10 Video Game Levels Removed For Being Too Hard
4. Hidden Palace Zone - Sonic the Hedgehog 2
Hidden Palace Zone was a level originally created for Sonic the Hedgehog 2 and even featured prominently in pre-release marketing for the hugely anticipated platformer sequel.
Set in an underground cavern, Hidden Palace Zone was intended to be a secret stage accessed through Mystic Cave Zone by obtaining Chaos Emeralds, where Sonic would learn how to become Super Sonic.
Despite reportedly being a favourite of level artist Craig Stitt. Hidden Palace Zone was eventually cut late in production due to technical headaches relating to its implementation.
Above all else, the team struggled with fitting the stage within the Mega Drive's memory limitations.
At first, the level was cut down from two acts to one, but mere days before Sonic 2's completion, it was decided to remove the level entirely owing to the ongoing technical issues.
Though a leaked prototype cartridge later allowed fans to demo an incomplete version of the level, Hidden Palace Zone was eventually completed in earnest and included as past of the 2013 remaster of Sonic the Hedgehog 2.