Sonic Boom was announced in Summer of 2014. Ever since then, people have been criticizing both versions of the game and overall were not pleased. Is this game good? Read on.
Sonic Boom overall is a giant money grab for SEGA. There's an on-going TV show ( which, frankly, is superior to the games. ) and an avalanche of merchandise. Including a monthly comic. Anyway, to the game.
SPOILER ALERT!
The game starts off as Amy Rose is battling the gigantic snake known as Lyric, who wants to use Amy to help him find the fragments of a crystal capable of mass power. Lyric wants to use this power to build his empire and rule the world. Lyric places a mind-controlling device on Amy, and Sonic, Knuckles, Tails, and newcomer Sticks set out to save their friend. And that's it. Hm. I wonder if it was necessary to put in the spoiler alert.
The game ironically tries to focus itself on an exploration format. Knowing this, you'd expect the game to last for long periods of time.
Nope.
There is a decent number of worlds, but this falls short when there's barely any content in the worlds. Each world will have one or two regular levels, a rival racing level ( Which relates to Sonic Rivals ), and a Worm Tunnel level. There are no bosses except for a pathetically easy battle with Lyric that makes the Deadly Six look like something of a challenge.
Each regular level contains 6 blueprint pieces. You can take completed blueprint sets to Tails' workshop and equip upgrades that can make your trip easier. There are also 5 crystal shards in each of these levels. Collect EACH of the crystal shards in the game, and you'll receive... what, you thought I'd tell you?
Game-play is very easy. Enemies will take up to 3 hits at the very most, and some are equipped with shields that you need to pull of with your enerbeam, a new tool unique to Sonic Boom.
Remember Q-N-C from the Wii U? He runs a toy store, and you can buy a toy model for one token. You can collect tokens by completing each level within a certain time frame with a required amount of rings. You can also get a daily token by "working out" with Knuckles.
Now for the bad news.
As I said before, the game is way too easy. Completion of the game is no challenge, especially if you're a hardcore Sonic geek like me.
As I also stated earlier, the one boss in the game is far too easy as well. This was a problem in games like Sonic Lost World.
A very easily noticed problem is the short story. The game can easily be beaten in a matter of a few days...tops. This issue is especially noticeable because this game is focused on exploration. Games like Luigi's Mansion and LEGO games that are based on exploration are far longer, and quite frankly I was satisfied with 5 red star rings in each level.
Another issue...no...this is more of a nit-pick. Sonic Lost World and Sonic Colors were packed full of cut-scenes that made the game way more enjoyable-especially after a tough level. This game only offers animated characters that look really buggy speaking out of word bubbles. Come on, SEGA.
Despite its issues, Sonic Boom : Shattered Crystal is a decent game. BUT... it could REALLY use some upgrades. In my opinion, SEGA should follow the guidelines that Sonic Colors and Sonic Generations brought. I really hope they do in the future.