Sonic Advance 3 on GBA, trilogy conclusion with the duo system. Pair two characters for unique abilities, original concept. Excellent despite a slightly less enthusiastic reception than 2.
Your verdict
Category
Platformer1 player3+
Description
Sonic Advance 3 by Dimps and Sega, in Japan July 2004. New duo system pairing two characters for unique combined abilities. Six playable characters, Eggman bosses, link cable versus. Innovative tag system distinguishing it from prior entries.
Sonic Advance 3 review
4/5
Art direction
★★★★★
"Striking"
4/5
Music
★★★★★
"Excellent"
1/5
Story
★★★★★
"Anecdotal"
Pairing the characters changes the screen's permanent composition: the partner follows a few steps behind with animation of their own, and the combined abilities trigger joint poses drawn for every possible pair. The scenery, more detailed than in the previous episode, recovers verticality and layered passages.
The writing turns more melodic than in the previous episode: singable phrases, richer harmonies, timbres imitating guitar and keyboard rather than pure synthesis. Each zone receives two distinct pieces depending on the section travelled, which avoids weariness across long levels often re-crossed in search of partners.
Gameplay
"Excellent"
Fun
"From the very first seconds"
Forming a duo of heroes with combined abilities adds an unexpected strategic layer to the frantic dash: each pairing opens new moves and routes. Speed stays queen, but exploring the vast levels rewards curiosity. Colourful, generous and snappy, a rich third entry that weds velocity and freedom with flair.
Japanese version of the third entry in Sonic's Advance branch on the GBA, by Dimps and Sega, built around a system of character duos with combined abilities. The Japanese pressing is the source version of this title valued by fast-platformer fans, sought by purists who favor the original edition and by Sonic collectors. Desirability rests on the franchise's lasting standing on the retro market and on the Japanese-version status of a well-rated entry.
Is Sonic Advance 3 still worth playing in 2026?
The third entry in Sonic's fast platforming on GBA, Sonic Advance 3 introduces a partner system pairing two characters with combined abilities, opening new ways to clear levels. The exhilarating speed, the generous roster and the stage exploration stay pleasant, faithful to the Mega Drive spirit. The more convoluted level design and at-times confusing legibility divide. A good speed platformer, worth recommending to Sonic fans and lovers of snappy platforming with friends.
