Review: Sonic X Shadow Generations for Nintendo Switch

Thirteen years after its debut on the PS3 and Xbox 360, Sonic Generations has landed on the Nintendo Switch. Sega has brought back this fan-favorite game with what initially appeared to be a standard port. However, the surprise addition of Shadow Generations—an all-new campaign—elevates this release from a nostalgia trip to a must-play experience. Here’s why this is more than just a remake.

A Tale of Two Campaigns

At its core, this release is split into two parts: the original Sonic Generations and the newly created Shadow Generations. While the Sonic campaign remains a solid, fast-paced adventure, it feels like a side dish compared to the Shadow campaign, which shines as the main course.

Unlike Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury, where the add-on felt like a bonus, Shadow Generations flips the script. This isn’t just a port of Sonic Generations with extras; it’s practically a standalone Shadow game with Sonic Generations attached for good measure. If you’re buying this title, buy it for Shadow—not Sonic.

Shadow Generations: Fresh Gameplay and Variety

The Shadow Generations campaign introduces several features that make it far more engaging than its predecessor:

• Overworld Exploration: Shadow gets a traversable overworld, akin to a mini-Sonic Frontiers. While not groundbreaking, the hub world adds depth, with side quests and additional content that make the game feel more alive.

• Unique Power-ups: Shadow’s arsenal is where the game truly stands out. Unlike Sonic, whose abilities are mostly limited to speed and spin-dashes, Shadow’s gameplay incorporates a variety of fresh mechanics. You can shoot enemies, surf across water, teleport to distant areas, and perform flashy combat moves like kicking foes into the air. This variety keeps the gameplay engaging throughout.

• Perfect Difficulty: The game strikes a balance between challenging and accessible. While occasional cheap deaths occur, most failures feel like learning opportunities. Plus, quick respawns ensure minimal frustration.

The Sonic Campaign: Solid, but Outdated

While Sonic Generations remains a good game, it’s undeniably a 13-year-old experience. The platforming and level design hold up well, but the lack of permanent power-ups and the linearity make it feel less innovative compared to Shadow’s campaign. Sonic’s gameplay is still fun, but the Shadow campaign easily steals the spotlight.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s good fun, and a well welcomed “extra” course, so I’m not complaining about its inclusion. Especially since Nintendo-only gamers will be experiencing this campaign for the first time.

Story and Presentation

Let’s be real: Sonic games are not known for their deep narratives. That said, Shadow Generations delivers one of the better stories in the series. It’s not going to win any literary awards, but for Sonic fans, the story and cinematic cutscenes are some of the most exciting in franchise history.

Performance on the Nintendo Switch

Considering the Nintendo Switch’s aging hardware, the game runs surprisingly well. Here’s a breakdown:

• Frame Rate: While the game targets 30 FPS, it’s not always consistent, especially during the more graphically intensive moments in Shadow Generations. That said, it’s still smoother than Sonic Frontiers on Switch.
• Graphics: The Sonic campaign benefits from a higher resolution, while the Shadow campaign can look slightly pixelated at times. However, for a game running on a seven-year-old mobile platform, the visuals are impressive and far exceed the likes of Pokémon Scarlet/Violet.

For those who own other consoles, the PS5 or Xbox versions may offer better performance. However, if you’re a Nintendo Switch-only gamer, this port is perfectly fine.

Length and Replayability

The Shadow campaign clocks in at around six to seven hours, which some might find short. However, the game’s tight, replayable design makes it a refreshing alternative to overly long, bloated open-world games. Like Donkey Kong Country or Ocarina of Time, Shadow Generations is a game you’ll want to revisit years down the line.