The surprise half-rerelease and half-new release ofSonic X Shadow Generationsgrows closer by the day, if the current release window of fall 2024 is anything to be believed.Sonic X Shadow Generationsnot only sees the fan-favorite titleSonic Generationsremastered, but players get to take control of Shadow the Hedgehog in his own “Shadow Generations” story. It’s understandable as to why such an unexpected announcement is exciting fans, as the game promises to deliver on “a new era” for the incredibly popular hedgehog rival.
Sonic X Shadow Generationsseems to be following the same cycle as the most recentSonicreleases have, complete withgiving Shadow his own animated prequelbeforeSxS Generationsreleases, which means post-launch DLC isn’t completely off the table.Sonic Frontiersstarted a trend of free DLC updates shortly after aSonicgame was released, which bothSonic SuperstarsandSonic Dream Teamcontinued albeit on a smaller scale. However,Sonic X Shadow Generations' post-launch content may have been teased early by a returningSonicmusician.
What Bentley Jones' Return to the Sonic Series Might Say About Sonic X Shadow Generations
Bentley Jones' History With the Sonic the Hedgehog Franchise
Starting off as a member of the OverClocked Remix community, Bentley Jones (under his birth name Lee Brotherton) had his fan-made remixes discovered byveteran Sonic Team composerJun Senoue. This led to him helping remix a few tracks for theShadow the Hedgehoggame, which culminated into him helping create the theme song for Silver the Hedgehog “Dreams of an Absolution” that appeared inSonic the Hedgehog (2006).
Bentley Jones has played a small, but memorable role in theSonicfranchise’s musical history on and off ever since, mainly remixing tracks such as “Open Your Heart” for compilation CD releases and games. The latest contribution he made toSonicwas the theme “So Much More” forSonic & Sega All-Stars Racing,with “Dreams of an Absolution” being revisited numerous times by the composer over the years. As of February 2024, Jones has announced that he’s working on “officialSonicprojects” once more by sharing a new (unofficial) cover of “Diamonds in the Sky” from racing gameSonic R.
Sonic X Shadow Generations Should Make Sure No Hedgehog Gets Left Behind
While Jones didn’t at all specify what these projects were, there is a small window of opportunity available for him to be connected toSonic X Shadow Generations. As much as working on Shadow’s new solo story would bring the performer’s work on the series full circle, the most prominent piece of his involvement in the franchise may mean something more for the project. After all, as much as the love for Shadow is appreciated by his many fans, some Sonic loyalists are questioning where Silver fits into the equation withSonic X Shadow Generations, ashis role in the originalSonic Generationswas just as confusing as Shadow’s was.
It’s because of the way that both Shadow and Silver’s stories weren’t elaborated on the first go around, alongside howShadow is getting a prominent focus this year, that a sort of “Silver episode” DLC coming after the game releases seems like a good path for Sega to follow. If that’s the case, then that may be the exact project Bentley Jones is working on, which not only has more time involved with its development compared to the base game, but also suits what fans know him for. Still, nothing is confirmed just yet beyond Jones' return to the franchise, so the idea of Silver getting his own DLC episode is pure speculation. If it turns out to be the case, however, Bentley Jones has teased it directly under fans' noses with no one being the wiser.
Sonic X Shadow Generations
WHERE TO PLAY
THE RETURN OF SHADOWIn this new standalone campaign, Shadow’s nemesis, Black Doom, has reemerged and threatens to take over the world once again. Shadow must journey into his past, confront his painful memories, and unlock new dark powers to save the world.
SHADOW EVOLVEDHarness Shadow’s new Doom Powers to battle hordes of enemies and tackle platforming challenges like never before. Surf on water, fly over obstacles, and stop time with the return of Chaos Control!A JOURNEY THROUGH TIME AND DIMENSIONSExperience the ultimate showdown between Shadow and Black Doom in a new boss battle that will test your skills and reflexes. Use all of Shadow’s abilities to defeat Black Doom and save the world!EXPLORE THE NEW WHITE SPACEStretch your legs in an all-new hub world inspired by the open-zone gameplay of Sonic Frontiers. As Shadow gains new powers, he can explore further and uncover the secrets hidden throughout!
