Here’s my hands-on impression of Sonic Boom: Fire & Ice at E3

The past two titles in the Sonic Boom franchise have not gotten much love from Sonic fans. Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric was panned for its numerous glitches and lackluster gameplay, and while Sonic Boom: Shattered Crystal was viewed in a (slightly) better light, it was still not up to par with the faster and more fluid Sonic titles. When Sonic Boom: Fire & Ice was announced last year, many people were skeptical about another Sonic Boom game, and expectations were not high.

I got a chance to play Sonic Boom: Fire and Ice at this year’s E3, and I’ve got to say that it’s definitely an improvement over the other two games. Fire & Ice brings back the speed that the other two titles were lacking. The demo lets you switch between Sonic, Amy (who wasn’t playable in the previous 3DS entry), and Tails, and each character has his/her own special ability that lets you access certain parts of the level.

Every character in Sonic Boom: Fire and Ice has the ability to switch between the Ice and Fire abilities by using the left and right shoulder buttons, and it’s pleasantly seamless. As you’re running through the levels, you’ll encounter some platforms that prompt you to use your fire and ice attacks. You’ll know which element to use based on the image on the elemental platform. Once you get used to the control scheme, you’ll be able to speed through the levels with ease.

Sonic fans will be happy to know that speed is back, and I’m looking forward to playing the full version when Sonic Boom: Fire and Ice gets released on September 27.