like, the level design is really bad a lot of the time. there's a large emphasis on verticality and exploration that really does not lend itself to sonic's genesis moveset. but:

1. the remaster adds tails, who in hindsight seems like the character the game was designed around. it's much easier and more fun to explore the levels with him.
2. and also, the art and music give off absolutely radioactive levels of swag. this game has two soundtracks and both of them are all timers

i simply can't bring myself to not like it. it's too cool.