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| GENRE |
| Platformer |
| DEVELOPER |
| Dimps |
| PUBLISHER |
| THQ |
| NUMBER OF PLAYERS |
| 1-4 |
| CONNECTIVITY |
| No |
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Sonic Advance 3
After the last two Sonic titles released for the Game Boy Advance, fans could only guess what would come next. A sequel was on the top of the list, of course, and THQ has granted the fans’ wishes. With the release of Sonic Advance 3, fans are treated to their favorite characters in handheld form and with all of the beloved play mechanics they’ve grown to love. It’s wonderful that Sonic continues his roots in the second dimension while he continues to fail in the third dimension. Strange how that works.
visuals
As in the past Sonic Advance titles, this sequel uses a stylish design to make up its world. It’s a bit of a different look than what you’re probably used to from the original series on the Genesis and it’s also much different from the latest console game Sonic Heroes. The colors are bright and cheerful while the sprite graphics animate beautifully. Level design is key in any Sonic title and Sonic Advance 3 is certainly no different. The developers are clever enough to take a step back from platforming and even throw in a bit of exploration elements that take you back to the Sonic Adventure side of things. As per usual, Sonic and palls will grind, flip, and corkscrew their way through each level. These levels are connected to each other as a sort of map, unlike the stage-to-stage progression of the last two titles, which adds a bit of depth in a drowning genre.
audio
The music is easily remembered as some of the best in the Genesis era. These tunes will definitely take you back to the upbeat rhythms you heard while running through Stage 1 of the original Sonic. It’s definitely needed in this title and it should certainly never change. Sonic and friends also get a touch of voice work here and there but not enough to become annoying or mundane. Sound effects are lightly sprinkled everywhere and range from the classics to new sounds added to the action. While not the best showcase of audio display on the GBA, it’s certainly excels as a Sonic title.
gameplay
The emphasis on a Sonic title is always speed, speed, and more speed. We’re talking about the sensation, of course. However, if you let it get to your head, you’ll end up losing a life to some cheaply placed enemy. It can be a bit annoying, sure, but it adds considerably to the challenge of the game. There are a total of five playable characters in Sonic Advance 3, but you’ll start out as Sonic and Tails. It’s easy enough to complete the entire game using this popular duo, but unlocking Knuckles, Cream, and Amy opens up a lot more gameplay possibilities. With a new Tag Action play mechanic, your two characters will be able to pull off new moves in order to reach new areas or just take advantage of the advanced maneuvers to complete the game faster. It’s a great addition and works well for the game. Somehow, it works even better than Sega’s own console title, Sonic Heroes.
multiplayer
There are several opportunities for multiplayer here, much like the last two Sonic Advance titles. As mentioned earlier, there is a cooperative mode wherein you and a friend can team up and take on each level side-by-side. There is also a four-player “tag mode” that uses a single cartridge called Collect the Chao. Alongside it is a four-player mode that uses multiple cartridges in which the players race through each level to see who made it out the fastest. These modes are very helpful in keeping the GBA link alive with fresh ideas and inventive talent.
overall
Sonic Advance 3 is easily the best in the series for the Game Boy Advance -- the value of this cartridge will keep you playing and playing until your fingers rub raw. If you’re a fan of Sonic, you should obviously already own this game. If you’ve never been a fan of Sonic, perhaps it isn’t exactly for you. Then again, neither is orange soda. Freak.
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