Skyscraper Scamper - Level Analysis

[@Blitzadler0803]

You talking about the camera in the levels in the most interesting thing in the world. Like seriously, no one cares about the camera so much, but this makes me always so happy and stunned

[@Ajakes]

I got a shameless infatuation with it, I can't lie!

[@lokic-ug2sc]

The camera is what makes or breaks literally *any* 3D game. IT IS A REQUIREMENT TO GET IT RIGHT.

[@windy4566]

Sir, a 4th ajake level analysis has hit the building

[@Ajakes]

😩😩😩

33:04 its not because difficultly. If you remember the story, the whole reason Sonic runs through here is because Professor Pickle told him about a bunch of robot sitings in Empire City.

[@BrettKolb-o9n]

Yeah I do feel like that is the case. But I also really like the final center statue. It looks really golden, and enough like a goal ring, to the point where it tells the player, one final push through the level, and then we are done

[@ThisisTheUltimate]

Oh yeah, I forgot that Empire City is a country where there are absolutely no Gaia Temples on where it takes place, Sonic only goes there thanks to the Badniks around invading the city Honestly, really cool way of complementing the level with the storytelling, because thanks to the story it makes sense for it to be the level that has so many enemies on it, and thanks to that it makes the level harder Not only that but it also makes sense for Sonic to defeat the robots at the end for the Goal Ring to appear, to show that he's completing his objective on there, and it also complements with what is said in the video, the level ends with Sonic destroying robots to maybe remind you that you faced so many enemies throughout the stage And it fits both it finishing with you trashing badniks (it's the whole reason Sonic went there) and there having so many enemies throughout the whole stage (There are a lot of them invading the city)

[@Technonova323]

This man cranks out videos like EA throwing out sports titles, except the videos are insanely polished. Haven’t even finished the video, but it's already full of quality.

[@Ajakes]

John Maddam's 2024 Sonic Audit

[@sonicrunn3r895]

I think what I love about Skyscraper Scamper is that it perfectly exemplifies Sonic's world design. The design of the highways that suddenly twist and curve into impossible loops, buildings that shoot upwards impossibly tall around them while remaining perfectly spaced to provide their rooftops and ledges as refuge, and metal girders that bend and snake through the skyline tying it all together, it's all so abstract in a way that makes you believe the world is built to be Sonic's playground! It's the same vibe across other great city levels in the series, like Speed Highway, City Escape and Rooftop Run to name a few, and it's what I often love about Sonic's level theming, taking a concept that's so fundamentally understood like a city or grassy plane or a beach and turning it into an interactive abstract art piece!

[@Ajakes]

So true, I also love that this level gives us BOTH sides of the spectrum on this. The bridge + further is very believable, it's like they snuck in Sonic geometry into something that was already there. But the 2D section represents a Sonic level first and foremost. You can see the way they plotted everything out clearly, and how they used elements from the environment we've already seen before (road loops / windowpanes / etc.) to color it up. It's a hell of a level!

[@KaleBennett]

I'm really glad I found this channel, I love your commentary and analysis on Sonic, and your Unleashed videos remind me just how much I miss certain elements like the challenge and presentation.

[@Ajakes]

I'd love for a similar jump in difficulty in the newer games. Shad Gens was pretty tough in the last levels tbh, but they should've raised the S rank amount for the normal Sonic stages, would've loved that!

[@KaleBennett]

@Ajakes I definitely agree. Not only do I wish for more challenging S ranks as I've never been the type to speedrun levels just for speedrunning's sake, but that the levels were more inherently challenging as opposed to just being an easy level that you have to optimize.

[@Ajakes]

@@KaleBennett I feel like the challenge gates could've been a good place to fit in more difficulty if they didn't want to touch the main stages. Some of the doppelganger races are just the same exact level, would've been a perfect place

[@KaleBennett]

@@Ajakes The challenge gates were a highlight of Sonic Generations; I just wish certain levels were longer or were harder to get S ranks on since even at their best like the Planet Wisp obstacle course, they still felt more like diet Unleashed.

[@KadenKistune]

This level is probably my favorite in Sonic Unleashed, its so busy like you said but when you master it it is oh so beautiful. Its very satisfying, and hearing sonics joy throughout makes him sound just as confident as the player

[@Ajakes]

I've heard people bring that up before, that Sonic's confidence in these levels is super palpable. Even in S ranks he remains effortless, it's awesome

[@williamwhite1036]

Skyscraper Scamper Day and Dragon Road are my favorite Day stages

[@momobluack974]

These videos made me realize that one of the most underrated aspect of Sonic Games is the camera movement. The more I think about it, the more I feel like they just don't do those like Unleashed did. Also, if not NYW, I feel like either Las Vegas as a level, or something like the far west (with Cowboy vibes) or the Grand Canyon could be a nice representation of the United States. Also also, you mention a lot about the fact that the grind rails stops abruptly and you fall if you don't switch rails fast enough but I think that's what the rings are here for. To incentivize the rail switch.... At least that's how I feel since they saved me a lot during my 1st playthrough. Also also also Jungle Joyride my beloved Anyway, great video! Love your series.

[@Ajakes]

Oooo Las Vegas is a shoe-in, especially with how much casinos are spotlighted in the franchise, that could be awesome. Sonic speeding down the strip, probably some cool interior/exterior stuff too. I think the rings are the 1 saving grace for those girder gaps, you're right. I just think even alone, they could've made it a bit more clear. Maybe like slowly darkening the rail up to the gap? Jungle Joyride has a similar thing with the collapsing docks at the start. Not as egregious as like Final Rush X's, but still helpful. Stick around for the Jungle Joyride video because we'll have a lot to talk about lol. It's... SO good. Thanks for the comment!

[@ViltrumiteIsRite99]

Good thinking, always pay attention to ring trails! They’re developer guides to the fastest path! Generations’ levels are peppered with that design.

[@codified_]

Skyscraper Scamper makes me feel like I'm late to work and taking every shortcut to make it on time No joke, once you deep dive into most city levels in Sonic, the arquitecture is VERY questionable, (City Escape and Speed Highway being the best examples imo), but in Skyscraper Scamper? It somehow looks like you're going through infinished arquitecture, places that do kinda make sense (most of time) if you assume it's under construction, the best examples being pretty much every road at the start of the level (missing walls, cones all around, those roads ending abruptly into the abyss) and the chase bridges that literally start and end with no clear connections to anything The music has a lot of power, and even tho Unleashed takes that "high energy" approach to pretty much every day track, I think this one is the purest expression of that, with a clear composition but seemingly chaotic, almost as if it recognizes the dangerous routes you are traveling, and the calmer parts I interpret as the realization, like the feeling of looking down and seeing just how far you can fall, which may as well be because those parts tend to come when you do the big jump into the first bridge or are well into the grinding section, some of the most vertigo-inducing parts imo Maybe I'm overanalyzing what's meant to be functional level design, but I feel like Skyscraper Scamper feels way different than other city level because of the perceived danger, as you said, you never touch the ground, and even compared to the most similar one, Speed Highway, you still go inside buildings, you still go ON buildings, so that sense of stability is somewhat there, and while similar stuff does happen here, it's, first, mostly at the start with a clear progression in terms of danger, and second, way less overall than in Speed Highway. That's what I love about the level, taking the most mundane location and making it feel very dangerous (also helped by being one of the 3 hard Unleashed levels, which I entirely agree) To end this coment (which I never expected to be so long OMG...) I'll say that my interpretation of why the goal is set up like that to is precisely to contrast the dangers of the rest of the level, think about it, roads, bridges, rails, only some buildings at the start and the rest is unstable, but then you reach that final building with a cool monument, almost like saying "you have done it, you are safe", and having the goal available instantly would not sell that as well as actually taking a bit of time to appreciate it

[@Ajakes]

"Construction" is a very powerful (and in hindsight, easy haha) way to make Sonic gameplay geometry feel believable in a city level. We started seeing it in City Escape tbh, but Skyscraper Scamper also carries the torch. Besides the single 2D section, a lot of the paths make sense within the environment (to an extent lol, maybe don't take the family sedan on the Empire City mega loop). And with the amount of physics objects they lay out for you, it does feel like they're still "building" the course. The music in this stage is very powerful too, I didn't go into it much, but it's such a wild combination. Like, Gershwin style big city score combined with... drum and bass? It's the type of music I imagine you'd here in your brain on like a busy stock floor lol. I think Skyscraper Scamper really shines above a standard "city level" as you said, because of the mix of authentic big city potential (Skyscraper) and bottomless danger with enemies galore (Scamper). Also I like your interpretation of the ending! Besides the cylinders, it's the 1 part of the level where you really slow down and look AROUND you. Great comment, fantastic read man, thanks!

[@travis1oo559]

this level doesn't get enough love, I suppose the same can be said abt most unleashed levels but I think this and "The Big One" are underrated in spite of their popularity. something I'm a bit sad you didn't mention was the song used, everything about it is soooo fitting for what EC is all about. the beginning with the sax starting super high octane as sonic speeds down the freeway, as opposed to the other level's songs raising up to that before really kicking in, the super grand trumpets blaring extravagantly fitting the very "new york parody" theming it has, and since there's no stakes and any story significance I think the main melody really make the level feel like sonic just wanted to have a run through EC. its such a fun song to hear when playing Skyscraper Scamper

[@Ajakes]

Yeah it def needs more love. I think all the fun foreign locals kinda overshadow what a lot of people believe to be just another "city level." In any other game Skyscraper Scamper would be the star of the show. I don't touch on the music too much since admittedly I don't know much about music besides how it makes me feel haha, but I agree with your sentiment. It's an insane mix, plus that sax rips me to shreds everytime.

[@RiverdudeCovers]

Damn I didn't think Shadow was in Sonic Unleashed but he's everywhere in this stage!!!!! Skyscraper Scamper has always been a favorite of mine for just how busy it is, and mastering it always made me feel like I had learned the fastest way to get to work in a morning commute in NYC. Can't wait for the inevitable videos on the rest of Unleashed's stages dude!!!!

[@Ajakes]

Even worse, he keeps getting in Sonic's way!

[@th3v1ralgam3r6]

Alright this gag you do at 24:04 is starting to become my favorite of your edits. Like... c'mon, we've all imagined Sonic turning into a splort multiple times throughout (badly) playing the series, and it honestly does point out where the levels either slow down a touch or otherwise get'cha pretty well.

[@God-xd1wr]

29:08 This is peak writing from Sonic Team actually because *they make the gameplay a character analysis.* See, Sonic doesn’t hesitate, he takes opportunities the moment they come at him. He trusts his instincts, he doesn’t fear the fall, he’s cool on the edge, he’s the dragon on the road. So, when Sonic Team makes these reaction-based levels, they typically put an obstacle in your path that can be conquered with a single button press, should you react on time. When you do, they send you an opportunity for faster progression that can be reached *if* you react on time with the appropriate button. It’s a little signal that your first opponent is your own hesitation. And a set-piece like this is a single that your second opponent is your fear and paranoia, telling you that reacting blindly will only set you back and you should _only_ wait long enough to see your next obstacle or opportunity. Good Sonic games are immersive, not because they make you feel like Sonic, but because they challenge you to _think_ like Sonic, to follow his philosophy.

[@Ajakes]

Hey that's some great insight there! I didn't even think of that. That could be a whole video on its own, how these games make you THINK like Sonic.

[@God-xd1wr]

@@Ajakes Even Forces carries this design format in bite-sized pieces. It proves the formula still works, it just needs to be challenged appropriately and the dev team needs to trust their players to approach these challenges competently.

[@infidel5928]

Oh wow this showed up in my recommended right as I was about to cook. Fitting I'd say as this was another great stage deep dive! This is one of the levels in Unleashed I was never really able to experience bc it was too hard for my brother to beat as a kid (and when he did, I wasn't around to see). And since we had both Unleashed on the PS2 and PS3, half the time I didn't even know it existed. Needless to say, I'm definitely looking forward to playing the stage when I get around to my 3d Sonic games marathon! As for how how the level makes me feel? You really did put it into words how challenging and dare I say perilous the stage is. It makes you appreciate just how cool Sonic is to not only tackle a metal jungle gym like Skyscraper Scamper, but also enjoy it and run through the twisting, winding roads and rooftops with effortless style.

[@Ajakes]

I think there should've def been an option to "shut" sonic up during gameplay, but hearing him having fun, makes him look SO cool. Like, Sonic, these robots are trying to immolate you, the Interceptor wants to smash you to pieces, and yet you're having the time of your LIFE?!? Nothing stops this hedgehog, I swear to god. Sorry to hear you missing the level by the way rofl, I feel like a lot of people stuck with the Wii version share your sentiment. This and Savannah Citadel are kinda the surprise levels that never were. Good luck on your 3D Sonic marathon btw! Hypothetically, do you got one you're gonna tackle first? Release order or personal preference?

[@infidel5928]

@@Ajakes When people say Sonic lost his cool I have no idea what they mean because he's literally running above the clouds in some of these stages with a smile on his face the damn adrinenaine junky XD! I get his constant noise is a little annoying but ah I'm just a sucker knowing he's having a blast! (On a semi related note, I cannot WAIT to meet Jason Griffith in person in January 🙏) I'm going to start in release order! I'm really excited to see if my opinions of these games will line up with the broader community or if I'll have my very own to share. I often hold myself back from Sonic game conversations because I don't have the experience playing alot of them so I don't want to chime in knowing jack shit about the gameplay XD

[@VampyWampy]

God this level is crazy... You covered it so well and pointed out so many things I never noticed!! AMAZING VIDEO

[@xenoexe4954]

Its how I imagine the same anxiety of someone who love roller-coaster, a tightening feeling that builds up and releases over and over again through every section with cold wind blasting all around you. Its very kewl.

[@Ajakes]

Probably pretty chilly in Empire City too, doesn't look like a SUNNY day. I like the idea of a cold morning, helps with the fog

[@sparrowkai1810]

Amazing video! I definitely agree that the last three levels of unleashed come with a difficulty spike but I feel like jungle joyride had its own difficulty spike as I remember that one being so much harder than the previous two levels. Can’t wait to see an analysis of that level and understand why it felt so much harder.

[@Ajakes]

Jungle Joyride is a cut above. I did NOT like it on my first run and it took me some TIME. But now... it's up there. Real high up there. Once you S rank that one, you feel like you can do anything (it was the 2nd level I ever S ranked!)

[@theperfectpixl]

These individual breakdowns are so good! There's so many elements you bring up that I never would have given a second thought, and it makes me appreciate these stages a whole lot more (and I already love the daytime Unleashed stages).

[@oreogod1985]

33:30 was so good lol Loved this video too! Never considered the camera and lighting much but your videos are super eye opening!

[@Ajakes]

That's what I always saw in my brain when Sonic absorbed the XP. Reminds me of the Chao mission too, where they just swarm Sonic as he stands there like a statue. Thanks as always dude, appreciate you sharing it! 🙏

[@V1CT0RHUG0123]

I absolutely love these level analysis videos! Thank you so much for taking the time to dissect each little section of these amazing levels! Skyscraper scramper is also one of my all time favorites! The amount of paths available as well as the use of the environment to complement the level design is just genius!

[@SonicMan2007]

Everybody knows that Jungle Joyride Day is the best Sonic level in the entire franchise, with Modern Seaside Hill as the distant 2nd place.

[@Iilhip]

Hard agree

[@Ajakes]

this man speaks for all us

[@AYTM1200]

​@@Iilhipvery hard agree.

[@Kelps.mp4]

Ehh, Speed Highway>>>Both

[@Iilhip]

@@Kelps.mp4 i find that stage overrated, there are better SA1 stages than that, and most SA2 speed stages are better then speed highway

[@Abykitty06]

dude you are quickly becoming one of my favorite creators here, great video :3

[@Ajakes]

Thank you very much!

[@notasquiremario3299]

my favorite level in sonic Unleashed and top 5 Sonic levels for me. seeing someone go through a building sparked my love for speedrunning.

[@blue_ronado]

I think the reason why I love Unleashed's Day stages so much is that they really do feel like an exhilarating roller coaster ride. While the level layouts may not be as open as the Adventure games, Sonic 06, or even parts of Shadow Generations imo, it maintains this rush that Unleashed is able to convey so well to me compared to other boost titles. It's a near non-stop ride with twist and turns and alternate routes with great camera that just makes me love these stages. And ofc, the music adds a lot to these stages, especially Skyscraper Scamper here. Hearing that sax at the beginning with always hit, no matter what

[@Ajakes]

the rollercoaster comparisons are boundless with these games, ESPECIALLY Unleashed, like holy shit

[@mossygreen89]

Saw the title and said "Hell Yes". Skyscraper Scamper is one of my favorite sonic levels ever, and when a Sonic level gets high praise like that, you just know it reaches special heights!

[@knuckles7995]

Glad to see ya cover my favorite so early on in this series

[@Hutch2Much]

talking about how unleashed uses lighting for difficulty is fascinating, i never caught that, but it does it so well

[@hamard1027]

Bro always rambles about what I never seem to pick up on these levels no matter how many times I've played them. It's crazy how I learn more about games that I've played since I was 10 and gain even more of an appreciation for it.

[@Hobhunks]

I reckon I know a good amount about how I like my sonic levels and analyse them in my content, but the way you discuss the camera and the little tricks they employ using it is inspiring chief, gets me thinking about my faves and how they use these ideas. Keep up the sublime work xx

[@Ajakes]

Thanks bro 🙏 there's always fun little details you can suss out from these levels, honestly SLOWING them down and walking through them helped me see much more of what I was missing.

[@_SSCJ]

This is the video where I learned I didn’t have notifications on. My mistake. Anyway, I LOVE this level, definitely one of, IF NOT MY NUMBER ONE, favorite Sonic city level. The music, level design, aesthetic are all just amazing.

[@Ajakes]

You've been blessed by the bell, thank you 🙏

[@Falco-Lombardi]

Another great video! Can't wait until you get to jungle joyride, that level is amazing. I'm really enjoying these videos man, looking forward to the next one 👍

[@ChaoticMetalMiles]

I’m very grateful for this video because I actually have not finished unleashed (yet) so this is my first real introduction to the skyscraper scamper stage and it’s AWESOME

[@Ajakes]

It's a hell of a stage, lemme know what you think when you finally get to it!

[@bonegloveGG]

This is one of my favorite Sonic levels, it's always just stuck out for me. I've never really understood exactly WHY that is, but this video explained it really well and I agree on pretty much all of it. I also just love the presentation of this video it's very well made.

[@Ajakes]

I really wish it got more buzz, I think the "city" aesthetic throws a lot of people off. Thanks for the comment 👍👍👍

[@ryanramjattan8714]

After watching and playing an endless amount of Sonic Unleashed, I can say Skyscraper Scamper and its uniqueness makes it one of the best levels that Sonic has ever run through. It's my personal second favourite though. I look thoroughly towards the Cool Edge video as the level design, combined with the music, is one of the strongest connections I've seen in any Sonic game.

[@Ajakes]

Not many Cool Edge enjoyers out there! I do have a question: do you have a reason or two about why you think that level is strong/what is special about it? I wanna hear more people talk about it, and am very curious

[@IronicSonic83]

I appreciate your analysis. Skyscraper Scamper is my favorite level in Unleashed. I recall the first time I took the left path after the initial loop, I thought, "OH MY GOD, that shortcut is so cool." Then, I saw a video of the shortcut where you have to jump off the rails following the chaser segment onto a rail far below and I went "OH MY GOD THAT IS AMAZING". the last one is still my favorite shortcut ever in a Sonic game.

[@Ajakes]

I had to put that last shortcut in perspective for my own sake, for a while I thought it was just a shorter path through the rail section, I totally forgot it SKIPS the skybridges rofl. It's insane.

[@cyberwolf5896]

I feel that out of all the levels Skyscraper Scamper is the best at giving you that pure dopamine rush. Feels like so much happens throughout the level with all its set pieces and a lot of it is challenging so it feels so satisfying when you get that master each of its sections. Or hell even when you don’t, I still remember as a kid when I would get to the rail grinding and wall running section I would just intentionally jump off and kill myself at the end so I can play it again, that’s how much fun I was having 😂

[@Ajakes]

I did a lot of "sonic self-death" on my early runs cause I wanted to see where each rail led lol

[@danieldickerson4838]

As an amateur photographer and just overall enthusiast of photography and filmmaking, you consistently speaking on the camera techniques used in these various Sonic stages to convey different senses from the end player, whether that be from different angles, perspective shifts, focal points etc, is incredible work man. I think we really take for granted just how utterly slick, seamless, and precise the creators were with the camera during these levels, and the amount of effort and skill that was needed to pull all of that off. You describe these aspects in a way that is both easy to follow and digest, yet is so much fun to nod along to if you’re a bit more knowledgeable or versed in this stuff. It’s masterful, good sir, very well done indeed!

[@Ajakes]

Ey a photographer! I bet you'd be able to pick out a lot of these things too haha, it's really fun to see the work they put into these games. The camera doesn't get enough credit, they're pulling of so many amazing things. For instance, look at the framing on every goal post when you spawn in on it. The damn shots are like paintings, its beautiful. You could make a whole video on that alone, they're setting stuff up constantly! Anywho, thanks for the kind words, glad to hear my observations are coming through clearly!

[@danieldickerson4838]

@ You’re too kind! It feels like you just gave yourself an idea for a future video, Ajakes! Or at least… I would personally love to see (hear?) you wax poetic about the smaller details in these games, like the goal posts! There definitely is a ton of fun to be had when diving into these technical and artistic aspects, things that I love to mentally point out to myself now whenever I revisit some of the stages you’ve gone over. Hell, even the aspects that I would appreciate the most, like the framing and lighting, are greatly enhanced now that I have a newfound outlook on them!

[@Ajakes]

@@danieldickerson4838 Hmmm... I have been wanting to talk about that for a while now... There's just too many fun video ideas AHH. I might bring it up in certain levels from here on, because it's highlighted very well in stages I haven't tackled yet. You're so right, there's tons to uncover here, thanks for the inspo dude!

[@YouTubeGetsWorseAndWorse]

Sweet! I've been waiting for this. And by "waiting for this", I mean I watched your Dragon Road video before going to work today, and thought, "Man, it sure would be great if he does Skyscraper Scamper next."

[@Ajakes]

I read your thoughts (sorry)

[@quillllly]

I love how much you love this game it's awesome. I'd love to see a Windmill Isle analysis, maybe even both acts since the first one is so short and looking at tutorials can be fun. I was also gonna suggest a Speed Highway comparison cause I think that would be a really cool video, but it sounds like that might already be next based on the end of this one :p Generations comparison, might not be too different from this one, darker, no flames, that's definitely Speed Highway.

[@Ajakes]

You're onto something there... just sit tight. We ain't done with highways yet. Windmill Isle is definitely coming up soon, I really love that one. Thanks for the comment!

[@hoodierae5371]

9:29 nah im dying. Yea brah, I only got that drift right once lol

[@HyperHunt621]

33:29 Okay, that honestly got me -- excellent comedic timing there, man. 😂

[@BurntRavi07]

I haven’t played much of Unleashed , but visually Skyscraper Skamper is one of my favorite levels (This may be a bit biased because I grew up in the states). I just love how big and opposing the skyscrapers look as you run across rooftops and speed through the highways in the level, makes you really feel so small in such a big city, it’s a bit personal for me because I don’t go into big cities that much, but seeing such tall buildings is such a spectacle to for me, and this level really sells it. And I’m unsure if this is really a hot take but I absolutely LOVE Skyscraper Skamper’s music both day and night, they’re some of my favorite tracks in the ost. I love the jazzy tune they have. The day theme makes you feel like you’re really in a hustling and bustling American city in the early hours of the morning. And the night theme has a more low and less energetic tone but it still makes you feel like you’re in the hustle and bustle in the later hours of the city. I may have a massive skill issue when it comes to Unleashed, but I still love this level.

[@Ajakes]

I'm not around a lot of tall building's either, so this level still makes my jaw drop. Sonic skidding up and down these things is a spectacle in itself. And I'm right there with you on the music. It's one of the rare stages where I love the Day and Night music equally, typically I lean towards the Day, but Skyscraper Scampers' night song almost feels like a Day song with how lively it is. It's very upbeat, as opposed to all the more harder tracks of the werehog stages.

[@whiz8569]

If Sonic were to go to another part of the US, it would have to be the Midwest. Imagine, an entire 40 minute level of one straight, flat road with nothing but corn and the occasional HELL IS REAL billboard to look at. Nah, but in all seriousness, it's actually kinda hard to think of too many other memorable locations to pull from. California's San Diego was thoroughly explored with its steep streets, tram cars, and the Golden Gate Bridge; Las Vegas would really just be one of the many Casino/Pinball stages the series has used; and on that end, there have been a ton of city levels. I guess you could still do Cali again with a Hollywood level, if only to have Sonic run around through various warehouses referencing classic movies. There'd probably be a section where you'd be riding high on girders before bouncing through their version of the HOLLYWOOD sign. Could be fun. Florida could also be fun (a statement made by the criminally deranged). I imagine a section where you're running straight down a white, sandy beach with one side being this crowded, dense cityscape juxtaposed by the vast, open ocean on the other side. Or maybe there could be one based on the Everglades, hopping between those fan boats before gators try to jump up and get you. Speaking of which, Louisiana might be a cool level if set in Mardi Gras. There's also the possibility of a wild west motif. Anachronistic yes, but it made for one of the best levels in Mania. With 3D Sonic, I can see it focusing more on the wide, open mesas with plateaus all along the background.

[@skyblade7438]

He’s at the Empire City Hot Dog stand and the framerate isn’t tanking, he’s a magician.

[@Ajakes]

It's cause of the closeups, no need to render all those people

[@ultrasphoenix]

I was in a pretty crappy mood but your Energy in this video made me forget why I was even mad, and its about Sonic. So Thanks dude! Keep up the hard work and can’t wait for the next video 🫡

[@Ajakes]

Keep your chin up, there's always some blue rat to talk about! 👍👍 And thanks, excited for you to see it!

[@Andi_Thy_Is]

Every video of yours i continue to be impressed by your depth of analysis and editing. Great stuff per usual.

[@Lana_305]

13:43 Something I would like to point out is how the lightspeed dash is an "unintentional punishment path". If you're insane like me and enjoy going for some of the collectibles, doing the lightspeed dash will force you onto the dash pad and into the 2D section. But if you go the bottom route and manually go to the building without hitting the dash pad, there is a Sun medal hidden on the left side near those tables in the back. Going the fast route is "punishable" for people like me since we miss out on the medal. However I think it's clever how they added that Eggman Robot in the background, sort of as a way to entice us who love collectibles. Because it's clear that it's meant to be hit, and if go out of our way to hit it, then there might be some goodies nearby. And sure enough they do that well. Not as bad as that one stupid hidden Moon Medal in Windmill Isle's Act 2.

[@Ajakes]

Haha good point. For the longest time I thought that Egg Launcher was just for show, but you can actually catch the glimmer of a 10 Ring floating above it. When I stopped to grab THAT, I decided to check out the rest of the roof and boom, Sun medal. Dragon Road has a lot of medals off the beaten path too, some are hidden inside the buildings or water you grind over

[@KrispyKorpse]

Bro I cannot get enough of this sort of content. Not only is it sonic (which is peak), but the hyper-analyzation of almost everything is just so enjoyable, and the simplistic but goofy art style tie it in really well. I wanna keep comin back for mooooore

[@Ajakes]

Stick around, I'm planning to keep going!

[@justinrodriguez5957]

"You should *not* boost on drift." What do I look like? A coward? MORE SPEED! *boost*

[@Ajakes]

i mean... it IS possible... 😏 11:04

[@Jolynesimpnumber4]

33:50 missed opportunity to say living in the city (sonic r reference)

[@Ajakes]

godDAMMIT

[@esf1934]

This is my favorite level in the series so it feels great to see it analyzed like this! I've been wanting more people to talk about it for so long!

[@Ajakes]

It's slept on way too much!

[@adroitbean5440]

Watching this video helped me get my best time down from 2:29 to 2:13, thanks for reminding me of all the skips in this level!! Incredible analysis as always, i have a lot more appreciation for a level i once mostly glossed over, they really put SO much attention into this level, far more than I ever paid it, it's amazing just how much you've picked up on and been able to articulate!

[@Ajakes]

Congrats on the new time! (and thanks!!! 👍)

[@thiagodorville4629]

this video just showed up in my youtube and i was like "am i really able to watch an almost 40 min analysis of a sonic level? i'm into sonic but not thaaat much" and then i tried it, and woah it got every single micro-second of my attention. you just got me the best lunch time ever, thank you so much! now imma watch some more of your videos because this content is BUSY.

[@Ajakes]

meal-time videos are my bread and butter (pun intended). Feel free to take them in chunks, they can get kinda WORDY

[@therealtt]

I've been playing Unleashed for years and I never knew some of those paths in the rail segment of Skyscraper Scamper existed. Makes me want to get back on Unleashed for the millionth time and try them

[@townnn-biz]

I like that you name every segment of a level lmao

[@fantastic0990]

The camera from unleashed is just so peak, glad to see someone like you care so much about it

[@atykpod]

very topical bits in the conclusion 10/10

[@Ajakes]

jesus fucking christ

[@TheDudeWhoAsked88]

How the hell

[@zoruacrossing8726]

Aaaahh, I was so hyped for this one! (Seeing my own comment in the outro low-key made me squeak with excitement) You hit on pretty much everything I like about this level, like the impressive sense of vertical scale, compared to Cool Edge's horizontal scale, and the 2D section in the middle. I legit never noticed all the geometry oddities there, which honestly shows the flowstate feeling pretty well, as if we're suddenly seeing the world how Sonic sees it: An abstract environment that's really just an elaborate free-running playground

[@Ajakes]

That's a good way to put it, Sonic probably sees less city and more just shapes to bounce around on lol. Horizontal scale on Cool Edge is also a great point, I'll be thinking on that. Thanks for the suggestion dude!

[@asteriartful]

I found your channel yesterday bc your Rooftop Run comparison video popped up in my feed (miraculously as I fell back into my love for Unleashed) and have been going through all your Sonic videos since (still churning through your "20 years of Sonic: Personal Timeline" video)... I kept asking myself, "man.... I hope they do make more Unleashed level analyses. I love them!!" And then this video popped up!! Exciting!!

[@Ajakes]

I love Unleashed to death, so we're gonna keep that train running. Thanks for checking out my other videos, I appreciate that!

[@Kyan0o]

Taking the time to see how all these amazing levels were built and what makes them special is so interesting... I hope you review all of them eventually. Thank you for doing this! :]

[@Ajakes]

I plan to tackle all of them eventually! Unleashed was the first game I thought, "man, I could talk endlessly about every single one of these stages..." so it's getting the full-game treatment. Thanks for commenting 🙏

[@Scrubsy-jh1zq]

Unleashed is my favourite game EVER, so i am just here for the level analysisof each one. Love hearing your rundown of things too, its great!

[@pooch_dawg]

Really love the effort put into these videos! All of your drawings and edits added over the gameplay footage really help keep the video engaging, and now every time I see you drop a new video, I’m like “Awwww hell yeah!!” Keep up the good work and take all the time you need for future videos :)

[@MaluCristallord]

I’ve been watching your level analysis since your Dragon Road video and it’s one of the most interesting things on KZbin for me recently, keep up the good work❤

[@SrtaElaine]

This video just gave me a much greater appreciation for levels designers! Never in a million years would I have conciously noticed ANY of what was highlighted in this video! Makes me wonder if I really wanna tackle making a sonic-esque game for fun in the future lmao

[@Ajakes]

you need to make Sonic Adventure 3 so i can point out everywhere the sun touches

[@luscario]

When I get to the "Drift of Death", I like to do the drift while tilting the camera to right.

[@icephoenix2470]

Keep up with these videos! Just like you said, not expecting the *lighting* of all things to be the source of (presumably intentional) difficulty in this level!

[@Neonlight3934]

I just ended up watching the Kingdown Valley video. That sure was convenient.

[@Ajakes]

what timing

[@ratnip_x]

ive been having a super stressful week trying to get my work in order for my finals tomorrow and seeing an analysis of one of my favorite levels from unleashed (despite those scary ass drifts) automatically made the hard ass hussle worth it ty ajakes very cool

[@Ajakes]

Bit of a late reply but good luck on today's finals! YOU GOT THIS

[@theconcerneddredhead4410]

I just finished this stage and thought to myself "this needs a ajakes analysis" perfect timing.

[@DaRaginLombax]

If there is ever a level that grew on me overtime, it's this one. Fantastic.

[@rocketanimations1980]

skyscraper scamper is a cool level, it makes me feel like I'm living the rush of getting up late to work but making it in time. something I noticed about this level, the grind gallery part was replicated in two of forces levels, the sonic only level and the duo level of metropolis. I've also interpreted those clouds scattered throughout the level as polution, since it's a big city with little vegetation.

[@Ajakes]

Pollution also works, combines well with the dark "exhaust" clouds we see sometimes. I need to replay Forces but I'm interested in seeing what you mean. Do you remember the names of those 2 levels?

[@goatman2373]

It is simply criminal how the videos can be made this quick at this length with this quality and not have more views or subs

[@eagle_II]

The guy who’s never played Unleashed: hmm yes I want to watch a third video about Unleashed from this guy

[@Ajakes]

you've been Pre-Leashed

[@lucasgrenier581]

And yet another amazing video friend! I watched gameplay of this level I knew nothing about and didn't find the level that interesting but your on point analysis really changed my mind! Somehow I knew Skyscraper Scamper was going to be your next project and I was not disappointed! Everything I said about your other videos applies here (detailed explanations on level design and camera and environment work, good comedic moments) but I also want to point out the great music selection and the art you made yourself. It is also present in your other videos and I love that! The art is really good and you clearly have your own touch, it is minimalistic (few colors, simple outlines) cartoonish and also has funny quotes or situations! I always look forward to the new drawings whenever a new section comes up! Keep up the stellar work, super hyped to see the next video (if I had to guess with your hints I'll say Speed Highway and yessss this level rocks, the music and level design in gens is just chefs kiss). Cheers from probably the only person watching your content in France because let's just say that the English language is not doing too well over here😅 Thank you for your quality content!❤

[@Ajakes]

MY ONE FRENCH VIEWER, hello again. Glad you got to learn a little more about the level. Tbh before I ever played Unleashed, I didn't even know it was in the game, and when I saw the flag alone I thought "who cares, it's just another city." How wrong I was. Thanks for catching all the little details too, I spend a lot of time on them (maybe too much lol) so I appreciate it. Excited for you to see the next one... you seem to have caught on already... I've been dying to compare it so it's gonna be fun 👍

[@serikura0123]

HOLY, i didn't remember this level looking so good! Gosh this game aged not too bad compared to stuff nowadays. Oh and by the way, your channel helped me so much in learning cinematography direction, i can't thank you enough bro

[@Ajakes]

This game is over 15 years old, it's incredible. And anytime dude! Try slowing these levels down, you'll catch a lot of these things yourself 👍

[@Lanosplaylist]

Empire city is probably my favorite stage in the game, I was captivated by it when I played it again a few months ago

[@ZukoPrince]

Great video, really enjoyed your analysis. Also want to point out, with how many "city levels" in Sonic games, there are surprisingly few, that really embodies that busy and colossal urban vibe of the really big city. All yours Station Square, city from City Escape, Sunset Heights, even Westopolis to some degree, all feel more like middle sized coast city without any oppressive urbanism (Crisis City is close, but post apocalypse is still the main theme there). Empire City is the best at it and one of more unique "city level", that really well contrast with Sonic free loving-nature spirit.

[@ultla321]

Lovely video! Honestly, these are making wanna replay sonic unleashed again I'm very excited to see the arid sands video, it is my favorite unleashed level both gameplay wise and aesthetic wise (being based on Jordan)

[@Ajakes]

Arid Sands is in that hard-level trifecta, such a wonderful stage that goes SO many places

[@Tanz_jr]

Loving the analysis on the unleashed levels. Looking forward to more of these in the future :)

[@Sonicspeeder2023]

If you want a great tip that I found going through "The drift of Death", Sega actually does a great deal of preparing you for this drift as they knew that people would go flying off the edge if they weren't careful. They put a bunch of dashpads that slow sonic down to about half his speed as sonic exits the tunnel. This speed is the perfect speed to go through the curve while also not going off the edge. If you stop boosting once you hit those dash pads, all you have to do is keep going straight (even near the edge as moving left or right before the curve can increase sonics speed to a point where the drift will send you flying towards the void for a second) and drift just before the turn actually starts. You can tell when it actually curves by the yellow road lines on the ground. I feel like the effort that sega went into for actually preparing players for this was really smart and goes unnoticed to the naked eye. In my opinion, this is the only time they really "hold your hand" in Skyscraper scamper. The road lines curving to clearly show where the curve starts, giving players a visual depiction of the turn they have to complete, in addition to the lines themselves being well lit and yellow to contrast with the grey road. The dash pads slowing sonic down, setting him to the perfect speed to go through the curve seamlessly, and the actual corner itself being put right near the start of the stage so that players are more likely to remember it when they reset or die. I feel like the reason people struggle on it is that they don't really know whats coming up, keep going fast, and then miss interpret their surroundings. It's why flying off the edge is so common, and most people find running around the corner to be more suitable. You could also learn to do the "hop skip teleport". That works to :) Btw, love your videos man. I feel like analysing and breaking apart stages is such an important thing, especially in a sonic game. The designers of Unleashed put so much time and effort into the camera movement, lighting, environments, buildings, and all sorts of other elements that go completely unnoticed, but still make people feel that same sense of wonder, anticipation, and excitement, they just don't really know who or how. I feel like more people should take the time to really break apart a stage like this as it allows you to really open your eyes to the beauty, excellence, and understanding on how sega makes some of these stages feel so alive and brilliant, and even come to your own conclusions as to why this is. Your videos tackle this analysis in such a creative and funny way. It just feels like a kid talking about videogames to their parents, explaining all the intricate little things that they love about the game, even if their parents don't understand what you're talking about. It just makes my day whenever I see "I love it" Adam in the bottom right hand corner of my screen, or any of the fun illustrations for that matter; And I love it *Insert "'I love it' Adam" here*. Keep up the good work man, you're doing great. By the way (2), I'm curious about if you're going to tackle any stages from sonic forces. Maybe a comparison between sunset heights forces and sunset heights generations. I've never really bothered to try and look into the more intricate side of forces, or really take the effort that Sega put into forces into consideration as, much like your perception of Sonic 06, I hate forces with a burning passion. I don't hate the people that support it, but the game just sucks, so I'm curious to see what your perception on the stages is. You would probably have more open eyes to picking apart the good stuff forces does with it's levels, compared to me who really doesn't see anything outside the bad.

[@Ajakes]

The trick I've used now for the "Drift of Death" is: starting the drift in the center lane, as you pass the first tunnel's shadow, and not letting go of the thumbstick until you're in the next tunnel. I think another thing people forget is that the drift is much tighter than they expect (without boost) if they DON'T stop turning. In my past experiences, I would end drifts early since I thought they were getting too wide, but when I hold on and keep turning, I realize it arcs perfectly. Something I did NOT recognize is that the dash pads reset your speed to help you with the turn! You're totally right. Instinctively, I see all dashpads as "speed boosts" so I always forget that Unleashed will sometimes use them to actually make you go slower lol. Very handy! Thanks for that ending btw, means a lot. I do want to make these feel more energetic than academic, by just speaking plainly about the things I love , instead of finding an intentional reason for it. Sometimes, I think something is cool just because it's COOL, and that's totally fine. The fun of it is breaking down why, and that's kind how these videos developed. Plus, I want people to feel like they can give their own subjective analysis in the comments too, that's where we get all the fun observations. I think writing about the reaction you get, instead of the intention, is much more exciting. Anyone can explain "why" something was done, but only you can explain how it made you feel, right? idk where im going with this lol, but THANK YOU, I love chopping up Sonic in these big comments (not literally). As for Forces, it's def on the list, and moving up higher than I expected. I think that and Kingdom Valley were the 2 huge surprises from Shadow Gens, and I want to get to it eventually. Plus I want to see if I can find some good in Forces. Consider it happening (just not yet lol). Thanks again for the comment!

[@blivveries]

30:39 I LOVE this camera shot. Sonic is spiraling down a rail, weaving in and out of those supports, but the camera is rigidly following the center of that spiral, heading _straight forward_ without turning to point at him at all, until finally pulling in to catch up with him at its end. Unleashed only pulls this trick on rare occasion (it happens with similar spiral rails in Windmill Isle and Rooftop Run), but every time it does, it's a treat.

[@Ajakes]

Yep, was about to bring up the Windmill Isle spin but you beat me to it. I forgot it's in Rooftop Run as well! I think my favorite part is that the RAIL itself doesn't end rigidly, it twists just a tiny bit before it gets straight again, so we get this great little "bounce" with the camera before it catches up with him super tight. Almost like if Sonic was snowboarding, kicking up powder during a turn, and we're following the powder TO his snowboard, it's awesome.

[@azuredusk991]

Once again impressive video, the skits, the in-depth analysis, level design, chili dogs, it’s like a combination of chuggaconroy and zero punctuation with a twist of Hbomberguy. maybe I’ll get a shout out in the next video when you get to sonic colors planet wisp soon. Oh I dare you to make the egg man sandwich in sonic unleashed in real life, thanks and bye for now.

[@Ajakes]

The Egg Sandwich?! Are you trying to KILL ME?!?!? I'll let Chip poison test it for me first, thank you very much. And thank YOU for the kind words, I love a lot of those creators. Also don't worry, I got your shout-out locked in for Planet Wisp lol (whenever I get to that... Colors is still sitting there LOOKING at me)

[@RameNoodls]

Seriously you’re now my favorite KZbin these videos are just so peak

[@williamdent2947]

13:40 i dont know if this matters but to the left that lone box actually houses a secret spring! It lets you homing attack some enemies right above the original path and a zipline that takes you into some rainbow rings, this is the ONLY path that dosent change the camera angle to show the blimp, just thought id tell you cuz i thought it was cool. Love your videos! :)

[@LuucasIckie]

I always thought this level was really busy for the eyes, it's so much happening it sometimes gets hard to track what you're doing or what you should do That video proved I was right all along!!!!!

[@Ajakes]

it's a FEAST FOR THE EYES

[@JosephHeiskell]

Another banger as always. You know, this level and Savannah Citadel were the only levels not included in the Wii version. Makes me wonder what they might have looked like there.

[@Ajakes]

Part of me wonders if that's part of the reason it's not discussed much. A chunk of Unwiishers just never even knew about it.

[@Solaris-149]

another great one... i cant wait for the jungle joyride day analysis

[@skx444]

As a kid who only had UnWiished (and loved it!) I was always so disappointed I couldn't play this level and it's still like this mythical thing to me all these years later.

[@joshmaddnes8085]

yesses every time i see a sonic level analysis i get so happy

[@betterthanbrooklyn5806]

Sigh.... I GUESS I'll go play the Unleashed Stages for the 80th time again with a new appreciation for the level design, environment and camera movement... 🙄 Phenomenal video as usual! 30 minutes flew by like it was nothing!

[@Ajakes]

there's always more to uncover, so get your ASS back on that highway bucko (and thank you very much 🙏)

[@orangehat1924]

11:11 "There are more bombs here but nothing you can't get around" *Proceeds to get hit anyway*

[@Ajakes]

dont look at that

[@ViltrumiteIsRite99]

@2:13 This clip capitalizes why Sonic influenced me liking running in sports. I’d play soccer while thinking about Unleashed and its music.

[@Ajakes]

dude way back when I was playing middle school soccer I would imagine how all the Sonic Heroes would be placed on the field lol

[@pleaseenterausername9516]

My favorite section of this whole level is at around 21:27 where if you jump just right and nail the landing you can get right to the rail that leads to the rainbow rings that skip the wall running section. Essentially allowing you to skip the entire area in one risky jump if you're daring enough.

[@Ajakes]

I've seen people do a similar thing with the final rail on Jungle Joyride's hard level (DLC Act 1-2). I always wanna attempt it on an S rank run but it scares me so much lol

[@Werdna-ob2ul]

YES! HE MADE ANOTHER ONE! (Seriously, I love these)

[@Smoothkrim]

I always get excited when I see another one of these

[@johcaX3]

yo they were absolutely cooking with this game back in 2008 😂 this is why unleashed is my second favorite with heroes forever having my heart since the gamecube days

[@Ajakes]

how did they make this in 2008, HOW does it still look this good, it boggles my mind

[@hunteraxton450]

I honestly really want to see you do levels that made multiple return appearances before or after gens! Specifically I really want to see you cover radical highway!

[@SinisterKeyblade]

8:20 I never knew about that ring trail, would have been great for helping me clear the time trials

[@ChrisColDYo]

Awesome vids. Big sonic fan and I've been searching hard for good sonic content. Thanks alot for opening the spectrum. Do have a suggestion as well. [Stage Analysis] Why this stage just doesn't work. Plenty of great games with push over stages. From poor to lazy level design. Not excluding 'Place momentum killing enemy here" moments. Anyways. Keep on keepin on brother.

[@Ajakes]

Yeah I hope to get into that stuff more during comparisons. The Sonic 06 comparison was kind of a good example of that, many of things in the original that just didn't work with the toolset they had.

[@Billthebullet]

The architect for Empire City really looked at Speed Highway and said "Bet"