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Can Mania even be classified as a spin-off game? I mean, it's basically a sequel to the classics and all. As for the character customization feature.... Look, I want to play as the other characters, I really do. Hell, I'll be happy if they get decent roles in this game's story that amounts to more than acting like cheerleaders. And honestly, a custom character wasn't something I really wanted from the series, but let me tell you all something; I'm a person who enjoys creating stuff, be it fanfics, or little avatars and signature banners. And yes, I have made fan characters. I'm a nerded, I know. So when I first saw the new trailer, my interest was piqued. And, I'm not going to lie; I honestly love this concept they've got going. It's a fun little idea and the gameplay shown in the trailer looks pretty damn fun. Also, the wolf they used to promote this looks like a fucking dork in those glasses and I'll be damned if I don't adore his goofy-ass design all the same. Now, I have a feeling that the character isn't going to be super characterized in the story, which honestly does suck if that's true (though if I'm wrong, I'd be pleasantly surprised). However, this hasn't stopped a myriad of ideas from entering my head of basic character concepts, personalities, back stories, all that stuff. I've even gotten ideas for fanfics. I'd have to see more of how the game and its story are going to unfold, but for now, I'm all for this. This is something that I can most definitely get behind. It's a weird idea, but it does appeal to my creative side, and has re-lit the spark for that aspect of myself. For that, it has my support and I honestly cannot wait to see more of the game in general.

Every bit of this. Hand-drawn games always tend to look really nice. I would love to see a Sonic game in this style.

...Crystal Shards got a release date? Holy shit, why did no one tell me this? I haven't played that game in years and I've really been wanting to give it a go again.