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
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  1. KaineC.
    Apr 30, 2005
    10
    It's the best like all of them.
  2. KarlA.
    May 17, 2003
    10
    Sonic advance is cool. with cool music, characters and backgrounds.
  3. 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.
  4. nintendo-sekta
    Jan 6, 2019
    10
    Игра хороша. Интересный платформер, хорошие продолжение Соника. Игра чуть легче Sonic Mania и из-за этого интерес меньше.
  5. 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
  6. 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
  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. krazeeKidd102
    Apr 20, 2011
    9
    Let's see. Classic Physics? Check. Long, platforming-challenging levels? Check? Result. The closest thing to a classic Sonic game since Sonic 3&K. It has beautiful graphics and fluid gameplay.

    However, it does have problems that keep it from being perfect. There are a few moments where there are cheap bottomless pits. It's good to have four playable characters, but some of them don't do    Let's see. Classic Physics? Check. Long, platforming-challenging levels? Check? Result. The closest thing to a classic Sonic game since Sonic 3&K. It has beautiful graphics and fluid gameplay.

    However, it does have problems that keep it from being perfect. There are a few moments where there are cheap bottomless pits. It's good to have four playable characters, but some of them don't do anything to improve the replay value of the game. I always use Tails to find the special stage springs, but that's pretty much it. Knuckles doesn't have walls or routes specified for him, and Amy is COMPLETELY WORTHLESS. Also, the special stages aren't anything special.

    Still, awesome game for awesome GBA fanatics.    … Expand
  9. SonicDude
    Jun 12, 2015
    9
    When I first played this game I was flabbergasted to see how amazing it was. The game has gorgeous graphics, nice set of characters,good music and it's 2-D. There are two complains one Sonic is not that fast and that Amy is useless but other than that this game is amazing I recommend it to anybody who has a game boy or Ds lite.
  10. Dylan707
    Nov 24, 2015
    9
    This is an amazing game. I remember playing it back when I was 6. It takes what the older genesis games were about, and built more onto it. But, it has some cheap deaths here and there.
  11. 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
  12. JPK
    Aug 19, 2018
    9
    Modern Meets Classic
    Before Mario Did This Technique In 2006, Sonic Is The One Who Probably Inspired That.
  13. 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.
  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. 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
  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. 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.
  18. 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
  19. AndrewC.
    Feb 18, 2003
    8
    The levels are excellent, but raising chao is pretty much pointless unless you buy Sonic Adventure 2. With SA2 it's excellent!
  20. KendylKlownfish
    May 1, 2011
    8
    Even if it's a bit formulaic, Sonic Advance is one of the funnest Sonic titles since Sonic CD. Pros: Rich, colorful graphics; basic controls; it's fast, but easy to learn; fairly decent multi-player mode. Cons: Regardless of the control's will to run faster and never stop, a lot of the levels were designed to refrain you.
  21. ohaiKendyl
    May 20, 2011
    8
    It's not "groundbreaking", but at least it sticks to its roots, resulting with one of Sonic's fastest adventures to date. Pros: Beautiful graphics; fast and fun gameplay at classic Sonic speed; excellent multiplayer; lots of characters. Cons: "Hit-or-miss" level design; nothing "brand new".
  22. MrSonicFan
    Dec 15, 2013
    8
    I find it weird how DIMPS could pull of classic Sonic style physics on the GBA with the Sonic Advance trilogy and on the Neo Geo Pocket Colour with Sonic Pocket Adventure, but can't get it right with Sonic 4, anyway. Sonic Advance is a fantastic game, and in my opinion, the real Sonic 4, it has classic Sonic style physics, multiple characters that play similarly with their own uniqueI find it weird how DIMPS could pull of classic Sonic style physics on the GBA with the Sonic Advance trilogy and on the Neo Geo Pocket Colour with Sonic Pocket Adventure, but can't get it right with Sonic 4, anyway. Sonic Advance is a fantastic game, and in my opinion, the real Sonic 4, it has classic Sonic style physics, multiple characters that play similarly with their own unique abilities, a fantastic soundtrack, great graphics, and overall fun gameplay, all of which, for the most part, Sonic 4 lacks. I recommend both Sonic Advance and Sonic Pocket Adventure if you have both a GBA and a Neo Geo Pocket Colour.… Expand
  23. rhaynes7
    Nov 23, 2013
    8
    I've recently replayed through this game boy classic. It's still just as enjoyable now than it was before. With a more classic style, this Sonic game brings 2-D Sonic back on the Game Boy Advance.

    The levels are all enjoyable, but most not beyond the classics. There are also different characters (Tails, Amy, Knuckles), which allows you to tackle each zone in a different fashion,    I've recently replayed through this game boy classic. It's still just as enjoyable now than it was before. With a more classic style, this Sonic game brings 2-D Sonic back on the Game Boy Advance.

    The levels are all enjoyable, but most not beyond the classics. There are also different characters (Tails, Amy, Knuckles), which allows you to tackle each zone in a different fashion, though most will just stick to Sonic. The zones are quite large, with the chaos emeralds being buried in obscure areas of the zone. If you want to see the games best ending, you'll find them all to unlock the Super Sonic Stage.

    The music is standard stuff for Sonic. There's nothing that's really as special as the classic games though in regards to music.

    Probably the most memorable part though is the first stage of the 6th zone, which was kind of a first for Sonic and hasn't been done in such a way again. Rather than trying to beat the zone as fast as possible, you're trying to beat the clock and it's a great challenge. The zone is massive and full of setbacks to make sure you don't make it, and it's one of my favorite Sonic zones of all time. None of the acts really excite me as much as this one does.

    The game is prone to Sonic's most annoying issues though with enemies that await while you're running, giving you no time to respond, and there are a few cheap traps thrown in, but otherwise, it's a standard 2-D Sonic experience with one zone in particular being one of my favorites.    … Expand
  24. 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.
  25. 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
  26. 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
  27. 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
  28. 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.
  29. 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
  30. CrossoverMovie2
    Nov 19, 2022
    8
    I really enjoy this game with the fun platforming like what the Classic Sonic Games have.
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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

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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
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