Sonic Advance

The Good
Older gamers will no doubt have played a Sonic game. Recently Sonic games have strayed from the high-speed fun of the originals, replacing it with slower adventure segments. The Sonic Advance series is as true to the originals in form as we will be likely to every see.

The plot as in Sonic games of old takes a back seat to the action. Unlike the newer Sonic games. In which the plot is more prevalent a generally not very good. The simple plot in Sonic Advance involves the evil Dr. Robotnik, aka Eggman and his latest scheme to take over the world.

As per usual only a blue hedgehog can stop him. However unlike Genesis Sonic games instead of only having one or two playable characters, Sonic Advance features four. Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and Amy are all playable. And to truly finish the game you should play as all four. Each has there own special abilities. Sonic is fast, Tails can fly, etc.

The Graphics are solid 2D. And tend to look better than those of the 16-bit Sonic games. As one would expect from the 32-bit Gameboy Advance. The game also features an Opening and Ending cutscenes, unlike those of 16-bit Sonics.

The soundtrack while good. Fails when compared to Sonics of old.

The game itself plays more like the Genesis Sonic games. This is a good thing. Sonic blazes through levels collecting rings, grabbing chaos emeralds, and trashing Eggman. Just like the golden years of Sonic.

The Bad
The soundtrack is weak compared to Sonic games of old. The games difficulty jumps in the last stages of the game. A tad on the short side, even shorter than the Genesis Sonic games. But I guess that's why there are multiple playable heroes.

The Bottom Line
Fans of older Sonic titles will find a lot to love here. And seeing as you can get this game for under $20, bundled with another Sonic game, it is assuredly in your price range.