Summary
- Release Year: 2004
- Genres: Adventure, Platform
- Platforms: Game Boy Advance, Wii U
- Developers: Dimps
- Publishers: Sega, THQ
Sonic Advance 3: A Blazing Fast and Feature-Packed Platformer
Released in 2004 for the Game Boy Advance, Sonic Advance 3 is a side-scrolling platformer that continues the story of Sonic Advance and Sonic Advance 2. The game follows Sonic and his friends as they team up to defeat the evil Dr. Eggman and his latest scheme to conquer the world.
Sonic Advance 3 introduces several new features to the Sonic Advance series, including the ability to play as five different characters: Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Amy, and Cream. Each character has their own unique abilities and playstyles, which adds to the game’s replayability.
Sonic is the fastest character, and he can use his signature Spin Dash move to plow through enemies and obstacles. Tails can fly and use his tails to attack enemies from a distance. Knuckles is the strongest character, and he can use his fists to break through walls and defeat enemies. Amy can use her Piko Piko Hammer to attack enemies and swing across gaps. Cream can use her Chao companion, Cheese, to attack enemies and perform a homing attack.
In addition to the single-player story mode, Sonic Advance 3 also features a multiplayer mode for up to four players. In multiplayer mode, players can compete in races, battle arenas, and other challenges.
Critical Reception
Sonic Advance 3 was met with critical acclaim upon its release. IGN praised the game’s “gorgeous graphics,” “tight controls,” and “addictive gameplay.” GameSpot called it “one of the best Sonic games in years.”
The game was also a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide. It is considered to be one of the best Sonic games on the Game Boy Advance, and it is still enjoyed by fans today.
Gameplay
Sonic Advance 3 is a side-scrolling platformer in which the player controls one of five characters: Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Amy, or Cream. The player must guide their character through a variety of levels, defeating enemies and collecting rings.
The game features a variety of gameplay elements, including:
- Fast-paced platforming: Sonic Advance 3 is known for its fast-paced platforming gameplay. The player must use their character’s unique abilities to navigate through levels quickly and efficiently.
- Multiple playable characters: Sonic Advance 3 is the first Sonic game to feature multiple playable characters. Each character has their own unique abilities and playstyles, which adds to the game’s replayability.
- Special stages: Sonic Advance 3 features special stages that can be accessed by collecting Chaos Emeralds. These stages are more challenging than the regular levels, but they reward the player with powerful Chaos Emeralds.
- Multiplayer mode: Sonic Advance 3 features a multiplayer mode for up to four players. In multiplayer mode, players can compete in races, battle arenas, and other challenges.
Story
The story of Sonic Advance 3 begins with Dr. Eggman launching a surprise attack on Angel Island, the floating island where Knuckles the Echidna lives. Eggman steals the Master Emerald, the powerful gem that protects Angel Island, and uses it to power his latest weapon, the Eggman Fleet.
Sonic and Tails soon learn of Eggman’s plans, and they set out to stop him. Along the way, they are joined by Knuckles, Amy, and Cream. Together, they must travel across the world, defeat Eggman’s minions, and reclaim the Master Emerald.
Graphics and Sound
Sonic Advance 3 features colorful and detailed graphics that are some of the best on the Game Boy Advance. The game’s character models are expressive and fluidly animated, and the backgrounds are lush and detailed.
The game’s soundtrack is also top-notch. The music is catchy and upbeat, and it perfectly complements the game’s fast-paced gameplay.
Conclusion
Sonic Advance 3 is a fantastic platformer that is still enjoyed by fans today. The game’s fast-paced gameplay, multiple playable characters, and special stages make it a must-play for any Sonic fan.
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
