South Island
From Sonic Retro
- This page is about the fictional location. For the stage, see South Island (Sonic the Fighters).
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| South Island |
|---|
| First seen: Sonic the Hedgehog (1991) |
| Type: Island |
South Island (サウスアイランド)[1] is a location found in the Sonic the Hedgehog series of video games and auxiliary material. It was introduced in the original Sonic the Hedgehog for the Sega Mega Drive. It has featured in a number of Sonic games over the years, being the primary location for most of the main titles on the Sega Game Gear. A "treasure trove of gems and ruins,"[1][2] it is also home to arguably the most iconic stage in the Sonic series, the Green Hill Zone.
Description
Floating somewhere in the ocean, South Island can not be found on any map as its location constantly changes. The isle moves freely about the water, not anchored to any one position. It is said this movement causes distortions, creating a "special stage" in which the Chaos Emeralds lie hidden.[1]
The island is a lush tropical paradise, characterized by its numerous palm trees, colorful flowers, and green flora. Endless blue skies stretch over its most famous locale, the Green Hill Zone and its checkerboard terrain. Numerous waterfalls roll down mountains and hillsides, flowing into a large lake found in the center of the island. The lake itself flows out into the ocean from South Island's southeastern edge. The northern and eastern coast of the island are mountainous, steadily rising higher until it reaches its peak near the northeastern corner.[3] It is the peak of this mountain range that Dr. Eggman built his first fortress on the island, Scrap Brain Zone.[4] The natural topography also includes a jungle area as well as a small desert zone.
While green dominates the landscape, a number of modern structures have been built on the isle in locales such as the Starlight, Spring Yard, and Gigalopolis Zones. There are also a handful of areas covered in the ruins of an ancient civilization.[5][6]
Fictional history
Not much is known about the ancient history of South Island. Ruins dot the landscape, primarily in the Marble and Labyrinth Zones, hinting at a civilization which once called the island home. What happened to the people who built those structures is currently unknown.
Prior to the events of Sonic the Hedgehog, Dr. Eggman arrived on the island, learning of the existence of the Chaos Emeralds and the island's connection to them.[1] Eggman began to kidnap the animals living on South Island, placing them inside robots and using them in his plot to take over the world. At the same time, he built his Scrap Brain Zone base in the mountains of the isle. Hearing rumors that Eggman had begun to cause trouble, Sonic the Hedgehog rushed onto the scene, and as he had done before, went up against the mad doctor and his evil ambitions.[7] Collecting the emeralds and freeing his animal friends, Sonic was able to stop Eggman and bring peace to the island once more.
This would not be the last time Dr. Eggman set his sights on the island. Some time after Sonic met Miles "Tails" Prower, Eggman kidnapped both the young fox and the other animals who lived there, holding them prisoner until Sonic was to deliver the six Chaos Emeralds to his new base, Crystal Egg Zone.[8][9] After this failed, he would try to gather the emeralds yet again, inadvertently causing the island to start sinking into the ocean.[10][11] The island would be saved, and in turn Eggman stopped, by both Sonic and Tails.
South Island would play host to the Chaos Grand Prix[12] as seen in Sonic Drift. It would also be the home of the first version of "Eggmanland," in this incarnation a giant labyrinth, built prior to the events of Sonic Labyrinth.[13] It would also be the launching pad for his flying fortress known as Silver Castle.
Life would remain relatively peaceful on South Island until the events of Sonic Forces. The island would be host to the start of Eggman's nearly successful attempt to take over the world, Green Hill becoming the first casualty.[14] One of the island's cities would serve as a base of operations for the Resistance until Eggman was successfully overthrown.[15][16]
Locations
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Green Hill Zone |
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| "A field blessed with greenery and water. Features include looped slopes, crumbling cliffs and S-shaped tunnels. Lets run through with good speed and timing."[17][18] | |
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Green Hill Zone |
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Green Hill |
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Game: | |
| Seen in the stages Lost Valley, Arsenal Pyramid, Green Hill, Guardian Rock, and Virtual Reality. | |
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Marble Zone |
| "Traverse the underground path to the underground temple with swirling lava. The temple is teeming with traps. Watch out for chained ceilings with sharp needles, up-and-down hammers and the piles of needles that pop out."[19][18] | |
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Spring Yard Zone |
| "A city at sunset lined with exotic buildings. Jumping from the platforms onto bobbins, Sonic can fly like a pinball. If you accelerate, you can run even in very steep areas."[20][18] | |
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Labyrinth Zone |
| "If you don’t pass through the water, you won’t be able to get through this maze. However, Sonic can’t swim. Lets proceed and take a breath from a big bubble. A countdown will begin when you are almost out of breath."[21][18] | |
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Labyrinth Zone |
| "An ominous cave... It’s a labyrinth. Sonic isn’t very good at swimming and as a matter of fact, he can’t move quickly when submerged in water. When you are short of breath, a countdown will begin."[22][23] | |
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Star Light Zone |
| "Sonic runs against the backdrop and a view of a glittering starry night sky. Moving elevators, being pushed-back by the wind generated by electric fans, using seesaws well to execute jumps… he’ll be kept pretty busy."[24][18] | |
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Scrap Brain Zone |
| "We have passed through the polluted city and finally arrived at Dr Eggman’s secret base. Gears, saws and automatic hammers are on the attack. There are also submerged caverns beneath the base."[25][18] | |
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Scrap Brain Zone |
| "Finally, the entrance to Dr Eggman’s base. The traps are more radical than anything up to this point. Memorise the path and don’t go around in circles!"[26][23] | |
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Bridge Zone |
| "There are many small islands in the lake. The suspension bridges which link these islands together are damaged in places, making them hazardous! Even Sonic will be in trouble if he falls into the deep lake."[27][23] | |
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Jungle Zone |
| "At the foot of the rocky mountain is a jungle of densely-packed trees. A great waterfall blocks your way. If you don’t ascend it, you won’t be able to reach Eggman."[28][23] | |
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Under Ground Zone |
| "Lava and needles falling from the ceiling await Sonic’s rush underground. Make good use of "hole-digging Sonic" and "High-speed Minecart" and go for it. You’ll see, it’s easy."[29][23] | |
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Sky High Zone |
| "The reckless Sonic challenges an alpine region within a sea of clouds. Use jumps and the "Hanglider" to overcome the wind and lightning that blocks Sonic’s way."[30][31] | |
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Aqua Lake Zone |
| "A labyrinthine zone in the bottom of a lake. Sonic has learned to move across the water’s surface but if he falls into the water, he still can’t swim. Because there is a countdown when you are incapable of breathing, don’t forget to grab a breath from a big bubble."[32][31] | |
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Green Hills Zone |
| "A lush grassy meadow zone with tropical winds. The course, which includes jumping platforms and loops, is ideal for taking advantage of Sonic’s specialty speed. Take the plunge, run with all of your might!!"[33][31] | |
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Gimmick Mt. Zone |
| "Gimmick mountain is a suspicious mountain. The hollowed mountain is teeming with modern machines. Use gears and conveyer belts wisely. But be careful not to speed too much."[34][31] | |
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Scrambled Egg Zone |
| "Pipes and traps have been built inside this secret base. Watch Sonic at the top of the zone, defeat Dr Eggman’s super-secret weapon and aim for the mysterious final zone "CRYSTAL EGG"!![35][31] | |
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Crystal Egg Zone |
| "Rush through a land of sparkling crystal. Break through crystal blocks to find hidden treasure. Use a floating orb to sling you to higher ground. Here you'll meet with Robotnik himself, in an arena he has prepared especially for you..."[36] | |
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Turquoise Hill Zone |
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Game: | |
| "Turquoise Hill is where the blue skies and green meadows go on endlessly. Firstly, this locality of South Island is for warming-up! Collect lots of rings quickly and pound the enemies!"[37][38] | |
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Gigalopolis Zone |
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Game: | |
| "A futuristic city with ultra-modern buildings "Gigalopolis" ...With the beautiful star-filled sky in the back, Sonic & Tails go on a big rampage! Dash across the diagonally-inclined bridges to cross them. | |
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Sleeping Egg Zone |
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Game: | |
| "A strange island floating in the sky. Actually, it is an fantasy world created by Eggman! There are Eggman statues in some areas of the island. Be careful not to fall...!"[39][38] | |
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Mecha Green Hill Zone |
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Game: | |
| "Eggman has remodeled South Island’s Green Hill into a world of machines!?… All of the flowers, trees and the soil is mechanized! That’s unforgivable, Eggman!![40][38] | |
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Aqua Planet Zone |
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Game: | |
| "A strange water planet. There are bizarre crawling creatures. Whilst in the water, don’t forget to breathe."[41][38] | |
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Electric Egg Zone |
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Game: | |
| "At last, we've reached Eggman’s electronic base! But computers dominate everything here, so it isn't easy. Go for it! And don’t give up until the end! The decisive battle with Eggman is imminent!"[42][38] | |
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Eggmanland |
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Game: | |
| The "Super Labyrinth." Contains four areas: Labyrinth of the Sky, Labyrinth of the Sea, Labyrinth of the Factory, and Labyrinth of the Castle. | |
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South Island |
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Game: | |
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Yellow Desert Zone |
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Game: | |
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Red Volcano Zone |
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Game: | |
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Blue Marine Zone |
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Game: | |
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Silver Castle Zone |
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Game: | |
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City |
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Games: | |
| Seen in the stages Ghost Town, Park Avenue, Sunset Heights, Sunset Heights (Shadow Generations), Red Gate Bridge, and Enemy Territory. |
In other media
Sonic the Hedgehog Story Comic
File:MegaDriveFan JP 19910701 f.pdf In the three volume Sonic the Hedgehog Story Comic published in Mega Drive Fan, South Island serves as the primary setting. It is a peaceful island which no one knows of.[43] As the comic advertised the original Sonic the Hedgehog,[44][45] the island features the same zones as seen in that game. The topography is covered in green hills, palm trees,[43] ancient ruins,[46] and modern structures.[47] A sandy beach can be seen on the southern coast. A mountain range also encompasses a fair amount of the island's northern coast,[43] where Eggman's base is built.[48]
The population of the island is made up primarily of talking animals.[49][45] There are also a handful of humanoid women known as "Sonic's Bodyguard Platoon" who watch Sonic the Hedgehog perform with his rock band in the Green Hill Zone.[50]
Sonic the Hedgehog (Archie comics)
In the Sonic the Hedgehog comic series published by Archie Comics, South Island is originally an unseen location that exists on the planet Mobius. As King Acorn prepared to go on a tour of the planet to rally support against Dr. Robotnik,[51] a sticker bearing the words "South Island" was on one of the many pieces of luggage that accompanied the king and his entourage.[52]
After the Super Genesis Wave, South Island was just one of the many territories that was part of the Kingdom of Acorn. After Dr. Eggman took over Mobotropolis and sent King Nigel Acorn to the Special Zone,[53] he and Dr. Julian Snively traveled to the island and began aggressively mining it, looking for the Chaos Emeralds. In the wake of Eggman's sudden takeover, Sonic followed the doctor to South Island, fighting his robot forces across the many zones that make up the isle.[54] Collecting six of the seven Chaos Emeralds,[55] he was able to stop Eggman and Snively, the duo retreating to Westside Island.[56]
Sonic would return to South Island some time later to rescue his friend Miles "Tails" Prower, who had been kidnaped by Dr. Eggman.[57] Meeting Breezie the Hedgehog, he would end up in such locations as Underground Zone[58] and Scrambled Egg Zone.[59]
Sonic the Comic
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In Sonic the Comic published by Fleetway Editions, Ltd., South Island is the home of numerous "Hill Zones," including Green Hill Zone and Emerald Hill Zone. In the northern part of the island exists the Frozen Zone, "a zone of perpetual winter."[60]
The island is home of the Emerald Hill Folk, the residents of the Emerald Hill Zone. It was also the adopted home of Dr. Ovi Kintobor, who built his secret underground laboratory in the region.[61]
South Island was a peaceful place until the day Kintobor transformed into Dr. Ivo Robotnik, who immediately set off to take control of the planet Mobius. Initially, his plans were thrwarted by Sonic the Hedgehog, until Robotnik was able to take control of the Omni-Viewer.[61] Sending Sonic six months into the future, Robotnik was able to take control of South Island and the world.[62] This remained the case until Robotnik was finally overthrown by Sonic the Hedgehog and the Freedom Fighters.[63]
Sonic the Hedgehog (anime)
In the original Sonic the Hedgehog anime, South Island is a collection of floating islands governed by the President. Existing in the Land of the Sky of Planet Freedom, the many islands of South Island feature a variety of topographical wonders, including lush greenery, lakes, and modern man-made structures. A variety of anthropomorphic and humanoid beings live on the many land masses that comprise South Island. Travel between the islands is done by aircraft.
The most prominent collection of floating islands is where the Presidential Palace lies. It is comprised of two parts - one massive floating isle with a large modern city, and another floating isle with several smaller islands connected to it by land bridges. Sonic's home is also part of South Island. Two other cities are known to exist in the collective, Green Lake City and Forest Town.
During the two episode anime, South Island is threatened by Dr. Eggman, who invades the Presidential Palace and kidnap's the President's daughter, Sara. Sending Sonic and Tails to the heart of Eggmanland, Eggman is able to scan Sonic, using his life data to finish his greatest creation, Hyper Metal Sonic. This robot version of Sonic attacks various regions of South Island, setting Forest Town on fire and destroying Green Lake City.[64]
Dash & Spin Chousoku Sonic
Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and Amy Rose all visit South Island during the fourth chapter of Dash & Spin Chousoku Sonic. Searching for a romantic hidden treasure, the quartet learn that Dr. Eggman is fishing off the coast of the island, also searching for the same treasure.[65]
Sonic the Hedgehog (IDW comics)
Sometime before the events of Sonic Superstars, the Hard-Boiled Heavies appeared above South Island aboard their ship, the Heavy Wing. Attacking the Marble Zone, the ship vanished afterwards.[66]
Sonic the Hedgehog (film series)
In the film Sonic the Hedgehog, a young Sonic the Hedgehog grows up on an unnamed island. Though the island is unnamed, its design is based on the look of South Island from the original video games.[67]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 File:Sonic1 MD JP manual.pdf, page 10
- ↑ Sonic the Hedgehog (16-bit)/Manuals
- ↑ File:SouthIslandMap.png
- ↑ File:SouthIslandSummit.PNG
- ↑ Marble Zone
- ↑ Labyrinth Zone
- ↑ File:Sonic1 MD JP manual.pdf, page 11
- ↑ File:Sonic 2 GG JP Manual.pdf, page 4
- ↑ File:Sonic 2 GG JP Manual.pdf, page 5
- ↑ File:Sonic Chaos Game Gear JP Manual.pdf, page 4
- ↑ File:Sonic Chaos Game Gear JP Manual.pdf, page 5
- ↑ Sonic the Hedgehog Encyclo-speed-ia, page 42
- ↑ File:SonicLabyrinth GG JP manual.pdf, page 7
- ↑ Lost Valley
- ↑ Spaceport
- ↑ Sonic Forces, Lost Valley, Sonic: "This is it for Green Hill, so the city must be close."
- ↑ File:Sonic1 MD JP manual.pdf, page 28
- ↑ File:Sonic1 MD JP manual.pdf, page 30
- ↑ File:Sonic1 MD JP manual.pdf, page 32
- ↑ File:Sonic1 MD JP manual.pdf, page 33
- ↑ File:Sonic 1 GG JP Manual.pdf, page 20
- ↑ 23.0 23.1 23.2 23.3 23.4 https://greenyvertekins.tumblr.com/post/665048921137102848/sonic-1-game-gear-jp-manual-zone-description (Wayback Machine: 2025-03-01 09:58)
- ↑ File:Sonic1 MD JP manual.pdf, page 34
- ↑ File:Sonic1 MD JP manual.pdf, page 35
- ↑ File:Sonic 1 GG JP Manual.pdf, page 21
- ↑ File:Sonic 1 GG JP Manual.pdf, page 18
- ↑ File:Sonic 1 GG JP Manual.pdf, page 19
- ↑ File:Sonic 2 GG JP Manual.pdf, page 18
- ↑ File:Sonic 2 GG JP Manual.pdf, page 19
- ↑ 31.0 31.1 31.2 31.3 31.4 https://greenyvertekins.tumblr.com/post/184768853269/because-im-bored-and-insomniac-right-now-heres (Wayback Machine: 2024-12-15 01:21)
- ↑ File:Sonic 2 GG JP Manual.pdf, page 20
- ↑ File:Sonic 2 GG JP Manual.pdf, page 21
- ↑ File:Sonic 2 GG JP Manual.pdf, page 22
- ↑ File:Sonic 2 GG JP Manual.pdf, page 23
- ↑ File:Sonic2 GG US manual.pdf, page 13
- ↑ File:Sonic Chaos Game Gear JP Manual.pdf, page 20
- ↑ 38.0 38.1 38.2 38.3 38.4 https://greenyvertekins.tumblr.com/post/183779770749/so-i-translated-what-i-set-myself-to-do-all-the (Wayback Machine: 2025-03-01 09:28)
- ↑ File:Sonic Chaos Game Gear JP Manual.pdf, page 22
- ↑ File:Sonic Chaos Game Gear JP Manual.pdf, page 23
- ↑ File:Sonic Chaos Game Gear JP Manual.pdf, page 24
- ↑ File:Sonic Chaos Game Gear JP Manual.pdf, page 25
- ↑ 43.0 43.1 43.2 File:MegaDriveFan JP 19910701 f.pdf, page 3
- ↑ File:MegaDriveFan JP 19910701 f.pdf, page 15
- ↑ 45.0 45.1 File:MDFan JP Supplement 19 SonictheHedgehogStoryComicVol2.pdf, page 15
- ↑ File:MDFan JP Supplement 19 SonictheHedgehogStoryComicVol2.pdf, page 8
- ↑ File:MDFan JP Supplement 19 SonictheHedgehogStoryComicVol2.pdf, page 12
- ↑ File:MDFan JP Supplement 20 SonictheHedgehogStoryComicVol3.pdf, page 3
- ↑ File:MDFan JP Supplement 19 SonictheHedgehogStoryComicVol2.pdf, page 6
- ↑ File:MegaDriveFan JP 19910701 f.pdf, page 8
- ↑ Sonic the Hedgehog (Archie) 134, page 12
- ↑ Sonic the Hedgehog 138 (Archie), page 4
- ↑ Sonic Super Digest 12, page 3
- ↑ Sonic the Hedgehog 288 (Archie), page 1
- ↑ Sonic the Hedgehog 288 (Archie), page 18
- ↑ Sonic the Hedgehog 288 (Archie), page 14
- ↑ Sonic the Hedgehog 268 (Archie), page 4
- ↑ Sonic the Hedgehog 267 (Archie), page 1
- ↑ Sonic the Hedgehog 268 (Archie), page 1
- ↑ Sonic the Comic 025, "Sonic the Terminator Part 2" page 1
- ↑ 61.0 61.1 Sonic the Comic 008, "The Origin of Sonic"
- ↑ Sonic the Comic 009, "Back to Reality
- ↑ Sonic the Comic 100
- ↑ Sonic the Hedgehog (anime)
- ↑ File:Dash&spin 1 Ch. 04.PDF
- ↑ Sonic the Hedgehog: Fang the Hunter 1, page 11
- ↑ Sonic the Hedgehog (film)
| Locations in the Sonic the Hedgehog game series | |
|---|---|
| Islands | Christmas Island | South Island | West Side Island | Angel Island | Newtrogic High Zone | Cocoa Island | Flicky Island | Prison Island | Onyx Island | Southern Island | Starfall Islands | Northstar Islands |
| Landmarks / Buildings | Never Lake | Mt. Mobius | Emerald Shrine | Super Labyrinth | Tails' Workshop | Babylon Garden | Gaia Gate |
| Regions / Nations | Eggman Empire | Station Square | Mystic Ruins | United Federation | Central City | Soleanna | Monopole | City | Mystic Jungle |
| Vessels | Death Egg | Death Egg II | Egg Carrier | Space Colony ARK | Eggman Fleet |
| Planets / Planetoids | Mobius | Little Planet | Black Comet | Interstellar Amusement Park | Lost Hex |
| Dimensions | Special Stage | Maginaryworld | Sol Dimension | Arabian Nights | Twilight Cage | World of Camelot | White Space | Dreamscape | Micro Mobius |