New Generations
The Switch 2 is finally here, and with it comes a bunch of ports to the system, which means we get to revisit them and take a look at how they perform on Nintendo’s new console. It wouldn’t be a Nintendo launch without a new Sonic game, which is a weird thing to say. Well, maybe not exactly Sonic, but instead the most recent chapter from Sonic Team called Sonic X Shadow Generations. When I played this game back when it came out on Xbox, I was impressed. It was one of the better 3D Sonic games I had played in a while. It brought back that Sonic Adventure energy, even with its flaws. Now, let’s take a look at how the game has landed on Nintendo’s brand-new console.
While we aren’t going to go in-depth with this title, it is from 2024, let’s give a quick synopsis of what this is. As the name implies, this game contains both a Sonic and Shadow portion to the experience. The Shadow game is a new campaign featuring everyone’s favorite Keanu Reeves performance. For real, he even voices Shadow in a DLC pack that was released for the game. It is kind of awesome. The Shadow game is a 5–6-hour romp that is as wild as I could imagine. It truly is one of the better 3D Sonic games in a long time.
MSRP: $49.99
Platforms: Switch (reviewed), Xbox, PlayStation, PC
Price I’d Pay: $49.99
The second half of the package is Sonic Generations. This is another 5–6-hour adventure that was originally released back in the 360 era and combines both classic and new Sonic styles. It is one of the better Sonic games as well, so the package is packed with quality. Sonic Generations combines both 2D and 3D levels and spans a ton of levels. This version is upgraded with slicker visuals and a better frame rate, well at least now. The original Switch versions of both of these games were locked at 30fps, until now.
So, let’s talk about the Switch 2 port. Sadly, there is no upgrade path for owners of the Switch 1 game, so if you want to upgrade, you will have to shell out full price. However, if you haven’t bought it yet, this is the one to get. Sonic Generations now runs at 60fps by default and is definitely sharper thanks to the extra power. It feels in line with the big boy versions now, which is really nice.
Shadow now offers two modes, which has become standard for modern games. There is a quality mode that still keeps the 30fps cap, while greatly increasing the resolution, making it look super sharp. For a Sonic game though I feel like 60fps is a necessity. Thankfully Shadow has this option in the form of a performance mode. This of course drops the resolution, but it still looks sharper than the Switch original.
Outside of that, this is the same game it was on Switch. Without an upgrade path this title comes down to whether or not you own it already. If you do on Switch, the upgrades aren’t necessarily worth a double dip. However, if you waited for the Switch 2 to jump in, this is more than worth the price of admission. Both games are excellent and worth checking out. I just wish Sega had included an upgrade path for existing owners. The game isn’t that old to begin with. For those that haven’t taken the plunge yet though are in for a treat.
Review copy of game provided by publisher.
