Sega’s Sonic the Hedgehog will be making a newly designed debut in Sonic Boom . The new Sonic universe will encompass a CG-animated television series, a video game, and merchandising such as toys. The game is set to launch for Wii U and 3DS this year.
Sonic Boom will be the third and final game released on Nintendo platforms, after the two companies signed a deal last year. The Wii U version will be produced by new developer Big Red Button Entertainment, while developer Sanzaru Games will undertake the #DS version.
The videogame will feature traditional Sonic game-play including exploration, combat, a tethering mechanism, and of course, Speed. While battling Dr. Eggman (a.k.a Robotnik) and his robot minions, early game teaser trailers hint at a new enemy. Sega has no commented on this as of yet.
The TV show will follow on after the events of the game. 52 episodes will air on Cartoon Network in the U.S and on CANAL J and GULLI in France during the 2014/2015 seasons, according to SEGA. Each episode will be 11 minutes long.
ABC News reports Marcella Churchill, senior marketing director of Sega America as saying:
"We're looking at this more than just a video game," said Marcella Churchill, senior marketing director of Sega of America. "Yes, Sega is primarily a video game company, but Sonic is a very viable character for us. We're always looking for new ways to expand the franchise, and we knew we wanted to grow the appeal of Sonic and reach many different touch points."
The new Sonic characters all have a more athletic look. Sonic now sports a dashing brown scarf, athletic tape around his wrists, as well as featuring blue arms (a first, his arms have always been a flesh tone). Tails is now equipped with a packed utility belt. Most dramatically, Knuckles has grown 4 feet and appears to be 90% muscle. To finish off their now mature look, designers have adjusted head, hand, and feet proportions. There will be no comedic and adorable large heads in Sonic Boom .
The creators however do not intend for these new incarnations to replace their former counterparts. They are simply hoping to reach to a new generation of fans, and appeal to today’s trends and viewer needs.
Evan Bailey, executive producer of the TV show has this to say to ABC News, "When you have a franchise with the depth and fan base of this one, you can have more than one incarnation existing side by side, Look at Batman or Mickey Mouse. There are many iconic characters with more than one rendition and none is the definitive take, so hopefully fans don't firebomb our houses."
Originally released in 1991, Sonic was created to provide Sega with a mascot to rival Nintendo’s Mario. Both characters were success and remain not only has their company mascots, but two of the most recognizable and iconic characters in gaming. Schoolyards were quickly divided between those who were ‘Mario’, and those who were ‘Sonic.’ However, there has only been one show to be based off of Mario ( The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!) in 1989. Sonic Boom will be the 6th television series based off of his series. After reading this, many 80’s and 90’s fans may feel the urge to devour a chili dog.
