Sonic the Hedgehog is set to race exclusively onto Nintendo consoles this month with a pair of simultaneous new entries in the series. In an effort to re-invigorate Sega's beloved mascot once again, the company is launching an all-out marketing campaign that's hoping to reach a broad demographic of fans old and new.
Described as ''one of the biggest license initiatives SEGA has undertaken in recent years'', the Sonic Boom brand will encompass everything from clothing, comics, a Cartoon Network animated TV show, and a new toy line developed by TOMY. These feature some familiar faces, as well as series newcomer Sticks the Badger, and seem to plan for some pretty neat gimmicks.
The toy line will be fueled by TOMY innovation and energized with speed, lights, sounds, motion-activation, and action-performance and include plush, action figures, RC, role play, vehicles, and novelty.
On top of that, the prickly character will even feature on a special new version of the classic ICEE Blue Raspberry flavour, with a branded cup and opportunities to win prizes or even unlock bonus game content for Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric on the Wii U. Totally cool, man. If you prefer your hedgehog a little spicier, then US fans can also stop by Del Taco, where an in-restaurant campaign will be supplemented by social media and radio promotion.
It's safe to say that the blue blur will be difficult to miss in coming weeks, especially after the cartoon launches on November 8th in North America. Will you or anyone you know get caught up in the hype, or is this re-imagining not quite your scene? Wrap your arms in bandage before letting us know with a comment below!
Comments 20
Sonic Boom = Fail
@SuperMalleo So do the amiibo. They're toys, they're never really high quality, because people don't want to spend to much on them.
I quite like the look of these, love seeing any kind of action figures so will check out the line and mayb pick up a couple depending on how well the game plays
I'll wait for Sonic Amiibos, but i'm sure my kids will like these
I'll wait for the reviews, but I'm cautiously optimistic about the Wii U game. I don't think it's gonna be revolutionary, but I hope it's a good 3D platformer. Those are sadly few and far between these days (or drowned in extra costs, like Skylanders or Disney Infinity).
I never liked figures which have these visibly movable limbs, it gets in the way of good looking toys. That said, SEGA should be holding back a bit and see how the game will turn out in stores.
@Yorumi True, but toys and figurines are two different sides of the business. Though there are enough toy figures that can fetch outrageous prices...
@Yorumi Yes, but that's the difference. You collect high quality figures, these toys are intended for children whose parents don't want to spend that much money. Believe me, I'd love to spend more to get higher quality figures, but that's not the audience they're going for with this.
I was wondering what happened to that tv show, most shows launch in Sept or Oct.
Those toys look like, gasp, toys. Not exactly worthy of the Vader Noooooo!
There are a lot more $1 stores, TRU and Walmarts in the world than Neiman Marcus for a reason.
Now if only nintendo could emulate this kind of effort to push their product.
Nintendo direct = mass market fail.
Mass market advertising = sales
Give me the old Sonic!
Give me the old Sonic!
@Yorumi My original post was a bit vague, sorry for the confusion. There is definitely a market for both high quality and cheap figures, however I do think the quality for cheap toys is bigger, as there are most likely more children asking there parents for toys than collectors who want there figures to be really high quality. There's nothing wrong with any of the two, there are just different people with different desires.
As weird as it sound, I'm finding interesting almost everything Sonic Boom related EXCEPT the games, which is what count most >_>;
@JeffreyG For stuff children are going to play with you need high quality otherwise they break pretty much immediately. No collector is going to be smashing them together all the time.
@rjejr The TV show launches this Saturday (8th November) on Cartoon Network.
@Grumblevolcano - Thanks, didn't realize it was on CN, was thinking CW 11 or WOR 9 (New York channels) where all the Yugio stuff is usually on. CN makes me think it might even be good. Though watching the trailer, maybe not.
@siouxrunner15 nuff said!
@Grumblevolcano What time? I usually watch Pokemon at 8:00 on Saturday mornings. The Diancie movie is on this coming Saturday too.
These have better quality...
My devotion to Sonic waned many years ago, but man this new art direction is really lame. The proportions, the bandages... puke.
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