How Generations Redeemed Sonic (Twice) | Sonic X Shadow Generations

[@SandmanURL]

The Sonic franchise is the definition of the "it's so joever to we're so back" cycle. Hopefully this time we'll stay on top for a little longer. Thanks for the banger video

[@ChrisLT]

Yep, loved Generations at the time and it was so fun to revisit that style. Frontiers wound up winning me over, but Shadow Generations feels like something everyone seems to like.

[@justinpritt7897]

The sonic come back is THE definition of sonic the hedgehog himself. He might hit rock bottom in some points. But will always find a way to come back on top.

[@ThatSneakman]

The funniest thing about the Mushroom Hill Classic stage, is that the crevices where the Special Stage rings were are still there

[@Hyp3rSonic]

That's very cool! Also, extremely interesting!

[@PGReviews_]

Never noticed, that’s pretty neat.

[@SaddieMoon]

27:53 My problem with it is that it’s a missed opportunity to have stages pulled from Sonic’s Handheld history.

[@pcb1175]

Iizuka even said early on in the lead up that it’ll focus on levels Sonic’s handheld history. Only for that to be like 2 of them.

[@56brandonray]

People forget cash cash (who did lots of remixes on generations) used to make EDM / rave music, so no wonder it slaps

[@GalaxyMakesRandomStuff]

The quality of these videos are insane man, keep up the hard work

[@playbossthebest936]

There are unused sound effects taken straight from shadow the hedgehog's black comet in shadow generations' files. You know what that means...

[@NintendoHero]

This video convinced me to buy this game! Strangely I could only find a copy on eBay, and it cost almost $200, but I'm sure it'll be worth it. Shadow just looks so cool on the box art. And it's so great that they decided to port it to the GameCube, I love seeing Sega support classic systems like that! (For real though this was a great retrospective, and I do actually want to give this game a shot sometime soon.)

[@OrangeToadGamer]

Amazing video, Sonic x Shadow Generations is one of my favorite pieces of Sonic media, and *HOPEFULLY* this is the streak of more great products to come

[@americanduckling]

It's always funny seeing everyone's thoughts on Sonic's 2010s cuz it's a constant reminder of "oh yeah i was one of the only people that didn't think this guy was in the gutter" That aside this vid's great and i enjoyed your various observations. Didn't agree with every point of course but i love hearing people's opinions on things. And the quality of the vid was very solid too. Nice work!

[@Kohana64]

Playing Generations again via this port gave me a new appreciation for Sonic gameplay, and Shadow Generations practically cemented it. I hold them both in high regard now, and I think you articulated well why I felt more compelled by them than other Sonic games I've played before. Great work!

[@Hynotama]

I wonder if it’s a generational thing, no pun intended. After replaying the Adventure games and being spoiled with the lightness of Frontiers and Shadow Generations, I can’t stand how heavy and tanky Sonic feels in Generations. And honestly, I’m not all that fond of the game as a whole either. I mean, I like it well enough, but I’m not sure it would be in my top picks.

[@toonman5099]

Little caveat, I feel like the "intended Adventure 3 title" was meant to be '06. It's just everyone assumes Unleashed and other games were meant to be it because no one wants to acknowledge '06 (and because people assume it where Unleashed was titled "World Adventure" originally but then changed it to help separate it from the Adventure titles).

[@pcb1175]

One of the best reviews of Generations and that’s saying a lot. I was there during the release of this game & has over the years became my favourite Sonic Game. The rereleased with Shadow Generations has also added a lot & shows signs of improvement on Frontiers formula.

[@Dreeza68955]

Id say "Redeemed Boost Sonic" Sonic Frontiers and Sonic Superstars already redeemed them. Generations X Shadow just intensified the epicness of the redemption.

[@pcb1175]

It’s the same with Unleashed & Colours as I think they’re very good games that are overshadowed by Generations just being the better

[@byonty886]

To think that shadow gens was made by a smaller portion of the new sonic team and now they’re all working on the new next game makes me a little hyped ngl

[@lilsoonerfaninmo]

An excellent game tied to a competent remaster of a excellent Sonic game (heretic behavior for this franchise), all while hitting insane sales numbers and even manages to keep the "Overwhelmingly Positive" banner on Steam, even 3 months later Frontiers gave them a spark when things seem dire, and Shadow Gens shows they are done fucking around and turn that spark into a blazing fire. I genuinely cannot wait to see where this franchise goes in the next year or two, when we get the actual sequel to Frontiers

[@Hyp3rSonic]

Chaos Island Act 2 and Rail Canyon Act 2 are my favorite Shadow Generations levels! (Also, Chaos Island Act 1, Sunset Heights Act 2 and Radical Highway Act 1) However, Rail Canyon Act 2 and Chaos Island Act 2 are probably my favorite levels

[@BaconHairDefaults]

I’ve been thinking after playing Shadow Gens. And honestly, I think IF (keyword IF) they bring back cyberspace, I’m fine with reusing level themes. ONLY if they’re done like Shadow Gens. The whole thing about cyberspace was it contained memories, and that opprtunity was kinda wasted in Frontiers. Imagine if a level transitioned halfway through like the Radical Highway bits into stages we haven’t even HEARD OF in decades. Either way, as long as we keep this Sonic Team and build on what Shadow gens did, I’ll be happy.

[@SaddieMoon]

11:16 No, there’s like only 4 new name drops early in the game and only las for a split second. Hot take, the rewrite wasn’t trying to remove Amy’s love for Sonic or that it was so rushed that they barely had to time to even attempt it. To me, it only was toning Amy’s love for Sonic, but if you had no knowledge of that and the community and were just playing the game for the first time, you can easily tell she still loves him. Heck, the one cutscene where the replaced Sonic putting his hand on her face to her trying to get his attention using cupcakes and Sonic completely ignoring her, because it’s there old pre IDW dynamic, she literally tried hugging Sonic.

[@Hyp3rSonic]

Sunset Heights is one of my favorite levels from Forces! I wanted Sunset Heights Act 1 to be 1 of my favorite Shadow Generations levels! However, the Doom Eye section really brings it down (for me). I MASSIVELY prefer Act 2 over Act 1

[@plantedcabbage]

23:23 I love this detail you noticed. Something I've felt a lot of more modern sonic games (mainly the forces side levels/cyberspace) is that a lot of the roads or obstacles feel too.. symmetrical, it kinda makes the levels/game feel like they were made inside of a level editor instead of just being a wacky or interesting part of how sonics works works. It especially doesn't help when a lot of a level is made up of just floating blocks/platforms. Don't get me wrong I understand to an extent of course I mean crisis city has a lot of that, but I feel it still goes through the effort of making it feel like it's just a commodity of how Sonic's world works by having a lot of uneven, broken, torn down buildings and parts of the level that's just barely standing. String art direction really does help a lot

[@RyanStorey1231]

The quality of your videos is so good, it's honestly astonishing that you only have 15k subscribers.

[@gamingwithahandicapreviews]

PG with a Sonic review let’s go hope you do the adventure games one day man!

[@Hyp3rSonic]

Planet Wisp Modern is actually my favorite Generations level! (My favorite Classic level is Planet Wisp Classic, btw!)

[@nightlydata2181]

I heavily disagree on the idea that shadow has "agency" here. It was near completely stripped from him here. I have other issues & disagreements but this is the 1 thing I HAD to leave a comment for

[@Clemijn]

So if sonic needed 24 years to successfully make the jump to 3d, what year will pokemon get there?

[@Hyp3rSonic]

??? Sonic Adventure 1 released in 1998

[@Hyp3rSonic]

My best time on Sunset Heights is 54 seconds! However, the version in Shadow Generations (Act 1) is one of my least favorite levels(from that game) It's because of the Doom Eye section (this also apllies to Act 1 of Space Colony Ark and Rail Canyon) Oh. My best time on Act 1 is 3 minutes and 51 seconds.

[@LucaS-c1j]

Keep up the good work PG Reviews!

[@knux333jw]

Great review!

[@PGReviews_]

Thanks!

[@hEdgeMaster_CEO2]

Dude is making me hyped for a game im playing right now! How is that even possible😭

[@marcoa6319]

Thanks again for the video! It’ll be good to hear during long drives. Just a suggestion, but are you thinking about covering the fan remake Sonic Project 06? Other people have covered it before but it would be nice to hear your thoughts on it.

[@PGReviews_]

I played it for the first time recently for footage for this video, and I REALLY liked it. I don’t know if I’d make a full video on it, but my mind can certainly change.

[@Hyp3rSonic]

I dont like the Radical Highway sections in Space Colony Ark, Sunset Heights and Rail Canyon. However, I LOVE the actual Radical Highway levels

[@N1kk1_N00dl3s]

Grabbing my popcorn can’t wait to watch

[@PGReviews_]

Hope you enjoy (the video and the popcorn!)

[@thegamingjelly1719]

HEY. Sonic Generations on the 3DS ain't so bad

[@Hyp3rSonic]

I LOVE the Episode Shadow DLC from Sonic Forces! (I REALLY enjoy speedrunning those levels!)

[@frickerrific2813]

I am in love with Sonic generations. It’s been my favorite video game of all time for quite some time. And now it’s been put together with a NEW ALL TIME BANGER! I recommend this shit to all my friends and family because it’s so EXCELLENT. it’s absolutely the best Sonic game of all time. And I hope Sonic team can keep up the momentum after these last couple of pretty good to great games.

[@robotdude1000]

Such a great video!

[@Hyp3rSonic]

Imo, Forces is extremely mediocre. However, its one of my favorite Sonic games! I really enjoyed speedrunning the levels (Also, the Classic Sonic levels are my favorite part of the game.)

[@Philosgamestation]

Sick as hell title

[@gabbyfowler669]

19:26 Mighty and Ray poster. :3

[@SaddieMoon]

In all fairness, you could say Sonic had a ruff transition to 3D. Since Sonic X-treme was in development hell, 3D Blast’s fake 3D isn’t very popular, Sonic R was very ruff and rushed, and there was no true mainline fully 3D game on the Saturn people expected. The closest we got was Jam since its 3D world used old assets that was originally meant for SA1. Obviously that’s not what people mean as they are only talking about SA1 when they say “ruff transition to 3D”, but still.

[@Hyp3rSonic]

Cyberspace was actually my favorite part of Frontiers!

[@nintony2994]

"It feels like cheating" You know what, I feel the same way about Mania. Sure it has reused assets but they've done a lot with its source material to make it something unique from the originals. But this isn't about Mania. Generations definitely has that similar thing going on

[@q-miiproductions878]

Finally, my first time seeing Shadow gameplay.

[@frickerrific2813]

Dude you just accurately called the city from city escape central city? It’s over for you bro ur a Sonic fan.

[@Hyp3rSonic]

Sonic Generations is my favorite video game of all time! (Its also my favorite Sonic game!)

[@Hyp3rSonic]

Superstars is my favorite 2D Sonic game!

[@Hyp3rSonic]

I prefer the Classic Sonic stages! (Over the Modern stages)

[@QuantomX64]

so why is your sonic generations install button grayed out? mine isn't

[@PGReviews_]

I was exclusively a Mac user for a while there lol

[@QuantomX64]

@PGReviews_ ohhhh okay lol. You scared me for a bit that mine would be disabled also xD

[@SaddieMoon]

Did you know that Sonic & Sega flopped in Japan? The only console that didn’t flop was the Saturn.

[@shaankelly1302]

Wow youre the first person on a video to agree with me as good as Shadow gens is the level design is not as good as sonic gens. You even pointed out the Radical Highway segment that always comes to mind. There are a lot of times where you're boosting in a straight line with nothing going on for 10-15 seconds. Sonic Gens always has you doing something and reacting. I think removing the hop/quickstop sections/drift without really replacing them does harm it. Still a great game tho

[@hgmd3284]

i am the only person in the world that loves frontires.

[@frickerrific2813]

Oh you haven’t heard good things about superstars? Lowkey it’s actually super good, like as good as the original games just the bosses are as bad as the rush game like it’s pretty awful. But damn the level design, the charm, and the cute story. It’s a pretty great time just don’t buy it at full price.

[@frickerrific2813]

How many times do I have to hear people call one of the coolest sonic games bad I’m referring to shadow 05

[@Hyp3rSonic]

What the hell is hydrogen bomb vs coughing baby???

[@5xQZ5b]

Great analysis, thank you! A bit off-topic, but I wanted to ask: I have a SafePal wallet with USDT, and I have the seed phrase. (air carpet target dish off jeans toilet sweet piano spoil fruit essay). How should I go about transferring them to Binance?

[@Nighterac]

40:14 It is actually shocking how people defend Sonic Forces to this day especially on the Sonic subreddit. They will outright admit they love Forces. HOW???? Why is the Sonic subreddit so weird?? Please get some standards, people! FORCES is the game you love? Really? It is completely low-effort and soulless and you are 100% right. Imagine unironically liking this garbage game over something like Unleashed or Generations. I have heard this said multiple times. Anyone who says "I acTuAl lY lIkEd ForCes" has NO standards whatsoever. That game is the epitome of no standards.

[@DADA-yt1pt]

While I won't necessarily disagree with what was said about Forces, why are you getting so worked up about other people legitimately enjoying it? And this is coming from someone who thinks that the game is pretty mediocre. Not everyone who unironically enjoys it are overly defensive about it. It's good to criticize and what/expect better from a series, but not to the point where you're just mocking/trashing on other people who enjoy the games that you don't.

[@logankimp5563]

Can we get this quality to bring life to a silver game/content? Like come on

[@MantledMimi]

Faded Hills in Sonic Forces is the only song that sounds abysmal. The other songs are either mediocre, decent, or bops.

[@TrulyAtrocious]

11:44

[@heroicgangster9981]

Sonic Superstars is very interesting to me because man, it's not the most buggiest, or even the more uninspired Sonic game ever. Tbh, it felt like a Classic Sonic game that you would see from Sonic Team in the 2000s. Neat platformer but with janky production quality and stage design. It's like if they made a classic Sonic game in the ps2 era. It's a neat game tbh But that's what is disappointing to me tbh, it is a game that just feels like a random ps2 game. And feels like it is held back by a perception of what Classic Sonic can't do. I'm glad that big flickies are introduced, definitely feels like an new classic sonic idea that could've happened in a different timeline. But the game should've gotten the push to do what a normal pixel classic sonic cannot do.

[@Hyp3rSonic]

Imo, Frontiers is mediocre. I still enjoyed playing it, however.