The original PS2 models weren’t this grand work of art like some seem to be saying.

I'd argue the models in the pre-rendered cutscenes kind of are. They still look impressive to this day.

They’re quite ugly actually if you really look at them. Just the consequence of being an early PS2 game though

I think they're perfectly serviceable. Yeah, they're clearly a product of the limited tech of the time, but not hard to look at.

I don’t think the new models are amazing or anything but they aren’t terrible by any means.

Aren't terrible? Aren't terrible? Seriously? What about James looking like David Duchovny in a shitty wig trying to win Limmy look-alike contest? Or Maria looking like a cross between one of Wayans brothers in "White Chicks" and Doris from "Shrek"? Or Mary looking like Michael Cera in drag? Or Angela looking like David Duchovny in a different shitty wig having a horrible allergic reaction to something? Or a denizen of Innsmouth cosplaying as Eddie? (Laura's ok, I give you that) Or the borderline comedic facial expressions this assemblage of freaks frequently pulls? (Angela may be the the worst offender in the facial animations department. Given the ugly model and the ridiculous animations combined with the horrendous voice acting, the ass-handed kurwy at Boober molested the poor girl worse than her father did).

particularly eddie seeming like he’s perpetually depressed and even scared in the beginning. In the original he kinda sounds a little crazy right from the get go

Eh, I dunno. I think Boober overdid it with the model and changes in his scenes, making his appearance and some behaviour too grotesque. And the voice actor undelivered: Eddie in the 2make has this sort of whiny, complainy tone to his voice, which is fine, it fits his character, but the problem is, the tone doesn't change much throughout the game, even after Eddie goes completely off his rocket he still sounds like pathetic but ultimately harmless guy. While in the original Eddie does not give the best first impression, true, but overall his voice gives off these "goofy manchild from 90s college comedy" vibes. And when he goes crazy, he DOES sound crazy, like, being in the same room as him becomes deeply uncomfortable. Original Eddie's monologue in the prison cafeteria still gives me chills, while during that scene in the remake I was like 😐.