Being a long-time fan of Sega’s blue mascot of a hedgehog, I knew I’d have to get Sonic’s Game Boy Advance (GBA) titles, sooner or later. And when that opportunity arose, I jumped all over it. Sonic Advance gets rid of the crap that Sonic Adventure (Dreamcast, Gamecube) gave us – Less 3D platforming, all oldschool 2D running at speeds that are.. well.. Sonic! And it’s about time – The last mainstream 2D Sonic title relased was Sonic & Knuckles, way back in 1994!
Indeed, Sonic Advance has a very “Genesis” feel. It’s way fun to be able to go back and just watch the little blue hedgehog and friends run as fast as their little animated legs will carry them. That’s right – “And friends.” Similar to Sonic & Knuckles, you can select which character to play as. Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and Amy Rose are all playable characters. Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles play pretty much identically to how they did on Genesis. Amy, however, cannot roll into a ball when she jumps, and can’t spin-dash – Instead, Amy gets to hit things with her patented Piko Piko Hammer!
The other characters have learned new tricks, as well – Sonic can now cartwheel, Tails can swipe at things with his two tails (á la Raccoon Mario, in Super Mario Bros. 3), and Knuckles can punch things using his pointed.. uh.. Knuckles. All of these exciting new attacks are executed by pressing the ‘B’ button. Pressing down + A will still execute the infamous Spin Dash, which made its debut back in Sonic the Hedgehog 2.
Even though Sonic Advance is a new title, it feels just like its oldschool counterparts. You’ll quickly be reminded of previous levels and enemies, as you run through the beaches, grassy fields, and underwater levels of this baby. Re-designed enemies such as Sonic 1’s Krabmeat and Caterkiller make appearances. Just like the old games, every Zone is divided into two Acts. And, of course, the end of every second Act pits you up against Dr. Eggman, and one of his manically mechanical devices of destruction. There are six Zones of two Acts, plus the Final Zone. And, after you collect all the Chaos Emeralds, there’s a hidden stage to play through.
Each character’s unique abilities will play different roles as you play through the game, and you can find new pathways and secrets by flying with Tails, or climbing walls with Knuckles. Some such findable things are extra 1-ups, more rings, and it becomes easier to find some of the bonus stages with these abilities.
Speaking of the bonus stages, I must say, they are a major detriment to this title’s overall super-high quality. Instead of being based on collecting a certain number of rings by the end of a level, or a lamp post, you have to find a bizarre-looking springboard. Once in the bonus stage, the view switches to behind your character, as s/he falls on a skyboard. This view is reminiscent of the half-pipe tubes in Sonic 2, but it much more difficult, and it’s nearly impossible to collect all the rings, to earn a Chaos Emerald. Major bummer.
Graphically, as you can see, the game is more, well, Advanced, than the Genesis titles. Clear, colorful sprites are easy to make out. Obviously, I recommend playing on the Game Boy Player, over the Game Boy Advance – But I advise that for ALL GBA titles, due to the GBA’s shitty screenlighting. Classic and new sound effects are present, as well. Though none of the new tracks are very memorable, the inclusion of some songs from Sonic 1 and Sonic 2 (Particularly in the options menu) are welcome additions.
Overall, though, this game is a welcome addition to the family of Sonic titles, and if you enjoyed Sonic on Genesis, you’ll very much enjoy this game! I give it a 9 out of 11. The game would have scored a 10, but those bonus stages are just horrific. Otherwise, worth every penny, even if the game IS a little on the short side..
Written 22 September 2003
Other fun Sonic trivia:
- This is Amy Rose’s first 2D adventure. She, also, is a hedgehog
- Tails’ real name is “Miles Prower.” Get it? “Miles Per Hour.” Har har. Those Sonic Team creators are pretty darned funny!
- Knuckles is an Echidna – That’s a type of anteater, found exclusively in Austrailia. Who said video games aren’t educational, anymore?
- When Sonic The Hedgehog debuted in Japan, the enemy was named “Dr. Eggman.” in the U.S. Eggman was re-named “Dr. Robotnik” until Sonic Adventure came out on Dreamcast. Now, the ovoid villain is “Dr. Eggman,” all around the world!