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[TwilightBlade]

TwilightBlade's

Gaming Journal

Introduction

With an ever increasing backlog of video games across multiple consoles, I have decided to tackle some of these games as part of the 2025 Gaming Challenge!

Current Progress: 1/8

Completed Games

— Microsoft Xbox Series X
ⓧ Sonic x Shadow Generations (2024)

Game Backlog

— Microsoft Xbox Series X
• Diablo IV (2023)
• Far Cry 6 (2021)
• Sonic Mania (2017)
• Sonic Frontiers (2022)

— Nintendo 3DS
• Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia (2017)
• Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon (2015)
• Pokémon Ultra Sun (2017)

— Nintendo Switch
• Fire Emblem: Three Houses (2019)
• Kirby and The Forgotten Land (2022)

— Playstation 4 & 5
• Astro Bot (2024)
• Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 (2015)
• Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 (2018)
• Final Fantasy X | X-2 HD Remaster (2013)
• Final Fantasy XV (2016)
• God of War IV (2018)
• Monster Hunter World Iceborne (2018)
• Sonic Colors Ultimate (2021)
• Spyro Reignited Triology (2018)
• The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (2015)

 

[TwilightBlade]

Update #1: Sonic x Shadow Generations

The Sonic the Hedgehog series will always be close to my heart because it was one of the first video games I played on the Sega Genesis in the late 1990s. It's no surprise that with the release of the Sonic 3 movie (December 2024), I found myself craving a return to the series. The last Sonic video game I completed was Sonic Generations (2011) on the PS3, which sadly no longer works. So, what better way to jump back into the Sonic-verse than to play the expanded Sonic x Shadow Generations?

Overall, Sonic Generations was a nostalgic delight. The dual gameplay - looping between Classic Sonic and Modern Sonic - remained just as enjoyable and dynamic as ever. The hub world was packed with collectibles, mini-games, and challenges that helped extend the playtime of an otherwise brief campaign. The main story featured nine main stages (3 from Classic era, 3 from Dreamcast era, and 3 from Modern era). My favorite stages were Sky Sanctuary, City Escape, and Seaside Hill for their design and pacing. However, during some moments, such as in Planet Wisp, the gameplay felt more exhausting than fun with the forced gimmick. Also, the final boss was more annoying than I remembered, especially with the constant and repetitive advice from the side characters, which I can only tolerate so much.

The real highlight was Shadow Generations, which built upon the modern formula with refined gameplay, improved level design, tighter controls, and a more serious and well-written story. Shadow finally received the narrative depth he's long deserved. The cinematic cutscenes were seamlessly integrated, and revisiting iconic locations like Radical Highway was a nostalgic thrill. My other favorite stages included Space Colony ARK and Kingdom Valley, both of which struck a great balance between being a challenge and a spectacle. All the boss fights were engaging—except for the final one, which, much like Sonic Generations, felt underwhelming. Above all, when the credits rolled, I was left with a rare feeling: a genuine emptiness that only comes from finishing something truly special. Onto the next video game...

Play Time: 16 Hours, 45 Minutes