Sonic Advance 3

Nintendojo

The value of this cartridge will keep you playing and playing until your fingers rub raw.

GameZone

While the game still maintains the same traditional platformer level design and old-school Sonic action, the game is designed around teamwork this time around and this is handled superbly throughout the game.

GameCube Advanced

With the well developed co-op, blazingly fast single player, and the underused but excellent multiplayer, and with an excellent soundtrack, Sonic Advance 3 expands in ever way over Sonic Advance 1 & 2.

IGN

The addition of two tag-team characters in Sonic Advance 3 definitely changes things up considerably, as do the much larger and more expansive level designs.

AceGamez

They've tweaked and improved the gameplay considerably, included two fantastic multiplayer games and wrapped it all up in a beautifully drawn and dynamic sounding environment.

PGNx Media

Sonic Advance 3 doesn’t revolutionize the franchise but the new multi-character system allows it to keep it from being redundant and allows for an enjoyable experience.

Games Radar UK (Pre-2006)

Faster than ever, with loads of replay value - let down slightly by some extremely dodgy level design. One for speed-addicts. [GamesMaster]

Pocket Games

The level design is fantastic, with large imaginative interactive environments. [Summer 2004, p.33]

GameSpot

Sonic Advance 3 actually brings something new to the table--a tag-team play mechanic that ultimately enhances the overall product rather than mucking it up.

Play Magazine

Graphics and sound are, as expected, top-notch (I love the remix of old Green Hill music), and the bosses are outstanding. [July 2004, p.71]

Cheat Code Central

Sonic Advance 3 doesn't make any significant changes to the traditional Sonic gameplay but what it does it does bigger and better than any previous handheld Sonic game before it.

GMR Magazine

It can be a little too difficult at times, especially when trying to make finicky jumps on a small screen while, for example, riding a bus. But the balancing issues are confined mostly to the bosses. [Aug 2004, p.91]

3DAvenue

The strongest point of the game is also its weakness. The fact that for most of the games features it remains the same as all the older 2D sonics will have some fans happy but other gamers wondering why they should again fork out for a few new features.

GameShark

The combination of the terrifically-executed side-scrolling action game that became the killer app for the Genesis, along with the replay-enhancing tag-actions feature, makes Sonic Advance 3 a winner.

NintendoWorldReport

Another excellent side-scroller with a special focus on variety.

G4 TV

When the speed stops, the fun stops. Otherwise, Sonic Advance 3 moves fast, looks and sounds good (Sonic fans will certainly groove to a remixed tune or two), and has a few multiplayer options to boot.

Nintendo Power

As you explore the seven extensive worlds, you'll find hidden Chaos that you can maintain in the Chao Garden. [Aug 2004, p.122]

1UP

Sonic Advance 3 finally comes up with a way of introducing teamwork and variance between characters that doesn't overwhelm Sonic's bread-and-butter gameplay.

GameSpy

The core mechanics and level designs are all excellent enough that the extra characters won't detract from the game should you decide to ignore them. In the end, this is the best and most realized of the Sonic Advance games.

PALGN

We can't help but feel a little disappointed by Sonic Advance 3. There's nothing really wrong with the game, it's just feeling like Sega are treating this game like an EA update, with a few roster changes and minor enhancements. This feels more like Sonic 2.5 than a full fledged sequel.

Weekly Famitsu

8 / 7 / 7 / 8 - 30 silver [Vol 810; 25 June 2004]

TotalGames.net

Surprisingly, it's this split between the game's determination to showcase new elements while reintroducing more traditional gameplay that makes Sonic Advance 3 such a success; there's something here for everyone, no matter which era of Sonic you prefer.

games(TM)

Easily the best Sonic title for a long time...there's something here for everyone, no matter which era of Sonic you prefer. [July 2004, p.118]

GamePro

The hedgehog species is heavy on attitude but has a hard time with evolution.

GamerFeed

If you're tired of Sonic's antics and you've been yearning for some innovation, you won't find it with this title. The multiplayer does its best to keep things interesting, but it's not enough to make Sonic's latest outing a must have.

Gamestyle

Everything else is just as you'd expect from the blue blur's 2D exploits; dynamic momentum and solid-but-clunky feedback making for a satisfying game regardless.

GamerArchive

Whereas the previous Sonic Advance titles have seemed to miss that little bit of soul that made the series’ first appearance’s on the humble Sega Mega Drive, Sonic Advance 3 has it in abundance.

Game Informer

These are great characters that have been the same since the start of the franchise. I want more now. [July 2004, p.123]

Computer and Video Games

It's Sonic business as usual, with few surprises. We still love the little guy and the game looks gorgeous, but maybe it's time for the old dog to try some new tricks.

Eurogamer

Sonic is a bit like the band you used to love when you were a nipper but just refuse to change their sound: they keep a loyal crowd and play all the hits on demand for nostalgia's sake, but the new tunes sound like the old ones. Only the real obsessives need worry about this one.