Parents' Guide to

Sonic Dash

By Chris Morris, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 6+

Famous hedgehog a perfect fit for the endless runner craze.

Sonic Dash Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this app.

Community Reviews

age 5+

Based on 4 parent reviews

age 5+

Fun and Entertaining

This game provides kids adventure and excitement. There are things to work toward like earning characters, rings, and red stars, keeping kids engaged. One warning: BE SURE TO TURN OFF THE IN-APP PURCHASE SETTING IN ITUNES. My kids who can't read accidentally purchased about $100USD worth in goods because they didn't understand what was happening. Downloading apps is password protected on their devices just not in-app purchases (I didn't know this was even a possibility for them to achieve until they did). This was disappointing, that the app preys on kids knowing they randomly click throughout an app and could easily make purchases if the settings weren't right.

This title has:

Too much consumerism
age 5+

Classics of Sonic

Sonic Dash is an endless runner mobile game. The goal of Sonic Dash is to avoid obstacles and enemies while collecting rings. In mission mode, players must complete objectives. Players can compete for higher positions on leaderboards. Rings, which can be earned through gameplay or purchased in app, allow access to upgrades and additional characters.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (4):
Kids say (21):

Sonic has always been an avid runner, so his inclusion in the endless runner genre is one that makes complete sense. Sonic Dash refines the experience, but doesn't revolutionize it. Nonetheless, it's a fun game that makes good use of Sega's corporate mascot.

There's no "big bad" chasing the hedgehog, just obstacles to avoid, though they pile up fast. The controls are a little sluggish occasionally, but not to the point where it's a major obstacle. It's a fast and fun game that you'll find yourself coming back to again and again.

App Details

  • Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android
  • Pricing structure: Free
  • Release date: March 29, 2013
  • Category: Arcade Games
  • Publisher: SEGA
  • Version: 1.1.0
  • Minimum software requirements: iOS 5.0 or later
  • Last updated: August 17, 2016

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate