My personal take on the classic NiGHTS is that it is truly a classic game that, now more than ever, I can appreciate the core values that it stood for. It just had, and still does have, that free-form gameplay style and feel good factor that keeps me coming back not to beat previous scores or anything like that (although it always is a bonus), but just to enjoy the experience again. When trying to describe the game to friends who haven't played it, I can't pin it down on any one genre, and in my mind that solidifies it as one of the all-time great gameplay experiences.
As for the new NiGHTS; I was a bit skeptical at first as I didn't want it to affect the legacy left behind by its predecessor but, after looking at a recent
gameplay video of it, I think that SEGA are doing a terrific job with keeping to the original formula. Also, I agree that multiple control schemes should be implemented but, if motion controls are not available, then what's the point of having it as a Wii exclusive? That control scheme just seems so natural with controlling the movements of NiGHTS, and would make it even more accessible to a larger audience than having it on the Wii already does.
I just hope to god that if NiGHTS:JoD is successful, SEGA don't rape the franchise by making multiple spin-offs and god knows what else. They've abused Sonic to the point of it not being funny anymore (I mean, come on, Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games?!), so now it's time to take their franchises seriously again. Hopefully, NiGHTS:JoD marks the start of this.