Sonic X Shadow Generationsis a rather unique title in the series. It combines two experiences into one collection: a remaster of 2011’sSonic Generations, complete with new Chao to rescue and redone cutscene dialogue, andShadow Generations, a spin on the beloved anniversary title that retells the story of Shadow the Hedgehog and his past. That includes his life on the Space Colony ARK, his connections to the alien Black Arms race, and even his future beyond Sonic’s birthday party.
Shadow’s side ofSonic X Shadow Generationshas the exact gameplay one would expect with that name, but it also continues the open-zone gameplay thatSonic Frontiersstarted. It makes sense as to why, as duringFrontiers' development, Sonic Team head Takashi Iizuka stated that the 2022 title would serve as the foundation forSonicgames for the next 20 years or so. With that in mind, looking at both titles and what they have in common paints a rather bright future for the series' next adventures.
Sonic Frontiers and Shadow Generations Make Exploration A Core Aspect of the Series in More Ways Than One
WithSonic X Shadow Generationshitting one million units sold on launch day, as well asSonic Frontierstaking the slot of best-selling 3DSonicgameof all time within its first year, Sonic Team is likely well aware that the current approach to Sega’s mascot is making all sorts of players happy. Sonic Team had already accepted whatFrontiersbrought onto the table as what it would be doing next for some time, but the positive reception has likely helped Sonic Team tackle future projects at full steam.Sonic X Shadow Generations' considerable jump in presentation seems almost emblematic of howFrontiers' success has pushed the developers forward.
Both games may feature different playstyles, with one featuring a focus on the Boost mechanic and stages rather than an open-zone design, butShadow Generationstakes plenty of notes fromSonic Frontiers.Both games focus on story, with a defining character arc (or arcs inFrontiers’case) throughout, and a focus on exploration thatSonic Team has stated is what makesSonicgamesand their fast pace fun.Shadow Generationsseems to take whatFrontiersestablished and refine quite a fair bit of it, which gives players a good idea of what they can look forward to from future titles.
What Shadow Generations' White Space Offers Future Sonic Titles
TheSonic X Shadow Generationswebsite makes it very clear that Shadow’s version of White Space is inspired bySonic Frontiers' open-zone gameplay. It answers the criticism thatFrontiers' platforms and rails didn’t mesh with the environment (even if the choice was thematic), but it’s important to note that Shadow’s hub world does have to answer toSonic Generations' already established White Space. However, the stages being on their own islands with bolts, timed challenges, and Collection Room unlockables still makes it similar enough toSonic Frontiers' Starfall Islands to give a good indication that these playgrounds of exploration and high-speed freedom will be the norm from now on.
Sonic’s Adventures Once Again Offer a Tale to Go With the Journey
In these games, Sonic and Shadow took the spotlight with stories that dealt with their strengths and what they can handle.WhereSonic Frontiershelped establish a full scope of lore,Shadow Generationsencompasses the black hedgehog’s entire story and forces him to show if he’s truly kept it from defining him. In terms of both stories,SonicFrontiersmost certainly seems foundational, as plenty ofSonicgames get mentioned to shape the world.Shadow Generations, however, takes a long-standing storyline that’s been around since 2001 and closes the book on it for good in a way fans who have been there since the beginning will feel satisfied with, if not a bit weepy.
WhileSonic Frontiersoffers a narrative with nuance similar to games likeSonic UnleashedandSonic Adventure 2,Shadow Generationsmay be a better example of what futureSonicgames have to offer. Writer Ian Flynn was given much more creative freedom during his second official job with Sonic Team itself. With the new lore team established and Shadow the Hedgehog gaining closure in his latest adventure, worthwhilestories in upcomingSonicgamesare almost a guarantee.
Shadow Generations and Sonic Frontiers Give New Depth to Sonic Stages and Worlds
Just like Shadow’s White Space makes it very clear thatSonicfans will get to see more wide-open spaces to run through in the future witha few adjustments based onSonicFrontiers' criticism,Shadow GenerationsandFrontiers' The Final Horizon DLC update also tells players that optional routes inSonicgames are evolving. The Final Horizon added more Cyber Space stages to the game that featured so many winding paths and alternative missions that completing the stages in one run through was borderline impossible.Shadow Generationsfeatures so many optional paths, be they small splinters or larger surprises, that players will need to experiment to find them all and understand the stage the best they can.
Sonic Frontiersbrought all the aspects that fans have been praising ofShadow Generationsto the forefront,whileShadow Generationsshowcaseswhat these ideas and concepts can do if they’re allowed to thrive. The waySonic X Shadow Generationshas been a breakout hit already says it all, and that, along withFrontiers' own success, sets up the next game to continue to reach new heights.Sonicfans have cause for optimism about the future, because the franchise’s new era has room and promise to be great.
Sonic X Shadow Generations
WHERE TO PLAY
THE RETURN OF SHADOWIn this new standalone campaign, Shadow’s nemesis, Black Doom, has reemerged and threatens to take over the world once again. Shadow must journey into his past, confront his painful memories, and unlock new dark powers to save the world.
SHADOW EVOLVEDHarness Shadow’s new Doom Powers to battle hordes of enemies and tackle platforming challenges like never before. Surf on water, fly over obstacles, and stop time with the return of Chaos Control!A JOURNEY THROUGH TIME AND DIMENSIONSExperience the ultimate showdown between Shadow and Black Doom in a new boss battle that will test your skills and reflexes. Use all of Shadow’s abilities to defeat Black Doom and save the world!EXPLORE THE NEW WHITE SPACEStretch your legs in an all-new hub world inspired by the open-zone gameplay of Sonic Frontiers. As Shadow gains new powers, he can explore further and uncover the secrets hidden throughout!
