Sonic X Shadow Generationsprimarily serves to introduce fans of theSonicmovies to everything that makes the games special. WithSonic Generationsbeing designed as a sort of interactive history museum for the mainline games,Shadow Generationscomes in as a playable overview of Shadow the Hedgehog as a character, which was released just prior toSonic the Hedgehog 3’s theatrical debut. That said,Sonic X Shadow Generationsis one title that die-hard fans won’t want to miss out on, as though it may act as an introductory title for many new players, it resurrects long-standing series lore to create a package full of references, nostalgia, and even closure for fans ofSonic Adventure 2andShadow the Hedgehog.
One of the additions made to the newly remasteredSonic Generationsis the Chao Rescue feature. According to the head of Sonic Team, the Chao Rescue feature was introduced so players who knew the originalGenerationsfront-to-back would find new things to excite them throughout their newest playthrough. In each level, players can find three Chao that are lost and need to be guided back to White Space. Based on early press screenshots, and from previous attempts atincluding Chao in games likeTeam Sonic Racing, it was easy to assume that it would be the standard Neutral, Dark, and Hero Chao that were scattered in each stage. Now that the game is out, though, the variety of Chao to save is incredibly impressive.
What Chao Can Be Found Through Sonic X Shadow Generations' Chao Rescue Feature
Chao Found in Green Hill Zone
A key aspect of Chao that makes the critters so special is their evolution and alignment dynamics. The Neutral Chao serves as the starting form a Chao can take, whilethe standard Dark and Hero Chaorepresent the alignments respectively. Beyond these three, however, there are so many possibilities that it’s hard to count them all. Few of these forms have had significant representation outsideSonic AdventureandSonic Adventure 2, so it’s rather surprising to see so many of them appear inSonic Generationsafter so long.
Which form a Chao takes is decided by the many choices the player makes in theAdventuregames. The blue-and-black Chao found in Modern Sonic’s Green Hill Zone level, for instance, can only be obtained by raising a Chao witha Dark character like Shadowwhile giving them swim-stat-boosting Chaos Drives and animals. Once the Chao evolves, players can then give their Chao fly-stat-boosting items to create the very same Swim-Fly Dark Chao for themselves. There are three specific Chao that can be raised to look like Sonic and Shadow, but one Chao has been dubbed to be the “NiGHTS” Chao by fans. This is the fully Fly Neutral Chao found in Classic Sonic’s Green Hill Zone.
Chao Found in Chemical Plant Zone
This set of Chao is where the diversity in the Rescue feature really shines, as both the characteristic expressions and optional hats Chao can wear areshown off in Chemical Plant Zone. Some fans might mistake Classic Sonic’s Hero Chao for the original one, but the markings and shape of its rounded points on the top of its head are slightly different to denote its age. Another interesting thing fans may not notice is how two of the Dark Chao feature a unique expression here, when Dark Chao often have a sort of angry expression in their eyes at all times.
Chao Found in Sky Sanctuary
Sky Sanctuary features a solid red Chao that fans should recognize from a Black Market Chao egg. Out of all the Chao that have gone unrecognized by the series in recent years, these are one of the most excluded. The two-tone egg-wearing Chao from Chemical Plant Zone is similar in that two-tone Chao of different colors than normal can only be obtained through breeding.
Chao Found in Speed Highway
Due to the pot that’s on the first Chao fans will find in Act 1, it’s hard to tell exactly which Power Hero Chao it is. Out of all the Chao featured inSonic X Shadow Generations, only one of the same types is shown twice, and the Fly-Power Hero Chao is the closest to its body markings. Chaos Chao, like the “Light” Chaos Chao from earlier, are special types that can only be raised when certain conditions are met. This includes giving a Chao at least one of every animal found inSonic Adventure 2, so getting a Chaos Chao is a rather prestigious achievement for fans. The names “Light”, “Devil”, and “Angel” for them are fan-made as well. It’s also possible that the adult Run Neutral Chao was included to serve as a “Classic Sonic” Chao.
Chao Found in City Escape
Just like the NiGHTS Chao, the Sonic Chao can be made by continuing to give run-type items to a Chao that’s evolved into a Run-Neutral Chao. It’ll be a gradual transformation, but one that’s worth it as the Sonic Chao is s splitting image of the blue blur. Due to its likeness to the most famous hedgehog, the Sonic Chao is incredibly popular with fans.
Chao Found in Seaside Hill
Out of all the character Chao fans know, the Knuckles Chao is one of three interesting cases. Unlike the Sonic, Shadow, and NiGHTS Chao, Knuckles, Tails, and Amy Chao were given away on special discs at special events in Japan and rarely at any other time. The only one that made its way to other regions officially was the Tails Chao, which could be given awaythroughPhantasy Star OnlineEpisode 1 and II. As a result, games likeSonic X Shadow Generationsare some of the few official chances these special character Chao get to shine.
Chao Found in Crisis City
There’s a chance that the Chao with an apple hat is meant to reference the final fight in beginnerChao Karate inSonic Adventure 2.
Chao Found in Rooftop Run
Chao Found in Planet Wisp
Raising a Shadow Chao is very similar to how a Sonic Chao is raised; giving an evolved Chao run-type items for them to gradually become a Shadow Chao. However, the biggest and only difference is that the Shadow Chao is a Dark Chao, meaning that they need to be raised with a Dark character like Shadow himself. It takes patience, but fans of Shadow would likely enjoy raising this Chao for themselves thanks to the resemblance alone.
Those looking to raise a Shadow ChaoinSonic Adventure DXget around the lack of Dark characters by giving their Chao Dark Fruit from the Black Market. The same goes for any Hero Chao players would like to raise.
Sonic X Shadow Generations
WHERE TO PLAY
THE RETURN OF SHADOWIn this new standalone campaign, Shadow’s nemesis, Black Doom, has reemerged and threatens to take over the world once again. Shadow must journey into his past, confront his painful memories, and unlock new dark powers to save the world.
SHADOW EVOLVEDHarness Shadow’s new Doom Powers to battle hordes of enemies and tackle platforming challenges like never before. Surf on water, fly over obstacles, and stop time with the return of Chaos Control!A JOURNEY THROUGH TIME AND DIMENSIONSExperience the ultimate showdown between Shadow and Black Doom in a new boss battle that will test your skills and reflexes. Use all of Shadow’s abilities to defeat Black Doom and save the world!EXPLORE THE NEW WHITE SPACEStretch your legs in an all-new hub world inspired by the open-zone gameplay of Sonic Frontiers. As Shadow gains new powers, he can explore further and uncover the secrets hidden throughout!
