Sonic Dash Endless Runner Game
- March 7, 2013
- SEGA
- 100h median play time
Sonic Dash - Endless Running is a popular platformer game where players join Sonic in his original endless runner adventure. The game boasts ingenious gameplay, splendid graphics, and beautiful music, but can be very grinding and disturbed by ads. With over 500 million players, it offers a fun and addictive experience, but some users may find it buggy.
Reviews
- Great graphics and fun gameplay that captures the essence of Sonic.
- Frequent events allow players to unlock characters without spending money.
- The game is enjoyable and addictive, making it a good time killer.
- Forced ads after every run can be intrusive and disrupt gameplay.
- Some characters are locked behind paywalls, making it frustrating for players.
- The game can lag or freeze, especially during intense gameplay moments.
- monetization1,205 mentions
- 6 % positive mentions
- 3 % neutral mentions
- 91 % negative mentions
The monetization strategy of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players expressing frustration over the frequency and length of ads, particularly mandatory ads after each run. While some users appreciate the option to watch ads for rewards, others find the ads intrusive and detrimental to gameplay, often leading to crashes or interruptions. Despite the complaints, a portion of players acknowledge that the game remains enjoyable and relatively fair in its monetization approach, with optional in-app purchases and the ability to progress without spending money.
“Additionally, it's probably one of the most consumer-friendly endless runners on the market, with only the odd push to make in-game purchases.”
“There are some in-app purchases, but nothing that causes a wall; it's totally optional.”
“The microtransactions are kept to the side and not shoved in your face, and there's plenty of content, such as events and unlockable characters.”
“But getting to a point where it's mandatory to watch ads to level up a character is awful, and it didn't used to be this way!”
“The ads are overwhelming and infuriating.”
“You spend more time looking at ads than playing the game.”
- graphics595 mentions
- 78 % positive mentions
- 21 % neutral mentions
- 1 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with many users praising their quality, vibrant colors, and smooth animations. While some players noted occasional lag and minor glitches, the overall consensus is that the visuals are impressive for a mobile game, often compared favorably to console graphics. However, a few reviews mentioned a desire for updates to enhance character expressions and improve certain graphical elements.
“The graphics are amazing and it feels and plays like a modern Sonic game.”
“The graphics are really nice, and I love how the game handles.”
“The graphics are great and the gameplay is awesome.”
“The graphics are average and character models have some dead blank stares, but honestly it isn't a problem; it's a mobile game and it's decent fun.”
“Choppy stuttering graphics, game doesn't read inputs.”
“The graphics can sometimes be a bit choppy, but fortunately, it doesn't affect the gameplay.”
- gameplay362 mentions
- 57 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Sonic Dash is generally praised for its smooth mechanics, addictive nature, and nostalgic appeal, effectively blending classic Sonic elements with endless runner dynamics. Players appreciate the variety of characters and customization options, although some express concerns about repetitive gameplay and the frequency of ads, which can disrupt the experience. Overall, while the game offers enjoyable and engaging gameplay, there are calls for more diverse mechanics and additional content to enhance long-term enjoyment.
“The gameplay is so good and smooth.”
“Very fun and enjoyable gameplay; there aren't that many ads to annoy me. I like the way you can unlock characters by progressing through a zone and not by some gacha mechanic.”
“Gameplay is phenomenal, compared to how it used to be; now it's generous.”
“The gameplay is bad, the animations are just recycled for every character, there are plenty of unfair moments, and the models also look terrible and like they were ripped straight out of the PS2.”
“I don't mind having the option to watch a video in exchange for free stuff, but having unskippable ads as part of standard gameplay with no way to remove them is pretty bad.”
“The gameplay gets a little bland, though.”
- story232 mentions
- 16 % positive mentions
- 78 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The story aspect of the game is largely criticized for its lack of depth and engagement, with many players expressing a desire for a more substantial narrative or story mode. While some enjoy the missions and character unlocks, they feel that the game could benefit from a cohesive plot and more interactive storytelling elements. Overall, players appreciate the gameplay mechanics but are left wanting a richer narrative experience to enhance their engagement with the game.
“Sonic Dash is an interesting game with lots of missions which allows the player to continue playing.”
“The bosses are fun and the way this is styled makes it look like a story mode game.”
“I like this game because it is fun when I play the missions and earn diamonds and use money to buy red stars and how I complete the zones to unlock new characters.”
“No sense of story or noticeable progression, and of course, no matter what age you put in, you are immediately met with countless purchases and gambling-like mechanics.”
“I feel aimless after completing all missions and unlocking the achievements.”
“I wish there were more missions to complete though.”
- stability200 mentions
- 5 % positive mentions
- 3 % neutral mentions
- 93 % negative mentions
The game's stability is a significant concern among users, with many reporting frequent freezes, glitches, and lag, particularly after watching ads or during gameplay. While some players have experienced minimal issues, the overall consensus indicates that these technical problems detract from the gaming experience, making it frustrating for many. Despite these challenges, some users still find enjoyment in the game, suggesting that improvements could enhance its appeal.
“This game is great and more cool, no glitches and it has a new version you might like it.”
“5 stars 10/10 no glitches, I'm able to play this game in peace.”
“This is a very good game I recommend playing it mostly if you're a fan of the Sonic franchise, no glitches or bugs (well at least I never saw one).”
“Despite this game being great overall, it continues to have this 'stuttering' issue in which the game plays fine for a few seconds, and then freezes for a few moments, causing the game to be virtually unplayable for me in this current state.”
“The game freezes frequently after ads.”
“I love this game it's extremely fun and when I'm bored I play this, but the reason why I didn't give it five stars is because sometimes it glitches really badly causing my phone to crash and having to turn my phone off and on again.”
- music161 mentions
- 37 % positive mentions
- 60 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with many players praising the nostalgic soundtracks and catchy tunes, particularly the classic Green Hill Zone theme. However, there are frequent complaints about repetitive tracks, incorrect music playing in certain zones, and a lack of customization options for players to choose their preferred music. Overall, while the music enhances the gameplay experience for some, others find it monotonous and in need of improvement.
“The music is great and most of the graphics are good (some of the badniks) look cheap, to one glitch not a biggie-when I hit the springs and my phone shuts off.”
“The music and characters create a very nostalgic feeling every time I open the app.”
“This game is fun, just my advice in every place is given a more interesting decoration and the music is made more choices.”
“Not even a music option.”
“The only thing wrong with this is that the Green Hill Zone music is the same as Seaside Hill Zone, so you can't tell the difference. At least give Green Hill Zone the original music, please!”
“The music also gets a bit boring after hearing it over and over again, so maybe multiple songs?”
- humor44 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is widely praised, with players finding the character interactions, boss battles, and various glitches to be entertaining and amusing. Many reviews highlight the comedic elements of the gameplay, particularly the antics of characters like Eggman and the humorous animations, which contribute to an overall fun experience. However, some players also mention frustrations with bugs and gameplay mechanics that detract from the humor, though they often find these issues to be funny in their own right.
“It's so funny and really great, my favorite character is Amy :^)”
“What with the crisp graphics, solid gameplay and humorous (while spectacular) boss fights... a worthy game for any hardened Sonic fan or even any beginner getting introduced to Sonic!”
“This game is so entertaining and it also has great graphics. You know Sonic is one of my favorites and top heroes; this game is interesting, easy, and fun. They also have funny postures.”
- grinding41 mentions
- 7 % positive mentions
- -5 % neutral mentions
- 98 % negative mentions
The reviews indicate that grinding is a significant aspect of the game, often described as tedious and time-consuming, especially for unlocking characters and upgrades. While some players find the grinding satisfying and integral to the game's progression, others feel it detracts from the overall experience, particularly when combined with ads and difficulty spikes. Overall, the game is enjoyable, but players should be prepared for a considerable amount of grinding.
“Grinding can be a bit tedious at times, but the sense of progression and achievement makes it worthwhile.”
“I enjoy the grind because it allows me to fully immerse myself in the game world and develop my character.”
“While grinding can feel repetitive, the rewards and satisfaction I get from leveling up keep me coming back for more.”
“I've been grinding for an hour and I've gotten nowhere.”
“It is not the best Sonic game ever, with insane difficulty spikes and grinding for gems and red rings is a nightmare!”
“Good but very grindy after a while and the levels will suddenly go from very easy to very hard.”
- optimization30 mentions
- 47 % positive mentions
- 30 % neutral mentions
- 23 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's optimization is a mixed bag; while some players report smooth performance and good graphics, many others experience significant stuttering, frame rate drops, and input lag, particularly on older or low-end devices. Users express a desire for better optimization options to enhance stability and performance, especially in light of frequent ads and gameplay interruptions. Despite these issues, the core gameplay remains enjoyable for many, though the optimization challenges detract from the overall experience.
“The gameplay itself is solid, and runs smoothly.”
“I would love if the developers added an option to make the game more optimized for older phones.”
“You can play it for free, (most of the time) it runs smoothly on my entry-level smartphone and you don't have to be online to play.”
“Despite this game being great overall, it continues to have this 'stuttering' issue in which the game plays fine for a few seconds, and then freezes for a few moments, causing the game to be virtually unplayable for me in this current state.”
“I was enjoying this game quite a bit, but it has some of the worst stuttering issues I've seen from a game.”
“The game all these years later is still my favorite but as of the past few weeks the game has been stuttering with the model during gameplay. I've checked this on 3 separate Android devices; it's not game-breaking but it's making me lose motivation to play.”
- replayability15 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 60 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's replayability is a mixed bag; while some players find it high due to a variety of characters and enjoyable gameplay, others feel that once fully upgraded, there is little incentive to continue playing. Suggestions for improvement include adding more playable characters and cycling missions to enhance replay value. Despite some technical issues, many players appreciate the option to play in different styles and the fun factor that encourages repeated play.
“Has a surprising amount of character selection and replayability.”
“The graphics are great, the music is dope, and the gameplay is simple yet very entertaining and replayable.”
“The replay value on this game is really high, pretty much showing how enjoyable the game is, and even events when you can get stuff that costs money for free!”
“Since I completed the whole game and fully upgraded all of my characters, there isn't any replay value to continue playing this.”
“Missions should automatically cycle in the game to encourage more replayability and variation!”
“The game has improved a lot, even though upgrades to builds and characters are locked behind ad walls, and the game lags from time to time, but the build mechanic makes the game more replayable.”
- emotional7 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players find the game to be an emotionally engaging experience, describing it as satisfying and fun, despite some frustrating technical issues that can disrupt gameplay. The emotional connection to the game is strong enough to keep players invested, even when faced with challenges like unresponsive controls.
“I enjoy the game of running; it's an emotional experience for me. Keep going, Sonic! It's satisfying.”
“Super fun, active, and emotional; I can't stop playing it.”
- character development6 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
Overall, players appreciate the character design and the frequent events that enhance gameplay, but many express a desire for deeper character development, such as unique abilities or attacks. Some users also mention technical issues and suggest improvements like voice acting and the ability to purchase characters with in-game currency.
“The character design is incredible and we get new events every 3-5 days.”
“Great job making the game! I would love to see some more character development, maybe a different 'super power' or something, or a different attack other than a spinning roll for each character.”
“Very challenging and fun! I love the character designs and the events that come with them too!”
“Coupled with the sonic character designs, it didn't fit at all.”
“Great job making the game, but I would love to see more character development. Maybe a different 'super power' or something, or a different attack other than a spinning roll for each character.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is generally praised for its authenticity to the Sonic franchise, with elements like characters and obstacles contributing positively to the overall experience. However, some users feel that certain aspects appear childish, detracting from the initially established atmosphere.
“The characters, the atmosphere, the obstacles, the style, all feel authentic to the Sonic franchise.”
“They look childish now and take me out of the atmosphere the game had originally set.”