A behind-the-scenes look at Sonic Boom, Sega's next entry in the Sonic franchise, offers a first look at gameplay footage and provides details on the cast's new look.
"We're gonna focus just not on Sonic, but also his teammates Amy, Knuckles and Tails," Sega game producer Stephen Frost said in the video above. "Obviously Tails is the gadget guy of the team, and we really wanted to emphasize that."
Frost points to Tails' redesign, which includes a tool belt and battered aviation goggles. For Amy, meanwhile, the idea was to get across a strong, independent personality. Amy is matched with a giant hammer to easily clear out foes.
Calling Knuckles the most significant change, the producer explained that the character is built to be larger and more muscular.
"That was important to us," Frost said. "He's the strong guy of the team. He's the one that's going to smash through rocks. We really wanted to emphasis that strength of his."
The game will also feature a new voice cast.
Speaking with Polygon previously, Frost explained that Sonic's new look was meant to inspire a sense of adventure — and perhaps a little of Uncharted's Nathan Drake.
Sonic Boom was announced for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U earlier this month. The game aims to deliver a "fresh approach" on Sonic and his pals and is the third game created as part of Sega's exclusive deal with Nintendo. The Nintendo 3DS version is being developed by Sanzaru Games, while Big Red Button will handle the Wii U edition.
An animated show of the same name will air on Cartoon Network in the U.S. and Canal J and Gulli in France later this year and is expected to run for 52 episodes. Sega is also partnering with a toy maker to create a new line of action figures, plush toys and more.
