History VideoGame / SonicGenerations

* ABirthdayNotABreak: The Time Eater crashes Sonic's birthday party in the game's opening.

* AlternateContinuity: Sonic's friends are absent from the 3DS version, due to Sonic arriving at the party before it began and nobody but Tails was present since he was still setting up. Then the Time Eater just attacks the two. Also, the 3DS version has Classic Sonic learn how to use the Homing Attack, and [[spoiler:at the end, how to Boost.]]
* AlternateTimeline: If ''VideoGame/SonicForces'' is to be believed, the two Eggmen's attempts to change the timeline resulted in Classic Sonic's world diverging into a new timeline leading into ''VideoGame/SonicMania''.

** In the epilogue, [[spoiler:two different time-period versions of Eggman are stuck in a state of absolute ''nothing'' for what appears to be a long, long time. [[NegativeContinuity They return back to their respective worlds the next time we see them though.]] ]]

** A subtle one: Shadow has that [[VideoGame/ShadowTheHedgehog DAMN fourth Chaos Emerald]] as a reward for his rival fight in the HD version. (His rival fight just unlocks the boss in the 3DS version, as Chaos Emeralds are gained through Special Stages in it.)

* AutobotsRockOut: The first half of the Perfect Chaos battle and the [[ThemeMusicPowerUp Theme Music Power Ups]] that occur in Shadow's Rival Battle are all accompanied by Music/Crush40. On top of that, you have the option of replacing the default theme of any level, even the FinalBoss, with any of the available Sonic music they unlock, which just so happens to include ''[[VideoGame/SonicAdventure Open Your Heart, It Doesn't Matter]]'', ''[[VideoGame/SonicAdventure2 Live and Learn]]'', ''[[VideoGame/SonicHeroes Sonic Heroes, What I'm Made Of]]'', ''[[VideoGame/ShadowTheHedgehog I Am (All of Me)]]'', ''[[VideoGame/SonicTheHedgehog2006 His World]]'', ''[[VideoGame/SonicUnleashed Endless Possibilities]]'', and ''[[VideoGame/SonicColors Reach For The Stars]]''.

* LazyArtist: In the 3DS version, Classic Sonic's first three zones are copied directly from the original games' first acts, instead of the wholly unique layouts seen in other zones. Mushroom Hill in particular has a useless checkpoint right before the goalpost, since the miniboss was removed but the layout wasn't changed.

* LostFoodGrievance: That poor chili dog... [[spoiler:At least it comes back eventually.]]
%%* TheLostWoods: Mushroom Hill.

** An entire section of Modern [[VideoGame/SonicHeroes Seaside Hill]] is practically devoted to remastering Ocean Palace. That's right, they haven't just [[SubliminalSeduction subliminally seduced you]] with the use of putting traits from older ''Sonic'' series selections into newer songs, but they mashed-up two themes from Zones of the same category!

* NostalgiaLevel: Every level in the game is derived from old ''Sonic'' games, though the level design is mostly new. It works both ways; Modern Sonic plays through classic stages with the new style of gameplay, and Classic Sonic plays through newer stages with nostalgic gameplay.

* PlayingTennisWithTheBoss: One side mission requires you to bat music notes back and forth with Vector.

* RetCon:

** After beating the Biolizard in the 3DS version, Sonic claims that he's beaten it before, although it was actually Shadow who fought it last time (in ''Sonic Adventure 2''). (He ''may'' have been referring to its subsequent form as "The Finalhazard", but he was explaining why he found the fight so easy, so that wouldn't have made a great deal of sense in context.)

** Blaze's character missions in Crisis City and Planet Wisp features Blaze outright [[{{Flight}} flying like a bird]] seemingly without the aid of the Sol Emeralds or her [[PlayingWIthFire Pyrokinesis]]. At no point was it ever hinted that she possesses such an ability.

'''Both Tails''': ''"[[CaptainObvious We're traveling through time and space!]]"''

'''Both Tails''': ''"We're traveling through time and space!"''

''Sonic Generations'' is a main series title in the ''[[Franchise/SonicTheHedgehog Sonic]]'' franchise, released in 2011 for the UsefulNotes/PlayStation3, UsefulNotes/{{Xbox 360}}, the PC (via UsefulNotes/{{Steam}}), and the UsefulNotes/Nintendo3DS to commemorate Sonic's [[MilestoneCelebration 20th anniversary]]. The HD version, [[MarketBasedTitle subtitled "White Time-Space" in Japanese]], is the main version of the game, while the 3DS version, subtitled "Blue Adventure" in Japanese, is a ReformulatedGame with some aspects unique to it.

Classic Sonic's gameplay takes heavily from the UsefulNotes/SegaGenesis installments of the series: TwoAndAHalfD gameplay with a focus on momentum-based platforming and maintaining a top speed by taking the optimal route through the stages. Modern Sonic, meanwhile, varies depending on the version: the HD version plays like ''VideoGame/SonicUnleashed''[='=]s daytime stages and the Wii version of ''VideoGame/SonicColors'', with Sonic boosting through stages that switch between 3D and side-scrolling segments, while the 3DS version is entirely side-scrolling, more akin to ''VideoGame/SonicRush''.

The two Sonics' journey takes them through three eras: [[UsefulNotes/The16BitEraOfConsoleVideoGames Classic]], [[UsefulNotes/TheSixthGenerationOfConsoleVideoGames Dreamcast]], and [[UsefulNotes/TheSeventhGenerationOfConsoleVideoGames Modern]]. The HD and 3DS versions have different levels and bosses: the only shared aspects are the famous GreenHillZone from ''[[VideoGame/SonicTheHedgehog1 Sonic 1]]'', the rival battles, and the FinalBoss.

* MercyMode: The UsefulNotes/Nintendo3DS version of the game's TimeAttack mode and the Challenges in the other versions counts as this. Previous handheld ''Sonic'' games sent you straight to the "retry/change-zone/change-character/quit" menu after either finishing the level or dying, but in ''Generations'' this happens only after having completed the stage; dying results in either restarting the stage or respawning at the last checkpoint instead. This means you can practice sections as much as you please. However, respawning at a checkpoint ''[[ContinuingIsPainful doesn't set the timer to whatever time you happened to run past said checkpoint.]]'' So, if scoring a perfect time is your top priority, you have to restart the level manually.

*** On that note, Classic Seaside Hill greatly resembles the UsefulNotes/NintendoDS version of ''[[VideoGame/SegaSuperstars Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing]]''[='=]s Seaside Hill.

** The cover of "[[VideoGame/SonicR Super Sonic Racing]]" samples [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyv6ZehQyTQ this]] UsefulNotes/SegaSaturn promo; more precisely, the lines "I have arranged for you to meet my... companion," "Introducing Sega Saturn!" and "We are five years away from entering the 21st century... but are you ready for the future?"

** Classic Sonic looks ''exactly'' like the original Sonic design from the Genesis games, starting with the coloring details (black irises and flesh-colored eyelids), all the way to the animations and sound — even the CheekyMouth looks identical. He’s closer to his smaller and cuter Japanese design, as opposed to his [[AmericanKirbyIsHardcore attitude-infused Western design]] used on the box-art for the US versions of the original UsefulNotes/SegaGenesis trilogy (which Sonic Team admittedly hated).

[[caption-width-right:350:[[{{Tagline}} Three Eras, Two Sonics, Two Ways to Play, One Epic Adventure.]]]]
->"''Double the speed, double the fun!\\
Celebrate 20 years of Sonic with ''Sonic Generations''.''"
-->-- '''Sega.com'''

''Sonic Generations'' is a main series title in the ''[[Franchise/SonicTheHedgehog Sonic]]'' franchise, released in 2011 for the UsefulNotes/PlayStation3, UsefulNotes/{{Xbox 360}}, the PC (via UsefulNotes/{{Steam}}), and the UsefulNotes/Nintendo3DS to commemorate Sonic's [[MilestoneCelebration 20th anniversary]]. The HD version, [[MarketBasedTitle subtitled "White Time-Space" in Japan]], is the main version of the game, while the 3DS version, subtitled "Blue Adventure" in Japan, is a ReformulatedGame with some aspects unique to it.

** In the English version, the game even acknowledges the [[DubNameChange Eggman/Robotnik]] debacle when [[spoiler:Classic]] Eggman states that no one calls him by his real name anymore. (He was always Eggman in Japanese, so that exchange is absent there.)

* TheForeignSubtitle: In Japan, the 360/[=PS3=] versions of the game are titled ''Sonic Generations: White Time and Space'', while the 3DS version is titled ''Sonic Generations: Blue Adventure''. In western territories, all versions of the game are simply titled ''Sonic Generations''. Even so, both versions have a white or blue backdrop on the boxart.

* LawOfOneHundred: The game returns to giving an extra life at 100 rings, which had been not used in ''VideoGame/SonicColors''.

* MirrorBoss: The Rival Battle with Shadow. Until one of them gets a power-up, or Sonic falls too far behind Shadow, the two hedgehogs basically have identical abilities, boosting included.

* MultiSlotCharacter: The basic premise of the game is that Sonic's classic and modern versions are both playable characters each with their own gameplay style based on the era their from.
* MultiStageBattle: During the final boss battle, the debris floating around the arena is from the previous stages, and the era they're from changes each time you hit the boss. (i.e. Classic Era at the beginning, Dreamcast Era after the first hit, and Modern Era after the second hit.)

Classic Sonic's gameplay takes heavily from the UsefulNotes/SegaGenesis installments of the series: TwoAndAHalfD gameplay with a focus on momentum-based platforming and maintaining a top speed by taking the optimal route through the stages. Modern Sonic, meanwhile, varies depending on the version: the HD version plays like ''VideoGame/SonicUnleashed''[='=]s daytime stages and the Wii version of ''VideoGame/SonicColors'', with Sonic boosting through stages that switch between 3D and side-scrolling segments, while the 3DS version is entirely side-scrolling, more akin to the ''VideoGame/{{Sonic Rush|Series}}'' series and the DS version of ''Sonic Colors''.

** ''VideoGame/{{Sonic Rush|Series}}'': Water Palace

* TwoAndAHalfD: Used to varying degrees. Classic Sonic's gameplay focus remains strictly on a 2D plane in a 3D environment (and occasional 3D set pieces), while Modern Sonic's gameplay uses the same formula used for ''VideoGame/SonicColors'' and ''VideoGame/SonicUnleashed'''s Daytime stages. The 3DS version is entirely in [=2.5D=], but with the ''VideoGame/{{Sonic Rush|Series}}'' feel for Modern and a platforming-focused feel of the Genesis games for Classic.

* MercyMode: The UsefulNotes/Nintendo3DS version of the game's TimeAttack mode and the Challenges in the other versions counts as this. Previous [[VideoGame/SonicAdvanceTrilogy handheld]] [[VideoGame/SonicRushSeries Sonic]] [[VideoGame/SonicColors games]]' time attacks sent you straight to the "retry/change-zone/change-character/quit" menu after either finishing the level or dying, but in ''Generations'' this happens only after having completed the stage; dying results in either restarting the stage or respawning at the last checkpoint instead. This means you can practice sections as much as you please. However, respawning at a checkpoint ''[[ContinuingIsPainful doesn't set the timer to whatever time you happened to run past said checkpoint.]]'' So, if scoring a perfect time is your top priority, you have to restart the level manually.

** ''[[VideoGame/Sonic3AndKnuckles Sonic & Knuckles]]'': Mushroom Hill Zone

* TheHerosBirthday: The game kicks off [[spoiler:(and ends)]] at Sonic's birthday party.

** The character bios in the trophy room specifically do not allow you to rotate them more than waist-weight, preventing you from using it to look up Amy and Cream's skirts.

* VideoGamePerversityPrevention: The skill set names can only use two preset words instead of allowing for player input, and while the "&" that's always added to them seems completely unneeded, it does prevent any potential innuendos the players could use the available words for. If you tried naming your skill set "Love Maker", you'd get "Love & Maker" instead.

* EvilIsNotAToy: Subverted for once. Pretty much every 3D Sonic game before and since this one has had Dr. Eggman attempt to use or control another being to further his goal of taking over the world, only to inevitably get betrayed near the end. [[spoiler: In this game, Eggman harnesses the power of the Time Eater and takes control of it for his own use... and is completely successful, never getting betrayed by the creature at any point.

** Near the beginning, Sonic makes a call back to ''VideoGame/SonicAndTheSecretRings'' and ''Videogame/SonicColors'' in the same sentence:

** Modern Sonic remarks to Tails that the Time Eater's handiwork is nothing special, considering the [[VideoGame/SonicStorybookSeries genies in magic books]] and [[VideoGame/SonicColors interstellar amusement parks]] they've dealt with in the past. Sonic sounds almost resigned to his status as a WeirdnessMagnet when delivering the line in question.

* CallBack: The game script does a couple of nods to other adventures, mostly ''Videogame/SonicColors'' which is Creator/KenPontac debut as a writer for the series.
** Near the beginning, Sonic makes a call back to the ''[[VideoGame/SonicStorybookSeries Secret Rings]]'' and ''[[Videogame/SonicColors Sonic Colors]]'' in the same sentence:

%%* TalkingToHimself:
%%** [[spoiler:Mike Pollock talking to himself as the Eggmen.]]
%%** Kate Higgins talking to herself as the Classic and Modern Tails.

* AgelessBirthdayEpisode: Sonic is still 15.

* CuttingOffTheBranches: Metal Sonic's Rival Battle heavily implies that the Metal Sonic race in ''VideoGame/SonicCD'' took place in the Bad Future. [[note]] While one could argue that the Time Eater may be responsible for Stardust Speedway appearing in its Bad Future state, note that the beginning of ''[[VideoGame/SonicTheHedgehog4 Sonic 4: Episode Metal]]'' also has Metal Sonic in the Bad Future, which also heavily implies the race took place there. [[/note]]

* MuseumGame: The game is basically traveling through the past of ''Sonic'', with a lot of extras on the side. It contains levels themed entirely after locations from previous games in the ''VideoGame/SonicTheHedgehog'' franchise. There's also a gallery of concept art, information on characters in the series, and the ability to earn music from the series.

''Sonic Generations'' is a main series title in the ''[[VideoGame/SonicTheHedgehog Sonic]]'' franchise, released in 2011 for the UsefulNotes/PlayStation3, UsefulNotes/{{Xbox 360}}, the PC (via UsefulNotes/{{Steam}}), and the UsefulNotes/Nintendo3DS to commemorate Sonic's [[MilestoneCelebration 20th anniversary]]. The HD version, [[MarketBasedTitle subtitled "White Time-Space" in Japan]], is the main version of the game, while the 3DS version, subtitled "Blue Adventure" in Japan, is a ReformulatedGame with some aspects unique to it.

* AutobotsRockOut: The first half of the Perfect Chaos battle and the [[ThemeMusicPowerUp Theme Music Power Ups]] that occur in Shadow's Rival Battle are all accompanied by Crush40. On top of that, you have the option of replacing the default theme of any level, even the FinalBoss, with any of the available Sonic music they unlock, which just so happens to include ''[[VideoGame/SonicAdventure Open Your Heart, It Doesn't Matter]]'', ''[[VideoGame/SonicAdventure2 Live and Learn]]'', ''[[VideoGame/SonicHeroes Sonic Heroes, What I'm Made Of]]'', ''[[VideoGame/ShadowTheHedgehog I Am (All of Me)]]'', ''[[VideoGame/SonicTheHedgehog2006 His World]]'', ''[[VideoGame/SonicUnleashed Endless Possibilities]]'', and ''[[VideoGame/SonicColors Reach For The Stars]]''.

->"''Double the speed, double the fun!''\\
''Celebrate 20 years of Sonic with Sonic Generations.''"

---> '''Tails:''' This place looks like something sucked out of life and color of it. Totally strange.\\

---> (In ''Colors'') '''Cubot:''' "Your plans have been crushed by Sonic for, like ever. He stops you like it's his job or something."\\
(In ''Generations'') '''Sonic:''' "Seriously, we beat this guy every time. It's like it's our job or something."

** One of the words available to name your Skill Sets with is "Skillz."

->''"Hey, Sonic! Enjoy your future, it's gonna be great!"''

* TheBusCameBack: Several supporting characters return with speaking roles after years of absence. This includes the entire playable cast of ''VideoGame/SonicHeroes'' (except Omega), as well as [[VideoGame/SonicTheHedgehog2006 Silver and Blaze]].

* EarlyInstallmentCharacterDesignDifference: A retroactive case for the Classic Sonic Dimension. The Badniks [[note]] Moto Bugs, Buzz Bombers, Crabmeats, Choppers, Newtrons, Buzzers, and Eggrobos [[/note]] encountered by Classic Sonic in both versions of Sonic Generations [[note]] Console and 3DS [[/note]] share the same "Modern" design, compared to the more faithful "Classic" designs they would later have in [[VideoGame/SonicMania Sonic Mania]].

* MusicalSpoiler: The identity of each boss is hidden until you fight them. However, standing in front of the boss gate will play a remix of the boss's respective battle music, giving away the boss's identity to any ''Sonic'' fan familiar with the games' soundtracks. This is subverted in the case of the second two bosses, at least: Perfect Chaos' is "Perfect Chaos Revival!" rather than the more recognizable "Open Your Heart", while Egg Dragoon's is "E.G.G.M.A.N.", which indicates that it's Eggman, but not any particular form of his.

** In the epilogue, [[spoiler:two different time-period versions of Eggman are stuck in a state of absolute ''nothing'' for what appears to be a long, long time.]]

** Compared to Eggman's begging for help when he's captured after the Death Egg fight, Eggman has no objections when the Time Eater grabs him after the Egg Dragoon battle and it takes place in a fraction of the time as the first. [[spoiler:With the revelation that the Time Eater is controlled by the two Eggmen, one can see that the first fight was deliberately thrown and that the second was actually a rescue.]]

* VideoGamePerversityPrevention: While the "&" that's always added to skill set names seems completely unneeded, it does prevent any potential innuendos the players could use the preset words for. If you tried naming your skill set "Love Maker", you'd get "Love & Maker" instead.