Sonic Advance 2 Review

Summary

Hello Cream and Cheese. 

Characters and Gameplay

Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and Cream are each playable characters. There's a bit more of a story to this one, as Eggman has kidnapped Sonic's friends (and Cream's mother, Vanilla). Sonic frees the characters as he goes (Amy is unlocking after beating the game with the characters and emeralds). While there's a bit more to it than Sonic Advance, it's still fairly simplistic. 

Like with the previous title the game makes use of the differences between characters. Notably polite little Cream uses Cheese to attack, showing the newcomer's docile stance. The sprites' designs are cute and expressive. 

Simple controls reflect the spirit of the classic games. 

Level Design and Music

Music Plant is a personal favorite in both design and sound. Ice Paradise seems just like winter. As with the previous title, in general the music is nice but not of the same quality/not as memorable. 

The levels are a bit more unique. Music Plant obviously incorporates instruments. Hot Crater incorporates some different industrial themes, and the Techno Base is colorful. However there are still familiar themes with the hill-like Leaf Forest and the lit-up Ice Paradise. Generally the levels are better or equal to those in Sonic Advance. 

Sky Canyon--while attempting to create a unique location, is terrible--especially as Sonic. I consider bottomless pits a big no-no in 2-D gameplay, and Sky Canyon has far too many for only being the 5th zone.

Final Thoughts

• Cream and Cheese are adorable, and this her best gameplay style. 
• The bosses are too difficult, especially as Sonic. Sonic's the starter character--it should be easiest for him (it's easiest for Cream, but that's of little help when Sonic is the one to save everyone). 
• This is most frustrating since they are a part of the level, rather then separate. Dying after one of these bosses means the entire stage--both sections--must be completed again. 
• And the game only gives 2 lives, rather than the standard 3. 
• Getting the Chaos Emeralds, again, way too difficult. If this were an easy game, collecting special rings to access the Special Stage may be possible. But it's not. And collecting all those rings is only a chance at getting the emerald, not a guarantee. 
• And this has to be done over and over for all 7 and (to unlock things) for all characters?! That's crazy. 
• Looks like I won't be seeing the real ending anytime soon...
• Despite the challenges it's still ideal for a classic fans (and/or those with a Gameboy/DS, of course). 

Final Ranking: B

I think it's an improvement over Sonic Advance and a worthy sequel. Unfortunately it's not much more.  

Adding Cream was a clever way to spice up the simple story and give the character a bit of a backstory for up-coming games. Still, there are irritating portions in design that disrupt its appeal. As cute as the game is, some may lose interest.