14 DAY TRIAL // Video game publisher SEGA announces that it is launching an entirely new branch in its Sonic universe, called Boom, which will include a new look for the hedgehog and all his partners, with a new animated series and video games for the Wii U and the 3DS from Nintendo.
Fans will also be able to get a new toy line and SEGA hopes that they will be impressed with the innovations that are being introduced.
The company states, "Sonic Boom’s visual identity includes character designs inspired by the abilities and unique personalities of each of the characters while still maintaining the core identity and values of the Sonic brand."
The TV series and the games will share narratives and some locations and the company believes that a more integrated universe will be more interesting to potential customers.
It seems that the titles based on Sonic Boom are designed to serve as prequels to the animated series and will feature collaborative mechanics that have never before been used by the franchise.
SEGA adds, "Sonic Boom will take advantage of the innovative hardware of both the Wii U and Nintendo 3DS, with traditional elements of Sonic games, such as speed, also featured. The videogame will also introduce exploration, combat and a new Enerbeam tether mechanic that will allow the Sonic Boom world to be discovered in totally unique ways."
The Sonic Boom toy line will be created in partnership with TOMY.
John Cheng, the president and the chief operations officer at SEGA of America, says that Sonic Boom is designed to evolve the core concepts behind the classic character and offer a fresh approach that also has familiar elements for long-term fans.
The company says that the first bits of content associated with the new universe will be offered during the coming fiscal year.
