Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood

 DS
  • Publisher: Sega
  • Release Date: Sep 30, 2008
User Score
6.9

Mixed or average reviews- based on 128 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 75 out of 128
  2. Mixed: 24 out of 128
  3. Negative: 29 out of 128
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. Krossbone
    Feb 3, 2020
    10
    This is exactly the kind of game I want out of Sonic: ambitious, story-driven, characterized, serious, with fun gameplay to boot.

    The story involving the Nocturnus Clan and their relations to Knuckles as well as the whole world after their imprisonment over 4,000 years ago, the amazingly done character dynamics pulled off between Sonic and co., a massive number of side quests for you to    This is exactly the kind of game I want out of Sonic: ambitious, story-driven, characterized, serious, with fun gameplay to boot.

    The story involving the Nocturnus Clan and their relations to Knuckles as well as the whole world after their imprisonment over 4,000 years ago, the amazingly done character dynamics pulled off between Sonic and co., a massive number of side quests for you to do, game exclusive characters on top of a big playable roster, kickass music, it all adds up to make an almost alien experience for the blue blur. Not as in it's a great experience (countless Sonic games pull that off), but rather how fittingly well Sonic works in an RPG format.

    It is truly unfortunate that Ken Penders pettily decided to threaten legal action over certain similar themes between the Nocturnus Clan and his work, thus making a sequel very unlikely to happen, at least in the foreseeable future.

    Long and short of it, if you like Sonic for the serious stories and characterization as well as just enjoy RPGs in general, then this game is a must play for you.    … Expand
  2. Rtheom
    Jun 7, 2017
    8
    Much like no one expected crossing Sonic the Hedgehog with comic books was going to work, crossing Sonic with an RPG works surprisingly well. If you're looking for regular Sonic sidescrolling action, then you're out of luck, but the story here is pretty fantastic. It pays homage to the series very well, has a bunch of hidden inside jokes, and was clearly made by people that love the SonicMuch like no one expected crossing Sonic the Hedgehog with comic books was going to work, crossing Sonic with an RPG works surprisingly well. If you're looking for regular Sonic sidescrolling action, then you're out of luck, but the story here is pretty fantastic. It pays homage to the series very well, has a bunch of hidden inside jokes, and was clearly made by people that love the Sonic franchise and it's surprisingly deep backstory. Definitely worth playing if you like Sonic and RPGs.… Expand
  3. YoutubeTGW
    Aug 31, 2015
    9
    Even though it is slow pace this is surprisingly a good sonic the hedgehog game we have gotten in a long time. I love how you can play as all the characters including my favorite, shadow the hedgehog. it's cool how you can choose sonics dialogue on how he responds to people whether it's negative, positive, or just wisecracking towards character he is talking to.
  4. Coreyhardie
    Aug 5, 2016
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Where's the sequel guys? This game was great, story, gameplay, soundtrack was ok it didn't make my ears bleed, after a cliffhanger like that? Come on BIOWARE? SONIC TEAM?… Expand
  5. Dante_croft
    Jan 27, 2013
    10
    This sonic game is a rare jewel: combines adventure and RPG with the most loved characters of the franchise. It has nice graphics and a interesting plot. In the fights you will use the stylus to perform the character's moves, which add much fun. If you're a Sonic fan or a RPG fan, I recommend this game!
  6. KeithP
    May 24, 2009
    10
    I really like Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood. The game is not boring. I would recommend this game to people who are fans of Sonic the Hedgehog.
  7. JamesW
    Feb 5, 2009
    9
    After the atrocities of the console games, the DS has become the hedgehog's best friend. The Rush games were great, and so is this. I actually prefer it to the Final Fantasy genre!
  8. JoeyR
    Jun 24, 2009
    9
    I won't even bother to counter all the flawed arguements of the nay-sayers of the Sonic franchise, I've been doing that all year. But I do feel strongly that Sonic Chronicles is a great game: a unique blend of RPG slowness with the high-speed adrenaline rush of Sonic. The story was good and appealed to me both as an RPG fan and a Sonic fan (yes: diehard, as diehard as you can I won't even bother to counter all the flawed arguements of the nay-sayers of the Sonic franchise, I've been doing that all year. But I do feel strongly that Sonic Chronicles is a great game: a unique blend of RPG slowness with the high-speed adrenaline rush of Sonic. The story was good and appealed to me both as an RPG fan and a Sonic fan (yes: diehard, as diehard as you can possibly get). It's better than a lot of RPGs I've played. Very fun and engaging!… Expand
  9. TheQuietGamer
    Oct 7, 2012
    8
    I've played 3 Sonic games before this one and I didn't like them, but I'm a huge RPG fan and Bioware is my favorite game developer so I decided to pick this up because I figured if anyone could make a good Sonic game it's Bioware, and they didn't let me down. The story is well written and features familiar faces from the series as well as some new faces. I do have some complaints with theI've played 3 Sonic games before this one and I didn't like them, but I'm a huge RPG fan and Bioware is my favorite game developer so I decided to pick this up because I figured if anyone could make a good Sonic game it's Bioware, and they didn't let me down. The story is well written and features familiar faces from the series as well as some new faces. I do have some complaints with the ending, it's a cliffhanger that sets it up for a sequel that probably isn't going to be made, which is sad because I would really love one. The combat system is a mix between your classic turn based RPG and a rhythm game, yeah I know it sounds weird and until you get used to it it's irritating, but once you get the hang of it it feels smooth for the most part. While I could spend the rest of the review telling you the good and the aspects of this game I think I'll just close by telling you that this is a great game and you should get it if your a fan of Sonic, Bioware, or RPG's.… Expand
  10. KhoiP
    Nov 5, 2008
    8
    Game was fun... Kinda repetitive. I wish the little Elite Beat kind of actions were available during regular attacks too. I'm used to it for other games to just sit and watch but mman, it was boring to watch a blue ball go across the screen after clicking attack because you don't have enough PP.
  11. [anonymous]
    Sep 19, 2009
    8
    many critics say that sonic hasn't done to well lately, in sonic's dark times a becon of light has shone through. Sonic chronicles is a great RPG, all the characters in the party recieve XP from the battle even if they weren't there and the platforming snipets make building a team involve more strategy. The game also comes with a great dialouge feature allowing you to many critics say that sonic hasn't done to well lately, in sonic's dark times a becon of light has shone through. Sonic chronicles is a great RPG, all the characters in the party recieve XP from the battle even if they weren't there and the platforming snipets make building a team involve more strategy. The game also comes with a great dialouge feature allowing you to choose how some events come out (this won't change the cliffhanger ending though.) The battle minigames also give RPG battles a brand new feel. However, there is no pause during battle and because of the minigames you could look away for 2 seconds and your character could die. However, this game was well made and i cant wait for the sequel… Expand
  12. SonicForever
    Jul 1, 2014
    10
    This was a very good game. It was worth every cent. That being said, it was a good move on SEGA and BIOWARE for a lot of people such as myself who are in love with both Sonic as a character and RPGs in general such as Skyrim. Putting the mix into a small cheap handheld gaming console that has very poor graphics and gameplay and adding more story rather than gameplay to it. The fact thatThis was a very good game. It was worth every cent. That being said, it was a good move on SEGA and BIOWARE for a lot of people such as myself who are in love with both Sonic as a character and RPGs in general such as Skyrim. Putting the mix into a small cheap handheld gaming console that has very poor graphics and gameplay and adding more story rather than gameplay to it. The fact that you can now choose what Sonic says to his fellow friends or foes in the game just makes it joyous. I would love SEGA to look back on this and think about a Sonic RPG should they release games out to Next Gen consoles. Of course that and platforming.… Expand
  13. hulmej
    Sep 12, 2015
    10
    This game had a very good story and the game itself is quite long. Just make sure you try to work out where to go by yourself and you should enjoy this game as I have.
  14. GamecubeLover
    Jul 27, 2016
    8
    This game is a very fun RPG and all this hate is coming from people who hate sonic in general cause this game is the bomb! Sure there are flaws but need I say more of how amazing this rpg is.
  15. dogii
    Aug 7, 2016
    8
    Sonic chronicles was the first game I played on my DS. And easily the most enjoyable. I don't feel the same way others have felt for this game since I found the story very engaging. The battles with the chaos-thingies were also really fun with the rhythm aspects. Although some aspects were a bit confusing and some puzzles a bit hard the game was overall very rewarding and enjoyable fromSonic chronicles was the first game I played on my DS. And easily the most enjoyable. I don't feel the same way others have felt for this game since I found the story very engaging. The battles with the chaos-thingies were also really fun with the rhythm aspects. Although some aspects were a bit confusing and some puzzles a bit hard the game was overall very rewarding and enjoyable from the standpoint of my then 12 year old self (7 years ago).… Expand
  16. Frazo
    Sep 23, 2017
    8
    I've generally enjoyed playing this game since 2008. Yes, the stylus controls are awkward, the combat can get a little tedious and the music is awful, but everything else was good. It isn't a game for everyone, but Sonic fans will get legitimate enjoyment from it.
  17. Amora
    Dec 24, 2018
    8
    Sonic Chronicles is a pretty good RPG mixing a bit from platforming games but still keeping the focus on an RPG but the game doesn't shine sadly with the soundtrack and some of the mechanics that comes with it, but for the time being this is still a really good game!
  18. jvhbv
    Jun 25, 2018
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. While this game isn't exactly what a classical sonic game would look like or feel like, I find that there are some places where I actually loved what they did for the game. As a Sonic the Hedgehog rpg, I believe that it accurately depicts the normal attitudes of most of the cast and gives you enough choices to actually change how you'll play the game. The two largest of those that can change the experience of the game would be unlocking Cream the Rabbit (and her chao Cheese), and unlocking E-123 Omega. When you finally get through the Blue Ridge zone (through an admittedly cryptic puzzle that seems super confusing at first but is actually really easy if you think about it), you finally move into the city of Metropolis, where the party parts into 2 teams, one to help take out marauder ships and gain access to Angel Island, and the other to help shoot down more marauder ships and whatnot. You fight lord Ix in an epic showdown, only to find out that he would escape into a wormhole to otherworldly locations. Shade agrees to join you and you fight through the black hole sun chapter and follow Ix. Skipping all of the other things that the wormhole introduces, you eventually have a final showdown with lord Ix in his perfect form and Super Sonic. When I received this game as a present for my birthday in 2008, I was really excited to play it (because of all the ads for it I saw in the Sonic the Hedgehog archie comics) and I was not let down. I have incredible nostalgia for this game and have played it a few times recently since then, and I still hold the same opinion that I had then. In total I have probably beat this game like 9 or 10 times, and every time that I start a new game+, I get the same great experience I had then. I highly recommend this game, and the only reason that I dinged a point is that some of the puzzles are extremely unintuitive and difficult to figure out, other than that it's a pretty great game.… Expand
  19. Blackiman
    Jan 29, 2020
    10
    I was able to play this game quite recently, because there was no opportunity to play earlier. When I played the game and read reviews, I was shocked. People complain that this game is bad and one of the worst in the series, but as for me this game is, on the contrary, one of the best. I do not know that people in the game are not happy, because the game was able to entice me and I playedI was able to play this game quite recently, because there was no opportunity to play earlier. When I played the game and read reviews, I was shocked. People complain that this game is bad and one of the worst in the series, but as for me this game is, on the contrary, one of the best. I do not know that people in the game are not happy, because the game was able to entice me and I played it with pleasure.… Expand
  20. Janky77
    Jun 21, 2023
    10
    Sonic Chronicles has the best character interactions in any Sonic Game. I love the story, the rpg gameplay and the character Shade the Echidna. She should definitely make a comeback so Knuckles learn that he isn't truly the last Echidna.
  21. Uradisur
    May 3, 2021
    8
    Очень удачный эксперимент. Я не любитель этого жанра, но игра зашла на ура. Спасибо за интересный сюжет, варианты ответа в диалогах, простую и аутентичную систему прокачки. Ну и отдельное спасибо за классную боевую систему. Игра очень понравилась.Очень удачный эксперимент. Я не любитель этого жанра, но игра зашла на ура. Спасибо за интересный сюжет, варианты ответа в диалогах, простую и аутентичную систему прокачки. Ну и отдельное спасибо за классную боевую систему. Игра очень понравилась.
  22. nahobino5_
    Jun 26, 2021
    8
    This game has its flaws, but it honestly isn't bad. I really enjoyed choosing characters and unique movesets. Using moves and having to get all of the combos right on the touchscreen was really stressful, but in the end it worked out just fine. I really enjoyed all areas and how interactive all the characters are! The comic-style cutscenes were also very enjoyable!
  23. Call-o-freak
    Sep 8, 2021
    9
    Recommended for anyone who is into the RPG genre. Has so many characters to play as, each with their own unique moves, and the chao guardians are a nice addition

Awards & Rankings

43
#43 Best DS Game of 2008
7
#7 Most Discussed DS Game of 2008
5
#5 Most Shared DS Game of 2008

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
74

Mixed or average reviews - based on 55 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 55
  2. Mixed: 30 out of 55
  3. Negative: 0 out of 55
  1. 3DJuegos
    82
    At last, Sonic discovers the RPG games world in a title which disguises the blue hedgehog's universe with some of the best BioWare features. The result is probably one of the best Sonic videogames of the last years and an inevitable purchase for the fans.
    Read full review
  2. Eurogamer
    70
    Sonic Chronicles is undeniably a nice-looking game, and its slick presentation makes for an enticing experience to begin with. The longer you play, however, the more the cracks start to show, and what seemed like a potential minor classic is soon reduced to just "pretty good".
    Read full review
  3. Nintendo Power
    80
    Sonic Chronicles may annoy you at times, but it certainly won't ever bore you. [Nov 2008, p.96]
See all critic reviews »