Well blow me down. Sega is making an effort to not rape my childhood.
http://blogs.sega.com/usa/2010/01/15/project-needlemouse-character-countdown-finale-and-concept-art/
That's right, Sonic, and only Sonic. None of this Shadow the Hedgehog, Blaze the Cat, Faggot the Woodchuck, Poochie the Dog bullshit.
Remember Badniks? Well, Sega finally did.
Look at that. Looks like it had some actual effort put into it. Doesn't look like Sonic Team thought "Oh yeah, he makes robots." and shat out some piece of shit Phantom Menace reject.
Sonic cycle status: Phase 1
Normally, we're on phase 2 at this point. So we know the art direction and character list will be great. Sonic Team has just the two most important aspects to get right: Level design and controls. I don't want another "Hold Right The Game."