Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro: Two-minute review

The Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro hopes to distill the brand’s sonic pedigree into a gaming headset, by adopting a minimal design in every sense, devoid of extra features, and focusing completely on audio quality and comfort.

The appearance is certainly spartan. The total-black design is only offset by a few dashes of orange, but that’s about the only giveaway as to its intended gaming audience. Overall, I think it is a smart-looking headset that doesn't draw attention to itself.

This minimalism extends to its overall form, as the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro cuts a rather slender profile, at least compared to some of the best wired gaming headsets. It also feels quite light, and the thick cable surprisingly doesn’t weigh it down.

The whole headset feels premium and engineered to a high standard, but as I’ve found with other Beyerdynamic headsets, the mechanism for adjusting the driver position feels clunky. Also, the strain reliefs on the cable fail to reassure me that they’ll prevent fraying over time.

As you would expect from Beyerdynamic, the MMX 300 Pro has excellent sound, with all frequencies coming through clearly. However, the bass is a little weak compared to headphones designed for music, so the headset wouldn’t be my go-to choice for audio playback alone. However, compared to other gaming headsets, it’s still among the best in this regard – it’s a shame, though, that there are no listening modes to choose from or EQ adjustments to make.

The microphone is well-made and very sturdy, yet the gooseneck design still allows for flexible adjustments. This makes getting it in the optimal position easy. While it doesn't detach or retract, it does fold out of the way quite well. The vocal quality is excellent, and it does a great job of blocking unwanted sounds coming through.

As for comfort, the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro excels in this department too. Although the fit is tight, the ear cups and headband provide enough cushioning for extended use. However, the inside of the drivers did make slight contact with my ears, which can cause fatigue after a while – but this takes a very long time to manifest.

The connectivity and usability flaws found on the Beyerdynamic MMX 200 Wireless are non-existent here, with the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro making for a slimmer, easier-to-use headset with arguably even better sound. However, given its hefty price tag, it’s hard to recommend it over other wired gaming headsets, as the competition is so fierce in this sector, making for better value alternatives than the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro.

Case in point: the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro, which is the best wireless gaming headset in our view, is cheaper but still has great sound and packs in more features. Meanwhile, the Epos H3, our pick as the best wired headset, is considerably cheaper and performs brilliantly in most areas.

Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro review: Price and availability

• $299 / £259 / AU$499
• Available now
• Black only (unless customized)

The Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro costs $299 / £259 / AU$499 and comes in one stock color: black. If you order from the company’s website, you can customize the look of the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro in a variety of ways, with intricate patterns and engraving options available.

Beyerdynamic’s wireless gaming headset, the MMX 200 Wireless, is considerably cheaper than the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro, despite its multiple connectivity options and extra features. However, by keeping things simple with wired connectivity, the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro avoids many of the pitfalls of the MMX 200 Wireless. It’s also less bulky and more comfortable, yet still offers Beyerdynamic’s trademark audio quality, albeit with less low-end impact than you might expect. Whether these advantages of the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro justify the steep price increase, I’m not so sure – especially when you consider the lack of features.

For those looking for more out of a gaming headset, the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro could fit the bill: not only does it come with software to adjust various parameters, but it’s also wireless and cheaper than the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro. And if you’re after one of the best PC gaming headsets specifically, then the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is our top pick in this sector: although it’s considerably more expensive than the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro, it does feature multiple connectivity options and a long battery life, in addition to great sound.

Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro review: Specs

Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro review: Design and features

• Austere looks
• Thin, light and comfortable
• Lacking features

Much like Beyerdynamic’s other gaming headsets and headphones, the MMX 300 Pro cuts an understated figure. The black finish is enlivened slightly by some orange accents, but these are the only concessions to its gaming audience. Most aspects of the headset look and feel premium. The hard plastic shells of each driver have a smooth matte finish, while the headband and ear cups are plush yet durable.

The drivers are supported by heavy-duty metal hooks which again are solidly built. However, the mechanism used to adjust their position fails to match the same level of engineering, as it feels clunky to operate – an issue I’ve found with other Beyerdynamic headsets and headphones.

However, the form factor of the MMX 300 Pro represents an improvement over other Beyerdynamic models. It has a relatively slim profile, being less wide and unwieldy than the MMX 200 Wireless. The divers and ear pads are thinner, and the whole headset feels lighter too.

The Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro is also more comfortable to wear, offering plenty of cushioning around the ears and the headband. The materials used here feel durable, but both the headband and the ear pads are replaceable should they perish.

I’m usually not fond of circular driver designs, preferring an oval shape, but here, thanks to the lack of bulk, I had no trouble wearing them, even with glasses. Unlike the MMX 200 Wireless, the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro didn’t get in the way when I leaned back in a chair or sofa. However, I did notice the inside of the drivers touching my ears slightly, which can cause aches after very long sessions exceeding two or three hours. They also don’t swivel, which means hanging them around your neck or storing them isn’t as easy as with other headsets.

The analog cable is thick and strong, yet it doesn’t weigh down the headset; I could barely tell it was there, which is exactly what you want from a headphone cable. There’s some strain relief around the jacks, but these don’t seem to be the strongest, so I’m not completely confident they’ll prevent fraying in the long run. Another drawback is the rubber material on these reliefs, as it picks up dust and debris far too easily.

The jack secures tightly into the left driver, which is deeply recessed. However, it doesn’t offer an audible click when inserted, which can make it tricky to know if it’s inserted all the way. The instructions say to twist it slightly when inserting, but there is no feedback indicating how much this needs to be done, and it didn’t seem to make a difference whether I twisted it in or not.

The inline control module, which features output and input volume controls and a mute mic slider, is chunky but unobtrusive. The buttons and wheel feel premium here too and are easy to operate, although perhaps a touch too small for my liking.

The microphone on the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro is similarly well-built. The swivel function is smooth yet sturdy, and the cloth tip cover is thicker than on some other gaming headsets, which bodes well for its longevity. The gooseneck is easily adjustable and stays in position once fixed, making for the perfect blend of flexibility and security.

One drawback of the mic, however, is that it still can’t be detached or folded away completely, although it can be rotated upwards to keep it out of the way. In contrast, the MMX 200 Wireless has a detachable mic, and the PlayStation Pulse Elite, one of the best PS5 headsets, has a retractable mic for an even more elegant solution.

In focusing on high-quality audio, the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro appears to have sacrificed features. There are no options to adjust the sound, other than volume, either via buttons or software. For a wired headset at this price, you would expect more; even the cheaper MMX 200 Wireless has an Augmented Mode for ambient noise passthrough, but the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro gets no such endowments.

Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro: Performance

• Superb gaming audio
• Great mic clarity
• Low-end lacking slightly

The sound produced by the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro is impressive. The STELLAR.45 drivers render all frequencies with clarity, especially the highs and upper mids. The closed-back design helps to improve the sense of space and immersion as well.

However, while there is some punch to the low end, it still lacks the depth of bass you would expect. This isn’t such a problem for gaming, but it’s more disappointing when listening to music. Other headsets feature different modes for different scenarios, but this isn’t an option with the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro – you get what you are given.

The integrated microphone claims to maximize vocal clarity thanks to the high-quality condenser capsule, and during my tests, this did indeed prove to be the case. Voices come through with a high degree of fidelity, and unwanted noises, such as coughs and other plosive sounds, are all but eliminated.

However, as with the output of the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro, there are no adjustments for the microphone, save for the standard volume controls. The closed-back design and natural noise isolation mean that you can barely hear your own voice, which some gamers, including myself, may find a little disconcerting, so the option to allow some sort of input monitoring would’ve been welcomed.

Should you buy the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Also consider...

How I tested the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro

• Tested for several days
• Used with multiple platforms
• 20+ years gaming experience

I tested the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro for several days, using it on a Windows 11 PC, a PS5, and a Nintendo Switch. I played a variety of games, including Silent Hill 2 Remake, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, and Sea of Thieves – the latter of which I played online to test the microphone. I also recorded my own voice via the mic and played it back to hear how I sounded.

As well as playing games, I also used the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro to listen to music and watch video content on YouTube and Netflix.

I have been gaming for over twenty years, and have experienced many headsets and headphones during this time. These include various Beyerdynamic models, such as the DT 770 Pro, and I have previously tested the MMX 200 Wireless gaming headset.

Read more about how we test.

First reviewed October 2024.

Beyerdynamic MMX 200 Wireless: Two-minute review

The Beyerdynamic MMX 200 Wireless is one of the company’s recent forays into the gaming market, with the brand leaning heavily on its reputation in the professional audio space as it boasts studio-grade sound quality for players.

The MMX 200 Wireless doesn’t exactly cut a slim figure; every aspect of its form is bulky, from the headband to the drivers and even the ear pads, which can get in the way when you lean back in your chair, due to their rounded shape. There’s also no way to fold the drivers away, so you’ll need a good amount of space to store it.

However, the thickness of the padding does elevate comfort levels. Both my ears and head remained comfortable for long sessions, despite the relative heaviness of the MMX 200 Wireless compared to some of the best wireless gaming headsets.

I did experience slight fatigue around the ears after several hours, though, and while the MMX 200 Wireless is generally conducive to glasses wearers, I noticed a slight ache from the arms of my frames being pressed into my head – although this wasn’t as egregious as I’ve experienced with other headsets.

The overall build quality is of a high standard, with the buttons, volume wheel and ports feeling solid yet easy to use. However, the mechanism for adjusting the height of the earcups lacks the same level of engineering.

In use, the MMX 200 Wireless renders sound with the high fidelity it claims. All frequencies are clear and balanced, and while some may find the low-end lacking somewhat, there’s still just enough punch. I did find that using the analog input offered marginally better sound quality, but not substantially. The Low Latency adapter also offers slightly improved response times as claimed; but, again, there isn’t much difference. Another win is Augmented mode, which achieves its aim of letting your voice and ambient noise come through clearly when you want it to.

The microphone, too, is of a high quality. Voices are clear with minimal distortion, although fidelity isn’t overly impressive. Superfluous noises are well blocked, though.

There are a few usability issues with the MMX 200 Wireless. First, connecting wirelessly via Bluetooth or the Low Latency adapter isn’t the most seamless experience, and I experienced issues with various devices failing to connect on my initial attempts. The button required to switch between Bluetooth and Low Latency modes also failed to register consistently, requiring firmer and slower presses than you might expect.

Connecting via USB-C from my PC also resulted in a constant, high-pitched whine, resembling that of electronic interference, which is obviously an annoyance. Thankfully, though, it’s quiet enough to be masked by game audio.

The claimed 35-hour battery life of the MMX 200 Wireless does seem to hold true, as I managed several days of varied use during my time with the headphones. Charging to full from empty takes somewhere under three hours, which is about average.

Although it may have other headsets beat for audio quality, and the multiple connectivity options and handy features work well for the most part, this is a fiercely competitive space, and the MMX 200 Wireless' various user interface and connectivity flaws mean rival models – such as the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro and the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro – offer a better gaming experience for a similar price or less.

Beyerdynamic MMX 200 Wireless: Price and availability

• $199 / £169 / AU$399
• Released September 28, 2023
• Black and gray variants available

The MMX 200 Wireless costs $199 / £169 / AU$399. It’s available now in two colors: black and gray. The detachable microphone and Low Latency adapter, as well as the USB-C to 3.5mm analog and USB-C to USB-A cables, are all included.

Whichever way you slice it, this is an expensive headset. The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro, one of the best wireless gaming headsets in our view, costs the same at $199 / £199 / AU$349, although it can be found for less. Despite being a few years old at this point, the BlackShark V2 Pro continues to impress with its excellent build and sound quality. It also features Razer’s spatial audio engine, THX, which really does add an extra layer of immersion.

If you’re only concerned about PC gaming and want to spend even less, the Corsair HS65 Surround may be a better choice. It’s our pick as the best PC gaming headset for those on a budget, thanks to its surround sound compatibility and lightweight construction. You can’t go wireless with it, though.

Beyerdynamic MMX 200 Wireless: Specs

Beyerdynamic MMX 200 Wireless: Design and features

• Bulky design
• Circular cups not ergonomic
• Switchgear feels premium

Unlike other gaming headsets, the MMX 200 Wireless sports a moderate aesthetic, with the flashes of orange adorning the earcups being the only nods to its target market.

It isn't what you’d call discreet, though, because every part of the MMX 200 Wireless is large. The earpads are thick, which does at least make them comfortable for extended session; it prevents the inside of the drivers from pressing against the ear lobes – something I have experienced with numerous headsets and headphones, including the Beyerdynamic DT770s. Glasses-wearers should also find the MMX 200 Wireless comfortable, although I did notice a slight ache in my temples after a few hours of continuous use, caused by the pressure of the drivers. It’s still far better than I’ve experienced with other headsets, though.

Annoyingly, the circular shape of the drivers means they can press on the back of your chair when you rest back your head. I generally prefer oval-shaped drivers for this reason, usually finding them more comfortable overall. Also, they don’t rotate laterally, which makes stowing them away a chore. This also means the MMX 200 Wireless are a little cumbersome to hang off your neck, but it still isn’t what I’d call uncomfortable in this position.

While the headband padding is well cushioned, I would recommend moving the drivers a little further down than you typically might: I found that failing to do so caused the top of my head to ache. Admittedly, this is an issue I experience with many headphones, so others may not have the same experience.

The mechanism for adjusting the position of the drivers isn’t the most elegant or well made. The notches are overly stiff, and don’t feel the most seamless to operate. Also, the wires coming from the drivers are exposed, whereas they're generally hidden and protected on other premium gaming headsets.

The switches and ports on the MMX 200 Wireless are well made, however. All the buttons feel solid, being firm yet easy to operate. The USB-C and microphone ports are deeply recessed, offering an extra level of assurance that they won’t get damaged, although this is arguably a case of over-engineering. The included cables are also premium, with a thick rubberized casing and solid connections; but their lack of strain-relief could spell trouble in terms of longevity, making them more susceptible to fraying.

The detachable microphone is of a similarly high standard to the rest of the MMX 200 Wireless. The connection to the headset feels very secure thanks to that aforementioned recessing, and the infinitely bendy cable seems very durable yet easy to manipulate, making it a cinch to get in position and out of the way when desired. The cloth cover may be the only weak point in the headset's design, as it isn’t particularly thick nor cushioned; but it’s on par with other headset microphone cloths.

There are a few extra features on the MMX 200 Wireless. First, there’s Low Latency mode, accessible when using the included dongle, which can connect via USB-C or USB-A. This aims to cut the lag between audio and video, although microphone delay times will still apply.

There’s also an Augmented mode, designed to let ambient sound in more clearly, with the main benefit being a more natural perception of your own voice when speaking. This is achieved by holding the volume button for two seconds. However, the lack of any kind of audio cue means switching in and out of this mode is a little tricky, with testing it being the only way to tell.

There’s no real software for the MMX 200 Wireless, other than an updater tool that can be downloaded from Beyerdynamic’s website. It also tells you whether and how you're connected to your PC, but provides no other information, not even battery level, which is disappointing. Having a more in-depth tool would have helped to clarify the various modes and states of the MMX 200 Wireless, since it isn’t always obvious from the buttons, LEDs and audio cues alone.

Beyerdynamic MMX 200 Wireless: Performance

• Bluetooth connection clumsy
• High-quality audio
• Low Latency and Augmented modes

Getting started with the MMX 200 Wireless wasn’t the easiest of experiences. Connecting via Bluetooth to various devices took a couple of attempts each time. Pressing the Bluetooth button to switch between Bluetooth and Low Latency adapter modes was sometimes required to kick it into life, and the lack of voice-over stating the mode you’re in made things more difficult.

What’s more, pressing the connection button the correct amount of times to switch between the two modes didn’t always work – presses have to be very deliberate and spaced out in order for mode switching to work. In short, it’s far from being the most efficient process in practice.

Rather worryingly, when I first connected successfully to my PC, the volume was set to 100 by default and I couldn’t change it for the first 30 seconds or so. This could’ve been a quirk of my particular system, and indeed I didn’t experience the same issue when connecting to another PC (Windows 11 instead of 10 this time) or various consoles, but it’s worth mentioning all the same.

Pairing with an Android phone also proved unsuccessful initially. My Google Pixel 7a stated that an incorrect PIN or passkey was the reason for the failure, despite not asking for one (and the impossibility of typing with headset – you’ll be surprised to learn there’s no keyboard function on the MMX 200 Wireless). It did eventually pair with my device, though. I experienced a similar issue connecting to an Android tablet, so perhaps it’s an Android-related issue.

While it’s compatible with the PlayStation 5, you can’t connect via Bluetooth, although this is the case for even the best PS5 headsets. You can connect wirelessly via the Low Latency dongle, though, as well as via the 3.5mm analog jack on the DualSense. Both of these connections were instant and stable.

Connecting to my Nintendo Switch was also straightforward, requiring the lowest number of attempts to establish a connection. Beyerdynamic says that connecting to a Switch is only possible using the Low Latency dongle or the analog cable, but I was able to successfully connect via Bluetooth alone, much like the best Nintendo Switch headsets.

Once you're connected via Bluetooth, the sound is clear, with all frequencies being very well balanced; there are no muddy mids or harsh highs. There’s also enough power in bass frequencies to lend real impact to in-game music and effects, but it still lacks somewhat in this area compared to other regular headphones, even those made by Beyerdynamic. Still, compared to other gaming headsets, the MMX 200 Wireless performs admirably.

When connected via the analog cable, there does appear to be a slight increase in the presence of higher frequencies, resulting in a sound with a seemingly greater fidelity, although the difference is marginal. It’s much better suited to playing music than some other headsets, too, so if you plan on using the MMX 200 Wireless for various applications, it’s versatile enough to meet your expectations – exactly what you’d expect from a company famed for its attention to sonic detail.

Using the Low Latency adapter does indeed reduce lag, but the effect is only minimal, and I doubt the majority of gamers will ever notice it. Sound quality does seem slightly improved over Bluetooth as well, but again, not by much.

Augmented mode opens up the headset to outside ambience, with the benefit of making your own voice and ambient noises audible. I could even hear the clacking on my keyboard.

The microphone renders voices well, with minimal distortion, although the fidelity doesn't exactly beat that of other premium headsets. Its claim to block out ambient noises, such as typing, does appear to hold true according to my tests. However, it's a shame that the Low Latency mode doesn’t appear to have any effect on microphone inputs, since the inevitable delay between speaking and the sound reaching other players remains the same regardless of the mode you’re in.

The claimed battery life of 35 hours does seem to be accurate. I managed to get several days of use out of the MMX 200 Wireless between charges, and that involved using it with multiple devices, connecting to them in all wired and wireless modes. Charging performance is fairly average, with the headset getting back to full from empty in about two and a half to three hours. It’s a shame that there’s no easy way to tell how much battery life remains, though: the light guide around the volume wheel only indicates a few percentage increments, while the voice-over also doesn’t always give an exact figure, so it’s hard to determine remaining levels precisely.

Should you buy the Beyerdynamic MMX 200 Wireless?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Also consider...

How I tested the Beyerdynamic MMX 200 Wireless

• Tested for one week
• Tested on multiple platforms and devices
• Plentiful gaming experience

I tested the MMX 200 Wireless for one week. During that time, I used it to game, chat, listen to music and watch video content.

I tested all its features and connection methods. I used it with numerous devices, including PCs (both Windows 10 and Windows 11), a PlayStation 5, a Nintendo Switch OLED, a OnePlus Pad Go tablet and a Google Pixel 7a.

I played both online and offline games, using voice chat in the latter case to test the microphone. I tried to spread my testing across a varied selection of titles, which included Sea of Thieves, Counter-Strike 2, Gran Turismo 7, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, and Hollowbody.

I have experience testing audio devices, including headphones and speakers, as well as other gaming peripherals, such as mice and keyboards. I also own a pair of Beyerdynamic DT770s, and have used them for audio production for several years. I have been an avid gamer for decades.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed October 2024.

You've definitely heard of Blumhouse. The production company is known for making some of the best horror movies out there, and most recently, has turned its attention to the world of the best horror games. Admittedly that's a big, bold move as all eyes will be on them to make sure their horror vision translates just as well when it's interactive, away from the big screen.

I'm happy to report they're starting on a high note with the narrative horror game Fear the Spotlight, a short title developed by Cosy Game Pals. When a séance goes horribly wrong (honestly, when will people learn?), the player character Vivian must navigate an abandoned school to find out what happened to her friend. The setup, while simple, invites the player to unravel a dark mystery while trying to escape with their own life. It combines that eerie high school setting seen in some slasher movies with plenty of interactivity for gamers. Unlike the The Dark Pictures Anthology, this isn't an interactive movie, and you have plenty of opportunities to go off and explore.

Big Buffy Energy

Aesthetically, it's hard for me to not compare this to the 90s supernatural TV hit Buffy the Vampire Slayer. This is a huge compliment, of course, because Buffy is iconic and this really seems to embody some of the stuff I loved about that show. Clueless high schoolers messing with the occult, a cool character and her nerdy best friend, that grainy VHS overlay throughout, an eerie high school setting with plenty of secrets buried. The entire feel of it is really fun, I loved the retro style and the little nods to the genre. Fear the Spotlight seems to have been made with a lot of love for the horror genre and its fans, and that shines throughout the game.

The school is even called Sunnyside High, and Buffy's is called Sunnydale. Look, I'm just saying these developers have excellent taste and I've clocked it. The developers have teased this is a great entry-level game for those wanting to try out horror, and while I agree, there's plenty for long-time fans of the genre to love too.

We also need to talk about the Silent Hill vibes. The spotlight that follows you is reminiscent of Pyramid Head himself, and they can appear at any time. If you're clever about it, you can predict when these scenes will happen based on the number of conveniently placed furniture to hide behind, but I definitely got shocked a few times when I was going about my business and they just appeared. The suspense is off the charts throughout, and you need to be as stealthy as possible. That wasn't great for me when my gaming style is very much me running in and attacking things as fast as possible, but hey, it's nice to try something new!

Hide and (hopefully not) Seek

Fear the Spotlight is a stealth-heavy game. You have to navigate the abandoned halls of the school avoiding the spotlight character, who can show up out of nowhere. You need to pay attention and be quick on your feet, hiding wherever you can and getting your timings just right. You have two opportunities; they can catch you once, and then they'll drop you, but if you're caught again, the game resets to your last saved checkpoint. Thankfully the checkpoints are pretty frequent so you won't end up back at the very beginning or be punished too severely.

Frustration can set in when you have to avoid threats while also running back and forth doing fetch quests because there are plenty of puzzles to solve throughout the game. I personally got stuck on one particular one for about 15 minutes before realizing the solution was painfully obvious, so it's the kind of game where you can get in your head a bit. Or maybe I'm just stupid, I'll let you be the judge of that. Technically, it's easy to navigate, the controls are smooth and the puzzles work as they should... when you've actually figured them out, that is.

If you love logic puzzles and constant tension, you will very likely have a great time with Fear the Spotlight because it's impossible to relax at any point. There's this constant vigilance throughout, it sucks you in and I found myself really worried about Amy's wellbeing.

It's a very immersive experience throughout. The player character's breathing can become erratic, so you need to be mindful of this. You can find inhalers hidden around the school which boost your health and stops the screen from blurring red at the sides, and your character from freaking out. Inhalers are a very useful tool especially nearing the end of the game when things get more difficult, so it might be wise to use them strategically. You are completely unarmed, aside from a few tools that can help you crawl through vents and repair things, so your only option is to hide.

The unstable breathing teamed with the vibrations from the controller I used dialed the tensions up, so I would recommend giving that combination a go even if you are playing on a PC. The game is designed in such a way that you truly feel a part of it, and this is one of Fear the Spotlight's greatest successes.

Accessibility

There is a range of subtitling options in Fear the Spotlight. Though the only spoken language is English, you can find many other languages in the display settings.

As well as allowing players to use a controller or mouse and keyboard, the display can be tinkered with too. While Fear the Spotlight does have a grainy, retro feel, you can switch that up in the Graphics menu. The game gives you the option to change the frame rate, and V-Sync, as well as display variations such as TV Filter and Ambient Camera Wobble. I played with a maximum TV Filter to make it more atmospheric, but I can see why people would prefer to turn that down as it can get a little distracting.

 Should I play Fear the Spotlight?

 Play it if…

Don't play it if...

 How we tested Fear the Spotlight

I tested Fear the Spotlight for around six hours and finished the main game. Once you have completed the story, you unlock a secret bonus level which I have not yet tested at the time of this review.

I played the game using a Lenovo Legion 5-15ACH6H Gaming Laptop with Beats Flex wireless headphones and a PS5 DualSense Wireless Controller. I also did additional testing with the laptop’s built-in keyboard and Steelseries Aerox 9 Wireless Gaming Mouse, to check that the game ran smoothly in both modes.

Sonic x Shadow Generations is somewhat analogous to Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury, packaging a remaster of a beloved series game with a brand new, decently sized campaign. And it’s that campaign, Shadow Generations, that alone makes this compilation of lightning-fast platformers worth checking out.

Shadow Generations is simply phenomenal, showcasing some of the best 3D level design the series has seen since Sonic Adventure 2 way back on the Dreamcast and GameCube. You’re getting 12 levels across 6 unique stages, all wrapped up in a compact hub zone packed with collectibles and optional challenges. And of course, having even more excellent remixes of fan-favorite Sonic tracks is always going to be a welcome addition.

Shadow Generations is such a high-quality experience from start to finish - so much so that it honestly makes Sonic Generations feel relatively weak in comparison. This is no fault of the 2011 game, of course (the port here is genuinely fantastic) but I had decidedly less fun revisiting what I once considered to be one of the best Sonic games in comparison to its new sibling.

That might be down to the fact that its remaster here has seen very few changes beyond the re-recorded voiced dialogue and an overall bump in resolution and image quality. Sonic Generations is still very much worth playing, but remains dragged down by the relatively poor Classic Sonic stages and largely boring side challenges required to unlock the boss fights.

That said, you’re still getting tons of great Sonic (and Shadow) content here, especially as it's not a full-priced game. Not only does that make Sonic x Shadow Generations much easier to recommend, but I can confidently say that your time and money are worth it for the Shadow portion of the game alone.

A Shadow of myself, just who am I?

Let’s kick off with Shadow Generations, as I reckon that’s where most of you are going to start especially if you’ve already played Sonic Generations. Shadow’s campaign does take place alongside Sonic’s - instead of celebrating the blue hedgehog’s birthday, Shadow is investigating a disturbance on the Space Colony Ark from Sonic Adventure 2.

Back on Sonic’s side, the Time Eater thrusts him and his friends into a purgatorial dimensional rift as it does in the original Sonic Generations. For Shadow, the fluctuation causes him to come face to face with Black Doom, his arch-nemesis and main antagonist of 2005’s Shadow the Hedgehog. From here, Shadow attempts to escape Space Colony Ark, only to find himself in an empty hub world all of his own.

The story is fairly straightforward here and handles Shadow’s tragic past in a pretty safe and inoffensive manner. That’s not to say it’s ineffective - his reunion and closure with Maria and Gerald Robotnik is genuinely touching and the final scene is masterfully done (even getting me to well up a little bit) - but you shouldn’t go in expecting anything especially bleak. Personally, I think that’s for the best; Sonic Frontiers showed that the series can be capable of sincere, reflective storytelling, and you’ll find more of that in Shadow Generations.

All hail Shadow

If you were disappointed by the short length of stages in Sonic Forces and Sonic Frontiers' Cyberspace segments, then you’ll be happy to know Shadow Generations’ levels are much lengthier and robust. On average, a single level will take you between five to six minutes your first few times through, and each has a plethora of alternate routes to explore and a handful of collectibles to find.

The six stages in Shadow Generations are split into two acts. Act 1 is typically the more impressive one, given they are fully 3D from start to finish. Most of the Act 2 levels are broadly side-scrolling, but feel much more dynamic thanks to - once again - intricate level design and some super clever 2.5D camera work. These levels may play out in two dimensions, but they sure don’t feel like it.

Upon charging up a gauge by defeating enemies, Shadow can call upon the power of Chaos Control. This freezes time, enemies, and obstacles for around five seconds, and it can be used cleverly to reach new routes in a stage if activated at just the right time. Much of the fun in Shadow Generations comes from playing levels multiple times and learning the best moments at which to execute Chaos Control in order to discover shortcuts you had no idea were there. Level design in this regard is, overall, extremely thoughtful, and finding new paths and shortcuts is a satisfying reward.

Then there’s the open zone, known as White Space. This is a large map that Shadow can explore at any time when not in a stage, itself filled to the brim with collectibles and platforming challenges. By collecting music, artwork, and story emblems in each stage, you can spend them to unlock a treasure chest in White Space, which will in turn make a relevant piece of content available to view in the Collection Room. There are 96 of these chests to find in the overworld, giving you plenty of optional content to discover.

White Space is great fun to just run around and vibe in. While I do wish there was an option to listen to the music you unlock while exploring it, it’s nonetheless a place you’ll spend a lot of time in if you’re shooting for 100% completion. On that note, playing through all the stages for the first time will likely take you around four or five hours. But going for full completion could easily take you upwards of 10-12; there’s just that much to find and do.

Touching on Sonic Generations

If you’ve never played Sonic Generations before, then you’re getting exceptional value for money in Sonic x Shadow Generations. The entire 2011 game is present and accounted for here. If you’re unfamiliar, that’s nine stages, broken into two separate acts - one for Classic Sonic and another for Modern Sonic. The former is a side-scrolling affair, while the latter is more akin to the 3D ‘boost era’ titles of the time like Sonic Unleashed and Sonic Colors.

Sonic Generations now has upscaled resolution and a more stable 60fps framerate by way of the new performance mode (a 30fps quality mode is enabled by default, though I strongly recommend making the switch to performance for better responsiveness). Voiced dialogue has also been re-recorded with the current cast of Sonic voice actors, and it’s much better than what we originally had with an overall stronger direction. There is also a new collectible in each stage in the form of Chao - adorable little creatures who’ll appear in the overworld once rescued. They’ll also unlock some bonuses in the collection room, too.

Besides that (as well as the addition of the drop dash for both Classic and Modern Sonic), very little has changed in Sonic Generations. While still an excellent game in its own right, the lack of changes only exposes its flaws even more, especially when stacked up against Shadow Generations. 

Sonic Generations - then and now - simply misses the mark on numerous fronts. The Classic Sonic stages just don’t feel very good to play, with awkward physics and momentum that are a far cry from the smoothness of the original Mega Drive trilogy. Level design is also very hit-or-miss for both Classic and Modern, the latter of which also has an abundance of side-scrolling segments that do not mesh well with Sonic’s ability to boost at high speeds. As for Classic, the field of view is a little too narrow for comfort, making running into unexpected hazards a common occurrence. 

Accessibility

There aren't a ton of available accessibility settings in Sonic x Shadow Generations, aside from a fairly robust amount of options for the camera. Here, you can adjust sensitivity and distance from the player character. 

There is also an option to adjust the deceleration speed in Shadow Generations, allowing you to set the momentum to your liking. Subtitles are present, too, as well as options for voiced dialogue in a variety of languages including English, French, German, Italian, and Japanese. I think an option to better highlight enemies, obstacles and potential pathways would be really beneficial here, especially given the high-speed nature of the game.

Should I play Sonic x Shadow Generations?

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How I reviewed Sonic x Shadow Generations

I played Sonic x Shadow Generations for around 12 hours on PS5. That was enough time to finish both included games and get near to 100% completion in Shadow Generations. I also spent some time collecting Chao and filling out the collection room in Sonic Generations. I played the game with a DualSense Edge controller on my LG CX OLED TV, often making use of the JBL Quantum 910P gaming headset to listen to the game’s exceptional collection of remixed Sonic tracks.

First reviewed October 2024.