>guardian of magic rocks
>grew up isolated
>Strict Warrior code and serious personality
>opposite of Sonic thematically
>fire powers

Even in 2005 people were copping Blaze as a Knuckles rehash

>>529301075
>>529301273
They took a massive shit on SA1 and 06 with the Wade show. At the very least they have guidelines and no strict mandates to adhere to game lore.