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NASA’s X-59 supersonic jet is cleared for final assembly
NASA's experimental X-59 jet, which could make supersonic commercial travel a reality, has been cleared for final assembly. The X-59 Quiet SuperSonic Technology (QueSST) aircraft, designed by Lockheed Martin, could take its first flight as soon as 2021.
New Nintendo eShop releases: Captain Toad - The First Adventure
This is your Captain speaking. There are other eShop games this week, like Virtual Console cats Lode Runner and Fire Emblem on Wii U, and Ultimate NES Remix on 3DS. For your own safety, I think it's high time you buckled up and got my game, Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker. I'm behind the wheel and that means you can be sure of a smooth landing, ohhhh yeahhh. Before I clear you for take off, just a few last things. For extra comfort, check out the full list of eShop releases below the break and the full list of discounted games here. Finally, if you'd like to see our in-flight range of scarves, be sure to request the new Wii U demo of Sonic Boom. This is your Captain and resident fun guy signing off, ready for adventure.
Grand Theft Auto 5 becomes the UK's all-time bestseller
The new king of Britain is Grand Theft Auto 5, after it claimed the crown for the most units sold in the nation in the ever of ever. On the back of hitting PS4 and Xbox One, Rockstar's latest crime circus usurped the former rule of Call of Duty: Black Ops, according to data-bods Chart Track. While Chart Track didn't report specific sales figures, MCV claims GTA 5 was at "almost 4 million" units sold in the UK ahead of its arrival on the newest systems. As per other re-releases, GTA 5 offers enhanced graphics on PS4 and Xbox One. In its case, however, there's also the undoubted showpiece of the new first-person camera. "Rather than lowering the camera and shoving it in the chests of its three protagonists, GTA 5's first-person mode adds detailed animations that give the perspective a feeling more akin to simulation than a shooter," said Joystiq's Xav de Matos in our updated review. GTA 5 isn't the only rock star in this week's UK charts, so head below the break to see how well Far Cry 4 and Dragon Age: Inquisition did, and just how badly Sonic Boom flopped. You'll also find the UK top ten and, as ever, the minimally-beloved customary music video.
Glitched Sonic Boom speedrun clocks in at under an hour
It took speedrunners less than 24 hours to crack open Sega's Wii U action game Sonic Boom and produce an hour-long playthrough thanks to a game-breaking glitch discovered yesterday. The current world record, achieved during Twitch streamer Parax0's fourth-ever playthrough of the game, clocks in at 51 minutes. Following Sonic Boom's launch on Tuesday, fellow Sonic series speedrunner DarkspinesSonic discovered that players can chain special attacks by pausing the game in between button inputs. Since Knuckles' special attack launches him into the air, this quirk allows players to take flight and bypass the majority of the game's content by skipping cutscenes, breaking level boundaries, and entering areas long before they should become accessible. The glitch also triggers curious scenes like the one pictured above, and sometimes renders level geometry invisible. It also crashes the game occasionally, so try it at your own risk. It makes for a very entertaining playthrough, however. Nice work, Knuckles. [Image: Sega]
New Nintendo eShop releases: Mario Kart 8 DLC, Sonic Boom
Mario Kart 8's first major content pack is available now, and for $8 and 1GB of Wii U space you can fill your racing roster with the likes of Link, the Master Cycle, and a circuit based on F-Zero's Mute City. Or, to summarize for numerophiles, three characters, four karts and eight tracks. Don't forget, you can also get the DLC as part of the $12 package that bundles in a pre-order for the second pack, due in March 2015. The eShop's not just about Mario Kart 8 this week... 'cos Mario Kart: Super Circuit brings GBA racing to the Wii U Virtual Console. We josh, kartophobes, there's plenty of other stuff to download. There are the console and handheld editions of Sonic Boom, the Wii U port of pop-up beauty Tengami (check out our impressions of it on iOS), and the belated stateside arrival of Pokemon Trading Card Game on 3DS Virtual Console. Since it's November and another one of those content-packed weeks, our digestible list of new releases should prove handy. You'll find that below the break. and if you're after sales and permanent discounts, point your clicker here.
Sonic Boom cartoon goes zoom zoom on November 8
"Sonic Boom" isn't just the name of two games due on November 11 for 3DS and Wii U; it's also the name of a cartoon tie-in that will air on Cartoon Network starting on November 8. Sega announced the series' debut date earlier this weekend at a fan event which just so happens to also be called "Sonic Boom." Each episode of Sonic Boom (the TV show) is 11 minutes long and co-produced by Sega of America and OuiDO! Productions. Sega also premiered a new trailer for the show, which has Sonic and pals apparently rooming with Dr. Robotnik (aka: Eggman), Big Brother-style. You can check it out after the break:
Sonic Boom Wii U has the guile to release a week early
Sega moved the Wii U Rise of Lyric edition of Sonic Boom up to November 11, a week ahead of its previously announced November 18 ETA. The publisher didn't say why it's shifted the date forward, but it does mean both the 3DS Shattered Crystal and Wii U versions are hitting store shelves on the same day. Sonic Boom marks the debut of the newly be-scarfed hog, and on Wii U it mixes some of the series' trademark high-speed platforming with more leisurely puzzling and open combat sequences. In his PAX preview, Joystiq's Sam Prell pondered if those slower segments may prove more fun than the breakneck stuff, despite the blast processing. [Image: Sega]
The slowest parts of Sonic Boom might also be the best
Poor Sonic. Ever since transitioning to 3D, our dear blue hedgehog has stumbled. His games find only so-so levels of success, and there's even a meme named after the cycle of hype and disappointment that each new title generates. And it's all because he's too fast. Focusing on speed worked in the days of the Sega Genesis – days when players only had to worry about going left, right, up and down. With the addition of another dimension however, too much speed makes Sonic difficult to control. The assumption, of course, is that making Sonic slow would strip him of his defining asset. Yet Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric developer Big Red Button Entertainment has done just that, and in an ironic twist, the slowest parts of the game may end up being the best.
New Sonic Boom media, snag action figure with GameStop pre-order
Pre-order bonuses are often of the digital variety these days – map packs, character skins, downloadable waffle recipes – but those who pre-order Sonic Boom from GameStop will pick up something much more tangible. Specifically, GameStop pre-orders (EB Games in Canada) will include an exclusive and svelte Sonic action figure (he's really been working off those chili dogs, it seems). As you can see in the image above, the figure includes a fashionable, be-scarved Sonic, an "Ancient's Crystal" and what appears to be a snorkel. Finally, whether you pre-order Sonic Boom or not – we wouldn't blame you for playing it cautious – you can also take in a new trailer and some screens.
Joystiq Weekly: Battlefield delay, Dark Souls 2 DLC review, Dragon Age preview and more
Welcome to Joystiq Weekly, a "too long; didn't read" of each week's biggest stories, reviews and original content. Each category's top story is introduced with a reactionary gif, because moving pictures aren't just for The Daily Prophet. This week hosted a smattering of high-profile release date changes. You thought you'd be playing Dragon Age: Inquisition in October? Nope! Figured you'd prowl through Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor on that same day? Wrooong. What about upholding the law in Battlefield: Hardline sometime in October? Sorry, criminals will go unchecked until next year. We suppose we'll persevere through the frightening uncertainty that is this dose of video game release dates, but we're not sure our frail hearts can handle any more excitement in this crazy life. Actually, we're fairly certain that frailty would combust into a five-story blaze if Destiny or Super Smash Bros. slip out of 2014. There was plenty more to this week than release-date musical chairs, though! There's details on how to get The Last Of Us: Remastered for cheap, when we can next expect Sonic Boom to break our hearts go fast, a review for Dark Souls 2's first bout of DLC, a video preview for DA: Inquisition and much more, all waiting for you after the break!
Sonic Boom reaches Wii U, 3DS in November
Sonic the Hedgehog will grace the Wii U and 3DS with his newly-lanky, traumatic dimensions in mid-November, according to Sega. First up is Sonic Boom: Shattered Crystal, a 3DS game crafted by Sly Cooper: Thieves In Time developer Sanzaru Games, which is slated to appear on November 11. Then, a week later, Big Red Button Entertainment will debut the Wii U-exclusive Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric. Collectively dubbed the "Sonic Boom initiative," these two games will tell complementary tales that are linked in the surprisingly extensive Sonic the Hedgehog canon. While you won't need to play both games to receive a full story, those who fall hopelessly in love with this most recent incarnation of 1992's favorite spiny rodent can also look forward to comic books and an animated series to quell their thirst for hedgehog hijinks. [Image: Sega]
Sonic Boom speeds to the printed page in upcoming comic book
Alongside an upcoming Sonic Boom cartoon series and games for both the Wii U and 3DS, Sega's favorite speedy blue rodent has also earned a new comic book from publisher Archie Comics. Appropriately titled "Sonic Boom," the comic will be written by Ian Flynn with art by Evan Stanley. Both Flynn and Stanley have worked extensively on Archie's long-running Sonic the Hedgehog comic series, which should make them qualified for this new book (assuming Sonic's new, lankier dimensions and superfluous yet jaunty scarf don't throw everything off). "I'm really excited to be writing the series since it's a very different Sonic than our other books, Sonic the Hedgehog and Sonic Universe," Flynn told IGN. "It's a more casual read with a focus on comedy and adventure than an on-going action-adventure drama." According to IGN, the first issue of Sonic Boom will debut this October. Following in the grand promotional tradition of the 90s comic bubble, it will be released with four unique variant covers which can be aligned to form the image seen above. [Image: Archie Comics]
Sonic Boom trailer explains who we're fighting this time
Now that the Sinister Six are done and dusted, Sonic and friends have found a new menacing force to enrage in Sonic Boom. Luckily for them, everything in this trailer seems to be conquerable by hoarding rings, wearing trendy athletic tape and running really fast. [Image: Sega]
Sega's E3 lineup includes aliens, blue hedgehogs, virtual divas
Sega has detailed its lineup for E3, outlining a nice mix of cute-n-cuddly mascots and pointy, slimy creatures we really hope aren't lurking somewhere in the galaxy. Alien: Isolation, Hatsune Mika: Project F 2nd, Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric and Sonic Boom: Shattered Crystal will all be featured at Sega's booth in the South Hall. While playable builds are cool and all, it won't all be old news - an "exciting new game mode" for Alien: Isolation will be demonstrated for the first time on the show floor. Sonic's 3DS and Wii U games will offer a new stretch of gameplay and introduce Lyric, a technologically-proficient snake-like creature described as the "most vile and formidable villain in Sonic history." There's also Sonic's newest pal, Sticks, whom we feel compelled to warn about Sonic's social tendencies: He won't call you back, Sticks. You could be discarded after one game, just like the rest. Project Diva F 2nd doesn't have athletic tape on its shoes or cartoon animal sidekicks, but it will offer 20 brand new songs and 20 that were previously featured in Japan-only setlists on the PSP. The final build will also feature "80 brand new and remade fan favorite modules" and cross-save compatibility for those hoping to bust moves on both the PS3 and Vita versions. [Image: Sega]
Sega grants 3DS, Wii U Sonic Boom games their own subtitles
Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric and Sonic Boom: Shattered Crystal are the new titles Sega's attached to the next adventures of its spunky anthropomorphic mascot, Sonic the Hedgehog. As we mentioned a few months back, these two games are something akin to spin-offs of an upcoming Sonic the Hedgehog animated series. At the very least, they share the Sonic Boom name, as well as its overarching universe and its aesthetic style. According to Sega, Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric (a Wii U game in development at Big Red Button), will feature a detailed world and offer players a modern, action-adventure gaming experience. Sonic Boom: Shattered Crystal (the 3DS iteration being crafted by Sanzaru Games), on the other hand, will lean more toward platforming, like classic Sonic games. Both Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric and Sonic Boom: Shattered Crystal are currently slated to debut in November. More information on both games should be available at E3, where Sega claims each will be available for attendees to play. [Image: Sega]
Early Sonic Boom character designs were 'traumatic' for Sonic Team
Have the character designs in the upcoming Sonic Boom by Big Red Button Entertainment ruffled your fur and/or quills? It could always be worse. Bob Rafei, CEO of Big Red Button, told GameSpot that early designs were downright "traumatic" for Sonic Team head Takashi Iizuka. "Early on, when we had our first review of all the crazy things we wanted to try, Iizuka-san came down to Los Angeles and looked through all the different concepts," Rafei said. "I felt sorry for the guy because sometimes he couldn't actually look at the screen ... it was too traumatic seeing all the crazy stuff we wanted to do." Rafei said the team experimented with different colors, as well as adding features like fur and scales, but that such designs would have made Sonic "a lot more alien and different from what [the character] is known for." As for the scarf and sports tape that raised so many eyebrows? Rafei said those items are there to show that the heroes are practical, and not vain. "From my perspective, it was important the characters have a practical heroism to them and not vanity, which is more fitting for villains," Rafei said. "When the world is in jeopardy, you don't have time to worry about what you look like." [Image: Sega]
He may have a new look, but Sonic is still the goddamn Batman
Sonic Boom may be bringing a be-scarfed new art direction to the series (is it more of a snood?), but the eagle-eared will have noticed some things are still the same. Sure enough, Sega confirmed Roger Craig Smith, AKA Ezio Auditore, Chris Redfield, and Batman from Arkham Origins, resumes his tenure as Sonic in the upcoming animated series and games. Most of the main cast is made up of returning voices, including Mike Pollock who's coming up to ten years as the voice of Doctor Eggman/Robotnik. The one newbie is established anime voice actress Colleen O'Shaughnessey, who takes over from Kate Higgins as Tails. As for the games themselves, the Wii U Sonic Boom is in development at Big Red Button, and it's a debut game for the studio founded by former Naughty Dog art director Bob Rafei. It features Sonic, Amy, Tails, and Knuckles as playable characters in a 3D game that has more of an action-adventure look about it than recent series entries, and includes open combat arenas to bruise your Knuckles in. We don't know too much about the 3DS Boom yet, except that it's in the hands of Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time studio Sanzaru Games. Both versions are due alongside the new animated series later this year. [Image: Sega]
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Joystiq Weekly: Sonic's scarf, The Banner Saga and heart-monitoring horror
Welcome to Joystiq Weekly, a "too long; didn't read" of each week's biggest stories, reviews and original content. Each category's top story is introduced with a reactionary gif, because moving pictures aren't just for The Daily Prophet. Sonic has a history of being a bit too social for his own good, but the roster shown for Sonic Boom's reveal on the 3DS and Wii U? Not bad! We can deal with Amy Rose and the newly tank-like Knuckles, but if Silver the Hedgehog shows up at some point? The deal is off. Aside from a new Sonic cycle, this week brought rough news from Sony, a review of The Banner Saga and an awards show that didn't hurt to watch! We've got that and much more ready for you to devour after the break.
Sonic Boom comes to Wii U and 3DS from western studios
Let the Sonic Cycle begin anew! Sega announced a whole new Sonic the Hedgehog franchise at a New York City event on Thursday: Sonic Boom. That's the name of the new CG animated series debuting later this year alongside tie-in Wii U and Nintendo 3DS games, as an entirely new franchise. As Sega of America marketing chief Marcella Churchill stressed during her introduction, the "modern Sonic" character that's starred in the series since Sonic Adventure won't be going anywhere. Aside from subtle cosmetic changes to the principal characters and play style, a teaser shown at the event for Sonic Boom hewed close to the mold of all three-dimensional Sonic games. The most significant change is who is developing them.
'Sonic Boom' to debut on Cartoon Network in fall of 2014
A new, computer animated television series staring Sonic the Hedgehog and pals will premiere on Cartoon Network sometime in the fall of next year, Variety reports. In Europe, the show will debut on French children's networks Canal J and Gulli. The show, provisionally called Sonic Boom, is being produced by Sega of America and French animation company Genao Productions. The initial production run will produce 52 11-minute episodes (aimed at children aged six to 11) that will chronicle the adventures of Sonic and Tails as they battle Dr. Eggman, natch. No footage of the show has been released, but the above teaser image does at least confirm Amy's presence in addition to Sonic and Tails – we're still trying to put a name to the center-right silhouette. (We're guessing it's Knuckles with a gym membership.) The degree to which chili dogs are involved has yet to be ascertained.
