Summary

  • Dialogue changes in Sonic X Shadow Generations have stirred mixed reactions among fans.
  • The game, a remaster of Sonic Generations, includes a new story campaign featuring Shadow the Hedgehog.
  • Ian Flynn, a writer for Sonic comics, contributed to the new story and altered the original game's dialogue.

Fans have been taking notice of the dialogue changes presented in Sonic X Shadow Generations, with some of these alterations getting mixed reactions. A current-gen remaster of 2011’s Sonic Generations is set to launch in full on October 25, with players who pre-ordered the game already able to jump in through early access. Far more than just the original anniversary platformer with a new coat of paint, Sonic X Shadow Generations features a brand-new story campaign detailing what Shadow the Hedgehog was doing while Sonic and his friends were celebrating the Blue Blur’s 20th birthday.

This new story was written in part by Ian Flynn, a longtime writer for the Sonic the Hedgehog comics for Archie Comics and IDW who also helped pen 2022’s Sonic Frontiers as well as the Sonic X Shadow Generations: Dark Beginnings animated shorts that serve as prequels to the Shadow Generations campaign. As it turns out, Flynn also reworked some of the dialogue in the original Sonic Generations’ cutscenes. This announcement left fans speculating on what parts of the game would be rewritten.

Sonic X Shadow Generations Sonic Movie 3 DLC explanation
Sonic X Shadow Generations: Pre-Order and Different Edition Guide

Know pre-order options and different editions of Sonic X Shadow Generations to find the best fit for you. Learn how to get early access to the game.

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The 2011 version of Sonic Generations saw the modern-day Sonic team up with his younger, Genesis-era self to run through classic levels from across the franchise and put a stop to the monstrous Time Eater, and this premise remains mostly unchanged in Sonic X Shadow Generations. What has been changed is many of the in-game conversations between the Sonics and their rescued friends, as detailed by YouTube user Shadiochao (and spotted by TheGamer). Some of these altered interactions are seemingly less mean-spirited than in the original game, with Knuckles no longer pointing out Classic Sonic’s gut and Amy not knocking Knuckles into a tree during the endgame celebration.

Sonic X Shadow Changes Several Character Lines And Interactions

Other Sonic X Shadow Generations dialogue changes add stronger references to the Sonic the Hedgehog game continuity, which fits as the original was released as an anniversary title celebrating 20 years of Sega’s signature platforming mascot. For example, Tails now explicitly recognizes the Chemical Plant from Sonic the Hedgehog 2 instead of saying it looks “familiar,” and Sonic mentions the Time Stones from Sonic CD after realizing he is traveling through time. Modern Sonic also speaks after rescuing his friends, whereas he would stay just as silent as Classic Sonic in the original Sonic Generations.

Now that Sonic X Shadow Generations is available for early-access players to see for themselves, these character and dialogue changes have garnered a mixed reaction. Some fans are happy that Sonic and company now remember the past events that they are currently re-experiencing, while others find the tweaks to character conversations unnecessary. Nonetheless, Sonic X Shadow Generations has been a hit so far, with much praise going toward its new Shadow-centric story campaign.

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Sonic X Shadow Generations Tag Page Cover Art
9 /10

Sonic X Shadow Generations
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Systems
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Top Critic Avg: 80 /100 Critics Rec: 83%
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Released
October 25, 2024
ESRB
E10+ For Everyone 10+ Due To Fantasy Violence
Developer(s)
Sonic Team
Publisher(s)
Sega
Engine
Hedgehog Engine 2
Franchise
Sonic the Hedgehog
Steam Deck Compatibility
Verified
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WHERE TO PLAY

DIGITAL
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THE RETURN OF SHADOW
In this new standalone campaign, Shadow's nemesis, Black Doom, has reemerged and threatens to take over the world once again. Shadow must journey into his past, confront his painful memories, and unlock new dark powers to save the world.


SHADOW EVOLVED
Harness Shadow's new Doom Powers to battle hordes of enemies and tackle platforming challenges like never before. Surf on water, fly over obstacles, and stop time with the return of Chaos Control!

A JOURNEY THROUGH TIME AND DIMENSIONS
Experience the ultimate showdown between Shadow and Black Doom in a new boss battle that will test your skills and reflexes. Use all of Shadow's abilities to defeat Black Doom and save the world!

EXPLORE THE NEW WHITE SPACE
Stretch your legs in an all-new hub world inspired by the open-zone gameplay of Sonic Frontiers. As Shadow gains new powers, he can explore further and uncover the secrets hidden throughout!

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Platformer