Summary
Sonic X Shadow Generationsis like a greatest hits album, bringing together the Blue Blur’s best levels from the Genesis all the way to the modern era. Not only that, but it also reimagines some of the weaker stages in the series, allowing fans to revisit them without any of their initial flaws.
Shadow fans, in particular, get to relivemany of his greatest moments, including his iconic race down Radical Highway and his intense battle with Black Doom. There really isn’t a bad level in the bunch, but which ones are the best of the best?
Originally From
Sonic Unleashed
Rooftop Run is a high-speed race through a mesmerizing festival. Eggman’s army is invading the city of Spagonia, and it’s up to you to run across the rooftops, destroy the enemy robots, and maybe crash through a few windows along the way. Thankfully, the colorful confetti and hot air balloons make everything pure eye candy.
This level was initially designed with the boost mechanic in mind, so it feels perfect for Modern Sonic’s gameplay. There are plenty of exhilarating speed sections that get your adrenaline pumping and test your side-stepping skills. Classic Sonic’s version also has some great moments, including a thrilling final segment where you use the spin dash to power a clock tower’s mechanism.
Sonic Heroes
Rail Canyon’s premise is right there in its name. This stage is all about grinding on railroad tracks, which is just as dangerous as it sounds. You must avoid oncoming trains, hit switches to alter the tracks, and outrun Eggman’s robots before they destroy paths leading to shortcuts.
Overall, the level is much better than the original stage from Sonic Heroes. With no filler sections to bog you down, you’re free to enjoy the unforgettable action sequences, including a suspenseful chase with one of Eggman’s trains.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2
Chemical Plant faithfully preserves what you love about the original level while adding some exciting new surprises. Everything you remember is back, including the famous intertwining roads and panic-inducing poison water. The new sections include a massive water slide and giant cranes you can swing across to reach shortcuts.
This stage strikes the perfect balance between thrilling speed segments and precision platforming. Thankfully, Modern Sonic’s boost allows you to run across the pink chemicals, letting you skip over those pesky underwater sections. Not to mention, Act Two features anexcellent remix of the iconic Chemical Plant song.
Sonic the Hedgehog (2006)
Talk about a big improvement! Kingdom Valley takes a frustrating stage from Sonic ‘06 and turns it into something incredible. This level has plenty of memorable moments, including riding on an eagle, bursting through chapel windows, and speeding through a massive water tunnel.
But above all else, Kingdom Valley shines thanks to its excellent use of the Doom Surf ability. Speeding through the violent waters not only looks awesome; it feels very satisfying to pull off. Throw in some great music, and Kingdom Valley is a blast to replay time and time again.
Sonic Adventure
Speed Highway truly lives up to its name, delivering some of the best speed sections in the game. Sonic is on the run from Eggman’s police robots, and he’s willing to do anything to escape, whether it means running up skyscrapers, breaking into hotels, or even clinging to a flying helicopter.
This stage is fast-paced and thrilling from start to finish, with an adrenaline-pumping song to get your heart racing. You can even finddozens of Easter Eggs hidden in the backgroundif you take the time to look around.
Sonic Adventure 2
Space Colony ARK combines a few stages from Sonic Adventure 2 into one epic level. In addition to a few excellent rail-grinding segments, you also get some anti-gravity mechanics, allowing you to run up walls and spinning pillars.
However, the best parts are when you get to useShadow’s new abilities, including a heart-pounding moment where you must use Chaos Control to freeze time and reflect a missile back at the ARK. There’s even a section where you fly through space using the Doom Wings. Overall, Space Colony ARK is the perfect way to welcome you into Shadow’s new adventure.
City Escape is among themost iconic Sonic levels ever, and Generations certainly does it justice. Act One is an intense fight for survival as the G.U.N truck ruthlessly chases you throughout the entire stage. Speed and precise platforming are key if you want to avoid getting crushed.
Things only get better in Act Two, which starts with a sledding segment where you can destroy cars and pull off some cool midair tricks. It all culminates in one final chase with the G.U.N truck, now equipped with giant buzzsaws and rocket boosters. Talk about persistence.
Radical Highway is Shadow’s final level, and it ensures the game goes out with a bang. The entire city has been distorted by Black Doom’s power. It’s up to you to defeat the alien army while the world contorts around you and sometimes turns upside down.
When you’re not speeding through the streets, you’re soaring through the air with the Doom Wings, dodging twisted skyscrapers and raging tornadoes along the way. The best part? The level ends witha nail-biting boss fight against Black Doom, which tests every skill you’ve learned thus far. What more could you ask for?
