Special Stage

The original Special Stage from Sonic the Hedgehog.

The Special StagesMedia:Sonic2 MD US manual.pdf (スペシャルステージ)Media:Sonic1 MD JP manual.pdf, also referred to as Secret ZonesMedia:Sonic1 MD US manual.pdf, are a staple type of level in the Sonic the Hedgehog series, whose primary function is to offer the player an opportunity to earn one of either the Chaos Emeralds or their analogues (see below); and, even if unsuccessful at that, a bonus to their score. Special Stages vary among games in design, means of access, and the prize. In Sonic 3 & Knuckles, if all Chaos Emeralds have been collected, the aim is to obtain a Super Emerald; in Sonic the Hedgehog CD, a Time Stone; or, in Chaotix, a Chaos Ring.

List of Special Stages

• Sonic the Hedgehog
• Sonic the Hedgehog (8-bit)
• Sonic the Hedgehog 2
• Sonic the Hedgehog CD
• Sonic Chaos
• Sonic the Hedgehog 3 & Knuckles
• Sonic the Hedgehog Triple Trouble
• Chaotix
• Sonic 3D: Flickies' Island (Mega Drive)
• Sonic 3D: Flickies' Island (Saturn & PC)
• Sonic Blast
• Sonic the Hedgehog Pocket Adventure
• Sonic Advance
• Sonic Advance 2
• Sonic Advance 3
• Sonic Heroes
• Sonic Rush
• Sonic Rush Adventure
• Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I
• Sonic Colours (Nintendo DS)
• Sonic Generations (Nintendo 3DS)
• Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II
• Sonic Lost World
• Sonic Mania
• Sonic Superstars

In other media

Sonic the Comic

In Fleetway's Sonic the Comic, the Special Zone is a type of alternate reality similar to Special Stages. Some regions have strange physics compared to Mobius, while others contain fairly normal worlds. It is here that the Chaotix crew make their home, as well as Lord Sidewinder and various other villains.

Super Sonic, who is unlocked by completing all Special Stages and collecting all Chaos Emeralds in Sonic the Hedgehog 2 and several later games, was at one point separated from the normal Sonic and trapped in the Special Zone by a Star Post, which are used to enter Special Stages in that game.