10 Most Iconic Levels In Video Game History

1. Green Hill Zone - Sonic The Hedgehog

Yes, I understand this is a very, VERY tough call to make. But for as much as Sonic was designed from the ground up to usurp Mario as any child's mascot of choice, his first level - the immaculate Green Hill Zone - is more recognisable and instantly heartwarming than Mario's 1-1.

I know, I know. Fight me and such.

As for this level, where to even start.

The music, the rollout of enemies and platforms. The fact you get only a few seconds to understand Sonic's physics before you're freeing secret power-up crates from trees and bouncing on the heads of robot crabs. Wait for any longer than you can say "Aren't those Michael Jackson's shoes?" and Sonic will look straight down the lens, wondering why you aren't continuing to play as much as humanly possible.

It was this sensibility that gamers of all ages latched onto and never let go. This notion of immediacy and speed; of a level that doled out memorable elements as fast as you could ask for them. Of an opening section so expertly crafted, there's an argument to be made it's the best level in Sonic history, and nothing would ever reach this high again.

As for said argument though, it's over to you in the comments.