Ranking Every Classic Sonic The Hedgehog Level From Worst To Best

4. Lava Reef Zone

Sonic Ranking 3
SEGA

Fire zones are a usual bugbear of mine, owing to their predictably annoying traps and high-prevalence of 'damage floors' (lit. floors which damage you). So Lava Reef must be pretty hot stuff to rank just short of the podium.

The first act is typical volcanic fare, with the usual array of hazards all bearing the standard delicatessen counter disclaimer. It's the second act where things really shine (or glisten), as the molten magma crystalises, leaving a glittering cavern in its wake. Things may have cooled down in the crater, but the heat is still on Sonic. The Death Egg looms ominously in the background as he makes it one step closer to the Master Emerald.

The mystical setting is underscored by one of Sonic's most beautifully subtle musical tracks, only for things to erupt when Robotnik's super-weapon revives, leading to arguably the series' greatest boss battle. Sweltering stuff.

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.