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GAMING FEATURE

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Generations , reminiscent of Sonic Frontiers . What is the reasoning behind this different approach for Shadow? The response to the open-zone gameplay of Sonic Frontier s was fantastic. We saw a positive reaction to this brand-new type of Sonic gameplay that we were eager to expand on in more 3D Sonic games. The world is designed to let players explore the space with Shadow’s new powers and offers an interactive experience to play through challenges, find collectibles, and discover different secrets throughout. Both games feature level worlds that we’ve encountered in previous Sonic games. How do you go about deciding which of these should and shouldn't be revisited? We always put a lot of thought into making sure the balance feels right. On one hand, we know players enjoy returning to levels they know and love. On the other, we want to surprise them with stages they weren’t expecting and deserve more attention. The stages selected for both campaigns are meant to reflect both Sonic’s and Shadow’s pasts in meaningful ways. Personally, you’ve been involved with Sonic since his quite early days. How has it felt watching the character – and his many friends and foes – develop over the years into such an enduring pop culture phenomenon? It is an honour to have been here throughout Sonic’s journey, and I am so happy to see the joy and excitement he continues to bring to fans across the world, through games and other forms of media. Players that grew up with Sonic now have families of their own, and we see new players who are discovering Sonic for the very first time from the films, TV shows, and other means.

Sonic the Hedgehog is back this month, but he’s not alone! He’s joined by his frenemy Shadow, who’s off on his own parallel adventure.We learned more about Sonic X Shadow Generations from SonicTeam headTakashi Iizuka. Words Amy Flower

With Sonic X Shadow Generations , we’re being treated to two Sonic games in one great value package – a remaster of 2011’s Sonic Generations , and the new Shadow Generations . First, on Sonic Generations ,

beyond graphics, have you taken this opportunity to add or tweak any elements? We remastered Sonic Generations to modernise the game for current generation gaming platforms and mirror

DYK?

Keanu Reeves gives voice to Shadow in the upcoming Sonic the Hedgehog 3 movie.

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its mechanics to the most recent 3D Sonic gameplay from the past few years. In addition to upgraded visuals, players can look forward to

some of the Shadow-specific abilities that we will encounter as he takes on the dastardly Black Doom in Shadow Generations ? As players progress through Shadow’s adventure, he’ll unlock his new Doom Powers,

reworked cinematics, the addition of Drop Dash to Classic Sonic’s gameplay, hidden Chao waiting to be rescued on each level, and more additions. Between Shadow Generations and the upcoming Sonic the Hedgehog 3 movie, It is very much theYear of Shadow.What prompted SonicTeam to honour the much loved antihero with such exposure? With the third Sonic the Hedgehog movie coming out this year, we wanted to give people who plan the watch the film the chance to learn more about Shadow, including his in-game backstory and legacy moments. He is a well loved character in the Sonic universe, so we felt it was important to revisit his past with Shadow Generations and the Year of Shadow campaign so viewers could be introduced to him ahead of the movie’s release.

The franchise wouldn’t be where it is today without all of their passion and support. Sonic has a lasting appeal that we know will endure across generations to come.

which are abilities that draw energy from Black Doom. They offer new ways of traversing through levels, defeating opponents, dodging obstacles, and much more. Some powers include letting Shadow surf on water, glide, and completely transform to navigate different challenges. The Doom Powers were important to differentiate Shadow’s gameplay from Sonic’s since they can be so similar, while showing how cool Shadow’s power can be.

• Sonic X Shadow Generations is out Oct 25

We’re promised a new style of open hub world in Shadow

16 OCTOBER 2024

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