Really enjoyed your article! I love Sonic The Hedgehog games as well, but I have to agree, sometimes playability is totally compromised.
Sonic Unleashed, a game from 2008, even tho that the story is fun, had some serious issues with the Character movement.
While Sonic Riders:Zero Gravity, from 2008 as well, blew everything away. Had everything a Sonic game must have. A cool story, awesome fast graphics and a movement control beyond the senses.
have you played any of these two? How was your gaming experience?