I think the battle system is just so good in rebirth. It’s what makes the experience stand out to me a little more

AND Shadow was so popular because they gave him so much outside of Sonic! He got his own game!

I truly think most if not all of the Sonic cast could reach some level close to Shadow's level of fame if they just did more for them.

THAT'S why the Sonic Adventure era games were so popular by the way! By having other side characters that had their own stories going on (even if you hated playing their levels) it made Sonic's world feel bigger. Which made Sonic feel cooler for running through it like he does!

The DC comics crossover really highlights how the Sonic cast is closer to a Comic Book universe, except one where its side characters aren't allowed infinite little cool side spinoffs to develop. The entire Sonic cast really needs to be able to develop outside of Sonic's presence.

Imo what the Sonic franchise REALLY needs to do right now is start acting less like they have one main character and a backup cast instead of, like, 14 main characters

Imo, I think it'd be cute if Knuckles saw Angel Island as a place to reach out to civilization again, not be so alone. He could let Tails build a little workshop there for him and Sonic to hang out in when they stay with Knuckles.

Offer Cream and Vanilla a chance to do play dates with Chao

Obviously the most interesting angle to go with Knuckles from here on out is actually explore what he does as the long guardian of Angel Island.

When did he start treasure hunting? Was it while he was on Angel Island? What treasures did he find there? etc

The always do that with movies about gods. They’re like “oh they’re immortal! Age gap doesn’t matter!” And forget that we, as the audience, still have to look at Nicole Kidman being Jason Momoa :)