Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Sonic Advance 3 revitalizes the classic side-scrolling formula by introducing dynamic co-op and competitive multiplayer options. Players can team up with a friend in story mode, selecting a leading and a following character who work together to overcome obstacles, solve puzzles, and defeat enemies. This tag-team system opens up new paths and hidden areas, encouraging experimentation and replayability.

(HEY YOU!! We hope you enjoy! We try not to run ads. So basically, this is a very expensive hobby running this site. Please consider joining us for updates, forums, and more. Network w/ us to make some cash or friends while retro gaming, and you can win some free retro games for posting. Okay, carry on 👍)

Building on the foundation of Sonic Advance and Sonic Advance 2, the game refines the speed-focused platforming that fans love while adding fresh mechanics. Each character pairing boasts unique abilities: for example, Tails can hover while Sonic dashes at full tilt, or Knuckles can glide and climb to uncover alternate routes. This variety keeps each level feeling distinct, as you strategize which duo best suits your playstyle.

Beyond co-op, Sonic Advance 3 offers several multiplayer modes such as Ring Race, where participants dash through a course to collect the most rings before time runs out. The addition of modes like Tag and Balloon Battle brings a party-game flair, perfect for quick sessions or settling the age-old debate: who’s truly the fastest hedgehog?

Graphics

Visually, Sonic Advance 3 stands out on the Game Boy Advance with vibrant, colorful stages and fluid character animations. The backgrounds are richly detailed, ranging from lush tropical jungles to icy caverns and mechanical fortress zones. Each environment feels alive, with subtle parallax scrolling conveying depth despite the handheld’s technical limits.

The character sprites are crisp and expressive, capturing the iconic looks of Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and newcomers like Cream the Rabbit. Their movements—loops, spins, jumps—are rendered smoothly, making the high-speed action readable and satisfying. Even on the smaller screen, you’ll rarely lose track of the action thanks to thoughtful design and clear visual cues.

Special effects such as bursts of speed, explosions, and shimmering item capsules pop off the screen, lending energy to every run. While the hardware can’t match home consoles, Sonic Advance 3 pushes the GBA to its limits, delivering a presentation that feels both polished and true to the series’ legacy.

Story

The narrative in Sonic Advance 3 is straightforward yet compelling: Dr. Eggman has shattered the world into seven distinct regions, scattering the Chaos Emeralds far and wide. Without these powerful gems, the planet teeters on the brink of collapse, and it’s up to Sonic and his friends to restore order. This setup provides clear motivation for each level and boss encounter, tying the action into a grander rescue mission.

Players choose two characters to navigate the storyline, which occasionally splits paths based on your leading character’s special ability. This branching design adds depth, as replaying the game with different team-ups reveals hidden zones and alternate boss fights, fleshing out the narrative with new discoveries.

While the plot doesn’t take itself too seriously, the charm lies in its simplicity. The banter between characters injects humor and personality, reminding longtime fans why Sonic’s world feels like home. The stakes remain high—save the world or let Eggman’s chaotic fragments reign forever—making each emerald you collect feel like a hard-won victory.

Overall Experience

Sonic Advance 3 strikes an impressive balance between nostalgia and innovation, delivering a portable Sonic adventure that feels both familiar and fresh. The cooperative mechanic elevates the traditional speed-platforming, offering meaningful teamwork opportunities that add variety without diluting the core thrill of dashing through loops and springboards.

The sheer replay value is remarkable. With multiple character pairings, branching stage routes, and a suite of multiplayer modes, there’s always a reason to come back. Whether you’re chasing perfect ring counts in single-player runs or challenging friends in competitive races, the game adapts to your mood and skill level.

In sum, Sonic Advance 3 is a standout title in the Game Boy Advance library. It showcases what the series does best—fast-paced platforming, charming visuals, and addictive level design—while introducing new features that keep the experience engaging. For fans of Sonic or anyone seeking a polished, cooperative platformer on the go, this game is a must-have.

Retro Replay Score

7.8/10