Sonic X Shadow Generations is a fantastic game for those who are either new to the series and want to delve into the post-Sonic the Hedgehog 3 adventures or for the veterans who hold cherished memories from the Sonic Adventure era. The spotlight here is on Shadow Generations, which has justly received a lot of acclaim for bringing closure to 24 years of the enigmatic black hedgehog’s storyline. Yet, in its own unique way, Sonic Generations still manages to surprise even the most ardent Sonic fans.
Although the fresh iteration of Sonic Generations doesn’t overhaul much, the tweaks it introduces are sure to spark excitement among players. The dialogue during cutscenes has been updated to weave a richer story while keeping in line with the series’ more current lore. For those who’ve mastered the levels in the 2011 version, the appearance of Chao scattered across different stages could come as an unexpected delight. What’s truly charming about the Chao Rescue feature is how these delightful little characters make themselves at home in White Space, despite the absence of a traditional Chao Garden.
When the Chao Rescue feature first surfaced in Sonic X Shadow Generations, many fans may have anticipated seeing the typical Dark, Neutral, and Hero Chao as in previous games. However, this latest installment elevates the portrayal of the Chao to new heights. With various color options, numerous evolutions, Character Chao, and whimsical hats adorning them, the levels are sprinkled with these delightful surprises, likely leaving players amused as they stumble upon each one.
With so many Chao to discover in the remaster, it’s perfect for those who fondly remember nurturing these critters in the Sonic Adventure series. But the Chao Rescue feature doesn’t stop there. Once a Chao is rescued, it returns to White Space, taking a place on a representation of the stage where it was found. The animations they go through there—a mix of classic Chao behaviors and brand-new delightful antics—are a treat. They snack on their favorite fruits, fly around until they’re dizzy, do push-ups, and much more. These varied animations incentivize players to take their time exploring each one in depth.
Although fans have long yearned for a return of the Chao Gardens, which has been absent for a while, Sonic X Shadow Generations offers something reminiscent of that nostalgic experience. Rescuing a Chao and seeing it later in White Space—be it sleeping or joyfully soaring around—brings out emotions that might just fill that void. With the variety of Chao and their endearing actions, players have a fun reason to continue hunting them down, akin to saving up rings for a coveted egg in the Chao Gardens to see what surprise awaits inside, or winning a toy in Chao Races and watching them play with it.
Sonic Team’s thoughtful inclusion of the Chao Rescue feature, while simple, goes a long way in acknowledging the desires of long-time fans who have hungered for more than just passing references. Some enthusiasts speculate that the introduction of updated Chao models means exciting times for future Sonic games. But after Sonic Frontiers and Shadow Generations, it’s uncertain what lies ahead. Nevertheless, the eagerly awaited Chao Tales animated shorts should soon grace us with their presence, promising more Chao goodness in the near future.
