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{{Bob
 
{{Bob
 
| bobscreen=SonicAdvance3 title.png
 
| bobscreen=SonicAdvance3 title.png
| publisher=EU/JP [[Sega]] US [[THQ]]
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| publisher=[[Sega]] (JP), [[THQ]] (International)
| developer=[[Sonic Team]] / [[Dimps]]
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| developer=[[Sonic Team]], [[Dimps]]
 
| system=[[Game Boy Advance]]
 
| system=[[Game Boy Advance]]
| romsize=16 MB
+
| peripherals=Game Link Cable
| releases=
 
{{release|GBA|US|2004-06-07||B3SE78}}
 
{{release|GBA|JP|2004-06-17|¥4,800|B3SJ8P}}
 
{{release|GBA|EU|2004-06-18||B3SP8P}}
 
 
| genre=Action
 
| genre=Action
| esrb=e
+
| players=1-4
| pegi=3
+
| releases={{releases
| usk=0
+
| gba_date_us=2004-06-07
| oflc=g8
+
| gba_code_us=AGB-P-B3SE
| cero=free
+
| gba_code2_us=AGB-B3SE-USA
 +
| gba_rating_us=e
 +
| gba_rrp_us=29.99{{intref|{{#switch:{{SITENAME}}|Sega Retro=|sega:}}Press release: 2004-06-07: SONIC ADVANCE 3 Now Available for Game Boy Advance; Third Title in Franchise Racing Off Store Shelves}}
 +
| gba_date_uk=2004-06-18{{ref|http://web.archive.org/web/20070128175837/http://www.amazon.co.uk/THQ-Sonic-Advance-3-GBA/dp/B00023HURG}}
 +
| gba_rrp_uk=29.99{{ref|http://web.archive.org/web/20070128175837/http://www.amazon.co.uk/THQ-Sonic-Advance-3-GBA/dp/B00023HURG}}
 +
| gba_code_uk=AGB-P-B3SP
 +
| gba_code2_uk=AGB-B3SP-UKV
 +
| gba_rating_uk=3
 +
| gba_date_eu_FR/NL=2004-06-25{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20190620015550/https://www.amazon.fr/S%C3%A9ga-Sonic-Advance-3/dp/B00022GIZ2/}}
 +
| gba_code_eu_FR/NL=AGB-P-B3SP
 +
| gba_code2_eu_FR/NL=AGB-B3SP-FAH
 +
| gba_rating_eu_FR/NL=3
 +
| gba_date_de=2004-06-18{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20190620015756/https://www.amazon.de/THQ-Sonic-Advance-3/dp/B0001YWC4W/}}
 +
| gba_code_de=AGB-P-B3SP
 +
| gba_code2_de=AGB-B3SP-NOE
 +
| gba_rating_de=0
 +
| gba_date_eu_ES/IT=2004-06-18
 +
| gba_code_eu_ES/IT=AGB-P-B3SP
 +
| gba_code2_eu_ES/IT=
 +
| gba_rating_eu_ES/IT=3
 +
| gba_date_jp=2004-06-17{{ref|http://web.archive.org/web/20040416024240/http://sega.jp/gba/sonic3/}}
 +
| gba_code_jp=AGB-P-B3SJ
 +
| gba_code2_jp=AGB-B3SJ-JPN
 +
| gba_rating_jp=free
 +
| gba_rrp_jp=4,800 (''5,040''){{ref|http://web.archive.org/web/20040416024240/http://sega.jp/gba/sonic3/}}
 +
| gba_date_au=2004
 +
| gba_code_au=AGB-P-B3SP
 +
| gba_code2_au=AGB-B3SP-AUS
 +
| gba_rating_au=g8
 +
 
 +
| vcwiiu_date_jp=2016-05-25{{ref|http://web.archive.org/web/20160610143002/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/titles/20010000017088}}
 +
| vcwiiu_rrp_jp=650 (''702''){{ref|http://web.archive.org/web/20160610143002/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/titles/20010000017088}}
 +
| vcwiiu_code_jp=WUP-N-PC8J
 +
| vcwiiu_rating_jp=a
 +
}}
 
| grb=a
 
| grb=a
 
}}
 
}}
 +
'''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' (ソニック アドバンス3) is the third game in the ''[[Sonic Advance]]'' series released for the [[Game Boy Advance]]. Unlike the first two games in the series, ''Sonic Advance 3'' features the ability to play two characters in a partner setting. The [[Tiny Chao Garden]] mode from the previous ''Sonic Advance'' games has been removed and the Chao Playground has been put in its place.
  
'''''Sonic Advance 3''''' (ソニック アドバンス3) is the third game in the ''[[Sonic Advance]]'' series released for the [[Game Boy Advance]]. Unlike the first two games in the series, ''Sonic Advance 3'' features ability to play two characters in a partner setting. The [[Tiny Chao Garden]] mode from the previous Advance games has been removed and the Chao Playground has been put in its place. The Chao Garden in this game serves to help the player view the [[Chaos Emeralds]] and Chao they have collected.
+
The game focuses on [[Dr. Eggman]]'s newest creation, [[G-merl]], as he co-pilots all of Eggman's vehicles and is an extra final boss if the player collects all the [[Chaos Emeralds]] in the game. G-merl's design and name are a direct reference to the robot [[Emerl]] whom was a playable character in ''[[Sonic Battle]]''.
  
The game focuses on Robotnik's newest creation, [[Gemerl]], as he co-pilots all of Eggman's vehicles and is an extra final boss if the player collects all the [[Chaos Emeralds]] in the game. Gemerl's design and name are a direct reference to the robot [[Emerl]] whom was a main character in ''[[Sonic Battle]]''. Sega of Japans website actually mentions he was built from the scrap parts of Emerl.
+
This is the very last game to use the original English Sonic voice actors before they were changed to the [[4Kids Entertainment|4Kids]] English (''[[Sonic X]]'') cast. It also contains the last voice acting work done by [[Deem Bristow]] before he passed away.
  
This is the very last game to use the original English Sonic voice actors before they were changed to the 4Kids English ([[Sonic X]]) cast. It also contains the last voice acting done by Deem Bristow before he passed away.
+
==Story==
 +
[[File:SonicAdvance3 GBA Opening Eggman.png|thumb|right|Dr. Eggman about to shatter the planet, as shown in the opening sequence.]]
 +
Sometime before the events of the game, Dr. Eggman builds a robotic assistant based upon Emerl's data named G-merl. G-merl's designed to be a loyal, obedient copy of Emerl. As such, he can learn new attacks, and can meld himself seamlessly with any mechanical device.
  
==Storyline==
+
Eggman tears the Earth apart when an experiment using [[Chaos Control]] goes awry; [[Sonic the Hedgehog|Sonic]] is separated from [[Knuckles the Echidna|Knuckles]], [[Amy Rose|Amy]] and [[Cream the Rabbit|Cream]], and is stranded with [[Miles "Tails" Prower|Tails]]. The two begin to search for their friends and the source of the trouble (which is the separation of the [[Chaos Emeralds]]). But like always, Eggman is making everything from strange contraptions to doomsday devices, and is trying to vanquish Sonic once and for all.
Sometime before the events of the storyline, [[Dr. Eggman]] builds a robotic assistant based on and using parts from Emerl named Gemerl. Gemerl's designed to be a loyal, obedient copy of Emerl. As such, he can learn new attacks, and can meld himself seamlessly with any mechanical device.
 
Eggman tears the Earth apart when an experiment using [[Chaos Control]] goes awry, and Sonic is separated from Knuckles, Amy, and Cream and is stranded with Tails. The two begin to search for their friends and the source of the trouble (which is the separation of the [[Chaos Emerald]]s). But like always, Eggman is making everything from strange contraptions to doomsday devices, and is trying to vanquish Sonic once and for all.
 
  
'''Normal Ending''': (without all Chaos Emeralds)
+
'''Normal Ending''' (without all Chaos Emeralds):
After defeating the final boss, Eggman and Gemerl are defeated and try to escape, with Eggman swearing revenge. The heroes chase him to the edge of the temple, putting Eggman in a deadly situation. Gemerl, stays to glare at the heroes as if to intimidate them, then jumps off the edge to follow his master. Peace is finally restored to the world. Then the game ends with all the playable characters getting their photo taken by Omochao.
+
After defeating the final boss, Eggman and G-merl are defeated and try to escape, with Eggman swearing revenge. The heroes chase him to the edge of the temple, putting Eggman in a deadly situation. G-merl, stays to glare at the heroes as if to intimidate them, then jumps off the edge to follow his master. Through the power of the [[Master Emerald]], peace is finally restored to the world. Then the game ends with all the playable characters getting their photo taken by [[Omochao]].
  
 
The end credits also leave a message to players to collect any remaining Chaos Emeralds.
 
The end credits also leave a message to players to collect any remaining Chaos Emeralds.
  
'''True Ending''': (with all 7 Chaos Emeralds)
+
'''True Ending''' (with all 7 Chaos Emeralds):
After defeating the final boss, Eggman and Gemerl are defeated and try to escape, with Eggman swearing revenge. However, Gemerl stops running & attacks Sonic, causing the Chaos Emeralds Sonic has to scatter. Upon seeing the 7 Chaos Emeralds, the bad code that caused Emerl to malfunction activates, and Gemerl uses the Chaos Emeralds to transform into a rogue, orb-shaped robot. Gemerl then grabs Dr. Eggman and throws him at Sonic before escaping into outer space. Using the power of the Emeralds as well, Sonic becomes Super Sonic and, with the help of Dr. Eggman, Super Sonic destroys the improved Gemerl. Eventually, Tails finds Gemerl's broken body on a beach and repairs the robot. The game ends with the new Gemerl playing with Cream the Rabbit at her mother Vanilla's house.
+
After defeating the final boss, Eggman and G-merl are defeated and try to escape, with Eggman swearing revenge. However, G-merl stops running & attacks Sonic, causing the Chaos Emeralds Sonic has to scatter. Upon seeing the 7 Chaos Emeralds, the bad code that caused Emerl to malfunction activates, and G-merl uses the Chaos Emeralds to transform into a rogue, orb-shaped robot. G-merl then grabs Dr. Eggman and throws him at Sonic before escaping into outer space. Using the power of the Emeralds as well, Sonic becomes [[Super Sonic]] and, with the help of Dr. Eggman, Super Sonic destroys the improved G-merl. Eventually, Tails finds G-merl's broken body on a beach and repairs the robot. The game ends with the new G-merl playing with Cream the Rabbit at her mother [[Vanilla the Rabbit|Vanilla]]'s house.
 +
 
 +
==Gameplay==
 +
[[File:SonicAdvance3 GBA TagAction TailsGround.png|thumb|right|''Sonic Advance 3'' has two characters active at a time, using [[Tag Action]]s for extra offensive and movement capabilities.]]
 +
The gameplay of this game is like a combination of the platforming from the original ''[[Sonic Advance]]'' and the speed-oriented gameplay of ''[[Sonic Advance 2]]''. The game also incorporates elements from ''[[Chaotix]]'', with its two-character team-ups and [[Ring]]-dropping [[Badnik]]s, though the actual Ring bands are gone. The two-character team up is similar to previous side-scrolling ''Sonic'' games as the second player actually follows the other character. This second player is controlled by the computer in single player, or player 2 in multiplayer mode. Partners can also be picked up by holding {{R}} and then released. This is another element first seen in ''Chaotix''. Mechanics from ''Sonic Advance 2'', such as [[Boost Mode]] and [[Trick Action]]s, are also present, but can only be used with certain team combinations, and the game relying less on the mechanics to compensate.
  
==Game Play==
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Unlike the previous ''Sonic Advance'' titles, [[Zone]]s are broken up into three standard Acts and a shorter fourth Act that contains the Zone's boss. In the main game, all of these Acts are accessed through hub levels known as Zone Maps; small mini-levels that have the player explore and experiment with different team-ups. Act Rings will lead to each of a Zone's Acts, and the Boss Capsule will lead to the Zone's boss when all standard Acts have been completed. Blue capsules found in the Zone Maps will transport the player to [[Bonus Stage (Sonic Advance 3)|bonus mini-games]] to earn extra lives. A large Ring, known as the Factory Ring, will transport the player to the [[Sonic Factory]] to change characters or to access previous Zones.
The gameplay of this game is like a combination of the platforming from the original ''[[Sonic Advance]]'' and the speed-oriented gameplay of ''[[Sonic Advance 2]]''. The game also incorporates elements from ''[[Knuckles' Chaotix]]'', with its 2 character team-ups and ring-dropping enemies, though the actual ring bands are gone. The 2 character team up is similar to previous Side-scrolling Sonic games as the second player actually follows the other character. This second player is controlled by the computer or player 2 in multiplayer mode. Partners can also be picked up by holding {{R}} and then released. This is another element first seen in ''Knuckles Chaotix''.
 
  
===Team type===
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Accessing the [[Special Stage (Sonic Advance 3)|Special Stages]] requires the player to search for [[Chao|Hiding Chao]] in each of the seven Zones. Each Zone has 10 Chao to find, and all of them are spread out between each Act and the Zone Map; though the number of Chao in an Act can vary, there are usually three Chao in an Act and one in the Zone Map. When all Chao in a Zone have been found, the player can find the [[Special Key]] in various locations in any Act. Completing an Act with a Special Key will allow the player to unlock the [[Special Spring]] in the corresponding Zone Map, allowing for one attempt at the Special Stage per key. The Chao Playground, accessible via the Sonic Factory, serves to help the player view the [[Chaos Emeralds]] and Chao they have collected.
Each team has a specific "type", which more or less determines which type of gameplay the team is best at. There are 3 types:
 
  
* ''Speed'': any team that contains Sonic. These are generally very fast on the ground.
+
Like ''Sonic Advance 2'', to play as the full cast of characters, Sonic (as the lead player) needs to complete certain levels. Knuckles is unlocked after beating [[Sunset Hill]] Act 3, Amy after [[Toy Kingdom]] Act 3, and Cream after [[Cyber Track]] Act 3. Due to the game's need for a partner, Tails is available from the beginning.
* ''Power'': any team that contains Knuckles but not Sonic. These are good at attacking foes, and breaking barriers to access areas other teams cannot.
 
* ''Flying'': any team with Tails or Cream but not Sonic or Knuckles. These are good at accessing higher places in the level.
 
  
Note that these are just general abilities; each team has their own strengths and weaknesses.  
+
At the end of every Act and boss, the player is awarded a medal based on their clear time. From worst to best, the medals go from bronze to silver to gold. Collecting every gold medal (save for the one in [[Nonaggression]]) unlocks a boss time attack.
  
===Team Name===
+
The level design is a very controversial aspect of the game among fans, with some citing ''Sonic Advance 3'' as one of the worst 2D ''Sonic'' games ever released due to poor level design. Common problems fans find with the level design include unfair enemy and [[Spikes (obstacle)|spike]] placement that can easily blindside the player, and moving blocks that can very easily crush the player due to oddities in the game's collision with moving platforms compared to other games. The Zone Maps are also criticised for being confusing as well as unnecessary. Some fans, however, enjoy using the team mechanics to exploit the levels and consider ''Sonic Advance 3'' to be the best of the trilogy.
When selecting certain combinations of characters it will usually display OK. However, selecting certain teams will actually display a Team name and this team will have exclusive abilities which can't be obtained by any other character team-ups. The Team names are below:
 
* ''Unbreakable Bond'': Sonic & Tails
 
* ''Fighting Buddies'': Sonic & Knuckles
 
* ''Lovely Couple'': Sonic & Amy
 
* ''Team Jubilee'': Amy and Cream
 
  
===Tag action===
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===Teams===
By holding the {{R}} button, the partner will jump into the leader's hands. Upon releasing the {{R}} button, the partner will perform a ''tag action''. This action is different for each character, and sometimes whether you are on the ground or not. ''Tag actions'', along with other partner abilities, are enumerated below.
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Each team has a specific "type", which more or less determines which type of gameplay the team is best at. Note that the types only provide general abilities; each team has their own strengths and weaknesses. There are 3 types:
  
===Abilities with Sonic as a Partner===
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{| style="width:auto;"
''A free spirited hedgehog that hates evil. He can be short tempered at times, but never turns his back on those in need of help.''
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|style="text-align:center;"|{{spriteImage|SonicAdvance3 GBA Sprites TeamTypes.png|crop_width=23|crop_height=23|crop_x=0}}
 +
|'''[[Speed Type]] (スピードタイプ){{fileref|SonicAdvance3 WiiUVC manual.pdf|page=16}}:''' Any team that contains Sonic. These are generally very fast on the ground and can use [[Boost Mode]].
 +
|-
 +
|style="text-align:center;"|{{spriteImage|SonicAdvance3 GBA Sprites TeamTypes.png|crop_width=23|crop_height=23|crop_x=23}}
 +
|'''[[Power Type]] (パワータイプ){{fileref|SonicAdvance3 WiiUVC manual.pdf|page=16}}:''' Any team that contains Knuckles but not Sonic. These are good at attacking foes, and breaking barriers to access areas other teams cannot.
 +
|-
 +
|style="text-align:center;"|{{spriteImage|SonicAdvance3 GBA Sprites TeamTypes.png|crop_width=23|crop_height=23|crop_x=46}}
 +
|'''[[Fly Type]] (フライタイプ){{fileref|SonicAdvance3 WiiUVC manual.pdf|page=16}}:''' Any team with Tails or Cream but not Sonic or Knuckles. These are good at accessing higher places in the level.
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
When selecting character combinations, the game will usually display "OK". However, selecting certain teams will actually display a team name, and this team will have exclusive abilities or other quirks which can't be obtained by any other character team-ups. The team names are below:
 +
{| class="prettytable" style="width:auto;"
 +
|-
 +
|{{Bobscreen|SonicAdvance3 GBA TeamName UnbreakableBond.png}}
 +
|{{Bobscreen|SonicAdvance3 GBA TeamName FightingBuddies.png}}
 +
|{{Bobscreen|SonicAdvance3 GBA TeamName LovelyCouple.png}}
 +
|{{Bobscreen|SonicAdvance3 GBA TeamName TeamJubilee.png}}
 +
|-
 +
! width="220" style="text-align:center;"|'''Unbreakable Bond'''<br>Sonic & Tails
 +
! width="220" style="text-align:center;"|'''Fighting Buddies'''<br>Sonic & Knuckles
 +
! width="220" style="text-align:center;"|'''Lovely Couple'''<br>Sonic & Amy
 +
! width="220" style="text-align:center;"|'''Team Jubilee'''<br>Amy & Cream
 +
|-
 +
|Sonic and Tails are able to perform [[Trick Action]]s when launching off a [[spring]] or other gimmick.
 +
|Though designated as a Speed Type team by the game, this team has the benefits and drawbacks of a Power Type team.
 +
|If Amy is a computer-controlled partner, she will use special idle, walking and running animations exclusive to this team.
 +
|Amy and Cream are able to perform Trick Actions when launching off a spring or other gimmick.
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
===Tag Action===
 +
By holding the {{R}} button, the partner will jump into the leader's hands. Upon releasing the {{R}} button, the partner will perform a [[Tag Action]]. This action is different for each character, and sometimes whether the player is on the ground or not. In a co-op game, both players are capable of using Tag Actions. Tag Actions, along with other partner abilities, are enumerated below.
 +
 
 +
===Characters===
 +
====[[Sonic the Hedgehog]]====
 +
{{Quote|A free spirited hedgehog that hates evil. He can be short tempered at times, but never turns his back on those in need of help.|''Sonic Advance 3'' US manual|ref={{fileref|SonicAdvance3 GBA US manual.pdf|page=10}}}}
  
 
Due to his speed, any team that contains Sonic is designated as a ''Speed'' team, and is generally good at getting around quickly.
 
Due to his speed, any team that contains Sonic is designated as a ''Speed'' team, and is generally good at getting around quickly.
{| class="prettytable"
+
{| class="prettytable" style="width:auto;"
 
!
 
!
 
!Tails
 
!Tails
Line 106: Line 166:
 
|}
 
|}
  
''Tag action'': Sonic will propel you forward at great speed, instantly entering ''Boost Mode''. Works the same mid-air as on the ground.
+
'''Tag Action:''' Sonic will propel the player forward at great speed, instantly entering ''Boost Mode''. Works the same mid-air as on the ground.
  
===Abilities with Tails as a Partner===
+
====[[Miles "Tails" Prower]]====
''A friendly kid fox with two tails, who thinks of Sonic as a favorite big brother. He loves tinkering with machinery.''
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{{Quote|A friendly kid fox with two tails, who thinks of Sonic as a favorite big brother. He loves tinkering with machinery.|''Sonic Advance 3'' US manual|ref={{fileref|SonicAdvance3 GBA US manual.pdf|page=12}}}}
  
 
Any team with Tails has the ability to access high places in one way or another. If the team contains Tails, but not Sonic or Knuckles, it is designated as a ''Flying'' team.  
 
Any team with Tails has the ability to access high places in one way or another. If the team contains Tails, but not Sonic or Knuckles, it is designated as a ''Flying'' team.  
{| class="prettytable"
+
{| class="prettytable" style="width:auto;"
 
!
 
!
 
!Sonic
 
!Sonic
Line 156: Line 216:
 
|}
 
|}
  
''Tag action'': While on the ground, Tails will propel you high into the air, slightly angled in the direction you are facing. While in the air, Tails will fly the leader around for a short time. Remember to press the '''{{A}}''' button to stay in the air!
+
'''Tag Action:''' While on the ground, Tails will propel the player high into the air, slightly angled in the direction they are facing. While in the air, Tails will fly the leader around for a short time. Remember to press the '''{{A}}''' button to stay in the air!
  
===Abilities with Knuckles as a Partner===
+
====[[Knuckles the Echidna]]====
''A powerful Echidna with spiky fists, and Sonic's best friend and rival. He's sincere in nature, but a little gullible and easily misled.''
+
{{Quote|A powerful Echidna with spiky fists, and Sonic's best friend and rival. He's sincere in nature, but a little gullible and easily misled.|''Sonic Advance 3'' US manual|ref={{fileref|SonicAdvance3 GBA US manual.pdf|page=14}}}}
  
Due to his strength, any team that contains Knuckles is designated as a ''Power'' team, which the exception of ''Sonic & Knuckles'' and ''Knuckles & Sonic''.
+
Due to his strength, any team that contains Knuckles is designated as a ''Power'' team, with the exception of ''Sonic & Knuckles'' and ''Knuckles & Sonic''.
{| class="prettytable"
+
{| class="prettytable" style="width:auto;"
 
!
 
!
 
!Sonic
 
!Sonic
Line 206: Line 266:
 
|}
 
|}
  
''Tag action'': On the ground, the leader will throw Knuckles forward in a Power attack; this can break some walls and will destroy badniks. In the air, Knuckles will begin to [[Power Glide‎|glide]], carrying you on his back. Be warned, if Knuckles hits a wall, he will latch on, but you will fall!
+
'''Tag Action:''' On the ground, the leader will throw Knuckles forward in a Power attack; this can break some walls and will destroy Badniks. In the air, Knuckles will begin to [[Power Glide‎|glide]], carrying the other character on his back. If Knuckles hits a wall, he will latch on, but the other character will fall.
  
===Abilities with Cream as a Partner===
+
====[[Cream the Rabbit]]====
''Cream is a polite little rabbit that takes her tiny Chao "Cheese" wherever she goes. She means well, but can act a little childish at times.''
+
{{Quote|Cream is a polite little rabbit that takes her tiny Chao "[[Cheese]]" wherever she goes. She means well, but can act a little childish at times.|''Sonic Advance 3'' US manual|ref={{fileref|SonicAdvance3 GBA US manual.pdf|page=16}}}}
  
 
Any team with Cream has the ability to access high places in one way or another. If the team contains Cream, but not Sonic or Knuckles, it is designated as a ''Flying'' team.  
 
Any team with Cream has the ability to access high places in one way or another. If the team contains Cream, but not Sonic or Knuckles, it is designated as a ''Flying'' team.  
{| class="prettytable"
+
{| class="prettytable" style="width:auto;"
 
!
 
!
 
!Sonic
 
!Sonic
Line 256: Line 316:
 
|}
 
|}
  
''Tag action'': Cheese will change to resemble the leader, enabling the leader to use Cream's Chao Attack. While in the air, it will do the same, but will also give your jump height a slight boost.
+
'''Tag Action:''' Cheese will change to resemble the leader, enabling the leader to use Cream's Chao Attack. While in the air, it will do the same, but will also give the player's jump height a slight boost.
  
===Abilities with Amy as a Partner===
+
====[[Amy Rose]]====
''Sonic's self professed girlfriend that he can't seem to escape from. She never leaves home without her trademark Pikopiko Hammer.''
+
{{Quote|Sonic's self professed girlfriend that he can't seem to escape from. She never leaves home without her trademark [[Piko Piko Hammer|Pikopiko Hammer]].|''Sonic Advance 3'' US manual|ref={{fileref|SonicAdvance3 GBA US manual.pdf|page=18}}}}
  
 
Amy has no outstanding characteristics, aside from her hammer, and has no bearing on what type designation a team is given.
 
Amy has no outstanding characteristics, aside from her hammer, and has no bearing on what type designation a team is given.
{| class="prettytable"
+
{| class="prettytable" style="width:auto;"
 
!
 
!
 
!Sonic
 
!Sonic
Line 306: Line 366:
 
|}
 
|}
  
''Tag action'': On the ground, Amy will use her hammer to propel you into the air. This is similar to Tails' tag action, only you are not given horizontal velocity at the start. While in the air, Amy will also use the hammer, however the vertical distance is not as strong as on the ground; however, your character is made to spin, so this move has its uses.
+
'''Tag Action:''' On the ground, Amy will use her hammer to propel the player into the air. This is similar to Tails' tag action, only the player is not given horizontal velocity at the start. While in the air, Amy will also use the hammer, however the vertical distance is not as strong as on the ground; however, the player's character is made to spin, so this move has its uses.
  
===Abilities with Eggman as a Partner===
+
====[[Super Sonic]] & [[Dr. Eggman]]====
Sonic and Dr. Eggman are forced to team up in the Extra Zone, [[Nonagression]], when Gemerl steals the power of the Chaos Emeralds. Any partner that Sonic uses to access the zone is automatically replaced by Eggman. Eggman does not affect the team type, which remains as Speed.
+
Sonic and Dr. Eggman are forced to team up in the Extra Zone, [[Nonaggression]], when G-merl steals the power of the Chaos Emeralds. Any partner that Sonic uses to access the zone is automatically replaced by Eggman. Eggman does not affect the team type, which remains as Speed.
  
{| class="prettytable"
+
{| class="prettytable" style="width:auto;"
 
!
 
!
 
!Sonic
 
!Sonic
Line 334: Line 394:
 
|}
 
|}
  
''Tag action'': Sonic charges Eggman into a massive fireball that can be used to attack Gemerl. The longer the {{R}} button is held, the more powerful the attack. This does not damage Gemerl, but must be done to make him vulnerable.
+
'''Tag Action:''' Sonic charges Eggman into a massive fireball that can be used to attack G-merl. The longer the {{R}} button is held, the more powerful the attack. This does not damage G-merl, but must be done to make him vulnerable.
 +
 
 +
===Multiplayer===
 +
Like its two predecessors, ''Sonic Advance 3'' offers multiple game modes for up to four players using Game Link Cables.
 +
====Main Game====
 +
Two players can play the main game together co-operatively, with both players requiring their own copy of ''Sonic Advance 3'' to play. Gameplay is the same as in single player, except both players play an active role, and both of them can use Tag Actions freely. Using a Tag Action can bring a player to the other no matter how far apart they are, so players can do this if they need to bring their partner to a particular section. Both players share the same pool of [[Ring]]s and can lose them if either player gets hit. If either player dies, both players will lose a life and must restart the current Act.
 +
 
 +
In co-op play, all progress is loaded from and saved to player 1's copy.
 +
 
 +
====Multi-Pak Battle====
 +
Up to four players can play in a competitive team race against each other, with each player requiring their own copy of ''Sonic Advance 3'' to play. All players will be broken up into two teams, with players 1 and 3 teamed up against players 2 and 4; however, if there are not enough players, the remaining characters are chosen by the corresponding teammate and controlled by the computer.
 +
 
 +
Both teams must race each other in any regular Act from the main game, with only Zones cleared by at least one connected player being available. [[Item Box]]es will rotate in contents in this mode, offering items that can help teams or hinder their opponents. However, in this game, Item Boxes can turn red and display greyed-out upside-down icons, which will achieve the opposite effect when broken. The first team to reach the goal at the end is declared the winner; if 10 minutes pass before either team reaches the end, the race is declared a draw.
  
===Palette Options===
+
====Single Pak Battle====
At the main title screen, press {{R}}. In the upper right corner, the game will display the palette setting you're currently using. Press {{R}} again to change the palette. There are three different settings: "Game Boy Advance", "Game Boy Advance SP", and "Game Boy Player". The settings optimize the vividness of the colour for the system that you are using.
+
[[File:SonicAdvance3 GBA Battle SinglePak.png|thumb|right|Gameplay of the Single Pak Battle mode.]]
 +
Another competitive game mode for up to four players is available to play, with only one copy of ''Sonic Advance 3'' required for the host player. In this mode, there are no teams, and each player roams around a single confined stage. Unlike previous games where the objective was to collect the most Rings, ''Sonic Advance 3''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s Single Pak mode has the player search for a Chao in a Steal the Bacon-style mini-game.
  
==Manuals==
+
When a player finds the Chao, they must run away from the other players to avoid having the Chao stolen, as their icon will flash on all players' screens. Attacking a player who has the Chao with a [[Spin Attack]] or [[Spin Dash]] will steal it. Item Boxes that appear in this mode will make players invisible to others, or scramble the players' screens with a mosaic effect for a short while. After three minutes have elapsed, the player with the Chao is declared the winner.
{{main|Sonic Advance 3 manuals}}
+
 
<gallery>
+
Like in previous games, each player is designated a character in this mode. Player 1 is Sonic, player 2 is Tails, player 3 is Knuckles, and player 4 is Amy. Character-specific abilities are not available, with only a basic skill set (Spin Jump, Spin Dash and Grinding) available for every character.
SonicAdvance3 GBA US manual.pdf|Game Boy Advance, US
 
SonicAdvance3 GBA UK manual.pdf|Game Boy Advance, UK
 
</gallery>
 
  
==Sound Test==
+
==Sound test==
 +
Unlike many other ''Sonic'' games, ''Sonic Advance 3'' hides its sound test until [[Altar Emerald]] is completed.
 
{| class="prettytable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" width="50%"
 
{| class="prettytable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
Line 547: Line 618:
 
| 49
 
| 49
 
| Ex Demo 1
 
| Ex Demo 1
| Extra Zone Demo 1 (Gemerl transforms)
+
| Extra Zone Demo 1 (G-merl transforms)
 
|-
 
|-
 
| 50
 
| 50
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| [[Deem Bristow]]
 
| [[Deem Bristow]]
 
| [[Chikao Otsuka]]
 
| [[Chikao Otsuka]]
 +
|-
 +
| Announcer
 +
| [[Jon St. John]]
 +
| Jon St. John
 
|}
 
|}
  
The game features only one voice track in the cartridge and according to the regional version, due to size constraints. The Western versions have the English voice language whereas the Japanese version has the Japanese one, while the text language is entirely multi-lingual and manually selectionable in all regional versions.
+
Due to size constraints, the game features only one voice track on the cartridge, depending on the region. Western versions have English-language voices while the Japanese version contains Japanese-language voices of the main cast. The in-game text is entirely multi-lingual and is manually selectionable in all versions.
 +
 
 +
==History==
 +
===Development===
 +
{{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/Development}}
  
==Production Credits==
+
==Production credits==
 
{{multicol|
 
{{multicol|
 +
{{creditstable|
 
===Created by [[Sonic Team]]™===
 
===Created by [[Sonic Team]]™===
Producer: [[Yuji Naka]]<br/>
+
* '''Producer:''' [[Yuji Naka]]
Director: [[Akinori Nishiyama]]<br/>
+
* '''Director:''' [[Akinori Nishiyama]]
Art Director: [[Yuji Uekawa]]<br/>
+
* '''Art Director:''' [[Yuji Uekawa]]
Assistant Director: [[Ai Mashima]]<br/>
+
* '''Assistant Director:''' [[Ai Mashima]]
 
+
===In cooperation with [[Dimps]]®===
===In cooperation with Dimps®===
+
* '''Producer:''' Kouichi Sakita
Producer: Kouichi Sakita<br/>
+
* '''Line Producer:''' Yukihiro Higashi
Line Producer: Yukihiro Higashi<br/>
+
* '''Planners:''' Yukihiro Higashi, Masaaki Yamagiwa
Planners: Yukihiro Higashi, Masaaki Yamagiwa<br/>
+
{{creditsheader|Programming}}
Programmers: Tatsuaki Nakashima, Hiroki Yoshitake, Kuninori Douno<br/>
+
* '''Programmers:''' Tatsuaki Nakashima, Hiroki Yoshitake, Kuninori Douno
Designers: Kazuhiko Yamamoto, Yuko Yamanoue, Etsuko Hosokawa, Tohru Nakanishi, Tomohiro Ozawa<br/>
+
* '''Designers:''' Kazuhiko Yamamoto, Yuko Yamanoue, Etsuko Hosokawa, Tohru Nakanishi, Tomohiro Ozawa
Sound: Hironobu Inagaki, Atsuyoshi Isemura<br/>
+
{{creditsheader|Sound}}
Special Thanks: Katsuya Kuramoto, Kenji Ayukawa, Syuhei Kimura, Isamu Kubota<br/>
+
* '''Sound:''' Hironobu Inagaki, Atsuyoshi Isemura
 
+
* '''Special Thanks:''' Katsuya Kuramoto, Kenji Ayukawa, Syuhei Kimura, Isamu Kubota
Sound Created by: [[Wave Master]]<br>
+
{{creditsheader|Sound Created by [[Wave Master]]™}}
Sound Creators: [[Tatsuyuki Maeda]], [[Kenichi Tokoi]], [[Hideaki Kobayashi]], [[Masaru Setsumaru]], [[Fumie Kumatani]], [[Tomoya Ohtani]]<br>
+
* '''Sound Creators:''' [[Tatsuyuki Maeda]], [[Kenichi Tokoi]], [[Hideaki Kobayashi]], [[Masaru Setsumaru]], [[Fumie Kumatani]], [[Tomoya Ohtani]]
 
 
 
===SEGA Corporation===
 
===SEGA Corporation===
Marketing & Production: Mitsuru Takahashi, Naoko Ooka, Hideki Yokaichiya, Mariko Takeda<br/>
+
* '''Marketing & Production:''' Mitsuru Takahashi, Naoko Ooka, Hideki Yokaichiya, Mariko Takeda
Publicity: Yasushi Nagumo, Youko Nagasawa<br/>
+
* '''Publicity:''' Yasushi Nagumo, Youko Nagasawa
International Business & Product Development: Tatsuyuki Miyazaki, Yusuke Suai, Shiko Sakai<br/>
+
* '''International Business & Product Development:''' Tatsuyuki Miyazaki, Yusuke Suai, Shikou Sakai
Development Division: [[Toshihiro Nagoshi]], Toshiro Nakayama, Yusuke Asano, Akiko Kuroda<br/>
+
* '''Development Division:''' [[Toshihiro Nagoshi]], Toshiro Nakayama, Yusuke Asano, Akiko Kuroda
Marketing Research: Tsuyoshi Sawada, Noriko Hashimoto<br/>
+
* '''Marketing Research:''' Tsuyoshi Sawada, Noriko Hashimoto
Manual Production: Yoshihiro Sakuta, Hisakazu Nakagawa, [[Youichi Takahashi]], Hiroki Osawa, Satoru Ishigami, Colin Restall<br/>
+
* '''Manual Production:''' Yoshihiro Sakuta, Hisakazu Nakagawa, [[Youichi Takahashi]], Hiroki Osawa, Satoru Ishigami, Colin Restall
Customer Relations: Yutaka Shoji, Masahiro Ozeki, Nobuyuki Inoue, Mariko Okada<br/>
+
* '''Customer Relations:''' Yutaka Shoji, Masahiro Ozeki, Nobuyuki Inoue, Mariko Okada
Product Test: Junichi Shimizu, Akira Nishikawa, Akinobu Koechi, Akira Terasawa, Satoshi Yamagata
+
* '''Product Test:''' Jun-ichi Shimizu, Akira Nishikawa, Akinobu Koechi, Akira Terasawa, Satoshi Yamagata
 
+
{{creditsheader|Sega of America}}
===Sega of America, Inc.===
+
* '''Executive Management:''' Hideaki Irie
Executive Management: Hideaki Irie<br/>
+
* '''Localization Producers:''' Yosuke Moriya, Klayton Vorlick
Localization Producers: Yosuke Moriya, Klayton Vorlick<br/>
+
* '''Director of PD:''' Osamu Shibamiya
Director of PD: Osamu Shibayama
+
{{creditsheader|Sega of Europe}}
 
+
* '''Sega Europe COO:''' Naoya Tsurumi
===Sega Europe, Ltd.===
+
* '''Director of PD:''' [[Jin Shimazaki]]
COO: Naoya Tsurumi<br/>
+
* '''Localization Producer:''' Kuniyo Matsumoto
Director of PD: [[Jin Shimazaki]]<br/>
+
* '''European Product Manager:''' Mathew Quaeck
Localization Producer: Kuniyo Matsumoto<br/>
+
* '''SOE Test Dept:''' Darius Sadeghian, David Smith, Roy Boateng
European Product Manager: Mathew Quaeck<br/>
+
* '''Special Thanks:''' James Nicholas, Ricky Ip
Test Dept.: Darius Sadeghian, David Smith, Roy Boateng<br/>
+
{{creditsheader|Voice Acting}}
Special Thanks: James Nicholas, Ricky Ip<br/>
+
* '''Voices (Japanese):''' [[Junichi Kanemaru|Jun-ichi Kanemaru]], [[Ryo Hirohashi]], [[Nobutoshi Kanna]], [[Taeko Kawata]], [[Sayaka Aoki]], [[Jon St. John]], [[Chikao Otsuka]]
Voices: [[Ryan Drummond]], [[William Corkery]], [[Scott Dreier]], [[Jennifer Douillard|Jenny Douillard]], [[Sarah Wulfeck]], [[Jon St. John]], [[Deem Bristow]]<br/>
+
* '''Voice Recording Producer:''' [[Hiroyuki Inage]] (TOHOKUSHINSHA)
Voice Recording Director: [[Lani Minella]]<br/>
+
* '''Voice Recording Director:''' [[Eriko Kimura]] (TOHOKUSHINSHA)
Recording Coordinator: [[Keith Palmer]]<br/>
+
* '''Recording:''' STUDIO UNI
Executive Management: [[Hideki Okamura]], [[Masanao Maeda]]<br/>
+
* '''Voices (English):''' [[Ryan Drummond]], [[William Corkery]], [[Scott Dreier]], [[Jennifer Douillard|Jenny Douillard]], [[Sarah Wulfeck]], [[Jon St. John]], [[Deem Bristow]]
Executive Producer: [[Hisao Oguchi]]<br/>
+
* '''Voice Recording Director:''' [[Lani Minella]]
 +
* '''Recording Coordinator:''' [[Keith Palmer]]
 +
* '''Executive Management:''' [[Hideki Okamura]], [[Masanao Maeda]]
 +
* '''Executive Producer:''' [[Hisao Oguchi]]
 +
|source=In-game credits
 +
}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
==Promotional Material==
+
==Manuals==
 +
{{main|{{PAGENAME}}/Manuals}}
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
SonicAdvance3 GBA JP TVAdvert.mp4|JP TV advert
+
SonicAdvance3 GBA US manual.pdf|Game Boy Advance, US
 +
SonicAdvance3 GBA UK manual.pdf|Game Boy Advance, UK
 +
SonicAdvance3 WiiUVC manual.pdf|Wii U Virtual Console, JP
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
 +
 +
==Promotional material==
 +
{{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/Promotional material}}
  
 
==Artwork==
 
==Artwork==
Line 788: Line 878:
 
Image:Advance3 knuckles.png
 
Image:Advance3 knuckles.png
 
Image:Advance3 amy.png
 
Image:Advance3 amy.png
 +
Image:Cream_04_cheese.png
 
Image:Advance3 cream.png
 
Image:Advance3 cream.png
File:Cheese cream 03.png
 
 
File:Cheese cream 04.png
 
File:Cheese cream 04.png
 
Image:Advance3 gmel.png
 
Image:Advance3 gmel.png
Image:Vanilla.png
 
 
Image:Sonic-amy.png
 
Image:Sonic-amy.png
 
Image:Sonic-tails-hres.png
 
Image:Sonic-tails-hres.png
 +
Image:Sonic-advance-3-with-knuckles.png
 +
Image:Sonic Jump.png
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
Line 805: Line 896:
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
==Physical Scans==
+
==Physical scans==
 
{{Scanbox
 
{{Scanbox
 
| console=Game Boy Advance
 
| console=Game Boy Advance
Line 832: Line 923:
 
{{Scanbox
 
{{Scanbox
 
| console=Game Boy Advance
 
| console=Game Boy Advance
| region=FR
+
| region=FR/NL
| front=
+
| front=SonicAdvance3 GBA FR-NL Box Front.jpg
 +
| back=SonicAdvance3 GBA FR-NL Box Back.jpg
 +
| spinemissing=yes
 
| square=yes
 
| square=yes
 
}}
 
}}
Line 839: Line 932:
 
| console=Game Boy Advance
 
| console=Game Boy Advance
 
| region=DE
 
| region=DE
| front=
+
| front=SonicAdvance3 GBA DE Box Front.jpg
 +
| back=SonicAdvance3 GBA DE Box Back.jpg
 +
| spinemissing=yes
 
| square=yes
 
| square=yes
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{Scanbox
 
{{Scanbox
 
| console=Game Boy Advance
 
| console=Game Boy Advance
| region=ES
+
| region=ES/IT
 
| front=
 
| front=
 +
| back=SA3 GBA ES-IT back.jpg
 
| square=yes
 
| square=yes
 
}}
 
}}
Line 870: Line 966:
 
| manual=
 
| manual=
 
}}
 
}}
 +
 +
==Technical information==
 +
{{main|Sonic Advance 3/Technical information}}
 +
===ROM dump status===
 +
{{romtable|
 +
{{rom|GBA|sha1=30db467effa5014806d42db57e2299398a51355b|md5=e0533faf6aa36e3111669574f1c5df92|crc32=49dda5e6|size=16MB|date=2004-04-14|source=Cartridge (US)|comments=|quality=good}}
 +
{{rom|GBA|sha1=685af3a2dc0f1b3f8922e73ec42c1dc92e210e39|md5=e6b78109c11d82f621db846da70bc30a|crc32=5bf83456|size=16MB|date=2004-04-18|source=Cartridge (EU)|comments=|quality=good}}
 +
{{rom|GBA|sha1=bf8a4a7db9b5f45dd4ffebce67585d6556055ed4|md5=a2bd14f0b57836fe7288e03a6fc154fa|crc32=4375f1d6|size=16MB|date=2004-04-18|source=Cartridge (JP)|comments=|quality=good}}
 +
{{rom|GBA|sha1=42a3d30cb1a0559bc6fe82141dbdb45eaeda3d83|md5=0fc4610a0ece925b2b17fcf7321883f1|crc32=143df94d|size=16MB|date=2004-03-01|source=Cartridge (EU)|comments=[[Sonic Advance 3 (prototype)|Prototype]]|quality=|prototype=yes|file=Sonic Advance 3 (Beta).7z}}
 +
}}
 +
 +
==External links==
 +
* [http://sonic.sega.jp/advance3/ Official website on Sega.jp]
 +
* Nintendo catalogue pages: Game Boy Advance: [https://web.archive.org/web/20081225124453/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/n08/software/b3sj/index.html JP], [https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Games/Game-Boy-Advance/Sonic-Advance-3-267299.html UK]; Wii U: [https://www.nintendo.co.jp/titles/20010000017088 JP]
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
<references />
+
<references/>
  
 
{{SAdv3Omni}}
 
{{SAdv3Omni}}

Revision as of 13:15, 19 April 2020

n/a

SonicAdvance3 title.png
Sonic Advance 3
System(s): Game Boy Advance
Publisher: Sega (JP), THQ (International)
Developer:
Peripherals supported: Game Link Cable
Genre: Action
Number of players: 1-4
Release Date RRP Code Rating
Game Boy Advance
US
2004-06-07 $29.99[1] AGB-P-B3SE
AGB-B3SE-USA
ESRB: Everyone
Game Boy Advance
UK
2004-06-18[2] £29.99[2] AGB-P-B3SP
AGB-B3SP-UKV
PEGI: 3+
Game Boy Advance
EU
(FR/NL)
2004-06-25[3] €? AGB-P-B3SP
AGB-B3SP-FAH
PEGI: 3+
Game Boy Advance
DE
2004-06-18[4] €? AGB-P-B3SP
AGB-B3SP-NOE
USK: 0
Game Boy Advance
EU
(ES/IT)
2004-06-18 €? AGB-P-B3SP
PEGI: 3+
Game Boy Advance
JP
2004-06-17[5] ¥4,800 (5,040)[5] AGB-P-B3SJ
AGB-B3SJ-JPN
CERO: Free
Game Boy Advance
AU
2004 $? AGB-P-B3SP
AGB-B3SP-AUS
OFLC: G8
Wii U Virtual Console
JP
2016-05-25[6] ¥650 (702)[6] WUP-N-PC8J
CERO: A

Sonic Advance 3 (ソニック アドバンス3) is the third game in the Sonic Advance series released for the Game Boy Advance. Unlike the first two games in the series, Sonic Advance 3 features the ability to play two characters in a partner setting. The Tiny Chao Garden mode from the previous Sonic Advance games has been removed and the Chao Playground has been put in its place.

The game focuses on Dr. Eggman's newest creation, G-merl, as he co-pilots all of Eggman's vehicles and is an extra final boss if the player collects all the Chaos Emeralds in the game. G-merl's design and name are a direct reference to the robot Emerl whom was a playable character in Sonic Battle.

This is the very last game to use the original English Sonic voice actors before they were changed to the 4Kids English (Sonic X) cast. It also contains the last voice acting work done by Deem Bristow before he passed away.

Story

Dr. Eggman about to shatter the planet, as shown in the opening sequence.

Sometime before the events of the game, Dr. Eggman builds a robotic assistant based upon Emerl's data named G-merl. G-merl's designed to be a loyal, obedient copy of Emerl. As such, he can learn new attacks, and can meld himself seamlessly with any mechanical device.

Eggman tears the Earth apart when an experiment using Chaos Control goes awry; Sonic is separated from Knuckles, Amy and Cream, and is stranded with Tails. The two begin to search for their friends and the source of the trouble (which is the separation of the Chaos Emeralds). But like always, Eggman is making everything from strange contraptions to doomsday devices, and is trying to vanquish Sonic once and for all.

Normal Ending (without all Chaos Emeralds): After defeating the final boss, Eggman and G-merl are defeated and try to escape, with Eggman swearing revenge. The heroes chase him to the edge of the temple, putting Eggman in a deadly situation. G-merl, stays to glare at the heroes as if to intimidate them, then jumps off the edge to follow his master. Through the power of the Master Emerald, peace is finally restored to the world. Then the game ends with all the playable characters getting their photo taken by Omochao.

The end credits also leave a message to players to collect any remaining Chaos Emeralds.

True Ending (with all 7 Chaos Emeralds): After defeating the final boss, Eggman and G-merl are defeated and try to escape, with Eggman swearing revenge. However, G-merl stops running & attacks Sonic, causing the Chaos Emeralds Sonic has to scatter. Upon seeing the 7 Chaos Emeralds, the bad code that caused Emerl to malfunction activates, and G-merl uses the Chaos Emeralds to transform into a rogue, orb-shaped robot. G-merl then grabs Dr. Eggman and throws him at Sonic before escaping into outer space. Using the power of the Emeralds as well, Sonic becomes Super Sonic and, with the help of Dr. Eggman, Super Sonic destroys the improved G-merl. Eventually, Tails finds G-merl's broken body on a beach and repairs the robot. The game ends with the new G-merl playing with Cream the Rabbit at her mother Vanilla's house.

Gameplay

Sonic Advance 3 has two characters active at a time, using Tag Actions for extra offensive and movement capabilities.

The gameplay of this game is like a combination of the platforming from the original Sonic Advance and the speed-oriented gameplay of Sonic Advance 2. The game also incorporates elements from Chaotix, with its two-character team-ups and Ring-dropping Badniks, though the actual Ring bands are gone. The two-character team up is similar to previous side-scrolling Sonic games as the second player actually follows the other character. This second player is controlled by the computer in single player, or player 2 in multiplayer mode. Partners can also be picked up by holding R and then released. This is another element first seen in Chaotix. Mechanics from Sonic Advance 2, such as Boost Mode and Trick Actions, are also present, but can only be used with certain team combinations, and the game relying less on the mechanics to compensate.

Unlike the previous Sonic Advance titles, Zones are broken up into three standard Acts and a shorter fourth Act that contains the Zone's boss. In the main game, all of these Acts are accessed through hub levels known as Zone Maps; small mini-levels that have the player explore and experiment with different team-ups. Act Rings will lead to each of a Zone's Acts, and the Boss Capsule will lead to the Zone's boss when all standard Acts have been completed. Blue capsules found in the Zone Maps will transport the player to bonus mini-games to earn extra lives. A large Ring, known as the Factory Ring, will transport the player to the Sonic Factory to change characters or to access previous Zones.

Accessing the Special Stages requires the player to search for Hiding Chao in each of the seven Zones. Each Zone has 10 Chao to find, and all of them are spread out between each Act and the Zone Map; though the number of Chao in an Act can vary, there are usually three Chao in an Act and one in the Zone Map. When all Chao in a Zone have been found, the player can find the Special Key in various locations in any Act. Completing an Act with a Special Key will allow the player to unlock the Special Spring in the corresponding Zone Map, allowing for one attempt at the Special Stage per key. The Chao Playground, accessible via the Sonic Factory, serves to help the player view the Chaos Emeralds and Chao they have collected.

Like Sonic Advance 2, to play as the full cast of characters, Sonic (as the lead player) needs to complete certain levels. Knuckles is unlocked after beating Sunset Hill Act 3, Amy after Toy Kingdom Act 3, and Cream after Cyber Track Act 3. Due to the game's need for a partner, Tails is available from the beginning.

At the end of every Act and boss, the player is awarded a medal based on their clear time. From worst to best, the medals go from bronze to silver to gold. Collecting every gold medal (save for the one in Nonaggression) unlocks a boss time attack.

The level design is a very controversial aspect of the game among fans, with some citing Sonic Advance 3 as one of the worst 2D Sonic games ever released due to poor level design. Common problems fans find with the level design include unfair enemy and spike placement that can easily blindside the player, and moving blocks that can very easily crush the player due to oddities in the game's collision with moving platforms compared to other games. The Zone Maps are also criticised for being confusing as well as unnecessary. Some fans, however, enjoy using the team mechanics to exploit the levels and consider Sonic Advance 3 to be the best of the trilogy.

Teams

Each team has a specific "type", which more or less determines which type of gameplay the team is best at. Note that the types only provide general abilities; each team has their own strengths and weaknesses. There are 3 types:

SonicAdvance3 GBA Sprites TeamTypes.png
Speed Type (スピードタイプ)Media:SonicAdvance3 WiiUVC manual.pdf[7]: Any team that contains Sonic. These are generally very fast on the ground and can use Boost Mode.
SonicAdvance3 GBA Sprites TeamTypes.png
Power Type (パワータイプ)Media:SonicAdvance3 WiiUVC manual.pdf[7]: Any team that contains Knuckles but not Sonic. These are good at attacking foes, and breaking barriers to access areas other teams cannot.
SonicAdvance3 GBA Sprites TeamTypes.png
Fly Type (フライタイプ)Media:SonicAdvance3 WiiUVC manual.pdf[7]: Any team with Tails or Cream but not Sonic or Knuckles. These are good at accessing higher places in the level.

When selecting character combinations, the game will usually display "OK". However, selecting certain teams will actually display a team name, and this team will have exclusive abilities or other quirks which can't be obtained by any other character team-ups. The team names are below:

SonicAdvance3 GBA TeamName UnbreakableBond.png
SonicAdvance3 GBA TeamName FightingBuddies.png
SonicAdvance3 GBA TeamName LovelyCouple.png
SonicAdvance3 GBA TeamName TeamJubilee.png
Unbreakable Bond
Sonic & Tails
Fighting Buddies
Sonic & Knuckles
Lovely Couple
Sonic & Amy
Team Jubilee
Amy & Cream
Sonic and Tails are able to perform Trick Actions when launching off a spring or other gimmick. Though designated as a Speed Type team by the game, this team has the benefits and drawbacks of a Power Type team. If Amy is a computer-controlled partner, she will use special idle, walking and running animations exclusive to this team. Amy and Cream are able to perform Trick Actions when launching off a spring or other gimmick.

Tag Action

By holding the R button, the partner will jump into the leader's hands. Upon releasing the R button, the partner will perform a Tag Action. This action is different for each character, and sometimes whether the player is on the ground or not. In a co-op game, both players are capable of using Tag Actions. Tag Actions, along with other partner abilities, are enumerated below.

Characters

Sonic the Hedgehog

A free spirited hedgehog that hates evil. He can be short tempered at times, but never turns his back on those in need of help.

Sonic Advance 3 US manualMedia:SonicAdvance3 GBA US manual.pdf[8]

Due to his speed, any team that contains Sonic is designated as a Speed team, and is generally good at getting around quickly.

Tails Knuckles Cream Amy
Regular
Actions
Spin (While Running)
Spin Dash
Spin (While Running)
Spin Dash
Spin (While Running)
Spin Dash
Spin (While Running)
Spin Dash
A Button Spin Jump Spin Jump Spin Jump Jump
B Button Skid Attack Fire Sliding Skid Attack Hammer Attack
Jump+A No Action No Action Jump Dash
Homing Attack
No Action
Jump+B No Action Wind Attack
Up+B Upper Spin
Down+B Bound Attack
No Action Spin Attack
Special
Actions
R Button Mid-Air Trick Action
Boost Mode (While Running)
Boost Mode (While Running) Breathe (In Water)
Boost Mode (While Running)
Boost Mode (While Running)

Tag Action: Sonic will propel the player forward at great speed, instantly entering Boost Mode. Works the same mid-air as on the ground.

Miles "Tails" Prower

A friendly kid fox with two tails, who thinks of Sonic as a favorite big brother. He loves tinkering with machinery.

Sonic Advance 3 US manualMedia:SonicAdvance3 GBA US manual.pdf[9]

Any team with Tails has the ability to access high places in one way or another. If the team contains Tails, but not Sonic or Knuckles, it is designated as a Flying team.

Sonic Knuckles Cream Amy
Regular
Actions
Spin (While Running)
Spin Dash
Spin (While Running)
Spin Dash
Spin (While Running)
Spin Dash
Spin (While Running)
Spin Dash
A Button Spin Jump Spin Jump Spin Jump Jump
B Button Tail Swipe Tornado Attack Tail Swipe Hammer Attack
Jump+A Propeller Flying Mid-Air Glide High Propeller Flying
Homing Attack
Hammer Propeller Flying
Jump+B No Action Tail Spin Attack No Action Spin Attack
Special
Actions
R Button Mid-Air Trick Action
A Button Dog Paddle (In Water)
Boost Mode (While Running)
A Button Breast Stroke (In Water) A Button Dog Paddle (In Water) A Button Dog Paddle (In Water)

Tag Action: While on the ground, Tails will propel the player high into the air, slightly angled in the direction they are facing. While in the air, Tails will fly the leader around for a short time. Remember to press the A button to stay in the air!

Knuckles the Echidna

A powerful Echidna with spiky fists, and Sonic's best friend and rival. He's sincere in nature, but a little gullible and easily misled.

Sonic Advance 3 US manualMedia:SonicAdvance3 GBA US manual.pdf[10]

Due to his strength, any team that contains Knuckles is designated as a Power team, with the exception of Sonic & Knuckles and Knuckles & Sonic.

Sonic Tails Cream Amy
Regular
Actions
Spin (While Running)
Spin Dash
Spin (While Running)
Spin Dash
Spin (While Running)
Spin Dash
Spin (While Running)
Spin Dash
A Button Spin Jump Spin Jump Spin Jump Jump
B Button Double Punch Spiral Uppercut Double Punch Hammer Attack
Jump+A Mid-Air Dash Glide Double Mid-Air Glide
Wall Climb
Mid-Air Glide
Wall Climb
Mid-Air Glide
Wall Climb
Jump+B No Action No Action No Action Spin Attack
Down+B Drill Claw
Homing Attack (while gliding)
Special
Actions
Breast Stroke(In Water)
Boost Mode (While Running)
Breast Stroke (In Water) Breast Stroke(In Water)
B Button Homing Attack (During Glide)
Right+A Button Dash Climb (Wall)
Breast Stroke (In Water)

Tag Action: On the ground, the leader will throw Knuckles forward in a Power attack; this can break some walls and will destroy Badniks. In the air, Knuckles will begin to glide, carrying the other character on his back. If Knuckles hits a wall, he will latch on, but the other character will fall.

Cream the Rabbit

Cream is a polite little rabbit that takes her tiny Chao "Cheese" wherever she goes. She means well, but can act a little childish at times.

Sonic Advance 3 US manualMedia:SonicAdvance3 GBA US manual.pdf[11]

Any team with Cream has the ability to access high places in one way or another. If the team contains Cream, but not Sonic or Knuckles, it is designated as a Flying team.

Sonic Tails Knuckles Amy
Regular
Actions
Spin (While Running)
Spin Dash
Spin (While Running)
Spin Dash
Spin (While Running)
Spin Dash
Spin (While Running)
Spin Dash
A Button Spin Jump Spin Jump Spin Jump Jump
B Button Chao Ball Attack Chao Attack Chao Spinning Attack Hammer Attack
Jump+A Flying Floating Fall Flying (Chao Spin) Flying
Jump+B Mid-Air Chao Ball Attack Mid-Air Chao Attack Mid-Air Chao
Spinng Attack
Mid-Air Chao Attack
Down+B Hip Drop
Special
Actions
Life Ring(In Water)
Boost Mode (While Running)
No Action No Action R Button Mid-Air Trick Action

Tag Action: Cheese will change to resemble the leader, enabling the leader to use Cream's Chao Attack. While in the air, it will do the same, but will also give the player's jump height a slight boost.

Amy Rose

Sonic's self professed girlfriend that he can't seem to escape from. She never leaves home without her trademark Pikopiko Hammer.

Sonic Advance 3 US manualMedia:SonicAdvance3 GBA US manual.pdf[12]

Amy has no outstanding characteristics, aside from her hammer, and has no bearing on what type designation a team is given.

Sonic Tails Knuckles Cream
Regular
Actions
Spin (While Running)
Spin Dash
Down+A Leap Down+A Amy Dash Down+A Leap
A Button Spin Jump Jump Jump Jump
B Button Hammer Attack Hammer Attack Big Hammer Attack
Down+B Hammer Jump
Hammer Attack
Jump+A Jump Dash Floating Fall No Action Floating Fall
Jump+B Mid-Air Hammer Attack
Down+B Spinning Hammer Attack
Mid-Air Hammer Jump Mid-Air Hammer Attack
Down+B Spinning Hammer Attack
Mid-Air Hammer Attack
Special
Actions
Boost Mode (While Running) B Button Head Slide (During Leap) No Action R Button Mid-Air Trick Action
B Button Head Slide (During Leap)

Tag Action: On the ground, Amy will use her hammer to propel the player into the air. This is similar to Tails' tag action, only the player is not given horizontal velocity at the start. While in the air, Amy will also use the hammer, however the vertical distance is not as strong as on the ground; however, the player's character is made to spin, so this move has its uses.

Super Sonic & Dr. Eggman

Sonic and Dr. Eggman are forced to team up in the Extra Zone, Nonaggression, when G-merl steals the power of the Chaos Emeralds. Any partner that Sonic uses to access the zone is automatically replaced by Eggman. Eggman does not affect the team type, which remains as Speed.

Sonic
Regular
Actions
Flight
A Button Charged Dash
B Button Charged Dash
Jump+A Not Available
Jump+B Not Available
Special
Actions
Not Available

Tag Action: Sonic charges Eggman into a massive fireball that can be used to attack G-merl. The longer the R button is held, the more powerful the attack. This does not damage G-merl, but must be done to make him vulnerable.

Multiplayer

Like its two predecessors, Sonic Advance 3 offers multiple game modes for up to four players using Game Link Cables.

Main Game

Two players can play the main game together co-operatively, with both players requiring their own copy of Sonic Advance 3 to play. Gameplay is the same as in single player, except both players play an active role, and both of them can use Tag Actions freely. Using a Tag Action can bring a player to the other no matter how far apart they are, so players can do this if they need to bring their partner to a particular section. Both players share the same pool of Rings and can lose them if either player gets hit. If either player dies, both players will lose a life and must restart the current Act.

In co-op play, all progress is loaded from and saved to player 1's copy.

Multi-Pak Battle

Up to four players can play in a competitive team race against each other, with each player requiring their own copy of Sonic Advance 3 to play. All players will be broken up into two teams, with players 1 and 3 teamed up against players 2 and 4; however, if there are not enough players, the remaining characters are chosen by the corresponding teammate and controlled by the computer.

Both teams must race each other in any regular Act from the main game, with only Zones cleared by at least one connected player being available. Item Boxes will rotate in contents in this mode, offering items that can help teams or hinder their opponents. However, in this game, Item Boxes can turn red and display greyed-out upside-down icons, which will achieve the opposite effect when broken. The first team to reach the goal at the end is declared the winner; if 10 minutes pass before either team reaches the end, the race is declared a draw.

Single Pak Battle

Gameplay of the Single Pak Battle mode.

Another competitive game mode for up to four players is available to play, with only one copy of Sonic Advance 3 required for the host player. In this mode, there are no teams, and each player roams around a single confined stage. Unlike previous games where the objective was to collect the most Rings, Sonic Advance 3's Single Pak mode has the player search for a Chao in a Steal the Bacon-style mini-game.

When a player finds the Chao, they must run away from the other players to avoid having the Chao stolen, as their icon will flash on all players' screens. Attacking a player who has the Chao with a Spin Attack or Spin Dash will steal it. Item Boxes that appear in this mode will make players invisible to others, or scramble the players' screens with a mosaic effect for a short while. After three minutes have elapsed, the player with the Chao is declared the winner.

Like in previous games, each player is designated a character in this mode. Player 1 is Sonic, player 2 is Tails, player 3 is Knuckles, and player 4 is Amy. Character-specific abilities are not available, with only a basic skill set (Spin Jump, Spin Dash and Grinding) available for every character.

Sound test

Unlike many other Sonic games, Sonic Advance 3 hides its sound test until Altar Emerald is completed.

# Title Usage
01 Opening Opening
02 Title Title Screen
03 Main Menu Main Menu
04 Character Select Character Selection Screen (Main Game)
05 Sonic Factory Sonic Factory (hub)
06 Options Options Screen
07 Chaos Playground Chao Playground
08 Start Demo New game start/prologue
09 Zone1 Map Route 99 - Map
10 Zone2 Map Sunset Hill - Map
11 Zone3 Map Ocean Base - Map
12 Zone4 Map Toy Kingdom - Map
13 Zone5 Map Twinkle Snow - Map
14 Zone6 Map Cyber Track - Map
15 Zone7 Map Chaos Angel - Map
16 FinalZone Map Altar Emerald
17 Intact Music 1  ???
18 Zone1 Act1 Route 99 - Act 1
19 Zone1 Act2 Route 99 - Act 2
20 Zone1 Act3 Route 99 - Act 3
21 Zone2 Act1 Sunset Hill - Act 1
22 Zone2 Act2 Sunset Hill - Act 2
23 Zone2 Act3 Sunset Hill - Act 3
24 Zone3 Act1 Ocean Base - Act 1
25 Zone3 Act2 Ocean Base - Act 2
26 Zone3 Act3 Ocean Base - Act 3
27 Zone4 Act1 Toy Kingdom - Act 1
28 Zone4 Act2 Toy Kingdom - Act 2
29 Zone4 Act3 Toy Kingdom - Act 3
30 Zone5 Act1 Twinkle Snow - Act 1
31 Zone5 Act2 Twinkle Snow - Act 2
32 Zone5 Act3 Twinkle Snow - Act 3
33 Zone6 Act1 Cyber Track - Act 1
34 Zone6 Act2 Cyber Track - Act 2
35 Zone6 Act3 Cyber Track - Act 3
36 Zone7 Act1 Chaos Angel - Act 1
37 Zone7 Act2 Chaos Angel - Act 2
38 Zone7 Act3 Chaos Angel - Act 3
39 Boss Boss (Zones 1-6)
40 Boss-Pinch Boss - Pinch (Zones 1-6)
41 7-Boss Chaos Angel Boss
42 7-Boss-Pinch Chaos Angel Boss - Pinch
43 Final-Boss Final Zone Boss
44 Final-Boss-Pinch Final Zone Boss - Pinch
45 Ex-Boss Extra Zone Boss
46 Ex-Boss-Pinch Extra Zone Boss - Pinch
47 Intact Music 2  ???
48 Demo Meet with Character (Knuckles, Cream, Amy)
49 Ex Demo 1 Extra Zone Demo 1 (G-merl transforms)
50 Ex Demo 2 Extra Zone Demo 2 (Super Sonic)
51 Ending A Final Zone Ending
52 Ending B Extra Zone Ending
53 Staff Roll Credits
54 Special Stage Special Stage
55 Special Stage Result 1 Succeeded in Special Stage
56 Special Stage Result 2 Failed in Special Stage
57 Time Attack Time Attack Menu
58 Time Attack Retry Time Attack Retry Menu
59 Invincibility Invincibility
60 Countdown Drowning
61 Mini Game BGM Mini Game music
62 Emerald Get Chaos Emerald Acquired
63 Game Over Game Over
64 1UP 1-Up/Extra Life
65 Clear 1 Stage Cleared (Gold)
66 Clear 2 Stage Cleared (Silver or Bronze)
67 Boss Clear 1 Boss Cleared (Gold)
68 Boss Clear 2 Boss Cleared (Silver or Bronze)
69 Final Clear Final Zone Cleared
70 Extra Clear Extra Zone Cleared
71 Message Post-credits message
72 Special Stage Clear Special Stage Cleared
73 Time Attack Clear 1 Time Attack Cleared (No New Record)
74 Time Attack Clear 2 Time Attack Cleared (New Record)
75 VS BGM 1 Waiting for Communication
76 VS BGM 2 VS Zone Select
77 VS BGM 3 VS Game Results
78 VS BGM 4 VS Battle Game End
79 VS BGM 5 End of VS Battle Mode
80 VS BGM 6 VS Mode
81 VS BGM 7 Multiplayer stage
82 VS BGM 8 VS Game End
83 VS BGM 9 Try Again?
84 VS Success Communication Successful/Character Unlocked
85 VS Miss Communication Error

Voices

Character VA (English) VA (Japanese)
Sonic the Hedgehog Ryan Drummond Jun'ichi Kanemaru
Miles "Tails" Prower William Corkery Ryo Hirohashi
Knuckles the Echidna Scott Drier Nobutoshi Kanna
Amy Rose Jenny Douillard Taeko Kawata
Cream the Rabbit Sarah Wulfeck Sayaka Aoki
Eggman Deem Bristow Chikao Otsuka
Announcer Jon St. John Jon St. John

Due to size constraints, the game features only one voice track on the cartridge, depending on the region. Western versions have English-language voices while the Japanese version contains Japanese-language voices of the main cast. The in-game text is entirely multi-lingual and is manually selectionable in all versions.

History

Development

Sonic Retro emblem.svg Main article: Sonic Advance 3/Development

Production credits

Created by Sonic Team

In cooperation with Dimps®

  • Producer: Kouichi Sakita
  • Line Producer: Yukihiro Higashi
  • Planners: Yukihiro Higashi, Masaaki Yamagiwa
Programming
  • Programmers: Tatsuaki Nakashima, Hiroki Yoshitake, Kuninori Douno
  • Designers: Kazuhiko Yamamoto, Yuko Yamanoue, Etsuko Hosokawa, Tohru Nakanishi, Tomohiro Ozawa
Sound
  • Sound: Hironobu Inagaki, Atsuyoshi Isemura
  • Special Thanks: Katsuya Kuramoto, Kenji Ayukawa, Syuhei Kimura, Isamu Kubota
Sound Created by Wave Master

SEGA Corporation

  • Marketing & Production: Mitsuru Takahashi, Naoko Ooka, Hideki Yokaichiya, Mariko Takeda
  • Publicity: Yasushi Nagumo, Youko Nagasawa
  • International Business & Product Development: Tatsuyuki Miyazaki, Yusuke Suai, Shikou Sakai
  • Development Division: Toshihiro Nagoshi, Toshiro Nakayama, Yusuke Asano, Akiko Kuroda
  • Marketing Research: Tsuyoshi Sawada, Noriko Hashimoto
  • Manual Production: Yoshihiro Sakuta, Hisakazu Nakagawa, Youichi Takahashi, Hiroki Osawa, Satoru Ishigami, Colin Restall
  • Customer Relations: Yutaka Shoji, Masahiro Ozeki, Nobuyuki Inoue, Mariko Okada
  • Product Test: Jun-ichi Shimizu, Akira Nishikawa, Akinobu Koechi, Akira Terasawa, Satoshi Yamagata
Sega of America
  • Executive Management: Hideaki Irie
  • Localization Producers: Yosuke Moriya, Klayton Vorlick
  • Director of PD: Osamu Shibamiya
Sega of Europe
  • Sega Europe COO: Naoya Tsurumi
  • Director of PD: Jin Shimazaki
  • Localization Producer: Kuniyo Matsumoto
  • European Product Manager: Mathew Quaeck
  • SOE Test Dept: Darius Sadeghian, David Smith, Roy Boateng
  • Special Thanks: James Nicholas, Ricky Ip
Voice Acting
Source: In-game credits

Manuals

Sonic Retro emblem.svg Main article: Sonic Advance 3/Manuals

Promotional material

Sonic Retro emblem.svg Main article: Sonic Advance 3/Promotional material

Artwork

Wallpaper

Physical scans

Game Boy Advance, US
GBA-SonicAdvance3.jpg
Cover
Game Boy Advance, UK
Sadv3 eu boxart back.jpgNospine-small.pngSadv3 eu boxart.jpg
Cover
Game Boy Advance, FR/NL
SonicAdvance3 GBA FR-NL Box Back.jpgNospine-small.pngSonicAdvance3 GBA FR-NL Box Front.jpg
Cover
Game Boy Advance, DE
SonicAdvance3 GBA DE Box Back.jpgNospine-small.pngSonicAdvance3 GBA DE Box Front.jpg
Cover
Game Boy Advance, ES/IT

SA3 GBA ES-IT back.jpg

Game Boy Advance, JP
Sadv3 gba jp back cover.jpgNospine-small.pngSadv3 jp boxart.jpg
Cover
Sadv3 gba jp cart.jpg
Cart
Game Boy Advance, AU
SonicAdvance3 GBA AU Box Front.jpg
Cover
Sadv3-eu-cart.jpg
Cart

Technical information

Sonic Retro emblem.svg Main article: Sonic Advance 3/Technical information

ROM dump status

System Hash Size Build Date Source Comments
Game Boy Advance
CRC32 49dda5e6
MD5 e0533faf6aa36e3111669574f1c5df92
SHA-1 30db467effa5014806d42db57e2299398a51355b
16MB 2004-04-14 Cartridge (US)
Game Boy Advance
CRC32 5bf83456
MD5 e6b78109c11d82f621db846da70bc30a
SHA-1 685af3a2dc0f1b3f8922e73ec42c1dc92e210e39
16MB 2004-04-18 Cartridge (EU)
Game Boy Advance
CRC32 4375f1d6
MD5 a2bd14f0b57836fe7288e03a6fc154fa
SHA-1 bf8a4a7db9b5f45dd4ffebce67585d6556055ed4
16MB 2004-04-18 Cartridge (JP)
Game Boy Advance
 ?
CRC32 143df94d
MD5 0fc4610a0ece925b2b17fcf7321883f1
SHA-1 42a3d30cb1a0559bc6fe82141dbdb45eaeda3d83
16MB 2004-03-01 Cartridge (EU) Prototype Download.svg (3.24 MB) (info) Page

External links

References


Sonic Advance 3
SonicAdvance3 title.png

Main page
Comparisons
Maps
Credits


Manuals
Promotional material
Magazine articles
Reception


Development
Hidden content
Bugs
Technical information

Sonic the Hedgehog games for the following systems
Game Boy Advance
 2001  Sonic Advance | Tiny Chao Garden     2002  Sonic Advance 2     2003  Sonic Pinball Party | Sonic Battle     2004  Sonic Advance 3 | Sonic X: A Super Sonic Hero     2005  Sonic Advance & Sonic Pinball Party | Sonic Advance & ChuChu Rocket! | Sonic Advance & Sonic Battle | Sonic Battle & ChuChu Rocket! | Sonic Pinball Party & Sonic Battle | Sonic Pinball Party & Columns Crown     2006  Sonic the Hedgehog Genesis    
 Demos  Sonic Advance 3