Sonic Boom: Shattered Crystal

 3DS
  • Publisher: Sega
  • Release Date: Nov 11, 2014
User Score
6.1

Mixed or average reviews- based on 176 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 80 out of 176
  2. Mixed: 37 out of 176
  3. Negative: 59 out of 176
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  1. foxmccloud
    Nov 16, 2014
    7
    Sonic Boom: Shattered Crystal is a great game. Why? It keeps the series at its best, 2D. And its fun. Sticks is a character that I thought had a weird design, but she is a fun character nonetheless. My only complaint is that some levels need a certain amount of items to unlock and you have to reply some of the levels which I feel is a waste of time. Despite these flaws, the game is worth a buy.
  2. ShbeblyTheGreat
    May 26, 2015
    6
    This game..... is pretty alright. I just did a review on the Wii U version, which is by far the worst version of the game let alone the worst Sonic game, but this game was a breath of fresh air.

    I'll just say, if you like Metroid, then I think you'll like Shattered Chrystal. I say that because I thought of it a lot when I played this game. The 2D exploration and backtracking did get a    This game..... is pretty alright. I just did a review on the Wii U version, which is by far the worst version of the game let alone the worst Sonic game, but this game was a breath of fresh air.

    I'll just say, if you like Metroid, then I think you'll like Shattered Chrystal. I say that because I thought of it a lot when I played this game. The 2D exploration and backtracking did get a bit tedious at times, but I was able to get through it because I was having fun. The controls, I'll admit, were a bit awkward at first but I quickly adapted.

    This is just another 2D Sonic game with four characters. It's fun, fast, interesting, smooth, and the better play. I really recommend this version over the Wii U game. Still, pick it up cheap.    … Expand
  3. Niles2K14
    Dec 2, 2014
    7
    Unlike the abomination that was Rise Of Lyric, Shattered Crystal is actually a decent and enjoyable game to play. The thing this game has over Rise Of Lyric is that it manages to stick to the formula of 2D Sonic games while adding an extra something to the game to make it stand out a bit. This 2D Sonic is a lot more focused on exploration than any of the other 2D Sonic games which leads toUnlike the abomination that was Rise Of Lyric, Shattered Crystal is actually a decent and enjoyable game to play. The thing this game has over Rise Of Lyric is that it manages to stick to the formula of 2D Sonic games while adding an extra something to the game to make it stand out a bit. This 2D Sonic is a lot more focused on exploration than any of the other 2D Sonic games which leads to a certain gripe I personally have with the game.

    The exploration in the game is actually mandatory because as you progress through the game, you have to collect a certain number of blueprints and crystal shards to earn Sonic badges which are used to unlock the next stage and move on. If you don't earn enough Sonic badges, you're unable to move to the next stage and you're going to have to backtrack and collect more blueprints and crystal shards. It's the same deal with Sonic Unleashed with its medal hunting. This could potentially turn some people away from the game if they expect this to be a Sonic game where you can simply speed through it with no minor setbacks. Luckily though, once you collect a certain amount of blueprints, you can unlock upgrades to your arsenal like having a greatly improved map system (really useful for finding other blueprints and crystal shards), having rings be attracted to you like the Lightning shield from Sonic 3 & Knuckles and so many others.

    The story is rather simplistic, to say the least. Amy gets kidnapped by Lyric and Sonic, along with his friends Tails, Knuckles, and newcomer Sticks, set out to rescue her. The dialogue has its moments of being pretty funny and absolutely cringe-worthy.

    The music is mediocre, but at the very least some of the tracks are quite memorable.

    Overall, this game is decent and not as bad as a lot of the professional critics say. Despite the exploration being required in order to beat the game and not having it be an option, it's very easy to collect everything you need in order to move on to the next stage. The race levels have a great sense of speed and relies on quick reaction and focus, the tunnel levels are fun as well (they start off easy but get much more difficult towards the end of the game). I recommend people to give this a shot, you can even download the free demo on eShop before buying it.    … Expand
  4. Kira-SR
    Nov 14, 2014
    7
    IGNORANCE is written with what?! IGN,That's right children.

    I had the opportunity to play,and this is by no means a Bad game. forget that this game is "classic" sonic for a minute. the guys even said that it was a different game, and that's the point.sonic boom to me is a completely different animal. deserves a lower grade than the classic,games? YES. but it is a bad game ?! ABSOLUTELY    IGNORANCE is written with what?! IGN,That's right children.

    I had the opportunity to play,and this is by no means a Bad game. forget that this game is "classic" sonic for a minute. the guys even said that it was a different game, and that's the point.sonic boom to me is a completely different animal. deserves a lower grade than the classic,games? YES. but it is a bad game ?! ABSOLUTELY NOT.

    it kinda reminded me of Sonic Rush,with some gimmicks here and there,(using Enerbeam for example, which can be compared with the kick of Sonic Lost World) ...

    for me, so I got used to the Gimmicks of each stage was even pleasurable experience ... IGN has (sorry) FIRE IN THE *SS, they don't even take even 5 minutes to get used to the game. they are classicists,that don't even take in consideration that this is a different game. and that for IGN: "If it is not Sonic generations,no good", and that's ridiculous.

    Is there Bugs?! OF COURSE. is there annoyances?! YES. But is it a Bad game?! NOPE.
    I give 7/10. I had fun, and got head first already knowing it was a DIFFERENT game, so it did not scare me. Many people were scared because it is SONIC BOOM, and this is Ridiculous.    … Expand
  5. Flutterflybear
    Nov 17, 2014
    7
    This does feels more like a Sonic The Hedgehog game!:D
    The other Sonic Boom Rise of Lyric while still a good game, just feels more rush, and incomplete.:(
  6. flametail23
    Nov 21, 2014
    5
    This game is ok, it's pretty fun from time to time and unlike the HD counterpart the frame rate doesn't drop by insane amounts. The best part of this game is speeding through the different levels in the game like Sonic does. In the HD counterpart you move so slowly.
    5/10
  7. MissedTheArk
    Dec 17, 2014
    6
    I actually really liked this game, but the reason I didn't rate it higher is that it feels… unfinished? Not simply that it's too short (which is it), but there are certain classic Sonic game elements that aren’t there, which I quite missed.

    First off, THE GOOD: The visuals are gorgeous. Great detail to the artwork, and no framerate issues (not that *I* encountered, anyway). One    I actually really liked this game, but the reason I didn't rate it higher is that it feels… unfinished? Not simply that it's too short (which is it), but there are certain classic Sonic game elements that aren’t there, which I quite missed.

    First off, THE GOOD:

    The visuals are gorgeous. Great detail to the artwork, and no framerate issues (not that *I* encountered, anyway). One level has bright lava in the background, and the characters are backlit. Pretty cool.

    After what I felt was the very disappointing Sonic Lost World for the 3DS, I love that this game returns to 2D platforming as the main component of the gameplay. The levels are quite expansive and encourage a lot of exploration… which I do understand is a negative for many who’ve reviewed the game, but which I quite appreciated. There IS encouragement to replay levels within a certain amount of time (though it’s not required), so finding ways to get through them quickly – WITHOUT exploring – can satisfy to some extent the desire for speed.

    The music, while not necessarily memorable, fits the mood of each level well and I always made a point to turn up the volume.

    But now, THE NOT-AS-GOOD:

    As I said, it feels like certain things are just missing from the game. For instance, aside from the very last level, there are no boss battles at all. There are a few race levels where you’re dashing to beat other characters to the finish line, but I didn’t feel like those filled the desire for true boss battles that test your skills and make you sweat a bit and let you really earn the right to advance to the next world.

    Speaking of worlds: out of six worlds (or islands, I suppose), FOUR have only a single main level each (race and bonus levels aside). I incorrectly expected each island to have at least two (as is the case for a number of my favorite Sonic games, with two acts per zone). So, only eight main levels total in the whole game.

    I miss Sonic’s classic spin dash. While it’s kind of an option as one of the controls, the game is set up such that, honestly, you’ll never use it.

    Ha, I miss Eggman (nee Robotnik). ;)

    There’s a new gameplay element – the “enerbeam” – which serves primarily as a grappling hook to swing from place to place. That’s a fun element to throw into the mix, but I feel that the enerbeam device as a whole could have been made to serve multiple purposes and effects. (Okay, I guess there ARE 1 or 2 more ways it’s used, but they’re rather inconsequential.)

    The cutscenes “humor” is awful. Sorry, writers… good try. :)

    And whether you finish the game after having collected all the shattered crystal shards or not, the ending is the same. There’s no added bonus level or battle if you collect all the pieces (as there sometimes is when you, for instance, collect all the chaos emeralds). Even a slightly altered epilogue would have been appreciated.

    SO, TO SUM UP: When I completed the game, I just felt like there should have been more to it… but, the game that IS there is still pretty fun. Fun enough to warrant a 6 out of 10, anyway.    … Expand
  8. TTBSF
    Dec 10, 2014
    7
    Although the critics are hating this the fans will disagree. This game has different references and gimmicks that will remind you of the past Sonic games from Tails' Seafox and rival races this is a mixture of classic Sonic gameplay added with exploration. The game's focus on teamwork get's us to plays as different characters that we have not played as in a long time and the addition ofAlthough the critics are hating this the fans will disagree. This game has different references and gimmicks that will remind you of the past Sonic games from Tails' Seafox and rival races this is a mixture of classic Sonic gameplay added with exploration. The game's focus on teamwork get's us to plays as different characters that we have not played as in a long time and the addition of Sticks who is exclusive to Sonic Boom. There are very few glitches and the cheesy jokes are sure to entertain the targeted audience of little kids. The only downside is if you want to progress through the game you must collect special "Sonic Badges". You gain these by finishing levels, collecting all crystal shards or blueprints in an adventure level. i be able to complete the story you need at least 30 badges out of 35 so there is a lot of backtracking. After collecting all the blueprints in the first 2 levels you can build them to create a crystal shard and blueprint tracker helping you to get the badges. Overall this game can be hard to finish if you are bad at exploring and if you pick the wrong path you might have to start the level again just to obtain the one collectible. The game is very short and you probably won't play it again after completing the story.

    7/10    … Expand
  9. DreamerTG
    Dec 30, 2014
    7
    After the f*ck up that was Rise of lyric, that should deserve lower than a 0/10, this game really was fun. Not perfect, but still pretty sweet. Unlike Rise of Lyric, this game is worth SOME amoutn of money. I actuall won't make people pay me to play this game. I'd rather pay a bit to play this.
  10. okami123
    Jun 9, 2015
    7
    Sonic Boom Shattered Crystal was fun for the most part but, it those have many flaws like the game forcing you to go back and collect more crystal shards in order to proceed through the game. Shattered crystal is also very short taking only 3 or 4 days to get through. Sonic boom Shattered crystal isn't all bad the puzzles and the platforming are very enjoyable and getting to use someSonic Boom Shattered Crystal was fun for the most part but, it those have many flaws like the game forcing you to go back and collect more crystal shards in order to proceed through the game. Shattered crystal is also very short taking only 3 or 4 days to get through. Sonic boom Shattered crystal isn't all bad the puzzles and the platforming are very enjoyable and getting to use some of the other characters instead of just Sonic is a nice change of pace. overall how I feel about Shattered crystal is neutral it's not a bad game and its not the best game in the franchise if your thinking about buying this id say there's better Sonic games out there but, don't let how I feel about this game disrupt your decision.… Expand
  11. Firewiregaming
    Jun 26, 2015
    5
    This game feels, looks and sounds amazing. Unfortunately if you are not a fan of backtracking like I am the you will probably hate this game. I'm on the third world and Just cant play the rest because I have to go back and collect crap from the past levels. Other than that gameplay is fun and reminds me of the classics.
  12. spinnes
    Jul 6, 2015
    5
    They totally changed the character, please don´t buy or it will just encourage the company to stick with this formula that is clearly not working, hope for a new good Sonic game
  13. BlueSpeed
    Jan 21, 2016
    7
    Ok Lets do this.This game is Ok,the graphics are ok,the music is like ROL forgettable but this game is a little more enjoyable than ROL the characters font annoy you (thank god) and is 2d yessss,the CGI is good.The only problem with this game is that the forced you to replay this game to get certain items that you miss,why sega i dont wanna do that i just wanna finish the level with theOk Lets do this.This game is Ok,the graphics are ok,the music is like ROL forgettable but this game is a little more enjoyable than ROL the characters font annoy you (thank god) and is 2d yessss,the CGI is good.The only problem with this game is that the forced you to replay this game to get certain items that you miss,why sega i dont wanna do that i just wanna finish the level with the quickest time.Though personally i kinda enjoy this game so 7/10 that was my review.… Expand
  14. YourAverageGame
    May 14, 2016
    7
    I hate when people say this is a bad game just because of backtracking it is not even a lot! But I admit if you HATE backtracking you will not like it. Either way it was far from Perfect. Still recommend it though!
  15. GamecubeLover
    Jul 27, 2016
    7
    It is actually a fine game but still is flawed. The game is typical and your generic sonic game but the game is still good but try more sonic team please or sega.
  16. Luigichief
    Aug 26, 2020
    6
    The level design is very good. The races are mass. The robotic earthworm phases brought a cool variation on gameplay. And changing characters was cool. But the game has lost some of its essence by making you explore the map and not focus on running faster and faster and not dying in the process. The Tails workshop is also cool.

    Now, to be rejecting the stages to catch useless    The level design is very good. The races are mass. The robotic earthworm phases brought a cool variation on gameplay. And changing characters was cool. But the game has lost some of its essence by making you explore the map and not focus on running faster and faster and not dying in the process. The Tails workshop is also cool.

    Now, to be rejecting the stages to catch useless collectibles and can advance the story is awesome. The game has 34 medals and you need to get 30 to face the Boss final.

    It is one of the Sonic that has more focus on the story (which I liked), only that I found it ultra mediocre, but nobody plays Sonic for the story. Good but rare Cutscenes and the dialogue between phases are cute, and the cool thing about it is that they add a little depth to the characters.

    It's a different type of Sonic and it's definitely not bad. You just have to play it open minded and focus on having fun.    … Expand
  17. Prsti
    Oct 4, 2020
    6
    The game takes alot to finish, and you always need to collect more crystals to get to another level, the bosses are ok, but the game itself not that good.
  18. SuperB3yt
    Dec 14, 2020
    7
    Nostalgia aside, I think the game is good, but not the best of Sonic games. But one thing for sure, It's way better than the Wii U port. (a.k.a "Rise of Lyrics")

    71/100
  19. Jouy
    Sep 8, 2022
    6
    it's fun for a little bit but way too short to worth a purchase. graphics could be better too

Awards & Rankings

51
#51 Best 3DS Game of 2014
8
#8 Most Discussed 3DS Game of 2014
22
#22 Most Shared 3DS Game of 2014

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
47

Generally unfavorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 21
  3. Negative: 8 out of 21
  1. Eurogamer Portugal
    Feb 3, 2015
    40
    Quotation forthcoming.
    Read full review
  2. Games Master UK
    Jan 31, 2015
    51
    Managing to screw up 2D Sonic is impressively poor. [Feb 2015, p.73]
  3. Multiplayer.it
    Jan 15, 2015
    45
    Sonic Boom: Crystal Shards could have been, if not a good Sonic game, at least a decent 2D platformer, with its pros and its cons. But SEGA and Sanzaru Games have inexplicably decided to kill their own creature by adopting a really cheap trick: in order to progress, it is necessary to play the same levels over and over again.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »