesses, such as a shallow story, awkward boss fights, and slow-paced levels.
Despite its flaws, Sonic Generations serves as a playable museum of Sonic’s history, with classic songs, collectible art, and nods to the franchise’s characters.
However, the game struggles with maintaining Sonic’s speed, often breaking the flow with platforming segments. While the remaster didn’t address these issues, it sets the stage for the success of Shadow Generations.
Enter Shadow Generations
Shadow Generations stands out as the best Sonic game since the Dreamcast era. It offers a more meaningful narrative, thrilling level design, and a cohesive experience. The game’s tighter movement, level design, and overall gameplay make it a standout entry in the series.
Unlike Sonic Generations, Shadow Generations feels like the future of the series, with levels that maintain speed and momentum while remaining complex and engaging.
Overall, Shadow Generations is a significant step forward for the Sonic series, finally delivering what fans have been asking for.
Live and Learn
Shadow Generations’ success highlights the importance of listening to feedback and learning from past mistakes. The reluctance to address criticism has led to a polarizing fanbase and missed opportunities for improvement.
Honest criticism is an act of love, offering valuable feedback for growth and improvement. Embracing imperfections and working on them is essential for progress.
Reflecting on Sonic X Shadow Generations serves as a reminder to acknowledge past mistakes and strive for growth, rather than ignoring criticism and stagnating.
Sonic X Shadow Generations was tested on Nintendo Switch OLED with a retail copy of the game.
