Team Rocket was the basic picture of classic when compared to the Hoenn teams and Sinnoh teams. They only strived to do crime, but for reward obtain money. It's what made them different from current criminals in the games now who only achieve to capture the version legendaries and rule the world. At least Team Rocket was different and still are.
As for their new appearance, well... I like it, but their 'R' really should have been red, and their hair color could have been something better suited. Though, there was a sprite that had green hair in the Slowpoke Well, so we'll see about that later. As for now, it seems the new Sugimori art gives them a basic Pokéball in hand, but a Great Ball in stock. I think it is pretty well done, and their faces show their mean. Though, as long as Team Rocket becomes stronger and plays through the same basic plot from the originals, then I'd think it'll top off the entire game [plot wise].