Ouch. I think Sonic Team just needs to concede that Sonic only really works as a 2d experience using Sega Genesis-like gameplay.
The problem with 3d in general where it relates to Sonic, is IMO, that either you have to "go fast" because its Sonic- but then the game is basically barely an interactive cutscene at this point. Its pretty eye candy, but you can't really control much all that effectively, and mixing it with any kind of satisfying gameplay is near impossible, because you can't really react to anything at the high speeds- and everything is always a linear path.
Or you can slow things down, but then the way sonic controls just isn't very good or fun. These elements are where 3d Sonic is almost always blasted the most. Mario has this market cornered.
It is only in the 2d games where they find the right balance of giving the player a little speed to zip through some entertaining obstacles, but also can excel when its time to slow things down and involve a little bit of platforming or dealing with enemies. Plus they have the whole multiple paths element down pat which just works better in 2D.
Honestly, they should just hand the series off to the Sonic Mania team, rebrand "Sonic Team" and let them work on other things.
