Might as well post this here too!
When Sonic got redesigned for Sonic Adventure, I never really thought about it since I wasn't really around during that classic era. It was never a big deal and I never thought about it, but looking at the artwork and how he was always portrayed before then I can understand the backlash a little bit. He was just so lanky instead of the regular chunky guy he was.
But I can't say I hate the newer "modern" Sonic. He's still such a nice bold design that still carries a lot of his character. I just wish they were as expressive as the animations of Sonic Unleashed. Oh well