Sonic Advance succeeds by sticking closely to the formula established in the original Sega Genesis titles. Aside from Sonic, you'll be able to zip through stages as Tails, Knuckles, or Amy--each with their own skills that offer a different play style.
Originally launched on the obscure Sega CD, Sonic CD eventually went on to get a second chance with ports to PS2 and GameCube--and continues to be available on modern storefronts such as Steam (and soon as part of Sonic Origins).