Ranking Every Classic Sonic Zone (Worst to Best)

[@JohnnyVector]

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.

[@haggerz84]

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 :)

[@Upgradedtitanspeakermanedits3]

@@haggerz84 I didn't know that

[@tanglethelemur9878]

Flying Battery Zone is my favourite and my least favourite is Wing Fortress Zone

[@marx1271]

One of the best zones is wacky workbench

[@Dan200]

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)

[@jamesmclean7140]

I think you're the first person to describe Spring Yard Zone as like a park outside a city. I've been stuck on what to call it for years.

[@SilverBirb]

Spring *yard* zone

[@Based-K]

@@SilverBirb Yeah it seems like a no brainer

[@Moald]

@@Based-K oh well I thought it was some unbuilt building or maybe one of eggman's old bases

[@SilverBirb]

@@Moald maybe its a city that had been destroyed my eggman to try take over the world

[@Chipmunkboy]

Detroit

[@Fluxuation]

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.

[@lindaesteves]

That actually does make sense!

[@muddyknowitall815]

I thought so too!

[@Welcometomybarbeque]

same

[@captainflappyarms8277]

This is genius how did I not come to that conclusion!

[@thomaseckert4110]

Me too!

[@phantomstrider]

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.

[@amethysttvgl1601]

Oh hey phantomstrider! A pleasure to see you here!

[@deepthypanakkal1494]

I m a fan

[@BinglesP]

Oh hello there, Josh/Mr. Strider! Surprising to see you here, even if I knew you’re a Sonic fan.

[@flameboi51]

I never thought I'd see you here but im glad you came:)

[@glitchhunter09]

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

[@Mouiz412]

Fr though what was on the developers brains????

[@Swagpion]

The devs knew what everybody would call it.

[@noaht2005]

It would make sense to tag them together in the code since they use such a similar tileset

[@jarlwhiterun7478]

That's not a fun fact.

[@slipperysam]

@@MrV41N the game

[@intevolver]

Sonic 2 was originally supposed to have a time-travel component (which made its way into sonic CD). Hilltop Zone was the past version of Emerald Hill

[@JohnnyVector]

That makes a lot of sense

[@Lukas-bg4yn]

Tbh the reverse would make more sense to me geology-wise, but that's cool to know

[@NewToCool74]

@@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]

@@NewToCool74 Emerald hill and Hilltop aren’t on Angel Island though

[@NewToCool74]

@@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.

[@demetriuskafkoulas5005]

Hydrocity and Chemical Plant just hit different, man. So glad to see both of those levels get the respect they deserve for their brilliant design.

[@SpookusMcDoofus]

7 yr old me would’ve disagreed with your statement

[@Blixir]

Hydrocity was my childhood man. I remember playing it so much and loved it despite my hate for water levels.

[@npscg1980]

I hate the chemical plant boss

[@Beating_my_meet]

​@@npscg1980 boss is annoying but rest of the zons is amazing and fun

[@Channeloftheyars]

High velocity zone isn’t that good. Water levels are supposed to test the players skill under pressure. This is the 3rd level, I just figured out how to spin-dash. Not like you can skip the water like in Sonic 2, you’re forced to go underwater. Sonic 3 is overrated, not bad, but really overrated.

[@kyrenity]

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.

[@cooper2211]

I don't think alot of people know. Its something I've noticed a long time ago and thought that was the intention.

[@mincecraftredstone6196]

I knew accidentally while playing on the mega drive

[@thetargazer]

Agreed no one seems to know you can spin dash to spam these. Saw another video making the same complaint.

[@WaterCrane]

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.

[@Quenlin]

@@yordansic Don't be a bitch.

[@FreshTillDeath56]

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 :)

[@JohnnyVector]

Thank you! Sandopolis and Oil Ocean both have that hot climate going on. Two dark horses for sure.

[@Gabrielgaming-]

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)

[@sonicthebyrd2788]

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.

[@mincecraftredstone6196]

Used to be mine too along with flying battery.

[@marquesgorham4226]

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

[@yjk5737]

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.

[@GavGaming15]

Yeah I love lava reef the music is amazing and it’s a really nice looking and fun stage

[@seedofwonder]

That was a genuine pleasure to watch. Yes, I am late to the party. I was so pleased that Chemical Plant remained unspoken to the near end of the video. I also get the sense that Flying Battery is underrated by the fan base. Since you asked, Metropolis was the zone that ended my first attempts at completing Sonic 2. Once I learned to respect it, I still found it challenging and frustrating, even after I could run it without losing a life. But I just find it so satisfying to beat, even after all these years. It has an aesthetic that, as you say, zones like Scrap Brain lack. Beyond that, I am happy to just sit back and enjoy commentary from someone with such great taste as yourself!

[@callumsparrow4379]

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.

[@Outshinedsg]

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.

[@JohnnyVector]

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.

[@Fueledbychapstick]

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!

[@fulltimeclueless1586]

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)

[@robertan.2491]

Thanks :D

[@ECartmanist]

I really like Spring Yard Zone for some reason, it's like Casino Night Zone in some poorer or worse area...so Casino Night in London

[@JohnnyVector]

Haha, great description

[@killerb255]

Casino Hood Zone

[@Fluxuation]

19:55 I love this, because in carnival night act 2, it’s just the act 1 theme with muted channels, which adds onto your theory.

[@hart418]

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.

[@MetallicMadnessZone]

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!!

[@GreatPuma13]

I actually like marble zone and I like that you didn’t put it incredibly low on the list just because it is slow

[@erikbihari3625]

Yeah, people tend to complain about Sonic stages having slow sections, but they tend to forget their need for better memorization!

[@phoenixwright784]

@@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.

[@Blingy]

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.

[@Swagpion]

The speed isn't the main problem. The main problem is the amount of stupid hard platforming needed FOR THE SECCOND ZONE.

[@samfivedot]

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

[@Captain_Neckbeard]

I freaking love Hill Top Zone's music. One of my favorite tracks in the game.

[@JohnnyVector]

Haha, apologies for the Hill Top slander! Just never vibed with me.

[@TheBlackScatPack]

@@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

[@ejnytryta5466]

Yeah Hill Top Zone has 1 of the best sound tracks put to it. I can't believe he put Marble Zone over it smh lol.

[@backyarddad4198]

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.

[@tylerensminger]

Yeah I learned that later on myself. I used to do the same thing shown in the footage

[@nekonomicon2983]

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

[@Someonewithnovids]

4:42 "and these pig badniks are gonna throw their balls at you"

[@blazeneko3384]

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?

[@JohnnyVector]

Thanks for sharing the trick, I honestly had no idea you could do this

[@blazeneko3384]

@@JohnnyVector you're welcome

[@pancakericeP]

fr l, i played it for the first time in origins and found that out pretty quickly lol

[@That_Guy-]

I thought that was common knowledge, clearly not

[@blazeneko3384]

@@That_Guy- me to but I have never seen anyone do it

[@waggieentertainment9387]

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.

[@JohnnyVector]

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!

[@reilorenzogamer5007]

I Like Labyrinth Zone Act 3,But Star Light Makes You Feel... *Free...*

[@waggieentertainment9387]

@@reilorenzogamer5007 yep it sure feels like stargazing music

[@reilorenzogamer5007]

@@waggieentertainment9387 Fr!1

[@SolidSnake684]

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

[@ipenstein]

Great video and selection! My top 5 zones are: 1. Hydrocity 2. Flying Battery 3. Lava Reef 4. Mystic Cave 5. Angel Island Worst offenders: 1. Labyrinth 2. Scrap Brain 3. Metropolis 4. Wacky Workbench 5. Marble

[@YISHYAWO]

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

[@mr.midnight1997]

Did you know, there is a Spanish robotics company called: robotnik automation that was founded in 2002?

[@JohnnyVector]

Do they manufacture badniks?

[@mr.midnight1997]

@@JohnnyVector Just received your response while I was watching the robotnik introduction scene from the sonic movie (2020).

[@tea-f3i]

Glad im not the only mystic cave zone enjoyer It was my favourite zone for a while on my first few classic sonic game playthroughs

[@JohnnyVector]

Mystic Cave Enjoyers rise up

[@robertan.2491]

🙌🏻👐🏻

[@thestickopia4619]

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

[@Whopper744]

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

[@luigibarqs]

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.

[@LightsolP]

Metropolis as a zone kind of sucks, but the music is fucking awesome.

[@legendbtv]

@@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.

[@wintermute8315]

The music and colour scheme help save it. But yeah, three zones was too much.

[@trzy]

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.

[@ryank2780]

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.

[@killerb255]

YES! THIS!

[@robertbuckley2429]

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.

[@OWilkes1]

That barrel still gives me nightmares I hate that barrel

[@SGC90-t5y]

That was when Sonic 3 ended for me as a child.

[@Bojak51]

48:00 Good to see a classic Sonic video where Tails screws you over at least once lol

[@noaht2005]

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

[@Hiushisan]

Hilltop needs more respect. And I honestly don't get the problem people have with the music in the zone, it has pleasant country vibes with that synthesized harmonica-esque sound. I always enjoy running through hilltop zone.

[@tenkenroo]

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

[@AngelYZ125]

Great video! Great job putting the songs at the start of each zone as well

[@pastabowl7]

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

[@robertan.2491]

One of my faves also. The visuals, the layout, the elements in it...😚👌🏻

[@awetistic5295]

The atmosphere is just incredible.

[@WilloftheFans]

Seen a few of these pop up in my algo lately, and yours is the one I agree with most.

[@_adorabubble]

personally sky sanctuary is my favourite classic zone, i always get shivers when the music starts and you see that gorgeous blue sky

[@dylanjones4889]

Sonic CD zones are fucking lit on shrooms

[@punchingpikachu3576]

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!

[@yorick-fe5vp]

Another wonderful video about a blue fast hedgehog and it’s weird friends.

[@ChuckE.CheesesIllinois]

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.

[@JezElectro13]

i heard Scrap Brain act 3 originally was made Labyrinth act 4 because of time but it stayed for player to be like "4th act of Worst and Hardest zone? the one moved from second to fourth Zone because of Difficulty? Eggman, you're @!?$ing dead" and also another bad side of Industrialization: Who-knows-of-what-but-probably-robot Factory over Ancient Ruins.

[@cherrypopscile3385]

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]

That sounds fair but I have a bit of a soft spot for Labyrinth's music

[@erikbihari3625]

@@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?

[@cherrypopscile3385]

@@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

[@SRBmovies1317]

0:17 Sonic Mania has left the chat

[@JamesKurokage]

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.

[@DarthCobalt55]

Absolutely love this list. You're quite the poetic KZbinr to describe these levels

[@snappleshibes26]

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!

[@JohnnyVector]

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.

[@robertbuckley2429]

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.

[@BrainyTB]

It was probably a good idea not to include Mania because most of it's zones are bangers and most if them would be at the top of the list

[@JohnnyVector]

Yeah for sure. I'm not sure there's really any weak zones in Sonic Mania at all

[@bobbyonkazoo3512]

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]

Nowadays I love a bit of Carnival Night but I had to keep in mind how many timeouts the barrel gave me and other unsuspecting victims

[@bobbyonkazoo3512]

@@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

[@run2thestore]

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.

[@jackhumphries1087]

The “screechy sound” in hill top zone is actually a 16 bit harmonica

[@andyq524]

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.

[@Gabrielgaming-]

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

[@brinst_ar]

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.

[@23eourytbn82]

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.

[@jmstudios8470]

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

[@tomboy_kisser]

Oh hell yes, the first video in like a month from the myriad sonic YTers I'm subscribed to

[@E-6481]

Ice cap is easily my favorite zone in the classic series (before mania). Sad they killed my boy in origins tho. Rest In Peace.

[@concert_etiquette]

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.

[@thetruej7872]

Best Sonic Zones imo Sonic 1: Spring Yard Sonic CD: Palmtree Panic Sonic 2: Casino Night Sonic 3: Angel Island Sonic & Knuckles: Mushroom Hill

[@JohnnyVector]

Some good choices!

[@Pēm̐cā]

Sonic 1: Marble Zone Sonic CD: Quarts Quadrant Sonic 2: Hill Top Sonic 3: Hydrocity Sonic & knuckles: Lava Reef

[@robertbuckley2429]

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.

[@jurassicarkjordanisgreat1778]

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.

[@AzurePrower]

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.

[@GANGRELION]

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!

[@KayFleetwayMS04]

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

[@mincecraftredstone6196]

I actually disagree

[@urbynwyldcat9131]

Discovering an hour long Johnny Vector video just made my night. And great shout on Hydrocity.

[@TheAuron32]

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.

[@GreekHouseEffect]

Sure I had my fair share of disagreements on the ranking, but man I gotta love how eloquent you are on the topic. That one hour truly breezed through

[@PinBBro]

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 🙃

[@JohnnyVector]

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.

[@GavGaming15]

The reason for hill tops emerald hill recolor is because sonic 2s time travel system that was going to happen so that’s a reason for that

[@Murnjendoof_too]

Glad to see Wacky Workbench taking its rightful place at the bottom. That zone has given me so much frustration and grief. I want to hurt it.

[@j.e8051]

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!

[@MentallyIdiotic]

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.

[@Murnjendoof_too]

@@MentallyIdiotic 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.

[@MentallyIdiotic]

@@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.

[@Murnjendoof_too]

@@MentallyIdiotic 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.

[@scottevensen2615]

I just love the classic Sonic games endlessly! An hour long vid talking about level zones? Let's go!

[@poweroffriendship2.0]

I think the Springyard Zone is the best zone because of how catchy the music is, giving off some New Jack Swing style.

[@JohnnyVector]

Awesome. There's no denying how amazing how good the music is. Masato Nakamura did a phenomenal job.

[@poweroffriendship2.0]

@@JohnnyVector I would like to add that the Springyard Zone song was sampled from Bobby Brown's "Every Little Step I Take" in case you're wondering.

[@lssjcarter]

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

[@kalosbaku]

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.)

[@deadbobomb6445]

Uh yeah no we're the same person-

[@AJotasticGamer]

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.

[@minekraftminer]

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.

[@Joname13]

I love most of the prototype tracks, I only dislike Carnival Night Act 2.

[@Mechasonicrocks]

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.

[@MakriaMicronation]

16:30 hey don't be mean to him he's trying his best okay

[@BirchMonkey857]

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.

[@jackhumphries1087]

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.

[@plushie_-_]

British

[@JohnnyVector]

True

[@plushie_-_]

@@JohnnyVector who is your favourite sonic character (from any game)

[@ferna182]

Not sure what you're on about Wing Fortress being "infinitely harder" with Super Sonic... It's the complete opposite, it's extremely easy because you just skip the whole level. Just... don't use the route below the plane. right after the beginning when you're done collecting all the rings and that floor thingy pushes you forward, go back to where you find one of those robot chickens and jump up all the platforms and go on top of the plane... then you just skip everything by jumping high and going above everything... It's REALLY easy.

[@fredarok579]

36:03 “Act One is a thrill ride.” *shows Sonic waiting around impatiently* (All jokes aside, loved the video!)

[@have_a_good_day420]

Wow (spoilers) His favorite Sonic level happens to be my favorite as well: Hydrocity Zone. It's like a giant indoor water park. Very underrated.

[@RoronoaDLuffy-iu4yx]

I'm happy to see Hydrocity number 1. Its also my absolute favorite zone of any Sonic game, and maybe of any game (not sure yet). Everything fits so well together, the music, the esthetic and the gameplay makes a perfect marriage. I'm fascinated by this zone since the first time I played it as a kid. Weird to see someone else sharing this odd sentiment.

[@Metaphizzle]

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.

[@raunak0983]

By the time u got to talking about metropolis,i wondered : where is green hill on this list..heh he’ll probably mention something about it being overused when talking about it.

[@adrianok4266]

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.

[@Nightopian1982]

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.

[@guyblack172]

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.

[@D3sdinova]

I pulled a surprised pikachu face when carnival night came up so low, but then you perfectly explained why. I think i was stuck there for weeks!

[@Nativeflutesounds]

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. 😊👍

[@NimArchivesYT]

35:53 Oral treat? You’re eating it!?