It wouldn’t be the launch of a new Nintendo console without Sonic the Hedgehog…wait, that’s not right…

But also, that is so wonderfully right. The brilliant Sonic x Shadow Generations that launched back in October is available day one for Switch 2. And some controversies aside, it’s one hell of a ride if you’ve yet to dig into this classic.

For starters, outside of PC, this is one the best performing console versions of the game, and somehow looks even more vibrant and fluid when played handheld. I’d even argue it’s the best way to play the game now (unless you’ve got a Steam Deck, of course)

And this is a particularly interesting point, having tested a few games on Switch 2, and selecting the ‘Compatible Software Only’ option under HDR output, Sonic x Shadow Generations does not support HDR unless forced. And if you do apply that, it somewhat works to the game’s detriment. Particularly in cutscenes when you notice some stuttering but also the speed of the runs just isn’t free-flowing. Especially in the Shadow levels – unless you’re in performance mode, of course.

So when playing this on my high-end, 4K LG TV with 120FPS, the game lost a lot of its shine without that HDR boost. Sonic x Shadow Generations is a stunning, vibrant game from the casino levels, to the fast-paced neon futuristic settings and even good old Green Hill Zone. But playing something like Mario Kart World right after or before this, you really notice how dulled it looks.

So if you’re playing docked, I’d leave those Shadow levels on Performance. On handheld, however, this game really pops and it’s where I spent most of my time. And did I ever have an incredible time!

I liked Frontiers and Sonic Superstars was a blast, but for me, Sonic X Shadow Generations is the best modern Sonic release since Sonic Mania. I suppose there’s a little irony in that, though, with Sonic Generations being a 2011, Xbox 360 game.

The difference here, of course, is the game has been remastered with quality of life improvements, new content, higher frame rates and updated controls. For the most part, the Sonic Generations experience is a direct rip of that classic game, which basically sees you play two different versions of the Hedgehog – Classic Sonic from the 16 Bit days and Sonic Adventure Sonic from the Dreamcast era.

And the big draw of this new package is the Shadow content, which sort of ties into the new Sonic 3 Movie and sort of ties into Generations with a story happening in the background, leading to the central game’s conclusion. It’s actually pretty masterful how SEGA have put it all together.

As mentioned, Shadow’s content is the only one where you can adjust performance and quality modes as the content itself is a notable step up in fidelity from the previous games, but it does somewhat try to stay ‘on brand’ with what is offered, offering 2 acts per level with one more 2.5D leaning and boss battles unlocked by completing challenges and unlocking doors.

But this has also been given a modern, Metroidvania like twist, where Shadow gathers new DOOM powers over time, enabling him to explore the wider overworld that gradually unlocks, tackle old levels in different ways and find all the hidden secrets so you can see everything the content has to offer.

The Shadow levels are quite a generous package in all. You could easily complete the levels in a few hours, but to get all the unlockables, beat all the challenges and see everything there is to see, it could take the day. The one issue with Switch 2, of course, being no achievements or trophies to unlock, so you don’t also have those to focus on.

But the content itself is really solid, with levels really fast-paced, action packed, and varied enough to offer some fun set-pieces and action packed moments. Shadow’s abilities also help with that, between him sending homing torpedos at enemies, riding waves like a surfer and even gliding through the air with a pair of wings.

It’s all so crisp, too. In performance, the game is like a blur and the best possible rollercoaster, a Sonic game at its absolute best as you try to keep up with the fast-paced action, while being dazzled by the visuals, cawing at your actions on screen and bopping to the game’s beautiful techno tunes.

Shadow matches it all with his ice-cool demeanour and non-chalant lines as he grinds and soars through each level. It’s elegance and such a great showcase for how smooth Switch 2 can be, docked and handheld. Put it this way, this smaller addition more than makes up for the original Shadow game and Forces.

Shadow’s overworld is similar to the Generations overworld too, in that its partly white, partly colored in as you complete acts, unlock powers and gather more collectibles. The difference here is it’s a fully 3D environment, sandbox style that you can explore, peek around corners, bounce around, surf waters, and take to heights. It’s basically a much more expanded version of what was done with Generations and it’s brilliant. Like a larger level in of itself that bares some similarities to what was done in Frontiers.

But all of this ignores the core content of Sonic Generations which is just a fantastic game in its own right. In case you never played it, the two acts play very differently, with Act 1 playing out like a more vintage Sonic experience. The first initial levels will feel very familiar to core Sonic fans, with Green Hill Zone, Chemical Plant and even a Casino themed mini game that gives off huge Sonic Spinball vibes.

I could really use a sequel to that by the way…

You side scroll with Sonic across colourful environments, just as you did in the OG Mega Drive originals, but just like in Sonic Mania and Superstars, you see more depth to the levels in 2.5D as you’ll see Sonic venture away from the screen, burrowing underground, spiralling onto air platforms, and aiming to reach the end goal spinning sign as you’ve always done.

But Act 2 does things differently as you play a more adult, talking Sonic, as if you were checking out the Sonic Adventure games. This is a more 3D experience as you see Sonic from behind and sprint forward, tackling 3D mazes in topsy, turvy ways. Bouncing all around the screen, targeting and launching towards enemies and springs.

It really plays with the core idea Sonic has been about – Act 1, Act 2 and sometimes Act 3 all largely play out the same way with the same mechanics, in the same environment but seeing it in different ways. For me, this is why Generations stood out so much from other Sonic games is that it keeps itself fresh and interesting, really challenging the player to perfect both playstyles in order to see everything there is to offer.

You can earn points from your efforts in level, then spend them at a Chao shop to gain new abilities that get you some additional benefits and rewards ahead of each level. These can be put together into loadouts that mean you can get more rings or take less damage, or gain an extra life. All helpful.

Each act also has a bunch of collectibles to find – including three chao per level new for this release – to really give some great opportunities to replay and unlock all the cool additions in the Sonic’s home-esque museum.

And then there’s the varied Challenges that fill out the game even further, giving you unique objectives to fulfil in order to then collect keys that unlock a gateway to fight the boss of the area. Some of these bosses are better designed than others, though, but they each have you make best use of your learned abilities and environmental awareness.

The other big upgrade from the original release comes in the form of cutscenes. All the lines have been redone and there’s even new lines of dialogue written to give the cutscenes more story and substance than was there before. Shadow’s Generations story does a lot more heavy lifting in this regard, as the cutscenes for Sonic Generations are still a bit hamstrung by the previous content, but there’s at least a lot more life in the game than there was before.

Sonic X Shadow Generations is a brilliant showcase game for Switch 2 to show how it can handle fast paced games in a stable way up to 60FPS. With the right configurations, the game is smooth as butter and looks fantastic, and in quality, the game is also a huge visual treat at 1080p. In all, this is a perfect handheld game that really plays best in the palm of your hands.

Of course, we’d be doing a bit of a disservice if we didn’t mention the sizeable Echidna in the room of this not having a paid upgrade path if you already own the game on Switch 1. We’ve seen this on games like Civ 7, No Man’s Sky and Hogwarts Legacy already, so there’s precedent for it, but for some reason SEGA are treating these as two seperate SKUs. And it’s baffling to be honest. Especially seeing how popular these have been for other games, it would probably help the game shoot up the Switch charts.

There’s no difference between the games other than the performance and visual quality – plus the fact the game doesn’t support HDR makes this an even tougher pill to swallow if you already own the game. Maybe a patch down the line could help with that.

But if you’re like me and this is your first time checking out the game, there’s absolutely no better place to play outside of Steam and Steam Deck. Nintendo Switch 2 and Sonic x Shadow Generations are the perfect pair with the satisfying rumbles, gyro for tilt controls and the lovely feel of seeing it pop and blitz in the palm of your hands. It’s the finest example of modern Sonic with a beautiful blend of the classics in one very enjoyable, satisfying package. A must buy!

Verdict

Sonic X Shadow Generations is a fantastic collection of quality content that beautifully celebrates the legendary journey of the blue hedgehog. All complimented by one of the best modern 3D Sonic / Shadow adventures to date with fast-paced tracks, intriguing story, a compelling overworld and a wonderful aesthetic. The lack of full HDR when docked and a true upgrade path between Switch 1 to Switch 2 is a bit disappointing, but this is a wonderful first point of entry for a truly excellent game that anyone with history with the Hedgehog must experience. 

Pros

---

Sonic x Shadow Generations is out now on PC, PS, Switch 1 and 2 and Xbox.

Played on Nintendo Switch 2

Code Kindly Provided by SEGA for review purposes