Sonic Generations

"DOUBLE THE SPEED, DOUBLE THE FUN! Celebrate 20 years of Sonic with Sonic Generations."

- SEGA.com

Sonic Generations (ソニック ジェネレーションズ) is a game for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Nintendo 3DS and PC via download. The game was made to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Sonic the Hedgehog series. The Japanese version has different subtitles: White Time and Space (白の時空) for the home consoles, and Blue Adventures (青の冒険) for the 3DS version. This game can be played in 3D on the 3DS and on the console versions also, but a 3DTV as well as a pair of 3D glasses are required for the PS3 and Xbox 360.

Development
Iizuka says the 3DS edition will only feature Sonic's friends "who are integral to the story" - a contrast from the console counterparts. The 3DS version will use some handheld game stages while the console versions will use games from the console main series. "For the PS3 and 360, none of the stages we're selecting are going to be from the handheld." Iizuka said. "However, on 3DS we're looking at picking stages from handheld as well." The 3DS will have minor story changes as well. The writers for the story are credited as Ken Pontac and Warren Graff of Happy Tree Friends fame. They also worked on Sonic Colors and MadWorld. Tetsu Katano, who directed Sonic and the Black Knight and did work on the Adventure series, is directing the 3DS edition. Sonic Team and Dimps are co-developing the 3DS edition.

Console


The story takes place some time after Sonic's last encounter with Eggman in Sonic Colors. In the past of Green Hill, Classic Sonic is exploring when he hears a noise. Suddenly, a monster known as the 'Time Eater' appears in the sky and he notices it as the screen goes white. In the present day, Tails and his friends are having a surprise party for Sonic's birthday until the Time Eater appears in Sonic's time and sucks all of them back into different periods in Sonic's history. Sonic goes to attack but is instead attacked himself; he looks up before he passes out to see that Tails is the only one left struggling to resist the Time Eater's vortex. Sonic wakes from his unconsciousness in a white world and wonders what's going on. Sonic first frees Tails when he was in a frozen state. Sonic and Tails first decide on finding their friends first, while Sonic wonders how Green Hill Zone looked so familiar. Tails tells Sonic to go check Chemical Plant out. Sonic quickly sets off, but a few seconds later, Tails sees Classic Sonic and mistakes him for Sonic.



After Sonic brought Chemical Plant back to its color, Tails reaches Sonic and explains how he will never forget the annoying pink acid the place is filled with. Sonic agrees and tells Tails that he feels that he is experiencing deja-vu. Meanwhile, Classic Sonic encounters Classic Metal Sonic guarding a Chaos Emerald, battles him at the bad future of Stardust Speedway, and destroys him. Later on, Modern Sonic is in a black and white hall with a glass with Classic Sonic at the other side of the glass. Modern Sonic mistakes it for a mirror, along with mistaking Classic Sonic as his reflection and vice versa. The two started setting their hair and looking at their teeth, concerned about their looks. When the two Sonics touch their bellies, Modern Sonic noticed how his reflection's belly is rounder, and gets the feeling that the reflection is not him. The two then hear Dr. Eggman's voice, with Modern Sonic shouting his name; Classic Sonic looks at his Modern self through the glass and realizes that it was not his reflection the whole time. Classic Sonic runs towards Eggman's voice while Modern Sonic tries to catch up, but instead has the door close on him, resulting in being locked in the room. Sonic was surprised to see his "reflection" running and he wasn't, and realized that his "reflection" was actually another "Sonic".

After Classic Sonic destroys the Death Egg Robot, he sees the same monster that appeared at the beginning of the game kidnapping Classic Dr. Eggman, with Classic Dr. Eggman crying out Sonic's name. Modern Sonic then sees his Classic self to find there's two of him and asks why are there two Sonics. Modern and Classic Tails tell Sonic that they are traveling through time and space, which is why Sonic is experiencing all of his past encounters along with seeing Classic Sonic. The two Sonics quickly get along and run towards the other places to bring them back to its color. The two realize that the faster they go through the areas, the more time and color will be restored.

After restoring every friend and only one more place to bring back to its colors, the two Tails' find out that the Time Eater dislikes Chaos Emeralds and tell the two Sonics to collect the seven Emeralds. The two Sonics restore Planet Wisp and race each other to the Emerald. Modern Sonic beats Classic Sonic in the race because he's had more experience (using the Sonic Boost in the air). After beating the Egg Dragoon, Sonic gets confused to see Eggman inside of it, as he thought that Eggman got kidnapped. However, strangely, the monster comes again and kidnaps Eggman once again, leaving the gang confused.

The gang then chases after the Time Eater and find it to be a supernatural being converted to a machine being piloted by Modern and Classic Dr. Eggman. When asked, Modern Eggman explains that when he was in trapped in space with Orbot and Cubot at the end of Sonic Colors, he found a monster with a unique ability to erase time and space. His plan was to undo all of his past mistakes whilst kidnapping Sonic's friends to use as bait to get Sonic to chase after him. However, he had the help of Classic Eggman in order for all of it to work. The monster tries destroying the two Sonics; though they put up a decent fight, it quickly managed to throw them off the ground and crush them with its arm. With the two Sonics weak and passed out, they get support from all of their friends along with Shadow and Silver, allowing the Chaos Emeralds to glow and activate, transforming them into Super Sonic. The two defeat the Eggmans, their monster, and their plan, and return back to where Sonic had his birthday party.

At the party, Modern Sonic got to enjoy the rest of his chili dog as Classic Sonic and the rest of the gang reappeared, including Shadow and Silver. After a few conversations between the two Sonics and two Tails, Classic Sonic tries out one of Modern Sonic's newer abilities (one which was a little bit of the Sonic Boost) but slightly fails to keep up. Modern Sonic claps for Classic Sonic, saying that he will get better. Modern Sonic and Tails share a few high-fives and wave good-bye as Classic Sonic and Tails jump back to their time-line.

A post-credits scene shows the two doctors lost in a blank and timeless existence. The two argue as they search for an exit, discussing whether or not they have ever defeated Sonic and contemplating if they should go back and get their teaching degree, as opposed to continuing their misdeeds.

Handheld
Like the console, the story takes some time after Sonic's last encounter with Eggman. Sonic is invited to a party by Tails. Sonic and Tails were having chili-dogs until a vortex sucks Tails in. Sonic jumps in but is "attacked", though he manages to get in anyways. Sonic sees a white world and wonders what's going on. Later on, Sonic meets his past self. After a surprising meeting, the two realize that the world is losing color and the time-line has been messed up for unknown reasons. The two Sonics team up to bring the world into its colors, learn how to fix up the timeline and save Tails.

Sonic Boom
A Sonic Generations demo was playable at 2011's E3 Expo, under the name Sonic Boom. It was the first major American Sonic event, being hosted by SEGA, and took place on June 8th, at 6pm PT. At E3, Sonic Generations was playable in both console and handheld versions. Although only Green Hill was playable for the console versions, City Escape was shown; Green Hill was playable, including the boss Big Arm, was playable for the 3DS version. There was also a Birthday Song for Sonic sung at Sonic Boom and the ending of the song, "Happy Birthday Sonic!" will appear in Sonic Generations. It appeared at the Tokyo Joypolis event and at the Summer of Sonic event in London. It appeared at the Gamescon 2011 event in Germany, and at TGS (Tokyo Game Show) 2011.

Demo Release
The Australian government’s OFLC rated a multi-platform demo release of Sonic Generations, and SEGA formally announced at E3, that they will release a demo for PSN and Xbox Live on Sonic's 20th Anniversary, June 23rd. The demo only contained Green Hill, and only the Classic Sonic playthrough. The demo was only available until July 12th, at which point it was no longer available, including for players who had already downloaded it; the file has essentially locked itself. In the Xbox Live version, one has to be an Xbox Live Gold Member to download the demo. The name of the demo is "Sonic Generations Green Hill Zone Demo #1", indicating that a Modern Sonic demo is on the way. SEGA confirmed on their blog a second demo released in Europe for PSN and Xbox Live on October 18th and was released in North America for PSN on October 25th. The demo contains both classic and modern Sonic playable in Green Hill Zone, and has no time limit.

Gameplay
The game features levels derived from 20 years of Sonic history, ranging from the Classic era, through the Dreamcast era, to the Modern era. There will be a level taken from each other Sonic games to represent the different times. Each level can be played with either Classic Sonic or Modern Sonic, each taking their own routes throughout the level. Classic Sonic's levels are strictly two dimensional side scrolling stages, using classic moves like the Spin Attack and the Spin Dash. Modern Sonic's levels, on the other hand, carry on the modern 2D/3D gameplay of recent titles such as Sonic Unleashed and Sonic Colors, featuring Homing Attacks, Combo Tricks in the air, Drift, the Stomp Attack, Light Speed Dash, and Speed Boosts. There is going to be a new interactive menu that allows for complete immersion into Sonic's universe, as the player completes the game, extras are unlocked such as favorite characters and hidden treasures.

Hub worlds like the ones in Sonic Unleashed have been confirmed in an interview with Takashi Iizuka. He said that the hub world starts out as the white space, but opens up more as the Sonics pass through more levels. The Hub worlds will only be playable in 2D, so they are not free roam like they were in Unleashed. Also, characters rescued in that stage will stand outside the entrance to the stage, and they can be talked to. Also, there is an area above the entrance to the main stage where the payer can access extra missions and boss stages. Patrick Riley, the Director of Sega America, has talked about updated gameplay issues.

The speed boost on Green Hill inclines was enhanced and fixed, among other physics issues, a few were noticed when Generations gameplay was first revealed to the world. The handheld version, unlike the console versions, makes the Modern Sonic gameplay similar to Sonic Rush, while also featuring Special Stages based on Sonic Heroes. Some bosses are played as Classic Sonic and some are played as Modern Sonic. This game, like most other Sonic games, features acts, with Act 1 played as Classic Sonic and Act 2 played as Modern Sonic, along with 10 missions per level.

Classic Sonic
Classic Sonic stages consist of him running in a permanent 2-D perspective, platforming all the way towards an end sign post, just like in the original games. Patrick Riley referred to Classic Sonic levels as "Momentum-Based Platforming". He can also use the Spin Dash.

The handheld 3DS version uses stereoscopic 3-D to give a sense of depth. Classic Sonic also has an unlockable homing attack. Classic Sonic does not talk at all in the game.

Modern Sonic
Modern Sonic's console stages consist of running extremely fast through the stages while the perspective switches between 2D and 3D such as in his more recent games, Sonic Unleashed (PS3/Xbox 360, daytime levels) and Sonic Colors (Wii version) specifically.

There are also new Combo Tricks, which are performed in the air, and fill up the Boost Gauge. There is a new visual element to all returning levels, such as the cave in Green Hill. There's a bit more platforming involved, like the sections after the cave in Green Hill. Also, the camera is immovable, unlike how it was in Sonic Unleashed and invisible walls can hinder the exploration aspect.

In the handheld version, Modern Sonic's gameplay is similar to Sonic Rush and Sonic Colors (DS version) and will have the Sonic Boost, the ability to slide under obstacles, jump off walls, and use the Homing Attack. Modern Sonic levels use the 3-D effect of depth on the handheld version more actively, although the console versions are 3D TV compatible.

Genesis/MegaDrive
Sonic the Hedgehog is avaliable to unlock. To play the game, you have to buy the "Sega Genesis/Mega Drive Controller" for 7777 skill points from the Skill Shop.

Local/Online 2-Player Race Mode (3DS version only)
There is local wireless and Wi-fi 2-player race mode in the 3DS version of the game.

StreetPass (3DS only)
StreetPass is used to unlock special content and challenges as one pass by someone else. You can also use the Nintendo 3DS "playcoins" system to buy said content in case that you are unable to StreetPass. With StreetPass, you can trade "Profile Cards" where you describe how far you have progressed in the game, which Sonic characters are your favorites, etc., as well as adding 3 missions to exchange with other players. Once you StreetPass somebody, your profile card gets upgraded in various ways.

Playable

 * Sonic (both Classic and Modern)
 * Super Sonic (both Classic and Modern)

Friends

 * Miles "Tails" Prower (both Classic and Modern)
 * Knuckles the Echidna
 * Amy Rose
 * Cream the Rabbit
 * Rouge the Bat
 * Vector the Crocodile
 * Espio the Chameleon
 * Charmy Bee
 * Blaze the Cat
 * Shadow the Hedgehog
 * Silver the Hedgehog

Other

 * Omochao (optional guide)
 * Dr. Eggman (both Classic and Modern; arch-rivals of Sonic(s))
 * Classic Dr. Eggman (helps control the Time Eater robot)
 * Classic Tails (speaker of Classic Sonic)
 * Cheese the Chao (follows Cream)
 * Chao (they appear in a Speed Highway mission)
 * Animal friends (Flickies and other species must be rescued)
 * Orange Wisp (power-up for Modern Sonic)
 * Pink Wisp (power-up for Classic Sonic)
 * Red Wisp (3DS power-up)
 * Cyan Wisp (3DS power-up)

Cameos

 * Fang the Sniper/Nack the Weasel - City Escape (wanted poster)
 * Bean the Dynamite - City Escape (wanted poster)
 * Bark the Polar Bear - City Escape (wanted poster)
 * Mighty the Armadillo - City Escape ("Missing since 1993" poster)
 * Ray the Flying Squirrel - City Escape ("Missing since 1993" poster)
 * Chao - Speed Highway/City Escape/Crisis City/Radical Highway ("Chao in Space" billboard in Speed Highway, "Chao in Space 2" billboard in City Escape, "Chao in Space 3" for Crisis City, neon sign for Radical Highway)
 * Perfect Chaos - City Escape ("Chao in Space 2", also a boss)
 * Big the Cat - Casino Night (neon sign) & Trophy room
 * E-123 Omega - Speed Highway (road sign) & Trophy room
 * Death Egg Robot - Speed Highway ("Chao in Space" billboard in Speed Highway)
 * Tikal - Speed Highway ("Chao in Space: The Search For Tikal" billboard)
 * Chip - Speed Highway (road sign) & Trophy room
 * Jet the Hawk - Speed Highway (road sign) & Trophy Room
 * Wave the Swallow - Speed Highway (road sign)
 * Storm the Albatross - Speed Highway (road sign)
 * NiGHTS - Radical Highway (NiGHTS hotel [3DS version only])
 * Orbot & Cubot - (Eggman mentions that he left them in space after the events of Sonic Colors; current status unknown)

Xbox 360/Playstation 3 Exclusive:

 * Motobug - Green Hill
 * Giant Motobug - Green Hill (mission)
 * Chopper - Green Hill/Seaside Hill
 * Mecha Chopper - Green Hill
 * Crabmeat - Green Hill/Planet Wisp
 * Buzz Bomber - Green Hill (with blue and red heads)
 * Giant Buzz Bomber - Green Hill (mission)
 * Spiny - Chemical Plant
 * Grabber - Chemical Plant
 * EggRobo - Sky Sanctuary
 * Cop Speeder - Speed Highway
 * Mono Beetle - City Escape
 * GUN Beetle - City Escape
 * GUN Hunter - City Escape
 * Egg Pawn - Seaside Hill/Planet Wisp
 * Spinner - Seaside Hill/Speed Highway/Planet Wisp
 * Electro Spinner - Seaside Hill/Speed Highway/Planet Wisp
 * Iblis Biter - Crisis City
 * Iblis Taker - Crisis City
 * Iblis Worm - Crisis City
 * Egg Fighter - Rooftop Run
 * Aero Chaser - Rooftop Run
 * Aero-Cannon - Rooftop Run
 * Sandworm - Planet Wisp
 * Buzzer - Planet Wisp
 * Sprinkler - Planet Wisp/Chemical Plant/Speed Highway (mission)

Nintendo 3DS Exclusive:

 * Motobug - Green Hill
 * Chopper - Green Hill
 * Crabmeat - Green Hill
 * Buzz Bomber - Green Hill
 * Newtron - Green Hill
 * Crawl - Casino Night
 * Butterdroid - Mushroom Hill
 * Mushmeanie - Mushroom Hill
 * Dragonfly - Mushroom Hill
 * Madmole - Mushroom Hill
 * Baby Kiki - Emerald Coast
 * Rhino-Tank - Emerald Coast
 * Mono Beetle - Radical Highway (hinted)
 * GUN Beetle - Radical Highway (hinted)
 * GUN Hunter - Radical Highway (hinted)

Rival Bosses

 * Classic Metal Sonic - Stardust Speedway/Casino Night
 * Shadow the Hedgehog - Final Rush/Radical Highway
 * Silver the Hedgehog - Crisis City

Xbox 360/Playstation 3 Exclusive:

 * Death Egg Robot - Death Egg
 * Perfect Chaos - Station Square
 * Egg Dragoon - Eggmanland

Nintendo 3DS Exclusive:

 * Big Arm - Launch Base
 * Egg Beetle - Savannah Citadel

Final Boss

 * Time Eater - Center of Time

Items

 * Rings
 * Red Star Rings
 * Item boxes
 * 10 rings
 * Invincibility
 * Elemental Shields (Fire, Lightning, and Bubble)
 * Speed Sneakers
 * Extra Life
 * Skateboard
 * Wisps (Orange and Pink Wisps)
 * Chaos Emeralds
 * Wisp Capsules (Modern & Classic)
 * Extra Life (A 3D icon of an extra life appears in the Modern gameplay)
 * Boss Keys
 * Media (Music, Art, and Videos)

Voice Actors
Classic Sonic is silent throughout the game, but still shows his personality through his actions and gestures. Aaron Webber mentioned in an interview, that if anyone were to be Classic Sonic, it would be Jaleel White. Aaron had to make a choice whether Classic Sonic would be voiced by Jaleel White or have no voice at all. Aaron also mentioned that he grew up with the classic cartoons of Sonic like Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog, and he thought Jaleel White did a fantastic job. If Aaron did cast Jaleel White as Classic Sonic, that would at least make the fans happy about it.

Voice overs exist not only for English and Japanese, but for German, French, Italian, and Spanish.

Soundtrack
The soundtrack for Sonic Generations is called "Sonic Generations Original Soundtrack: Blue Blur" which will include the Soundtrack for both the HD and 3DS versions of Sonic Generations
 * Green Hill: Remix of Green Hill Zone from the original Sonic the Hedgehog. The classic remix is similar to the original tune, but with a techno beat. The hub world music is a violin mix.
 * Chemical Plant: Remix of Chemical Plant Zone from Sonic the Hedgehog 2. The classic remake is almost identical with a techno beat. The modern remix is more of a soft rock.
 * Sky Sanctuary: Remix of Sky Sanctuary Zone from Sonic & Knuckles. The classic remix-as expected-is a nearly the same with a techno beat. The modern remake is a soothing-almost relaxing remix, but still retains a past pace.
 * Speed Highway: Remix of the first section of Speed Highway from Sonic Adventure. The classic remake has a techno beat. The modern tune is very similar to the original, but has a heavier use of the guitar.
 * City Escape: Remake of City Escape from Sonic Adventure 2. The classic remix has a techno beat and traces of the Endless Mine Zone theme. The modern remake is nearly identical, but has some traces of Sonic's theme song "It Doesn't Matter". The song itself is called "Escape from the City".
 * Seaside Hill: Modern is a mixture of a rock remix of both the original Seaside Hill and Ocean Palace, classic only has Seaside Hill.
 * Crisis City: Modern has a violin based remix that is close to the original with a faster beat; Classic has a heavy rock and techno remix of the original but it still sounds similar.
 * Rooftop Run: Modern is based on the original theme, with some violin modifications and a new piano introduction. Classic has a disco-style remix.
 * Planet Wisp: Modern has a Drum and Piano remix whilst Classic has a Guitar and Techno Remix.
 * Casino Night: It's a jazz-like remix of Casino Night Zone from Sonic the Hedgehog 2.
 * Mushroom Hill: Classic and Modern (3DS) is based on the theme from Sonic & Knuckles.
 * Tropical Resort: Modern is a guitar and rock remix of the original Tropical Resort Act 1 theme.
 * Hub Worlds: Separate violin renditions of each stage's music will be played in the Hub of that Zone.
 * Metal Sonic Rival Battle: Almost the same as the original Stardust Speedway (Bad Future) from the Japanese/PAL soundtrack. The US version of the theme is a techno remix.
 * Death Egg Robot Battle: Orchestral version of the final boss of Sonic the Hedgehog 2.
 * Shadow Rival Battle: Remix of Live and Learn and For True Story from Sonic Adventure 2.
 * Vs. Perfect Chaos: Remix of Open Your Heart from Sonic Adventure. It has an added beat and slightly heavier bass.
 * Vs. Perfect Chaos (Pinch): Re-orchestrated version of the music used in the second round of the battle against Perfect Chaos.
 * Big Arm Battle: (3DS) Remix of the Final Boss theme for Sonic the Hedgehog 3, rendered by Alex Makhlouf of Cash Cash.
 * Menu: Rendition of the Sonic Heroes Menu Theme.
 * Loading: When a level is loading, a remix of the saving center in Eggman's Metropolis from Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood is played.
 * Invincibility: For both Modern and Classic is based off the original Sonic the Hedgehog (1991) theme.
 * Speed Shoes: For Classic Sonic only, when the stage's original music is played, the music speeds up. If a different music track is played (such as Endless Possibility from Sonic Unleashed or Splash Hill Zone from Sonic the Hedgehog 4:  Episode 1), the Sonic Adventure (1 & 2) Speed Shoe track plays.﻿
 * Drowning: Orchestral remix based on Sonic Adventure' s drowning theme.
 * Time Break: Slower paced remix of Cyber Track from Sonic Advance 3 and also includes parts of the Chaos Control jingle (Boss ver.) from Shadow The Hedgehog.
 * Game Over: Similar to the game over theme from Sonic 3 & Knuckles.
 * Special Stage: (3DS) is exactly the same as the Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games Dream Bobsleigh Nocturnus Gate event.
 * Super Sonic: Remix of Sonic 4' s Invincibility theme and Live and Learn. It first starts with the intro of Live and Learn and the rest is a remix of Sonic 4' s Title theme.
 * Co-op Mission: Remix of Balloon Park from Sonic 3 & Knuckles multiplayer mode.
 * Race Mission: Pop and techno remix of Super Sonic Racing from Sonic R.
 * Skill Shop: Remix of the results screen from Sonic the Hedgehog 2.
 * Collection Room: Violin rendition of Door into Summer from Knuckles Chaotix.
 * Media Select: Violin rendition of the data select from Sonic 3 & Knuckles.
 * Network: Sounds similar to the title theme of Sonic Mega Collection.
 * End Medley: Medley of every stage from the game, containing slightly modified versions of the original themes of each stage, similar to "Medley Rush" from Sonic Rush. It starts off and ends off like in the ending theme of Sonic the Hedgehog (1991).

Music
Music can be unlocked by completing some missions or collecting a number of red stars. You can view your music by going to the collection room and you can use music for stages. There is a total of 50 unlockable songs:
 * "Green Hill Zone (Original)" (Sonic the Hedgehog)
 * "Marble Zone" (Sonic the Hedgehog)
 * "Star Light Zone" (Sonic the Hedgehog)
 * "Emerald Hill Zone" (Sonic the Hedgehog 2)
 * "Chemical Plant Zone (Original)" (Sonic the Hedgehog 2)
 * "Special Stage" (Sonic the Hedgehog 2)
 * "Angel Island Zone" (Sonic the Hedgehog 3)
 * "Hydro City Zone" (Sonic the Hedgehog 3)
 * "Marble Garden Zone" (Sonic the Hedgehog 3)
 * "Mushroom Hill" (Sonic and Knuckles)
 * "Flying Battery Zone" (Sonic and Knuckles)
 * "Death Egg Zone" (Sonic and Knuckles)
 * "Open Your Heart" (Sonic Adventure)
 * "It Doesn't Matter" (Sonic Adventure)
 * "Emerald Coast" (Sonic Adventure)
 * "Metal Harbor" (Sonic Adventure 2)
 * "Live & Learn" (Sonic Adventure 2)
 * "Green Forest" (Sonic Adventure 2)
 * "Special Stage - Bonus Challenge" (Sonic Heroes)
 * "Sonic Heroes" (Sonic Heroes)
 * "What I'm Made Of..." (Sonic Heroes)
 * "His World" (Sonic 06)
 * "Wave Ocean" (Sonic 06)
 * "Kingdom Valley" (Sonic 06)
 * "Endless Possibility" (Sonic Unleashed)
 * "Windmill Isle - Day" (Sonic Unleashed) (3DS only)
 * "Savannah Citadel - Day" (Sonic Unleashed)
 * "Reach for the Stars" (Sonic Colors)
 * "Tropical Resort (Original)" (Sonic Colors) (3DS only)
 * "Sweet Mountain" (Sonic Colors)
 * "Toxic Caves" (Sonic Spinball)
 * "Palmtree Panic - Present (Japanese Soundtrack)" (Sonic CD)
 * "Sonic Boom" (Sonic CD)
 * "Stardust Speedway" (Sonic CD)
 * "Super Sonic Racing" (Sonic R)
 * "Neo Green Hill Zone" (Sonic Advance)
 * "Leaf Forest" (Sonic Advance 2)
 * "Route 99" (Sonic Advance 3)
 * "Right There, Ride On" (Sonic Rush)
 * "A New Venture " (Sonic Rush Adventure)
 * "High Flying Groove" (Sonic Riders)
 * "Un-Gravitify" (Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity)
 * "Free" (Sonic Free Riders)
 * "Quick Trip To Paradise" (Sonic Rivals)
 * "Race To Win" (Sonic Rivals 2)
 * "I Am... All of Me" (Shadow the Hedghog)
 * "Let the Speed Mend It" (Sonic and the Secret Rings)
 * "Knight of the Wind" (Sonic and the Black Knight)
 * "Splash Hill Zone " (Sonic the Hedgehog 4)

Skills
Skills are items both Sonics' can use in acts and some missions. They can be unlocked by doing a certain mission, buying them at the skills shop, or collecting five star rings in an act. Here are the skills they can get, along with their skill point cost:

Modern Sonic

 * Blast Off- Press a button when "GO!" appears for a free Boost. (10 SP)
 * Speed Up- Increase Sonic's speed. (20 SP)
 * Boost Gauge Up- This extends the length of your Boost Gauge. (60 SP)
 * Smasher Bonus- Breaking enemies, etc. fills Boost Gauge. (30 SP)
 * Serial Homing- Perform sequential Homing Attacks faster. (40 SP)
 * Endless Boost- The Boost Gauge stays full but you can't get Rings. (70 SP)
 * Acceleration- Increases speed when starting to run. (10 SP)
 * Gauge Rebooter- Begin with a full Boost Gauge upon restart. (30 SP)
 * Auto-Gauge- Boost Gauge fills automatically over time. (30 SP)
 * Quick Slide- Enables Quick Step when on a skateboard. (30 SP)
 * Direct Jump- "Increase the speed of your Wall Jumps." (30 SP)
 * Trick Mastery- "Perform Tricks faster." (60 SP)
 * Ring Energy Bonus- "Collecting Rings fills the gauge faster." (40 SP)

Classic Sonic

 * Homing Attack - Enables Sonic to do a homing attack. (100 SP)
 * Shield- A Shield protects you from a single hit. (60 SP)
 * Aqua Shield- Enables Bound Jumps and eliminates the need to get air. (70 SP)
 * Ring Time- Turns enemies into Rings for a short time. (60 SP)
 * Thunder Shield- Enables double-jumping. (70 SP)
 * Treasure Scanner- Allows you to see hidden items and Springs. (40 SP)
 * Breath Holder- Stay underwater longer. (20 SP)
 * Twin Spin Attack- Allows you to attack in mid-jump. (30 SP)
 * Flame Shield- A Shield that enables midair dashes. (70 SP)
 * Boardmaster- Hop on a skateboard whenever you want. (70 SP)
 * Power Sneakers- Run faster, plain and simple. (60 SP)
 * Invincible Start- "Start the stage with temporary invincibility." (40 SP)
 * Hercules Muscles- "Push movable objects faster." (10 SP)
 * Long Spin Dash- "Your Spin Dash will carry you further." (30 SP)
 * Homing Attack- "Enables the use of Homing Attacks." (100 SP)

Both

 * Power Brake- ''Stop on a dime no matter how fast you run. (60 SP)
 * Sure-Footed- ''Land on your feet after getting damaged. (20 SP)
 * Athleticism- ''Lose less speed moving uphill and in water. (20 SP)
 * Safety Net- ''Begin with 10 Rings after a restart. (40 SP)
 * Last Chance- ''Get an extra life when you're out of lives. (50 SP)
 * 10-Second Rings- ''Dropped Rings take 10 seconds to disappear. (30 SP)
 * Sega Genesis Controller- Play "Sonic the Hedgehog" on the Sega Genesis!
 * Life +1- This gives you one extra life.
 * Infinite Continues- Get infinite continues on the Sega Genesis!
 * Time Brake- Slows down time temporarily. (80 SP)
 * Super Sonic- ''Collect 50 Rings to become Super Sonic. (100 SP)

Secret Statue Room
In the media room there lies a secret area where you can collect many characters with various codes, even characters who didn't appear in the game otherwise.
 * Sonic the Hedgehog
 * Classic Sonic
 * Miles "Tails" Prower
 * Classic Tails
 * Amy Rose
 * Knuckles the Echidna
 * Cream the Rabbit & Cheese
 * Rouge the Bat
 * Espio the Chameleon
 * Blaze the Cat
 * Vector the Crocodile
 * Charmy Bee
 * Chao
 * Omochao
 * Dr. Eggman
 * Classic Eggman
 * Classic Metal Sonic
 * Shadow the Hedgehog
 * Silver the Hedgehog
 * Big the Cat
 * E-123 Omega
 * Jet the Hawk
 * Hero Chao
 * Dark Chao
 * Chip
 * Moto Bug
 * Buzz Bomber
 * Crabmeat
 * Chopper
 * Grabber
 * Spiny
 * Egg Robo
 * Cop Speeder
 * Spinner
 * G.U.N. Hunter
 * Mono Beetle
 * Egg Pawn
 * Iblis Biter
 * Iblis Taker
 * Iblis Worm
 * Egg Fighter
 * Egg Launcher
 * Egg-Cannon
 * Egg Chaser
 * Sandworm
 * Classic Spring
 * Modern Spring
 * Item Box
 * Capsule
 * Goal Plate
 * Goal Ring
 * Ring
 * Chaos Emeralds
 * Launcher
 * Animal Friends

Stages
Stages are divided into 3 eras. Classic, Dreamcast (including Sonic Heroes), and Modern. Levels and Bosses are different between the console and 3DS versions with the exception of Green Hill.

Classic Era

 * Green Hill (Sonic the Hedgehog)
 * Chemical Plant (Sonic the Hedgehog 2)
 * Sky Sanctuary (Sonic the Hedgehog 3 & Knuckles)

Dreamcast Era

 * Speed Highway (Sonic Adventure)
 * City Escape (Sonic Adventure 2)
 * Seaside Hill (Sonic Heroes)

Modern Era

 * Crisis City (Sonic the Hedgehog (2006))
 * Rooftop Run (Sonic Unleashed)
 * Planet Wisp (Sonic Colors)

Bosses

 * Classic Metal Sonic, Stardust Speedway (Sonic CD)
 * Death Egg Robot, Death Egg (Sonic the Hedgehog 2)
 * Perfect Chaos, Station Square (Sonic Adventure)
 * Shadow the Hedgehog, Final Rush (Sonic Adventure 2)
 * Silver the Hedgehog, Crisis City (Sonic the Hedgehog 2006)
 * Egg Dragoon, Eggmanland (Sonic Unleashed)
 * Time Eater, Center of Time (Sonic Generations)

Classic Era

 * Green Hill (Sonic 1)Sonic-Generations-3DS-Japanese-Green-Hill-Zone-Screenshots-2.jpg
 * Casino Night (Sonic 2)
 * Mushroom Hill (Sonic 3 &amp; Knuckles)

Dreamcast Era

 * Emerald Coast (Sonic Adventure)ZL2BS63yaYl4X7CD9j5t62T4W24g8DX9.jpg
 * Radical Highway (Sonic Adventure 2)

Modern Era

 * Water Palace (Sonic Rush)
 * Tropical Resort (Sonic Colors)

Bosses

 * Metal Sonic, Casino Night (Sonic 2 )
 * Shadow the Hedgehog,Radical Highway (Sonic Adventure 2 )
 * Silver the Hedgehog, Tropical Resort (Sonic Colors)
 * Big Arm, Launch Base (Sonic 3)
 * Biolizard
 * Egg Emperor
 * Time Eater, TBA (Sonic Generations)

Special Stages
Special Stages will appear in the 3DS version. The style of the play is akin to the Special Stages in Sonic Heroes. A Chaos Emerald will be achieved if the stage is completed. It hasn't been confirmed whether Super Sonic will be playable. It was called "Unlockable Special Stages" during SEGA's press conference regarding the 3DS version of the game. For the console versions, you collect the Chaos Emeralds by defeating the 3 bosses and 3 rivals, plus one more that is automatically given when both Acts are cleared on "Planet Wisp".

Reception
Since its release, Sonic Generations has received generally positive reviews, with most reviewers praising the different game styles and feel of nostalgia, but criticizing the over-responsive controls and extra levels with Sonic's friends. IGN gave the game an 8.5 out of 10, praising the overall gameplay and the level design, whilst disliking the few boss battles and the occasionally clunky controls. They also criticized the storyline for being superfluous, although they praised it for paying "homage to Sonic games of the past." Destructoid's Jim Sterling gave it an 8 out of 10, noting that "If Sonic Team can keep this up, then the blue blur will most definitely be back on top." Computer and Video Games gave it a 7.5/10, commenting that "the balance of intensity and fairness is just about spot on" from a design perspective, but arguing that the game occasionally moved too fast for the player to respond well to obstacles and that "the framerate dips dramatically" in the 2D sections, which can be jarring. The review added that "it's a shock how much easier on the eyes" the original Sonic the Hedgehog is, "with its thumping great pixels and velvety-smooth parallax scrolling," and that the 3D sections run much smoother because "there's so much action going on in every direction that jerkiness on a single plane is far less noticeable." Finally, the review criticized the addition of characters like Amy, Knuckles, and Cream for side missions while praising "the level of effort and creativity" that went into the "immense" levels. 1UP gave the game a "B" score, writing that "Generations' liberal borrowing from Nintendo's school of game design stands as one of Sega's smartest decisions in years," its "challenges feature an amazing amount of variation" and concluding that it "has quite an array of impressive and fun-to-play levels, full of interesting set pieces that draw from Sonic’s past." Their only complaints were that many levels featured on-rails or auto-pilot sequences "which can be frustrating and often jarring when control is suddenly thrust back into your hands" and that the warning signs which prepare the player for pitfalls are "easy to miss." PlayStation Official Magazine gave it an 8/10, stating that "each act is a masterpiece of platform game design... it’s sprawling and focused all at once, every pixel placed with the express purpose of making you go really, really fast" and noting that the difficulty was so perfectly balanced that "no matter how many times I missed a jump or drowned Sonic (I remain convinced that hedgehogs can swim), I blamed my slow thumbs rather than the game." However, the review felt that "the more stationary challenges – digging for medals with Knuckles, for example – are tedious."

Gallery

 * For more: Sonic Generations/Gallery.

Videos
Video:Sonic Generations - Teaser Trailer HD|Sonic Generations Teaser Trailer Video:Sonic Generations Gameplay Trailer|Official Green Hill gameplay trailer Video:Sonic Generations E3 2011 Trailer CITY ESCAPE|City Escape Trailer Video:Sonic Generations Japanese City Escape trailer with Modern Music!|Japanese City Escape trailer with Modern Escape from the City Video:Sonic Generations: Two Sonics Trailer|Two Sonics trailer Video:Sonic Generations: New Levels Trailer|Classic Era Trailer Video:Sonic Generations - Dreamcast Era Trailer|Dreamcast Era Trailer Video:Sonic GenerationsModern gen Era Trailer|Modern Era Trailer Video:Sonic Generations: All Bosses Trailer|Rivals and Bosses Trailer Video:Sonic Generations: 3DS Gameplay Trailer|3DS Version Trailer Video:Sonic Generations Extended gameplay footage|Modern and Classic Green Hill Zone gameplay Video:E3 2011 Sonic Generations Green Hill Walkthrough Video|Aaron Webber's Green Hill walkthrough Video:Sonic Generations HD Gameplay (Chemical Plant Zone and City Escape)|Chemical Plant and City Escape Modern and Classic Japanese Video:Sonic Generations - Classic Era Gameplay|Classic Era gameplay and Amy. Video:Sonic Generations - Hub World|Hub World Video:Sonic Generations 3DS Gameplay: Comic-Con|Sonic Generations 3DS Comic-Con Gameplay Video:Sonic Generations US Commercial |TV Advert Video:Sonic Generations - Launch Trailer|launch trailer Video:Sonic Generations: NEW Japanese Commercial Trailer|Sonic Generations Japanese Commercial Video:Sonic Generations: IGN Video Review|IGN Video Review

Merchandise
The game had two newly revealed action figures at Comic-Con 2011. Now early on Nintendo has released these official new Sonic Generations shirts to remark the 20th birthday for a kicking price of $82.00 each.

Jazwares has also released a line of Generations themed toys, from a character with an iconic badnik with a picture of a stage to giant stuffed animals.

Adaptations
Archie Comics produced a video game tie-in for Sonic Generations in Sonic The Hedgehog Issue 230.

A short manga for Sonic Generations was released in Japan. It has been presented in a similar format as to the Sonic Unleashed manga and Sonic Colors manga.

Trivia

 * This is the first Sonic game to have 3D capability.
 * Some of the artworks are poses from past video games in the series.
 * This is the first game Classic Sonic, Classic Tails, Classic Metal Sonic, and Classic Dr. Robotnik are rendered in a CGI artwork.
 * One could say that it is Dr. Robotnik's 20th anniversary.
 * Surprisingly, Knuckles', Amy's, Espio's, Vector's, and Charmy's Classic forms never make an appearance in this game, probably because they're characters don't have a huge influence on the time line.
 * Jun Senoue will be mixing tracks for this game. The music also speeds up and slightly changes when Modern Sonic uses his boost.
 * The Classic version of City Escape's theme has a clip of the Endless Mine theme from the multiplayer mode of Sonic the Hedgehog 3.
 * Like Sonic Unleashed (Wii/PS2), when using the boost while on a Dash Panel, Sonic uses a Spin Dash.
 * The E3 Demo, Sonic Boom, is named after the opening theme in the US version of Sonic CD. Crush 40 and Cash Cash performed a remix of this song at Sonic Boom. The original song can also be unlocked in the game and be heard on any stage if the player chooses to change the music for any of the stages.
 * In City Escape, Fang, Bean, Bark can be seen in "wanted" posters, while Mighty and Ray can be seen on a "missing" poster.
 * Like the street signs in Empire City from Sonic Unleashed, City Escape has various buildings named after characters, such as Tails' Pizza, Coffee Blaze, Amy's Market and Vector's Daily.
 * At one point in Green Hill Zone, Modern Sonic is being chased by a giant Chopper, clearly a reference to when he was chased by a whale in both Sonic Adventure and Sonic The Hedgehog (2006).
 * When doing a finish to one of his mid-air Combo Tricks after going through a rainbow-colored hoop or a special dash panel ramp, Modern Sonic does the same widely recognizable pose as he does on the cover for Sonic Adventure.
 * The first 2 gameplay trailer featured an instrumental version of famous songs:
 * Tenderoni by Kele Okereke (Green Hill).
 * Na Na Na by My Chemical Romance (City Escape).
 * Takashi Iizuka revealed that the reason Sonic Generations is coming to the 3DS is because the Wii isn't a good fit for the game, since the primary goal for the console versions is to re-imagine classic stages in vivid, HD graphics. So they decided that, for the Nintendo audience, it would come to the 3DS.
 * This is the first time Modern Sonic gets Boost Energy from both Rings and Enemy Power in a handheld console.
 * This is the first time that Classic Sonic gets a rank on his stages.
 * In this game, Classic Sonic has various waiting animations. One looks similar to Sonic 2, one looks similar to Sonic 3 and one looks similar to Sonic 3D Blast.
 * Red Rings are in the game, but they have been renamed as "Red Star Rings."
 * This game has been in development since Sonic Unleashed was released.
 * If noticed, the PS3/XBOX 360 versions have a white colored design on top and bottom, where as the 3DS version has a replacement for blue, this is reference to the consoles and handheld's version's Japanese name, White Time and Space (PS3, XBOX) and Blue Adventures (3DS).
 * Some of the stages in demos of the 3DS version have been presented with placeholder music. For example, the Big Arm boss fight used Doomsday Zone's music in the E3 2011 demo, but was changed to the final boss theme of Sonic 3 in the Gamescom 2011's demo.
 * Takashi Iizuka recently said via Twitter that, after seeing Sonic CD on Xbox Live, he is upset that they missed their chance for Wacky Workbench in this game, with "bouncy floors and boosting".
 * If noticed, when watching movies in the Collection Room, Sonic sits down and watches a TV screen, as if he's watching the movie with you.
 * This is the first main series Sonic game on the PS3 to have hidden trophies. It is also the first main series Sonic game on the 360 to feature hidden achievements.
 * In the Xbox 360 version of the game, the Statue Room can be accessed by entering the Collection Room and holding down the "Back" button.
 * In this game, Sonic, Tails, Metal Sonic, and Dr. Eggman are the only characters with a Classic form of themselves.
 * The rivals appeared as playable characters in Sonic Rivals.
 * Knuckles is the only rival from Sonic Rivals that is a friend in Sonic Generations as the others are all bosses.
 * In this game, the countdown to drowning starts at 4 instead of 5 although a different tone is played before the countdown starts.
 * On the case cover of the Xbox 360/PS3 version, Modern Sonic's run looks similar to the one on the case cover of Sonic the Hedgehog (2006) which was also released on the 360 and PS3 consoles. On the 3DS one, Modern Sonic looks similar to the one on the case of Sonic Classic Collection, which was released on the DS.
 * Crisis City appears in this game, despite the ending to Sonic '06 erasing the timeline.
 * The Dreamcast Era is the only era in which Dr. Eggman is not a boss.
 * In the E3 demo of Green Hill Act 2 (when the game was in early development), at the beginning of the stage, Sonic said "Ready...Go!", while in the last Demo, he doesn't.
 * When Classic Sonic runs, a blur effect is set in the background.
 * If a 10 Rings box is destroyed, the sound when you got a Ring sounds ten times instead of one.
 * Although no levels from Sonic & the Secret Rings are returning, Sonic makes reference to the events of the game during the second cutscene when he reunites with Tails. "No stranger than rescuing genies from magic books,..."
 * In a cutscene that plays after Modern Sonic finishes Chemical Plant, Tails makes an obvious joke about drowning in Sonic 2's Chemical Plant Act 2, with the exact line being, "This Chemical Plant feels familiar...I'd never forget a smell like this. And that pink water makes me really nervous for some reason."
 * This game follows the events of Sonic Colors according to Dr. Eggman's plan in this game.
 * After Sonic saves Tails, he makes a reference, saying that the stage was "awfully familiar", followed by Tails saying that he doesn't recognize the stage at all. Most likely referencing the fact that Green Hill Zone is a Sonic 1 stage, and Tails was introduced in Sonic 2. Yet in Sonic Chronicles, Tails recognizes Green Hill Zone.
 * This is the second 3D Sonic game where Eggman is the final boss.
 * A floating pot-like enemy from Sonic Colors from various levels, including Planet Wisp, returns in a mission that takes place on that location. This is the first time its English name was revealed, the Sprinkler.
 * Out of all 9 main stages, 3 of the stages are based on the first levels of their respective games (Green Hill Zone, City Escape and Seaside Hill)
 * This is the second Main-3D game to have someone call Dr. Eggman his original name "Dr. Robotnik."
 * For unknown reasons, it appears that all of the stages in the game are shown in the Launch Trailer.
 * If noticed, Classic Metal Sonic's pose is similar to Shadow's.
 * In various points of Crisis City, an ad for "Chao in Space III" can be seen.
 * Sonic Generations is the sixth Sonic game to use Time Travel as a theme. The five others are Sonic CD, Sonic Adventure, Sonic the Hedgehog (2006), Sonic Rivals and Sonic Rivals 2.
 * This is the first game since Sonic & Knuckles to have Super Sonic playable in both normal stages and the final boss.
 * In the cutscene after the final boss, Classic Sonic attempts to use a Sonic Boost but fails.
 * In both versions of the game, Classic Sonic has the ability to perform the Homing Attack. In the console versions, it is a skill purchased in the Skill Shop (the last one, and it uses all skill points). In the 3DS version, it is learned at a certain point in the game, likely before the Dreamcast era.
 * This is the second 3D Sonic Game where players start a new game and taken to the first stage, rather than showing the cutscene first. The other being Sonic Colors.
 * Despite the fact that they never appear in the game itself (with the exeption of cameos) Jet the Hawk, E-123 Omega, Chip, and Big the Cat all have trophies in the secret trophy room.
 * If noticed, Classic Tails just appears out of thin air after the boss battle with the Death Egg Robot.Takashi Iizuka said that their was going to be an explanation but it never got worked into the game's story, and he wanted to leave it open to the fan's opinion.
 * "History of the 1st Stage: White Edition" and "History of the 1st Stage: Blue Edition" are the Japanese Pre-order bonuses for the HD and 3DS versions respectively, not the soundtrack as originally thought. They are both disks with separate soundtracks that consist of music from the first stage of the franchise.
 * One of Classic Sonic's poses bears a resemblance to Modern Sonic's Super Smash Bros. Brawl artwork.
 * The only main series past games that are not referenced are Shadow the Hedgehog and Sonic the Hedgehog 4, however Super Sonic's theme is the Invincibility song from Sonic 4. Both games also have 1 song taken from each (I Am... All of Me from Shadow the Hedgehog, and Splash Hill Zone from Sonic 4).
 * Takashi Iizuka said that three original taglines for the game were "Blast with the Past", "Déjà Blue", and "A Speedy Trip Down Memory Lane".
 * The ending credits theme has the same premise as the ending credits theme of Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, and Sonic & Knuckles in which every stages theme is played.

Pre-Order
All versions of Sonic Generations is available for pre-order:
 * Xbox 360- The Xbox 360 Version is available to pre-order at Gamestop for $49.99.
 * PlayStation 3- The PS3 Version is available to pre-order at Gamestop for the same Price as the Xbox 360 Version.
 * Nintendo 3DS- The Nintendo 3DS Version is available for pre-order at Game.co.uk for £39.99.
 * PC- The PC Version is available for pre-order at Direct2Drive for $26.95. It can also be pre-ordered on Steam for $30.00


 * Links
 * Xbox 360 and PS3 Pre-Orders
 * Nintendo 3DS Pre-Order
 * PC Pre-Order
 * Steam Pre-Order
 * GameStop Pre-Order