Sonic Advance 3

"A definite improvement on Sonic Advance 2"

Introduction

I felt let down by Sonic Advance 2, but I had high hopes for this one. I was not disappointed.

Gameplay - 9/10

This is definitely better than Sonic Advance 2. The game goes fast, but not too fast, and the levels are still very big, but are rarely dull. The only exception I found to the rule was Toy Kingdom, about half way through the game, which seems repetitive in the extreme. The boss fights are a huge improvement, as rather than chasing Eggman along like crazy, you generally sit in one place and make hits, and there are some incredibly challenging battles that feature later on. There's also a mysterious robot that keeps appearing from time to time.

There are two major differences to the style of gameplay. First of all, there is the partner system (which, among other things, actually allows you to have Sonic follow other characters around the levels). The partner system includes a number of unique actions and "tag" actions for the specific characters, and fortunately you often won't need to use these to actually beat the levels. There are a few annoyances, such as the fact that using Amy as your partner often stops you from being able to spin attack, but it does make for a number of different playing experiences. Also, you can change characters whenever you want in the "Sonic Factory". It's just a shame that they couldn't come up with names for all the character combinations; for example, a Sonic and Tails team is called "Unbreakable Bond", while Cream and Amy are given the title, "Team Jubilee", but most other combinations will just be called "OK".

The other main difference is the use of "overworlds" for each zone, from which all three acts are accessed (yes, they bought back the classic three act system). This does make the game seem a little disjointed, but it also makes it easier to return to previous levels.

One of the biggest complaints I had about Sonic Advance 2 was how incredibly hard it was to access the special stages. I had a moment of worry at first upon learning that you have to collect ten hidden chao in each zone to get to them, but fortunately you don't have to collect all the chao at once, because once you collect a chao they remain collected (unlike the SP rings that I spent so song collecting again and again in the previous game). After that, all you need to do is find one key in any act and make it to the finish without dying. The special stages are the tried and tested "go through the area collecting enough rings and don't get hit" format, but at least it's easier than the original Sonic Advance. Just collecting the chao to access the special stages can be quite fun, and is one of the main reasons that you may find yourself using your team's tag actions.

Story - 3/10

The story is the only weak point, once again taking up the "Eggman decides to take over the world" scenario. At least this time, Tails manages NOT to be kidnapped, until Knuckles, Cream and Amy (who are all unlockable when you reach certain stages in the game).

Music - 8/10

Another of the improvements resulting from this game is the music. Sunset Hill Zone features what is probably the best remix I've ever heard of the classic Green Hill Zone theme, and there other notable tracks in the Twinkle Snow and Cyber Track levels.

Graphics - 8/10

These are equally good to those in Sonic Advance 2, and indeed any of the Sonic games on the gamegear. There is some nice animation, such as your characters running into the sunset after beating the bosses - oh, and Sonic's face when you choose Amy as his partner is hilarious.

Play Time/Replay Value - 10/10

You will definitely be playing this for a while if you want to get all the emeralds, and searching for the chao can be very fun indeed. Unlike Sonic Advance 2, there aren't any levels that you're unlikely to want to play again after beating them once.

Final Verdict

Buy this. This is considerably better than both of the previous Sonic Advance games (particularly Sonic Advance 2), and gets the series neatly back on track. I'm not too bothered whether or not I see the partner system again, but it is a neat idea.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 01/28/05