Sonic x Shadow Generations (Xbox One) – Ubernerd’s Gaming Backlog Review

Two hedgehogs. One nostalgia-powered ride.

From the backlog to the fast lane

For the very first entry in Ubernerd’s Gaming Backlog Review, we’re diving into Sonic x Shadow Generations for the Xbox One. If you’ve been following me on this site for a while, you probably already know that I’m a huge Sonic the Hedgehog fan. I’ve been running with the Blue Blur since the original game launched back in 1991, and I’ve stuck with him through the highs, the lows, and everything in between. And right now? It’s a great time to be a Sonic fan. From the games and comics to the movies, Sonic has been on an absolute roll.

This brings me to Sonic x Shadow Generations, a remastered collection that combines the beloved 2011 game Sonic Generations with an entirely new campaign starring the edgy anti-hero himself: Shadow the Hedgehog. And I finally got around to playing it on Xbox One.

What I loved 💙

What really stood out to me in Sonic x Shadow Generations was how well the new Shadow campaign was handled. Even though it’s short, it offers a slick, engaging story with tightly designed levels that I genuinely enjoyed replaying. There’s a real energy to it that feels tailored for fans who’ve followed Shadow’s arc over the years. On top of that, the core Sonic Generations experience still holds up incredibly well. Jumping between Classic Sonic’s 2D platforming and Modern Sonic’s high-speed 3D levels keeps the gameplay feeling fresh throughout. Visually, the game is stunning, even on Xbox One, with crisp textures, smooth performance, and vibrant reworks of iconic zones. The Shadow campaign is a highlight of the game with a fairly big open map that is a massive step up from Sonic Frontiers in terms of polish and focus. One of my favorite levels for the original game is City Escape. This level from Sonic Adventure 2 plays just as perfectly as I remembered, right down to that unforgettable truck chase. The attention to detail in how it’s recreated made my nostalgia senses tingle in the best way.

What didn’t quite hit 😬

Some of the areas where I felt the game fell short include a couple of recurring issues. First, the game is just too short. This isn’t exactly a new problem; the original Sonic Generations was also brief, but even with the addition of the new Shadow campaign, it still felt a bit lacking in content. A few extra zones would’ve made a big difference in giving the game more substance. Considering we’re in an age where DLC is common, Sega could have easily added a few more levels to extend the experience.

Second, Classic Sonic’s levels feel a bit off compared to the original Genesis games. One of the things I’ve always loved about both the Genesis-era titles and even many of the modern 3D Sonic games is the sense of speed, blazing from point A to point B is part of the thrill. While I do enjoy platforming in other games like Mario, Sonic has always been more about momentum and flow for me. Of course, I realize this comes down to personal preference, but I felt it was worth pointing out.

Final Thoughts: A must-play for Sonic fans

Despite its short length, Sonic x Shadow Generations is an excellent remaster and expansion that feels like a love letter to longtime fans like me. Shadow’s new levels add real value, and revisiting Sonic’s past in glorious HD is a treat that never gets old.

This may have been sitting in my backlog for a while, but I’m glad I finally hit play. If you’re a fan of Sonic or just love fast, stylish platformers, this one’s worth taking off the shelf.