Helps and hinders in my opinion. The more you have, the more you can choose from, sure. But also the more you want to delve into and learn about. Their personal stories outside the little that is shown. I mean I like playing with Shadow, but I'd like more to go on about him than the bit that is directed at him vaguely and only in bits. Or Umaro. Etc.

I like having more of a choice but I'd also like to know more about them so I understand they aren't just another character skin able to use the more frequent weapons and armor.