Here are some quotes which are actually very promising. From the official Sega Blog Site.
This first quote I saw on the 11th interested me somewhat but I didn't think too much of it. But then I thought "hmmm, well they did underline it, and acknowlege that the old games were all about it, and not just zippers."
Jan 11th
"Remember: Itβs all about momentum. This statement holds as true with this challenge as it did in the Sonic games that many of us grew up playing. Fans across the world will need to work together and spread the word if you want to succeed. So build up strong now, because the ending is going to be a challenge!"
Jan 13th
"Fantastic work β looks like some people were paying attention to that momentum comment we made."
As the days went on more and more people commented on that momentum comment. Us older fans know momentum is a huge part of it, and Sega officialy responded with the comment above. As far as im concerned that is a huge 1-up in my book.
Along with the concept art they had this to say.
Jan 15th
"This art reveals an enemy from the game β but at the same time, it also reveals much more about the spirit, and direction, that Project Needlemouse is taking."
The spirit, and direction. No lame generic Eggman robots everywhere, momemtum a huge possibility in the actual gameplay and absolutely no new characters introduced or playable otherwise. Which going by their wording Tails and Knuckles could very well be hidden extras. But these quotes really do give me a sense of hope.
I know most of us are completely jaded, with the last outings Sonic has had, but so far things are looking very very good. The only thing we have to hope for now is no gimmicks to be revealed. No swords, no ware wolves, no crap!
About that crab enemy, it's called a Shell Cracker, remember that crab that shot out it's arm in Metropolis Zone in Sonic 2? I'm wondering will they be completely revisiting older enemies and/or locations? Oh how I would love for some of you to truely know what a caterkiller is.