Sonic Runners (ソニックランナーズ Sonikku Ran'nāzu?) is a discontinued side-scrolling platform video game in the Sonic the Hedgehog series, developed by Sonic Team for the Android and iOS mobile platforms.[3] It was first announced by publisher Sega on 28 December 2014,[4] It was later released in Japan and Canada on 25 February 2015[1] before coming out worldwide on 25 June 2015.[2] As of 7 December 2015, Sonic Runners had received over six million downloads worldwide,[5] with more than five million downloads from Google Play.[6] On 27 July 2016, Sega closed the game's servers and pulled the game out of its respective store apps. A sequel to the game, Sonic Runners Adventure, was later released by Gameloft in 2017.
Plot[edit]
The story follows Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles while they follow Dr. Eggman through different areas as the doctor hatches various plans in succession, with the core goal of retrying his mind control cannon. Team Sonic usually runs into these situations unintentionally, finding Animals or Wisps in trouble, Orbot or Cubot carrying out orders, or robots walking around where they should not be. Along the way, the team have several side-adventures where they help Animals, Wisps and Chao with issues, or just travel to new places. Another subplot involves Team Sonic going on the hunt for Master Emerald fragments after Knuckles was forced to shatter the Master Emerald to stop Eggman from stealing it.
The last story arc revolves around Dr. Eggman who has stolen the Chaos Emeralds and drained them of their power to provide the last fuel needed for his mind control cannon. Team Sonic thus set out to reclaim the drained Emeralds before facing Eggman in a final showdown. Amidst this, Sonic reabsorbs the Chaos Emeralds' energy back into the Emeralds as Eggman uses his mind control cannon on him and becomes Super Sonic. Using his newfound power, Sonic destroys the mind control cannon and peace reigns over the world once more, though Eggman still gave the heroes the slip.
Event Episodes[edit]
Windy Hill in Spring[edit]
At Omochao's wish, Team Sonic enter a Easter competition prepared by the Animals and Chao. While hunting for Easter eggs, they come across Orbot and Cubot laying traps between the eggs. As the heroes confront Eggman's lackeys, Metal Sonic appears and saves the duo, but not before Cubot reveals their boss' whereabouts. At the foretold factory, Sonic, Tails and Knuckles find animals being forced to build fake Easter Eggs for Eggman and save them after fending off Metal Sonic together, heading to the factory's base afterwards. As they confront Eggman, the unprepared Doctor commands Orbot and Cubot to eliminate the intruders, but when both are unable and unwilling to, Eggman is easily defeated by the trio, who then decide to continue with the tournament.
Puyo Puyo's Falling Sky Road[edit]
Team Sonic find Puyo Puyos raining down on earth and run into Amitie and Accord who have no clue to how they got there. With the world being filled with Puyo Puyos, Sonic accepts Accord's request to find their other friends to stop the crisis. Along the way, it is revealed that Dr. Eggman has used the magic of a Puyo Coin to join the two worlds together so he could harness the power of magic users for a new weapon. As Team Sonic proceeds with their search, Eggman gets in over his head with the magic users and is forced to escape when his prisoner Satan retaliates. Thanking Team Sonic for their help, the Puyo Puyo return home with all the objects from their world.
Birthday on Windy Hill[edit]
As Sonic, Tails and Knuckles head to Sonic's birthday party, they find the party trashed and their friends kidnapped by Dr. Eggman. To make matters worse, Eggman has begun a new scheme for world domination, having created Death Egg drones as his military force. Thanks to teamwork and help from their allies, Team Sonic rescued their friends and foiled Eggman's plans. They then returned to the party to celebrate Sonic's birthday.
Desert Ruins[edit]
Team Sonic discovers a fragment of the world of the Arabian Nights above their world and decide to go there to hunt treasures. Along the way, they discover that the Erazor Djinn has been freed but got split into a thousand weaker pieces which Eggman, who has taken King Shahryar's place, is gathering one hundred of to form a super-djinn to take over the world with. Using Eggman's own strategy against him however, Team Sonic stopped Eggman and restored Shahryar to the throne.
Tropical Coast in Summer[edit]
Team Sonic are on vacation at a beach resort when they find Eggman stealing the beach's many pearls to finance his bases. As they head out to stop Eggman, Team Sonic meet some Wisps and learn that Eggman has kidnapped Mother Wisp while she was visiting her children. With Team Rose's aid, Team Sonic track down Eggman, but are too late to stop Eggman from turning Mother Wisp into Dark Mother Wisp. When Dark Mother Wisp proves too powerful for Eggman to control though, she goes on a rampage until her Wisp children calms her down, reverting her back to normal. Team Sonic and Team Rose thus focus on getting back every pearl Eggman stole.
Zazz Attacks![edit]
While on their own, Team Sonic learns from some White Wisps that Zazz has returned and has been stealing Power Rings, a special type of Rings that makes their wielder extremely powerful. The heroes track down Zazz and learn that he is accumulation Power Rings so he can get revenge at Sonic after he lost in their last encounter. Despite the Zeti's new power though, Team Sonic continuously defeats Zazz. Between his battles, Zazz talks with the Deadly Six, who confront Zazz about his attempts to either advise him, tease him or further their own agendas.
Halloween[edit]
Coming to a Halloween party, Team Sonic are attacked by the dressed-up Animals. Deciding to investigate, they discover that the Animals have been brainwashed by candy from Dr. Eggman which Orbot and Cubot have been handing out. Tracking the brainwashed Animals, Team Sonic find Rouge who has been investigating this herself with E-123 Omega. Needing someone to check a lakeside castle, Rouge gives Team Sonic a Boo to guide them.
At the castle where Team Sonic meets brainwashed Boos, they find Eggman as he releases King Boom Boo and brainwashes him into serving him. It is then revealed that Eggman is using the Animals to build a Halloween theme park and have King Boom Boo guard it. Unable to defeat King Boom Boo, Team Sonic gets Rouge and Omega, who have discovered that Eggman's candy wears off in strong light. Using Omega's searchlights, the heroes free the Animals and King Boom Boo, with the latter starting to chase Eggman in vengeance. The heroes then decide to return to the Halloween party.
Gameplay[edit]
Sonic Runners is a 2D side-scrolling endless runner with stages that can be played in a minute or two.[7] The player can tap to perform jumps and move the characters. Using Chao, Buddies, items and radio controlled toys, the player's objective is to get the highest score for a level. By doing so, the player can also collect Crystals, which increase the score as long as the player is keeping the combo going.
At the end of a majority of chapters (Unless the plot doesn't involve him like "Ring Hill", or they simply don't run into him, which usually hails an item of some kind instead), the player also has to engage in boss battles with Dr. Eggman, who has variations on his Egg Mobile. These variations have differing weapons, but commonly involve dodging weapons centered around iron balls and jumping into the Yellow Ball contained in others, which will fly back into his machine and damage him.
Progressing the game's episode as Sonic will eventually unlock more playable Sonic series characters, such as Miles "Tails" Prower and Knuckles the Echidna. Additionally, the game was updated to include more characters as well. Each character has their own different action, and their levels can be raised using Rings collected in the stages. When collecting Rings in stages, the player can bank them when passing Star Posts.
Each character has an Ability Type (Speed, Fly, Power) and a Personality Type and can be leveled up to Level 100 by spending or earning Rings from playing. Leveling up characters increases the duration of Equipable Items, enhances Distance Bonus, Ring Bonus and Animal Bonus up to 20% per character. Easy Type characters cost less Rings to level up than other characters. By reobtaining characters, their "Limit Break" levels up to Level 10, giving them additional time for Timed Mode by five seconds each level and increasing their Score Bonus by 10% each level.
The characters are best used in "Specialist Areas". While the levels are playable as any character, specific character types are more suited to these levels, with more accessible areas using their abilities. The regions themselves carry specific aesthetics (Windy Hill = Speed, Sky Road = Flight, Lava Mountain = Power, etc.). An emblem next to the chapter title on the menu screen notes which type is recommended.
Scoring system[edit]
Characters[edit]
Playable characters[edit]
| Icon | Character | Type | Controls | Profile | Unlock requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sonic | Triple jump 50% Distance Bonus |
The fastest hedgehog in the world! Sonic is a free spirit with a strong sense of right and wrong. He will always rush to the aid of those in need. |
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| Tails | Float 50% Distance Bonus |
Tails - real name Miles Prower - is one of Sonic's best pals. He's a super-friendly fox cub with two fluffy tails that he can spin at high speed to fly through the air. |
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| Knuckles | Dash attack 50% Distance Bonus |
Knuckles is a super-strong echidna, and one of Sonic's greatest rivals and best friends. A martial arts master, his punches can turn massive boulders into dust. |
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| Classic Sonic | Triple jump 75% Distance Bonus |
The Genesis-era Sonic, who collaborates with the modern Sonic in Sonic Generations. |
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| Christmas Sonic | Triple jump 75% Distance Bonus |
Sonic has dressed up as Santa Claus for Christmas! |
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| Christmas Tails | Float 75% Distance Bonus |
Tails has dressed up as an elf for Christmas! |
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| Christmas Knuckles | Dash attack 75% Distance Bonus |
Knuckles has dressed up as a reindeer for Christmas! |
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| Shadow | Triple jump 50% Score Bonus |
A black hedgehog who looks just like Sonic. Shadow was created by Dr. Eggman's grandfather, and has a burning desire to achieve his aims - by fair means or foul. |
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| Rouge | Float 50% Score Bonus |
Rouge is a beautiful bat who loves jewels. She may seem ditzy, but she has a head for figures. Unlike the others, she's mainly driven by an urge to make megabucks! |
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| Halloween Shadow | Triple jump 75% Score Bonus |
Shadow's gotten all dressed up to take part in the Animals' Halloween event! |
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| Halloween Rouge | Float 75% Score Bonus |
Rouge's gotten all dressed up to take part in the Animals' Halloween event! |
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| Espio | Triple jump 50% Ring Bonus |
Espio the Chameleon is cool-headed and quiet, and is used to calming down the Chaotix Detective Agency's other members. His horn and tail make him easy to spot. |
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| Charmy | Float 50% Ring Bonus |
Charmy is often too laid-back to notice when something is wrong. He lifts the mood at the Chaotix Detective Agency, where he is known for his helmet and flying suit. |
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| Vector | Dash attack 50% Ring Bonus |
Vector is a kind and reliable detective, and the head of the Chaotix Detective Agency. Though he loves money, he'll never refuse to help someone in need. |
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| Amy | Triple jump 50% Animal Bonus |
Amy loves Sonic, and would follow him to the ends of the Earth. Her will to win is overwhelming, and her relentless passion never fails to make Sonic run a mile... |
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| Blaze | Dash attack 50% Animal Bonus |
Blaze was once the guardian of the Sol Emeralds. These duties made her rather shy - but then she met Sonic! Blaze travels freely between her dimension and Sonic's. |
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| Amitie-Style Amy | Triple jump 75% Animal Bonus |
Amy has dressed up in Amitie's outfit! What do you think? Does that red Puyo hat suit her? |
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| Gothic Amy | Triple Jump 75% Animal Bonus |
Amy's decided to try out the goth look! What do you think of her makeover!? |
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| Omega | Dash attack 100% Enemy Bonus |
As the last of the E-series robots, Omega spent a long time sealed away in a base. He resents this, and wants to get his revenge on his maker once and for all. |
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| Metal Sonic | Triple jump 100% Enemy Bonus |
A powerful robot designed to defeat Sonic. The two are very similar in appearance, speed, and power. Once rebellious, he is now back under Dr. Eggman's control. |
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| Halloween Omega | Dash attack 150% Enemy Bonus |
Omega's gotten all dressed up to take part in the Animals' Halloween event! |
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| Big | Dash attack Game speed cut by 10% Total Score cut by 20% |
Big loves eating, sleeping and fishing. He leads a peaceful life with his best friend Froggy, but is always ready to leap into action to help his pals! |
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| Cream | Float Game speed cut by 10% Total Score cut by 20% |
Cream is always accompanied by her Chao friend Cheese. She is curious, but also polite, possibly because her mother was so strict. She can use her big ears to fly. |
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| Silver | Triple jump Game speed cut by 10% Total Score cut by 20% |
Silver is a time-traveling hedgehog with a number of superpowers. Though he can be rather reckless, he intends to continue fighting for a peaceful world. |
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| Tikal | Float 37% Distance Bonus 37% Animal Bonus |
A former member of the Knuckles clan, Tikal is a kind and fair-minded echidna spirit who has a special bond with Chaos. |
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| Werehog | Dash attack 37% Distance bonus 37% Animal bonus |
As a result of Dr. Eggman's trap, Sonic turns into the Werehog after dark! He is incredibly strong, and has extendable arms. |
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| Sticks | Triple jump 37% Distance bonus 37% Animal bonus |
Sticks is an eccentric badger who lives way out in the woods by herself. She is close friends with Amy. |
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| Mephiles | Triple jump 37% Score Bonus Game speed cut by 5% |
Mephiles is an evil being, born from a fragment of the Solaris, which was sealed inside the Scepter of Darkness. He closely resembles Shadow. |
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| ESP Silver | Float 37% Score Bonus Game speed cut by 5% |
Following his split with Blaze, Silver has grown stronger and has discovered his true power. |
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Non-playable characters[edit]
Puyo Puyo characters[edit]
Stages[edit]
Regular Stages[edit]
The game has three main zones, all of which are from Sonic Lost World. Each stage has its own Type to show which character Type is best suited to use on the stage. Before reaching Episode 40, every Episode has a fixed stage, but afterwards, the stages will be randomly chosen, a small icon at the bottom right end of the screen showing which stage will appear next.
| Image | Stage | Icon | Type | Enemies | Unlock requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Windy Hill | Speed | Available from the beginning | |||
| Sky Road | Fly | Clear Episode 10 | |||
| Lava Mountain | Power | Clear Episode 16 |
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Special Stages[edit]
For various in-game events, Sonic Runners offered Special stages only available for a limited time. Throughout these stages, certain collectibles were scattered, which had to be collected in order to proceed in the event's story, unlock rewards and climb up the event leaderboards. The event stages were not suited for a specific character type, as the layout and obstacles constantly change between those of Windy Hill, Sky Road and Lava Mountain, meaning every character can be used without having a disadvantage. While featuring all enemies from Regular Stages, Desert Ruins also had Boo as an enemy.
As of version 2.0.0, Special Stages took place on Timed Mode, removing any Story content, event leaderboards and rewards that were available in earlier versions of the game, with the competition instead taking place on the regular Timed Mode leaderboards.
| Image | Stage | Icon | Event | Collectibles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Windy Hill in Spring | Windy Hill in Spring Event |
| ||
| Puyo Puyo's Falling Sky Road | N/A | Puyopuyo!! Quest Collaboration Event |
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| Birthday at Windy Hill | Happy Birthday Sonic! |
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| Desert Ruins | Desert Ruins Event |
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| Tropical Coast in Summer | Tropical Coast Event |
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| Halloween | N/A | Halloween Event |
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| Frozen Factory | Christmas Event |
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| Frozen Factory Event |
|
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Boss Battles[edit]
There were three different types of bosses in Sonic Runners, each of them being controlled by Dr. Eggman. A Showdown usually awaited at the end of each Episode, though a few Episodes were without one at the end. The boss must be defeated in order to progress to the next Episode, and the player can also gain a Special Egg by completing the Showdown on the first try. Whereas Eggman only needs three hits to defeat in the first Episode, his Health Points increase up to 20 until Episode 50. Boss Battles also would get faster and more difficult as the player progressed through the Episodes. Showdowns always take place in one of the regular stages of the game, though the setting does not influence the nature of the Boss Battle.
| Image | Boss | Description |
|---|---|---|
| File:Sonic Runners Iron Ball Eggmobile.png | Iron Ball Eggmobile | Use Dr. Eggman's attacks against him. |
| File:Sonic runners Missile Eggmobile.png | Missile Eggmobile | Dodge the incoming attacks, and try to take down the Eggman! |
| File:Sonic Runners Saw Arm Eggmobile.png | Saw Arm Eggmobile | Use Dr. Eggman's attacks against him. |
Raid Bosses[edit]
| Image | Boss | Description | Weapons |
|---|---|---|---|
| File:Sonic Runners Zazz Tutorial.png | Zazz (Normal) | Avoid Zazz's attacks, and grab the White Wisps to help you take him down! |
|
| File:Sonic Runners vs Rare Zazz.png | Zazz (Rare) | Avoid Zazz's attacks, and grab the White Wisps to help you take him down! |
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| File:Sonic Runners Zazz Super Rare Tutorial.png | Zazz (Super-Rare) | Avoid Zazz's attacks, and grab the White Wisps to help you take him down! |
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Buddies[edit]
Buddies, formerly called "Companions", are companions which the player's characters can take along during a level. Some help raise the player's score while others can enhance item effects. Just like the playable characters, the Buddies have a certain attribute, meaning that their effects will be amplified when paired up with the "right" player character. At first there was only twenty different types of them, but more have been added over time. Like the playable character, the Buddies can be leveled up to Level 10.
Normal Buddies[edit]
Normal Buddies are only available on the BIG and SUPER roulette wheel within the Item Roulette.
| Icon | Buddy | Type | Effect | Unlock requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hero Chao | Speed | Boosts all score elements | Available on Item Roulette | |
| Gold Chao | Fly | Boosts Rings acquired. | Available on Item Roulette | |
| Dark Chao | Power | Boosts score for destroying enemies. | Available on Item Roulette | |
| Jewel Chao | Speed | Boosts distance run. | Available on Item Roulette | |
| Normal Chao | Fly | Boosts score. | Available on Item Roulette | |
| Omochao | Power | Boosts the number of Animals saved. | Available on Item Roulette | |
| RC Monkey | Speed | Combo bonuses last longer. | Available on Item Roulette | |
| RC Spring | Fly | Springs last longer. | Available on Item Roulette | |
| RC Electromagnet | Power | Magnets last longer. | Available on Item Roulette | |
| Baby Cyan Wisp | Speed | The Laser effect lasts longer. | Available on Item Roulette | |
| Baby Indigo Wisp | Fly | The Asteroid effect lasts longer. | Available on Item Roulette | |
| Baby Yellow Wisp | Power | The Drill effect lasts longer. | Available on Item Roulette | |
| RC Pinwheel | Speed | Has a chance of producing the magnet effect during spin dashes | Available on Item Roulette | |
| RC Piggy Bank | Fly | Restores Rings when damaged. | Available on Item Roulette | |
| RC Balloon | Power | Has a chance of automatically performing a big jump when using jump panels. | Available on Item Roulette | |
| Easter Chao | Speed | Has a chance of producing the magnet effect when passing through Dash Rings and Rainbow Rings. | Available on Item Roulette | |
| Purple Papurisu | Fly | Every X combo destroys all iron balls. | Puyopuyo!! Quest Collaboration | |
| MAG | Power | Every X combo destroys all spikes. | Phantasy Star Online 2 Collaboration |
Rare Buddies[edit]
Rare Buddies are available in the Premium Roulette and the Special Roulette, unlocked when the spinner lands on a segment with a gray, Rare Egg.
| Icon | Buddy | Type | Effect | Unlock requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Egg Chao | Speed | Boosts distance run. | Available on Premium Roulette | |
| Pumpkin Chao | Fly | Boosts score. | Available on Premium Roulette | |
| Skull Chao | Power | Boosts the number of Animals saved. | Available on Premium Roulette | |
| Yacker | Speed | All Color Power items last longer. | Available on Premium Roulette | |
| RC Golden Piggy Bank | Fly | Restores Rings when damaged. | Available on Premium Roulette | |
| Wizard Chao | Power | All items (except Color Power items and shields) last longer. | Available on Premium Roulette | |
| RC Turtle | Speed | Every X combo turns Rings into Super Rings. | Available on Premium Roulette | |
| RC UFO | Fly | Every X combo saves all on-screen Animals. | Available on Premium Roulette | |
| RC Bomber | Power | Every X combo destroys all enemies on ordinary stages. | Available on Premium Roulette | |
| Easter Bunny | Power | Adds 25 to every X combo. | Available on Premium Roulette | |
| Magic Lamp | Fly | Chance of producing a Gold Flicky. | Available on Premium Roulette | |
| Star-Shaped Missile | Speed | Increases the area of the magnet effect. | Available on Premium Roulette | |
| Suketoudara | Power | Chance of springs appearing when taking damage. | Limited to Puyopuyo!! Quest Collaboration. | |
| Rappy | Speed | Chance of a Rappy appearing. | Limited to Phantasy Star Online 2 Collaboration. | |
| Blowfish Transporter | Fly | Every X combo provides an equippable item. | Available on Premium Roulette | |
| Genesis | Fly | A chain of combos lasts longer before resetting. | Available on Premium Roulette | |
| Cartridge | Speed | Start each stage with a combo. | Available on Premium Roulette | |
| RC Fighter | Speed | Boosts score in Laser form. | Available on Premium Roulette | |
| RC Hovercraft | Fly | Boosts score in Asteroid form. | Available on Premium Roulette | |
| RC Helicopter | Power | Boosts score in Drill form. | Available on Premium Roulette | |
| Green Crystal Monster (S) | Speed | Every X combo turns all small crystals green. | Available on Premium Roulette | |
| Green Crystal Monster (L) | Fly | Every X combo turns all large crystals green. | Available on Premium Roulette | |
| RC Airship | Power | Boosts combos at Star Posts. | Available on Premium Roulette | |
| Desert Chao | Power | Has a chance of producing the magnet effect when using a cannon. | Available on Premium Roulette | |
| RC Satellite | Fly | Has a chance of producing the magnet effect when using a jump panel. | Available on Premium Roulette | |
| Marine Chao | Power | Chance of auto-tricks at jump panels. | Available on Premium Roulette | |
| Nightopian | Power | Chance of destroying iron balls, spikes and enemies when damaged. | NiGHTS into Sonic Runners... Event | |
| Orca | Speed | Every X combo destroys platforms and increases ring appearances. | Available on Premium Roulette | |
| Sonic Omochao | Speed | Chance of a magnet effect with the Speed-type action. | Available on Premium Roulette | |
| Tails Omochao | Fly | Chance of a magnet effect with the Fly-type action. | Available on Premium Roulette | |
| Knuckles Omochao | Power | Chance of a magnet effect with the Power-type action. | Available on Premium Roulette | |
| Boo | Power | Boosts score for destroying super enemies, and every X combo turns enemies into super enemies. | Available on Premium Roulette | |
| Halloween Chao | Speed | Chance of keeping Rings when damaged. | Available on Premium Roulette | |
| Heavy Bomb | Fly | Defeating X enemies destroys all enemies on-screen. Sometimes produces a Gold Flicky. | Fantasy Zone Collaboration Event | |
| Block Bomb | Speed | Chance of destroying all enemies on screen when performing special actions. | Available on Premium Roulette | |
| Hunk of Meat | Power | Extra Rings for every Super Rings you collect. | Available on Premium Roulette | |
| Yeti | Speed | Every X combo triggers the Cyan Laser effect. | Christmas Event | |
| Snow Chao | Fly | Every X combo triggers the Indigo Asteroid effect. | Christmas Event | |
| Ideya | Fly | Every X combo switches an equipped item for another item. | Christmas NiGHTS Collaboration Event | |
| Christmas Nightopian | Power | Every X combo triggers the Yellow Drill effect. | Christmas NiGHTS Collaboration Event | |
| Orbot | Speed | Every X combo causes you to lose Rings but triggers an item effect. | Available on Premium Roulette | |
| Cubot | Power | Every X combo occasionally triggers an item effect. | Available on Premium Roulette |
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S Rare Buddies[edit]
S Rare Buddies are available in the Premium Roulette and the Special Roulette, unlocked when the spinner lands on a segment with a golden, Super-Rare Egg.
| Icon | Buddy | Type | Effect | Unlock requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light Chaos | Speed | Boosts all score elements. | Available on Premium Roulette | |
| Hero Chaos | Fly | Boosts Rings acquired. | Available on Premium Roulette | |
| Dark Chaos | Power | Boosts score for destroying enemies. | Available on Premium Roulette | |
| Chip | Speed | Produces one last dash. | Available on Premium Roulette | |
| Shahra | Fly | Every X combo activates a non-color power item at random. | Get promoted in Story Mode's Runners' League | |
| Caliburn | Power | Performs auto-attacks during boss battles. | Available on Premium Roulette | |
| King Arthur's Ghost | Speed | Boss battles extended/damage against bosses. | Available on Premium Roulette | |
| RC Tornado | Fly | Restores Rings when damaged. | Available on Premium Roulette | |
| RC Battle Cruiser | Power | More Red Star Rings appear during boss battles. | Available on Premium Roulette | |
| Merlina | Fly | Every X combo activates a Color Power effect. | Windy Hill in Spring Event | |
| Erazor Djinn | Speed | Every X combo produces a shield. | Desert Ruins Event | |
| RC Moon Mech | Power | Chance of an additional attack on bosses. | Available on Raid Boss Roulette | |
| Carbuncle | Speed | Every X combo grabs certain on-screen objects. | Puyopuyo!! Quest Collaboration | |
| Kuna | Fly | Chance of an item effect at Star Posts. | Phantasy Star Online 2 Collaboration | |
| Chaos | Power | Chance of using an item without losing it. | Available on Premium Roulette | |
| Death Egg | Power | Chance of continuing after being defeated. | Available on Premium Roulette | |
| Red Crystal Monster (S) | Speed | X combos turn all small crystals red. | Available on Premium Roulette | |
| Red Crystal Monster (L) | Fly | Every X combo turns all large crystals red. | Available on Premium Roulette | |
| Golden Goose | Power | X combos turn all enemies into golden enemies. | Available on Premium Roulette | |
| Mother Wisp | Speed | Boosts score when using Color Powers. | Tropical Coast Event | |
| RC Pirate Spaceship | Fly | More Super Rings appear during boss battles. | Available on Premium Roulette | |
| Golden Angel | Power | More golden enemies appear. | Available on Premium Roulette | |
| NiGHTS | Speed | Big combo bonus after a loop. | NiGHTS into Sonic Runners... Event | |
| Reala | Fly | Magnet effect after a loop. | NiGHTS into Sonic Runners... Event | |
| RC Tornado 2 | Fly | Extra Rings when Rings are banked. | Available on Premium Roulette | |
| Chao Walker | Speed | Every 200 combo allows Buddies to absorb Rings for X seconds. | Awarded for every 10 Daily Battle win streaks | |
| Dark Queen | Power | Every X combo provides an item. | Get promoted in Timed Mode's Runners' League | |
| King Boom Boo | Fly | Chance of a score boost when defeating enemies. | Halloween Event | |
| O-Papa | Power | Every X combo destroys everything except terrain and produces a magnet effect. | Fantasy Zone Collaboration Event | |
| Opa-Opa | Speed | Every X combo banks a certain number of Rings. | Fantasy Zone Collaboration Event | |
| RC Block Face | Fly | Chance of destroying everything on screen except terrain when performing special actions. | Available on Premium Roulette | |
| Christmas Yeti | Power | The bonus score when combos are performed is boosted. | Christmas Event | |
| Christmas NiGHTS | Speed | Chance of reducing the game speed. | Christmas NiGHTS Collaboration Event | |
| Dark Chao Walker | Fly | Every 200 combo makes your Buddy absorb nearby Crystals for X seconds. | Available on Premium Roulette |
Items[edit]
Collectible Items[edit]
- Rings: Can be collected regularly in-game from long strings, large groups the middle-air or equipped from Item Boxes. Taking damage once without Shield or being Invincible will make the player lose all Rings. Each Ring grants a single point to the score. Completing an episode will also reward the player with Rings.
- Red Star Rings: These are used as currency when the player loses a life. The player has to pay five Red Star Rings if they want to continue. They can be bought from the shop, but they can also pop out randomly from Eggman's Egg Mobile during boss battles. Completing an episode also rewards the player with Red Star Rings. Red Star Rings can also be used to spin the Premium Roulette to get Buddies or Characters.
Equipable Items[edit]
Items help players achieve better performance. Up to three Items can be equipped, but all of them can be occasionally found during a run. However, equipped items last about twice as long as items found in a stage. Every item is available for free once a day.
| Icon | Item | Effect | Lvl. 10 duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Invincible | Makes you invulnerable from all enemies and other objects. | 10 seconds | |
| Shield | Protects you from taking damage once. | N/A | |
| Magnet | Rings, Crystals, and Animals are drawn towards you. | 10 seconds | |
| Spring | Covers every pit on the current stage with a Spring. | 10 seconds | |
| Combo Bonus | Combo counts cannot be broken and combo bonuses are boosted. | 10 seconds | |
| Cyan Laser | Transforms you into a laser beam. Tap to draw in Rings, Crystals, and Animals. | 10 seconds | |
| Yellow Drill | Transforms you into a drill and boosts item value. Tap the screen to jump. | 10 seconds | |
| Indigo Asteroid | Transforms you into an asteroid that destroys all objects and draws in items. | 10 seconds |
Booster Items[edit]
Different from equipable items, Booster Items do not have a timer and affect the whole run. They can be bought using Rings, but each of them is available for free once a day.
| Icon | Booster | Effect | Ring Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Score Boost | Increases your Character Bonus score. | 6000 | |
| Support Springs | Covers pits in the stage with springs when you fall from a considerable height. | 1000 | |
| Sub-Character | Take along a sub-character that you can switch to or that will take over if your first character fails. | 4000 |
List of Episodes[edit]
- Episode 1-1: It's Doctor Eggman, the evil scientist!: The evil genius Dr. Eggman is back to sow chaos in Sonic and the Animals' peaceful world.
- Episode 2-1: Save the Animals!: Sonic and friends drove Dr. Eggman away, but he won't give up, and is kidnapping Animals again!
- Episode 3-1: Dr. Eggman's Dirty Tricks: Sonic and friends foiled Eggman's plan to turn Animals into robots, but just what WAS he planning?
- Episode 4-1: Little Chao Lost: Sonic and friends come across a lost Chao, and decide to help it get home safely!
- Episode 5-1: A Not-So-Heavy-Load: Dr. Eggman had ordered Cubot to collect items [to get] ready for his big comeback. But can Cubot deliver...?
- Episode 6-1: Evening Patrol: Sonic and friends hear some Animals calling out in fright. Better find out what's up...
- Episode 6-2: Evening Patrol 2: Sonic and friends are on their way to fetch a translation unit so they can talk to the White Wisp.
- Episode 7-1: Earthquake Island: Picky says there have been a lot of earthquakes lately, and asks Sonic and friends to investigate...
- Episode 8-1: The Mysterious Light: Ricky and his friend get a fright from a mysterious light on the way home. Find out the truth behind it!
- Episode 9-1: Disaster Zone: The Friends find the remains of a great disaster, and are asked by the local Animals for help...
- Episode 10-1: Dr. Eggman's Robot Army Attacks!: Eggman's robot army has attacked an Animal village! Invade Dr. Eggman's base and save the Animals!
- Episode 11-1: Chasing our Tails: Having managed to drive Dr. Eggman away, the gang follow Tails as he guides them to an all-new area!
- Episode 11-2: Chasing our Tails 2: Tails leads the way as the gang investigate an all-new area - home to one of Dr. Eggman's bases!
- Episode 12-1: Picky's Pig-Out: Sonic and co. bump into Picky, and the poor pig's real hungry! They'd better find him some food!
- Episode 13-1: Little Pocky Lost: Pocky's crying because he's lost his mother. It's up to Sonic and co. to reunite them!
- Episode 14-1: Ricky's Request: Dr. Eggman has built a factory right next to Ricky's home, and it's polluting the water! Do something!
- Episode 15-1: Ring Hill: Knuckles remembers a rumor about a place called Ring Hill, and the gang decide to go check it out!
- Episode 16-1: Dr. Eggman's Secret Experiment: Sonic and friends hear a rumor that Dr. Eggman is conducting a secret experiment. Time to investigate!
- Episode 16-2: Dr. Eggman's Secret Experiment 2: Sonic and friends have found Dr. Eggman's base. Now it's time to find out what he's up to!
- Episode 17-1: Goodbye Greenery: Pocky needs help! All the greenery is disappearing from the hills where he lives!
- Episode 18-1: Damsel in Distress: Rocky's girlfriend has gone missing. Help him to find her!
- Episode 19-1: The Animals Fight Back: The gang visit the Animals' village, but there are no Animals to be found! Where have they all gone?!
- Episode 19-2: The Animals Fight Back 2: Sonic and co. have agreed to help the Animals with their plan - but just what ARE they planning?
- Episode 20-1: Sonic the Villain: The animals are suddenly scared of Sonic, and won't come near him... What on earth is going on?
- Episode 20-2: Sonic the Villain 2: Metal Sonic has been pretending to be the real Sonic and scaring the Animals. After him!
- Episode 21-1: Flicky Gets Flustered: Flicky can't find his little brother, and comes to ask Sonic for help. Can the gang help him out?
- Episode 22-1: Wisps from On High: Mysterious creatures are getting the Animals agitated. The gang think they're Wisps, and go looking for proof!
- Episode 22-2: Wisps from On High 2: Eggman is taking the Wisps back to his base! Can Sonic catch up with him and free the colorful creatures?
- Episode 23-1: Showdown with Eggman's Airforce: Dr. Eggman's airforce are preventing Flicky from taking to the skies! Find Dr. Eggman's airbase!
- Episode 23-2: Showdown with Eggman's Airforce 2: Eggman left Orbot in charge, so Sonic had no trouble disabling the base. Now to find the man himself!
- Episode 24-1: Angel Schmangel: Cucky and Omochao say they've seen an angel. Time for Sonic and friends to find out what's really going on...
- Episode 24-2: Angel Schmangel 2: The "angel" turned out to be a Hero Chao, and now Metal Sonic has kidnapped it! Sonic to the rescue!
- Episode 25-1: Treasure in the Clouds: The Hero Chao tells the gang about a treasure hidden in the clouds, and Knuckles is keen to seek it out!
- Episode 26-1: Birdly Paradise: Dr. Eggman's forces have taken over Cucky's place! Drive them away so Cucky can get his life back!
- Episode 27-1: Little Walrus Lost: Sonic and co. find Rocky in a panic, and unable to find his way home. It's up to them to help him!
- Episode 28-1: Penguins Might Fly: Pecky and his pals used to fly freely round these parts - until Eggman showed up. Now they're grounded!
- Episode 29-1: Guarding the Sky Temple: Some Animals come to Sonic and co. asking for help, and offer to guide them to Dr. Eggman's latest base...
- Episode 29-2: Guarding the Sky Temple 2: The "Animals" were really Orbot and Cubot! Time to interrogate them and find out what Eggman's up to...
- Episode 30-1: Bring on the Dawn!: The sun has stopped rising in Cucky's part of the forest, so there's nothing to crow at! Do something!
- Episode 31-1: After that Emerald!: Flicky comes to speak to Knuckles, and he's all aflutter - Eggman's after the Master Emerald!
- Episode 31-2: After that Emerald 2: The Master Emerald has been stolen! Sonic and co. need to find Dr. Eggman and get it back!
- Episode 32-1: A Red-Hot Winter: Pecky's village has suddenly become unbearably hot. It's up to Sonic and co. to find out what's going on!
- Episode 33-1: The Hunt for the Master Emerald: After shutting down Dr. Eggman's factory, the gang find Pocky waiting with some important information!
- Episode 33-2: The Hunt for the Master Emerald 2: Metal Sonic has run off with a fragment of the Master Emerald. Sonic and friends set off in hot pursuit!
- Episode 34-1: Ricky's Request: Ricky's found a tree that he can't cut down, no matter how hard he tries! Time for Sonic to give it a try!
- Episode 35-1: The Dragon's Hoard: The map Sonic and pals found is actually a treasure map! Time for a spot of treasure-hunting!
- Episode 36-1: The Hunt for the Master Emerald 3: Now that they have an Emerald Detector, it's time for the friends to get back on the trail of the fragments!
- Episode 36-2: The Hunt for the Master Emerald 4: Sonic and pals have headed up to the clouds in search of a Master Emerald fragment.
- Episode 37-1: A Gift for Mama: The gang's Master Emerald sensor leads them to Picky. Can he be persuaded to part with his fragment?
- Episode 38-1: The Hunt for the Master Emerald 5: Dr. Eggman has taken Picky - and the Master Emerald fragment too! Get after him!
- Episode 38-2: The Hunt for the Master Emerald 6: Dr. Eggman has run off with the Master Emerald fragment! Time to chase him down!
- Episode 39-1: Guardians of the Master Emerald: Having assembled all the Master Emerald fragments, the gang head to the temple to put it back together...
- Episode 39-2: Guardians of the Master Emerald 2: Just as Sonic and pals are thinking of how to protect the Master Emerald, Omochao appears!
- Episode 40-1: The Eggman's Plans: The Animals are convinced that Dr. Eggman's up to his old tricks. Time to find out what he's planning...
- Episode 40-2: The Eggman's Plans 2: It seems Flicky might have some information about Dr. Eggman...but might also be in need of rescuing!
- Episode 40-3: The Eggman's Plans 3: Flicky's been abducted by Eggman! Sonic and friends to the rescue!
- Episode 41-1: Uncovering Eggman's Plans: Sonic and pals learn that Dr. Eggman has been collecting Chaos Emeralds. The question is: Why?
- Episode 41-2: Uncovering Eggman's Plans 2: Dr. Eggman is trying to make a brainwashing laser to control the world! The gang have to stop it being fired!
- Episode 41-3: Uncovering Eggman's Plans 3: Sonic and co. manage to get their hands on a Chaos Emerald detector. Now they just need to fix it...
- Episode 42-1: Collecting the Chaos Emeralds: Tails has fixed the detector, so it's time to go hunt down the Chaos Emeralds!
- Episode 42-2: Collecting the Chaos Emeralds 2: Sonic and co. have followed the detector to one of Dr. Eggman's energy collection devices...
- Episode 43-1: Collecting the Chaos Emeralds 3: Sonic and pals have found one Chaos Emerald, now it's time to round up the rest!
- Episode 43-2: Collecting the Chaos Emeralds 4: Sonic and pals head for another one of Dr. Eggman's energy collection devices - this time with Cubot in tow!
- Episode 44-1: Collecting the Chaos Emeralds 5: Sonic and co. have recovered the second Chaos Emerald. Now it's time to find the third!
- Episode 44-2: Collecting the Chaos Emeralds 6: Having successfully evaded Orbot's traps Sonic and co. head for the third Chaos Emerald!
- Episode 45-1: The Wisp Garden: While looking for the fourth Chaos Emerald, the gang bump into a giant group of Wisps!
- Episode 46-1: Collecting the Chaos Emeralds 7: Sonic and co. set out in search of more Chaos Emeralds - this time with Wisps in tow!
- Episode 46-2: Collecting the Chaos Emeralds 8: Metal Sonic appeared out of nowhere and stole on of the Chaos Emeralds! Get it back!
- Episode 47-1: Collecting the Chaos Emeralds 9: A powered-up Metal Sonic has swiped the gang's Chaos Emeralds! How are they going to get them back?!
- Episode 47-2: Collecting the Chaos Emeralds 10: Having overcome Cubot without laying a finger on him, the gang head to the next energy collection device!
- Episode 48-1: Collecting the Chaos Emeralds 11: Sonic and friends have avoided Metal Sonic and retrieved another Chaos Emerald. Onto the next one!
- Episode 48-2: Collecting the Chaos Emeralds 12: Sonic and pals have survived Orbot's traps. Time to get the search for the Chaos Emeralds back on track!
- Episode 49-1: Collecting the Chaos Emeralds 13: The gang have secured all the easy Chaos Emeralds - now it's time to take some risks!
- Episode 49-2: Collecting the Chaos Emeralds 14: En route to find Chaos Emeralds, the gang prepare for a showdown with Metal Sonic...
- Episode 50-1: Boiling Point: With the brainwashing laser ready to fire, the gang get ready for the final showdown with Dr. Eggman!
- Episode 50-2: Boiling Point 2: Sonic and co. have begun their invasion of Eggman's HQ. Next on the menu: More robots!
- Episode 50-3: Boiling Point 3: Sonic and pals are making short work of Dr. Eggman's defenses. Next up: Orbot!
- Episode 50-4: Boiling Point 4: Cubot's tip-off got the team safely through Orbot's traps. Time to go even deeper into Eggman's HQ!
- Episode 50-5: Boiling Point: Finale: Having managed to make their way past Metal Sonic, the gang are finally at the heart of Eggman's HQ...
Development[edit]
Development for Sonic Runners began in 2013 according to Takashi Iizuka.[8] However, In February 2014, a poster hosted at a German toy fair announced a 2015 Sonic game for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Wii U, as well as the Sonic Boom games, a feature film, and Mario & Sonic at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games.[9] This information circulated on the Internet, especially concerning the unannounced Sonic game, but Sega quickly asserted that the information on the supposed new title was false.[10] Later in 2014, however, rumors of a smartphone game titled Sonic Runners began to circulate online;[11] Sega had registered the domain name sonicrunners.com in July of that year.[12] On 28 December 2014, Sonic Runners was eventually announced by Sega during the annual “Sonic Fan Thanksgiving” event at one of their Joypolis amusement parks. At the event, Takashi Iizuka personally revealed that Sonic Team’s next project was “Sonic Runners“ on the mobile. He promised that more information about the game would be revealed sequentially, starting in January 2015,[4] but nothing was released during that month. Its gameplay style was quickly speculated by fan to be an endless runner, like Sonic Dash, which is also a smartphone game.[13]
A small teaser and more details about the game were revealed on 3 February 2015. According to Takashi Iizuka, the game will be a "2D side-scrolling runner with stages that can be played in a minute or two."[7] On 3 February 2015, Tomoya Ohtani announced on Twitter that he would be composing the musical score for the game.[14]
Release[edit]
Sonic Runners received a sudden soft-launch on 25 February 2015 and in the Japanese and Canadian App Store and Play Store app marketplaces. A few months later, on 25 June 2015, it was made available worldwide. It was available for free on recent iOS and Android devices, though containing in-app purchases.[7][15]
Closure[edit]
On 27 May 2016, Sega announced that the game's service will be closed down on 27 July 2016. Red Star Ring sales ended on 27 May 2016 and any purchasing prior to that date will not be usable or redeemable after the closure of service.[16]
Achievements[edit]
| Name | Reward |
|---|---|
| Golden Angel Acquired | 500 pts |
| RC Pirate Spaceship Acquired | 500 pts |
| RC Bomber Acquired | 500 pts |
| Mother Wisp Acquired | 500 pts |
| RC UFO Acquired | 500 pts |
| RC Turtle Acquired | 500 pts |
| Red Crystal Monster (L) Acquired | 500 pts |
| Golden Goose Acquired | 500 pts |
| Red Crystal Monster (S) Acquired | 500 pts |
| Wizard Chao Acquired | 500 pts |
| Yacker Acquired | 500 pts |
| RC Golden Piggy Bank Acquired | 500 pts |
| Skull Chao Acquired | 500 pts |
| Pumpkin Chao Acquired | 500 pts |
| RC Balloon Acquired | 500 pts |
| Egg Chao Acquired | 500 pts |
| RC Piggy Bank Acquired | 500 pts |
| RC Pinwheel Acquired | 500 pts |
| Green Crystal Monster (L) Acquired | 500 pts |
| RC Airship Acquired | 500 pts |
| Green Crystal Monster (S) Acquired | 500 pts |
| Baby Yellow Wisp Acquired | 500 pts |
| Baby Cyan Wisp Acquired | 500 pts |
| Baby Indigo Wisp Acquired | 500 pts |
| RC Helicopter Acquired | 500 pts |
| RC Hovercraft Acquired | 500 pts |
| RC Electromagnet Acquired | 500 pts |
| RC Fighter Acquired | 500 pts |
| RC Spring Acquired | 500 pts |
| RC Monkey Acquired | 500 pts |
| Normal Chao Acquired | 500 pts |
| Omochao Acquired | 500 pts |
| Jewel Chao Acquired | 500 pts |
| Dark Chao Acquired | 500 pts |
| Hero Chao Acquired | 500 pts |
| Gold Chao Acquired | 500 pts |
| Metal Sonic Unlocked | 500 pts |
| Silver Unlocked | 500 pts |
| Charmy Unlocked | 500 pts |
| Vector Unlocked | 500 pts |
| Espio Unlocked | 500 pts |
| Cream Unlocked | 500 pts |
| Omega Unlocked | 500 pts |
| Big Unlocked | 500 pts |
| Rouge Unlocked | 500 pts |
| Blaze Unlocked | 500 pts |
| Amy Unlocked | 500 pts |
| Shadow Unlocked | 500 pts |
| Knuckles Unlocked | 500 pts |
| Tails Unlocked | 500 pts |
| Ran 1,000 Meters | 500 pts |
| Saved 10 Animals | 500 pts |
| RC Tornado Acquired | 1000 pts |
| RC Battle Cruiser Acquired | 1000 pts |
| King Arthur's Ghost Acquired | 1000 pts |
| Caliburn Acquired | 1000 pts |
| Chip Acquired | 1000 pts |
| Shahra Acquired | 1000 pts |
| Dark Chaos Acquired | 1000 pts |
| Light Chaos Acquired | 1000 pts |
| Hero Chaos Acquired | 1000 pts |
| Ran 10,000 Meters | 1000 pts |
| Saved 100 Animals | 1000 pts |
| Ran 100,000 Meters | 2500 pts |
| Saved 1,000 Animals | 2500 pts |
| Ran 1,000,000 Meters | 5000 pts |
| Saved 10,000 Animals | 5000 pts |
| Ran 10,000,000 Meters | 10000 pts |
| Saved 100,000 Animals | 10000 pts |
Soundtrack[edit]
Reception[edit]
| Reception | |
|---|---|
| Aggregate scores | |
| Aggregator | Score |
| GameRankings | 58.75%[17] |
| Metacritic | 51%[18] |
| Review scores | |
| Publication | Score |
| Destructoid | 6/10[19] |
Upon the game's announcement, these was disappointment at Sonic Runners not being a Wii U title.[11] Similarly, Tatiana Morris from GameZone hoped that it would not be the only Sonic game of the year, instead wishing for a console game similar to Sonic Adventure or Sonic the Hedgehog (2006).[20] Destructoid staff writer Brett Makedonski opined that while "it's tough to imagine Sonic fans getting too excited about Sonic Runners," its future augured well after the critical panning of Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric and Sonic Boom: Shattered Crystal.[4]
Upon release, Sonic Runners on iOS received mixed reviews with an aggregated score of 51&[18] and 58.75%[17] at Metacritic and GameRankings, respectively. Destructoid gave Sonic Runners a 6/10, stating that the gameplay was fun and that the developers should "take pride in their work", but criticized its heavy emphasis on "pay to play".[19] The Jimquisition called the gameplay "solid," but panned the game for its many ads, the pay to win emphasis, and terrible load times, assigning the title a 4.5/10. Echoing these thoughts was Shaun Musgrave of Touch Arcade, who praised the core gameplay, but criticized the game for it's overabundance of monetizing, in the end giving it a low score of a 2/5. However, later reviews lightened up on the game, though the general consensus was generally the same; the core gameplay was fun, but the monetization and load times hampered the experience to mediocrity.
In contrast, Google Play's average for the Android release is rather positive, garnering a 4.0/5 from over 70,000 user ratings. Despite this, with the game grossing ¥30 million per month, Sega considered Sonic Runners a "failure" in its market.[21]
Trivia[edit]
- Not counting their co-production credits in Sonic the Hedgehog 4, this game marks the first time Sonic Team themselves have ever developed a mobile game.
- In terms of playability, Sonic Runners marks the return of many characters that were not used for a long time.
- Big's last playable role was in Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing, a game released in 2010.
- Omega's last playable role was in Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood, a game released in 2008.
- The Werehog's last playable role was in Sonic Unleashed, a game released in 2008.
- Charmy's last playable role was in Sonic Heroes, a game released in 2003.
- Tikal's last playable role was in Sonic Adventure 2: Battle, a game released in 2002.
- Mephiles, however, was a boss character in Sonic the Hedgehog, a game released in 2006. This makes him the only character in the series never to have been playable prior to this game.
- This is the first game to feature Charmy with a running animation rather than just a flying animation.
- When performing a dash, Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Shadow, Blaze, Charmy, Classic Sonic and Werehog curl into a ball, Amy, Big, Espio, Vector, Tikal and Sticks keep running and Rouge, Omega, Cream, Silver, ESP Silver, Metal Sonic and Mephiles hover above the ground.
- The Ring Boost acquired by using Chaotix Type characters may be a nod to their Team Blast Chaotix Recital from Sonic Heroes which awarded them with rings for every enemy destroyed during and shortly after using the ability.
- The Animal Bonus the Rose Type gets may be a reference to Amy risking her life to protect and reunite the Flicky with his family in Sonic Adventure.
- The enemy bonus awarded to Mech-type characters is a reference to E-123 Omega's quest for revenge on Dr. Eggman and his creations and Metal Sonic twice betraying Eggman in attempt to be the sole destroyer of Sonic, even going as far as sabotaging his own machine to have better gear in Sonic Free Riders.
- Halloween Rouge is wearing the costume from her Sonic Channel wallpaper for 2014.
- While Omega's artwork correctly places the "Ω" symbol on the front of his left shoulder, the symbol is positioned on the front of his right shoulder on his gameplay model.
- Vector's dash attack is equal to his Head Slide ability introduced in the Mario & Sonic series, which is not surprising considering several developers from Sega Sport R&D, the developers behind said series, are listed in the credits for Sonic Runners.
- This is the fourth game that uses profanity, (following Sonic Adventure 2, Sonic Heroes, and Shadow the Hedgehog) because Knuckles says "damn" on a few occasions, and Zazz says that he will send Sonic into "Hell" during his event.
- While technically not used in a profane way, Sonic says "Open the gates to Hell" in Sonic and the Secret Rings.
- The canonicity of Sonic Runners appears to be dubious at best, but it appears to specifically follow the canon of the handheld versions of multi-platform Sonic games. This is evident several times, such as as Mother Wisp being mentioned; Sonic and Tails only encountered her in the DS version of Sonic Colors. However, the game's event-exclusive episodes are equally evident in being non-canon due to some companions being characters from certain games that endings imply Sonic will never meet again, such as Chip, and Sonic not knowing who Merlina is, despite meeting her in Sonic and the Black Knight. Even more curiously, Sonic does not recognize Erazor Djinn or King Shahryar despite the characters implying that the events of Sonic and the Secret Rings have taken place.
- Likewise, ESP Silver's description implies that the bad ending was somehow canon in a similar way Blaze remembers "Crisis City" in Sonic Generations.
- While Mephiles' existence could also count for that, Solaris's flame could've been a separate entity enough that blowing out the flame may not have destroyed Mephiles, but just gave him no reason to leave. However, his body is only formed after copying Shadow's shadow.
- In 2023, while not outright confirming this game as non-canon, Ian Flynn claimed he believes Sonic Dream Team is the first mobile game that is canon to the Sonic franchise.[22]
- Sonic Runners makes numerous grammatical errors, the most prominent being that the word "get" is used in place of "go" (e.g. Sonic exclaiming, "Let's get after them!", instead of "Let's go after them!").
- The game appears to be heavily based on Sonic Heroes, Sonic Colors, and Sonic Lost World, in terms of plot, characters, gameplay, and zones.
- This game's menu reuses sound effects from Sonic Free Riders.
- Shadow, Rouge, and Metal Sonic are the only playable characters so far not to get any new artwork for Sonic Runners. Instead, existent artwork is reused, but their arms and legs are shortened to fit the game's style.
- Two pieces of artwork for Silver and one artwork for Omega are reused in a similar manner.
- However, most poses used for Blaze, Big, Cream, Classic Sonic and Tikal are based on older artwork for these characters.
- Team Sonic and Team Chaotix are the only teams from Sonic Heroes where all three members were converted into the same personality type.
- Silver, Cream and Big are the first characters to be purchasable, followed by Amy and then Espio, Charmy and Vector.
- The Chaotix are the only characters to be featured three times on the Premium Roulette before the update to v2.0.0.
- Blaze is the first female character to be a Power type.
- Silver is the first character to be part of two different teams, and the first to have a costume that changes his formation.
- Blaze and Amitie-Style Amy's personality Type is not Rose, but "Lady" in the Japanese version of the game.
- Though that may have changed in v2.0.0, as Blaze now gets the same animal boost as regular Amy.
- Although the original game has been removed and became unable to be played, a fangame, titled "Sonic Runners Revival", has been made by groups of fans. The fangame itself is dedicated to bring back the discontinued game back to life again, while it having its own spin, such as new features and characters.
Videos[edit]
References[edit]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 SONIC RUNNERS. Google Play. Archived from the original on 25 July 2015. Retrieved on 25 December 2021.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 ソニック ランナーズ 公式 on Twitter (Japanese). Twitter (19 June 2015). Retrieved on 10 January 2016. "続きまして、ソニック ランナーズの全世界配信が、6/25に決定致しました！続報をお待ちください #ソニックランナーズ"
- ↑ Sega Unveiled New Mobile Title Sonic Runners. MMOSite (5 January 2015). Retrieved on 28 January 2015.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Makedonski, Brett (29 December 2014). Sonic Runners dashes to mobile in 2015 ¯\_(ツ)_/¯. Destructoid. Retrieved on 30 December 2014.
- ↑ File:SRNotification14.png
- ↑ SONIC RUNNERS. Google Play Store. Archived from the original on 5 March 2015.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Yin-Poole, Wesley (3 February 2015). The next Sonic game is Sonic Runners. Eurogamer. Retrieved on 4 February 2015.
- ↑ Takashi Iizuka, producteur de Sonic Runners répond aux questions d’iPhon.fr (French). L'actualité iPhone. Archived from the original on 9 July 2015.
- ↑ Whitehead, Thomas (2 February 2014). Rumour: 2015 Sonic Title To Hit Wii U Alongside PS4 and Xbox One. NintendoLife. Retrieved on 30 December 2014.
- ↑ Kubba, Sinan (29 December 2014). Sonic Team's Sonic Runners announced for smartphones. Joystiq. Retrieved on 30 December 2014.
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 Whitehead, Thomas (29 December 2014). "Sonic Runners" Rumours Prove True, But It's a Smartphone Game. NintendoLife. Retrieved on 30 December 2014.
- ↑ Sonic Runners Mobile Game Announced. Anime News Network (28 December 2014). Retrieved on 30 December 2014.
- ↑ Ella, Thomas (28 December 2014). Sonic Runners Announced for Smartphones, Being Developed by Sonic Team. Hardcore Gamer. Retrieved on 30 December 2014.
- ↑ Tomoya Ohtani is composing music for Sonic Runners. Sonic Stadium (3 February 2015). Retrieved on 5 February 2015.
- ↑ McWhertor, Michael (3 February 2015). Sega teases Sonic the Hedgehog's next game, Sonic Runners. Polygon. Retrieved on 3 February 2015.
- ↑ NOTIFICATION OF CLOSURE OF SERVICE. Sega (27 May 2016). Retrieved on 29 May 2016.
- ↑ 17.0 17.1 Sonic Runners for iOS. GameRankings. Archived from the original on 9 December 2019. Retrieved on 14 June 2022.
- ↑ 18.0 18.1 Sonic Runners for iOS. Metacritic. Retrieved on 14 September 2017.
- ↑ 19.0 19.1 Carter, Chris (25 June 2015). Review: Sonic Runners. Retrieved on 14 September 2017.
- ↑ Morris, Tatiana (29 December 2014). Sonic Runners headed to mobile in 2015. GameZone. Retrieved on 30 December 2014.
- ↑ Hogfather (8 February 2016). Sega: Sonic Runners is a Failure. Sonic Stadium. Retrieved on 8 February 2016.
- ↑ Ian Flynn on Twitter. Twitter (November 1, 2023). Retrieved on November 1, 2023.
External links[edit]
- Official website (Japanese)
- Official website (English)
de:Sonic Runners es:Sonic Runners fr:Sonic Runners it:Sonic Runners pl:Sonic Runners ru:Sonic Runners uk:Sonic Runners zh:索尼克奔跑者