Ranking Every Classic Sonic The Hedgehog Level From Worst To Best

1. Angel Island Zone

Sonic Ranking 3
SEGA

Though there's nothing aesthetically angelic about Sonic 3's opening island, it's absolute hedgehog heaven, a flawless first level featuring everything that makes Sonic great.

It's thrilling from the get-go, joining Sonic in medias res after the finish of the second game, with our super-saiyan hero surfing along the sea only to have his emeralds stolen by a new, red-and-dreaded adversary. (Poor chap didn't even get a sit down between games). From there, it's an action-packed zone from top to bottom. It has speed, it has secrets, all whilst demonstrating Sonic 3's ultra-refinement to the winning formula.

It's also incredibly cinematic without being intrusive. At the midway point, the lush jungle is set ablaze, confirming that destruction can be beautiful, and the end of the level features a heartstopping zeppelin chase (foreshadowing a later game) before Robotnik dramatically announces his return at the edge of the forest. It sets the tone for the step-up that is Sonic 3, showcasing its hugely expanded, evolving zones, exciting new abilities, and perfect production. Plus steel drums have never sounded so good.

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.