The surprise half-rerelease and half-new release of Sonic X Shadow Generations grows closer by the day, if the current release window of fall 2024 is anything to be believed. Sonic X Shadow Generations not only sees the fan-favorite title Sonic Generations remastered, but players get to take control of Shadow the Hedgehog in his own "Shadow Generations" story. It's understandable as to why such an unexpected announcement is exciting fans, as the game promises to deliver on "a new era" for the incredibly popular hedgehog rival.
Sonic X Shadow Generations seems to be following the same cycle as the most recent Sonic releases have, complete with giving Shadow his own animated prequel before SxS Generations releases, which means post-launch DLC isn't completely off the table. Sonic Frontiers started a trend of free DLC updates shortly after a Sonic game was released, which both Sonic Superstars and Sonic Dream Team continued albeit on a smaller scale. However, Sonic X Shadow Generations' post-launch content may have been teased early by a returning Sonic musician.
Sonic X Shadow Generations Reveals New Maria Robotnik Actor
Maria Robotnik, Shadow the Hedgehog's tragic friend, is getting a new voice actor with experience in the Sonic games in Sonic X Shadow Generations.
What Bentley Jones' Return to the Sonic Series Might Say About Sonic X Shadow Generations
Bentley Jones' History With the Sonic the Hedgehog Franchise
Starting off as a member of the OverClocked Remix community, Bentley Jones (under his birth name Lee Brotherton) had his fan-made remixes discovered by veteran Sonic Team composer Jun Senoue. This led to him helping remix a few tracks for the Shadow the Hedgehog game, which culminated into him helping create the theme song for Silver the Hedgehog "Dreams of an Absolution" that appeared in Sonic the Hedgehog (2006).
Bentley Jones has played a small, but memorable role in the Sonic franchise's musical history on and off ever since, mainly remixing tracks such as "Open Your Heart" for compilation CD releases and games. The latest contribution he made to Sonic was the theme "So Much More" for Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing, with "Dreams of an Absolution" being revisited numerous times by the composer over the years. As of February 2024, Jones has announced that he's working on "official Sonic projects" once more by sharing a new (unofficial) cover of "Diamonds in the Sky" from racing game Sonic R.
Sonic X Shadow Generations Should Make Sure No Hedgehog Gets Left Behind
While Jones didn't at all specify what these projects were, there is a small window of opportunity available for him to be connected to Sonic X Shadow Generations. As much as working on Shadow's new solo story would bring the performer's work on the series full circle, the most prominent piece of his involvement in the franchise may mean something more for the project. After all, as much as the love for Shadow is appreciated by his many fans, some Sonic loyalists are questioning where Silver fits into the equation with Sonic X Shadow Generations, as his role in the original Sonic Generations was just as confusing as Shadow's was.
It's because of the way that both Shadow and Silver's stories weren't elaborated on the first go around, alongside how Shadow is getting a prominent focus this year, that a sort of "Silver episode" DLC coming after the game releases seems like a good path for Sega to follow. If that's the case, then that may be the exact project Bentley Jones is working on, which not only has more time involved with its development compared to the base game, but also suits what fans know him for. Still, nothing is confirmed just yet beyond Jones' return to the franchise, so the idea of Silver getting his own DLC episode is pure speculation. If it turns out to be the case, however, Bentley Jones has teased it directly under fans' noses with no one being the wiser.
Sonic X Shadow Generations
- Released
- October 25, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
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!
- Developer(s)
- Sonic Team
- Publisher(s)
- Sega
- Franchise
- Sonic the Hedgehog
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- Genre(s)
- Platformer
