Sonic Advance 1–3

When Sega packed up making its own hardware in 2001, something unthinkable happened: its mascot, the blue hedgehog Sonic, ran off onto its arch-rival's console for the first time in history. And on the Game Boy Advance it was no compromise — it was a small series that showed 2D Sonic still had plenty to offer.

Development was handled by studio Dimps, later famous for the Sonic Rush series, in collaboration with Sonic Team. And it shows at every step: the Sonic Advance trilogy is among the most faithful 2D Sonic outside the original arcades of the Mega Drive era. Speed, momentum, loops, springs and that inimitable feeling of building up pace after a long slope — everything is just as it should be.

The classic formula stays intact: you race through levels against the clock, collect rings, hunt for hidden Chaos Emeralds in special stages and, at the end of the zones, clash with Eggman's machines. The first game offers four playable characters including Amy with her own play style, the second adds Cream and her floating abilities.

The third game stretched out the most, though, introducing a partner system — you pick a pair of characters whose combination unlocks various tag actions and movement abilities. This opens up exploring and replaying levels with a different approach, giving the series an unexpected replay value.

The graphics are fresh, colorful and full of detail that the GBA handles with ease. The levels are designed to reward both players chasing speed and those who like to explore alternative routes up top and down below. It's just the right balance between adrenaline and a well-tuned platforming feel.

For anyone who grew up with the hedgehog on the Mega Drive, the Sonic Advance games feel like coming home — and for newcomers they're the ideal gateway into why classic 2D Sonic was so beloved.

Why play: The best 2D Sonic outside Sega — fast, snappy and faithful to the classics, the ideal dose of the blue hedgehog on the go.