To any oldfags here who were in the Sonic fandom from 1998 - 2009, what was it like? I got really into Sonic around 2014. I'm looking through a gallery of older official Sonic content and it gives me a sense of nostalgia even though I wasn't around for it. Logically I know it must've kind of sucked to be a Sonic fan then, since Sonic and its fans were such a punching bag while the actual game quality left a lot to be desired. But when I look at the art, characterizations, tone, music, etc. from that era it really appeals to me. It feels so soulful in a way we just don't get now.
It kind of sucks to become a fan of something only to realize a lot of what you liked about it was removed a few years prior in response to screeching boomers and journalists.