Sega’s iconic blue hedgehog has seen quite a few redesigns over the years but few have attracted as much derision and subsequent disinterest in a Sonic game than the character designs from the upcoming Sonic Boom. We knew that Sonic Boom was coming to both the 3DS and the Wii U, but now we have details on how the two games will differ.
For starters the Wii U version, Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric, will be developed by the LA-based Big Red Button Entertainment (staffed by ex-Naughty Dog developers) whereas the 3DS version, Sonic Boom: Shattered Crystal, will be developed by the San Fransisco-based Sanzaru Games. Sanzaru Games were behind The Sly Collection, a compilation of HD re-releases of the Sly Cooper games.
The “Lyric” in Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric appears to refer to the new villain of the same name who Sega claims is the: “most vile and formidable villain in Sonic history [and is a] giant and monstrous snake-like creature from an ancient race. An extremely tech-savvy mastermind who uses a sophisticated robotic body of armor to carry out his own nefarious deeds…”. We’ve seen glimpses of a creature that matches that description in the reveal trailer for the game.
The Wii U Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric is the first Wii U game to be built using the Cryengine and Sega claims is has “levels and emphasis on each character’s unique abilities…” giving players more choice in exploration as they work as a team to stop […] Lyric, before he can power up his army. The gameplay [includes] over-the-top speed runs, but the heart of the game will focus on intense combat and brand-new abilities including the Enerbeam. This new feature gives players an energy-charged cord that can be used by characters to navigate the world […]. Players will be able to swing or zip-line across gaps, explore alternate paths, grab and throw enemies and take away their shields in combat.
Sega had this to say on the 3DS Sonic Boom: Shattered Crystal, a standalone adventure that shares key characters, events and lore of the Sonic Boom universe with exclusive environments and characters. For the first time ever, gamers will be able to take on the role of Sticks, the newest member of the team who will play an integral role in the story after her best friend Amy gets kidnapped by the ancient villain Lyric. While the Wii U game is focused on action-adventure and exploration, Sonic Boom: Shattered Crystal will place a bigger emphasis on platforming and puzzles. Additionally, unique collectibles featured in the Nintendo 3DS version will unlock special content on the Wii U via local communication.”
It should be noted that Sticks will also appear in Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric, but the wording suggests she will only be playable (in Amy’s place) in Shattered Crystal.
We’ll get more details next week at E3 but for now Sega has divulged that the game will be out later this year across Europe and Australia. Although Sega will be handling publishing duties, game sales, marketing and distribution duties have been delegated to Nintendo of Europe. The games will release to coincide with the Sonic Boom CG animated series.
Shehzaan Abdulla
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