Sonic Advance

 Game Boy Advance
  • Publisher: Sega
  • Release Date: Feb 3, 2002
Sonic Advance Image
Metascore
87

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 128 Ratings

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  • Summary: Sonic is back to save the world! The evil Dr. Eggman is at it again, with a brand new scheme to trip up Sonic and his pals. Maneuver your way through obstacles, puzzles and traps to collect the chaos emeralds and defeat the vile Dr. Eggman before it's too late!
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 22
  3. Negative: 0 out of 22
  1. Nintendophiles
    100
    What really shines, even on top of the great graphics and sound and gameplay, is the replay value.
  2. Cinescape
    100
    The best Sonic game released since "Sonic CD."
  3. Games Radar
    92
    Despite the 12 years since his debut, it's as captivating, exciting and, more importantly, as fun as it ever was - but of Sega, we'd expect no less. [GamesMaster]
  4. GameSpy
    88
    Everything that a side-scrolling platform loving fan could ask for. It's got all the great, tried and true, fast-paced Sonic action of the old Genesis series, looks fine, plays excellently, and offers some fun multiplayer action.
  5. GamerWeb Nintendo
    85
    This game is packed with extras and most importantly, actually allows you to play as Sonic through the entire game, something sorely lacking from the Sonic Adventure series.
  6. GamePro
    80
    A simple, tried-and-true blast from the past, faithfully recapturing the ’hog’s legacy and reigning in just enough characters and elements from the “new” to satiate anyone craving more from their marsupials than just movin’ to the right at really high speeds.
  7. GameCritics
    75
    This game managed to do something its 3-D counterparts never could: catch my interest and hold on to it. I spent a lot of time simply looking around each level, experimenting with each character and attempting to find the various chao emeralds.

See all 22 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 31 out of 45
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 45
  3. Negative: 3 out of 45
  1. GamecubeLover
    Aug 6, 2016
    10
    DarknessDude needs to shut up cause the level design is bomb and from my reading I can see he just sucks at the game. I'm a master at it andDarknessDude needs to shut up cause the level design is bomb and from my reading I can see he just sucks at the game. I'm a master at it and this game is fun listen to the reviews 8 and higher.… Expand
  2. KaineC.
    Apr 30, 2005
    10
    It's the best like all of them.
  4. ConsoleArgonaut
    Feb 16, 2021
    9
    Verdict: A great Sonic game on the go. I'd even say this is on the level of Sonic 2 & 3.

    Rating: Gameplay: 5/5 - Smooth and great. Level    Verdict: A great Sonic game on the go. I'd even say this is on the level of Sonic 2 & 3.

    Rating:
    Gameplay: 5/5 - Smooth and great.
    Level Design: 4/5 - Everything besides the last few levels is great.
    Soundtrack: 5/5 - Perfect
    Story: 4/5 - Nothing more than needed. This is great for on the go.
    Graphics: 5/5 - These sprites still get used today.
    Length: 5/5 - Perfect for 2D Sonic.
    Replay Value: 4/5 - Many different characters and emerald collecting.
    Enjoyment: 5/5 - Loved it

    Overall rating: 37/40 => 9.25/10 => 9/10    … Expand
  5. rhaynes7
    Nov 23, 2013
    8
    I've recently replayed through this game boy classic. It's still just as enjoyable now than it was before. With a more classic style, thisI've recently replayed through this game boy classic. It's still just as enjoyable now than it was before. With a more classic style, this Sonic game brings 2-D Sonic back on the Game Boy Advance.

    The levels are all enjoyable, but most not beyond the classics. There are also different characters (Tails, Amy, Knuckles), which allows you to tackle each zone in a different fashion, though most will just stick to Sonic. The zones are quite large, with the chaos emeralds being buried in obscure areas of the zone. If you want to see the games best ending, you'll find them all to unlock the Super Sonic Stage.

    The music is standard stuff for Sonic. There's nothing that's really as special as the classic games though in regards to music.

    Probably the most memorable part though is the first stage of the 6th zone, which was kind of a first for Sonic and hasn't been done in such a way again. Rather than trying to beat the zone as fast as possible, you're trying to beat the clock and it's a great challenge. The zone is massive and full of setbacks to make sure you don't make it, and it's one of my favorite Sonic zones of all time. None of the acts really excite me as much as this one does.

    The game is prone to Sonic's most annoying issues though with enemies that await while you're running, giving you no time to respond, and there are a few cheap traps thrown in, but otherwise, it's a standard 2-D Sonic experience with one zone in particular being one of my favorites.    … Expand
  6. DistH
    Feb 27, 2021
    8
    the first 4 levels are good but when you face Angle island you will find Soo many bottom less pits it's unsafe to play as Knuckles there. butthe first 4 levels are good but when you face Angle island you will find Soo many bottom less pits it's unsafe to play as Knuckles there. but I like it to be like a classic Sonic game. the special stages are Trash it's just another half pipe level but now Sonic/Tails/Knuckles/Amy are falling with skateboards. I like the music one of my favs are Casino Paradise Act 1 and 2 and Neo green hill act 1. but I love the art of the characters it's like sonic Adventure. all tough Sonic Advance is a Good Game… Expand
  7. FeelStar
    Nov 25, 2022
    7
    Sonic Advance is a good title that continues the classic Sonic gameplay from the original trilogy in a new 32 bit style with the modernSonic Advance is a good title that continues the classic Sonic gameplay from the original trilogy in a new 32 bit style with the modern designs. While not as good as those games due to the screen crunch and lack or ports. This game is still remembered by many as the true Sonic 4 and can be enjoyed by most as a good title.… Expand
  8. BobRichardsin
    Oct 7, 2012
    0
    No platforming what so ever. THis game features four characters to play as and the only interesting one in Amy Rose.....wow. Why is there noNo platforming what so ever. THis game features four characters to play as and the only interesting one in Amy Rose.....wow. Why is there no platforming. This game basically took everything cool about Sonic and took it away… Expand

See all 45 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

8
#8 Best Game Boy Advance Game of 2002
6
#6 Most Discussed Game Boy Advance Game of 2002
8
#8 Most Shared Game Boy Advance Game of 2002