Emerl Returns
Name: Sonic Advance 3- All three nations
Release Dates:
May 25th, 2004- North America
June 17th, 2004- Japan
June 18th, 2004 - Europe
Quality: 32-Bit, Side-Scrolling Platformer
Game System(s): Nintendo Game Boy Advance
Developer(s): Sonic Team and Dimps
Publisher(s):
THQ - North America
Sega Corporation - Japan and Europe
Character Introductions: Gemerl
Region Game Takes Place On: Unconfirmed.
Concept Introductions: The Sonic Heroes gimmick is used here, but it seems like a modified version of Chaotix than Heroes.
Concept Deductions: Heh. This is somewhat better. This time you have to find 10 Chao in each Zone in order to release the Special Keys, which let you activate the Special Spring in the hubs. I know, I know; Too frickin' tedious, right? Well, thankfully, the Stages are the easiest the GBA's had. AND, the Emeralds are shared again, thank goodness.
Main Framework: It seems that Dimps decided to use what they learned from the previous two Advance outings; returning to the level design from the first and adding in the velocity of the second. For the most part, it works.
Storyline:
This time around, the story ties in with Sonic Battle somewhat. Dr. Robotnik's built a new robot called Gemerl (yeah, yeah, I know. Hush.) THEN he lets loose some Chaos Control on the planet, cutting it into, you guessed it, seven sections. Sonic & Tails take it upon themselves to find the others and fix this crap.
Personal Criticism/Opinion:
Sonic Team seems to have a thing for trilogies. The level design is a more stable this time, and not focused on speed as much. The music sounds like Advance 2 and Battle mixed together. Trust me, that's a good thing. I especially like Sunset Hill Zone. I can't help but smile every time I'm in there.
Now, about the characters. Each one controls differently depending on who he or she is partnered with. Sonic gives his partners the Boost ability from Advance 2. Tails grants more aerial abilities. Knuckles makes his partners attacks stronger. Cream, bless her heart, lets her comrades use Cheese to attack. And Amy...gives everyone hammers. Moreover, they look silly using 'em. Yeah, it's lame, but let's not fret.
The bosses have returned to the traditional style. Honestly, I preferred the running style. Those were more challenging. Still, it’s good not to use the same style over and over again. And I have to be honest, most of them are quite clever.
Bottom line, Sonic Advance 3 is the best of the trilogy, and laid a framework for future games to come.
Let's see some GAMER'S PERSPECTIVE:
Replay value? Better than the last. The different partners make for a slightly different way of playing every time.
Graphics? Once again, better than last time. It just felt more right to me.
Music & Sound Effects? Toy Kingdom may annoy you, but otherwise, you'll enjoy yourself. And I am so glad Sonic and the gang are voiced this time.
Storyline? Eh. There's somewhat humorous "cut-scenes" when Sonic & Tails unlock everyone else, but other than that, it's the same flakiness. One thing that’s a big bonus, though, are the nods to Sonic Battle. That’s how you are supposed to follow up your canon.
OVERALL RANK? I give Sonic Advance 3 an
Release Dates:
May 25th, 2004- North America
June 17th, 2004- Japan
June 18th, 2004 - Europe
Quality: 32-Bit, Side-Scrolling Platformer
Game System(s): Nintendo Game Boy Advance
Developer(s): Sonic Team and Dimps
Publisher(s):
THQ - North America
Sega Corporation - Japan and Europe
Character Introductions: Gemerl
Region Game Takes Place On: Unconfirmed.
Concept Introductions: The Sonic Heroes gimmick is used here, but it seems like a modified version of Chaotix than Heroes.
Concept Deductions: Heh. This is somewhat better. This time you have to find 10 Chao in each Zone in order to release the Special Keys, which let you activate the Special Spring in the hubs. I know, I know; Too frickin' tedious, right? Well, thankfully, the Stages are the easiest the GBA's had. AND, the Emeralds are shared again, thank goodness.
Main Framework: It seems that Dimps decided to use what they learned from the previous two Advance outings; returning to the level design from the first and adding in the velocity of the second. For the most part, it works.
Storyline:
This time around, the story ties in with Sonic Battle somewhat. Dr. Robotnik's built a new robot called Gemerl (yeah, yeah, I know. Hush.) THEN he lets loose some Chaos Control on the planet, cutting it into, you guessed it, seven sections. Sonic & Tails take it upon themselves to find the others and fix this crap.
Personal Criticism/Opinion:
Sonic Team seems to have a thing for trilogies. The level design is a more stable this time, and not focused on speed as much. The music sounds like Advance 2 and Battle mixed together. Trust me, that's a good thing. I especially like Sunset Hill Zone. I can't help but smile every time I'm in there.
Now, about the characters. Each one controls differently depending on who he or she is partnered with. Sonic gives his partners the Boost ability from Advance 2. Tails grants more aerial abilities. Knuckles makes his partners attacks stronger. Cream, bless her heart, lets her comrades use Cheese to attack. And Amy...gives everyone hammers. Moreover, they look silly using 'em. Yeah, it's lame, but let's not fret.
The bosses have returned to the traditional style. Honestly, I preferred the running style. Those were more challenging. Still, it’s good not to use the same style over and over again. And I have to be honest, most of them are quite clever.
Bottom line, Sonic Advance 3 is the best of the trilogy, and laid a framework for future games to come.
Let's see some GAMER'S PERSPECTIVE:
Replay value? Better than the last. The different partners make for a slightly different way of playing every time.
Graphics? Once again, better than last time. It just felt more right to me.
Music & Sound Effects? Toy Kingdom may annoy you, but otherwise, you'll enjoy yourself. And I am so glad Sonic and the gang are voiced this time.
Storyline? Eh. There's somewhat humorous "cut-scenes" when Sonic & Tails unlock everyone else, but other than that, it's the same flakiness. One thing that’s a big bonus, though, are the nods to Sonic Battle. That’s how you are supposed to follow up your canon.
OVERALL RANK? I give Sonic Advance 3 an