Summary
The Sonic games have deliveredsome excellent storiesthroughout the decades, butSonic X Shadow Generationsset a new standard for the series. Writer Ian Flynn (known for his work on the Sonic comics) rewrote the script for the Blue Blur’s campaign and created an entirely new story starring Shadow. Both narratives are love letters to the series, and with them comes plenty of memorable dialogue.
The writing in Sonic X Shadow Generations is top-notch, providing chuckle-worthy quips, heart-wrenching goodbyes, and many references to previous games. There are plenty of stand-out moments, but the following quotes will stick with you long after the credits roll.
8"Without Light, There’s Only Darkness, But A Shadow Will Help You Find The Light.”
- Maria Robotnik
Maria has no shortage of great dialogue in Shadow Generations, and this moment is among the most heartwarming. When Shadow’s hatred for Black Doom nearly consumes him, the professor’s granddaughter keeps him grounded by explaining the meaning behind his name.
Not only does the line providecontext to Shadow’s backstory, but it’s also a wholesome moment between the two friends. No matter what, Maria always sees the good inside him, and her love and support play a significant role in helping him defeat Black Doom once and for all.
7"It’s The Exact Same Time When You Asked Earlier, And It Will Be The Exact Same Time When You Ask Later. There Is No Time Here!”
- Dr. Eggman
Nothing is more satisfying than watching Eggman receive a well-deserved spoonful of karma, and the final scene from Sonic Generations is no exception. When his younger self asks for the time, the doctor furiously reminds him that they’re trapped in an empty void where time doesn’t exist.
The argument between the two scientists is hilarious as they both attempt to pin the blame on the other. It’s the perfect way to showcase the character’s trademark arrogance and pettiness, with some excellent comedic timing from voice actor Mike Pollock to boot.
6"Well Then, It’ll Be A Date To Die For."
- Shadow The Hedgehog
Sonic X Shadow Generations has plenty of Easter Eggs, and you can find a few in the dialogue between the two hedgehogs before the Mephiles boss. This quote, in particular, is Shadow’s response to Sonic’s line, “That Chaos Emerald and I have a date with a monster.”
This exchange references a cutscene from Sonic Heroes, where the two rivals have almost the exact same conversation while meeting in the jungle. Additionally, the rest of their dialogue is taken almost word-for-word from Sonic Adventure 2. It’s a nice nod to the GameCube era.
5"No Stranger Than Fighting Evil Genies Or Saving Aliens In An Interstellar Amusement Park.”
- Sonic The Hedgehog
Nothing surprises Sonic - not even time-traveling monsters. However, it’s for a good reason. Beforethe Chemical Plant level, the Blue Blur mentions that he’s seen it all before, from evil genies to interstellar amusement parks.
This line references the plots of Sonic and the Secret Rings and Sonic Colors, respectively. It’s a nice homage to the series' history, especially since it brings some much-needed continuity to the game. Plus, it perfectly fits Sonic’s carefree, optimistic personality. Even in his most dire situation yet, he still reassures everyone that it’s nothing he can’t handle.
4"I Beat You All The Time By Myself, And Now There’s Two Of Me!”
You can’t have a Sonic game without a few good quips, and this one is the best in the game. When confronting Eggman’s colossal time-eating monster, the blue hedgehog manages to keep his cool and pull out this savage zinger.
The line fully encapsulates what makes Sonic great: his smug personality, fearless demeanor, and undying faith in his friends (or, in this case, his past self). No matter how grave the situation, you may always count on him to make you smile. Plus, it’s always fun to watch him push Eggman’s buttons.
3"If Fate Draws Us Apart, I Will Always Be In Your Heart.”
The ending of Shadow’s campaign is a real tear-jerker, thanks to his heart-wrenching goodbye to Maria. As she and Gerald disappear into the past, she reassures Shadow that even if they never meet again, she’ll always be with him in spirit.
Despite Shadow’s warnings about what will happen to them when they return, Maria never stops smiling or loses hope. Instead, she gladfully goes back to her time so the anomaly can be repaired. It’s both a bittersweet ending and an excellent way to flesh out her character.
2"Hey, Sonic! Enjoy Your Future. It’s Gonna Be Great!”
Looking back at the original Sonic Generations from 2011, the Blue Blur’s farewell to his younger self hasn’t exactly aged well, given how many fumbles the series has had since. In the remaster, however, the line takes on a different context.
Sonic X Shadow Generations is easilyone of Sega’s best video games, bringing somewhat of a resurgence to the series. Now, Sonic’s promise that the future will be great contains a tinge of hope, wrapping up the story with a nice, optimistic bow.
1"I Am Shadow The Hedgehog. This Is The Destiny I Choose!"
Shadow has haddozens of cool moments throughout the series, but his final words for Black Doom take the cake. Right before delivering the final blow, the Ultimate Life Form proudly proclaims that he won’t allow anyone to decide his fate except himself, finally breaking free of the alien’s control.
Not only is this line incredibly satisfying, but it’s also a nod to the endings of Shadow’s first solo game, each of which involves him finding clarity for his purpose in life. It’s the perfect way to wrap up his character arc and one of the coolest moments in the entire game.
