Summary
In a strange twist of events, the plannedSonic x Shadow Generationsanime, aptly titled Sonic x Shadow Generations: Dark Beginnings will have PlayStation exclusive content. The anime, which is set to release later this year, ties into the upcoming video game, and it will “shed light on the ultimate life form.” What that exclusive content is and how it factors into the larger project remains to be seen, though it’s a noteworthy twist, given the anime’s presumed importance to the video game,which is set to release on PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch and PC, meaning three platforms will potentially miss out.
Word of exclusive contentwas first spotted by the team over at Sonic Stadium. That information isdirectly posted on the preorder page for Sonic x Shadow Generations. On each of the three editions available for preorder on PlayStation – Physical Standard, Digital Standard and Digital Deluxe – the phrase “Bonus PlayStation-Exclusive Prologue Animations” is shown alongside the game’s regular bonuses.
Check it out:
None of the other preorder pages make reference to any sort of bonus animation. Yet, all of those pages retain the traditional bonuses. Check it out:
That discrepancy doesn’t just exist on the English preorder pages, either.Sonic City, another fan group, spotted similar wording on the Japanese info pages. The group translated the information and are reporting that it’s a timed exclusive, with plans for DLC distribution down the line. That said, what exactly is exclusive still isn’t clear via the Japanese storepage. More so, what exactly will be distributed isn’t made clear, either.
While no information on the anime outside its planned voice cast and plot synopsis is known,it was never interpreted as being any sort of exclusive when it was first announced. That said, plans, of course, can change. At the time of the announcement, it was revealed that the anime would have a panel during Anime Expo, which is set to take place in early July. Perhaps that’s when clarification will be provided.
Regardless, it wouldn’t be too far-fetched for a Sonic game to have a confusing DLC pattern. It was only a few months agothat Sonic Superstars had an exclusive Amy skin available via the IHOP restaurant. In a partnership between the breakfast franchise and Sega, an Amy Rose diner skinwas available to those who purchased a themed Sonic menu item.
In other words, this wouldn’t be the first time Sega has done something confusing. And, at the very least, if part of the anime is exclusive, at least it won’t be a) region-locked to NA customers and b) require people to purchase subpar breakfast items.
