8 Terrifying Game Overs That Make Dying Even Worse

8. Sonic The Hedgehog - Drowning

Those suffering from aquaphobia may cringe when they recall the stressful underwater levels in classic games such as Sonic the Hedgehog and Super Mario 64.

Whether it’s being trapped in a nonsensical labyrinth or dealing with bloodthirsty aquatic inhabitants, water levels in video games tend to be pretty scary in general, but it is the original Sonic the Hedgehog on the Sega Genesis that contained such a panic-inducing drowning sequence that made children everywhere reset back to cosy Green Hill Zone.

If our blue hedgehog has been underwater too long in the likes of the Labyrinth Zone, the usually positive and upbeat electronic soundtrack will instantly shift to a harrowing countdown, getting louder and faster as the last remnants of oxygen disappear from Sonic’s body.

There are a few seconds of panic for you to try to escape, but those unlucky enough to be stuck will face a deathly silent second of peace before Sonic sinks to the bottom of the water, mouth agape, his lungs filling with water.

Traumatic.