Sonic Dash 2: Sonic Boom is an endless runner platform video game developed by Hardlight and published by Sega, exclusively for mobile devices, and is the sequel to Sonic Dash.[3] Unlike its predecessor, the cast and levels of Sonic Dash 2: Sonic Boom are derived from the Sonic Boom television series, though the gameplay elements remain. The game was given a soft launch on Google Play on 1 July 2015 for Android, with an iOS release following on 9 October and is currently offered for free via the Google Play and iTunes stores.
Gameplay[]
Sonic Dash 2: Sonic Boom uses many of the same gameplay elements from Sonic Dash. The game is an endless runner, where the player directs the playable characters through never-ending 3D levels, collecting rings and avoiding obstacles, mines and enemies. The playable character automatically moves forward at all times, so the player has to utilize the characters' skills and movements to avoid or overcome obstacles. The goal is simply to run as far as possible without hitting a wall, falling off the course, or taking a hit with no Rings in the characters' possession.
Like its predecessors, Rings can be collected throughout the levels or purchased via microtransactions. Accumulated Rings can be used to purchase further content in the game, such as items and upgrades. Throughout the levels Red Star Rings can be found (only ten can be found on the course per day); however, players can purchase them as well, or obtain them from Prizes. They are used to buy new playable characters, every fifth upgrade for a character, and can also be used to prolong gameplay and to purchase other incidentals such as Event tickets and storage for upgrades. There is as well an additional featured called the Boom Boost which can grant extra bonuses. These can be purchased for $1.99 and will last one week. Special Item Boxes can also be collected throughout the courses, providing bonuses during play. Each item automatically activates when collected and expires sometime after.
Sonic Dash 2: Sonic Boom features both enemies and levels/environments taken directly from the Sonic Boom television series. As new features, the game introduces Team Play mode where the player gets to race with up to three characters, which can be exchanged at Junctions (where rings are also banked) and earn higher scores, the Enerbeam mechanic where tilting the device will swing the runner along Ener-Rails, and special unlockable powers for the characters such as Amy's Hammer, Knuckles' Jump Up & Slam attack, Sonic's enhanced Dash and more. The game also includes magical beings called "Sprites" which the player can collect and evolve to improve their run, similar to the Chao in Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood.[3]
Scoring mechanics[]
Players are awarded points during gameplay, and new high scores are recorded after a run. Furthermore, scoring high during the "Score Chaser" Event can increase a player's rank and unlock greater prizes. One point is earned per meter travelled, and a hundred per enemy destroyed. The game also offers points for achieving combos - actions performed in quick succession, such as destroying enemies or narrowly dodging obstacles. Twenty points are awarded for each action, increased by ten after every fifth combo.
Points are multiplied according to a player's Global Score Multiplier (GSM), and points of a given type (distance, enemies, or combos) may be multiplied further by individual Character Score Multipliers (CSMs), each of which adds the base 100% value of the score. For example, a GSM of 200% becomes a 3x multiplier, whereas a total "distance" GSM of 300% becomes a 4x multiplier; together, they make a 12x multiplier for the points earned from the distance travelled. Players can increase their GSM primarily by acquiring XP from opened prizes. Unlocking extra characters and leveling them leads to higher CSMs as all characters in a team contribute.
The highest GSM possible is 1000% at level 41 (25% gained per XP rank), although prizes are awarded for gaining further levels. Each character's GSM may reach a maximum of 700%.
High scores[]
In subsequent updates to Sonic Dash 2: Sonic Boom, a high score listing was added to the game which the players can get themselves on. This list includes default high scores for the characters from the Sonic Boom television series. As the player closes in on one of the default high scores during a run, a countdown appears on the side of the screen that shows how many points are left before the player beats the character's high score. The player's "friends" are also displayed on this leader board.
Default rank |
Icon | Name | Score |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Sonic | 1,000,000 | |
2 | Dr. Eggman | 875,000 | |
3 | Shadow | 750,000 | |
4 | Tails | 625,000 | |
5 | Amy | 500,000 | |
6 | Knuckles | 375,000 | |
7 | Sticks | 300,000 | |
8 | Zooey | 225,000 | |
9 | Burnbot | 150,000 | |
10 | Cowbot | 100,000 | |
11 | Buzz Bomber | 50,000 | |
12 | Orbot | 25,000 | |
13 | Moto Bug | 10,000 | |
14 | Cubot | 5,000 | |
15 | Crabmeat | 2,500 |
Character Levels[]
By spending Rings or Red Star Rings, characters can be leveled up. Doing so increases the characters' Character Score Multipliers, making it easier to gain more points whilst they are a member of the player's team during a run. Raising a character's level will furthermore sometimes add to the player's Global Score Multiplier level. Level 5 grants 100XP, level 10 grants 150XP, and level 15 grants 250XP.
Objects[]
Items[]
Gimmicks and obstacles[]
Characters[]
Playable characters[]
There are seven playable characters in Sonic Dash 2: Sonic Boom. Each character has a special ability that generally impacts the game as they are running, and boosts the score the player receives as long as they are part of the team:
Icon | Character | Special Power | Score Bonus | Unlock requirement |
---|---|---|---|---|
Sonic the Hedgehog | Dash Magnet | Distance Score: Multiplies the points received per meter run. |
| |
Miles "Tails" Prower | Second Chance | Distance Score: Multiplies the points received per meter run. |
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Knuckles the Echidna | Knuckle Slam | Enemy Score: Multiplies the points received per enemy destroyed. |
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Amy Rose | Ring Hammer | Enemy Score: Multiplies the points received per enemy destroyed. |
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Sticks the Badger | Protected Combo | Combo Score: Multiplies the points received per combo. |
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Shadow the Hedgehog | Chaos Spear | Combo Score: Multiplies the points received per combo. |
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Vector the Crocodile | Vector Projector | Enemy Score: Multiplies the points received per enemy destroyed. |
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Non-playable characters[]
Enemies[]
Levels[]
Sonic Dash 2: Sonic Boom originally consisted of two levels, each making up an endless road with no set goal. With the subsequent updates to the game, this number has been expanded to four. By using the Junction sub-level, one can move between levels. The levels in the order of their introduction are:
- Jungle
- Village ("Shadow's Run" Event exclusive)
- Eggman's Lair
- Mountain
Sprites[]
Sprites are magical beings and the companions for the characters. Equipping them will unlock special abilities that provide support during a run; up to three may be used at a time. Some can only be used once (One use), whereas others can be used repeatedly (Forever). Forever Sprites can be levelled up and evolved to improve their abilities.
Sprites can be obtained by completing certain events, unlocking prize packages, waiting for a Sprite Bottle to grant a free Sprite, or by purchasing Sprite Bottles using Red Star Rings.
Missions[]
During regular play (outside of event mode), two missions are assigned at a time - one from each of the lists below. Missions from the first must be completed within a single run, whereas missions from the second may be achieved over the course of multiple runs.
Completing a mission awards a prize at the end of play (either Paper, Bronze, or Silver. Prizes offer XP to the player's Global Score Multiplier in addition to Rings, Red Star Rings, Sprites, or Boom Boosts), and moves the player on to the next mission in the list. When completed, each list repeats from the top.
Number | Mission List 1 | Mission List 2 | Level |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Change lanes 15 times in one run | Run 1500 metres | |
2 | Roll 5 times in one run | Collect 50 Orbs | |
3 | Jump 20 times in one run | Score 8000 points | |
4 | Collect 50 Rings in one run | Rail grind for 300 metres | |
5 | Collect 3 Powerups in one run | Jump over 25 obstacles | |
6 | Dash once | Roll 450 metres | |
7 | Swap characters 2 times in one run | Destroy 30 Crabmeats | |
8 | Revive once | Collect 350 Rings | |
9 | Collect 2 Magnets in one run | Dash for 250 metres | |
10 | Jump over 15 enemies in one run | Bank 250 Rings | |
11 | Achieve a x20 combo | Launch from 3 Springs | |
12 | Use one Sprite | Go through 12 Hoops | |
13 | Avoid damage for 2000 metres in one run | Collect 600 Rings | |
14 | Destroy 25 enemies in one run | Run 10000 metres | |
15 | Drop Rings 15 times in one run | Rail grind for 800 metres | |
16 | Score 25000 points in one run | Collect 400 Orbs | |
17 | Go through 5 Hoops in one run | Smash 15 objects while Dashing | |
18 | Collect 2 Enerbeams in one run | Destroy 30 Buzz Bombers | |
19 | Achieve a x25 combo | Collect a Magnet 5 times | |
20 | Perform 15 dodges in one run | Dash 4 times (in one run) | |
21 | Score 35000 points | Run 7000 metres with a Sprite | |
22 | Collect a X2 Multiplier 2 times in one run | Travel 350 metres on Enerbeams | |
23 | Bank 200 Rings in one run | Dash for 600 metres | |
24 | Collect a Shield 3 times (in one run) | Rail grind for 1200 metres | |
25 | Destroy 25 Buzz Bombers in one run | Collect 700 Rings | |
26 | Collect 6 Powerups in one run | Score 60000 points with a Sprite | |
27 | Run 4000 metres in one run | Destroy 40 Motobugs | |
28 | Collect 80 Orbs in one run | Collect 200 Rings with a Magnet | |
29 | Avoid damage for 3500 metres in one run | Smash 25 objects while Dashing | |
30 | Destroy 40 Crabmeats in one run | Perform 40 dodges | |
31 | Collect 3 Enerbeams in one run | Travel 450 metres on Enerbeams with a Sprite | |
32 | Achieve a x30 combo | Collect a Magnet 12 times | |
33 | Score 30000 points in one run | Use 10 Dashpads | |
34 | Collect a X2 Multiplier 3 times in one run | Travel 450 metres on Enerbeams | |
35 | Dash for 600 metres in one run | Bank 500 Rings | |
36 | Launch from 3 Springs in one run | Destroy 40 Buzz Bombers | |
37 | Rail grind for 500 metres in one run | Jump over 40 obstacles | |
38 | Collect 7 Powerups in one run | Revive 3 times with a Sprite | |
39 | Collect 120 Orbs in one run | Run 14000 metres | |
40 | Collect 400 Rings in one run | Destroy 60 Motobugs | |
41 | Collect 4 Enerbeams in one run | Score 90000 points | |
42 | Go through 20 Hoops in one run | Dash for 700 metres with a Sprite | |
43 | Use 4 Dashpads in one run | Destroy 120 enemies | |
44 | Avoid damage for 5000 metres in one run | Collect 200 Rings with a Magnet | |
45 | Bank 250 Rings in one run | Score 120000 points with a Sprite | |
46 | Smash 12 objects while Dashing in one run | Launch from 10 Springs | |
47 | Travel 300 metres on Enerbeams in one run | Perform 40 dodges | |
48 | Destroy 40 Crabmeats in one run | Dash 15 times |
Events[]
By paying Tickets earned every 15 minutes, the player can participate in new Events and Daily SEGA Challenges to earn special significant items inside, such as Rings, and if significant, playable characters.[3] To attend these events, the player will need an internet connection; the rest of the game can be played offline. Upon finishing the event, the player will enter a leaderboard where the top fifty players get extra prizes when the event timer expires.
Event goals vary, as do the prizes. Short events, with a Sprite Bottle as an award, are offered regularly (multiple times per day) and have short durations. Events with more valuable prizes may last multiple days.
Special Events[]
Shadow's Run[]
An Event that first appeared on 9 December 2015, "Shadow's Run" introduced Shadow as a playable character to Sonic Dash 2: Sonic Boom. During this event, the player controls Shadow for a run through the Village (whose inhabitants have been imprisoned) during the sunset. The objective of this event is to destroy 2,500 mines. By completing Shadow's Run, players can unlock Shadow as a playable character permanently. Since its introduction, the event has occasionally returned.
Amy's Dash Smash[]
In June and July 2016, the event known as "Amy's Dash Smash" made an appearance. During this event, the player controls Amy for a run during normal levels. The objective of this event is to destroy 1,500 obstacles while Dashing with Amy. By completing Amy's Dash Smash, players can unlock Amy as a playable character permanently.
Knuckles' Badnik Blitz[]
In June 2016, the "Knuckles' Badnik Blitz" Special Event was introduced. During this event, the player controls Knuckles for a run through the Jungle. The objective of this event is to destroy 1,500 Badniks with Knuckles. By completing Knuckles' Badnik Blitz, players can unlock Knuckles as a playable character permanently.
Sticks' Combo Charger[]
On 6 May 2016,[4] the "Sticks' Combo Charger" Special Event was introduced. During this event, the player controls Sticks for a run through the Mountain. The player's objective for this event is to get the highest combo they have achieved in one run. This event is especially suited for Sticks' Special Power, the Protected Combo. By completing Sticks' Combo Charger, players can unlock Sticks as a playable character permanently.
Tails' Ring Rush[]
On 9 October 2016, the "Tails' Ring Rush" Special Event was introduced. During this event, the player controls Tails for a run through the Eggman's Lair. The player's objective for this event is to collect 5000 Rings (dropping Rings will not affect the score in Tails' Ring Rush). By completing Tails' Ring Rush, players can unlock Tails as a playable character permanently.
Vector's Treble Makers[]
On 4 May 2021, the "Vector's Treble Makers" Special Event was introduced. In this event, the player has to destroy 2500 enemies while playing as Vector. Once this has been completed, the player can unlock Vector as a playable character permanently.
Bauble Battle/Eggman Scramble[]
From 19 December 2015 onward,[5] players were able to fight Dr. Eggman in a Special Event Boss Battle. Here, the player chases after Eggman as he hurtles different bombs at the playable characters. The objective is simply to keep combating Eggman and counter his hazards to achieve the highest score possible. The event also features the motif from the 2015 holiday events. After the holidays, this became a permanent event, albeit with a regular setting. Eggman is not currently beatable in the current version. He is also only encounterable in his event.
Holiday Event[]
For the holidays of 2015, Sonic Dash 2: Sonic Boom was decked out in the spirit of the season. This included redesigned levels with snow, remodeled characters with holiday outfits, holiday-themed events, special Christmas objects on the tracks and the release of a unique Holiday Sprite named Flurry.
Prizes[]
Prizes are awarded for completing Missions or Events, as well as for daily logins and some other occasions. Each prize provides XP for increasing the player's Global Score Multiplier, and contains usually a random amount of Rings, or Red Star Rings. Others instead offer Sprites or Boom Boosts, sometimes even as additional gifts. Noticeably, Sprites Bottles do not award XP, Rings, nor Red Star Rings; they instead provide either any "One Use" Sprite or level 1 "Forever" Sprite.
The "Christmas Boxes" were offered around the end of 2015 as Daily Login bonuses or event prizes. Greens always offered a one hour Boom Boost (so long as they were received as a login bonus), Gold produced regular Rings, and Red granted a Red Star Ring. Each additionally gave one of the two special Christmas-themed Sprites, either Sparkle or Flurry.
Apple Watch app[]
A Sonic Dash 2: Sonic Boom companion app was released for Apple Watches on 8 October 2015.[6][7] Players were able to earn Rings and Sprites by racking up real-world steps on a Sonic-themed pedometer, and use their rewards in-game with the iOS version of Sonic Dash 2: Sonic Boom.[6][7] The app was discontinued in version 1.4.0 of Sonic Dash 2: Sonic Boom in 2016 due to some technical issues.
Achievements[]
Name | Reward |
---|---|
Upgrade A Character | 500 pts |
Unlock Characters | 500 pts |
Upgrade 5 Characters | 500 pts |
Unlock a Sprite Inventory Slot | 500 pts |
Max A Sprite | 500 pts |
Evolve a Sprite | 500 pts |
Max 5 Sprites | 500 pts |
Max 10 Sprites | 500 pts |
Play an Event | 500 pts |
Max 20 Sprites | 500 pts |
Swap a character | 500 pts |
Increase your Ranking | 500 pts |
Reach Rank Level 5 | 500 pts |
Reach Rank Level 10 | 500 pts |
Reach Rank Level 1 | 500 pts |
Reach XP Level 5 | 500 pts |
Reach XP Level 20 | 500 pts |
Reach XP Level 10 | 500 pts |
Complete 25 Missions | 500 pts |
Complete 50 Missions | 500 pts |
Cast[]
Reception[]
Reception | |
---|---|
Aggregate scores | |
Aggregator | Score |
Metacritic | 60/100[8] |
Review scores | |
Publication | Score |
Play Store | 4.3/5[9] |
iTunes | 4.5/5[10] |
The game has received mixed to average reviews. Some praise the good graphics, solid frame rates and use of the Sonic Boom franchise. Others, however, criticize it for lacking original ideas, and have pointed out that it is just another "recurring endless runner".[11] As of December 2015, the game had received over eight million downloads.[5]
Staff[]
- Hardlight: Nick Adams, Tom Anderson, Neil Armstrong, Joel Atkinson, James Booth, Luke Boscott, Daniel Darnbrough, Dmitry Deryabin, Konstantinos Eleftheriadis, Dawid Esterhuizen, David Foster, Simon Foster, Tom Gaulton, Alastair Graham, Scott Griffiths, Yordan Gyurchev, Neall Jones, Sebastian Livall, Lara Mazzolari, Andrew McKenzie, Louis McLaughlin, Mark Milton, Ashley Morgan, Scott Orchard, Andrew Paul, Stephen Quinney, Daryl Reeves, David Rodriguez, Harinder Sangha, Richard Smith, Ryan Simpson, Chris Southall, Joseph Stone, Richard Sugden, India Swift, Gordon Theobald, Neil Topham, Paul Twynholm, Ruby Urlings, Craig Yates, Scott West, Sam Whitfield
- In Memory of Ali Davidson
- Sumo Digital: Steve Allen, Ash Bennett, Darrell Blake, Paul Carter, Carl Cavers, Andy Chapman, Wayne Ellis, Neil Fielding, Jon Georgious, James Graves, Damian Hibbard, Luke Hodgkinson, Sean Millard, Darren Mills, Paul Porter, Sitara Shefta, James Sutherland, Luke Thompson
Trivia[]
- This is the first sequel in the Sonic franchise that does not take place in the same continuity as the first game; whereas Sonic Dash took place in the continuity of the main Sonic game series, this game is set in the Sonic Boom continuity.
- This is the first and the only Sonic Boom game in which Shadow and Vector are playable characters.
- The trailer for Sonic Dash 2: Sonic Boom uses clips from the episodes "Guilt Tripping", "Cowbot", "Dr. Eggman's Tomato Sauce", "The Curse of Buddy Buddy Temple" and "Late Fees" in the Sonic Boom television series.
- Vector's voice lines are taken from his main counterpart in Team Sonic Racing.
References[]
- ↑ Cowley, Ric (1 July 2015). Sonic Dash 2: Sonic Boom soft-launched on Android [Update]. Pocket Gamer. Retrieved on 4 July 2015.
- ↑ New Release: Sonic Dash 2: Sonic Boom. Sega (9 October 2015). Retrieved on 23 December 2015.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Sonic Dash 2: Sonic Boom. Sega. Retrieved on 1 July 2015.
- ↑ Hardlight Studio on Twitter. Twitter (6 May 2016). Retrieved on 30 August 2016. "Hardlight Studio: Update Sonic Dash 2: Sonic Boom and win Sticks in the Combo event on the brand new Mountain zone!"
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Balzani, Louis (10 December 2015). Assets Released for Sonic Dash 2’s Holiday Update. TSSZ News. Retrieved on 5 January 2015.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Frank, Allegra (8 October 2015). Sonic helps you work on your fitness with Sonic Dash 2 Apple Watch companion. Polygon. Retrieved on 22 May 2021.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Knoop, Joseph (8 October 2015). Sonic Dash 2: Sonic Boom Comes To iOS, Features Apple Watch Companion App. Game Informer. Retrieved on 22 May 2021.
- ↑ Sonic Dash 2: Sonic Boom (iOS). Metacritic. Retrieved on 25 September 2016.
- ↑ Sonic Dash 2: Sonic Boom. Google Play. Retrieved on 25 September 2016.
- ↑ Sonic Dash 2: Sonic Boom. iTunes. Retrieved on 25 September 2016.
- ↑ Sonic Dash 2: Sonic Boom. Metacritic. Retrieved on 5 January 2015.
Playable characters | Team Sonic (Amy, Knuckles, Sonic, Sticks, Tails) | Shadow | Vector | |
---|---|---|
Non-playable characters | Burnbot | Cowbot | Cubot | Dr. Eggman | Lady Goat | Mayor Fink | Orbot | Sprite | Stratford | Walrus Male | Wild Cat | Zooey | |
Levels | Jungle | Village | Eggman's Lair | Mountain | Junction | |
Enemies | Buzz Bomber | Crabmeat | Motobug | |
Moves/Techniques | Chaos Spear | Dash | Dash Magnet | Grinding | Knuckle Slam | Protected Combo | Ring Hammer | Second Chance | Vector Projector | |
Gimmicks and obstacles | Blue plasma bomb | Dash Pad | Ener-Rail | Hoop | Mine | Rail | Red plasma bomb | Spring | |
Items | Enerbeam | Magnet | Orb | Red Star Ring | Ring | Score Doubler | Shield | Super Ring | Ticket | |
Others | Amy's Hammer | Banking | Boom Boost | Boomerang | Chaos Blast | Combo | Eggmobile | Event | Mission | Prize | |
V·T·E | {{Dash info}} | Category |