Ranking Every Classic Sonic The Hedgehog Level From Worst To Best

8. Hydrocity Zone

Sonic Ranking 3
SEGA

Of all Sonic's sub-aqueous adventures, Hydrocity is easily the best. Not coincidentally, it isn't the wettest.

In fact, our hedgehog hero keeps dry in just one of Sonic 3's stages (Marble Garden), and it's entirely possible his towel gets less use here than in later levels. The first act plunges you unavoidably underwater (and includes one of the series' most irritating badniks, Mega Chopper), but the second is more a flume park than a diving pool. It's thrills not spills that'll leave you gasping for air, as Sonic can skim across the surface at top speed (with some helping mechanical hands), all set against a sexy neon blue and pink backdrop that'll get any '80s enthusiast purring.

The act's incredible jazz-funk music adds even more volume to the depths, and ensures the third game's second level makes a huge splash in our chart.

Editorial Team
Editorial Team

Benjamin was born in 1987, and is still not dead. He variously enjoys classical music, old-school adventure games (they're not dead), and walks on the beach (albeit short - asthma, you know). He's currently trying to compile a comprehensive history of video game music, yet denies accusations that he purposefully targets niche audiences. He's often wrong about these things.