[L007 is Cooler than Dylan]

Well, a few weeks ago, I bought the Sonic Advance and Sonic Pinball Party combo pack. Me, being a Sonic fan, I was excited and all.

BUT WAS IT WORTH IT ALL?

Let's start with Sonic Advance. Sonic is now back in 2D action. Unfortunatly, I must say that I am sightly disappointed in the graphics. Even if it's the GBA, it could be better. Even if it has to be based on the newer style of Sonic with the colored eyes and actual voice actors. Well, it still seems a bit downsized.

Music. UGH. NO, NO, NO. This doesn't make any sense. Sonic games had such great music. Angel Island, Green Hill, Chemical Plant. Now what has happened? Mediocre songs at best. Sheesh, next.

Now Gameplay. Here is where it gets better. All the classic moves are back, with a few addions. Knuckles can punch, Tails can attack, Sonic can do some fancy spins, and Amy can let herself be attacked. They do fit in rather nicely. Speedwise, the game tends to focus on the puzzles more than just running. Of course, Time Trials is a perfect oppurtunity to just run around like an idiot. The Chaos Emerald stages are pretty tough. Having to figure out how to get the yellow-shield ring bonus was stupid (You have to hit the trick button IMMEDIATLY after hitting the shield), but eventually it's done. The last stage, obviously being a Super Sonic stage, isn't that bad. Same old invincibility, same old rings ticking off.

Well, that's all I can think of right now. This game is rather short story wise, sadly. Time Trials is just to make you want to hold on much longer. I give this a 7/10. Get Sonic Advance 2.

Now Sonic Pinball Party. Previously only availible from Target, this game is a real improvement. Unlike Sonic Spinball, you are now playing a real pinball game. While the tables are rather limited, usually only changing in appearance, each gameplay mode offers enough challenges to keep you focused on that table.

Sonic's table offers the whole Sonic deal. Hit the ball into the Chao bonus holes, get an extra mission. Ring mode is a great way to earn more points. The level-changer is Eggman, having to hit the Chaos Drive hole when Eggman is on the table to advance. This goes through each Sonic Advance zone with (sadly) the original music.

NiGHTS is a very fun table. The game focuses on gathering the Ideya after Dualizing with NiGHTS. Gathering all the Ideya will let you enter a boss fight against old pals, if you want to call them that. Other modes include the Blue Chip mode, which is like the Ring mode, Acrobat mode, a VERY VERY fun game where you do tricks with the flippers in an order and gain points depending on how many tricks you did. Then there's the usual do a specific job to gain some points. The music, surprise! It's actually great! Makes you feel like you are actually playing NiGHTS Into Dreams Pinball version.

Lastly is the Samba De Amigo table. Spanish oddity aside, this table isn't worth trying to stay on for a long time. If you can actually stay on, that is. If you can, then the mini-games are awesome. Involving songs, you either go into Song Play Mode, hitting the ball into loops in an orderly fashion, or go into Fever mode, and play a mini-version of Samba. It's fun while it lasts.

Some extra music is awesome. This includes downgraded songs like Open Your Heart and Super Sonic Racing.

Final rating: 9/10

All and all, Pinball Party more than makes up for the short Sonic Advance. If you have a little cash, you might want to pick this up. Of course, only if you're a pretty big Sonic fan.

Final rating: 7.9/10