Difference between revisions of "Level themes"

Revision as of 12:42, 23 March 2020

All levels in the Sonic series exhibit a theme of some form. A level's art and any level gimmicks often contribute to this theme. Sometimes level themes correlate with the game's storyline; other times, they are used to simply incorporate a variety of settings into the game. A number of themes are visible across the Sonic series.

RyogaMasaki's now-defunct website "The Shadow Zone" initially categorized levels in this way. Recent games have introduced new themes, which have also been added to this list.

1 Tropical island theme
2 Ancient ruins theme
3 Carnival/casino theme
4 Underwater theme
5 Jungle theme
6 Industrial theme
7 Urban theme
8 Underground/cave theme
9 Spooky/supernatural theme
10 Desert/western theme
11 Mountain/canyon theme
12 Lava/volcano theme
13 Winter theme
14 East Asian theme
15 Sky theme
16 Flying fortress theme
17 Cyberspace theme
18 Death Egg theme
19 Outer space theme

Tropical island theme

Main page: Levels with a tropical island theme

The tropical island theme often occurs in the first levels of a game and has become very iconic of the Sonic series. This theme first appeared in Green Hill Zone in Sonic the Hedgehog.

Ancient ruins theme

Main page: Levels with an ancient ruins theme

Levels with the ancient ruins theme often look as if they were once occupied by another civilization. This theme first appeared in Marble Zone and Labyrinth Zone in Sonic the Hedgehog.

Carnival/casino theme

Main page: Levels with a carnival/casino theme

Levels with the carnival/casino theme feature bright lights, carnival rides, and casino games. This theme first appeared in Spring Yard Zone in Sonic the Hedgehog.

Underwater theme

Main page: Levels with an underwater theme

The underwater theme represents levels that primarily take place underwater. This theme first appeared in Labyrinth Zone in Sonic the Hedgehog and later in Sonic the Hedgehog CD’s Tidal Tempest.

Jungle theme

Main page: Levels with a jungle theme

Levels with the jungle theme feature swamps, trees, and vines. This theme first appeared in Jungle Zone in Sonic the Hedgehog (8-bit).

Industrial theme

Main page: Levels with an industrial theme

The industrial theme represents gameplay that takes place in factories or other industrial areas. This theme first appeared in Scrap Brain Zone in Sonic the Hedgehog.

Urban theme

Main page: Levels with an urban theme

Levels with the urban theme feature buildings, roads, and cars. This theme first appeared in Star Light Zone in Sonic the Hedgehog.

Underground/cave theme

Main page: Levels with an underground/cave theme

Levels with the underground/cave theme often take place in underground caverns, with lava, sewage, and sometimes Chaos Emeralds. This theme first appeared in Marble Zone and Labyrinth Zone in Sonic the Hedgehog.

Spooky/supernatural theme

Main page: Levels with a spooky/supernatural theme

The spooky/supernatural theme is uncommon. Levels may take place in haunted castles and graveyards. This theme first appeared in Mystic Cave Zone in Sonic the Hedgehog 2.

Desert/western theme

Main page: Levels with a desert/western theme

Levels with the desert/western theme feature sand, the hot sun, quicksand, and spikes. This theme first appeared in Desert Dodge from SegaSonic the Hedgehog.

Mountain/canyon theme

Main page: Levels with a mountain/canyon theme

Levels with the mountain/canyon theme take place in rocky and rugid areas, often with plenty of mountains. This theme first appeared in Hill Top Zone in Sonic the Hedgehog 2.

Lava/volcano theme

Main page: Levels with a lava/volcano theme

The lava/volcano theme represents gameplay where the player must avoid bubbling lava, difficult traps, and fire-based badniks. This theme first appeared in Marble Zone in Sonic the Hedgehog.

Winter theme

Main page: Levels with a winter theme

Levels with the winter theme are characterized by cold environments with snow and ice. This theme first appeared in Icy Isle in SegaSonic the Hedgehog.

East Asian theme

Main page: Levels with an East Asian theme

The East Asian theme is a relatively new type of theme seen in more recent games that features East Asian elements. This theme first appeared in Gigan Rocks in Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity.

Sky theme

Main page: Levels with a sky theme

The sky theme occurs in the clouds, with Sonic often riding the Tornado. This theme first appeared in Sky Chase Zone in Sonic the Hedgehog 2.

Flying fortress theme

Main page: Levels with a flying fortress theme

The flying fortress theme represents gameplay that takes place on Eggman's fleet of airships. This theme first appeared in Sky Base Zone in Sonic the Hedgehog (8-bit).

Cyberspace theme

Main page: Levels with a cyberspace theme

Levels with the cyberspace theme are seldom-seen throughout the series and incorporate digital environments and high-tech structures. This theme first appeared in Electric Egg Zone in Sonic Chaos.

Death Egg theme

Main page: Levels with a Death Egg theme

Levels with the Death Egg theme are set in outer space fortresses and occur near the end of games in the Sonic series. This theme first appeared in Death Egg Zone in Sonic the Hedgehog 2.

Outer space theme

Main page: Levels with an outer space theme

The outer space theme represents gameplay that takes place in outer space. This environment is often the stage for a final encounter at the end of the game. This theme first appeared in The Doomsday Zone in Sonic & Knuckles.

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-{{Cleanup-inprogress}}
 All levels in the Sonic series exhibit a theme of some form.  A level's art and any level gimmicks often contribute to this theme.  Sometimes level themes correlate with the game's storyline; other times, they are used to simply incorporate a variety of settings into the game.  A number of themes are visible across the Sonic series.
-[[RyogaMasaki]]'s now-defunct website "The Shadow Zone" initially categorized levels in this way.  Recent games have introduced new themes, which have also been added to this list.
+[[User:RyogaMasaki|RyogaMasaki]]'s now-defunct website "The Shadow Zone" initially categorized levels in this way.  Recent games have introduced new themes, which have also been added to this list.
 ==Tropical island theme==
 <div class="toc shadow" style="float:left;margin-right:15px">[[File:ghz.png|frameless|x100px|link=:Category:Levels with a tropical island theme]][[File:Sunset Hill.png|frameless|x100px|link=:Category:Levels with a tropical island theme]]</div>
 {{main|:Category:Levels with a tropical island theme|l1=Levels with a tropical island theme}}
-The '''[[:Category:Levels with a tropical island theme|tropical island theme]]''' often occurs in the first levels of a game and has become very iconic of the Sonic series.  This theme first appeared in [[Green Hill Zone]] in ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (16-bit)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]''.
+The '''[[:Category:Levels with a tropical island theme|tropical island theme]]''' often occurs in the first levels of a game and has become very iconic of the Sonic series.  This theme first appeared in [[Green Hill Zone (Sonic the Hedgehog 16-bit)|Green Hill Zone]] in ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (16-bit)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]''.
 {{clear}}
@@ Line 20: / Line 18: @@
 <div class="toc shadow" style="float:left;margin-right:15px">[[File:SpringStadium.png|frameless|x100px|link=:Category:Levels with a carnival/casino theme]][[File:Sh Bingo Highway.png|frameless|x100px|link=:Category:Levels with a carnival/casino theme]]</div>
 {{main|:Category:Levels with a carnival/casino theme|l1=Levels with a carnival/casino theme}}
-Levels with the '''[[:Category:Levels with a carnival/casino theme|carnival/casino theme]]''' feature bright lights, carnival rides, and casino games.  This theme first appeared in [[Spring Yard Zone]] in ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (16-bit)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' and later in ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog CD]]''&rsquo;s [[Tidal Tempest]].
+Levels with the '''[[:Category:Levels with a carnival/casino theme|carnival/casino theme]]''' feature bright lights, carnival rides, and casino games.  This theme first appeared in [[Spring Yard Zone]] in ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (16-bit)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]''.
 {{clear}}
@@ Line 26: / Line 24: @@
 <div class="toc shadow" style="float:left;margin-right:15px">[[File:Hydrocity.png|frameless|x100px|link=:Category:Levels with an underwater theme]][[File:Aquaticmine.png|frameless|x100px|link=:Category:Levels with an underwater theme]]</div>
 {{main|:Category:Levels with an underwater theme|l1=Levels with an underwater theme}}
-The '''[[:Category:Levels with an underwater theme|underwater theme]]''' represents levels that primarily take place underwater.  This theme first appeared in [[Labyrinth Zone]] in ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (16-bit)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' and later in ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (16-bit)|Sonic the Hedgehog 2]]''&rsquo;s [[Casino Night Zone]].
+The '''[[:Category:Levels with an underwater theme|underwater theme]]''' represents levels that primarily take place underwater.  This theme first appeared in [[Labyrinth Zone]] in ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (16-bit)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' and later in ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog CD]]''&rsquo;s [[Tidal Tempest]].
 {{clear}}
@@ Line 44: / Line 42: @@
 <div class="toc shadow" style="float:left;margin-right:15px">[[File:Stationsquare.png|frameless|x100px|link=:Category:Levels with an urban theme]][[File:Sonic battle emerald town.png|frameless|x100px|link=:Category:Levels with an urban theme]]</div>
 {{main|:Category:Levels with an urban theme|l1=Levels with an urban theme}}
-Levels with the '''[[:Category:Levels with an urban theme|urban theme]]''' feature buildings, roads, and cars.  This theme first appeared in [[Gigapolis Zone]] in ''[[Sonic Chaos]]''.
+Levels with the '''[[:Category:Levels with an urban theme|urban theme]]''' feature buildings, roads, and cars.  This theme first appeared in [[Star Light Zone]] in ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (16-bit)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]''.
 {{clear}}
 ==Underground/cave theme==
-<div class="toc shadow" style="float:left;margin-right:15px">[[File:Labyrinth.png|frameless|x100px|link=:Category:Levels with an underground/cave theme]][[File:Shadow gun fortress.jpg|frameless|x100px|link=:Category:Levels with an underground/cave theme]]</div>
+<div class="toc shadow" style="float:left;margin-right:15px">[[File:Labyrinth.png|frameless|x100px|link=:Category:Levels with an underground/cave theme]][[File:SatBK CryCv1.jpg|frameless|x100px|link=:Category:Levels with an underground/cave theme]]</div>
 {{main|:Category:Levels with an underground/cave theme|l1=Levels with an underground/cave theme}}
-This type tends to be very popular among Sonic fans, probably because the famous Hidden Palace Zone was of this type. The setting is a huge cavern, littered with badniks and traps.
+Levels with the '''[[:Category:Levels with an underground/cave theme|underground/cave theme]]''' often take place in underground caverns, with lava, sewage, and sometimes [[Chaos Emeralds]].  This theme first appeared in [[Marble Zone]] and [[Labyrinth Zone]] in ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (16-bit)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]''.
 {{clear}}
@@ Line 56: / Line 54: @@
 <div class="toc shadow" style="float:left;margin-right:15px">[[File:Sh Mystic Mansion.png|frameless|x100px|link=:Category:Levels with a spooky/supernatural theme]][[File:Mystic Haunt Zone.png|frameless|x100px|link=:Category:Levels with a spooky/supernatural theme]]</div>
 {{main|:Category:Levels with a spooky/supernatural theme|l1=Levels with a spooky/supernatural theme}}
-The '''Spooky Supernatural cliché''' is not an especially common [[Sonic clichés|Sonic cliché]], but easily recognised when employed. From haunted castles to misty graveyards; darkness, bones, and [[supernatural entities|supernatural spooks]] are the order of the day in these levels. Skull motifs, flickering flames, and hidden passageways can often be found if you search around - but don't stay for too long, or the [[Supernatural entities|ghosts]] might get you!
+The '''[[:Category:Levels with a spooky/supernatural theme|spooky/supernatural theme]]''' is uncommon.  Levels may take place in haunted castles and graveyards.  This theme first appeared in [[Mystic Cave Zone]] in ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (16-bit)|Sonic the Hedgehog 2]]''.
 {{clear}}
@@ Line 62: / Line 60: @@
 <div class="toc shadow" style="float:left;margin-right:15px">[[File:Sandopolis.png|frameless|x100px|link=:Category:Levels with a desert/western theme]][[File:Frontier Canyon Zone.png|frameless|x100px|link=:Category:Levels with a desert/western theme]]</div>
 {{main|:Category:Levels with a desert/western theme|l1=Levels with a desert/western theme}}
-Hot sand, hot sun, quicksand, spikes... a virtual hell. You just gotta think to yourself that those rings are hot too! Note that this first appeared in the [[desert level]] in ''Sonic 2'' (prototype), but since we have no concrete proof except a picture, I won't include it.
+Levels with the '''[[:Category:Levels with a desert/western theme|desert/western theme]]''' feature sand, the hot sun, quicksand, and spikes.  This theme first appeared in [[Desert Dodge]] from ''[[SegaSonic the Hedgehog]]''.
-First appeared: [[Sandopolis Zone]], ''[[Sonic & Knuckles]]''
+{{clear}}
+==Mountain/canyon theme==
+<div class="toc shadow" style="float:left;margin-right:15px">[[File:Ta pollymt1.png|frameless|x100px|link=:Category:Levels with a mountain/canyon theme]][[File:Sadv2 skycanyon.png|frameless|x100px|link=:Category:Levels with a mountain/canyon theme]]</div>
+{{main|:Category:Levels with a mountain/canyon theme|l1=Levels with a mountain/canyon theme}}
+Levels with the '''[[:Category:Levels with a mountain/canyon theme|mountain/canyon]]''' theme take place in rocky and rugid areas, often with plenty of mountains. This theme first appeared in [[Hill Top Zone]] in ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (16-bit)|Sonic the Hedgehog 2]]''.
 {{clear}}
@@ Line 69: / Line 72: @@
 <div class="toc shadow" style="float:left;margin-right:15px">[[File:Volcanic Tunnel.png|frameless|x100px|link=:Category:Levels with a lava/volcano theme]][[File:Chaotic Inferno Zone 1.PNG|frameless|x100px|link=:Category:Levels with a lava/volcano theme]]</div>
 {{main|:Category:Levels with a lava/volcano theme|l1=Levels with a lava/volcano theme}}
-Bubbling lava, nasty traps and fire-based badniks, all part of the Lava cliché, these levels  are generally tough to complete due to the hot magma that litters the zones. First appeared: [[Marble Zone]], ''[[Sonic 1]]''.
+The '''[[:Category:Levels with a lava/volcano theme|lava/volcano theme]]''' represents gameplay where the player must avoid bubbling lava, difficult traps, and fire-based badniks.  This theme first appeared in [[Marble Zone]] in ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (16-bit)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]''.
 {{clear}}
@@ Line 75: / Line 78: @@
 <div class="toc shadow" style="float:left;margin-right:15px">[[File:Segasonic icyisle.png|frameless|x100px|link=:Category:Levels with a winter theme]][[File:Cooledge.png|frameless|x100px|link=:Category:Levels with a winter theme]]</div>
 {{main|:Category:Levels with a winter theme|l1=Levels with a winter theme}}
-Snow zones are often characterized by slippery ice, snowy slopes, penguin badniks, and freezing traps.
+Levels with the '''[[:Category:Levels with a winter theme|winter theme]]''' are characterized by cold environments with snow and ice.  This theme first appeared in [[Icy Isle]] in ''[[SegaSonic the Hedgehog]]''.
+{{clear}}
+==East Asian theme==
+<div class="toc shadow" style="float:left;margin-right:15px">[[File:Dragonroad.png|frameless|x100px|link=:Category:Levels with an East Asian theme]][[File:ManiaPGZ2clean.png|frameless|x100px|link=:Category:Levels with an East Asian theme]]</div>
+{{main|:Category:Levels with an East Asian theme|l1=Levels with an East Asian theme}}
+The '''[[:Category:Levels with an East Asian theme|East Asian theme]]''' is a relatively new type of theme seen in more recent games that features East Asian elements. This theme first appeared in [[Gigan Rocks]] in ''[[Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity]]''.
 {{clear}}
@@ Line 81: / Line 90: @@
 <div class="toc shadow" style="float:left;margin-right:15px">[[File:Skychase.png|frameless|x100px|link=:Category:Levels with a sky theme]][[File:Skychaseact2.png|frameless|x100px|link=:Category:Levels with a sky theme]]</div>
 {{main|:Category:Levels with a sky theme|l1=Levels with a sky theme}}
-The '''Sky cliche''' is a rare one, but it's a very unique one.
+The '''[[:Category:Levels with a sky theme|sky theme]]''' occurs in the clouds, with Sonic often riding the [[Tornado]].  This theme first appeared in [[Sky Chase Zone]] in ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (16-bit)|Sonic the Hedgehog 2]]''.
-Basically it is a Zone/Act where [[Sonic]], [[Tails]], and sometimes [[Knuckles]] take to the skies in the [[Tornado]] to battle [[Eggman]]'s forces. There is no land here, so the Tornado is yours to command! Dodge jets and bullets, and fight back!
 {{clear}}
@@ Line 90: / Line 96: @@
 <div class="toc shadow" style="float:left;margin-right:15px">[[File:Wingfortress.png|frameless|x100px|link=:Category:Levels with a flying fortress theme]][[File:Sh Egg Fleet.png|frameless|x100px|link=:Category:Levels with a flying fortress theme]]</div>
 {{main|:Category:Levels with a flying fortress theme|l1=Levels with a flying fortress theme}}
-Variations on the theme include levels set across a fleet of airships rather than a single flying fortress, including Secret Rings' Levitated Ruin, where the craft are biological, not mechanical.
+The '''[[:Category:Levels with a flying fortress theme|flying fortress theme]]''' represents gameplay that takes place on Eggman's fleet of airships.  This theme first appeared in [[Sky Base Zone]] in ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (8-bit)]]''.
+{{clear}}
+==Cyberspace theme==
+<div class="toc shadow" style="float:left;margin-right:15px">[[File:Sadv2 technobase.png|frameless|x100px|link=:Category:Levels with a cyberspace theme]][[File:Shadow mad matrix.png|frameless|x100px|link=:Category:Levels with a cyberspace theme]]</div>
+{{main|:Category:Levels with a cyberspace theme|l1=Levels with a cyberspace theme}}
+Levels with the '''[[:Category:Levels with a cyberspace theme|cyberspace theme]]''' are seldom-seen throughout the series and incorporate digital environments and high-tech structures.  This theme first appeared in [[Electric Egg Zone]] in ''[[Sonic Chaos]]''.
 {{clear}}
@@ Line 96: / Line 108: @@
 <div class="toc shadow" style="float:left;margin-right:15px">[[File:Silversonic.png|frameless|x100px|link=:Category:Levels with a Death Egg theme]][[File:Sonic Advance Zone Cosmic Angel.png|frameless|x100px|link=:Category:Levels with a Death Egg theme]]</div>
 {{main|:Category:Levels with a Death Egg theme|l1=Levels with a Death Egg theme}}
-The [[Death Egg]]! Fearsome overlord of the heavens; a vindictive, killing moon, testament to both the grandiose malice and grandiose megalomania of [[Doctor Ivo Robotnik]]. The iconic final stronghold of the early Genesis games could strike fear into the hearts of even the most hardened Sonic players, forming the backbone of the epic [[Death Egg Saga]].
+Levels with the '''[[:Category:Levels with a Death Egg theme|Death Egg theme]]''' are set in outer space fortresses and occur near the end of games in the Sonic series.  This theme first appeared in [[Death Egg Zone]] in ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (16-bit)|Sonic the Hedgehog 2]]''.
-Since ''[[Sonic 2]]'', the doc (along with other assorted supervillains) seem to have developed a taste for orbital fortresses, no matter how many times a thousand miles of vacuum proves insufficient defence from Sonic and pals. How the world has avoided [[Wikipedia:Kessler syndrome|Kessler syndrome]], considering all the smashed bases floating around up there, is anyone's guess. Still, the space stations keep coming, and Robotnik shows no sign of losing interest in zero-g hideouts.
-Often comes paired with an [[Outer Space cliché]] zone.
-First appeared: [[Death Egg Zone]], [[Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (16-bit)]].
 {{clear}}
 ==Outer space theme==
-<div class="toc shadow" style="float:left;margin-right:15px">[[File:DoomsdayLevel.PNG|frameless|x100px|link=The Doomsday Zone]][[File:Trutharea53.png|frameless|x100px|link=True Area 53]]</div>
+<div class="toc shadow" style="float:left;margin-right:15px">[[File:DoomsdayLevel.PNG|frameless|x100px|link=:Category:Levels with an outer space theme]][[File:Trutharea53.png|frameless|x100px|link=:Category:Levels with an outer space theme]]</div>
 {{main|:Category:Levels with an outer space theme|l1=Levels with an outer space theme}}
-The Outer Space cliché takes place in...well, space! Usually the last level/boss in the game, the fight goes to the only place big enough to have this! Prepare to dodge asteroids, fight huge monsters and don't forget to go Super! You won't survive without it!
+The '''[[:Category:Levels with an outer space theme|outer space theme]]''' represents gameplay that takes place in outer space.  This environment is often the stage for a final encounter at the end of the game.  This theme first appeared in [[The Doomsday Zone]] in ''[[Sonic & Knuckles]]''.
 {{clear}}
 {{HideCategoryListing}}
-[[Category:Game Information]]
+[[Category:Game information]]

Category