Sonic Advance Review

 

Summary

The most underrated of all Sonic games?

Characters and Gameplay

Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and Amy are each playable characters as they fight Dr. Eggman. The style is very close to the classic games--it would be an easy transition from S3&K to Advance. 

In addition to moves from before, each has an attack, which I like. Amy is also able to jump higher. While I like Amy's hammering moves, she a bit more difficult. More for skilled players, which is ironic because typically Amy has the easier levels. 

Each character is very expressive and the sprites' designs are fair. 

Level Design and Music

The music is confident and brings a lot of styles that help set the scene, like how Secret Base sounds straight out of a spy movie or Ice Mountain is so calm. Cosmic Angel is awesome. However, the quality is not quite as good so some portions seem a bit loud or out of place.  

The Badniks are very cleverly made and unique. 

The levels borrow many of the same themes. Beach, snow, factory, etc. But somehow, be it the color choice or the backgrounds or the addition of some minor new elements...it manages to put a new spin on theme. 

Casino Paradise is a complete rip-off of Casino and Carnival Night as well as Twinkle Park, but I don't care! It looks so fun and the fireworks in the background were a nice touch.   

I also like the homage of the boss fights in the X Zone, but otherwise the bosses seem just a bit too difficult to be fun. 

Final Thoughts

• This is very underrated and often forgotten, which is a shame. People were always complaining that Sonic went 3-D, but he never really left 2-D. 
• Getting the Chaos Emeralds is insane and way too difficult. Looks like I won't be Super Sonic anytime soon! 

Final Ranking: B

Though I do think it lacks the attention it deserves, it borrows a great deal from the classic games and Sonic Adventure. Combined with the simple plot and it's just not very memorable.

It's still a nice merging of Modern and Classic Sonic.