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. SonicFan29
    Nov 11, 2014
    2
    Well, I wanted this to be a good game, but unfortunately it Isn't.

    Sega's newest attempt at the blue blur fell remarkably short of most expectations. It's scattered with many bugs. While not gamebreaking bugs as some have described, many require you to restart the level. The game lags out at several points as well. It's graphics are a huge disappointment. While some levels, such as    Well, I wanted this to be a good game, but unfortunately it Isn't.

    Sega's newest attempt at the blue blur fell remarkably short of most expectations. It's scattered with many bugs. While not gamebreaking bugs as some have described, many require you to restart the level. The game lags out at several points as well.

    It's graphics are a huge disappointment. While some levels, such as Lyrics base, look nice at parts, other parts are downright ugly. At points it really does look like a PS2 game. On a system like the Wii U this is simply unnacceptable. In addition, after three years in development one would expect consistent graphics, but alas, no.

    The gameplay is generally repetitive and I became bored within the first few levels. The difficulty is minimal, and while more enemies began appearing near the end, they are easily dispatched.

    Music has been one of the consistent bright spots of the Sonic franchise, but unfortunately Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric bucks this trend. The music is unfitting at points and generally forgettable.

    The major bright spot is story. The games story is far more advanced then the last four Sonic games combined. It does have a generic villain and stereotypical (and pointless) characters, which takes away from the enjoyment.

    In an effort to appeal to new fans Sega has completely alienated it's original fan base. The game is not good enough to draw in many kids; nor Sonic enough to draw in the dedicated fan base. Sega has fell into a situation all too many companies fall into. In short, this game is very disappointing.    … Expand
  2. FreshToast6000
    Nov 12, 2014
    4
    This game from the get-go has frame rate issues and many bugs. It's clear that the game is unpolished. The gamers combat is also very clunky the the animations aren't smooth. The platforming is decent but not good. There's a big open town for you to explore but only about 8 NPC in the game. When you explore the town you find rings but you can only hold 100. If you perform an SSS comboThis game from the get-go has frame rate issues and many bugs. It's clear that the game is unpolished. The gamers combat is also very clunky the the animations aren't smooth. The platforming is decent but not good. There's a big open town for you to explore but only about 8 NPC in the game. When you explore the town you find rings but you can only hold 100. If you perform an SSS combo there is no reward for getting the high combo. The story is also bad, the only good about it is the little humor it brings to the table. Another positive is the length of the game, it's above average but for me it felt like a chore. I would not recommend picking this game up at all, not even a price drop will do justice.… Expand
  3. Jkutz
    Nov 14, 2014
    0
    This game is an abomination. I refuse to accept this as a Sonic game, this just doesn't feel fat or fun. I guess if you wanted to play Sonic '06 with a new skin you could buy this game, but I wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy. This game poorly designed with terrible textures and glitches. Avoid this game at all costs.
  4. nighthawkGR
    Nov 13, 2014
    0
    Terrible game,full of glitches,bad controls,bad graphics,bad frame rate.
    Some fresh new ideas..but nothing special who could keep Sonic alive.
    Big red Button killed the Hedgehog...or was he already dead?
  5. nuniruro
    Nov 12, 2014
    2
    Sonic Boom: Rise Of Lyrics is unpolished - and even worse, flat out boring. Like, super boring. I tried to find something positive, I really tried. Trust me! But nothing about this game stands out - in a good way that is.

    The graphics are sub-par, even bad. The music sucks - it's stuck in this ambient, cinematic mood and never stands out, ever. The gameplay is repetitive and the puzzles    Sonic Boom: Rise Of Lyrics is unpolished - and even worse, flat out boring. Like, super boring. I tried to find something positive, I really tried. Trust me! But nothing about this game stands out - in a good way that is.

    The graphics are sub-par, even bad. The music sucks - it's stuck in this ambient, cinematic mood and never stands out, ever. The gameplay is repetitive and the puzzles are dumb - you have slow button-mashing fights, then there's a bad puzzle, then a scripted speed section which will most likely glitch out. Rinse and repeat. The characters, oh man, they're annoying. They never shut up. The writing is an atrocity, with constant references to internet memes from 2010.

    The only things I really liked were Amy's new personality, she's no longer incomprehensibly annoying, and Metal Sonic. He's always a nice villain.    … Expand
  6. Tobi_Whatever
    Nov 13, 2014
    3
    This game tries really hard to dethrone Sonic 06 as the worst Sonic game ever made.
    Whoever decided that a Sonic not going fast is a good idea should leave, wherever they are right now.
    The writing is awful to say the least. It's full of bugs and glitches and you don't even have to try finding them. The game doesn't even look good. And while looking bad and going slowly through walls    This game tries really hard to dethrone Sonic 06 as the worst Sonic game ever made.
    Whoever decided that a Sonic not going fast is a good idea should leave, wherever they are right now.
    The writing is awful to say the least. It's full of bugs and glitches and you don't even have to try finding them.
    The game doesn't even look good. And while looking bad and going slowly through walls with bad animations, you can have frame drops as a little bonus.

    This game is a mess.    … Expand
  7. Ys_guy
    Nov 12, 2014
    3
    I'm speed running the game and I'm so glad I'm just borrowing. The framerate is pretty bad but it doesn't effect response time not that the game requires much. Haven't tried multiplayer yet but I'd imagine teleporting all over the place due to dumbness. This game isn't the worst but considering the price it's now officially bad. Barging bin purchase this game if you're interested.
  8. darkfury45
    Nov 11, 2014
    2
    This game had some hopes from me, I was expecting something different yet interesting. Instead, here's what I've found:
    -Graphics that are lazily done, on the Crysis 3 engine no less
    -the combat isn't as enjoyable as one would expect, it's different, but not satisfactory -the humor is really degrading, especially poor knuckles, a character I respected in sonic adventure, sa2 and sonic    This game had some hopes from me, I was expecting something different yet interesting. Instead, here's what I've found:
    -Graphics that are lazily done, on the Crysis 3 engine no less
    -the combat isn't as enjoyable as one would expect, it's different, but not satisfactory
    -the humor is really degrading, especially poor knuckles, a character I respected in sonic adventure, sa2 and sonic heroes
    -BUTTLOADS of glitches that SHOULD have been watched for, its like an early beta or late alpha build.

    As a comparison, I'd have to state this is a lot like a bad spin off of The Legend of Spyro trilogy or the Spongebob Squarepants Movie (video game). The story, character model design, and voice acting isn't horrible, but the slowpaced action and horrible humor isn't something I was looking forward to. Three years of building, yet loads of bugs and graphics that could have been reworked before release if BRB had the common sense to actually do proper testing.    … Expand
  9. Like
    Nov 11, 2014
    0
    The only bad thing about Sonic Boom is that the game is terrible in every way.

    But this game is just really bad, It just feels really rushed like it's still an Alpha build.
  10. kashop
    Nov 11, 2014
    5
    In general I don't write reviews (because i'm not native English speaker) but the ranking here in metacritics is a complete lie.The game is good and don't deserve the hate.

    -The playability is good, -The character are different, the platforming and puzzle are fun, the fighting is a little monotonous at the beginning, but with the weapons and upgrades at the end are going better.The    In general I don't write reviews (because i'm not native English speaker) but the ranking here in metacritics is a complete lie.The game is good and don't deserve the hate.

    -The playability is good,
    -The character are different,
    the platforming and puzzle are fun,
    the fighting is a little monotonous at the beginning, but with the weapons and upgrades at the end are going better.The boss figthing are special and different.
    The graphics are good, in the speed areas are very fast and smooth.
    The story is very interesting but in another hand the humor is bad in general.
    .
    In sumary the game is good, is especially entertainment in the co - op mode. One player can play in the wiiu pad and the another in the tv, advancing for different areas and meeting later or going together. (this game is very original in different ways).

    the concerns:
    low rate in co -op (its not too much but it is.
    I believe is short, I have the 60% of the game in around 4 hours..    … Expand
  11. epxyon1
    Nov 11, 2014
    10
    The game reminds me of Sonic Heroes. Its actually very fun. I don't personally care for the new character designs, so if you can manage to get past that you'll like the game.
  12. SonicMan1
    Nov 11, 2014
    10
    What I played of Sonic Boom was amazing. The story was pretty epic(which I will not spoil you on) and the fact that you can switch characters. is pretty neat. I don't see why all these users hated it.There are a few glitches but i can look past them(Plus you pretty much have to not be playing the game normally to experience glitches)
  13. godzillabots
    Nov 11, 2014
    10
    I actually enjoy the game for what it is. It takes a very different turn on the Sonic franchise. Not every Sonic game has to stay the same thing over and over again you know.
  14. UltimateToad84
    Nov 11, 2014
    10
    This is a different Sonic game that we are used too, but it is also one of the greats. The music is very captivating and sets the mood of the levels, the character development is strong and interactions are comical., The gameplay is fun and intriguing with no bugs and the game looks fine as far as graphics are concerned. I love how you can also play as Amy, Knuckles, and Tails. TheThis is a different Sonic game that we are used too, but it is also one of the greats. The music is very captivating and sets the mood of the levels, the character development is strong and interactions are comical., The gameplay is fun and intriguing with no bugs and the game looks fine as far as graphics are concerned. I love how you can also play as Amy, Knuckles, and Tails. The beginning level shows that although the a level can be small, there is a lot one can do within it. Metal Sonic I back as well, which is a character I always thought should sty consistent within Sonic games. I wrote this article because I saw all the hate Sonic has had over the years and he does not deserve it. I will stand up for Sonic!!!… Expand
  15. ryuhayabusa13
    Nov 11, 2014
    10
    I enjoyed the Combat, comedy and variety of moves and an emphasis on exploration are pretty neat as the original sonic games did have. Also like the humor and quirkiness of story. Don't understand the hate the game is getting. Have played every sonic game and still enjoying it along with new cartoon.
  16. SansXNessGmrPro
    Oct 17, 2016
    10
    Simply astounding. I wasn't expecting this to be so good, seeing all the hate it's gotten, but wowie, this game is AMAZING. For starters, the combat. Let's face it; it's way more in depth then any other game in the Sonic franchise. The core of the game's combat is the Enerbeam mechanic, which makes every fight unique, allowing for many creative and interesting possibilities. The worlds areSimply astounding. I wasn't expecting this to be so good, seeing all the hate it's gotten, but wowie, this game is AMAZING. For starters, the combat. Let's face it; it's way more in depth then any other game in the Sonic franchise. The core of the game's combat is the Enerbeam mechanic, which makes every fight unique, allowing for many creative and interesting possibilities. The worlds are so much fun to explore, the comedy is hilarious and clever, and the graphics are gorgeous. With the games relatively minor glitches finally patched, there is no reason NOT to get this game. Ignore the hate and experience the best Sonic- no, best VIDEO GAME of all time.… Expand
  17. BubsoBobcat
    Jun 24, 2017
    10
    Fantastic game. Heck, this is more than a game, It's an experience. This game changed my life, man. If it weren't for Bubsy 2, this would be my favorite game of all the times. Characters are great, story was memorable, and the gameplay was fresh and exiting. From the level design to the mechanics every inch of the gameplay was polished and exciting. Seriously, you can't beat it. As theyFantastic game. Heck, this is more than a game, It's an experience. This game changed my life, man. If it weren't for Bubsy 2, this would be my favorite game of all the times. Characters are great, story was memorable, and the gameplay was fresh and exiting. From the level design to the mechanics every inch of the gameplay was polished and exciting. Seriously, you can't beat it. As they say, if you can't beat it, buy it!… Expand
  18. NikoBocce
    Oct 27, 2018
    0
    This is the worst game of all time. EVER!! It runs like an old lady with 3 hip replacements, and shouldn't ever be experienced by any human ever. Some say Sonic 06' is the worst, they haven't even played a fraction of this nightmarish experience.
  19. Marcox
    Dec 14, 2014
    0
    La peor entrega de sonic que apuesto mi consola a que está a punto de quitarle la corona a Sonic'06.
    Horrible musica, torpe combate, estupidos personajes, historia sin emociones y mapas vacios.
  20. Datamari
    Nov 1, 2015
    2
    Let me just put this to rest, Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric is not very good. It's horrible, it's quite possibly one of the worst Wii U games i've ever played. It had so much potential, when I saw a trailer for this game on TV, I thought it was going to be decent, but I thought very VERY wrong. The gameplay is boring, it's glitchy as hell, it runs like hell, it doesn't even look good! The gameLet me just put this to rest, Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric is not very good. It's horrible, it's quite possibly one of the worst Wii U games i've ever played. It had so much potential, when I saw a trailer for this game on TV, I thought it was going to be decent, but I thought very VERY wrong. The gameplay is boring, it's glitchy as hell, it runs like hell, it doesn't even look good! The game is somewhat funny, but it just makes the characters look like complete idiots. And don't even get me started on the character designs; I know the game was made alongside a different company, but still, whoever thought thought it would be a good idea to give Knuckles steroids needs to be fired. All jokes aside, this game is horrible, and to be honest, I found more enjoyment out of Sonic 06 than this. If you see this game at any game store, don't buy it, if you're a hardcore Sonic fan, then be my guest.

    Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric gets a 2/10.    … Expand
  21. LesterRoquefort
    Mar 16, 2016
    3
    I was afraid to try this game, and i ignored my fears. I regretted it.

    Although, i gave it a 3 because i enjoyed the cut scenes and it actually pushed me on to watch the Animated series they made, which is pretty good... but like the cutscenes, in my opinion.
  22. CarlKarl
    Oct 18, 2016
    10
    Maybe there's something wrong with me, but I don't see what everyone dislikes about this game. Because I had fun throughout the entire game from beginning to end. The characters were likable, the combat was interesting... Maybe not worth a 10, but I just couldn't bear to see it have such a low score. I would recommend it, very solid game.
  23. loricritic845
    Mar 17, 2018
    10
    Have you seen such a great game based on a TV-show ? Your answer is probably no. Because in Sonic Boom : Rise Of Lyric you will get many ways to experience the game. The memes, the graphics, the story, the voice acting and the cartoony cutscenes will introduce you to an awesome game. This is a game you should buy.
  24. SonicFanexe
    Jul 28, 2018
    10
    When my great grandma was in her hospital bed she handed me this game. It was her last breathing gift to me and anyone else. I loved it to bits not only for the great controls but for its lovely graphics. I fell in love with the games funny charm of sonk and friends such as talls and rose. Many people dislike this game only because the rest of people hate it give it a chance if not for meWhen my great grandma was in her hospital bed she handed me this game. It was her last breathing gift to me and anyone else. I loved it to bits not only for the great controls but for its lovely graphics. I fell in love with the games funny charm of sonk and friends such as talls and rose. Many people dislike this game only because the rest of people hate it give it a chance if not for me do it for my great grandma.… Expand
  25. AllanJj
    Mar 1, 2020
    10
    Sonic boom is very funny. There are a lot of characters in this game but there are only four playable characters. People don’t like this game but it’s very similar of skylanders: we have many characters,we advance in a tiny open world, we have small enigma...But the thing i love is that each character have a special thing: Sonic can run fastly, tails can fly, knuckles can climb on theSonic boom is very funny. There are a lot of characters in this game but there are only four playable characters. People don’t like this game but it’s very similar of skylanders: we have many characters,we advance in a tiny open world, we have small enigma...But the thing i love is that each character have a special thing: Sonic can run fastly, tails can fly, knuckles can climb on the crystals with his pickes on his hand and Amy can go up with ramp.Finally this games is considered the worst game sonic but I am not agree.… Expand
  26. toxicalien68
    Mar 22, 2020
    2
    The new character designs feel as if they were designed by a child with too much access to brown play dough. The bandages and rogue-like outfits make zero sense for a sonic game. Sonic is known for speed, not 6th Grade knitting class. The gameplay is not much better. This game never runs at a smooth framerate if more than 5 assets are on the screen, and the story is too serious for blueThe new character designs feel as if they were designed by a child with too much access to brown play dough. The bandages and rogue-like outfits make zero sense for a sonic game. Sonic is known for speed, not 6th Grade knitting class. The gameplay is not much better. This game never runs at a smooth framerate if more than 5 assets are on the screen, and the story is too serious for blue speed man. If you're a young child, I guess you could squeeze some fun out of it, but the extent of fun comes from laughing at it's horrid design with friends.… Expand
  27. GRANDDAD
    Oct 18, 2016
    10
    It began on a dark rainy day. I was in a deep depression, sitting alone in my house, wishing I could find some meaning to my existence. Then I heard a knock on my door, and when I looked out all I could see was a copy of Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric, sitting on my doorstep. As I picked it up, droplets of water rolled down its cover, like tears from its many years of neglect. I put it in myIt began on a dark rainy day. I was in a deep depression, sitting alone in my house, wishing I could find some meaning to my existence. Then I heard a knock on my door, and when I looked out all I could see was a copy of Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric, sitting on my doorstep. As I picked it up, droplets of water rolled down its cover, like tears from its many years of neglect. I put it in my PS4, and I soon began to lose myself in this masterpiece of a game. Just from the first cutscene, where our beloved hero Sonic dies, this game absorbed me into its grasp. Part of me wanted to turn the game off after seeing this shocking sight; but I was already sucked in. And the more I played, the more I realized this was the greatest experience of my life. The game's vibrant open worlds, the blood-pumping speed sections, the lovable quirky characters, everything about it was perfect. And I could have never seen the twist at the end coming... But I'll let you discover it for yourself. I recommend this game to anyone who has a soul, and enjoys quality entertainment. Please, do yourself a huge favor and buy this game.… Expand
  28. SonicFan100
    Mar 11, 2016
    10
    I love this game it is different from other Sonic games I've played and there are glitches in places but I've seen them in loads of games if you're a fan of Sonic boom I'd give the games a chance there's lots of exploring in this game you get to play as Sonic, Tails, Knuckles and Amy and I love the cut scenes and if you don't mind battling lots of lyrics robots and you enjoy Sonic boom II love this game it is different from other Sonic games I've played and there are glitches in places but I've seen them in loads of games if you're a fan of Sonic boom I'd give the games a chance there's lots of exploring in this game you get to play as Sonic, Tails, Knuckles and Amy and I love the cut scenes and if you don't mind battling lots of lyrics robots and you enjoy Sonic boom I think you should give this game a go… Expand
  29. SegoEde
    Nov 27, 2014
    4
    First, this is isn't as bad as Sonic 06. That game is a broken mess, this game is just a "normal" mess. Controls are ok, I have seen better but also much worst. Graphics, yeah, outdated but not ugly.

    So what's wrong? Almost everything. The pure game mechanic is the same like in Knack, combat is just pressing one button ja extremely repetitive. There's too little platforming sections,    First, this is isn't as bad as Sonic 06. That game is a broken mess, this game is just a "normal" mess. Controls are ok, I have seen better but also much worst. Graphics, yeah, outdated but not ugly.

    So what's wrong? Almost everything. The pure game mechanic is the same like in Knack, combat is just pressing one button ja extremely repetitive. There's too little platforming sections, too much button-pressing puzzles and everything is so easy and boring. I mean really, a boring Sonic-game. Just play this piece of junk and you'll feel the torpidity. Even music can't help because they're so blank and forgettable.

    And the best or worst of all, characters keeps talking "so-cool" one-liner that makes me either facepalm or yell because of their stupidity. Yeah, cheese scriptwriting is okay with Sonic-games and it worked kinda well in 3 previous games but this one is just a bomb. Terrible jokes and the best ones are just mediocre.

    Who sre the people which this whole cake is intended for...?! For under 10 year old kids maybe when it comes to difficulty but they will feel the torpidity as well as we olders!    … Expand
  30. recorderdude
    Nov 13, 2014
    4
    Why the hell are most of the community reviews for this game 10s and 0s? It surely deserves neither.

    As for Sonic Boom itself, it is indeed the glitchy, empty mess you've all heard it to be. The story is forgettable, every preexisting character is bastardized and every new character is uninteresting, graphics often look like a PS2 game, music is bland and forgettable, the game plays    Why the hell are most of the community reviews for this game 10s and 0s? It surely deserves neither.

    As for Sonic Boom itself, it is indeed the glitchy, empty mess you've all heard it to be. The story is forgettable, every preexisting character is bastardized and every new character is uninteresting, graphics often look like a PS2 game, music is bland and forgettable, the game plays NOTHING like a sonic game save for a few fleeting speed areas, and the new gameplay is not only very poor-fitting for sonic, but also generally not fun to play. Level design is repetitive and so ar combat segments, Glitches plague the game perhaps not as frequently as 06, but affecting it far more obviously and destructively. This is obviously a game that BRB had little to no interest in making, and the final product shows that. While there are some highlights in the fact that most of the game is at least playable and that controls are generally decent and responsive, the negatives surely outweigh them. However, there are unintentional highlights in how hilarious the glitches often make the game, so there is more enjoyability to be had from the game than intended. As a sonic game, and as a game overall, Sonic Boom gets a 4/10 - if you must have it, wait for the price to go sub-$20 - it won't take long.    … Expand
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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
See all critic reviews »