Sonic Advance offers four distinct playable characters, each with their own unique abilities and playstyles. Choosing the right character for a stage or even a specific section can make a significant difference in your performance and ability to find secrets. Experiment with all of them to discover your favorite!
Sonic the Hedgehog
- Spin Attack: Press A to jump, then B in mid-air to perform a Homing Attack, targeting nearby enemies or springs.
- Spin Dash: Hold Down on the D-Pad and press A repeatedly to charge up a powerful dash. Release Down to launch forward at high speed.
- Light Dash: When near a trail of rings, press B to automatically follow the ring path at high speed.
Sonic is the fastest character, excelling at maintaining momentum and clearing stages quickly. His Homing Attack is invaluable for traversing enemy-filled areas and reaching higher platforms.
Miles 'Tails' Prower
- Flight: Press A to jump, then press A again in mid-air to fly for a limited duration. You can gain altitude by repeatedly tapping A.
- Tail Swipe: While flying, press B to perform a tail swipe attack.
- Spin Dash: Same as Sonic.
Tails' flight ability makes him the easiest character for beginners, allowing him to bypass many platforming challenges and reach otherwise inaccessible areas. He's excellent for exploring and finding hidden items.
Knuckles the Echidna
- Glide: Press A to jump, then press A again in mid-air to glide. You can control your horizontal movement while gliding.
- Climb: While gliding into a wall, you will automatically grab onto it. Press Up/Down on the D-Pad to climb.
- Punch Attack: Press B to perform a powerful punch. Can break certain obstacles.
- Spin Dash: Same as Sonic.
Knuckles is the master of vertical exploration. His gliding and climbing abilities allow him to scale walls and reach high-up secrets that other characters cannot. His punch is also useful for breaking specific barriers.
Amy Rose
- Piko Piko Hammer Attack: Press B to swing her hammer, damaging enemies and breaking certain obstacles. Can also be used in mid-air.
- Hammer Jump: Press A to jump, then B in mid-air to perform a powerful upward hammer swing, gaining extra height.
- Hammer Dash: Hold Down on the D-Pad and press B to charge a powerful hammer dash. Release Down to launch forward.
Amy offers a unique playstyle, focusing more on direct combat and precise platforming with her hammer. She cannot perform a traditional Spin Dash, making her a more challenging character for speedrunning but excellent for combat-focused players.