To celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Sonic the Hedgehog series, I thought that I'd go through each Sonic game and pick out my favourite zones. After playing through 52 zones spanning the classic Sega Master System, Sega Genesis, and Sega CD games, I have narrowed this list down to my favourite 20. It was grueling to replay each classic Sonic game, but I've accomplished that task and will now present Play Nintendo's Top 20 Sonic The Hedgehog Zones
20 – Jungle Zone – Sonic the Hedgehog (Master System/Game Gear)
This is a great zone for many reasons. First, it has an incredibly upbeat song worthy of any Sonic game; however, the jungle setting is the real strength. Sega was able to include many neat obstacles for Sonic to overcome in this zone, such as: rolling logs, vines, and even waterfalls. My favourite aspect of this Zone would be climbing the gigantic waterfall in Act 2. It’s a standout stage on the Master System game because it offers great platforming all the while advancing vertically. Yes, this is a change of pace for Sonic, but the design is honestly a lot of fun and challenging, not to mention the cool waterfall backdrop. Sonic even fights Robotnik high above the jungle, which is also a nice touch.
19 – Scrambled Egg Zone – Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (Master System/Game Gear)
Another well designed stage from the Master System games makes this Top 20 list. Scrambled Egg Zone consists of a series of tubes that run throughout a blue mountain chain. Making it to the end of the Zone can be tricky because these tubes form an interconnected maze. Go the wrong direction and you could end up back where you began, which is a total pain. Sonic also battles Metal Sonic at the end of Act 3, which has a quite an epic feel in the darkest depths of Scrambled Egg Zone.
18 – Aqua Lake Zone - Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (Master System/Game Gear)
I’ll be getting away from the Master System games shortly, but for now let’s look at Aqua Lake Zone. Aqua Lake Zone combines the claustrophobic water level you’d expect from a Sonic game, but also throws in a few twists to keep things fresh. First off, you can actually skip across the water while rolling, which can completely cut off sections that you would otherwise have to navigate underwater. It’s a nice change as you can travel most of Act 1 above the water, Act 2 isn’t as nice. Act 2 brings back the tight water filled corridors you know so well, however, at certain points, when you’re not racing for an oxygen filled bubble to prevent Sonic from drowning, you can actually hitch a ride inside a bubble. You will need this bubble to get through sections of the Zone otherwise inaccessible.
17 – Green Hill Zone – Sonic The Hedgehog (Genesis)
What can I say about Green Hill Zone that you don’t already know? Perhaps one of the most familiar Zones in the Sonic franchise, Green Hill Zone features many nostalgic elements. For some, it was the first time you ran through loop-de-loops, or admired the unique art style exhibited in Sonic games. Green Hill Zone also portrays how speed and platforming can mesh together and create a new experience. It’s also home to one of the most familiar Sonic themes in the series. One listen to this song and you will agree that its adventurous spirit accompanies your first steps on Green Hill Zone perfectly.
16 - Sky Base Zone – Sonic the Hedgehog (Master System/Game Gear)
This is probably the most epic of all the Master System Zones. Sky Base Zone is a dark stage that occasionally lights up when electric beams are generated. Watch out though, as these beams are hazards that will have no problem hurting Sonic. Time your moves correctly in this wait and go situation. In my opinion, the real highlight comes in Act 2. During the second act you will navigate a blimp that’s already in flight. As you navigate the blimp you will notice that there are no rings to collect, which makes dodging its cannons even more important. Some tense music and the occasional cloud add to the Zone’s atmosphere. Miss a jump, or fall off the blimp and you will try again from the beginning.
15 - Carnival Night Zone – Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (Genesis)
One of the standout Zones from Sonic 3 and it’s a carnival theme! Littered throughout the stage are tons of balloon that can help you bounce to a new location, or large cylinders that Sonic can ride by holding on for dear life while spinning round and round. Carnival Night Zone also includes barrels that are tricky to control, which have been infuriating gamers for many years. No directions are given and you are left jumping up and down trying to reach an area you know you need to access. It’s quite nonsensical to put such an obstacle, but as with a real carnival, not everything is as it first seems. Add a creepy carnival theme that loops while you try to pass that barrel, and you have some true brilliance. This level will no doubt continue to clown many gamers for years to come.
14 – Star Light Zone – Sonic the Hedgehog (Genesis)
Star Light Zone really highlights a lot of the elements fans enjoy in the series. It is full of unbelievably fast stretches complete with loop-de-loops and springs, as well as a number of obstacles for Sonic to overcome. See-saws can be found throughout Star Light Zone and will help you access greater heights and ultimately, new paths giving you multiple routes to travel. This zone is also host an extremely charming theme that makes it really hard to dislike this Zone. End it with a crazy Robotnik battle that forces you to utilize see-saws as a weapon, and you have a really good and complete zone.
13 – Mystic Cave Zone – Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (Genesis)
Mystic Cave Zone is one of the most mysterious Zones in the Sonic series, and it has a lot of competition. Lots of obstacles await you in Mystic Cave zone, some of which are just plain brutal. Sonic will have to open gates with vines, jump across swinging platforms and avoid enemies that seem to pop out of nowhere. Mystic Cave Zone also punishes you for being careless by leading Sonic into spike filled pitfalls, and parts of the environment that may crush him without thinking twice. Mystic Cave Zone also includes a strange theme that has a very Inspector Gadget like feel. It’s a strange journey through this zone, but it is creative in design, creativity being something Sonic the Hedgehog 2 certainly doesn’t lack.
12 – Tidal Tempest – Sonic CD (Sega CD)
Tidal Tempest is in my opinion the best water level in any Sonic game. While the design is classic Sonic underwater labyrinth at its best, it stands out above the rest for other reasons. It has a dazzling soundtrack that really creates a gloomy underwater atmosphere. This music creates at atmosphere that I can imagine while being panic stricken and frantically searching for an opportunity to breathe. It gives you glimpses of hope and of darkness making the track pretty substantial. Tidal Tempest also gives us a unique spin on a classic Sonic 2 boss. Being completely submerged, you will have to breathe by hitting bubbles that surround Robotnik. Hitting these bubbles will also open an opportunity to strike him that is if you can avoid the lasers he shoots. Tidal Tempest really makes you feel Sonic’s struggle with the underwater world.
11 – Casino Night Zone – Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (Genesis)
A casino themed zone was a first for the Sonic series, even if it has been reused several times; the concept was at one point original. Casino Night Zone has many bumpers and flippers that can be used to guide Sonic to slot machines. Spin a winning combo and score some serious loot! Flashing lights and casino decor really add to the Las Vegas vibe, as does the very fat cat like theme. Sonic can spin through a variety of other elements such as elevators and pinball launchers which opens up a large number of paths to follow. Speaking of pinball, the boss battle with Robotnik plays similar to that of a pinball game, and is both fun and challenging!
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