• Publisher: Sega
  • Release Date: Nov 15, 2005
User Score
8.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 206 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 14 out of 206
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  1. Jul 7, 2023
    10
    This game to this day still ages fantastically. It is really just fun and introduced Blaze which is one of the best characters
  2. May 14, 2023
    8
    One of, if not THE most underrated Sonic games of all time. With great music, fun bosses, and decent level design, Sonic Rush deserves to be put on a pedestal as a mainline game - because calling every portable game a spin-off is just dumb.
  3. Mar 23, 2023
    9
    An incredibly polished and enjoyable take on the typical Sonic formula with some killer music, Sonic Rush is easily the best Sonic game not developed in-house by Sonic Team besides Sonic Mania.
  4. Feb 17, 2023
    10
    This game is FAST. You will be boosting though enemies, grinding on rails and getting funky to still one of the best osts in video game history ever. PLEASE PLAY THIS ONE HELL OF A GAME
  5. Dec 11, 2022
    9
    I mean, what's not to love about this game. Sonic plays well, Blaze plays well. It's great high speed action, good graphics (not that that matters), has really good level design and trick system, good soundtrack (which it did win a game award for) and has mostly good bosses. It's a great game. It has a decent story and has a good cast of characters. The only criticism I have is theI mean, what's not to love about this game. Sonic plays well, Blaze plays well. It's great high speed action, good graphics (not that that matters), has really good level design and trick system, good soundtrack (which it did win a game award for) and has mostly good bosses. It's a great game. It has a decent story and has a good cast of characters. The only criticism I have is the abundance of bottomless pits which can be really annoying, especially when speed running the levels.
    Good job Sega and Dimps for bringing this great game to us.
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  6. Nov 15, 2022
    8
    Sonic Rush is An amazing Handheld sonic game With bopin music and Great Story. This game introduced "Blaze The Cat" And "The Boost Formula". Gameplay Is Stellar Music Is Fire but A Little Compressed Since its On The DS. If There was anything That I Do Not Like its that Some stages Feel Like You Cannot See what's comming. Mabey if the camera was a bit zoomed out it would be better. Its AnSonic Rush is An amazing Handheld sonic game With bopin music and Great Story. This game introduced "Blaze The Cat" And "The Boost Formula". Gameplay Is Stellar Music Is Fire but A Little Compressed Since its On The DS. If There was anything That I Do Not Like its that Some stages Feel Like You Cannot See what's comming. Mabey if the camera was a bit zoomed out it would be better. Its An 8/10 Very Good! Expand
  7. Sep 13, 2022
    9
    89%

    You won’t always crave this game, but it's fun, has detailed level design, a simple but intriguing story, and it introduces one of the series's best characters, Blaze the Cat.
  8. Aug 6, 2022
    8
    gooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooood
  9. Mar 10, 2022
    9
    sonic rush is a great start for boost era but it's not 3d sonic unleashed is best extension of that.
  10. Mar 8, 2022
    8
    This is my favorite sonic game, but it does have a couple of flaws, one of them being altitude limit. This is one of the worst sonic levels. This level was frustrating and has too many bottomless pits and it's kinda hard to tell if there's a bottomless pit because of the ds screen but also because there's clouds at the bottom, making it even harder. Another problem is the boss fights. TheThis is my favorite sonic game, but it does have a couple of flaws, one of them being altitude limit. This is one of the worst sonic levels. This level was frustrating and has too many bottomless pits and it's kinda hard to tell if there's a bottomless pit because of the ds screen but also because there's clouds at the bottom, making it even harder. Another problem is the boss fights. The boss fights are literally waiting games and the whole selling point of the game is for you to go fast, so it's kinda a problem when you have to wait until the boss reveals it's weak point. It takes the bosses a while to reveal their weak point and when you get hit by their attacks, sometimes your rings fall out everywhere and it's hard to get them back. The rest of the game is so good. Expand
  11. Nov 15, 2021
    8
    Sonic Rush is the very last piece I added to my Sonic the Hedgehog DS library and it is considered, by many, to be the best the series has to offer on the console. It is fun, challenging, but above all else, balanced. The only major flaws this game suffers from are view distance, cheap enemy placement and excessive bottomless pits but these issues never reach the same extremes as theSonic Rush is the very last piece I added to my Sonic the Hedgehog DS library and it is considered, by many, to be the best the series has to offer on the console. It is fun, challenging, but above all else, balanced. The only major flaws this game suffers from are view distance, cheap enemy placement and excessive bottomless pits but these issues never reach the same extremes as the Advance games. The bosses, one of the most consistently poor sections in the series, are genuinely challenging. Sometimes a little too challenging.

    Sonic Rush follows a significantly streamlined story compared to its predecessors. It focuses on only two characters meaning two campaigns. Sonic the Hedgehog and the newcomer Blaze the Cat. Both are identical with control and play the same levels. This was a negative against Sonic Heroes but that was because the game required four playthroughs and that game play wasn't very good to begin with. Sonic Rush is among the few Sonic games I would highly recommend but it isn't my favorite as there are two on this website that I believe surpass it.
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  12. Jul 5, 2021
    8
    It's a really fun game with good stage mechanics, and the game dose have a lot of bottomless pits but I can really look past that with the fun gameplay!
  13. Jan 17, 2021
    10
    This was my first Sonic title, and one of my first DS games as well. A must-play for sure; the ost is very unique as well, and the level design is over the top in every single stage. True classic!
  14. Mar 26, 2020
    10
    This is in my opinion one of the best Sonic games, fast, fun and with amazing graphics for the DS, as well as one of the most up-beat soundtracks I've ever heard, overall, it's almost a masterpiece.
  15. Jan 29, 2020
    10
    Sonic Rush. This game defined a generation. The 90's kids had Sonic 3 & Knuckles, but the kids of the 2000s had Sonic Rush as THEIR 2D game. And what a glorious game it is to hold that title.

    This game is what truly introduced the boost mechanic, and did so in a 2D environment. It completely evolved the Classic Sonic formula and made it something modern. Being able to preform tricks, an
    Sonic Rush. This game defined a generation. The 90's kids had Sonic 3 & Knuckles, but the kids of the 2000s had Sonic Rush as THEIR 2D game. And what a glorious game it is to hold that title.

    This game is what truly introduced the boost mechanic, and did so in a 2D environment. It completely evolved the Classic Sonic formula and made it something modern. Being able to preform tricks, an amazing story arc for the newly introduced Blaze the Cat, just genuine fun.
    Easily the best Sonic game of all time and definitely worth you picking up.
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  16. Sep 16, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I think the whole composition of the game is great. With a few tweaks here and there, this could have been a perfect game! Great gameplay, graphics *for the time*, and might I add one of the most KILLER soundtracks to a Sonic game I have ever heard. Expand
  17. JPK
    Aug 19, 2018
    9
    Great DS Game
    Sonic Rush Is Another Worthy Sonic Game That Has All The Humor And Likableness To It.
  18. Feb 12, 2018
    10
    "92% The Best Sonic Game Ever". The european box art says itself and it was right
  19. Aug 30, 2017
    9
    Sonic Rush is a semi 3D game but the gameplay is classic sonic with new gimmicks that work out perfectly in game. It introduces amazing characters with a decent story. In my opinion a bit better then all the Sonic Advance games.
  20. Jan 3, 2017
    8
    Sonic Rush definitely brings in the DS some attention for the hedgehog. It should be worth noting here that Sonic Rush brings disadvantages to the hedgehog, but some of them could hardly be beaten by their advantages.
  21. Nov 10, 2016
    8
    Sonic Rush was one of the first Sonic games for DS. This was the time when DS was still in its infancy. I compare this to playing the original Sonic but better by 1,000,000. Best Sonic game on a Legacy platform. 8/10
  22. Oct 14, 2016
    8
    Quite a good game, but I recommend playing this first before playing the DS version of Sonic Colours.

    Sounds, looks and plays wonderfully! One thing a get annoyed with though is when you get a game over, you go back to the title screen. Games in the older days had this, but this game kind of does it in an inappropriate way.
  23. Oct 3, 2016
    9
    a very enjoyable game the introduction of blaze the cat is great this game makes sonic go fast which is what you want from a sonic game with different versions of zones and music for each character this is a great sonic game to play
  24. Aug 31, 2016
    8
    O melhor jogo do sonic no nintendo ds, trouxe a blaze para o portatil, graficos bons para o console, infelizmente a sua continuação nao foi tao boa assim...
  25. Jul 21, 2016
    10
    A year before...that 2006 mess came out we had THIS game! A fast paced platformer with great characters and great gameplay. Try sonic rush and you may love it.
  26. Mar 13, 2015
    10
    Of all the sonic platformers I've played, this is the one I've had the most fun with. The controls, gameplay graphics, and music (especially the music) are all fantastic. While the level design may not be perfect for the same reason most sonic games aren't (taking damage or falling down a pit due to something you couldn't react to or properly see), the fact that the game is very forgivingOf all the sonic platformers I've played, this is the one I've had the most fun with. The controls, gameplay graphics, and music (especially the music) are all fantastic. While the level design may not be perfect for the same reason most sonic games aren't (taking damage or falling down a pit due to something you couldn't react to or properly see), the fact that the game is very forgiving combined with the fact the game takes an effort to properly prepare you for life or death sequences keeps the frustration at minimum; blasting through the levels can be incredibly fun and satisfying. On top of that, this game has some of the best bosses in a platformer I've ever encountered. They're all very well designed, and while the game is guilty of one or two palette swaps, the bosses themselves don't suffer because of it.
    All in all, if you're a fan of platformers or sonic in general, you definitely won't be disappointed. While it's not the longest game, it's fun the whole way through. Definitely give it a shot if you're interested.
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  27. Apr 13, 2014
    10
    This is the best Dimps Sonic game. I can easily pick up my 3DS and play this game and have a good time doing so. If you want the final story, then play as Blaze. I don't do so since the running animation feels weird, and she is much slower.
  28. Jan 19, 2014
    8
    Sonic Rush is a great Sonic title by Dimps, It's great fun to go blasting though the levels while boosting, and it is a fun challenge to see how far you can go without running out of boost energy. The only problem I have with the gameplay is how Sonic and Blaze's play exactly the same and how their zones are exactly the same just in a different order.

    The story is basically the typical
    Sonic Rush is a great Sonic title by Dimps, It's great fun to go blasting though the levels while boosting, and it is a fun challenge to see how far you can go without running out of boost energy. The only problem I have with the gameplay is how Sonic and Blaze's play exactly the same and how their zones are exactly the same just in a different order.

    The story is basically the typical Sonic story. Dr. Eggman is evil. Go stop him. Nothing really worth talking about.

    Graphically the game is great. With the very nice looking 2D backgrounds and stages. Sonic and Blaze's 3D models are decent as well. The bosses, which are also 3D models, are also passable.

    The soundtrack is phenomenal. Done by Hideki Naganuma, famous for his work on Jet Set Radio. He brings a soundtrack that is very different from any other soundtrack in the series. Which no game in the series has been able to replicate. The soundtrack is made up of most made up of techno and it sounds amazing. It's very up-beat and catchy. Sound Effects are nothing special. And the voice clips work well enough.

    Overall a great entry into the Sonic franchise, with it's fun gameplay, great graphics, and phenomenal soundtrack. I recommend it to anyone.

    OVERALL-
    8/10
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  29. Jan 12, 2014
    9
    This is platforming to the most extreme level. The game's many long levels have been crafted perfectly to give you a real "rush" like feeling. The basic story may only take you 8-12 hours to beat, but the story isnt really over then. If you do something (can't say), then something will happen, greatly extending the hours to play, and you won't get bored with it! The multiplayer is alsoThis is platforming to the most extreme level. The game's many long levels have been crafted perfectly to give you a real "rush" like feeling. The basic story may only take you 8-12 hours to beat, but the story isnt really over then. If you do something (can't say), then something will happen, greatly extending the hours to play, and you won't get bored with it! The multiplayer is also amazing as you get to race around with your friend, very rush-like! I highly recommend this game to all sonic and platformer fans!!!

    Gameplay: 10/10
    Story: 8.5/10
    Music: 9/10
    Presentation: 9/10
    Length: 9/10
    Overall: 9.5/10
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  30. Dec 17, 2013
    9
    Sonic Rush introduces a new style of play to 2-D Sonic games, and I for one, really enjoyed the outcome. The goal is the same, but the way you go about reaching the goal has changed. Often, it's hard to get Sonic rolling, and all these enemies in the way made it a challenge to do so. DIMPS had the marvelous idea of adding a boost mechanic in which Sonic can tear through just about anySonic Rush introduces a new style of play to 2-D Sonic games, and I for one, really enjoyed the outcome. The goal is the same, but the way you go about reaching the goal has changed. Often, it's hard to get Sonic rolling, and all these enemies in the way made it a challenge to do so. DIMPS had the marvelous idea of adding a boost mechanic in which Sonic can tear through just about any obstacle with the touch of the button and accelerate to greater speeds.

    One would worry that this would create an imbalance in the gameplay. All you would have to do is hit the boost button through the level. To cover for that problem, the trick system was implemented, which has you using the hang time from bumpers and ramps into moments where you're frantically hitting the trick button, which so also happens to be the boost button. You'll find yourself budgeting how much time you have before you hit the ground before you can blast off in a frenzy. Sometimes, it's a danger, and you must carefully finish your tricks before landing, cause otherwise, you may send yourself to your death. The game is smart in forcing the player to think about when to use the boost and when not to. Those that try to just blast through every obstacle will fall right into every trap that this game has to offer.

    Figuring out the most efficient paths and how to effectively use the new boost mechanic leaves you on your toes trying to move faster, yet smarter. The game's worlds are enormous and make good use of the 2 screens. Blaze enhances the game slightly by allowing for a different play style as well.

    Overall, I enjoyed the change in pacing for Sonic. A great way to modernize the 2-D style of gameplay, and full of frantic fun.
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Awards & Rankings

12
7
#7 Most Discussed DS Game of 2005
8
#8 Most Shared DS Game of 2005
Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 43 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 34 out of 43
  2. Negative: 0 out of 43
  1. 90
    An extremely polished DS title. It does a great job offering a fantastic, energetic old-school challenge that keeps the classic gaming style alive.
  2. Sonic Rush moves Sonic's 2D adventures over to the DS, and that positive trend continues with a platformer that focuses on raw speed while still managing to do interesting new things, particularly when it comes to the handheld's dual-screen format.
  3. Sonic Rush is an excellent pick-up-and-play title that's as addictive as any in the series, and has better graphics, sound, and presentation than any title before it.