For more on Sonic Boom Shattered Crystal, check out our full Sonic Boom Shattered Crystal review. Or, for more of the best Nintendo 3DS games for a 7 year old, why not try our Family Game Finder
Sonic Boom Shattered Crystal is a 2D platform game for 3DS in the vein of the classic Sonic the Hedgehog series. A spin off from the Sonic Boom animated TV series, it centres on Sonic and his friends Tails, Knuckles and Sticks, as they set out on a adventure to save their poor old Amy from the evil ancient mechanical snake, Lyric.
More of a puzzle exploration game than a traditional speedy Sonic game, the focus here is more technical, using the characters' various abilities to overcome various obstacles. Each character has their own special ability - Sonic can smash through blockades, Tails can hover using special vents, Knuckles can punch and Sticks can use her magic boomerang to hit switches, and you'll be required to switch between them at certain points in the level in order to progress.
The game can be a bit tricky at times for younger players, as you'll have to quickly switch between abilities to progress. Thankfully there's no lives system here, so if the player happens to get anything wrong, they're instantly transported back to the nearest ledge, giving the player unlimited attempts to retry sections and get it right. On most occasions failing to complete a sequence causes the player to fall onto a different path, the only difference being that the first path usually leads to hidden special objects.
However, if you're looking to get Sonic for a younger player who may not have the reactions necessary to do this really well, it's important to keep in mind that a lot of the game is locked off until you've found a certain portion of the collectibles in each stage, and gained enough emblems. If you have a child who likes the game, but isn't very good at it, this means they won't be able to just drop into any level they fancy - instead, they'll have to go the hard way, unlocking things, which may put some younger players off.
Still, this is fairly easy to get the hang of - but one that may be that bit too tricky for younger players.
Like any traditional Sonic game, there's not a lot for parents to worry about here. All the enemies are mechanical so explode when defeated (no gore or blood to be seen here).
Age Ratings
Format Reviewed: Nintendo 3DS
