Joystick as in gamecube controller or wiimote?

yeah, the same with me.

Judging by the rest of the details, I guess they are using the Nunchuck + Wii Remote combo to play the game.

who said  isn't?.... lol

yeah...I dunno...we'll have to wait and see

-“This time, however, some of Sonic’s friends will be playable. Each hero will boast unique abilities, and though the team isn’t ready to divulge the full cast just yet, we do know the identities of two playable comrades: Knuckles, who brandishes two swords at once, and Shadow.”

- Magic used to give Sonic extra powers. It looks as if Choas float around Sonic when magic is used

- skill system from Secret Rings returns, but it will not interrupt the gameplay

- 200 items, some can be combined with others

- go online to trade items

Wifi confirmed? I think one of the good things is that Shadow in this game and you can play as him.

From all the info this is shaping up to be more of a action rpg or an adventure game rather than the good ole sonic game.

I hope it uses Wiimote/Nunchuk controls.
We need a Sonic with a Chao garden.

They should make Shadow a ninja. Running around with a ninja sword and throwing stars, even nunchucks. That would be awesome.

 What about that sentence implies it wouldn't be? You start low and work your way up. You could say you level up by fighting enemies with a sword that is controlled similar to the way Twilight Princess is. Action and RPG elements combined right before your eyes, and you think it won't be an action RPG?

hmm sonic as a sword swinger....jeez that sounds almost as bad as a darker version of sonic with guns..

So, if this is the same team that built Secret Rings, can we once again expect to see a gorgeous game hampered by irritating control, asininely uneven difficulty, and the most useless multiplayer party games ever?

The pictures do look pretty good. But Secret Rings had some major problems.