Sonic X Shadow Generations Sonic X Shadow Generations

Gaming

Sonic x Shadow Generations: Celebrating the blue speedster

Best game to jump back into Sonic

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I was in the middle of my early playthrough when I realized that Sonic x Shadow Generations is my first proper Sonic console game since the Sonic The Hedgehog game on the SEGA Genesis. Yes, it’s been that long. Especially if you don’t count that one mobile game released some time in the early to mid 2010s. 

It has been a while. A long while. And I was more than pleasantly surprised with the gameplay I got from Sonic x Shadow Generations. To a certain extent, it felt like catching up on the games I missed while also experiencing something completely new. 

Double Feature 

Sonic X Shadow Generations

Sonic x Shadow Generations is a double feature. In one game you play two versions of Sonic. In the other, you play the powerful Shadow. 

Both games pick up from a birthday party featuring Sonic and friends. Naturally, something sinister happens and it’s up to Sonic and Shadow to uncover what happened and to save everyone. However, they’re doing it on two different fronts. 

Sonic is more direct. In his game, the more levels you beat, the more friends you set free. Meanwhile, Shadow is chasing after Doom’s Eye – a Star Fish-like figure with an eye in the middle. 

What ensues is a whole lot of running and speeding that require some clever platforming.

Need for Speed… and patience 

The Sonic Generations part of this double feature will see you needing to beat stages twice: one as Classic Sonic and then another as Modern Sonic. 

Since Classic Sonic is the only one I really had experience with, I was getting S Ranks like it was nothing. I felt transported back to the days playing the game on the SEGA Genesis my uncle owned back in the day. It was fun, exhilarating, and a nice nostalgic experience for me. 

It was with Modern Sonic that I had trouble with. With Modern Sonic, you tackle the exact same level but now it’s a shifting 3D stage as opposed to the pretty straightforward side-scroller that was the Classic Sonic run.



I was getting C and B ratings after each run and it was, admittedly, quite frustrating. It took a few more tries to get to an A rating. 

My reflexes have, unfortunately, aged and it just couldn’t keep up with the speed needed to cleanly clear the stages. I imagine it won’t be as difficult for most people, but I had trouble timing when to press the right buttons to take down enemies and obstacles especially when I boosted Sonic up with Turbo. 

That said, it was still a fun challenge to go through. The stages were all designed to ensure that there’s not just one way to complete them. 

No matter what game you’re playing, I’d wager getting used to the speed and timing of the controls might take some getting used to. Unless your reflexes are insanely good. 

A modern Sonic platformer 

Sonic X Shadow Generations

Shadow Generations felt the most modern out of every experience here. It took everything from the Sonic Generations, tightened some mechanics, added some new ones, and dropped in gameplay that would be unique to Shadow. 

As mentioned in the game’s prologue, Shadow was engineered to be a superior being. That being the case, you have access to abilities like freezing time. It’s a fantastic mechanic that adds a really good wrinkle to the platforming that you have to do. I’m getting ahead of myself. 

Surprisingly, I had an easier time adjusting to Shadow Generations. Overall, I felt the stages and obstacles were better paced compared to the Modern Sonic counterpart. 

The level design was clearer, and it was relatively easier to see and figure out the different routes available to you throughout the stages. I even retried stages a couple of times to see which path would yield the faster result. 

It’s not necessarily easier. In fact, you’re having to juggle more things as Shadow vs as Modern Sonic. But the way the stages are laid out, it was easier to time certain button presses. 

Sonic X Shadow Generations

There are also stages where you really have to decide which route to take and it’s not just the straightforward quick decision that you usually do. Some of it will have you launching Shadow from one area to another to grab collectibles or, ultimately, finish the stage faster. 

Is this your GameMatch? 

We’re embracing our matchmaking ways and rating games as varying degrees of Swipe Left, Swipe Right, or Super Swipe. Sonic x Shadow Generations is definitely a Swipe Right. 

Sonic x Shadow Generations offers a unique blend of Sonic-style speedy platforming experience. There’s enough here both for newcomers and experienced Sonic game players. The stages are challenging without being overly frustrating. In fact, they’re so good, you don’t feel too much of a fatigue from running through the stage again to see if you can beat your own score or rating. 

For dedicated Sonic fans, this might even be a Super Swipe. There’s enough replayability and unique to Sonic and Shadow mechanics here to add it as one of the best platformers in your game library. 

Gaming

PRAGMATA release date, Nintendo Switch 2 availability confirmed

Preorders now open, free demo available too

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Capcom has announced the official release date for upcoming sci-fi action game PRAGMATAThe title will be available on April 24, 2026 on multiple platforms.

Aside from launching on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam, PRAGMATA will also be available on Nintendo Switch 2, as confirmed in a new trailer exploring the lunar cityscape.

Preorders are now available as well on all platforms. In addition, the Sketchbook Demo is now available on Steam and is coming to consoles soon.

The free public demo provides the opportunity to experience the title’s immersive setting and thrilling gameplay for the first time. It also includes fun extra surprises to challenge players.= and encourage repeat playthroughs.

As a preorder bonus, players will receive Hugh’s samurai-styled Neo bushido outfit and Diana’s ninja-inspired Neo Kunoichi costume.

Alongside the standard version, a Deluxe Edition will be available. This includes the Shelter Variety Pack, an assortment of alternate outfits for the two characters.

The Deluxe Edition also includes a weapon skin, emotes, extra background music, and an in-game library with 75 digital artwork pieces.

The new trailer expands what players know of the game’s environment so far, with the protagonists in what seemingly looks like a futuristic dystopian city. It shows Hugh and Diana both being chased by various opponents, as well as a bit of their dynamic together.

As for its gameplay, PRAGMATA will feature a dual-character control, enabling players to control both Hugh and Diana simultaneously.

Central to the action is a “hacking” mechanic but Capcom will enrich combat with a more strategic and exciting element unique to the title.

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Gaming

Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade free demo released

For Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox

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Square Enix has released a free demo for Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade which is launching on January 22, 2026.

The demo is available on Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox on PC. Players can carry their save data from the demo period over to the full game and claim the bonus items “Revival Earrings” and “Survival Set” in the process.

In addition, the game has Xbox Play Anywhere support. This means players can enjoy seamless progression across console and PC platforms.

Switch 2 users can enter the following codes to download the demo via the “Redeem Code” option on the Nintendo e-Shop:

  • United States: D3GM3304HKQBB2VB
  • Europe: D3GM3304HKPBB2VB
  • Japan: D3GM3304H3DBB2VB
  • Korea: D3GM3304H3CBB2VB
  • Hong Kong and Taiwan: D3GM3304H3BBB2VB
  • Southeast Asia: D3GM3304HY9BB2VB

Meanwhile, the free demo for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox for PC is available via this link.

Aside from the aforementioned platforms, the visually enhanced and expanded version of the original 2020 remake is already available on PlayStation 5, Steam, and Epic games.

What players can expect

In the demo, players can experience the game’s iconic opening chapter, in which the mercenary Cloud Strife and the underground resistance group Avalanche attempt to destroy a Mako Reactor powering the dystopian city of Midgar.

In their fight against the Shinra Electric Power Company, Cloud and his comrades are thrust into a larger conflict that will decide the fate of the planet.

Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade features improved graphics and performance. Aside from that, the game includes FF7R EPISODE INTERmission.

This exciting additional story features fan-favorite ninja Yuffie Kisaragi as she embarks on a thrilling new adventure.

Players can expect expanded gameplay mechanics, refined combat systems, and immersive storytelling that deepens the lore of Midgar.

Square Enix has also released a new One-Winged Angel trailer:

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Gaming

The Razer BlackShark V3 Pro might be the comfiest headphones I’ve tried

The memory foam cushioning is divine.

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Despite being a self-professed audiophile, I have always had a problem with wearing headphones the whole day. Sooner or later, the weight just becomes too much. So, when I saw the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro with its thick cushioning, it was love at first sight.

But will that love last?

Lookin’ like a succulent pork belly

Obviously, I’m exaggerating, but the head strap really does look like a pork belly because of how thick it is. And that’s not a complaint, either.

The BlackShark V3 Pro has one of the most comfortable cushioning I’ve ever experienced from a pair of headphones. Plus, both the head strap and the earcups use memory foam, so it feels like new every single time.

Over time, I can barely feel the headphones bearing down on the top of my head because of the thick cushioning. I lasted more than five hours before I felt anything. Even after taking it off for a spell, I was ready to get back into the game. For me, that’s an absurdly good record.

The earcups, on the other hand, fit perfectly. For reference, I have an average ear size. A lot of headphones I’ve tried often leave my ears in pain from all the flexing, but the BlackShark’s fit is just right.

A minimalist but elegant design

Besides the nice cushioning, the rest of the headphones exude that elegant look you might expect from more premium headphones. Except for incredibly subtle Razer branding and a thin ring of lime green around the mic button, there’s nothing to indicate that this is a pro gaming headset.

The earcups are connected to the strap via thin metal arms and a braided cable. The same arms offer 15-degree maneuverability to ensure the most comfortable fit.

Unfortunately, they don’t fold, so it’s harder to take these headphones outside. It’s a slight wrinkle in an otherwise stellar design.

Going back to analog

A lot of headphones today prefer using gesture controls over actual buttons and knobs. Getting rid of buttons does help make designs look sleeker. However, it comes with the added frustration of fiddling around with often-finicky gestures.

Thankfully, the BlackShark V3 Pro has a wealth of buttons and knobs for, in my opinion, easier control. This also lends to its credence as a gaming peripheral. When I’m in the zone, I don’t want to mess around with gestures that might not even work.

The left cup has a dedicated power button, a microphone button, a USB-C slot, and a 3.5mm port (for both input and output). It also has a nifty knob for volume control.

Meanwhile, the right cup has an equalizer button, a noise cancelling button, and a dial to adjust the ANC levels. There’s also audio feedback that lets you know exactly what you’ve pressed.

I love this layout. Though you can argue that all these buttons seem like overkill, there’s just something about manually pressing buttons and turning knobs, especially when you’re focused on gaming. It’s like a palpable feeling of turning it to 11 that you just don’t get with gesture controls.

Premium for gaming, a step less for everything else

The BlackShark V3 Pro is a bass-leaning headset. That’s pretty much what you’d expect from a gaming-focused device. A premium on bass helps you feel the immersive thump of gunshots, explosions, and even simple footsteps.

Personally, I don’t prefer bass-heavy devices. However, this pair refreshingly does not tear with high bass level. It offers a pretty rich output for the deeper end of the audio spectrum. An extensive listening session of metal created thrumming breakdowns and heavy drum solos.

However, there’s a clear step down when it comes to treble. It’s only one step down, though, because I can hear that these cans are capable of impressive treble. However, the focus on bass can drown out the other end. I’ve tried adjusting the equalizer, but it made too little difference to elevate the experience for audiophiles.

Additionally, the soundstage feels more centered than immersive. This pair isn’t what I’d pick for long listening sessions. Then again, this wasn’t made for that. This shines more brightly for gamers.

With THX Spatial Audio, these headphones feel more alive during FPS gaming sessions. Another audio enhancement can amplify footsteps, too. The audio adjustment feels weird at first, but it does give a competitive edge for shooters. It’s also compatible with a few other games, including Civilization VII, which gave a pleasant auditory experience.

A much better mic than I expected

The BlackShark V3 Pro comes with a detachable microphone you can snap on to the 3.55mm port. As a pro gaming peripheral, the attachment is expected but not even necessary for a headset of this caliber already.

It’s a fairly decent, well-thought-of accessory. The audio input was, according to people I played with, clear for in-game comms.

Even better, the Razer Synapse app comes with its own equalizer just for the mic. If you need more control over how you want your voice to be broadcast, these headphones give a surprising level of customization. Being easily accessible through the app is a huge plus, too.

In terms of quality, I might still default to a dedicated external mic. However, if you don’t have one, Razer’s premium pair is a great alternative.

Battery good enough for almost two weeks

Razer promises that the BlackShark V3 Pro can last around 70 hours on a single charge. This is a fairly accurate prediction which aligned with how I used the headphones.

As I mentioned, I can withstand around five hours straight of using the headphones. By the end of the first week, I still had a lot of juice. And if I didn’t push it to my absolute limit, I could make this last even longer than two weeks.

Ultimately, the battery’s life depends on how you use the headphones, which differ greatly from person to person. And, at the end of the day, I had no problems with keeping the headphones connected to the long and braided wire.

Is the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro your GadgetMatch?

The Razer BlackShark V3 Pro is one of the most comfortable pair of headphones I’ve ever tried. It’s also a premium gaming peripheral that reflects its price point well at US$ 249.99.

Sure, you won’t get a pair of headphones worthy for an audiophile, which makes this a Swipe Left if you are. But as a gamer, these are more than what you need, which makes it a hardy Swipe Right.

As someone who’s both, I’d still give this a Swipe Right. My audiophile side already has a more balanced alternatives, after all. But the BlackShark V3 Pro is excellent as a tough-as-nails daily driver.

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