Top 10 Sonic Fire Level Themes

My previous Top 10 got a lot of attention recently, which is super cool, so I figured I'd do a follow up, this time on my favorite themes of the various fire levels throughout the series.

[@Kjdoesrandomthings]

“This list was fire”

[@bickuribox12]

I'm laughing

[@pigmeatatinlay]

^

[@JonyPlayz1]

Lol

[@michaelpitter9193]

@@bickuribox12 I'll do one better. This list was hot!🔥

[@NoNamex1412]

@@bickuribox12 this video was lit

[@iamlordapollo]

As a fellow musician, I have to say I think lava reef should have been higher. Sure it's short, but I've showed a ten minute loop to people, and they listened for 4-6 minutes expecting a bridge before they realized it was a short loop. It's the musical equivalent of a Mobius strip or an ouroboros. It feeds back into itself seamlessly and the audience can't even tell. Chef's kiss

[@callmezeldaonemoartime]

Morbius strip

[@yellowmello1223]

Heh, Mobius strip.

[@Color_Splsh]

I wish lava reef had a bridge :(

[@Hugo-yz1vb]

It's morbin' time

[@Blaze4ification]

I mean it is music, taste is definitely going to play a big part in decision. Don't disagree though, Lavareef is easily my top 5 lava zones, and top 5 classic zones in general, next to icecap, a fitting contrast.

[@supersmily5811]

14:39 WAIT, the remake of 06 totally rescripts the ending of Crisis City to be WAAAAAY cooler, with the tornado exploding and the pipe just barely stopping in time to not hit Sonic like he's just THAT good at gauging moving threats.

[@TrueHDR]

its random i think

[@fatnootz3466]

@@TrueHDR The pipe is intentional

[@jazzy_burrito]

@@fatnootz3466 Pretty sure the pipe is controlled by physics, so that happened by chance. play the level for yourself and it probably won't happen.

[@fatnootz3466]

@@jazzy_burrito I feel like the pipe might be chance by physics but since i complete my levels around the same speed I usually get the pipe at the end

[@Kiilalaronso]

a very nice list!

[@SilverSpireZ]

Like many here, I found you through your Sonic P-06 videos, and I’ve been hooked ever since! Glad to see Volcano Valley Zone Act 2, Red Hot Skull, and Flame Core here. They’re some of my favorite tracks in the whole series!

[@Supersonicgaming11]

Same!

[@banobobot]

I think he forgot to mention the Saturn version of Volcano Valley Zone. Honestly, the Saturn soundtrack for Sonic 3D Blast is just underrated in general.

[@TheGoldNShadow]

@@banobobot Act 2 is just plain epic! Especially with how it uses the You’re My Hero motif

[@elibonham4388]

​@@TheGoldNShadow what about that's how it started or who's gonna rock the place from sonic and the secret rings

[@theblurcafex1655]

I absolutely adore the way you talk about the songs and also let them play for an extensive amount of time. Usually when people make a top 10 about video game music they play the songs for a few seconds and immediately talk over them, not letting them play long enough. Great job!

[@LordEmpyreal]

Speaking of Lava Shelter. It has some hidden dialogue in it that I've never seen anyone mention or "translate". When the song reaches its first loop, you start to hear it during the "opening" before it reaches the main melody again. It's in reverse, and I've always theorized it's a message from Black Doom, but haven't been able to confirm all I know is the last word, or the first thing you hear listening normally, is "Wodash" (Shadow in reverse)

[@74potions]

I had to check this for myself and your right! It does sound like someone is saying woodash!

[@LordEmpyreal]

@@74potions yeah, and it's followed by a bit more reverse dialogue in a distorted voice. Reminds me of the Halo tracks that have reverse messages from Gravemind in them. Except those are far more well known.

[@Victini7472]

wodash

[@Eldoofus]

Bro, you can't make a list like this, and expect people not to go "yo this is fire!" It's the truth, in both senses. And has never been truer before.

[@Catbattle]

Lava reef zone is personally one of my favorite songs of the franchise, but I can respect where it is on account of its length, though I'm personally of the opinion that length doesn't matter in comparison to quality, I must concede that I couldn't place it much higher either when compared to some of the stellar later entries. Loving the Sonic content, the bickuribox12 renaissance is here everyone!

[@tovarichvodkin2723]

Check the willrock lava reef zone remix dude, its a master piece)

[@Catbattle]

@@tovarichvodkin2723 hot apples dude you were not kidding that is straight fire thanks for sharing

[@MarioFaker1]

Quality over quantity

[@SquallyCoin5664]

I could listen to them 48 seconds on loop forever, that’s how you can tell you made a great song. I think Lava Reef is 48 seconds… right? Something like that.

[@Catbattle]

@@SquallyCoin5664 I agree. Yeah, it's one of the shortest zone themes but it has some incredible depth.

[@hailtheheathen]

14:20 will always make me think of Fire Sonic wrecking house in Super Mario Bros Z. good times.

[@PsclKmn]

I'm impressed at the amount of variety in this list, the composers are geniuses

[@joshwillcox7141]

This video really made me remember how much I love this series, including 06 and Shadow. After all the negativity surrounding Frontiers which I may have slightly been a part of despite really liking what they're going for, I think we all see the potential in this series and this list proves it's there.

[@b.c.s.o4169]

honestly with sonic 06 all that had to be done imo was use project 06s gameplay and change the whole sonic and elise forbidden love bs into a normal friendship

[@ZorroLocoStudios]

I agree, Flame Core's music is rockin'. I'd love to see more videos like this!

[@sergiomendoza251]

Yeah

[@RoseSupreme]

Volcano Valley is underrated and arguably my favourite Fire Level theme(s). They're so fire (pun entirely intended) that it's no wonder they often show up in Fire Levels in Sonic ROM Hacks. They're just that good.

[@twaggytheatricks4960]

Aaaah, Molten Mine... What a favorite of mine ^_^ Thanks for the Sonic Advance 2 rep, also, it's quite nice to see it represented here.

[@bert_wert]

Sonic bass lines are so funky/groovy! Thanks for this unexpected but enjoyable video.

[@destroyerkitty9434]

I love your music lists! I love when others have appreciation for Sonic’s music and analyze it. My personal favorite is Crisis City. It’s like they directly converted the word “peril” into audio form.

[@Neoxon619]

I’d be down for you doing more top 10 Sonic videos.

[@jakehbbs630]

Immediately starting off with Hot Crater, which comes from the first Sonic game I ever played and actually the first video game I actually ever owned when I was just four years old... Nice. 👌🏾

[@luopingnan15]

20:02 "There are secrets to be found. And you could be the first to see them" *chills* You explained why that is one of my favorite songs of all time so well. I love any game that lets me feel like that, and they nailed it here 100%

[@ScorpionZX6]

These are always fun, a top 10 Vocal tracks or Boss/Mini-boss themes would be cool, maybe even a focus on Handheld games specifically since I feel like they always get undermined

[@SithlordSigma]

YEEESSS MORE SONIC CONTENT LETS GO FELLAS

[@time4soup372]

never paid much attention to video game music and never played a sonic game but your enthusiasm is contagious. love this video and all the sonic content

[@Spoken05]

This list is fire. And I agreed that Flame Core is a good fiery soundtrack in Sonic 06. Like I love how when you start the stage to Flame Core the beat starts hitting hard while Sonic/Shadow run through the stage!

[@kingbash6466]

Volcano Valley and Red Mountain have always been my favorite fire themes. Volcano Valley has such an atmospheric beat that you feel like you're passing through an actual volcano. Red Mountain just has a badass vibe, with the first half of the stage owning that jazzy tempo, then the second just kills with that leading guitar and awesome beat.

[@BloodDrunkBunny]

The advance trilogy really was super fun. Miss playing them

[@toamatoro570]

Keep up the lists, dude! I thoroughly enjoy them.

[@marycrawford7209]

I like these videos! I love hearing people explain game music in an analytical way, it makes the list feel worthwhile instead of just slapped together with some pointless filler commentary. And I like discovering new Sonic tracks, too. The violins in Crisis City always give me chills.

[@ginge5018]

Your descriptions of all of these songs 100% did them justice, and as soon as I saw that you were including multiple songs from sonic and the black night I knew I was in for a treat. Keep it up man! Your videos are fire!

[@groove.mp4]

this list is perfect just for putting flame core at 1 and 2. although i would’ve swapped the two around, i’m not mad lol. love it

[@TabooYinYang]

i LOVE the style you make these lists in. really reminds me back when i used to watch top 10s all the time as a kid

[@fabricadeideas7942]

I like that at the completion screen in Crisis City a huge pipe is inches away from hitting Sonic in the head.

[@Nic_2751]

I like how I instantly pieced together that Tommy Tallarico remixed his Black Dawn composition by the fact he worked on Black Knight and of course that being a random PS1 game in the era he was popular in (IE: Pac-Man World), of course it only made sense he would remake a random ps1 game’s music, unless it was the original composer

[@dachel683]

Oh yeah, tommy He's sorta a fraud

[@Nic_2751]

@@dachel683 this was prior to me being informed about Todd Dennis and Joey Kuras being the actual composers of the game who just worked under his studio at the time, so I’m gonna go my bad on this one g

[@flamingoodness4923]

Great video as always. Sonic has so many songs that goes under the radar, and it’s awesome to see people point them out and just talk about what it is that makes them so amazing. I especially like how you’ll make long analysis videos on very specific points within this series. Seriously interesting stuff, with great comedy too!

[@cyan.6399]

just wanted to say, your picks and your descriptions of the songs and levels really made me smile thank you

[@mahdibhaiya]

Man, I love your analysis of everything. Genuinely get excited when you upload.

[@CheeseBlaster]

I was JUST watching your Top 10 Final Sonic Level Themes video for the first time! The timing couldn't have been better

[@scottjohnson4452]

Add this to my list of your videos to watch and rewatch and rewatch and rewatch. They just can’t get old for the life of me

[@thelastgogeta]

I came to be fired up by Molten Mine, but nothing disappointed here. 23:55 - Is this the Ultra Instinct? Totally okay with these in between the other videos.

[@lazysheetghost]

ok now you're on a nice roll, longest sonic vid during this era of your channel and it came so soon too!

[@SithlordSigma]

Long sonic vid, uploaded just 2 solid weeks later. What a chad.

[@nachardou.4780]

Black Knight and 06's soundtrack were SO fire they appeared twice

[@Soapport]

Never would have seen myself not just clicking on, but watching all the way through a video about specifically the music from fire levels about a series I have never played. While I have no place to measure the rest of the list as I haven't heard the entirety of these songs, that number one spot was definitely the right choice. Loved the video bickuri, great work as always.

[@alyalexander2725]

I am here for the Sonic content and your excellent handling of it

[@cosmiceternity2033]

I totally dig this content, I actually watched all the way through without getting distracted or feeling the need to pause every now and then to collect myself. Keep it up, my guy! You've got a real talent for making engaging videos!

[@Caopil]

Found you through your realm content & your recent videos have captivated me keep up the great work my friend

[@Athesies]

I love this list, I adore the song you chose for your number 1 so much

[@dragonlash]

So Red Hot Skull is actually a remix of a Ristar song: Crying World. They're both so damn catchy

[@wesleyhosea3809]

Hey these sonic videos have been awesome so far and I can’t wait to see more of your stuff. Your interest in project 06 is a lot of fun to hear and I’ll definitely stay with this channel to see what else you do

[@actualzafra]

What amazing interpretations you gave here. I wonder if you have musical education or just describes the songs purely by how it makes you feel, which in its own shows some deep artistic sensibility. This is some really good content, I hope there is more of these music-based videos in the future. Definitely subscribing.

[@Xanderreh]

Nice list! Always love some great video game OSTs. I'm kinda sad that Marble Zone wasn't an honorable mention though. It's my favorite theme from Sonic 1. While not as complex as the songs on this list, it's just so dang catchy!

[@mackthisarrowhearth295]

Glad to see Molten Mine actually mentioned, I also love the Secret Rings stage or The Volcano Valley Saturn version. And Sonic Team Racing has some great songs, including the Lava stage :) Damn, I miss the good ol' songs

[@MrNintendoblock]

haven't seen the video yet but I love the premise already. I really like your channel :)

[@MerryKuraii]

Your videos are something I didn't know I needed until they got recommended to me recently! You definitely deserve more support! 😄

[@bananabike279]

Awesome list! Despite the fire level being one of my least favourite level archetypes, the songs that play during them are always great. I really need to re-listen to the Sonic 06 OST sometime, I forgot it had so many good fire themes

[@celesticnova]

I need to give Sonic 06's ost a proper listen, because damn the 3 tracks featured here were great.

[@kalemuncher9425]

Dude, I'd love if you could put more smaller vids like these out! It's always a great time listening to Sonic's bops and seeing them in a new perspective, questionably poetic as it may be

[@Josbird]

I literally listened to mania's lava reef zone for like 3 hours straight 3 days in a row recently its so good

[@Dothos68]

I was all fired up!!🔥🔥❤️‍🔥

[@Brawl-eg1kz]

A Sonic video that didn't take 6 weeks to come out? You must be getting better at this!

[@guilhermefernandes9094]

I clicked as fast as I could. I’ve recently found your channel by the Top10 music videos and I’m very happy I did. You basically introduced me to Sonic tbf. Anyway, keep up the good work mate!

[@aubrey_shadow13]

"Fight like you always have..." the way you quoted Shadow like that almost gave me chills.

[@thefirewould2194]

23:27 This should be Hideaki Kobayashi shredding, mans a legend if it's him. I believe he was the main guitarist from 06 to Colors. Listen to the guitar in His World, and then go to the entire Sonic and the Secret Rings soundtrack and you will hear how similar it is. Anyone feel free to correct me if he his isn't the guy, but i read up on it one time.

[@Pirate_Knight27]

Top 10 lists are my favorite! If you enjoy making them, I definitely enjoy listening to them!

[@user-on9vc6op8z]

How does one Soundtrack manage to be so hot while also sending chills down my spine?

[@atomcrusher1236]

I've never looked into Sonic and the Black Knight, but the bits of it showed in this video were really cool!

[@BlamedAxis]

Happy to see Lava Shelter's theme get some love. Very underrated track from Shadow! ...But also sad to see that Magma Rift's theme from Sonic Free Riders didnt make the list. Its one of the few actually good songs that came from that game; I recommend everyone give it a listen

[@SwerveStarEx]

Not even joking I was really hoping you would include Volcano Valley and was so glad that you used both acts of it. I am very much in love with those songs, particularly the difference between the two acts. Act 1 hits like the volcano is active, and the music is more chaotic to reflect that. The stage is more straightforward, the terrain is rough, and there are TONS of lava-related obstacles throughout that you need to nimbly avoid as you go. Act 2 hits like post-eruption, while the volcano is inactive; it's calmer now, and the stage's design reflects that by being flatter, more open ended with multiple areas in different directions for you to comb through, and more emphasis on careful movement than fast reactions, with less lava hazards (aside from, well, the lava itself).

[@roamalot3000]

This reminds me of your older videos I love this sm

[@DjimonMoz]

Crisis City's Tornado is my personal favorite. Pure hype, perfectly structured. Probably has my favorite guitar solo in the series, and that's saying quite a lot. Also, I'd love to know your personal opinion on Sonic Frontiers' shitfest.

[@iwillendyou4570]

I love the idea for video likes this. If you ever plan on making anymore for Sonic, you should make a list with the theme centering around casino levels.

[@sayi50]

This list truly was fire.

[@elmo3766]

I swear, im not trying to follow up the joke but Man, this guy's channel is FIRE!

[@amejade]

Really good video! I really think Volcano Valley from the Saturn version of 3D Blast, it’s godlike

[@BobDoodlesmoth]

I like how for the other games he plays them while the music is playing but for 3D blast he doesn’t bother playing and just stands there listening to the music

[@ChaliceMovingXIV]

Thank you for making such a cool video

[@BigBossMan538]

Hell yeah, Red Hot Skull, Flame Core, and Crisis City are excellent

[@SplotchTheCatThing]

I've been working on (re)scoring a mod for another game, and one of the first tracks I wrote was for the map about three-quarters of the way through where the strongest of the new enemies that the mod introduces finally let loose and become real threats, and even though it's technically an ice level I knew as soon as I started that one of the major influences on the track was going to be the Cauldron theme from Black Knight, particularly with that amazing way it builds up tension to an absolute breaking point before breaking down to a simmer just to do it again. The mod already does a great job building up the gameplay tension with its super-heavy level enemies by letting the player face them a few times in very controlled areas over the previous two or three levels, which keeps the player looking over their shoulder and guessing because they don't know when they'll finally have to face the full potential of those guys -- so on the map where it finally happens I knew the music couldn't let the moment down, and I needed to take notes from the absolute best. :)

[@nathanvertil7355]

This list was blazing fire.

[@explayen1896]

dropped everything after seeing a new upload

[@realMetalsonic646]

and that list is FIRED!!

[@MANGOM1LK]

i think i agree with every pick on this list, it made me very happy to see molten mine

[@Mikey64]

I was recommended your last top ten a few weeks ago, I have absolutely no idea why but I was under the impression it was a new video lol

[@the120cxx]

Super hot fire. Totally lit. This list had heat. Extra crispy style. Toasty.

[@knuckson8304]

amazing list, not surorised 06 got the first place, Wish you used some footage from the og 06 for the mach speed section since it felt more radical Also I am glad you are one of the few people who understand how underrated Shadow 05's ost is

[@roamalot3000]

Most underrated KZbinr of all time has now made a video

[@The13Void]

Baby wake up, new bickuribox just dropped.

[@potofsteak4877]

Got the notification and i’m excited to watch it but sadly i’m at work. Bet it’s amazing though!

[@KibblezanBitz]

Volcano valley is one of my favourite themes from a Sonic game. I modded my copy of Sonic 3 AIR to replace the Lava Reef themes with Volcano Valley's themes. Honestly to me it fits better than I thought it would when I did it.

[@YohanUEG]

4:40 "There's such a duality- "Duality. That's really deep Ralph!"

[@Wynardsyn]

This list was fire

[@MuhammedShahin914]

What an amazing video again

[@deaglehawkings2543]

23:28 I swear listening to this for the first time in a while had me shedding a couple tears, classic 3D sonic music are just the best thing ever.

[@jwright7317]

Pretty lit list bro

[@emotion_deluxe]

Okay. BIG win for opening with Hot Crater. Certified 10x Diamond banger on the Hot 100 of my bedroom playlist. Also, flame core's guitar solo puts every other sonic track to shame.

[@theplop]

Music in Lava Shelter: "This song is as cool as the game wants to be." Shadow's feet in Lava Shelter:

[@lukechesnaught]

My favorite of the bunch has to be Red Hot Skull. Sure, maybe there are cooler songs on the list, but damn this one is by far the catchiest. It stuck with me for a long time after my first playthrough of the game.

[@creeperawman9633]

this list was fire

[@MizunoAoiro]

I hope you do more song top 10's based off of stage themes like city, ice, canyon, water, space and all that good stuff this was a great list I agree completely with all the choices but I wish I heard Eggmanland since it's basically a lava carnival

[@Ryu_D]

Thank you for the video.

[@scottjohnson4452]

This list is fire

[@kikopower]

Hot Crater may be fire… But Music Plant (Act 2) is spicy. Moving in sync with the beat while hitting those piano note jumps tickled my bubble oh so good.