So I was sort of reminiscing on Big's Big Fishing Adventure 3 a bit.
The main thing I wanna share, is the character artwork.
A lot of people got the same impression from them - we all pretty much thought "these LOOK like Yuji Uekawa art, but I've never seen it before".
Well, turns out they simply got a fan artist on deviantART to make these for the game...but that honestly makes this even more impressive. These are spot on with Uekawa's style. I really would like this style to have more prominence in promotional material and what not, and it's good to know that even if Uekawa can't always do it, SEGA could definitely hire some fans to do it. This style really will never truly die if fans are able to re-create it so well.
Also, this may sound silly, but - is it just me, or was the characterisation actually really spot on? Like I legit feel like this game has some of the best Sonic characterisation we've seen in years, since Unleashed and Black Knight (except for Eggman since he's generally always great).
Sonic was played fairly safe - had an attitude with Eggman, but was friendly with Big, if a little weirded out by him. Nothing too spectacular, but a solid representation of the character.
Knuckles wasn't a complete idiot, despite the fact they made fun of his growing nonchalant demeanour towards the Master Emerald. He was able to make some clever comebacks in his argument with Shadow, and actually wasn't the one who started the argument, and tried to be friendly. And he gave some nice advice to Big.
Shadow really did come across more like he should at least in these more silly games - a more aggressive and blunt Sonic, but not some huge edgelord. And he did find some time to calm down and be nice to Big too.
Eggman was Eggman. Nothing more I need to say.
And Big was actually great. I've actually always unironically liked Big in the original Sonic Adventure and in Sonic Heroes. And I think they really nailed his portrayal in this game. While he's definitely not the sharpest tool in the shed, and is lazy and aloof, they actually brought back his smarter side and his wit, something he actually did have in Adventure and Heroes (especially Heroes). Some of his witty retorts are legitimately clever and he does actually come across as knowing what he's doing for the first time in a long time.
I hope this is a sign for the writing in the next Sonic game. If what is ultimately an April Fools joke (that's looking like it will be expanded upon), can actually make some intriguing characterisation, there is no excuse for the main series games.