Aside from this designer going all Tetsuya Nomura with the tape/bandaging, I don't think these aren't such horrible designs (except for Knuckles dear Christ), especially if they're not meant to replace the "main" designs.
Also, it could be worse, like Sonic and friends playing in an illegal underground rock band and using magic medallions, that turn into instruments, as weapons.
Also, it could be worse, like Sonic and friends playing in an illegal underground rock band and using magic medallions, that turn into instruments, as weapons.