Sonic Advance/Controls

There are four playable characters in Sonic Advance. Each character can perform different moves and attacks although the main d-pad control is the same. The four characters are Sonic, Miles/Tails, Knuckles and Amy and they are all playable right from the start. Many people suggest using Sonic when first playing through the zones for the first time as he is virtually average in all sectors.

Basic Moves

 * Note that Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles Spin Attack while jumping.


 * Amy performs her Jump Attack with the player pressing while jumping, not.

Character-Unique Moves

 * Sonic
 * Spin Attack: Press while in motion to have Sonic curl up into a ball and roll across the ground.
 * Spin Charge: Crouch and rapidly press to have Sonic rev up while spinning. Release  to roll off in a high speed Spin Dash.
 * Double Spin Attack (Jump Attack): Sonic creates a shield around him by spinning rapidly. For the split-second the shield lasts, the radius of Sonic's spin is increased and he is granted invincibility. From Sonic 3.
 * Skid Attack (Special Attack): By pressing 3 times, Sonic will somersault and slide along the ground. Good for breaking through walls or attacking enemies beside you. From Sonic Adventure 2.
 * Backwards Jump: If you jump after pressing twice, Sonic will jump backwards. This is useful if you want to avoid akward falls or being hit by hazardous items (such as spikes). From Sonic Adventure 2.
 * Jump Dash: Pressing or  twice rapidly after jumping will cause Sonic to dash in mid-air. The distance is affected by how fast you are moving when the move is executed. From Sonic Adventure.


 * Miles "Tails" Prower
 * Spin Attack: Press while in motion to have "Tails" curl up into a ball and roll across the ground.
 * Spin Charge: Crouch and rapidly press to have "Tails" rev up while spinning. Release  to roll off in a high speed Spin Dash.
 * Propeller Flight (Jump Attack): Whilst in the air, rapidly press to have "Tails" soar through the air using his namesake twin tails. If you'd prefer "Tails" not to gain extra height, just press  once in the air. "Tails" can fly for approximately 10 seconds before gently falling to the ground. "Tails" can also attack enemies if he hits them with his tails.
 * Dog Paddle Swimming: When underwater, rapidly press while jumping to have "Tails" swim. Works similar to flying, but you can't attack enemies.
 * Tail Attack (Special Attack): "Tails" spins his tails around to attack nearby enemies. From Sonic Adventure.