[DarkMaster]

Closing Comments
As good as the original Sonic Advance was, the sequel is a much better platformer. Its focus on unlocking characters and extras encourages folks not only to play through the levels multiple times, but also to take their time and search out every nook and cranny to find those coveted Special Rings.
My only real complaint about the game is how difficult it is to find these Special Rings. The levels are absolutely massive and branch off into multiple directions and sectors, which makes it incredibly hard to remember where you are and where you've been, and where all of the rings are hiding. And since it takes a long time to find them all, many players will go hours without grabbing a single Chaos Emerald. And when the game design requires players to finish the game once with all Emeralds collected, it will take a good while to unlock the one item players honestly should have a lot earlier in the adventure: the Tiny Chao Garden.

Even with this ramp up in difficulty, Sonic Advance 2 is still a very likable game and one of the top platformers on the Game Boy Advance.

-- Craig Harris


Presentation
Not a whole variety of levels, but the game encourages replay with several unlockables. Single and multi-cart multiplayer and GameCube connectivity also makes a return. 8.0

Graphics
Really bright and vivid graphics with backgrounds that move incredibly fast on the GBA screen. 9.0

Sound
The peppy, happy Sonic soundtrack is expanded on the Game Boy Advance system. Acquired taste, but it does the job. 8.0

Gameplay
Much better level designs in this sequel without a whole lot of 9.0

Lasting Appeal
To free up all the extras in this cartridge, you'll need to play and replay the levels with other characters. The single and multiple cartridge multiplayer rounds are always a good diversion, too. 9.0

OVERALL SCORE (not an average) 9.0