When someone hears the name "Sonic Boom", the distasteful reminder of a specific poor debut will come to the minds of many. After the disasterous results of "Rise Of Lyric", and the tedious, but average experience of "Shattered Crystal", "Sonic Boom: Fire & Ice" has a lot of standards to meet, and a lot of redeeming to do for the "Boom" brand.



Does "Fire & Ice" make up for the failures of the ones that came before it? Does it improve on the mistakes of "Shattered Crystal"? Indeed, it does. "Sonic Boom: Fire & Ice", the sequel to "Shattered Crystal", is a big step forward in product quality.



Built on feedback from fans who had played "Shattered Crystal", Sanzaru Games fixed those primary complains; the game lets you play the way you want. There is a lot of freedom. The once-mandatory collectibles are now optional, and in-turn the exploration is entirely optional as well. You are free to blaze through the stages and progress through the stages without any forced collectibles to tediously explore for.



Let's go into what "Fire & Ice" has to offer.



GAMEPLAY:

The game is a faster, and more creative experience. Each character (Sonic, Amy, Tails, Knuckles, & Sticks) has their own unique abilities: Sonic has his air dash and spin dash, Amy has her hammer, Tails can glide and use a laser gun, Knuckles can burrow underground, and Sticks has her boomerang. Each character can be switched around as you go, and are equally able to use the simple-but-cleverly used "Fire & Ice" powers, which can be switched between on the fly. Fire lets you melt blocks or trails of ice, opening the path, while ice can freeze water to create platforms to progress. At first, this gimmick is simple, but once mastered for later stages, you'll find yourself seamlessly chaining fire and ice powers to swiftly progress through the levels.



While speed is typically given via boost pads and springs, launching Sonic and crew across the terrain-- the aspects of map memorization in the classics are there; with plenty of action on the move to keep the pace and momentum going. While not being the fastest Sonic game ever, it offers plenty of fast-paced action. Soon enough, the best of speed-runners will be able to enjoy blazing onwards as they find themselves (especially as Sonic) quickly chaining fire and ice powers, enerbeams, air dashes, spin dashes, and sprints as they make their way across the maps.



Mini-games are now ALSO optional, as the Submarine, Hovercraft, and Tunnel stages are not required to complete the story, but add some extra fun.



- Those familiar with the Submarine mini-game from "Shattered Crystal" will know what to expect; you have to explore a narrow cavern and shoot your way through to the collectibles under a time limit. Collecting clocks will bring back time, but colliding with objects, bombs, and wall will reduce time.



- New to the series of mini-games is the Hovercraft. Here, Tails will have to drive and shoot across a pathway filled with icebergs and bombs in a somewhat Galaga-esque style, and grab the collectibles at the end.



- The "Worm Tunnel" stages return, but with a new twist: like before, Sonic can switch lanes, and boost. However, fire and ice powers are now added in to the mix. Fire allows you to blast through ice, while ice allows you to keep going by freezing water streams. The overall gameplay is very fluid.



- Bot races are a new addition. In the story, Sonic is occasionally captured by Eggman, and forced into racing Eggman's robots in a very "Sonic Rivals" fashion. Outside the main game, players can visit "Thunder Island" where they can buy and power up racer robots, and challenge their friends in races on multiplayer.



There are now a number of bosses in the game, which take advantage of the dual screens and fire and ice gameplay. Very much in the vein of the likes in Sonic Rush, and Megaman.



STORY:

The story is simple, and very straightforward, feeling like an episode from the cartoon series that it promotes, with plenty of silly lines and character interactions; Eggman has begun mining a powerful mineral rock called "Ragnium" in his latest plan to humiliate Sonic by powering his robot-racers. Sonic & company set off to stop the doctor's plans, and his latest robot, D-Fect.



VISUALS:

Cutscenes are now either in full CGI animated sequences that are on par with the cartoon, or are animated with the in-game models.

Unfortunately, the in-game models aren't the most detailed on the 3DS or the most impressive to look at. Especially in up-close shots. However, they are still well animated, and are still a step up from the ones in "Shattered Crystal".

The level environments, while not as surreal or as imaginative as the main Sonic games of Sonic Team, are still very nice and detailed, and filled with plenty of color and style. Wether it's an icy mountain, a sandy beachside, or the ever-surprising pirate, and gothic castle-themed mazes, there is plenty of variety.



MUSIC:



Richard Jacques returns to compose for the game, providing a pleasant, catchy, and variety-filled soundtrack. The music isn't the most complex OST, or as hyper and wild as most Sonic soundtracks are, but does the job well, fitting the pace of the gameplay, and the environments, featuring plenty of upbeat and atmospheric tunes. Some of it even bearing the flavor of Jacques' previous works in the Sonic series.



The music isn't the most memorable, but enjoyable all the same, filled with plenty of 90's-esque flavor.



FINAL VERDICT:



- "Sonic Boom: Fire & Ice" is a pleasant, solid Sonic experience. It's not perfect, and not incredibly long or extremely challenging, but is a fun game in its own right, being a step forward towards the redemption of the BOOM brand, with plenty to entertain.



- Gameplay is fluid, and is a quick-based experience with plenty of action and challenges. Mini games, exploration, and collectibles are entirely optional, allowing players plenty of freedom. Level maps are filled with plenty of secrets, and takes some notes from the Classic days.



- In-game models aren't the best, however, level environments are both filled with color and detail, and contains lots of variety. Cutscenes are now fully animated and voiced, some even being in CGI.



- Story is simple, and non-complex, feeling like an episode straight from the TV show. Those that are looking a deeper, complex Sonic The Hedgehog story won't find one here. Those that aren't a fan of the comical side of Sonic may find the storyline hard to enjoy as well.



- Music is pleasant and upbeat, and filled with variety. Some may not find it memorable, however.



-Perfect for those who want a good, simple Sonic experience, are fans of the Sonic Boom franchise, or are a diehard Sonic fan.