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. Espurr
    Nov 17, 2014
    8
    GRAPHICS: The only moment in which the graphics weren't really good was on the close-up when Sonic jump on the Mechanical Worm's head at the end of each Worm Tunnel, other than that, the game's graphics are pretty damn good. The animations are also by far the most polished animations I've seen in a handheld Sonic Game, not to mention the 3D effect is also pretty good. Also, the non-CGIGRAPHICS: The only moment in which the graphics weren't really good was on the close-up when Sonic jump on the Mechanical Worm's head at the end of each Worm Tunnel, other than that, the game's graphics are pretty damn good. The animations are also by far the most polished animations I've seen in a handheld Sonic Game, not to mention the 3D effect is also pretty good. Also, the non-CGI cutscenes are surprisingly good. It finally seems like the characters are in an actual enviroment and are actually interacting with each other. I wish they would've added voice acting, though, but of course that's never gonna happen. The CGI are not compressed as **** like in LW 3DS. They actually look pretty good!

    SOUNDTRACK: Absolutely fantastic. SC's soundtrack is actually my fourth favorite soundtrack of the whole Sonic franchise. Though, I found some of the dark-toned tracks like Volcanic Caverns 2 to be kinda forgettable, but I still quite liked the soundtrack. Richard Jaqcues, I ****ing love you, man.

    STORY: Pretty straight forward. It's not bad, but not really memorable. The ending was also pretty dull and anticlimatic. Still, I think Pontac and Graff did a better job here than in Lost World, and definitely a better job than RoL's writers, especially with the character's personalities.

    CONTROLS: The first time I played the game (or the demo, to be more precise), I found the controls to be kinda confusing, and it really took me some time to get used to them, but once I did they felt pretty good. B is for jumping, A is for the Enerbeam, Y is the run button, and X is each character's special move.

    GAMEPLAY: The exploration stages are really slow-paced, the levels aren't built around the game's physics, and the platforming is most of the time really simple. In exchange for a slower pace, there is lots of exploration, alternate paths, and collectables. There are also two optional challenges that consist of getting certain amount of rings or clearing the stage in a certain amount of time, which adds a fair amount of replay value. Another thing I liked is how some levels are more linear and have some slight sense of speed, while others are kind of maze-like and are more open, which creates a pretty nice variation and makes up for some repetitive segments.
    Then there are the race stages, which use the Genesis games' formula of rewarding the player for his good reflexes with faster paths. I consider these stages to be the boss battles of the game, but the only true boss battle is the final one, Lyric. They are a bit too automated at times, but they're overall pretty fun. It's such a shame that there are only three of them, four if you count the first and third parts of Lyric's battle.
    And last, and totally least, there are the Worm Tunnel stages. These stages were what actually disappointed me of the game. They're in all the worlds, but they're the EXACT same thing over and over again, the only difference being the blue box appearing at the second Worm Tunnel stage, and of course, an increasing difficulty. My experience with these stages can only be described as bland and repetitive.
    You are also rewarded by collecting every collectable in the game, but the only useful ones are the blueprint rewards; for six blueprints you unlock either a map upgrade or a skill.

    So, all in all, Sonic Boom Shattered Crystal is, in my opinion, a pretty damn good game. There are some things that could've been done better, and the game can get repetitive at times, not to mention the overall super short experience, so I don't think it's worth the full price, but it's definitely worth giving it a shot.    … Expand
  2. JingleFox2K
    Nov 14, 2014
    10
    Fun game, good pacing and I enjoyed finding all the collectibles. Good adventure for Sonic and team. I also liked the change in pacing, this is something new and not the same old Sonic game we always get. Great game for any Sonic fan or anyone that enjoys fun 3DS adventure games.
  3. jackandhollys
    Dec 2, 2014
    9
    I love playing this game. It's not as fast as previous side-scrolling sonic titles, though. It's understandable, since the game was more of an explorations style game.
  4. HyperheroCycle
    Nov 28, 2014
    10
    I thought this game was a amazing title for the 3DS and I so glad the brought back playing as other characters besides Sonic. It is a good solid plat-former and I hope you can enjoy it as much as I did.
  5. GGoldMile
    Jan 5, 2015
    10
    Although the Wii U was a cock-bucket of dick mr. Interestingshow, the 3DS version of the game was pretty good and definitely worth purchasing if you are a fan of Sonic or Metroid - 'cause it's feels like a classic Metroid game. It makes the Wii U version look like a cock-bucket of dick mr. Interestingshow. Story's a bit on the childish side though, but eh, it's pretty amusing.

    10.
  6. victormiller
    Dec 1, 2014
    9
    The game is really good! This is not a classic Sonic game with speed, but brings new mechanics and new features. It is not good as the games of Sonic Team traditionally does, but it is a great game. I loved the change of characters, and various types of stages. I had fun playing it.

    This is a new branch of Sonic franchise, and it´s meant to be different, and this is very good. Don´t    The game is really good! This is not a classic Sonic game with speed, but brings new mechanics and new features. It is not good as the games of Sonic Team traditionally does, but it is a great game. I loved the change of characters, and various types of stages. I had fun playing it.

    This is a new branch of Sonic franchise, and it´s meant to be different, and this is very good. Don´t listen to opinions of press like IGN, Gamespot, and others. They want to influence your opinion, and they love to say "Well it´s Sonic? It´s a bad game". Every little mistake is a reason to say the game is very bad, something we don´t see in other games. There is a lot of injustice with Sonic series, and Shattered Crystal is just one more.    … Expand
  7. WackoWorlds
    Feb 19, 2015
    10
    The Wii U version of Sonic boom was actually fairly decent GGoldMile, but this one just makes it look a bit inferior. Good game, I love the adding of sticks to it, kinda makes me feel like I'm playing Sonic Rush Adventure but with a distant-relative of Marine being a playable character. Nostalgia.
  8. Godlygamer
    Dec 29, 2014
    8
    I was really looking forward to the next Sonic game. And I was quite impressed! First of all, the story. Amy is kidnapped by a giant snake named lyric, so Sonic gathers of the team ( Tails, Sticks, and Knuckles) to rescue Amy. The plot isn't the best, but at least it works. The gameplay has you running around giant levels trying to get to point A to point B. Regular plat forming stuff. ButI was really looking forward to the next Sonic game. And I was quite impressed! First of all, the story. Amy is kidnapped by a giant snake named lyric, so Sonic gathers of the team ( Tails, Sticks, and Knuckles) to rescue Amy. The plot isn't the best, but at least it works. The gameplay has you running around giant levels trying to get to point A to point B. Regular plat forming stuff. But your gonna want to collect as much as possible in each level, because if you don't, your gonna have to do some backtracking. Their's quite a bit of content, but the game is short. Not too short though. My complaints? Well, the game doesn't look the best. I could definitely look better. The 3DS can run smash bros! It doesn't look the WORST, but it could look better. Secondly, the backtracking starts to get annoying, but never too much that you stop playing. Overall, I definitely recommend getting this game! Try and find it on sale, but if you can't I think it's worth full price! (Kinda...)… Expand
  9. tamizh
    Nov 12, 2014
    10
    A very solid 3ds platormer. Also had a blast playing the Raceway tubes. There were some interesting puzzles to navigate through. Make sure to use the level map.
  10. Spiderman24
    Nov 13, 2014
    10
    Great addition to the 3DS. Sonic games have only gotten better in the last 5 years. The added character of Sticks is a nice touch. Graphics looks solid, and music is terrific. Love how Sonic is making a strong comeback. Thanks for making it Red Button.
  11. TheNickz
    Nov 14, 2014
    8
    The game is better than I though! Really! It's not a good "Sonic" game but it's a good platform game. I think this one deserves a chance. Unlike the Wii U version, I didn't saw any kind of bug or glitch and the game itself works fine! Tha bad part is: the dialogs are kind of slow and there's no way to accelerate it! Anyway, My final words: Give this game a chance. it deserves it! =)
  12. UltimateToad84
    Nov 13, 2014
    10
    GREAT GAME. Sonic traded in some of his speed for explorative gameplay. It's different than other sonic games, but it runs smoothly. Get ready to collect, explore, and fight. Reminds me of a supped up Sonic Heroes. The characters dialogue is a nice touch that keeps the player entertained as they banter between one another.
  13. ickybob
    Nov 13, 2014
    9
    Well built game, fun and great visuals! solid platformer, feels like a Sonic game. music needs to be updated. new addition to the team is fun. the levels could be even longer! ;-)
  14. Skyfals
    Dec 6, 2014
    10
    The game. It's just flawless. That's all I have to say. I would definitely advise getting the game. Trust me you will not regret it! Now go get some money!
  15. gakaiju
    Nov 14, 2014
    9
    This second message is for reviewers who don't seem to understand that this is not your regular platforming sonic game and since it's a spinoff made by a 3rd party company. When entering this you should have the mindset of playing something like super metroid or castlevania symphony of the night since that's the type of design those levels are based off of, so ign's complaint about beingThis second message is for reviewers who don't seem to understand that this is not your regular platforming sonic game and since it's a spinoff made by a 3rd party company. When entering this you should have the mindset of playing something like super metroid or castlevania symphony of the night since that's the type of design those levels are based off of, so ign's complaint about being too long and having to play them over and over is **** and even then it's not bad enough to make it a 4/10. It's also a lot easier than the two games mentioned above since was made for little kids. Like I said, I'm not gonna be a fanboy and say the game is perfect and your stupid cause you don't like it. But bashing it for not playing like another genre that it's not is unfair to the game. Again like in the first review the game is still great and I just finished it. And I have to add that the last two levels are actually pretty well designed since I barely had to backtrack at all to get all the items and got them all in one shot. So great game , **** critic reviews. And by the way, I'm a 15 year old casual gamer who wasn't that hindered by the backtracking so you can understand my perspective.… Expand
  16. pokebulborb
    Nov 15, 2014
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I'm deleting my previous review on account of some details I missed in it.

    Sonic Boom SC is, standalone, a great game with its most prominent flaws either aesthetic or ones that the game sorts out later.

    How the camera pans the character is based on the player's horizontal movement in most segments, there's hardly ever a problem with it.

    The control is mostly apt. The characters rarely rely on tight platforming and each have access to a double jump, sprint, and homing attack, making any over-carried momentum relatively forgiving, while allowing for quick maneuvers between (and through) obstacles, letting the player tackle levels mostly at any pace allowed until the player reaches certain "choke points" that require either a scripted runway or obstacles that must be tackled with one character.

    Don't be fooled by the premise of four characters, most characters are only needed in levels to get past specific types of obstacles, with Sonic destroying blue blocks by dashing through them (this dash can be used multiple times in the air, and handles like some of the better Megaman air dashes), Tails (who can no longer fly and instead uses Knuckle's gliding gimmick, with better control and the ability to float downward with no horizontal momentum) riding air currents, Sticks using her boomerang to push remote buttons to retract spinning spike pillars, and Knuckles burrowing through certain patches of ground. Once you get past these obstacles, you can (with great ease at the push of a button) get back to the character you feel most comfortable playing as.

    The enemies are what you'd expect from a modern Sonic title, as they come in two main varieties: those that fire lasers, and those that exist only to serve as a foothold for the player. Occasionally, some require the usage of "Enerbeam" (a new feature to the Boom universe, a grapple-like beam of.. energy) to remove shields before they can be destroyed, but most of the time these enemies can be ignored.

    The levels are where this game shines the most, existing mostly in three types.
    *Your standard level, where speed can be maintained (especially in the later stages), but the primary factor that went into their design is exploration, with items scattered across multiple pathways and level maps (traversed by areas that can be crossed by the usage of, you guessed it, Enerbeam). The level themes aren't as varied (you go through a couple industrial and jungle themed levels) expansive enough to take the player anywhere between five to twelve minutes, depending on how skilled the player is at keeping their momentum and how invested the player is on the current visit's exploration.
    *Worm Tunnels, high-speed Sonic-only segments that require the player to shift between lanes along a tube that plays like some modern Sonic titles.
    *Races, which replace most boss battles (except for 1) reminiscent of the 3DS Generations' and the Rivals subseries races.

    The music could either be a problem or a bonus, depending on your perspective. If you know of the debate verses the US or JP/EU Sonic CD tracks, you'll know right away what I mean by this. The music seems to be made with the environment and atmosphere first and quality as standalone tracks second. While some of the tracks in this game fulfill both of these purposes (Robot Facility 2 for example), certain tracks (Ancient City 2, for example) don't differ much from background music that you would find in cinema. You got your action scenes, your stealth scenes, your "typical."

    The main elephants in the room when talking about Boom are: the humor and the character designs. Honestly though, the only bad part of the character designs (to me at least) is the aversion of the 'cheeky mouth' trope, since it causes certain characters to have awkward facial expressions at time (Knuckles reminds me of a baby given his cheeks in his 'level complete' pose).
    The comedy on the other hand is passable. At its worst points, the game uses the jokes to carry the constant light atmosphere of the game. The game knows that at any given moment multiple characters can be used in a cutscene, and the game uses this to shift the role of the straight man between characters at an alarming rate. Amy one moment could be joking about turning Lyric into boots and the next listen to Sticks ramble on about how the group failed to take down Lyric ("as a team").

    The story is lighthearted. In a nutshell, the team travels around searching for clues in order to find Amy, whose been abducted by Lyric. Lyric wants to use Amy to find the location of a crystal that will give Lyric omnipotence, but Amy manages to keep Lyric away from the information long enough for the team to rescue her. Don't think too much into it, it's not meant to be an epic. A beautiful Archie comic is available in-game to make sense of the premise of the story.

    Overall, not a hardcore game by any means, but the game knows this, and Sanzaru would rather focus on giving the player a fun time.    … Expand
  17. jojo598
    Nov 11, 2014
    10
    I thought that this game was pretty awesome. The cutscenes were beautifully animated, the game play was fast and fun, all around it was a fun very solid game.
  18. SveedeshFeesch
    Nov 11, 2014
    8
    This game isn't horrible. Its actually quite solid as a 2D platformer. Its not the best Sonic game, but at least Amy Rose isn't a big part of it which is a huge plus for me.
  19. johnocean
    Nov 13, 2014
    10
    I was very happy with this game, the graphics are awesome and super fun gameplay. The cutscenes are funny and I really liked the character Stix. It also has alot of replay value, I still need to explore and collect all the rings and treasures. I think this is also the first sonic game developed in the US.. Good job Sanzaru games!
  20. Interestingshow
    Dec 4, 2014
    10
    Although the Wii U was good, the 3DS version of the game is so amazing it makes the Wii U version look average. A very awesome speedy, adventurous, and delightful platform game that has raised the standards for the 3DS's potential in my opinion.
  21. theBobKnows
    Apr 10, 2016
    10
    I really enjoyed Sonic Boom shattered crystal, way better then the broken wii u version my, only issue is that the game is kind of short and I wish the game was longer.
  22. GreenMonkey
    Nov 11, 2014
    10
    This is a solid 3DS platformer. It's a good mix of exploration, mini-games and twitch based gameplay. The overall production value and quality is good.
  23. sdc
    Apr 5, 2015
    8
    Fast and frantic, this is a solid action adventure that reminds me sort of Metroidvania. Overall, a much better game than it's iff-fated Wii U counterpart.
  24. saxo27
    Mar 12, 2016
    9
    As always with my reviews I am super late. The internet is a mass producing hate machine. This game received such terrible reviews--as if it was a complete digital nightmare! So many good/ok games get trashed, like Iron Fall, Advent Rising and even Clive Barker's Jericho. I picked it up because I am on a Sonic kick and found it to be super fun. The controls are fluid, Sonic and team movesAs always with my reviews I am super late. The internet is a mass producing hate machine. This game received such terrible reviews--as if it was a complete digital nightmare! So many good/ok games get trashed, like Iron Fall, Advent Rising and even Clive Barker's Jericho. I picked it up because I am on a Sonic kick and found it to be super fun. The controls are fluid, Sonic and team moves fast and swiftly. Yes, it is not a traditional Sonic game--but who cares. I was looking for a fun platformer, and I found it. The developers were trying something new and it is fun and works. I am looking foward to Fire and Ice. Enjoy!… Expand
  25. TheSwampsmen
    Dec 9, 2014
    10
    10 out of 10

    I'm playing again. The adventuring aspect of this game made it much more entertaining than an average everyday Sonic Game. It breaks my heart that the Wii U version doesn't get as much praise from fans as this one though.
  26. Operationgamer
    Sep 30, 2016
    8
    A great game. The controls work well, the music is catchy, and the game has a decent sense of humor. My only complaints are the story (which is kinda meh), the annoying level-locking system, and the whole game can be beaten in about 4-5 hours.
  27. Alder613
    Nov 7, 2015
    8
    This game doesn't deserve the bad reviews it gets. Unlike Rise Of Lyric, it's fun, the music's good, and the graphics are nice. I hope Fire & Ice is gonna be even better.
  28. shadowhedgehog
    Sep 29, 2016
    9
    this game is one of the best sonic games ever created shame shadow is playable that would make it perfect i also enjoyed looking for the collectables and my only problem with it is STICKS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I HATE HER!!!!!!!!!!!!! shes like that girl at school constantly screaming and shouting replace sticks with shadow that would make it a better game and then it would get at 10
  29. Kdog152
    Jan 19, 2023
    8
    This game doesn't deserve the hate it gets. It a trillion times better than abomination that is sonic boom rise of lyric. It's fun and has other playable characters. The only problem really is that their is a ridiculous amount of backtracking that may put some people off from playing this game.

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
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