- Original release: 7th June 2004
- Developer: Dimps
- Publisher: Sega (JP), THQ (NA/PAL)
- Original Platform: Game Boy Advance
![](https://djcube.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/advance3-box-s-126x125.jpg)
![](https://djcube.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/sonic-recommended-193x184.png)
![](https://djcube.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Sonic-Advance-3.png)
The third in the trilogy of GBA games, and this one introduces the concept of creating pairs of characters. The first character is who you control, while the second one doesn’t just follow you around (like Tails in Sonic 2), but also alters your abilities, creating different ways to play the game. The only downside to this is that you unlock characters throughout the game, so you have less time to test out some of the combinations.
The levels in Sonic Advance 3 has some lovely themes, both in art style and music. Out of all the “Green Hill Zone-like” zones, Sunset Hill is probably my favourite, with a beautiful style and a great rendition of the original Green Hill Zone music. Toy Kingdom is also another lovely level.
For the most part, the levels are a ton of fun to play, with lots of alternative paths to discover. I also enjoy that the game isn’t afraid to take things slow every now and then (I still think slow moments like Marble Hill Zone in Sonic 1 are still important). There are some moments with blind jumps, and the gimmicks can be overused – a couple of times I wasn’t sure if I’d somehow gone backwards because I’d encounter a nearly identical part of the level.
Sonic Advance 3 is a very solid 2D Sonic game. The trilogy really does deserve to get re-released.
![](https://djcube.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/sonic-advance-3-1.png)
Where to get
- ROM Status: Available
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