Game Statistics

• 14 levels.
• 4 playable characters.
• Time Attack mode.
• Tiny Chao Garden link-up to the GameCube via the GameCube - GameBoy Advance Link Cable.
• 64-megabit cartridge.

Game Design
The classic side-scrolling hedgehog has made his way onto Nintendo games. This game uses the classic engine from the original sonic games but with some new characters and extras. Basically you run to the end of the level while picking up rings, getting item boxes and destroying enemies. Each level must be beaten, by all your four characters, to truly beat the game. Once you have done this make sure you have beat the special stages and collected the 7 chaos emeralds. As with all the classic sonic games, with every new game there is a new type of bonus stage to collect the emeralds. This one is similar to Sonic 2; you are launched into the air by a huge spring and descend using a skyboard. By moving and spinning you must get as many coins as possible in order to stay in the game, then at the end if you have collected enough, you receive 1 of the 7 emeralds. Once you have collected the emeralds the 14th and final level is unlocked and using the powers of the emeralds, sonic is transformed into super-sonic, a gold super-hedgehog; defeat Dr. Robotnic for the last time to beat the game. Now, on to the multiplayer modes. The single-pak mode is very fun. It features a battle between 2 and 4 players to have the most coins at the end of 3 minutes. This is really fun to play. The multi-pak link includes racing, as well as a Chao Hunt mode. Both can be played in tag-team mode. Racing is a race to the end of the level, and the Chao Hunt is similar to the single-pak link game, but now you must collect chao-s. This game also supports chao transfer between Sonic Advance, and Sonic Adventure 2: Battle, for the GameCube. Link up and trade chao-s, between games, so you can train your chao-s portably on the GBA. This game includes so many fun options and is well packaged, sometimes there are gaming flaws, but that is to be expected considering the type of game that it is. This is quite an awesome sonic game.

Graphics
The graphics are truly top of the line for GBA standards. Many sprite images are included for all the different moves that can now be performed. Also, the classic checkered brown and grassy green hills are back. The backgrounds are really cool, and unique to each act. I really like what they have done with the design of the graphics in all respects.

Sound
Classic sonic themes and sounds are back as well as many new themes and sounds. Really good music combined with neat sound effects make listening to this game as much fun as playing it. I especially like the option of the sound tester, which is common in sonic games: this way you can listen to your favourite tunes any time.

Control
The controls for the sonic characters are simple and easy allowing for quick adaptability to each of the four characters. The shoulders buttons aren't used during the game which is unfourtunate. They could have been used, as a friend of mine suggested, as a combo down and "A" producing a shortcut for the spin dash. But other than that, the controls have been used effectively.

Satisfaction
I am very satisfied with my advanced sonic purchase. There are so many options for game play, and four characters to chose from. This game is just an all-round fun side scroller complete with mini-games and awesome multiplayer action.

Replay Value/Game Length
The relatively short one player mode is made up for through the awesome multiplay modes and mini-games, as well as the chao training and transfer addition. Plus you can play levels over and over, mastering your skill in the time attack modes (then you can brag that your times).

Overall
Sonic Advance is the best of the side scrolling sonic games. Many features keep you coming back, auto saving is a big plus, and the mini games are fun and entertaining. Overall, a solid GameBoy Advance title.

Game Design	8.4
Mechanics	8.0
Innovation	7.0
Originality	7.0
Extras	10
Depth	10
Graphics	9.3
Character/Animation	10
Environment	10
Framerate	8.0
Sound	9.8
Music	10
Sound FX/Voice	9.5
Control	9.7
During Play	9.0
Menus	10
Functionality	10
Satisfaction	9.0
Challenge	8.0
Fun-Factor	10
Replay Value/Game Length	9.5
Multiplayer	10
FINAL SCORE	9.2

Review by Xander

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