i feel like the only gimmicky sonic game was Sonic Colors since there were actual powerups that were fun to mess around with
Hot take: imo both Mario and sonic are bad games. When I think of a good platformer, a good gimmick is needed. Mario has level variation but no real gimmick, and I've never really liked Sonic (remember this is an opinion piece).
You should play chirpy reverie, now that's a great platformer https://turbowarp.org/434825906
why are there no mario & sonic platformers. like. dude. the opportunity is RIGHT THERE and all you do is make them participate in the olympics??