Boost Pad

This object exists primarily within the Sonic Boom continuity. Information in this article may not be canonical to the storyline of the games or any other Sonic continuity.

The Boost Pad,^[1] or Dash Pad, is a recurring gimmick in the Sonic Boom video games, and is the games' counterpart to the Dash Panel in the main game series. They are flat panels that allow the player to reach top running speed.

Description

Generally, the Boost Pad is a rectangular panel. Its exact design varies between games. Boost Pads' primary function is to send the playable character forward with a burst of speed. As soon as the playable characters touch a Boost Pad, they will automatically initiate a running dash away from the Boost Pad at their maximum running speed. However, Boost Pads can only launch the playable characters in one direction.

Boost Pads are always placed on solid surfaces and are usually used to help the player move across sections and gimmicks where high-speed momentum is needed. As such, they are commonly placed on steep uphills, close to loops, runnable walls and ceilings, or just straight paths. In some games, however, Boost Pads can be placed in locations that make it impossible for the player to backtrack in the levels. While Boost Pads are mostly placed in their own individual location, in Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric there are cases where they are lined up so they cover the whole width of the pathway.

While usually used to reach maximum running speed, Boost Pads also serve in many automated sections of the levels to guide the playable character down certain pathways by shooting them in the right direction.

Game appearances

Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric

In Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric, the Boost Pads resemble large, rectangular blue plates with black lines and a golden frame. For most Boost Pads, their lines are arranged in an arrow pattern while the lines on those next to them are oblique to emphasize the arrow pattern of the aforementioned pad.

In this game, Boost Pads are most commonly encountered during the game's speed levels. They are also encountered in the regular levels, albeit less frequently, usually in narrow passages. They are either set in rows of three or individually, depending on the route's scope.

Sonic Boom: Shattered Crystal

In Sonic Boom: Shattered Crystal, the Boost Pads are more high-tech in design. They consist of two red and grey bars parallel to reach other which are embedded in the ground at one end and curve along the ground. Around their rear section is a suction effect, similar to the Cyan Laser's trail. They can be found in the adventure levels, the Worm Tunnels and the Rival Races.

Sonic Dash 2: Sonic Boom

In Sonic Dash 2: Sonic Boom, the Boost Pads are referred to as "Dash Pads" or "Dashpads", and are depicted as silver-framed black screens with a few blue arrows pointing forward. In this game, they make the playable character automatically use what appears to be the spin attack briefly in addition to their speed boost, mostly to take out Badniks up ahead. Also, the player will build up one combo link for the player's score when using a Boost Pad.

Sonic Boom: Fire & Ice

In Sonic Boom: Fire & Ice, the Boost Pads have the same basic design and effects as in Sonic Boom: Shattered Crystal, except their bars are orange and blue (to match the game's central theme about fire and ice).

See also

• Dash Panel

References