Sonic X Shadow Generations Review Round-Up

Sonic X Shadow Generations is available today on all major platforms, and many influencers and gaming publications have already shared their opinions on the game. We’ll keep this post up-to-date with all the scores, from highest to lowest, along with a brief summary and a link to each original review as they come out. If you’d like to read or watch a specific publication’s review, let us know in the comments if we missed it, or stay tuned for an update! Look out for our own review in the coming days!

The Sonic Stadium 5/5: I don’t often focus on the question “is this game worth your money” with reviews on Sonic Stadium, largely because it’s redundant given the audience (chances are you’re going to buy it anyway)… but given that most video games these days cost upwards of £70 GBP, the fact that you’re getting two great Sonic games for the price of £45-55 GBP (despite SEGA’s strange flirtation with offering a hundred Digital Deluxe editions for every game) makes Sonic X Shadow Generations pretty good value for money, and an essential addition to any Sonic fan’s gaming library.
IGN 9/10.0: Sonic X Shadow Generations takes an already excellent game and spring jumps it to new heights with a creative Shadow campaign and an appreciable graphical upgrade.
Hobby Consolas 90/100: Whether you are a veteran player of the franchise or not, here you have fun show to spare. The changes mostly improve the original and the Shadow campaign is a real flip. That’s how we like Sonic, friends of SEGA.
Game Rant 9/10: Sonic X Shadow Generations is a loving homage to all eras of Sonic and a reminder of why both the character and his games continue to endure.
Atomix 90/10: In conclusion, Sonic X Shadow Generations is a delivery that lovers of platform games should experience. It combines the best of the 3D and 2D worlds, returning the 2011 classic in a definitive version, and adding Shadow’s own campaign, with gameplay that gives it its own personality.
Checkpoint Gaming 9/10.0: Sonic X Shadow Generations gives Shadow fans everything they could wish for and more in this celebration of the Ultimate Lifeform’s history. The level design established in Generations and Sonic Frontiers has been perfected in the generously sized Shadow Generations storyline, with reimagined stages and boss fights from Shadow’s past appearances alongside heaps of references and tributes you’re bound to love.
PSX Brasil 90/100: Sonic X Shadow Generations is basically two excellent games in one. Sonic Generations is a remaster of one of the hedgehog’s best titles, while Shadow Generations is a new game that is based on the Sonic Frontiers formula to revisit the past of one of the most beloved characters by fans. Shadow’s gameplay mechanics are great, the levels are fun and exploring White Space is very good. It is a round package and recommended.
Gamer Social Club 9/10.0: Small complaints aside, Sega did an excellent Job with Sonic X Shadow Generations overall. Although it would’ve been nice to see a bit more for Sonic Generations to help it stand out more next to Shadow, it’s still an excellent game overall and this is an excellent package with excellent replay value and a sign that the future of Sonic will continue to be great as it has been the past few years. And hey, it’s nice to see another platformer be so well made.
Movies Games and Tech 90/100: In the end, Sonic x Shadow generations is a must-have for Sonic fans. Sonic Generations remains one of the best Sonic games of all time, and the addition of Shadow Generations elevates this package to a whole new level. The new mechanics and collectibles in Shadow’s adventure add depth and replay-ability, while the visual upgrades and refined hub world make it clear that SEGA has learned from its past mistakes, especially when compared to Sonic Frontiers. This is a perfect time to hop in and catch up on Shadows story before the release of Sonic the Hedgehog 3 movie later this year.
Meristation 90/100: Sonic X Shadow Generations is the Sonic game we didn’t know we needed. It’s a must have for Sonic fans.
GAMINbible 90/100: Back in 2013 I dreamed of the day Sonic Generations got a sequel featuring levels from Sonic’s history that didn’t make it into the final game, and even further back in 2005 I hoped SEGA would give Shadow another chance to shine following a frankly messy spin-off. Sonic X Shadow Generations has turned those hopes and dreams into reality, and I’m ever so thankful for it.
IGN Brasil 90/100: Sonic X Shadow Generations is the best version of one of the best games in the franchise, with the addition of a great Shadow campaign. All this makes it the definitive Sonic game so far.
GamesHub 90/100: In remastering Sonic Generations, Sonic Team and Sega didn’t really need to go so hard – but they have, and we can all thank them for it. The original game was already good, and in enhanced form, it’s even better. Shadow Generations is a very worthy addition here, and it’s great to see Shadow getting a new chance to shine, in levels that serve him, and the wider game, incredibly well.
Vandal 87/100: If the next main game of the blue hedgehog manages to maintain the level of quality, spectacularity and complexity of the levels of Shadow Generations while polishing the formula of open areas of free exploration that we saw in Frontiers and with which they have continued to experiment and test ideas here, we are convinced that the great future that Sonic told us about in 2011 is closer than ever to becoming a reality.
GAMES.CH 86%: Even 13 years later, Sonic Generations is still one thing above all else: pure and, most importantly, lightning-fast platforming fun! The great levels are packed with little details, the graphics and soundtrack are beautiful and Shadow’s appearance makes the experience even better. Despite some minor flaws, this game is absolutely worthy of SEGA’s video game legend.
GamingTrend 85/100: Sonic x Shadow Generations ties past, present, and future together for a comprehensive view of Sonic’s appeal. If Sonic Generations signaled a conservative era for Sonic stuck in the past, Shadow Generation signals an exciting future of new ideas and stories that matter.
WellPlayed 8.5/10.0: Sonic X Shadow Generations once again proves that while Sonic may be timeless, Shadow just squeaks ahead in understanding the assignment a little better – offering a revisited revamp that is easy to enjoy for fans and fence sitters alike.
Pizza Fria 8.5/10.0: Sonic X Shadow Generations is worth every penny invested and every second played. They finally made a campaign worthy of Shadow, with diverse stages, fun abilities and a relatively large map to explore. The black hedgehog’s campaign, in fact, reminded me a lot of Sonic Frontiers, and I dare say that it could easily be sold as a solo game.
CGMagazine 85/100: Sonic X Shadow Generations delivers two fantastic games for the price of one, capturing the best elements of the Dreamcast era.
GamersRD 85/100: Sonic X Shadow Generations is a 2011 remaster that enhances an already fantastic game. Introduce a new campaign featuring Shadow the Hedgehog, who has unique abilities and powers to explore large and secret levels. Additionally, this new version provides better graphics quality, making it the best version of the game.
Worth Playing 85/100: Sonic X Shadow Generations is a delightful experience for any Sonic fan. Not only has the original Generations aged surprisingly well, but the new Shadow segment of the story contains just as much love for the parts of the franchise that came after the original release. The gameplay is quick, fun and accessible, and there’s so much love for Sega’s mascot and his dark counterpart that it’s immensely enjoyable, no matter how many times it reminds me of Sonic 2006. It does the one thing I never imagined could happen: It really makes me want a new Shadow the Hedgehog game.
Gaming Age 85/100: For its price point, Sonic X Shadow Generations is a true value for hardcore Sonic fans and fans of platformers alike. With high replay value, and even with some control hiccups, Sega reminds us of what they can do with their blue hedgehog and his edgy counterpart.
Digital Chumps 8.3/10.0: Sonic X Shadow Generations makes Sonic look better than ever before thanks to its graphical makeover and additional playable campaign featuring the one, and only, Shadow the Hedgehog. With the spotlight on Shadow, players can now play as him in all of his glory while being treated to cinematic sequences that, quite frankly, look cool as hell.
LevelUp 8.2/10.0: Even though the new additions to Sonic Generations are very welcome, the real star of this package is Shadow. His levels, movements, story and the Overworld White Space are worthy of a character this important, and all the positive things this new campaign does can work perfectly in the next games of both him and Sonic.
Video Chums 8.1/10.0: I had a great time playing SONIC X SHADOW GENERATIONS with its modern adaptation of a genuine classic and its super-fun new campaign featuring Shadow the Hedgehog. This is such a bountiful package that any Sonic fan will absolutely love it. 🦔
TheGamer 4/5: It frustrates me that few of these improvements trickled down into Sonic Generations, but as a whole product, it’s hard to fault a package that gives us a faithful remaster of one of the most beloved Sonic games, and a great Shadow game to boot. I only hope now that Sega trusts itself to look to the future some more, and keeps moving ahead with the new formula that Sonic Frontiers – and now Shadow Generations – promises us.
VG247 4/5: All told, this feels like a solid offering from Sega and Sonic Team. Generations remains a perfect history lesson for younger fans, while Shadow’s new narrative provides a tantalizing introduction to the character before he hits the Hollywood big time just before Christmas. It’s one of Sonic’s better recent outings made just that little bit better – and you can’t really complain about that.
Tom’s Guide 4/5: Sonic x Shadow Generations is exactly what a remastered re-release should be. 2011’s Sonic Generations looks and performs much better, while the new Shadow Generations puts Shadow in the limelight and gives his story closure. With bosses and stages old and new, it’s a fantastic action platformer with just the right dash of nostalgia.
God is a Geek 8/10.0: Sonic X Shadow Generations is a fantastic bundle of Sonic games, which learned all the right lessons from Sonic Frontiers.
TheSixthAxis 8/10: Sonic X Shadow Generations is a great time. The remaster is exactly as you’d expect and the new game on top of it is better, more polished, varied, and refined. It’s almost converted me to a 3D Sonic guy, which is shocking, and, because it’s about Shadow instead of Sonic, you don’t have to put up with anywhere near as many obnoxious voice performances. Shadow himself is just a bit broody and says things like “the ultimate power” in an almost-Keanu Reeves voice which really makes me laugh – especially with the Keanu voice pack coming in December for some top tier silliness.
Shacknews 8/10: While it’s relatively short, Shadow Generations feels like someone took Sonic Frontiers and retroactively applied its secret sauce to an older 3D Sonic platformer, elevating it to heights previously unseen. Sonic Generations is a respectable remaster of a decent game, but pales in comparison.
Push Square 8/10: Sonic X Shadow Generations is a great two-for-one deal, but for us, the antihero’s half of the package steals the show. While the remaster of the 13-year-old platformer is perfectly fine, Shadow’s brand new campaign outshines it with much improved gameplay and level design. The older game definitely shows its age in some regards, but bundling together one of the most beloved Sonic titles with one of the best 3D entries in recent memory makes for a compelling double feature.
COGconnected 80/100: Shadow Generations feels like a sequel. This is a pretty neat trick for an add-on bundled with a remaster. The controls are better, the graphics are crisp, and the level design is great. While the Sonic section looks awesome, it still feels like the original release. Which is normally fine for a remaster. But it pales a bit compared to the new content. On the other hand, both halves have that incredible corny energy that I love. Sonic (and Shadow) are synonymous with edgy nonsense for me, and this game truly delivers on that front. Whether you played the original or not, Sonic X Shadow Generations is a delightful double dose of high-speed fun.
PlayStation Universe 8/10.0: Sonic X Shadow Generations is a high-speed thrills package that combines the best of 2D and 3D Sonic, with superb level design and great boss battles. The addition of Shadow’s campaign is a great bonus, and despite some issues with stages proving a little unforgiving and delivering cheap deaths, the overall package is a must-have for Sonic fans.
CGMagazine 8/10.0: Sonic X Shadow Generations effectively captures the best moments of Sonic Adventures stages in a collection that goes beyond a typical remaster.
GamingBolt 8/10.0: With an enhanced version of one of the series’ best 3D outings to date, as well as a legitimately great brand-new adventure starring a returning fan-favourite, Sonic X Shadow Generations is well worth a look for fans of Sega’s platforming franchise.
Gamersky 8/10.0: To review Sonic x Shadow Generations, you have to look at it in two parts. Sonic Generations feels a little dated, with an outdated design and rough visuals that drag down the collection as a whole. However, Shadow Generations makes up for this with modern tweaks that cater to today’s gamers, leaving the collection in a passable and moderately satisfying state.
One More Game 8/10.0: Sonic x Shadow Generations is a delight for Sonic fans of all kinds. Whether you’re a newcomer inspired by the films or a long-time fan from the series’ early days, this game offers a wealth of content that is sure to win you over. While completing the main story of both titles can take around 10-11 hours, countless additional hours of replayability can be had with its numerous unlockables. Sonic x Shadow Generations combines two sides of the same coin into one accessible package, promising hours of enjoyment. If you’re looking for a standout Sonic game among the many released in recent years, this is definitely the one to choose. Having not played a Sonic title in 15 years, I found this to be the perfect reintroduction to the series, and the future of the franchise is looking exciting after experiencing this outing from our beloved Hedgehogs.
But Why Tho? 8/10.0: Sonic X Shadow Generations is a fun, albeit mixed experience. The Sonic side of the game remains as fun and creative as its original release. Shadow’s story has some fantastic level design, and any opportunity to play as the angsty antihero is a welcome one.
Gamereactor UK 80/100: Sonic X Shadow Generations is a great package that features some of the best levels in Sonic’s history, and Shadow’s campaign serves as a dark but exciting contrast to Sonic’s colourful adventures. If you want to experience Sonic at his best, this collection is a must-play. So if you haven’t tried Sonic Generations before, here’s your chance to play Sonic’s greatest hits, on modern hardware, in a package that offers hours of entertainment.
IGN Deutschland 80/100: Sonic X Shadow Generations is a neat combination of remaster and brand new game that can get a little frantic at times, but always stays perfectly playable.
Hardcore Gamer 80/100: Sonic X Shadow Generations stands as a reminder as to where the series has gone and will be going in the future. While Sonic Generations values the original with some added features, Shadow Generations breaks the glass ceiling set by an already top-tier Sonic title.

Metro GameCentral 80/100: A competent remaster of one of Sonic’s better mainline outings comes bundled with an even better Shadow-centric adventure, that makes up for its short length with fantastic levels, tight controls, and fun new powers.
TechRadar Gaming 80/100: Sonic x Shadow Generations bundles the original Sonic Generations and a new Shadow Generations campaign in one thrilling package. Whether you’re a fan of Sonic’s rival-turned-ally or not, his side of the game is filled with some of the best, most well-designed levels in the series’ 3D history.
TheGamer 80/100: As a whole product, it’s hard to fault a package that gives us a faithful remaster of one of the most beloved Sonic games, and a great Shadow game to boot. I only hope now that Sega trusts itself to look to the future some more, and keeps moving ahead with the new formula that Sonic Frontiers – and now Shadow Generations – promises us.
TierraGamer 80/100: Sonic X Shadow Generations is a great time. The remaster is exactly as you’d expect and the new game on top of it is better, more polished, varied, and refined. It’s almost converted me to a 3D Sonic guy, which is shocking, and, because it’s about Shadow instead of Sonic, you don’t have to put up with anywhere near as many obnoxious voice performances. Shadow himself is just a bit broody and says things like “the ultimate power” in an almost-Keanu Reeves voice which really makes me laugh – especially with the Keanu voice pack coming in December for some top tier silliness.
TrueGaming 80/100: Sonic X Shadow Generations is a great combination of 2 games in 1 which packs a pretty fun overall experience at a great price.
VGC 80/100: Sonic X Shadows Generations delivers a sturdy one-two punch of fan service, providing a solid remaster of a 2011 favourite and coupling it with a new game starring a fan favourite. The usual 3D Sonic platforming issues remain and the Shadow Generations open-world hub may annoy those who disliked Sonic Frontiers but overall it’s a brilliant package.
Everyeye.it 80/100: Sonic x Shadow Generations confirms itself as one of the most successful incarnations of the IP and is preparing to hit the market in its definitive edition. The portion dedicated to the blue hedgehog is still quite enjoyable today, but it is the Shadow spin-off that plays the lion’s share: the dark anti-hero from SEGA shows up to the appointment with fans in dazzling form. If you have never had the chance to experience the original adventure or if you are curious to find out in which direction the unpublished Shadow story will move, we can advise you to make the title yours without further ado.
Multiplayer.it 80/100.
Voxel 80/100: In essence, Sonic X Shadow Generations is two games in one. The new content, starring Shadow the Hedgehog, continues the good momentum of modern games about the hedgehog and meets expectations with fun and diverse gameplay. However, the short length may disappoint fans.
IGN France 80/100: Sonic x Shadow Generations brilliantly modernizes a classic while introducing Shadow in a clever, if somewhat short-lived, way.
Eurogamer Germany 80/100: Sonic X Shadow Generations is far more than just a remaster with bonus levels. Shadow is very convincing in his part of this excellent double pack, while Sonic Generations has held up far better than I would have thought.
Jeuxvideo.com 80/100: By offering this formula of two games in one, SEGA offers a great locomotive for the third film which will be released next December. True to itself, the excellent Sonic Generations has lost none of its brilliance, even if the new features are too light to be sufficiently striking in the minds. What Chao to find in the levels, rare new bonuses… we could have expected much more from a remaster. Fortunately, the part dedicated to Shadow is intended to be more ambitious, with a mini open world to explore and powers that boost the experience for several additional hours of play. Without being revolutionary, Sonic x Shadow Generations is a very good game, but which will, inevitably, have more impact on those who have never touched the original.
Spaziogames 7.8/10.0: All in all, Sonic x Shadow Generations has definitely exceeded our expectations. The second adventure dedicated to Shadow, which initially seemed like just a DLC, turns out to be something much more substantial, both in terms of length and concept, combining the best of the boost era with ideas taken from Sonic’s new direction. While the game lacks the surprise factor it had in 2011, we’re still talking about a new 3D Sonic chapter that’s incredibly fun to play. Which is no small feat, as the history of this character has shown us.
Areajugones 77/100: Overall, Sonic X Shadow Generations is a game that offers two distinct experiences. On the one hand, Shadow’s campaign brings something new and exciting to the table, with never-before-seen abilities and a darker, more strategic approach. On the other hand, the remaster of Sonic Generations does its job of reviving nostalgia, albeit without too many surprises.
DualShockers 7.5/10.0: Alongside a lovingly remastered Sonic Generations showcase, Shadow Generations is a dark and broody triumph that not only pays homage to the cult classic outing of yester-year for the troubled hedgehog, but also irons out all the aspects that fans didn’t quite take to, effectively giving Shadow the do-over they deserve. It’s a fast-paced and fluid Sonic title with great new mechanics, a tonne of replayability, and just the right amount of challenge. The fact that this is a short experience will irk a few, as will the lack of crossover between the two games, but all in all, Sonic x Shadow Generations is yet another strong Sonic outing that proves the dark days for the franchise may well be behind us.
Press Start 7/10.0: On its own merits, Sonic Generations does its best to bring the best of both Classic Sonic and Modern Sonic together in a fun and creative adventure that’s sure to please Sonic fans all around. However, it tries too hard to fit itself into the same mould while attempting to keep true to the 3D Shadow experience, ultimately falling short of the lofty heights it aims for. Die hard fans might enjoy, but more casual players may find themselves overwhelmed by the sense of speed.
4Players.de 70/100: The spruced-up port of Sonic Generations isn’t worth mentioning apart from the 2D levels, but the Shadow campaign scores points with fun levels and serves up a worthy comeback for the shadow hedgehog.

Eurogamer 3/5: Shadow’s campaign provides some of the best 3D levels of the series, but it’s coupled with a dated and unnecessary remaster. If only Sega went all-in on the future.
GameSpot 6/10: Sonic X Shadows Generations is a celebration of a specific era of Sonic games, for better and worse.
IGN Spain 6/10: Sonic X Shadow Generations recalls one of the great games of the series and adds extra content that doesn’t quite shine. Sonic’s adventure is now very enjoyable, but Shadow’s approach has fallen tragically short.
GLHF on Sports Illustrated 60/100: At its core, this is still Sonic Generations, so I can’t say I had a bad time playing it, and if you’ve never played it before then I’d absolutely recommend picking this up. However, if you already own Sonic Generations – which I’m willing to bet most people interested in this game do – then I certainly wouldn’t be willing to pay $50 for a handful of new levels that are okay at best.
Daily Mirror 3/5: Sonic X Shadow Generations might not dedicate equal time and attention to its two eponymous components, but it’s still a great way to experience one of the better Sonic the Hedgehog games and celebrate the Year of Shadow with a cool bonus campaign on the side. Sure, the latter is probably over too soon and provides a power set that is less flexible than it initially seems, but there’s plenty of collectible artwork and soundtracks to uncover when replaying levels either score chasing alone or online against friends. Overall though I can see why Shadow Generations could never have been its own standalone release, but as a way to sweeten (and darken) an already excellently put together remaster, this package is a fine addition to the Sonic Generations saga.

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