Sega announced Sonic Boom—”a new branch” of the Sonic the Hedgehog universe consisting of video games, a CG animated television series, and line of toys—during a press event in New York City today.
The sub-series gives the entire Sonic gang a makeover. Tails is sporting goggles, a wrench, and a handy toolbag; Knuckles has been going to the gym; Sonic has a scarf; and Amy is downright seductive (in one shot, at least).
The Sonic Boom video game is coming to Wii U and 3DS as the third game part of Nintendo‘s exclusive Sonic deal. Big Red Button Entertainment, formed in 2008 by two ex-Naughty Dog employees, is handling the Wii U version and Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time developer Sanzaru Games is doing the 3DS version. Both are being developed in collaboration with Sonic Team.
Sonic Boom will offer a “totally different” experience than previous games. It will have the traditional elements of previous Sonic games, like speed, but add add exploration, combat, and a new “Enerbeam tether” mechanic that ‘allows the world to be discovered in totally unique ways.’
The television series, co-produced by Sega of America and OuiDO! Productions, will debut on Cartoon Network in the United States, and on Canal J and Gulli in France during the winter 2014 / 2015 season. It is an “ensemble comedy” consisting of 52 x 11-minute standalone episodes, each starting from a small character-driven story to “an epic tale of saving the world, robot battles, and more.”
Finally, the Sonic Boom toy line will be handled by TOMY. It will “showcase the new character looks, stressing interaction between core characters, and will feature new play patterns based on both the new game and TV series.” Its range includes plush toys, action figures, RC, role play, vehicles, and novelty.
“We want to ensure that the Sonic brand continues to evolve and appeal to new generations of Sonic fans and this different look introduces a fresh approach that will be at once both familiar and new to consumers,” said Sega of America president and COO John Cheng. “We are committed to supporting this initiative to provide great entertainment to fans for all aspects of their lives.”
Watch the debut trailers for the game and television series below. View the first screenshots at the gallery.
Game Trailer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0a7-1wdDuw
