On the one hand, I can take some heart in knowing that the console staff is being dedicated to a 2D game, the rapper hedgehog was a hoax, they know about the critiques of the camera and directional movement (as evidenced by the 3d-2d transitions in Sonic Unleashed that made parts of Super Mario Galaxy gold), and that this whole project may turn out fine in an attempt to avoid Sonic being on the Wal-Mart bargain bin shelf.
But on the other hand, I remember Sonic Rush/Adventure/Advance 2 still being a little iffy, filled with open-bottom design, and lacking in catchy tunes (Chemical Plant, Carnival Night, Green Hill, etc.). I also remember how no Special Stage has ever beaten S3&K's Special Stages in every way; most other games require or are made far easier by memorization while S3&K, even though you can memorize those layouts, were passable on the first go-round IF you had the skill. That's rare. Last but not least, I also remember Sonic Team's latest track record.
Either way, I think I'm still going to buy this; bad or not, this is definitely a step in the right direction whereas Sonic Unleashed turned out to be more of a stand-still.