Sonic Advance

 Game Boy Advance
  • Publisher: Sega
  • Release Date: Feb 3, 2002
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 131 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 89 out of 131
  2. Mixed: 35 out of 131
  3. Negative: 7 out of 131
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. E102Gamma
    Aug 8, 2023
    8
    Emulates the Genesis classics and does so very well. Sonic, Tails, Knuckles and Amy provide plenty of fun variety, challenges and repeatability. Visuals are fairly generic but get the job done. Not the fastest game in the series but this change is appropriate given the Game Boy Advance's limitations. Levels are designed elegantly though there are unfair traps from time to time especiallyEmulates the Genesis classics and does so very well. Sonic, Tails, Knuckles and Amy provide plenty of fun variety, challenges and repeatability. Visuals are fairly generic but get the job done. Not the fastest game in the series but this change is appropriate given the Game Boy Advance's limitations. Levels are designed elegantly though there are unfair traps from time to time especially in the last two levels. Bosses are good with the exception of the Egg X whose attack pattern and hitboxes are slightly unfair. Special Stages are the worst part of the game and all you get in return is the best boss in the game. Overall, better than Sonic 1.… Expand
  2. Yojimbo2015
    May 11, 2023
    7
    Fair play to Sega for producing an all-new advance title rather than relying on a lazy port. Fast, colourful and containing all of the elements that made Sonic so popular on the Megadrive although for the faster sections it does feel a little like the game is playing itself. Younger players will love it though.
  3. SonicLove2
    Dec 31, 2022
    8
    Even though this game is a good game and I would recommend it to a new player but I would not rate it a ten for many reasons but the biggest is death pits and traps. But aside from that its a good game
  4. FeelStar
    Nov 25, 2022
    7
    Sonic Advance is a good title that continues the classic Sonic gameplay from the original trilogy in a new 32 bit style with the modern designs. While not as good as those games due to the screen crunch and lack or ports. This game is still remembered by many as the true Sonic 4 and can be enjoyed by most as a good title.
  5. MMPP99
    Nov 20, 2022
    4
    Unpopular opinion: This game is literally garbage. Most of people will say this game is great for a nostalgic reason, but to be honest, this game is not a big deal. You can beat this game in less than 1 hour, also in order to get a good ending, you need to collect 7 crystals which it is really painful. Special levels are terrible, it's a horrible genesis pseudo 3-D stage. Stage levels areUnpopular opinion: This game is literally garbage. Most of people will say this game is great for a nostalgic reason, but to be honest, this game is not a big deal. You can beat this game in less than 1 hour, also in order to get a good ending, you need to collect 7 crystals which it is really painful. Special levels are terrible, it's a horrible genesis pseudo 3-D stage. Stage levels are confusing and ugly. The good part of this game is the animation is good and the music are tolerable.
    If you want to play a good sonic, I recommend to play the Sonic Adventures 2, Sonic 1-3( genesis version) and Sonic Mania.    … Expand
  6. CrossoverMovie2
    Nov 19, 2022
    8
    I really enjoy this game with the fun platforming like what the Classic Sonic Games have.
  7. ROTSA2
    Sep 15, 2022
    10
    If any Sonic game fully exposes the series's pure creativity, it has to be this 2000s handheld gem.
  8. Zachu
    Jun 12, 2022
    5
    This game is the definition of mediocre. There’s nothing in this game that stands out from the Genesis titles that came before it, and the screen crunch is so agonizing you’ll be making numerous blind jumps. This game is perfectly beatable in an afternoon, took me about 3 class periods to finish it up, and the autosave is nice because Egg Rocket will take plenty of your lives due to theThis game is the definition of mediocre. There’s nothing in this game that stands out from the Genesis titles that came before it, and the screen crunch is so agonizing you’ll be making numerous blind jumps. This game is perfectly beatable in an afternoon, took me about 3 class periods to finish it up, and the autosave is nice because Egg Rocket will take plenty of your lives due to the faulty springboards that bounce you into unavoidable bottomless pits. One thing I didn’t really understand was the B button’s roll slide. It doesn’t add anything and I never used it as opposed to the spin dash. Overall the first half was definitely a lot stronger than the second half. The bosses were inventive and fun and there was a noticeable lack of **** in the first couple zones.… Expand
  9. MetalReviewer
    Mar 7, 2022
    7
    A straight-forward Classic Sonic remake. This one's not gonna shake the earth, but it's alot better than most of the other 2D titles. Check it out, you're likely gonna have a decent ride.
  10. ibblue07
    Oct 30, 2021
    8
    Sonic Advance is a good game, but it does have tend to have some rather questionable level design choices, including weird spike placement and enemy spawns. Otherwise, I would consider giving the Advance trilogy a try if you haven’t.
  11. tkirb
    Jun 1, 2021
    9
    While it may not be a masterpiece, this game is still amazing in many ways. Not only can you play as Sonic and Tails, but Knuckles and Amy as well. And the levels are pretty good, as well. Hopefully everybody gets to enjoy this fantastic game, and they will have fun guaranteed.
  12. Mutty99
    May 25, 2021
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. While being the most iconic and close to the traditional Sonic games, the first Advance title didn't fully convince me. A few of the stages felt monotone, and didn't capture me quite much; a lot of the bosses were not that well designed too, especially the Zone 4 one because of the water mechanic. In previous titles the drowning timer was disabled in a bossfight; here it's not, thus making the battle too overwhelming and not fun to play.
    Even though the Extra Zone was one of the worst I ever played, I actually enjoyed the Egg Rocket Zone, with the timed sequences, gradually going from Earth to Space. Egg X was a decent final boss as well, with two nostalgic pre-bosses from the Genesis titles.
    Imo not the best Advance game, but it's still worth playing if you like the Sonic series.    … Expand
  13. DistH
    Feb 27, 2021
    8
    the first 4 levels are good but when you face Angle island you will find Soo many bottom less pits it's unsafe to play as Knuckles there. but I like it to be like a classic Sonic game. the special stages are Trash it's just another half pipe level but now Sonic/Tails/Knuckles/Amy are falling with skateboards. I like the music one of my favs are Casino Paradise Act 1 and 2 and Neo greenthe first 4 levels are good but when you face Angle island you will find Soo many bottom less pits it's unsafe to play as Knuckles there. but I like it to be like a classic Sonic game. the special stages are Trash it's just another half pipe level but now Sonic/Tails/Knuckles/Amy are falling with skateboards. I like the music one of my favs are Casino Paradise Act 1 and 2 and Neo green hill act 1. but I love the art of the characters it's like sonic Adventure. all tough Sonic Advance is a Good Game… Expand
  14. ConsoleArgonaut
    Feb 16, 2021
    9
    Verdict: A great Sonic game on the go. I'd even say this is on the level of Sonic 2 & 3.

    Rating: Gameplay: 5/5 - Smooth and great. Level Design: 4/5 - Everything besides the last few levels is great. Soundtrack: 5/5 - Perfect Story: 4/5 - Nothing more than needed. This is great for on the go. Graphics: 5/5 - These sprites still get used today. Length: 5/5 - Perfect for 2D Sonic.    Verdict: A great Sonic game on the go. I'd even say this is on the level of Sonic 2 & 3.

    Rating:
    Gameplay: 5/5 - Smooth and great.
    Level Design: 4/5 - Everything besides the last few levels is great.
    Soundtrack: 5/5 - Perfect
    Story: 4/5 - Nothing more than needed. This is great for on the go.
    Graphics: 5/5 - These sprites still get used today.
    Length: 5/5 - Perfect for 2D Sonic.
    Replay Value: 4/5 - Many different characters and emerald collecting.
    Enjoyment: 5/5 - Loved it

    Overall rating: 37/40 => 9.25/10 => 9/10    … Expand
  15. Nikitosss95
    Feb 13, 2021
    9
    An exciting and thrilling game, this one! Pretty challenging, I only managed to win this game as Tails or Knuckles, never as Sonic or Amy
  16. GameDudeGuy
    Feb 4, 2021
    9
    Sonic Advance Is 1 of my favorite gba games ever its so much fun and i think anybody should buy it graphics and sound is nice this is a mastepiece of a game
  17. Blusonic16
    Sep 2, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This Was the First Modern Sonic Game I Played And It's Amazing Like Sonic Adventure 1&2
    But In 2D Like The Classic Sonic Era    … Expand
  18. Luigichief
    Jul 27, 2020
    6
    This game is one of the shortest in the franchise, and level design is one of the worst as well. But the addition to Somersault, Sliding and Backflip gameplay added a lot, in addition to having 4 playable characters with their own abilities, generating a lot of variety. The story is the same as the first game (that is, basically nonexistent).
  19. BM30
    Jun 29, 2020
    10
    Sonic Advance is fantastic! The gameplay is amazing and the level design is fantastic and just like the classics! This is definitely the best out of the trilogy. 10/10
  20. GameHillZone
    May 29, 2020
    8
    That's was really innovative for the 2D Sonic franchises in 2000s, one of the best Sonic games I've ever played in entire life, Recommended!

    Pro: - Characters have their different abilities - Soundtrack is amazing - Levels are well-designed - Chaos Garden for who wants to chill after a difficulty day or stage Mixed: - The story is simple but amazing - One of four characters    That's was really innovative for the 2D Sonic franchises in 2000s, one of the best Sonic games I've ever played in entire life, Recommended!

    Pro:

    - Characters have their different abilities
    - Soundtrack is amazing
    - Levels are well-designed
    - Chaos Garden for who wants to chill after a difficulty day or stage

    Mixed:

    - The story is simple but amazing
    - One of four characters is harder to play. But if you know to play with this character, the game becomes easier

    Cons:

    Nothing XD    … Expand
  21. nintendo-sekta
    Jan 6, 2019
    10
    Игра хороша. Интересный платформер, хорошие продолжение Соника. Игра чуть легче Sonic Mania и из-за этого интерес меньше.
  22. JPK
    Aug 19, 2018
    9
    Modern Meets Classic
    Before Mario Did This Technique In 2006, Sonic Is The One Who Probably Inspired That.
  23. DarkerSonic06
    Jul 12, 2018
    8
    Its Cool,its fast,its fun. One ofbthe best portabke Sonic Games. The only problem I had with the boses . Because they are moving
  24. SonicSpeedo92
    Jun 5, 2018
    9
    Sonic Advance is good. But, before I start this review, I don't get why people say this is similar to Sonic CD? It's not, it's similar to the classic games. It has the same physics and level design. So I consider this the real Sonic 4. It has great level design like its predecessors, the presentation is perfect for the Game Boy Advance, and the music is just too good. You can play as 4Sonic Advance is good. But, before I start this review, I don't get why people say this is similar to Sonic CD? It's not, it's similar to the classic games. It has the same physics and level design. So I consider this the real Sonic 4. It has great level design like its predecessors, the presentation is perfect for the Game Boy Advance, and the music is just too good. You can play as 4 characters, the obvious being Sonic, Tails and Knuckles, and the new playable character is Amy. She's an awful character to play as Jus... ju... just don't play as her. Each play style adds for a different experience and it will get challenging regardless of what character you'e playing as.… Expand
  25. Sausage22
    Nov 7, 2017
    7
    In my opinion the best in trilogy, very short, but fun game. I had zero problem with controls and level design seems okey to my tastes. Good graphics for gba and music its ok.
  26. MrTacoBob
    Aug 30, 2017
    9
    They brought back classic sonic and people still hate it? Sure the soundtrack isn't the best and has some flaws but the soundtrack got better in the 2 other games. The stages are original but still holding that classic sonic. Sonic Advance has more characters with unique powers! Sonic Advance is a fantastic game.
  27. Untitled94
    Aug 16, 2017
    8
    This is a really great game, and was a good way to start in the Sonic The Hedgehog series. It feels a lot like the original Sonic games, but with some modern stuff to it. This is honestly my favorite Sonic Advance game.
  28. Weslapootayn
    Jul 22, 2017
    7
    Sega went back to what actually works in a Sonic game, saw success, and then ran away from it again for some reason. Sonic Advance is a breath of fresh air in a Sonic series that did not do as well in a 3D space as the Mario games had, and brings Sonic back to where he belongs. Despite how good this game is it still suffers from what I would consider to be a cardinal sin in a Sonic game.Sega went back to what actually works in a Sonic game, saw success, and then ran away from it again for some reason. Sonic Advance is a breath of fresh air in a Sonic series that did not do as well in a 3D space as the Mario games had, and brings Sonic back to where he belongs. Despite how good this game is it still suffers from what I would consider to be a cardinal sin in a Sonic game. PIT FALLS. This is a criticism of all three Sonic Advance games really because this is something you wouldn't find in the genesis games. You do not make Sonic run really fast and then throw him into a pit! That's not fair! You're pretty much forced to die at least once in the levels with pitfalls because you can't possibly see it coming the first time.. You spend the first few stages getting through pretty easily, and then BOOM you're falling to your death over and over again. If you're gonna put pitfalls in a Sonic game FINE, but you have to make them obvious! This isn't Mario! You're going fast so you shouldn't be thrown into pits over and over again!! It's maddening! Without the pitfalls the entire Advance series would be a 9 or a 10 for me, but the pitfalls seriously boil my blood and almost ruin the whole experience. I love that they went back to the old style, and I love that Knuckles is a normal character again (screw emerald hunting!) but the pitfalls.. THE PITFALLS!… Expand
  29. AmyRoses
    Nov 26, 2016
    9
    Sonic Advance is everything Sonic the Hedgehog 4 should have been. High-paced yet precise sidescrolling. Physics that rival the original trilogy. Characters that provide new levels of fun. It's tragic that the Advance series as a whole has fallen into obscurity.

    The story is very much standard for the old-school 2D Sonic games. Eggman has captured a bunch of animals, and has decided to    Sonic Advance is everything Sonic the Hedgehog 4 should have been. High-paced yet precise sidescrolling. Physics that rival the original trilogy. Characters that provide new levels of fun. It's tragic that the Advance series as a whole has fallen into obscurity.

    The story is very much standard for the old-school 2D Sonic games. Eggman has captured a bunch of animals, and has decided to take over the world. Why? For plot convenience, of course. It's not the most interesting story, but it's a Sonic game, and gameplay takes priority.

    The gameplay is almost as if it was ripped from the genesis games themselves. The physics are pretty much perfect, and the level design is, for the most part, enjoyable. There are a few levels where trial and error are involved, but this is true of all 2D Sonic games. After playing it through once or twice, you'll know where to control your speed, and you will do absolutely fine.

    However, there is of course, a catch, as is tradition for Sonic games. The special stages are absolutely horrendous. They're slightly reminiscent of Sonic 2, which is fine in itself, but it involves a 3D plane, which really doesn't work well on the Gameboy Advance. It's incredibly difficult to determine where to place yourself, and as a result, makes collecting Chaos Emeralds tedious and frustrating. Fortunately, they're not necessary to enjoy the bulk of the game.

    The graphics are truly some of the best GBA games have to offer. Most of the environments are vivid, and the character animations are incredibly detailed. Sonic Team did an amazing job of the spriting. Even idle animations capture my attention, giving the characters a huge amount of personality.

    The game features four playable characters; Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and most interestingly, Amy. All play in a unique way, offering different paths and speeds. Sometimes these differences will benefit you, and at other times, you'll wish you picked another character. Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles play as they did on the original Genesis games, albeit with a few extra moves, such as Tails' (useless) tail swipe, and Knuckles' (useless) punches. This game introduces Amy as a playable character for the first time in a 2D Sonic game. Amy is most certainly the most enjoyable character to play as- She offers a whole new level of depth to the game, requiring you to master your timing, as she lacks the ability to curl up. Instead, she can use her hammer to attack, which is actually advantageous in many situations. For example, she can jump higher using a special move, and has a longer range than Sonic's insta-shield. She can even defeat certain bosses easier than the other three, as her range far exceeds the others. It is a common complaint that Amy is "not fun" and "too hard", but to that, I say, unironically: Get good. These characters introduce a large amount of replay value, as well as fun, new ways to play.

    The sound of this game is, as always, very memorable. Sonic games almost never get this wrong. However, whilst the tracks are memorable and the sound effects are great, it definitely suffers due to the limitations of the GBA sound card. This doesn't stop them from being catchy and appealing, though.

    Overall, Sonic Advance is a brilliant game, and most certainly the best out of the trilogy. It keeps speed to a good pace, but isn't too fast, and also has 4 unique ways of playing. It's not without flaws, but it's still an extremely solid experience. I definitely enjoy them more than the Genesis games, myself... but that's a matter of opinion.    … Expand
  30. GamecubeLover
    Aug 6, 2016
    10
    DarknessDude needs to shut up cause the level design is bomb and from my reading I can see he just sucks at the game. I'm a master at it and this game is fun listen to the reviews 8 and higher.
prev
Page:

Awards & Rankings

8
#8 Best Game Boy Advance Game of 2002
6
#6 Most Discussed Game Boy Advance Game of 2002
8
#8 Most Shared Game Boy Advance Game of 2002

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
87

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 22
  3. Negative: 0 out of 22
  1. Nintendophiles
    100
    What really shines, even on top of the great graphics and sound and gameplay, is the replay value.
    Read full review
  2. Pocket Games
    95
    It looks, sounds and plays like a cartoon, and most importantly, it's just damend fun. [Spring 2002, p.30]
  3. Games Radar
    92
    Despite the 12 years since his debut, it's as captivating, exciting and, more importantly, as fun as it ever was - but of Sega, we'd expect no less. [GamesMaster]
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »