I picked the Wii U game up last night. It is nowhere near Sonic 06 levels. Sonic 06 is unplayable, even when you attempt to play the game. Sonic 06 is so buggy, you can't even complete a stage. Sonic 06's designs are atrocious, adventure fields are barren and lifeless. Cutscenes are devoid of character. And no, I'm not setting up a joke where I say "Oh wait, I was describing Rise of Lyric!"
Rise of Lyric I can actually play and progress through the game. Framerate, something I tend not to focus on, is pretty uneven and audio is badly implemented. Like, I'll talk to an NPC, walk away, and I can still clearly hear them. Or a character will make some incidental comment and it is right in your ear even though they are far away. Music suits the game, but it isn't memorable. I won't be playing Rise of Lyric music on iTunes like I would other Sonic games (spinoffs included).
Really, Rise of Lyric plays like a standard competent licensed platformer. I'd actually say it shares a lot in common with The Simpsons Game, from the four characters with special skills that you switch through and the types of puzzles and combat. Rise of Lyric isn't bad, but it isn't a Sonic game. So, like, if you are a Sonic fan the only thing going for it is that it features Sonic characters and has some enjoyable cutscenes but a forgettable story. I can't see myself replaying the game. Given I'm not reviewing the Wii U version, I'd say it's a C or C- on the SEGAbits scale. If they improved the framerate and the jumpy camera, and graphics improved a bit, I might be temped to give it a C+ or B- with the stipulation that it is a so-so licensed platformer and is not a Sonic game. But the unpolished nature of the game knocks it down. Had this been a main series title from Sonic Team, then I'd be more negative towards the game.
The Simpsons Game, which I actually quite enjoyed, had the benefit of great cel shaded graphics, a great story, funny cutscenes, lots of fan service, and a few notable stages that are fun to return to if only because it is like exploring Springfield. Still had bland platforming, but a lot of character and I wanted to play to see the next animated cutscene.
