Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric

 Wii U
  • Publisher: Sega
  • Release Date: Nov 11, 2014
User Score
3.6

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 712 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 175 out of 712
  2. Mixed: 71 out of 712
  3. Negative: 466 out of 712
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  1. jackandhollys
    Dec 2, 2014
    9
    This game is a fine platformer, it's just not a sonic game. The jokes are pretty funny, though. The main problem about the game is that it's slow, so you can't run through hub worlds.
  2. jojo598
    Nov 12, 2014
    9
    I thought that this game was pretty awesome. The music was great, and the game play was entertaining. It was something new and different. I appreciate the new direction taken with the Sonic universe, and I hope that there are more boom games to come. I did however like the 3ds version better.
  3. Flutterflybear
    Nov 17, 2014
    5
    This game sucks it has lots of glitches, the characters don't stop talking, I mean it's alright sometimes it can be fun, but it still should've been made better!:(
  4. ShbeblyTheGreat
    May 26, 2015
    2
    Sonic Boom makes Sonic '06 look like Sonic Boom.
    In all honesty, this game is a mess. The constant framerate issues, the random clipping, the gross textures, bland environments, broken physics, everything just fell apart...
    This is what happens when you take a game engine that's not compatible with a system, and force that system to play whatever it can. CryEnging, I'll admit makes games    Sonic Boom makes Sonic '06 look like Sonic Boom.
    In all honesty, this game is a mess. The constant framerate issues, the random clipping, the gross textures, bland environments, broken physics, everything just fell apart...
    This is what happens when you take a game engine that's not compatible with a system, and force that system to play whatever it can. CryEnging, I'll admit makes games look good, just doesn't work with a Sonic game. Most importantly, it doesn't work on the Wii U!

    The only thing I CAN praise is the acting, some of the writing, and the animations during cutscenes. This is pretty much the best acted Sonic game so far. Every character interacts with each other without making it seem dull and boring. The writing can be pretty funny at times. The animations are very very VERY fluid and cartoon-esque. It just seems natural.

    So, overall, don't play this game. If you just have too, get it cheap. Do not pay over $20 for this.    … Expand
  5. camilosanchez16
    Dec 15, 2014
    2
    Damas y caballeros... Con ustedes el FLOP del año!!!
    No se que decir... SEGA, creas Aliens Colonial Marines, una reverenda m*erda, haces bien en quitarlo del catalogo de Wii U, prometes compensarlo con 3 juegos, Sonic Lost World (bien), M&S en Londres (Regular) y cuando el hype por el tercer juego esta en el aire sales con esto... BOOM... así describo este juego, donde SLW se convierte    Damas y caballeros... Con ustedes el FLOP del año!!!
    No se que decir... SEGA, creas Aliens Colonial Marines, una reverenda m*erda, haces bien en quitarlo del catalogo de Wii U, prometes compensarlo con 3 juegos, Sonic Lost World (bien), M&S en Londres (Regular) y cuando el hype por el tercer juego esta en el aire sales con esto... BOOM... así describo este juego, donde SLW se convierte una obra de arte subvalorada en exceso.    … Expand
  6. BROstoise
    Jun 12, 2015
    7
    I'm going to get crucified for saying this: I liked Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric.
    I did not fail to acknowledge that this game is EXTREMELY unpolished. It has tons of glitches and framerate issues.
    However, someone once compared a game review to a food review. Every review can be different since everyone has a different experience with the product. My experience was mostly positive. None of    I'm going to get crucified for saying this: I liked Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric.
    I did not fail to acknowledge that this game is EXTREMELY unpolished. It has tons of glitches and framerate issues.
    However, someone once compared a game review to a food review. Every review can be different since everyone has a different experience with the product. My experience was mostly positive. None of the glitches detracted from my gameplay experience (unlike in Sonic '06, where you have to reset the game if you mess up the Silver fight, or when you get stuck on a wall as Knuckles). The framerate drops never happened to me at times where it was vital to have a quick reaction.
    This game was easily the funnies Sonic game on the market. While a lot of the jokes fall flat, a few of them actually made me laugh out loud. Regardless, this game is marketed towards 6-12 year-olds. It makes sense for someone of my age to not think all the jokes were funny.
    The story was average. Evil guy wants to destroy all organic life forms and the heroes stop him. Nothing special, like in Sonic Adventure 2 or Unleashed, but nothing horrible and confusing like in Sonic '06. The time travel segment makes a lot of sense and is very thought provoking... at least to me.
    People say this game is worse than Sonic '06, but it's really not. While the combat got repetitive near the end for me (I played though the first half of the game twice, so this wouldn't happen to me if I hadn't), it's nowhere near the repetitiveness of Sonic '06, where most characters only have 1 useful attack. The loading screens are also nowhere near as long, and like I said, the story is better and there are less troublesome glitches (at least in my playthough).

    The difficulty curve evolved quite nicely throughout the game. Thoughout the game, enemies and platforming gradually got harder. The game itself is very easy, however. There are no game overs and you rarely run out of rings because 1) you don't lose a lot when you get hit and 2) the game gives you way more rings than you'll ever need. Honestly, I'm glad this game was easy. If it wasn't, it would be frustrating.

    While the story mode is on the short side, there are tons of collectibles and multiplayer modes. I didn't find the multiplayer minigames to be all that fun, but others have. Unless you get all the 20 chests and 15 crowns on your first go though a level, you will not want to go back. There are 8 levels, and all of them are very lengthy. The combat got too repetitive by the time I beat the game that I felt as if getting all the collectibles wasn't worth my time.

    The graphics are stylized. Cell-Shades. Sometimes, the style doesn't look good. How visually impressive the game looks depends on the lighting. Some areas make the game look like it was actually made in 2014. Other times, the game can look like it was made with Roblox...

    In the end, I really can't recommend this game to anyone, since you most likely won't have as good of a time as I did with it.    … Expand
  7. ikereview
    Dec 17, 2014
    0
    this is the worst game ever broken combat unoriginal story bad characters the game is a fail on all levels do not buy this waste of money and avoid this game
  8. SpitRoasted
    Dec 22, 2014
    0
    Sonic Boom.. The reincarnation for a new brand of sonic that people will enjoy. A brand new sonic that will create fandoms for its characters, shows, and especially video games. This idea was brought Sega, and they completely messed it up and mutated sonic into an abomination. Ruining the characters, ruining the plot, and ruining video games as a whole was the only result of thisSonic Boom.. The reincarnation for a new brand of sonic that people will enjoy. A brand new sonic that will create fandoms for its characters, shows, and especially video games. This idea was brought Sega, and they completely messed it up and mutated sonic into an abomination. Ruining the characters, ruining the plot, and ruining video games as a whole was the only result of this abomination. Please for all that is holy do not buy this game and if you must do anything related to this game, spread how atrocious this game is and make sure that no one in the world must ever see this horror… Expand
  9. SpeedyQ
    Feb 8, 2015
    8
    This game is very fun but has lack of some qualities, here are the pros and the cons.

    Pros+

    -Good combat

    -Multiple characters

    Cons

    -sonic isn't fast enough

    -Knuckles is to slow
  10. BaganLeleo
    May 24, 2015
    0
    I played the demo out of curiosity, and had to put it down after 5 or so minutes because it was so awful, the controls are horrible, the combat is clunky, the frame rate is horrible, and the voice acting is worse than all of these thinks combined, on the plus side the music, while it's not good, doesn't make me want to kill myself.
  11. Zardo
    Oct 21, 2015
    2
    Sonic Boom: Rise of I don't Know :

    PRO:
    -gotta go fast
    -nice meme
    -ahahahahhahahahahahahahahahahahahahhahahahahahahahaha kids save your money
    -if you wanna laugh with your friend buy this game if you think it's good then I'm sorry you are wrong

    CONS:
    -Everything

    CONCLUSION:
    Sonic wasn't fast enough :|
  12. Xxsonicfan69xX
    Nov 17, 2014
    10
    Sonic Boom is a masterpiece.
    It'll make you laugh.
    It will make you cry.
    It will change your life.
    I was on the brink of suicide when my friend came in and said, "man, you gotta play Sonic Boom! Its the best." I did.
    It takes Sonic to the next level, with fun combat, awesome running sections, and a deep emotional story.
    I recommend this game to anyone. 10/10 Game of the year.
  13. doolan2355
    Nov 13, 2014
    10
    Although there are a few frame rate and bug issues, those aren't that annoying and are usually exaggerated, the combat was pretty fun and the speed sections were also admittedly fun too, the hub worlds are a little confusing at first but I also love them due to exploration. The music was a little hard to get used to and new to the sonic series but it is still good and actually fits theAlthough there are a few frame rate and bug issues, those aren't that annoying and are usually exaggerated, the combat was pretty fun and the speed sections were also admittedly fun too, the hub worlds are a little confusing at first but I also love them due to exploration. The music was a little hard to get used to and new to the sonic series but it is still good and actually fits the game very well. A few little issues such as no unlock-able combos, or having to connect your 3DS just to increase the max ring count bugged me but didn't bother me enough to lose some admiration for the game.… Expand
  14. Skyfals
    Dec 6, 2014
    9
    I actually really liked the game! I enjoyed the exploration and huge hub worlds. The music was good. The voice acting was top notch! The Characters were good. And while the Graphics didn't live up to their full potential, they were okay.
  15. Presedent_angle
    Dec 24, 2014
    10
    Did you like sonic's friends commenting on everything they do? Do you like tedious platforming? Do you like an unfinished game? Well if you said yes the you're playing the wrong game. Sonic 06 was far better because I could go fast. 10/10 would cry again.
  16. Blowtaku
    Nov 12, 2014
    10
    This game was really very good. I had low expectations after I was personally unimpressed with Sonic Lost World. I really like this one however. The story is great, the controls are superb and the speed brings back childhood memories of hotwheels cars.
  17. rawdawg
    Nov 12, 2014
    9
    To counter all the hate towards this game, I will give an in-depth review. I must say that this is a great improvement on the Sonic games of old. The controls were a blast and the gameplay is really fast and challenging without being too difficult. A good mixture! The new character designs take a little while to grow on you, but once they do, you'll be quite pleased. Quite frankly they areTo counter all the hate towards this game, I will give an in-depth review. I must say that this is a great improvement on the Sonic games of old. The controls were a blast and the gameplay is really fast and challenging without being too difficult. A good mixture! The new character designs take a little while to grow on you, but once they do, you'll be quite pleased. Quite frankly they are a good revamp that trump the hedgehog of old. This is one of the cases where change was much needed. Sonic actually has some cool new moves this time around. With his new Enerbeam, you can do things you would never have imagined doing in the classics! You can climb walls, swim, and design your very own ATV's! I hope they add new features to this fascinating weapon as DLC. It was really entertaining and way past cool. Playing as Knuckles was a little rough I will admit. He can’t glide any more which makes some levels difficult, but burrowing more than makes up for it. He can actually find treasure and digging can be used tactically in boss battles.

    Also, as with any game one of the most important elements is the story. In Rise of Lyric, the plot will really suck you in and is in fact one of the most intriguing in platforming games in recent memory. Unlike previous entries in the series, you no longer search for Chaos Emeralds. Now it's Chaos Crystals, which are way more interesting than silly emeralds! The new villain Lyric was also really memorable in the vein of Hannbial Lector and Vladimir Putin. He's terrifying on a psychological level and hopefully will continue to play a large role in Sonic games to come. Compared to the old games, overall the characters are more fleshed out and actually have depth with three dimensional personalities. I promise you will care for them this time around! When one of the main characters dies (SPOILERS!), you will feel much loss, just like if you had lost a family member. The plot twists really took me by surprise, particularly when the apocalyptic nature of the ancients is revealed. Other than that the dialogue was amusing and heartwarming, while at the same time maintaining an atmosphere of tension and mystery. Much applause must also be directed to the VA in this game. I was able to take them seriously throughout the entirety of the story and not once could I find fault in their performance.

    All in all, it was the little things that helped this new generation of Sonic stand out. The soundtrack was one of the best in ages. The levels where you get to play as Metal Sonic were also a great surprise. I actually wasn't suspecting that and was pleasantly shocked to see this character again and play through his perspective. The physics for the spaceship levels were really entertaining and helped Sonic Boom stand above previous titles in the series. Finally, there were cameos from all sorts of characters in the franchise. Princess Acorn even makes an appearance at the end!

    In conclusion, Rise of Lyric was everything I ever wanted. The game is so good I played it for free. If you haven’t bought it yet, you should. Ignore the hate, and give Rise of Lyric a shot. If you don’t like it, and I know you won’t, you will be one out of a million. Everyone else, I think you will be pleasantly surprised.    … Expand
  18. Robinson2511
    Dec 8, 2014
    6
    This game is, interesting! When I first saw it, I wasn't sure whether to be concerned or excited, when I played it, I found that I should've been, neither. The game is, fun, to an extent, it's not world shattering, in fact, it's very reminicent of Sonic the Hedgehog 2006, consistant slowdown, slow characters, unintersting combat, and many glitches, but underneath, it's quite solid. TheThis game is, interesting! When I first saw it, I wasn't sure whether to be concerned or excited, when I played it, I found that I should've been, neither. The game is, fun, to an extent, it's not world shattering, in fact, it's very reminicent of Sonic the Hedgehog 2006, consistant slowdown, slow characters, unintersting combat, and many glitches, but underneath, it's quite solid. The level design is very strong, and works very well with the slower characters, the puzzles are very simple but they are fun, and the separate gameplay styles add depth while not straining the formula to it's limits. The biggest problem is the pacing, every 5 minutes you'll come across a combat section where you'll spend the next what feels like 10 minutes beating up robots. There's also the mach-speed sections, which are that by name only, the most baffling thing to me, is that you can stop during these sections, the same with the running on water moments, and sections where you control the water-thingy, are so awkward and stiff.
    So overall, Rise of Lyric, is a very average game, it's not as bad as many people say, but I can see why they compare it to Sonic 06, but yeah, it's not too bad, just ignore the awful puns.    … Expand
  19. phxvyper
    Jan 15, 2015
    3
    Considering the game supposed to have a plot with development in it, I've dropped by original score of 5 to a 3 because it is completely lacking in any character development or personality. None of the four main characters have any internal OR external conflict with the plot of the game, and in no way are they relatable.
    The plot never feels like its advancing and its not very appealing    Considering the game supposed to have a plot with development in it, I've dropped by original score of 5 to a 3 because it is completely lacking in any character development or personality. None of the four main characters have any internal OR external conflict with the plot of the game, and in no way are they relatable.
    The plot never feels like its advancing and its not very appealing either.

    The voice acting is cheesy and unlife-like.

    The animations aren't bad, but they're not good by any means.

    There are glitches aplenty, not to say that no game is without glitches, but when a game is oozing with almost game breaking glitches every few seconds, there is a definite problem.

    The game often feels like its trying to be too many things at once - a platformer, a beat em up, a block puzzle, even an RPG. At certain parts it feels like they're changing between different kinds of camera controllers and player controllers to completely mix up the experience the player is receiving. There are some games that effectively do something like this, there are even some games that can effectively mix together a bunch of genres seamlessly - but this game is no where near being that.

    The art, style, and models are the only thing this game has going for it.

    RedButton: Next time you're licensed as a 2nd party developer to make a game, please finish it.    … Expand
  20. iSimon420
    Feb 4, 2015
    0
    I can sum up this game and everything about it with a simple word that best describes everything you need to know about this game...

    **** Broken controls, unspeakable gameplay, PS2 **** graphics, glitches that make Sonic 06 look like Sonic Adventure 2, the worst voice acting you will ever hear in your life and WORST of all, totally forgettable bull**** music that I didn't even    I can sum up this game and everything about it with a simple word that best describes everything you need to know about this game...

    ****

    Broken controls, unspeakable gameplay, PS2 **** graphics, glitches that make Sonic 06 look like Sonic Adventure 2, the worst voice acting you will ever hear in your life and WORST of all, totally forgettable bull**** music that I didn't even remember once.

    Sega you have only two options to save this battered and dead franchise now... Sell Sonic to Nintendo as they know how to represent Sonic in the way that he deserves. Or sell the franchise to Naoto Ohshima! You know...the guy who made the BEST 2D SONIC GAME EVER?! You have proven yourself utterly incapable of ever making a good Sonic game, and when you make decent games its just a lie, a sick lie to draw fans in only to get drawn and quartered by complete alpha build **** such as Sonic Boom. Sonic Adventure 3 is the only hope for the franchise yet day by day I believe that this dream of a great Sonic game will never come to fruition due to such a horrible game.

    Avoid at all costs, i'd rather play ET for Atari 2600 while blindfolded.    … Expand
  21. TheLatinoCritic
    Jan 20, 2015
    8
    This may not be the best sonic game, but, this game show a great story and voice talents.at least this game was better than Sonic The Hedgehog (2006). Don't be a hater.
  22. Spinningtopz
    Dec 9, 2014
    10
    You ever think a game's bad before buying it, then buy it and realise you were wrong about it?

    A majority of 'realiable' critics here have yet to do so.
  23. SuperLuigiBrosZ
    Nov 19, 2014
    10
    This is the closest thing we are getting to having the four most important characters in the Sonic franchise to work together for the first time in a plat former to stop Eggman. By the way, we got a American Classic Sonic, why not Modern? Also Knuckles has the best design in this game because it portrays the true powerhouse he is. He hit Super Sonic once and he went back to normal stateThis is the closest thing we are getting to having the four most important characters in the Sonic franchise to work together for the first time in a plat former to stop Eggman. By the way, we got a American Classic Sonic, why not Modern? Also Knuckles has the best design in this game because it portrays the true powerhouse he is. He hit Super Sonic once and he went back to normal state and Knuckles was laughing after like it was nothing. There is a reason why he is the guardian of the Master Emerald and is the last survivor of his ancient race. Also this isn't effecting the Sonic canon anyway so calm down. The next true Sonic game will have the designs you all remember.… Expand
  24. gurren
    Nov 14, 2014
    9
    this game is amazing in my opinion i love EVERYTHING about especially the humor this has got to be one the funniest games i've ever played and everybody is saying that this game is glitchy but i finished the whole game without coming across a glitch.
  25. gabzjmm23
    Nov 20, 2014
    9
    it is a different Sonic game. enjoyed it, i know why people hated it due to framerate drops and clunky controls. but love playing a platformer game. don't know why people just wanted Sonic to run fast and just collect the rings. this can be improve though.
  26. rexboy3000
    May 3, 2015
    0
    There’s no doubt that Sonic Team have lost their quality touch. They are worse than talent less: they are without passion. Bored, weary, closed-minded and out of touch with any sense of what makes games good anymore. Quite simply put, after making so many of them, Sonic Team is tired of Sonic games - something Ben cites as a reason for Yuji Naka’s resignation in 2006. Sega continues toThere’s no doubt that Sonic Team have lost their quality touch. They are worse than talent less: they are without passion. Bored, weary, closed-minded and out of touch with any sense of what makes games good anymore. Quite simply put, after making so many of them, Sonic Team is tired of Sonic games - something Ben cites as a reason for Yuji Naka’s resignation in 2006. Sega continues to publish terrible games, which has become more aberrant since the release of sonic lost world, which of course had felt the need to stray away from an almost perfect formula.… Expand
  27. Mudkipz9001
    Nov 12, 2014
    10
    A brilliant and innovative game that gives a fresh take on sonic with an all new universe. The controls are perfect and it also manages to capture the adrenaline and speed that makes people go to Sonic.
  28. KingDedede17
    Mar 28, 2018
    10
    The absolute best game ever. stunning graphics and amazing heartbreaking story.
  29. mcronesixteen
    Dec 19, 2014
    10
    This game is so bad its fun.. Actually the glitches can give you a couple hours of gameplay XD the combat sucks. You're slow YOU'RE SONIC! SONIC IS FAST BUT NOT IN THIS GAME HE'S SLOW! Still. Get this game. Best. Game. Ever.
  30. JN1306
    Nov 25, 2014
    6
    Yeah, it was very disappointing...but honestly 3,8 is way too harsh. Keep in mind this was a brand new team worked on this game and I am willing to give them the benefit of the doubt and hpe they do better in the future. The game had sine enjoyable stages, I liked the new character designs and the music isnt half bad
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Awards & Rankings

45
#45 Best Wii U Game of 2014
3
#3 Most Discussed Wii U Game of 2014
3
#3 Most Shared Wii U Game of 2014

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
32

Generally unfavorable reviews - based on 28 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 28
  3. Negative: 24 out of 28
  1. Games Master UK
    Jan 31, 2015
    29
    Possibly the worst blotch on Sonic's record. [Feb 2015, p.73]
  2. Multiplayer.it
    Jan 15, 2015
    40
    Simply put, Sonic Boom is one of the worst Sonic games in recent memory: the concept is bland, the design is awful and the execution is incredibly poor.
    Read full review
  3. XGN
    Dec 23, 2014
    30
    Sonic Boom Rise of Lyric is a real disappointment for Sonic fans. There is basically nothing positive to say about this game. Sonic deserves much better.
    Read full review
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