Thanks for watching. Please let me know your favourite (and least favourite) zones too in the comments, I'd love to see what everyone else is thinking.
Another fact for you on Flying Battery Zone... Lady Gaga used the music from the zone in the chorus of Bad Romance. We also have Bridge Zone from the 8 bit Sonic 1 game, where the music was used in a Janet Jackson song too ^_^ You're welcome :)
I was surprised Spring Yard wasn't earlier. It's so bad it puts me off almost ever wanting to replay the first game (except the far superior Master System version)
I actually always thought it wasn’t a change of season in mushroom hill, but eggman draining the life out of the forest, it makes sense with his satellite thing, and when you break it, the color changes back to normal.
Fun fact: scrap brain zone 3 is listed internally as labyrinth zone act 4. Not on the level itself or level select. The game data itself treats it as such
Oh man this is a treat. So good to have you back Johnny. A good long chat from you about Sonic and the zones was exactly what I felt like this week. Best wishes.
@@Lukas-bg4yn if you look at it similarly to Angel Island then sure, but it also makes sense that over time the floating island could sink to the ocean and thus create what we got with Emerald Hill.
@@oliverdarcy4131 No you missed my point entirely lol, my point is that Angel Island at the beginning of Sonic 3 is crashed into the sea due to the Master Emerald being removed and my comparison was towards Hilltop Zone perhaps being similar and crashing into the ocean but over the course of time it became Emerald Hill. It was me drawing a potential parallel to the topic here of Emerald and Hilltop being one in the same in a early version that would have had time travel.
Lava Reef Zone has always been my favorite Sonic zone as i not only love the challenge, exploration, and platforming but also the bosses and story have which impacted me since I first played it.
Same as a kid soon has you hear the music and see the stage you already know your in for treat lava reef also has this climatic feeling since it's the level that takes place right before Eggman launchs the death egg and to honest if this was the last stage I wouldn't have minded since the stage is great at depicting a climax, a finale of the amazing game you just played which is sonic 3 and knuckles I love this stage so much and is really important to the story in story in sonic 3 and to me it will always have a place in my heart
Same. The whole narrative from falling into Lava Reef from Sandopolis until ascending to Sky Sanctuary and boarding the revived Death Egg is cool. I like how you can look up in the caverns in Lava Reef and see the Death Egg sunk into the earth.
36:55 Guess you didn't know you can launch the little bots while they're upsidedown by spindashing into them? Makes the fight a lot more fun and shorter.
It's a bit counterintuitive because if you try with gravity the right way up, you just bounce off them harmlessly. It's only when they're embedded in the ceiling (or in the floor if you've already flipped them) that you can charge through them.
This was the easiest hour video I've ever watched. The pacing, information, and editing are excellent. Very very well done! My favorite zones in the series are Sandopolis and Oil Ocean at 1 and 2 respectively :)
my favorite zones in the sonic series are green hill zone (sonic 1) chemical plant zone (sonic 2) stardust speedway zone (sonic cd) and hydrocity zone (sonic 3&k)
I’ve always thought of Star Light Zone as a city/ construction site hybrid stage, mainly due to the loop structures looking half-finished, the metallic stability pillars ahead of the foreground layer and the yellow & black warning signs in the foreground.
The Gravity Boss in Death Egg Zone has another weakness. If you spindash the spike rovers, you either launch them up at the metal orb boss or bounce off of the tires, depending on it's orientation vertically. It makes the boss a MUCH faster enemy to deal with and, like the Carnival Night barrel, is just one of those things that they never explain to you that some people never learned.
Full List for people who didn't watch: 36-Wacky Workbench (CD) 35-Scrap Brain Zone (1) 34-Sky Chase Zone (2) 33-Labyrinth Zone (1) 32-Wing Fortress Zone (2) 31-Metallic Madness (CD) 30-Oil Ocean Zone (2) 29-Collision Chaos (CD) 28-Sandopolis Zone (K) 27-Metropolis Zone (2) 26-Carnival Night Zone (3) 25-Hill Top Zone (2) 24-Marble Zone (1) 23-Hidden Palace (2) 22-Spring Yard Zone (1) 21-Marble Garden Zone (3) 20-Tidal Tempest (CD) 19-Aquatic Ruin Zone (2) 18-Launch Base Zone (3) 17-Death Egg Zone (K) 16-Quartz Quadrant (CD) 15-Mushroom Hill Zone (K) 14-Emerald Hill Zone (2) 13-Star Light Zone (1) 12-Mystic Cave Zone (2) 11-Palmtree Panic (CD) 10-Lava Reef Zone (K) 9-Sky Sanctuary Zone (K) 8-Ice Cap Zone (3) 7-Stardust Speedway (CD) 6-Casino Night Zone (2) 5-Flying Battery Zone (K) 4-Angel Island Zone (3) 3-Green Hill Zone (1) 2-Chemical Plant Zone (2) 1-Hydrocity Zone (3)
Great video! It was really enjoyable to revisit all of this. Having not played these games in a little while, I was reminded of how much detail was put into the environments for a 16 bit game; the backgrounds have so many parallax layers to make you feel like its a real location. The subtle details like the heat haze in the hotter levels, and the spray when Sonic runs along the surface of the water, really bring the environment to life. I didn't expect Hydrocity at number one but I would have to agree that I really enjoy playing this zone every time for the combination of satisfying speed sections and awesome funky music.
Thanks! You're absolutely right that the parallax layers gave the zones a real sense of depth and scale. I remember playing Super Mario World after all the Sonic games and feeling that the world of Mario felt so sparse in contrast.
Honestly, I kind of love Marble Garden. It's badniks are creative, and, although it kind of overstays its welcome, it fixes that problem by adding sections that in my books are good design.
@@erikbihari3625 The problem with Marble Zone ain't that it's slow. Other Sonic games have plenty of levels that slow things down and add more traditional platforming that turn out just fine. The problem with Marble Zone is how slow and monotonous it is for the second level of a 6 level game. Look at other 2nd levels in Sonic. Chemical Plant has it's slow sections but still keeps the pace pretty damned fast (perhaps even faster Emerald Hill at times ). Hydrocity meanwhile is a full blown water level so it certainly has it's slow moments, but it still keeps a quick pace. Marble Zone being the way it is as the second level of the game.... It makes itself and the entire game just so much worst. Laybrinth Zone is certainly the worst water level in the series and thus, has earned itself a lot of hate. But as the 4th level of a 6 level game, you kinda can expect janky garbage to start setting in. You don't expect Marble Zone's janky garbage as the second level of the game. Especially not as a follow up to freakin' Green Hiil Zone. Like, thank god Green Hill zone exists. If it weren't for Green Hill zone, the series probably wouldn't have taken off. Frankly, Sonic 1 is a mediocre as Hell game held up by Green Hill and Star Light zone.
No the problem with the zone isn't that it's slow, the problem is the difficulty curve after Green Hill. Green Hill is not very easy while Marble Zone is very difficult. The traps and springs in the area make it infuriating to play. Like those tiny metal platforms at the end of Act 3 where if you dare fall you'll lose rings in the lava and have to make your way back up. Plus there's a red spring in I believe Act 2 they put right on a wall where 2 caterkillers are. You'd think you can spindash into them both and at least hit the wall and keep moving? Nope. That spring will knock you into the lava behind you and it's off camera so you can't see the spring until it's too late after killing the enemies. Very infuriating.
I think Marble Zone is a perfectly fine level, it's just that it starts to get stale after three acts, which is honestly true of most Sonic 1 stages. Later games cutting every zone down to two acts was a smart decision
I admire how you include extended takes of gameplay footage. Most videos in this style are constantly cutting to a new scene, and for a fast-paced game like Sonic that can be overwhelming. Having a longer glimpse of the gameplay helps us appreciate the level design while you discuss it!
Honestly my favorite zone is Metallic Madness, I really love the vibe it gives off and the jp music is a BANGER, even if it is a bit maze-like I still feel like after a couple playthroughs you can get through it quite easily, but on the other hand Sonic Mania's Metallic Madness is EVEN BETTER, I especially love the background jumping mechanic, it adds a whole other layer to the gameplay (pun intended). The final boss of Sonic CD is also one od my favorites in the whole series even if I do find a bit hard. Overall I think Metallic Madness is a pretty solid zone but I get why some people may find it hard. Love your videos man!!
@@JohnnyVector no Hilltop Zone slander will not prosper! 😂😂 well for me it’s one of my favorite zones of all time and the music is just so chill. I love it
every time I see someone talk about the Death Egg boss, people never seem to spin into the spick bots when there stuck in the ceiling, is it not that well known that spinning in them when their stuck shoots them out, and it's easier to hit the boss that way?
Okay while we can all agree labyrinth zone isn't as fun as Green Hill or Starlight, can we all agree the music is nice. Not like the thumpin', bumpin', wumpa-fueled Green Hill track, but it's good in its own right. Like if they made more Sonic Mania shorts, it would've been nice to have Labyrinth Zone's track as like montage music. That's the vibe the music gives me, and I like it. Oh also Johnny, could you cover Crash Bandicoot stuff? I'd love to learn deep-cuts about the orange boy.
I agree Labyrinth has some good music. I do enjoy Crash Bandicoot. I might do a profile of one of my favourite characters and see how it goes at some point!
Glad I'm not the only one who felt like Starlight Zone was a reward for getting through LabyBrinth Zone. Kinda helps with its appeal ultimately as one of the best Sonic 1 stages
Fun fact about flying battery: It was suppose to be placed between carnival night & ice cap. The cannon in carnival night was suppose to shoot you to the plane. The "ski" sonic ski on in ice cap was the door from flying battery
This video really didnt feel like an hour long. Really enjoyable presentation and a good legnth to talk about each zone. Well done! Personally, my favorite zone would have to be Chemical Plant. Amazing music and a perfect mix of speed, platforming, route choice, and challenge. The beginning few zones of Sonic 2 are unmatched imo
I might be in the minority but I love metropolis zone. I like it’s difficulty and music. Not to mention those starfish enemies are very original and challenging
As for my favorite zone, without hesitation Green Hill Zone. What a fantastic opening to an incredible series. Every time I hear the music and see those pseudo-3D palm trees against a brilliant blue backdrop, it takes me back to great memories of a care-free time. I still remember seeing Sonic in playable kiosks at Toys 'R' Us as a kid. Absolutely mesmerizing. It was the reason that the Genesis was my first console.
For me, my favourite has always been Mystic Cave Zone. With the fantastic music, to the great visuals, the zone is just amazing. Especially in the remaster, I which they changed to pit to be a way to get to Hidden Palace Zone
Winged Fortress Zone is actually the best zone in which to transform into Super Sonic. You get enough rings to transform right away, and skip the under-ship section by getting sucked up through the vertical fan without getting hurt. Super Sonic’s increased jump height let’s him jump over the tall wall in the middle of the stage, skipping the next dangerous platforming section. And if you do it quick enough, you’ll have enough rings to beat the boss fairly easily.
I loved sky chase as a kid. I watched my aunt and uncle play through sonic 2 and never actually got to that zone myself but seeing it just looked so cool and the tornado is why I love biplanes as much as I do. And honestly even like 14 years later I still really like the zone. I also love wing fortress
Ice Cap, Starlight, and Hydrocity are my 3 favorite levels in the series. Ice Cap and Starlight's music, backgrounds, and foregrounds are all just incredible.
me to starlight zone is my favorite zone from sonic 1 casino night is my favorite zone from sonic 2 stardust speedway zone is my favorite zone from sonic cd icecap is my favorite zone from sonic 3 lava reef is my favorite zone from sonic and knuckles and studiopolis is my favorite zone from sonic mania Also the backgrounds and music from starlight casino night stardust speedway icecap lava reef and studiopolis are incredible in my opinion
I find the Interior of the Flying Battery Zone reminds me of the Metropolis Zone, whilst the Exterior of the Flying Battery Zone reminds me of the Wing Fortress Zone.
Metropolis is probably my least favorite. Goes on way too long, a lot of attacks you can’t see coming, somewhat easy to get a little lost, etc. Not a fan of Oil Ocean shortly before it either
Sonic 2's second half has subpar to bad level designs in general in my opinion. You can notice the quality slightly declining as early as Hilltop, and it hits rock bottom by Metropolis. Heck, Wing Fortress feels like a level that wasn't even finished.
@@luigibarqs that’s fair. I disagree though I feel like the game stays pretty consistent throughout, but I never mind when the final levels get “unfairly difficult” like why people hate metropolis. In my opinion, all it takes is badnik and muscle memory and it shouldn’t be as bad. Maybe I’m just a sucker for the music.
I’d say besides Hydrocity, Launch Base and Sky Sanctuary are my favorite zones. Launch Base’s music done by Team MJ is my favorite set of Sonic tracks in the entire series and honestly makes up for going through what challenge there is in it. I agree with your points on Sky Sanctuary but would like to add that the end of level transition when Sonic boards the Death Egg blew me away as a young kid when I first saw it and still serves as an excellent level transition. It’s simple, nowhere near as nuanced as other cutscenes, but seeing the sanctuary crumble away beneath Sonic’s feet as the Death Egg launched got me pumped to defeat Robotnik in the Death Egg zone. My least favorite is Marble Garden. It just feels too long for me and the level gimmicks don’t feel rewarding. I had more issues with the spiny tops than the Barrel of Doom. 😅 It still serves as my breaking point for whether or not I’m going to beat Sonic 3 in one play through. I enjoyed hearing your take on all the zones. Thank you Johnny for another great video!
Thanks a lot for sharing. Yeah, I didn't mention it but Sky Sanctuary's end-of-zone transition is amazing. I always felt really bad that such a beautiful place crumbled away.
Really enjoyed this video. Metropolis is way too high in my opinion but I guess that’s up to you. This also reminds me that Sonic 1 has a weird, lonely feel. Even if Sonic CD is arguably weirder, Sonic 1’s music, visuals, and lack of other characters and future gimmicks make it feels strange, sad, and almost dreamlike
36:56 I'm upset that not many people know that there's a faster way to beat this boss. You see those small spike bots that land on the ground? You can spindash into them when their spikes are pointing in the ground, having you launch them into the enemy.
My fav zone is defintly Doomsday zone. The dramatic experience of flying through space and trying to get the master emerald back, Its also super unique that you need to get all 7 super/chaos emeralds so it makes you want to explore all the zones even more to play the best stage!
Honestly, I wasn’t really a big fan of casino night originally but the way you described it made me realize how good the zone actually is and I now love it! I feel like you described it perfectly and didn’t miss a single detail. I entirely agree with your list and I feel like SEGA just outdone theirselves when creating these. Overall, I rate your list a 10/10. It was perfect!
Carnival night zone is actually my favorite zone, which kinda makes sense because that type of level design is fun to me and I have a clown bias, my least favorite is definitely marble for ruining sonic one for me as a kid.
@@JohnnyVector understandable, it’s for similar reasons to why I hate marble zone but less intense because the zone is pretty good just has this one huge problem that is one room
Even if Green Hill Zone is the most overused Sonic level. You can't deny the feeling of fun and joy you get playing the level in Sonic 1 and the feeling of accomplishment you get when you beat the level in under a minute.
I would at least trade Scap Brain and Labyrinths positions. I love scrap brain personally (apart from 3) but I 100% see why you don't like it. But I had WAY less cheap deaths there than in Labyrinth.
@@JohnnyVector Yup, people tend to unite under that! Wouldn't it be nice if they'd consider avenues like:-a young sounding knuckles, or sonamy being canon?
@@JohnnyVector yeah fair enough. In my personal opinion Scrap Brain gets a pass because most of the hazards are a lot less cheap than in Labyrinth. When I die in scrap Brain, I usually fucked something up. Labyrinth has sections that, even when I full well know what's gonna happen, I STILL struggle with like that narrow hallway with the grounders. That said, I do love the music. Great video btw
You should do another ranking video like this, I really enjoyed it. Your descriptions of each zone and your reasoning were actually really nice to listen to.
The Swings in the Marble Zone I find are kind of more similar than identical to the swings in the Green Hill Zone. I also like the Cranes in the Marble Zone as well as the swings.
I had 0 problems with Wing Fortress Zone as super sonic. if you get enough speed and stick to the top of the map and make use of some of the shortcuts where the screen stops you can get to the boss in a minute and a half.
I was watching the video and thought "wow this is a long video", i checked the time and I was an hour in. I didn't check the length before I clicked. Very well made video. Kept me captivated the whole time.
I want to point out a few things, because i think you didn't give the "Origins" versions enough credit. Carnival Night and Launch Base sound much much better in the November '93 prototype, heck I'll go as far to say they fit their levels more than the MJ version, especially Launch Base. Also Launch Base wasn't supposed to be the final zone, so your point makes it more invalid. I like you video in the end, but i had to point things out.
Pro tip for sandopolis act 2: you can avoid the rising sand entirely if you have tails with you, or you’re playing as him, just avoid the plugs and fly up the shafts.
The Sonic 1 Zones have a special place in my heart purely because of how they make me feel, the music, the scenery, all are either nice or mysterious. Although my Favorite Zone's a CD one, Quartz Quadrant! I'm still surprised you liked the american soundtrack better but that's ok.
I was expecting Green Hill and Angel Island to be in the top 5 but as someone who never likes water levels in any games i wasn't expecting Hydrocity zone at the top I agree but like wow
So… I’ve got my own personal thoughts on each particular Sonic game, and they often change my thoughts on their zones, based on those biases. So I’m going to go game by game instead of the series as a whole, so you can see those biases in full force, because opinions are like that sometimes. Starting with Sonic 1, I thought this game was an enjoyable experience start to finish. Not an amazing experience, but an enjoyable one. My favourite zone in the game is Star Light, with honourable mentions to Marble Zone and, obviously, Green Hill. My least favourite is Labyrinth, big surprise, with a dishonourable mention to Spring Yard. (I have too much nostalgia for Scrap Brain specifically to give it a dishonourable mention.) Sonic CD is a game I was surprised I liked as much as I did. The game’s focus on exploration, as well as the obstacle of the future signs, made the game feel extremely unique among these games. My favourite stage is Metallic Madness, with the obvious honourable mention of Stardust Speedway, and my least favourite is, just as obviously, Wacky Workbench. Now onto Sonic 2, I would say that, out of all the classic Sonic games, this is certainly one of them. I actually really don’t like Sonic 2. I think it’s a game that just cheaply kills the player at every twist and turn. The game’s set pieces don’t do it for me either. With that out of the way, the best zone in the game is Mystic Cave, as it and Hidden Palace are the only good stages in the game, but Hidden Palace has a much worse boss, so Mystic Cave wins out here. And my least favourite zone in all of the classic games is easily Wing Fortress. Between burners that look like hazards but are not, the most ugly looking visuals I’ve seen in a classic Sonic level, an awful boss, and the infamous instant death booster, this level reaches lows for the series, only surpassed by Sonic and the Secret Rings’ Lost Prologue. And finally Sonic 3 & Knuckles. Without question the best game of the lot. I could praise this game forever, but too many people have already done that so I won’t. This is THE classic Sonic game I would most recommend to people. Mania is a close second, but the storytelling in 3 just elevates it higher ing my opinion. As for the best level, it’s by far Flying Battery Zone, with almost every other level in the game as honourable mentions. The worst is Casino Night, for its failed attempt at continuing the rest of the game’s amazing visual storytelling, the barrel, and me not liking classic Sonic casino levels, with a dishonourable mention to Sandopolis for its second act being bad. So there you go. There are some opinions I have on games built for children in the 90’s that tried, and failed, to beat Mario at his own game. Thank you, goodbye.
I just beat it, and I gotta say....that zone is annoying to navigate. Especially on a first run, the only saving grace for it is act 2 where time travel is super easy. Otherwise...I HATE IT! I HATE IT! I HATE IT! I HATE IT!
I actually don't mind Wacky Workbench, time travel is surprisingly easy to do in both acts, my only issue with it is the location for the first robot generator, which is incredibly cryptic, however the generator in Act 2 is really easy to get to, with some non-offensive backtracking required, I understand the main gimmick of the "boost floor" might be annoying every now and then, but I'd argue it's only midly annoying, rather than something that completely breaks the zone. And there are moving platforms and contraptions to help you get through without touching the ground, and being honest said gimmick is really much more of a problem in Act 1 compared to what it is in Act 2.
@@MexicanSheepMan Zone 2 is only easier because it's more open. In Zone 1, sure, there are platforms that catch you, but then you have to jump back down, which usually takes too long because of the cramped, mazelike upper section. Zone 2 is easier, but not by much, and only because it's more open and the level hazards are less obnoxious. The badniks in both Zones are amazingly shitty, too. The way they act and the places they're placed mean that nine times out of ten, they'll fly in from off-screen and you have no time to react. I also don't know how time travel is supposed to be easy in Zone 1, it honestly feels sadistic with how non-conducive the level design is to it.
@@Murnjendoof_too Always thought Act 2's design was better achieved than Act 1's severely cramped level design, but I could never find the reason and put it into words, you pretty much described why in that comment, it's certainly more open to the point there's almost no issue on coming back down. That said, I can understand people's thoughts on how Act 1 is understandably bothersome, to the point it is difficult to get to the level's goal while keeping your rings (more so if you're looking to get the giant ring at the end), it's mostly the issue of the badnik placement and that electric machine thingamajig in the background of the stage, I usually don't have much of a problem time-travelling in Act 1 because of a certain spot with a curvature you can Super Peel-Out into, and then the electric floor helps you get the remaining momentum to achieve time travelling, but this is mostly coming from my experience, I get that not everybody will get to that certain part of the level and try it out though. And yeah, the main problem is mostly getting down after being boosted up by the floor, it can be midly annoying at times due to, yet again, the maze-like structure of the level, I can totally get why, I just have a soft spot for this level, possibly because I'm fairly familiar with the layout and the spots where you can achieve time travelling easily.
@@MexicanSheepMan I'm glad that my reply was able to help you articulate your opinions. What you're saying makes sense, as most of the levels in Sonic CD (as well a lot of other classic sonic levels) get easier and more fun the more familiar you are with them. But the fact that you can only name one place where you can consistently time-travel in Zone 1 is pretty telling, in my opinion. And again, the badniks and electric hazards make up the majority of my gripes with the round, but the level design is the painful icing on the proverbial pain cake.
I find the Sky Chase Zone Music Track sounds like a Chill Out Dance track I find relaxing and would be the right music track for the 2-players mode of Wing Fortress Zone, Whilst on the other hand the Wing Fortress Zone Music Track sounds like a Cinematically Dramatic track that's like from when a transformed Super-Hero battles against a transformed Super-Villain and sounds very frightening and should have been reused for the Metal Madness boss battle in Sonic Heroes.
Hidden Palace for me, as short as it is, all the events of the classic era come to head here, shame they dont make the list. in terms of the level design, Lava Reef for me, two levels, two vastly different appearances.
I understand why you don't like the Origins track for Launch Base (compared to the prototype version the instrumentation's not great), but I think the whole upbeat nature is meant to be as if the game's cheering you on, like "yeah go on, you can do this!" It's especially prevalent in the Act 2 theme, and I feel like it fits since Launch Base was never meant to be the true final level in S3&K, it only ended up that way due to the game being split in two. Fantastic video regardless, I really agree with a lot of your rankings and opinions of these zones
Honestly my favorite zone out of the classic sonic games is Stardust Speedway, especially paired with the japanese soundtrack. The extreme speed parts, feels so badass and I like all variants of the level, but present being my most favorite because of its track, quite funky and nostalgic because of my childhood. The visuals look absolutely amazing, and full-on 90s vibe. (I have something for 90s music so yeah.)
oh btw scrap brain is infinitely worse in the mobile/whitehead version as the pinching hitboxes were increased to an unreasonably sensitive degree which makes the parts where you have to maneuver through moving terrain a lot of fun 🙃
I had a weird feeling playing Sonic 3 & Knuckles that the pinching hitboxes had been altered in a few zones like Carnival Night as well. I got squashed quite a few times and I don't remember it happening so frequently in the original.
Dunno how common this knowledge is, but the reason Sonic Team had the "audacity" to give Metropolis Zone a third act was because of cut content. They had a bunch of concepts for additional levels that they couldn't finish in time. One was a single-act zone tentatively named _Genocide City Zone_ (which they also called Cyber City, so I assume that's what would have been the final name if it had actually made it into the game). They finished the level layout for Genocide City, but couldn't get the art assets done in time... So with the deadline looming, they slapped the Metropolis Zone assets onto that level layout, and just called it Metropolis Zone Act 3. Anyway, Lava Reef is my favorite. Love the vibes, love the music. It was a good level of challenge when I played it for the first time when I was young, and now that I'm better it's still fun to just breeze through.
Honestly, I feel like titanic monarch is the best final classic zone. ITs a mix of all 4 of the final zones from the sonic games and also it takes place outside metallic madness (which is an idea from Whiteheads final fever remake) This is more fitting as metallic madness was actually supposed to be before stardust speedway and was always intended as the level before the final one. Hell if I want go a step further I would say eggrock, if we count robo blast 2 as a classic game as the best final zone. It has one of the best themes in the game.
Titanic Monarch is from Sonic mania. The list in this video is for classic zones. Mania is not a classic game, but it emulates the classic games. A lot of zones in Mania are mostly redone classic game zones even.
I actually really prefer the prototype music over Michael Jackson's tracks. Don't get me wrong, the music is still good. But comparing the two, I always preferred how the prototype music sounded both by it self, and in the context of the level. I never really got liminal space vibes when playing Carnival Night, Obviously I can see it if I try to look for it, but casually playing the game it never really felt that way to me. The prototype music felt so cheery, which really fit the way I saw carnival night. The long speedy runways and cylinders you run down with all the bright colorful lights and balloons, which really fits with the prototype music for me. Personally MJ's Carnival night felt too slow paced and awkward to fit with the speed carnival night brought. I don't have much to say for Icecap, MJ's Probably fits it better, but I really like how the prototype sounds, so I just kind use it anyways. I wouldn't mind using either track. And I'm sorry to disappoint you, but MJ's Launch Base never really sit well with me. Its not a Bad Song, but the instruments are just.. weird to me.... it felt way different to anything else i've heard in sonic before, in a discomforting way. I guess that compliments the threatening vibe of a final level, but to me, Launch Base isnt the final level of Sonic 3, which gives the Prototype and upper hand in my book. The prototype just gives me for encouraging vibes instead of threatening ones. As if it was cheering you on, and telling you that you can stop Eggman. Which I still think fits the context of it still being the Final level. But hey, we all have different thoughts and opinions, and thats good. I should probably clarify though, that I am referring to the Prototype tracks, and not whatever was thrown into Sonic Origins.
My overall issue is that somehow they managed to make the tracks from the prototype sound WORSE in Origins than they did in the Sonic 3 Prototype ROM. Like, how is that even possible? They gave it to Jun Senoue to work on and complete the prototype ROM's tracks...and somehow they turned out sounding absolutely atrocious. Jun Senoue is responsible for some of the series greatest tunes, and has been behind the sound design for Sonic games with great soundtracks WAY before Crush 40 (for example, he's listed as having worked on the music for the 1995 32X game "Knuckles Chaotix", which while a controversial game, has an absolute banger of a soundtrack). Was Jun just overworked? Did he rush things? I need to know what happened there because it's too weird that such a musically talented artist could bungle a group of great tracks so massively.
To be perfectly honest, I love Wacky Workbench and kinda feel it’s up there in my favorites. It kinda has to do with the JP soundtrack being an unrelenting bop and some nostalgia, I’ll admit it’s very biased, but it’s more the sheer potential of the zone and how it really sparks my creative side that makes me so fond and affectionate of it. (Also I’ve spent my childhood mastering that stage so my frustration with the layout has heavily subsided.)
Look, I can see excluding some of the boss ones. But Doomsday? That's a mistake, imo. Doomsday is substantial and interesting enough to deserve a look, especially since you included Sky Chase, which is somewhat similar. Super Sonic/Hyper Sonic/Super Knuckles kinda _deserves_ to be overpowered, especially in 2 where the ungodsly last special stage makes you want to strangle Tails more than usual. Knuckles is a dumbass in 3&K's Sonic story, and I'm tired of people pretending he's not. After Angel Island 1, he should have _instantly_ thought "hm, this rando hedgehog probably isn't the perpetrator of this fuckton of robots that are fucking the island over, given that the person whose iconography and face are all over these robots has a massive reason to lie about this rando hedgehog." Honestly, he fits the himbo/thembo role well in their group, and I hesitate to say it, but Shadow fits the "tricked into helping villain but isn't a dumbass" role _so_ much better. Wacky Workbench: Which CD zone _isn't_ experimental? Labyrinth: It's also worse if you're playing the original version, which _doesn't have a spindash._ Also the music is at least fitting. It's really fucking repetitive. Wing Fortress: If you Super Sonic at the right time, you can skip like half the level. Sandopolis: Fuck Zone 2. Except the boss, that's pretty fun. Carnival Night: This, kids, is why we either get a Genesis/Megadrive for S3&K or just... y'know... emulate it. Legally speaking, own the game first, or don't [legally a joke], I'm not a cop. You can tell because I try to be a decent person even when I'm in the US. Hill Top: I'm sorry, did you rank Hill Top _below_ Marble? Hill Top is essentially Marble but not completely ass. Marble: Far, far, _far_ too many instakill obstacles. Shield doesn't help, invincibility doesn't help, rings don't help. Plus, the false difficulty of waiting. Mushroom Hill: "If you play S3&K together," aka the only way to play S3 and S&K. Casino Night: It's the fourth zone. Flying Battery: If you've heard the both acts mix, _especially_ the Mania one, it's the definition of perfection. Also, is it just me, or does Eggman's flamethrower thing look a bit... Anyway, favorite, Doomsday, least favorite, Labyrinth.
Sky Chase and Wing Fortress are two zones that I absolutely love and it always astonishes me that people don't like them. I love the chill vibe of Sky Chase along with the contrasting intensity of chasing Eggman down. Then Wing Fortress is a level that feels like it's a true test of skill right up until the final boss. Even Super Sonic won't make this level a breeze.
this video is very neatly made! i just discovered it right now, you need to be more popular. my favorite zones are Stardust Speedway, Metallic Madness, Flying Battery, Launch Base, and Marble Zone
Always cool to listen to the opnions of someone who's really passionate about those games. Of course, I don't completely agree with every single of your choices, but even when we disagree, you made your points very clear, with a pretty mature and fair criticism, so it was still an enjoyable and interesting watch!
You hit my favorites Hydrocity Zone, Launchbase, Casino Zone and Carnival Zones. I love the music for Mirage Saloon as well. Have you considered reviewing stages from the more recent Sonic games? I tend to love the Planet Wisp stages.
interesting choice for #1. Not that its a bad zone in any way, i just wasn't expecting it. I will say, the Act 2 track lives rent-free in my brain and the sections where you go down the water slide, against the wall, skimming the water, and then down the corkscrew tubes to send yourself CAREENING into the air....one of the funnest (and most fluid, no pun intended) sections in any game ever, imo.
Though we disagree on a few picks, I REALLY love the video, the idea, and how you articulate your arguments. Awesome stuff Johnny. I do like Scrap Brain Act 1. The music, and visuals really feel like you're in the belly of the beast. Act 2 and the many crush traps, and Labyrinth Act IV really irk me. I like Sky Chase because it's a good pause after Metropolis, and I love how we get a story arc from Skychase to Winged Fortress to Death Egg Labyrinth has beautiful asthetics and makes for some exciting tension Oil Ocean is not only beautiful in how it looks, and sounds, but caught the zeitgeist of Saddam and the 1991 Gulf War, but it's too "stop / start" I find Sonic CD's garrish 90s style will always be the worst of the four in my opinion, aside from Stardust Speedway. Metropolis Zone has 3 acts because there was a deleted zone called Genocide City. Then changed to Cyber City. Then changed to Act 3.... Ones I hate: Sandopolis Act II, Marble Zone, Marble Garden for those blue discs and wheels,
Another great upload. I adore the amount of detail in your videos and how your animations are so expressive. Makes me feel like I'm watching a cartoon show it's that good. Great work. 😊👍
I think it's a sign of true love for a game when you leave the office early to go home and play it, having watched a video like this, as I've just done. Still my favourite series of all time, even at the ripening age of 40. What I love is that I'm still discovering subtle ways to play each zone, and even hidden parts I swear I didn't know before. Brilliant video mate. As for favourites, I've not played much Sonic CD so can't rate it, however I'd say Starlight Zone from Sonic 1, Mystic Cave from Sonic 2, Icecap from Sonic 3 and Flying Battery from Sonic & Knuckles are my fave MD zones overall. I'd like to show some recognition for the MS versions though (Sonic Chaos was dreadful though by comparison to other 8 and 16 bit offerings). Sky Base Zone from Sonic 1 and Green Hills and Scrambled Egg Zone from Sonic 2 were awesome, and I personally still consider the MS versions slightly superior. Not that I don't think the MD ones are excellent, too. What I love about the Sonic games is that everyone has a favourite which often differs.
In general, a cool ranking, only in second place I would put ice cap, and chemical plant before angel island and green hill. And I also think you're being unfair about the music in scrap brain. Its background sounds crazy, and that's what it's supposed to do. The funny thing is that scrap brain has a completely different theme on gamegear, and it's also very atmospheric. Anyway you made a great video, you did a great job, I didn't notice how I watched the whole hour. Thanks!
First time commenter here and Sonic fan of 25+ years myself. Great analysis of the classic quartet of Sonic games, you have earned my sub. As for my personal faves & disliked zones, here are my takes. Most liked: Lava Reef Zone Lava Reef Zone has so many memorable moments that first blew me away when I first played in 1995. The tumbling down the rocks intro sequence, the huge volcanic chamber in the background and Knuckles punching Sonic off to the lower chambers for the Death Egg to fire up just stuck with me all these years. Thematically, its fantastic. Your points here I agree with. LRZ has this aura that things are getting serious and the level design is on the slower side, but its sheer artistery & rocking music in both acts prevent it from feeling like a drag. Most Disliked: Wacky Workbench Zone Ugh, Wacky Workbench... My most hated classic Sonic Zone by a wide margin. The idea of floors bouncing Sonic up to ridiculous heights is a cool idea, but the seemingly random and often non-sensical level design make the zone feel like you want to pull your hair out in frustration. The eneny placements, electric fences and awkward platforming sections make the level feel like a test of willpower. The boss is also aggrivating as the precise timing of the jumps make it too easy to miss and you have to start all over. Yes I hate Wacky Workbench and deserves the accolade of the worst Classic Sonic zone. JP music slaps though. Whovever reads this, thank you for your time and have a wonderful day.
i felt slightly offended at every entry in the lower rankings and then i realized i would feel like that with any of the zones in the lower rankings because these were my childhood lmao. also kinda wish you included the mania zones.
Pretty good list. My favorite zone is Lava Reef, and I agree with you about Oil Ocean--the seahorses and little octopi really get in the way of fun gameplay. Did you notice that, in Sonic Mania, the fire shield will protect you from the enemies' projectiles? That makes the zone a lot more fun.
Yes it's a nice touch. I quite enjoyed seeing Oil Ocean back in Mania simply because it wasn't a fan favourite before. I think the team did a good job with it.
metropolis zone from sonic 2 is one of, if not, my favorite classic sonic zones. the music makes everything work, from going break neck speed to having to halt on a dime it tests control amazingly.
