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3DSWiiU

New Wii U Sonic Game Made by Former Uncharted Developers

by Andy Goergen - February 6, 2014, 12:00 pm EST
Total comments: 25

The 3DS version is being developed by the team behind the last Sly Cooper. 

A brand new Sonic game, called Sonic Boom, is headed exclusively to Wii U and Nintendo 3DS later this year. It's a prequel to the new Sonic CG TV show of the same name, and features new character designs, including a burlier Knuckles. Sonic Boom is the third in three previously announced Nintendo-platform exclusive Sonic titles from Sega.

The Wii U version is being developed by Big Red Button, a team led by the former Art Director of Naughty Dog. The developers worked closely with Crytek to bring the CryEngine 3 to Wii U, and all of the characters in the game have been completely redesigned to fit the new aesthetic and engine. Even traditional villains like Eggman have been remodeled. In addition to Knuckles being bigger, Sonic is peppered with bandages and athletic tape.

All of the characters will have specialties based on their strengths and personalities. Knuckles will have excellent strength, Tails will utilize gadgets, Amy Rose will have agility on her side, and Sonic of course will be fast. The game will have a strong emphasis on local co-op play (there is no online multiplayer).

A Nintendo 3DS version of the game is also in development by Sanzaru, but no details are available as of yet. As the 3DS would not be able to run CryEngine 3, one can assume the 3DS game will be as different from the Wii U game as Sonic Lost World was on 3DS. NWR had the opportunity to record a few interviews at the Sonic Boom unveiling event. Watch them below.

Talkback

tendoboy1984February 06, 2014

The game looks gorgeous, and it running on CryEngine 3 natvely is proof that the Wii U has enough power to surpass Xbox 360 and PS3.

I hate the new character designs though. Sega perfected their character designs with Colors and Generations, so why change it again? I really hope this game is a spinoff, and not a complete reboot.

I hope Roger Craig Smith continues to voice Sonic because he's really grown on me. And they better keep Mike Pollock as Eggman (he's perfect).

tendoboy1984February 06, 2014

The game looks gorgeous, and it running on CryEngine 3 natvely is proof that the Wii U has enough power to surpass Xbox 360 and PS3.

I hate the new character designs though. Sega perfected their character designs with Colors and Generations, so why change it again? I really hope this game is a spinoff, and not a complete reboot.

I hope Roger Craig Smith continues to voice Sonic because he's really grown on me. And they better keep Mike Pollock as Eggman (he's perfect).

BlackNMild2k1February 06, 2014

You can say that again.

EnnerFebruary 06, 2014

The game being on CryEngine 3 is the biggest surprise for me. The trailer had some really pretty moments.


As for the game, another Sonic cycle has started. Good luck to Big Red Button!

broodwarsFebruary 06, 2014

The 3DS version is in good hands. Sanzaru did an excellent job with Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time, and while they're wasted on the next shitty Sonic game, at least their version should be less shitty than the Wii U version will undoubtably be.

*sigh* Sony, why didn't you put a ring on Sanzaru when you had a chance, especially since you have a Sly movie in production? It's not like Sucker Punch is going to do another one.

ResettisCousinFebruary 06, 2014

Awesome, I know what my Gamestop gift card is going towards now. I bought Lost World WiiU on release date and it was fair. I think this could be a level or two better and the fanboy in me is happy preordering to find out.

Ian SaneFebruary 06, 2014

Quote from: tendoboy1984

The game looks gorgeous, and it running on CryEngine 3 natvely is proof that the Wii U has enough power to surpass Xbox 360 and PS3.

What, there was doubt about this?  That was never the bar to aim for.  Being proud of that is like bragging you have ten fingers.

alegoicoeFebruary 06, 2014

maybe with the cartoon tie-in wii u sales can actually increase albeit due to a younger crowd

OblivionFebruary 06, 2014

Quote from: Ian

Quote from: tendoboy1984

The game looks gorgeous, and it running on CryEngine 3 natvely is proof that the Wii U has enough power to surpass Xbox 360 and PS3.

What, there was doubt about this?  That was never the bar to aim for.  Being proud of that is like bragging you have ten fingers.

It's weaker in some aspects and stronger in others.

doodiesFebruary 06, 2014

The game does look great, but I'm still waiting for the inevitable release of Nintendo's QoL platform U-mini, a download only set top box that can play Wii U AND 3DS game libraries! ;D


Or not, was only kidding. XDD

It's something new and takes the series in a new direction, which is kinda cool.

Knuckles looks...different. Maybe he's following The Rock's new regimen.

nickmitchFebruary 06, 2014

Knuckles looks the weirdest, for sure.  Why is he so damn tall?

tendoboy1984February 06, 2014

Based on what I've seen in the trailer and screenshots, there is no way Xbox 360 and PS3 can run a CryEngine 3 game this well. It looks absolutely gorgeous.

I'm surprised more studios are using CryEngine these days. It just popped up out of nowhere and became the new standard.

Quote from: nickmitch

Knuckles looks the weirdest, for sure.  Why is he so damn tall?

Echinda growth horomone is a helluva drug.

AdrockFebruary 07, 2014

Quote from: nickmitch

Knuckles looks the weirdest, for sure.  Why is he so damn tall?

He's also clearly been skipping leg day at the gym.

SarailFebruary 07, 2014

http://p.twimg.com/AyuQuZxCYAAegoD.jpg:large


Never skip leg day at the gym. Never.


As well, I'm really looking forward to Sonic Boom. Looks fun.

tendoboy1984February 07, 2014

Leg day? Is that some new meme? I don't get it.

SarailFebruary 07, 2014

Fun fact: I have a local friend who "skips leg day" every time he goes to the gym. The man's upper body is jacked, but yeah... skinny, little chicken legs. I'm gonna start calling him Knuckles.

CericFebruary 07, 2014

I hate to say this but everyones legs are super skinny in the Sonic Universe any variation.  Plus Sonic can go faster than the Speed of Sound and he has Chicken legs as well.

azekeFebruary 07, 2014

Nothing about the gameplay? The single most important thing in you know, videogame? No?


But yeah let's show swesome grafix instead and add moar woob-woob.

broodwarsFebruary 07, 2014

Quote from: azeke

Nothing about the gameplay? The single most important thing in you know, videogame? No?


But yeah let's show swesome grafix instead and add moar woob-woob.

Well, given that no one's managed to make a good-playing Sonic game yet, why showcase the gameplay now?  The gameplay will probably be the same "memorize the stage or you will never, ever achieve the execution or speed you see in the trailers" it's always been.

MagicCow64February 07, 2014

Quote from: broodwars

Quote from: azeke

Nothing about the gameplay? The single most important thing in you know, videogame? No?


But yeah let's show swesome grafix instead and add moar woob-woob.

Well, given that no one's managed to make a good-playing Sonic game yet, why showcase the gameplay now?  The gameplay will probably be the same "memorize the stage or you will never, ever achieve the execution or speed you see in the trailers" it's always been.

Haha, yeah. It really baffles me that people still pay attention when some orthogonal Sonic property is announced. It's just not going to be good. I played Sonic Adventure 2, thought it was a total mess, skipped all other 3D releases until the hyped Colors, thought it was a total mess, and will not be checking out more titles in the future.

Quote:

SUNNYVALE, Cali. – In accordance with its Talent Wellness Program, Sega has suspended Knuckles T. Echinda for 30 days effective immediately for his first violation of the company’s policy.

nickmitchFebruary 07, 2014

Quote from: Ceric

I hate to say this but everyones legs are super skinny in the Sonic Universe any variation.  Plus Sonic can go faster than the Speed of Sound and he has Chicken legs as well.

Because he doesn't have all that heavy muscle to slow him down!

KeyBillyFebruary 11, 2014

Great job on the interviews.  I am skeptical about the quality of these games, but will keep an open mind, particularly with the 3DS version.

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