Ranking Every Classic Sonic The Hedgehog Level From Worst To Best

3. Green Hill Zone

Sonic Ranking 3
SEGA

It's not pure self-loathing which has caused me to rank this zone anywhere but number 1 spot, but rather a firm conviction and tragic lack of awareness for the consequences.

The checkerboard platforms and cascading waterfalls aren't just synonymous with the 'Blue Blur', but emblematic of an entire generation of gaming. Yet whilst Green Hill is Sonic's most iconic level, it's not quite its best.

It's easily the finest stage of the first game - one of few Sonic 1 levels to best its 8-bit equivalent - and for many simply hearing a single second of the music is enough to send nostalgia levels into overdrive. And who can forget ol' Big Balls as the series' first ever boss?

It's not quite enough to grasp the giant gold ring - but a bronze one is still a super showing.

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.