Top 10 Sonic the Hedgehog Stages

He’s the fastest thing alive! Join http://www.WatchMojo.com as we countdown our picks for the Top 10 Sonic the HedgeHog Stages.

For this list, we’re taking a look at the best levels featuring Sega’s famed mascot. We’ve limited this list to main levels only so no bonus stages.

Water and Sonic usually don’t go hand in hand. Why? Because speed plays a fundamental role in Sonic’s gameplay and water just slows him down. However, this isn’t the case with Hydrocity Zone, which has the sensation of going down an epic water slide at an amusement park. With an ancient ruin design reminiscent of Atlantis and funky beats supplied by Michael Jackson, Hydrocity constantly keeps the action flowing. Of course every once and a while you’ll need to stop to catch your breath. Seriously, always be on the lookout for those air bubbles.

“Sonic Unleashed” is far from the blue hedgehog’s finest hour. Unlike some of the other “Sonic” titles, though, at least something awesome came out of this game with the exhilarating Rooftop Run. Bursting right out of the gate, Rooftrop Run is a nonstop rollercoaster through Spagonia. Every second that goes by, the player is sucked in by this intoxicating, cultured city inspired by European architecture. Just observing footage of this level will make you want to buy “Sonic Unleashed,” although you’re probably better off playing Rooftop Run on the polished “Sonic Generations.”

As we all know, Sonic officially went downhill once he made the leap from 2D to 3D, right? Wrong! “Sonic Adventure” while may not have aged well but it was still very entertaining, with Speed Highway being an enthralling highlight. While admittedly a pretty lethal highway for automobile drivers, it’s an open road for Sonic. Leaping from rooftop to rooftop, hanging from helicopters, and charging down skyscrapers, this cinematic course brings new meaning to going over the speed limit. The cops might not be able to stop you, but there is a good chance you’ll fall to your doom.

Sonic has grinded more rails in his lifetime than Tony Hawk. Whether you’re a pro skater or an adrenaline junkie, Final Rush is as gnarly as it gets with Sonic literally grinding on top of the world. Rarely has a “Sonic” stage felt grander in size or as ambitious in design. It’s like riding Space Mountain on acid with thrills coming a mile a minute. Granted, it doesn’t make much sense that Sonic is able to breath and move freely in outer space. Then again, we probably shouldn’t try to bring too much logic into a game about a talking hedgehog.

Everybody loves a good snow level and “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” features one of the coolest ones ever. Ha, see what we did there? Sonic gets off to an EXTREME start as he zooms down a frosty hill on a conveniently placed snowboard. Even after getting buried in a cavern by an avalanche, nothing makes Sonic freeze in place. Running through this icy labyrinthine is every bit as exciting as skiing down one of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. It’s a regular winter wonderland, except with fatal icicles that fall from above.

As the title suggests, this stage is a daring escape that opens with Sonic jumping out of a police helicopter and skydiving to the city below. From there, it’s a high-speed chase complimented by one of the catchiest songs you’ll ever hear in a video game. Good luck ever getting it out of your head. Then just when you think this level can’t possibly get any more heart racing, a monster truck that takes up the entire road enters the equation. It may not catch up to Sonic, but it does try even more harder in Sonic Generations.

A level where rivals become friends to take down a common enemy, Sky Sanctuary is a blast from start to finish. Mixing together elements of science and nature on a floating island, this “Sonic” stage is reminiscent of Miyazaki’s “Castle in the Sky.” Bouncing on clouds, teleporting to the heavens above, and outrunning the crumbling ruins below, Sky Sanctuary brings you one step closer to the final showdown with Dr. Robotnik. By the way, Eggman, Darth Vader wants the Darth Star plans back.

If you grew up playing “Sonic the Hedgehog 2,” chances are the theme to Casino Night Zone popped into your head on your first trip to Las Vegas. One of the most iconic, inventive, and insanely fun stages in the franchise’s history, Casino Night plays like a flashy pinball game with Sonic acting as a ball. Bouncing all over the place has never been more fun, although you’ve got to wonder if Sonic ever gets dizzy. The level also works in the mechanics of a slot machine, motivating the gambling addict in all of us to keep trying for a jackpot.

The Chemical Plant Zone is more like a chemical city. It almost feels as if Sonic has wandered into a post-apocalyptic future straight out of “Blade Runner.” While this factory is overrun with industrial waste and untold hazardous dangers, it’s actually a lot more fun than you’d expect. In addition to having a surprisingly enriching atmosphere, Sonic jumps, runs, and climbs about the plant as if it were a jungle gym. Who would’ve thought touring an evil chemical facility could be such a good time. Hopefully that purple water has no side effects, though.

Before we speed through our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:

Launch Base Zone
“Sonic the Hedgehog 3”
Emerald Coast
“Sonic Adventure” (1999)
Marble Hill Zone
“Sonic the Hedgehog” (1991)
White Jungle
“Sonic Adventure 2” (2001)
Star Light Zone
“Sonic the Hedgehog” (1991)

At the center of many “Sonic” games is something resembling an environmental message. While Emerald Hill Zone also encompasses this green theme, Green Hill Zone is the stage that makes us appreciate Sonic’s natural habitat the most. Although it’s not as big or as extravagant as some of the other entries on our list, this level introduced us to Sonic the Hedgehog and showed off everything he was capable of. Rolling around at the speed of sound and bouncing to new heights, playing this level through convinced you to purchase a Sega Genesis over a Super Nintendo – or at the very least it tempted you.

Do you agree with our list? What’s your favorite Sonic stage? For more entertaining Top 10s published every day, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.