1UP writes: "Not to resurrect flamewars from 1993 or anything, but Nintendo's recent smashing success and previous financial windfalls (e.g., mascot-based party games) prove that the Marios and Pikachus and Links of this world are truly beloved characters.
In contrast, the recent implosion of the signature Sonic the Hedgehog universe and the "leave 'em on the shelf until most people have forgotten" approach to its other intellectual properties like Jet Set Radio, NiGHTS, and Space Channel 5 has left Sega's best-known characters in a state that's not quite beloved. More like beliked".
