Ranking Every Classic Sonic The Hedgehog Level From Worst To Best

11. Sky Sanctuary Zone

Before 'mature' video games caused a mainstream mood-swing to the morose, SEGA's 'blue sky' philosophy reigned supreme. Sonic & Knuckles' penultimate zone, Sky Sanctuary, embodies this ideal perfectly. Instead of grungy grey or boring brown, the high tension of the level is brilliantly contrasted by glorious sunshine, lending an eerily tranquil atmosphere for Sonic's final pursuit.

The music is triumphant with just a hint of melancholy, speaking of a once prosperous ancient Echidna city now in tatters. The ruins' collapse mirrors the rise of Robotnik throughout the level, and there's a sense of urgency - as if Sonic wasn't normally hasty enough - unlike any other level.

It's one of the most dramatic zones in the series, as robots are sent to gun our hedgehog hero down, the Death Egg emerges from the cloud cover, and an old foe - now with added bling - makes an unwelcome but exciting appearance. You do have to repeat that bloody horrible Metropolis boss, though. Otherwise, heavenly stuff.