Album: SXSG OST “Perfect | Reflections”
Various Artists
Video Game Music
Released by: Sega, Sega Sound Team, Wave Master (a music distributor, and label from Sega Sammy Group)
Out: October 25th 2024
Note: This article is a review of the in-game soundtrack. There will be a physical release on December 25th. SEGA has yet to announce a full digital soundtrack release at this time. However, with the digital deluxe edition, music is included with the game. Sadly, it contains songs from past games, and not the in game soundtrack.
Preorder links, will be made available at the end of the article
Re-Introduction:
Back in 2011, Sega had plans to celebrate the twentieth anniversary of Sonic the Hedgehog.
Sonic Generations contains a mix of classic and modern stages with a “timey-wimey-wibbly-wobbly” twist. Plus the music featured a mix of genres, from rock, club, trance, house and more. It raised the bar on what we heard from a video game soundtrack, and it was epic.
Now many years later, Sonic X Shadow Generations, a remaster with new content emerged. A remix of the past, and present, now featuring a new lost chapter with Shadow (Sonic’s rival / friend). Exploring lost memories, but also Shadow mending with those he lost, given a second chance. But also battling his demons.
Sound design of Shadow Generations:
The best way to describe some of the amazing ideas utilized in the game audio, is the use of mixing. But not in the way, you are thinking. Awhile back, Capcom’s Street Fighter 3: Third Strike used three different versions of a characters theme, in the Dreamcast port. First round would be the original mix, second round was the remix, and third is the final round mix. The third combining the previous two mixes, but the beats and melody go harder. But the most impressive thing, is that it feels like a live DJ is mixing.
Another game that used this sound design, is Sega’s Jet Set Radio. Each song that played in a level mix, would be broken down, and a part of the song would share its melody, transferring to the next track. The songs would not overlap, but they would blend together, creating a hybrid mix of the first song, and the new one. And it would be an awesome experience.
The crazy part about both of these titles, SF3TS was an arcade game, and JSR was a console game. Both of them were built on two different platforms, but somehow used the same idea in two unique ways. From then to now, it is totally possible some of the sound team worked on, or were inspired by those games to create the sound design for Shadow Generations
Sonic and Sega All Stars Transformed
This game used a similar sound design concept just like SF3TS. As a racing game, you would take on three laps, but as you completed a track it would shift in its form, plus your vehicle would adapt too. The music would also shift, as the level transformed all around you. The soundtrack would mix between the variations of the stage theme. Plus it would get more intense within the final lap.
Another game that used a unique sound design concept is Capcom’s Devil May Cry 5. Depending on the combo ranking you obtain while in the battle the music would start out soft, then it gets louder as the combo and stylish rank increases. Some songs in the soundtrack would mix with the combat making it a unique experience with each playthrough.
Tracklist:
Stage I:
Space Colony Ark: Act I (Teddyloid X Jun Senoue Remix)
Originally by: Jun Senoue
From: Sonic Adventure 2, and Shadow the Hedgehog
Space Colony: Act II
Remix by: ???
Stage II:
Rail Canyon Act I
Remix by: ???
Originally by: Jun Senoue
From: Sonic Heroes
Rail Canyon Act II [Bullet Station]
Remix by: ???
Originally by: Jun Senoue
From: Sonic Heroes
“Supporting Me” (RichaadEB) Remix
Boss theme of Biolizard
Originally by: Jun Senoue
From: Sonic Adventure 2
Stage III:
Kingdom Valley: Act I (Audissi Studios Remix)
Audissi Studio, is made by Richard Jacques, a longtime collaborating artist with Sega on numerous games
Originally composed by: Mariko Nanba
From: Sonic the Hedgehog 2006
Kingdom Valley: Act II
Remix by: ???
Stage IV:
Sunset Heights Act I
Remix by: ???
Originally by: Tomoya Ohtani
From: Sonic Forces
Sunset Heights Act II
Remix by: ???
“What I’m Made Of”
Boss theme of Metal Overlord
Originally by: Crush 40
From: Sonic Heroes
“For True Story”
Circuit Freq Remix
Circuit Freq Label
Original Rival Battle: Shadow the Hedgehog
From: Sonic Generations
Stage V:
Chaos Island: Act I (R.B.U. Remix)
Originally composed by: Tomoya Ohtani
From: Sonic Frontiers
Chaos Island: Act II
Remix by: ???
Stage VI:
Radical Highway Act I
“Vengeance is Mine”, theme of Radical Highway Act I
Remix by:
Originally by: Jun Senoue, and Takeshi Taneda
From: Sonic Adventure 2
Radical Highway Act II
Remix by: ???
Boss Theme I:
Boss Theme II: “All Hail Shadow”
Boss theme of Devil Doom / Neo Devil Doom.
Remix by: ???
Originally by: Crush 40
From: Shadow the Hedgehog
“?”
Boss Theme I:
Boss Theme II:
Boss theme of Mephiles
Originally composed by: Hideaki Kobayashi
From: Sonic the Hedgehog 2006
GWIZ
“Throw It All Away” (Retrospective version)
Sonic Adventure 2, Shadow’s Theme
Originally by: Everett Bradley
Producer: Taka Umeno
Dark Beginnings (Animation)
“Without You” ending theme
From: Dark Beginnings (animated series)
Lyrics, and vocals performed by Singer, Songwriter: Casey Lee Williams
Composed by: Jun Senoue, of the band Crush 40, and Sega Sound Team
(Westopolis will be included as downloadable content, featuring bonus missions, and music. But some of its theme can be heard within level breakdown sequences)
Westopolis Act I (TeddyLoid X Jun Senoue Remix)
Originally by: Jun Senoue
From: Shadow the Hedgehog
Westopolis Act II
Remix by:???
Featuring additional artists:
The Qemists
S.A.M.E. (Sonic Adventure Music Experience)
The entire soundtrack is incredible, every song delivers an awesome, and epic vibe. Some tracks even make you feel powerful, just like Shadow is within the game. Each act contains two different versions, both are remixes, but still retain the melody of the original song. Boss themes vary, as they are awesome remixes from past games.
The best part about the entire Sonic series, is that every game, past and present delivers an incredible experience. With songs that are super catchy, and you cannot help but sing, or dance along to it. Whether you are a long time fan, or just diving in. Sonic X Shadow Generations is a must own.
Physical soundtrack release preorder links:
Amazon Music
Play-asia
CDJapan
Plus you can pickup this awesome game physically, and digitally at any of your favorite retailers
Sonic X Shadow Generations
