In 1991, the world was introduced
to Sega’s speedster character Sonic in Sonic the Hedgehog.
Since then, we have been treated to over 80 Sonic games across all
gaming platforms. Now, Sonic is one of the most iconic video game
characters of all-time, with the likes of Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic
Rush Adventure, and Sonic 3 ranking among the greatest Sonic games
ever created. The Sonic fanbase is huge and continues to crave
content for the blue hedgehog. He’s so popular, in fact, that a
Sonic the Hedgehog movie is set to be released towards the end of
2019, with James Marsden (Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues,
Westworld) starring
in the film, according to Variety.
To showcase the greatness of Sonic
so far, before a new era ushers in alongside the movie, we’re
going to be breaking down the most iconic recurring levels of the
illustrious game franchise. We had a similar opportunity to re-live
many of Sonics greatest levels when looking into what
would come on the 2011 release of Sonic Generations
– the 20th-anniversary game – but, here, we’ll be
digging into not only the levels but the themes with which Sonic
games often build. One of the greatest elements of playing Sonic is
that the level’s theme actually means something to the
gameplay: it’s not just background. Each theme integrates
itself within its individual levels in different ways, requiring the
player to change tactics and get acclimated to the new area. The use
of the theme at hand is what makes the greatest and most iconic Sonic
levels so good. So, that’s how we’re going to set out:
looking at the best recurring themes and then highlighting which
recurring level is the best.
Sonic in the industrial theme
IMAGE SOURCE:
Jackson, via
Twitter
The industrial theme has been in
circulation since the game’s inception with Sonic the Hedgehog
in 1991. The levels in the industrial theme often take place within
factories, sewers, and power plants, with girders, buildings,
conveyor belts, and other metal structures being prominent across the
level. They may not be the most visually enticing levels, but the use
of fires, hydraulic machines, and electric hazards make the levels
challenging and enjoyable. The industrial theme often comes across as
similar in appearance to the urban theme but is far more difficult.
On top of this, the theme is often linked to the villain Dr. Eggman
getting closer. As is often the case in games, massive
industrialization and factories are often linked with the hero’s
nemesis, so these industrial theme levels often fit the approach of
Dr. Eggman.
Levels in the industrial theme can
be seen as hit and miss with the audience as some gamers will see
them as being overly complicated, but it’s the challenge that
makes a level that much better when you overcome it. It’s hard
to argue with the ranking
established by Paste Magazine, which declares Chemical Plant Zone
of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 to be not only the best industrial level, but
also the best ever Sonic level. While that is up for debate, it’s
certainly a strong candidate for being the best industrial theme
level. The Chemical Plant has appeared in Sonic Forces, Sonic
Generations, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, and Sonic Mania and consistently
brings challenging gameplay, a mighty soundtrack, and edgy
aesthetics.
Sonic in the casino theme
IMAGE SOURCE: The
Sonic Stadium, via
Twitter
One of the most iconic themes that
run through the ring-collecting Sonic game series is the presence of
a casino level. These levels are loaded with rings and include
features and elements of gameplay which mimic that of games at the
casino or arcade. Laden with neon lights, pinball flippers can be
used in the casino theme levels, and there’s often a slot
machine mini-game within the level which allows the player to gamble
for more rings as well as earn points. The casino theme is an
illustrious one in Sonic and across many other forms of media. As
Betway Casino explains, casinos are embedded in pop-culture
including films, television, books, and music. It comes as no
surprise that Sonic features casino theme levels when the game
emphasizes ring collecting – making the option to gamble them
for even more rings a tantalizing aspect for many players. Sega
itself has even branched into the casino resorts business, according
to CNBC, so perhaps there’ll be more Sonic casino madness on
the way.
The casino theme levels come along
as a mark of progression in the game and offer a fun break from the
blazing speed of the rest of the game. There is a huge range of
casino levels on Sonic games, from Casinopolis to the Cosmic Casino
Zone but, the
best recurring level has to be the Casino Night.
Present in Sonic Drift 2, Sonic Generations, Sonic the Fighters, and
Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Casino Night always delivers exciting and
rewarding play.
Sonic in the tropical island
theme
IMAGE SOURCE: Sonic
the Hedgehog, via
Twitter
As a Sonic fan, there’s no
way that you didn’t see this one coming. The tropical island
theme is home to the Green Hill Zone, which is the most iconic level
of the Sonic franchise. The levels feature lots of grass, dirt, blue
skies, palm trees, and blooming flowers. The tropical island theme is
the first that players encountered in Sonic the Hedgehog, engraining
it as the perfect introductory level. A tropical paradise is a
perfect place to start off as the hero Sonic as you enjoy the
paradise before progressing into the dark, industrialized areas built
by the villain.
As stated, this theme is so iconic
because it hosts the most iconic Sonic level, Green Hill. The level
is so integral to Sonic that, as a fan, a Lego version simply had to
be made. Green Hill features in Sonic Adventure 2, Sonic Drift, Sonic
Generations, Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic Forces, Sonic Chronicles: The
Dark Brotherhood, Sonic Blast, Sonic Jump, and Sonic Mania.
Other themes such as the winter
theme and jungle theme offer unique and innovative gameplay in each
of their levels, but, when it comes to themes producing top,
recurring levels, industrial, casino, and tropical island take the
top spots.
