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 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
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.
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
SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance’s SEGA Villains Stage out on April 3
Face off against legendary SEGA bosses from different franchises
The SEGA Villains Stage DLC for SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance will release on April 3 for PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox Series X|S, XBox One, Nintendo Switch, and Steam.
The DLC lets players face off against legendary SEGA bosses from different franchises: Like a Dragon and Yakuza, Golden Axe, and Sonic.
An animated trailer has been unveiled as part of the announcement. It features those franchises’ characters, Goro Majima, Death Adder, and Dr. Eggman.
There will be a total of five crossover stages, three bosses, and two Boss Rush modes featuring the bosses for the DLC.
In addition, there will be three more Ninpo, three new outfits, and six new music tracks. The SEGA Villains Stage DLC is a free update for all players.
Aside from the crossover, players can also try out a new Hardcore Mode which features changes in enemy placement and stronger boss attacks.
Additional combat settings also lets players adjust recovery frames, the flash effect, and camera shake. Various quality-of-life improvements are also planned for the 2D action-platformer.
Gaming
The hunt begins: The Witcher in Concert hits Manila with surprises in tow
The Continent comes alive
If you’ve ever heard a haunting chant echo through a battlefield or felt the weight of a choice that isn’t as simple as good or evil, then you already know—the Path has a way of calling you back.
And if you haven’t stepped into that world just yet, consider this your invitation.
With less than two weeks to go, The Witcher in Concert is set to take over Manila for a one-night-only performance. It’s happening on March 28, 2026 at The Theatre at Solaire—bringing with it not just the music of a beloved RPG, but a full-on return to the Continent.
Celebrating the 10th anniversary of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, the concert transforms one of gaming’s most iconic soundtracks into a live experience. Expect performances from selected musicians of the Filharmonika Orchestra alongside Percival Schuttenbach—the Polish folk-metal band whose distinct sound helped define the game’s identity. Paired with in-game visuals, it’s a show designed to feel both nostalgic and entirely new.
As the night draws closer, here are three things fans can look forward to:
Relics from the Continent: official merchandise
For those who want to take a piece of the experience home, exclusive event merchandise will be available in limited quantities.
This includes the following:
- Event Tee (PhP2,200)
- Geralt Long Sleeve (PhP3,400)
- Event Hoodie (PhP4,200)
- Beanie (PhP1,800)
- Tote bag (PhP1,800)
- Key chain (PhP1,400)
- Enamel pin set (PhP1,400)
- Event magnet (PhP800)
- Geralt gaming mouse pad (PhP2,000)
It’s the kind of loot drop fans won’t want to miss.
The path to Solaire: getting there made easier
Getting to the venue is part of the journey—and this time, it’s a little easier. Attendees can use the Grab code FCPH2026 to get 20% off rides (up to PhP75). With the condition of a minimum fare of PhP250. The promo is valid for two rides per user and applies to trips to and from Solaire Entertainment City.
A rare encounter: meet Percival Schuttenbach
For a handful of lucky fans, the experience goes beyond the stage. Ten winners will get the chance to meet Percival Schuttenbach and receive an autographed CD.
To join, ticket holders need to share any official The Witcher in Concert post on their Instagram Story. They need to write what they’re most excited to hear live and tag @filmconcerts.ph. They need to submit their entry before March 24, 2026 at 5:00 PM. Winners will be announced on March 25.
Answer the call
As the Continent arrives in Manila, fans are encouraged to lean all the way in—whether that means coming in cosplay as a monster hunter, mage, bard, or something far more dangerous.
Tickets are available via TicketWorld and participating outlets nationwide.
The Path is open. The question is—will you answer the call?
Gaming
Monopoly: Star Wars Heroes vs. Villains launching on June 11
Introducing a team-based, cinematic twist to the classic board game
Monopoly: Star Wars Heroes vs. Villains will launch on June 11, Ubisoft has announced. It will debut on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 1 and 2, GeForce Now, and PC through Steam, Epic Games, and the Ubisoft Store.
The Behavior Interactive title introduces a team-based combat twist to the traditional real estate board game. It includes competitive 2v2 and 3v3 modes, available online and through couch co-op.
This transforms the classic Monopoly gameplay into an action-packed, strategic showdown where teamwork and hero combinations matter.
Every turn carries high stakes as properties change hands in an instant. Dynamic GO events also introduce game-altering twists.
The full reveal will be on April 29.
Monopoly: Star Wars Heroes vs. Villains transports players into the Star Wars galaxy with a custom Monopoly board, packed with iconic locations from across the saga.
The gameplay is reimagined with thrilling cinematic moments, themed spaces, and dynamic elements. These make up for a refreshed experience from start to finish.
Players can choose from a wide roster of Star Wars heroes and villains. There’s plenty of options, from Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia to Darth Vader and Darth Maul.
Each character brings unique abilities to shape the team’s strategy and affect the match’s complexion with every roll of the dice.
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