Sega announces new transmedia universe Sonic Boom

Sega has announced today that they are establishing a new sub-universe for the Sonic franchise which will span games, a TV show and a line of toys. Dubbed Sonic Boom, Sega calls this a "new look" for the famed characters that make up the Sonic universe.

The Sonic Boom game will be exclusive to the Wii U and 3DS as part of an existing deal with Nintendo, and will serve as a prequel to the computer-animated TV series that will air on Cartoon Network in 52 11-minute slots. Sega says the game will be "totally different experience to previous Sonic games." Judging from the trailer below, which demonstrated a more action/adventure feel than the traditional Sonic style while maintaining his trademark speed, that description seems to be accurate.

The Wii U version of the game is in production at Big Red Button Entertainment, with the 3DS port happening at Sanzaru Games, which worked on the Sly Cooper HD Collection for Sony. Both studios are based in California.

The toy line will be put together by TOMY and will include lots of different stuff, such as "plush, action figures, RC, role play, vehicles and novelty."

Sonic Team, Sega' Japan's primary Sonic developer, is not working on the project, Sega confirmed with Polygon. Sonic Boom will not come to to Japan, while Sonic Team will continue working on its own titles.