Sonic X Shadow Generations: PS5 Review

Developed by Sonic Team
Published by Sega
Platform: PS5

Sonic the Hedgehog continues to live on in pop culture.

From the cinematic reinventions to the continual presence in the gaming world, it's clear the blue blur shows no signs of slowing down whatsoever. 

Containing a remastered version of Sonic Generations from 2011, the game shines more with the addition of events from Sonic's enemy Shadow's point of view. Setting him among scenes that have become part of the Sonic canon gives the game an edge and point of difference.

But as well as the 2D platforming of Sonic itself, the 3D iteration of Shadow's game makes everything feel different thanks to new powers and the ability to slow time down to avoid obstructions. This Matrix-style bullet time seems like an odd ability to add in but what it does, is give the game an edge that Sonic's raceabout mentality never really had.

From the Chaos Dash to an ability to fly, the developers have thrown a lot at Shadow to ensure the character stands out and the gameplay feels different. As a result, this new element feels radically engaging in ways that would be totally unexpected.

As a combination, Sonic X Shadow Generations may at times feel like an attempt to flesh out the Shadow character before he appears on screens over Christmas, but as a Sonic game, it does much to add a welcome edge to a consistently high-performing platformer.