Sonic Dash Review

Sonic Dash successfully translates the iconic speed and attitude of the Sonic the Hedgehog series into the endless runner genre. The game captures the essence of classic Sonic gameplay—frantic speed, vibrant environments, and ring collection—and adapts it into a compelling, reflex-based experience. It distills the core elements of the franchise into a format that is both immediately accessible and challenging, offering a satisfying burst of high-speed action.

Gameplay

The gameplay takes place across three lanes, with Sonic running forward automatically at an ever-increasing speed. The player’s role is to navigate a continuous stream of obstacles by swiping left or right to change lanes, swiping up to jump over gaps and low barriers, and swiping down to roll under obstacles or destroy enemies. This spin dash maneuver is also the primary means of attacking Badniks scattered throughout the levels. Collecting gold rings is a central objective, as they function as a shield; getting hit by an enemy or obstacle without any rings ends the run.

A key mechanic is the Dash Meter, located at the bottom of the screen. This meter fills up as rings are collected, and once full, it can be activated to unleash Sonic’s signature Dash Boost. This provides a temporary burst of extreme speed and invincibility, allowing the player to smash through any obstacle or enemy in their path. Mastering the flow of collecting rings to consistently fuel the Dash meter is essential for achieving long runs and high scores.

Progression and Features

The game features a robust progression system and a variety of content to keep the experience engaging. While players start as Sonic, other iconic characters from the series, such as Tails, Knuckles, and Shadow, can be unlocked. Each character possesses a unique attribute, like earning more points from certain actions or having a longer-lasting Dash Boost.

Rings collected during runs serve as the primary currency for upgrading power-ups like the ring magnet, shield, and headstart boosts. The game also incorporates daily missions and special events that provide specific goals and reward players with currency and other valuable items. Periodically, the standard running is interrupted by dynamic boss battles against Dr. Eggman or Zazz, requiring players to dodge a series of attacks before getting a chance to strike back. The seamless transition between different iconic zones, like Seaside Hill and Temple Zone, ensures the visual landscape remains varied and interesting the further the player runs.