Difference between revisions of "Level themes"
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PicklePower (talk | contribs) m (Previous edit..linked headings just seem counterintuitive) |
PicklePower (talk | contribs) (Intro paragraph. Pictures link to theme pages instead of individual levels: I was finding myself trying to click the pics to go to the theme page, so that wasn't working well.) |
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− | ' | + | 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. | |
==Tropical island theme== | ==Tropical island theme== | ||
− | <div class="toc shadow" style="float:left;margin-right:15px">[[File:ghz.png|frameless|x100px|link= | + | <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}} | {{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 Sonic game. | |
− | First | + | {{hr}} |
+ | '''''Common features''''' Palmtrees • waterfalls • badniks representing animals typical of a tropical climate<br /> | ||
+ | '''''First appearance''''' [[Green Hill Zone]] in ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (16-bit)]]'' | ||
{{clear}} | {{clear}} | ||
==Ancient ruins theme== | ==Ancient ruins theme== | ||
− | <div class="toc shadow" style="float:left;margin-right:15px">[[File:Aquaticruin.png|frameless|x100px|link= | + | <div class="toc shadow" style="float:left;margin-right:15px">[[File:Aquaticruin.png|frameless|x100px|link=:Category:Levels with an ancient ruins theme]][[File:Lostworld.png|frameless|x100px|link=:Category:Levels with an ancient ruins theme]]</div> |
{{main|:Category:Levels with an ancient ruins theme|l1=Levels with an ancient ruins theme}} | {{main|:Category:Levels with an ancient ruins theme|l1=Levels with an ancient ruins theme}} | ||
Another common cliché found in most Sonic games. Expect to find Roman style pillars, brick walls, plenty of secret passageways, and spikes. On an interesting note, alot of the Ancient Ruins zones have small, unique variations to them, usually in the area of a natural trap. For instance, Marble Zone has lava, Aquatic Ruin has water, Marble Garden has tar, etc. etc. | Another common cliché found in most Sonic games. Expect to find Roman style pillars, brick walls, plenty of secret passageways, and spikes. On an interesting note, alot of the Ancient Ruins zones have small, unique variations to them, usually in the area of a natural trap. For instance, Marble Zone has lava, Aquatic Ruin has water, Marble Garden has tar, etc. etc. | ||
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{{clear}} | {{clear}} | ||
==Carnival/casino theme== | ==Carnival/casino theme== | ||
− | <div class="toc shadow" style="float:left;margin-right:15px">[[File:SpringStadium.png|frameless|x100px|link= | + | <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}} | {{main|:Category:Levels with a carnival/casino theme|l1=Levels with a carnival/casino theme}} | ||
Here you'll find lots of pinball bumpers and springs, lots of stuff to keep you in the air. Also, the Casino variations contain the obligatory bright neon lights and ring giving slot machines. | Here you'll find lots of pinball bumpers and springs, lots of stuff to keep you in the air. Also, the Casino variations contain the obligatory bright neon lights and ring giving slot machines. | ||
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{{clear}} | {{clear}} | ||
==Underwater theme== | ==Underwater theme== | ||
− | <div class="toc shadow" style="float:left;margin-right:15px">[[File:Hydrocity.png|frameless|x100px|link= | + | <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}} | {{main|:Category:Levels with an underwater theme|l1=Levels with an underwater theme}} | ||
Another of the common clichéd zones. All or most of the level takes place underwater and the use of air bubbles is critical. You'll find plenty of piranha badniks as well. | Another of the common clichéd zones. All or most of the level takes place underwater and the use of air bubbles is critical. You'll find plenty of piranha badniks as well. | ||
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{{clear}} | {{clear}} | ||
==Jungle theme== | ==Jungle theme== | ||
− | <div class="toc shadow" style="float:left;margin-right:15px">[[File:Meta Junglira.png|frameless|x100px|link= | + | <div class="toc shadow" style="float:left;margin-right:15px">[[File:Meta Junglira.png|frameless|x100px|link=:Category:Levels with a jungle theme]][[File:Mysticruins.png|frameless|x100px|link=:Category:Levels with a jungle theme]]</div> |
{{main|:Category:Levels with a jungle theme|l1=Levels with a jungle theme}} | {{main|:Category:Levels with a jungle theme|l1=Levels with a jungle theme}} | ||
The jungle cliché involves being in an environment with swamps, many trees, and even grindable vines! | The jungle cliché involves being in an environment with swamps, many trees, and even grindable vines! | ||
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{{clear}} | {{clear}} | ||
==Industrial theme== | ==Industrial theme== | ||
− | <div class="toc shadow" style="float:left;margin-right:15px">[[File:Scrap Brain SMS.png|frameless|x100px|link= | + | <div class="toc shadow" style="float:left;margin-right:15px">[[File:Scrap Brain SMS.png|frameless|x100px|link=:Category:Levels with an industrial theme]][[File:SADX Hot Shelter.jpg|frameless|x100px|link=:Category:Levels with an industrial theme]]</div> |
{{main|:Category:Levels with an industrial theme|l1=Levels with an industrial theme}} | {{main|:Category:Levels with an industrial theme|l1=Levels with an industrial theme}} | ||
Jeez, Eggman's one busy little scientist! It always seems like he's building a technological city for himself in every game. I've also included levels that are set in factories of city-sized proportion, since they both seem to go along together. Metal galore, electric sparks, spikes, and nasty badniks are a few of the things often found in these zones. | Jeez, Eggman's one busy little scientist! It always seems like he's building a technological city for himself in every game. I've also included levels that are set in factories of city-sized proportion, since they both seem to go along together. Metal galore, electric sparks, spikes, and nasty badniks are a few of the things often found in these zones. | ||
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{{clear}} | {{clear}} | ||
==Urban theme== | ==Urban theme== | ||
− | <div class="toc shadow" style="float:left;margin-right:15px">[[File:Stationsquare.png|frameless|x100px|link= | + | <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}} | {{main|:Category:Levels with an urban theme|l1=Levels with an urban theme}} | ||
This cliche is a relatively new one. It takes place in any level with cars, buildings, and roads! Expect here to run down (or along!) buildings, along roads twisting in any direction, and maybe even dodge some cars! | This cliche is a relatively new one. It takes place in any level with cars, buildings, and roads! Expect here to run down (or along!) buildings, along roads twisting in any direction, and maybe even dodge some cars! | ||
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{{clear}} | {{clear}} | ||
==Underground/cave theme== | ==Underground/cave theme== | ||
− | <div class="toc shadow" style="float:left;margin-right:15px">[[File:Labyrinth.png|frameless|x100px|link= | + | <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> |
{{main|:Category:Levels with an underground/cave theme|l1=Levels with an underground/cave theme}} | {{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. | 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. | ||
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{{clear}} | {{clear}} | ||
==Spooky/supernatural theme== | ==Spooky/supernatural theme== | ||
− | <div class="toc shadow" style="float:left;margin-right:15px">[[File:Sh Mystic Mansion.png|frameless|x100px|link= | + | <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}} | {{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 '''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! | ||
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{{clear}} | {{clear}} | ||
==Desert/western theme== | ==Desert/western theme== | ||
− | <div class="toc shadow" style="float:left;margin-right:15px">[[File:Sandopolis.png|frameless|x100px|link= | + | <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}} | {{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. | 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. | ||
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{{clear}} | {{clear}} | ||
==Lava/volcano theme== | ==Lava/volcano theme== | ||
− | <div class="toc shadow" style="float:left;margin-right:15px">[[File:Volcanic Tunnel.png|frameless|x100px|link= | + | <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 | + | {{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]]''. | 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]]''. | ||
{{clear}} | {{clear}} | ||
==Winter theme== | ==Winter theme== | ||
− | <div class="toc shadow" style="float:left;margin-right:15px">[[File:Segasonic icyisle.png|frameless|x100px|link= | + | <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}} | {{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. | Snow zones are often characterized by slippery ice, snowy slopes, penguin badniks, and freezing traps. | ||
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{{clear}} | {{clear}} | ||
==Sky theme== | ==Sky theme== | ||
− | <div class="toc shadow" style="float:left;margin-right:15px">[[File:Skychase.png|frameless|x100px|link= | + | <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}} | {{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 '''Sky cliche''' is a rare one, but it's a very unique one. | ||
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{{clear}} | {{clear}} | ||
==Flying fortress theme== | ==Flying fortress theme== | ||
− | <div class="toc shadow" style="float:left;margin-right:15px">[[File:Wingfortress.png|frameless|x100px|link= | + | <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}} | {{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. | 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. | ||
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{{clear}} | {{clear}} | ||
==Death Egg theme== | ==Death Egg theme== | ||
− | <div class="toc shadow" style="float:left;margin-right:15px">[[File:Silversonic.png|frameless|x100px|link=Death Egg | + | <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}} | {{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]]. | 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]]. |
Revision as of 15:30, 9 August 2010
This article is currently undergoing a cleanup. Its contents may change completely and frequently until this notice is removed. |
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.
Contents
- 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 Lava/volcano theme
- 12 Winter theme
- 13 Sky theme
- 14 Flying fortress theme
- 15 Death Egg theme
- 16 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 Sonic game.
Common features Palmtrees • waterfalls • badniks representing animals typical of a tropical climate
First appearance Green Hill Zone in Sonic the Hedgehog (16-bit)
Ancient ruins theme
Main page: Levels with an ancient ruins theme |
Another common cliché found in most Sonic games. Expect to find Roman style pillars, brick walls, plenty of secret passageways, and spikes. On an interesting note, alot of the Ancient Ruins zones have small, unique variations to them, usually in the area of a natural trap. For instance, Marble Zone has lava, Aquatic Ruin has water, Marble Garden has tar, etc. etc. First appeared: Marble Zone and Labyrinth Zone, Sonic 1
Carnival/casino theme
Main page: Levels with a carnival/casino theme |
Here you'll find lots of pinball bumpers and springs, lots of stuff to keep you in the air. Also, the Casino variations contain the obligatory bright neon lights and ring giving slot machines. First appeared: Spring Yard Zone, Sonic 1
Underwater theme
Main page: Levels with an underwater theme |
Another of the common clichéd zones. All or most of the level takes place underwater and the use of air bubbles is critical. You'll find plenty of piranha badniks as well. First appeared: Labyrinth Zone, Sonic 1
Jungle theme
Main page: Levels with a jungle theme |
The jungle cliché involves being in an environment with swamps, many trees, and even grindable vines!
Industrial theme
Main page: Levels with an industrial theme |
Jeez, Eggman's one busy little scientist! It always seems like he's building a technological city for himself in every game. I've also included levels that are set in factories of city-sized proportion, since they both seem to go along together. Metal galore, electric sparks, spikes, and nasty badniks are a few of the things often found in these zones. First Appeared: Scrap Brain Zone, Sonic 1
Urban theme
Main page: Levels with an urban theme |
This cliche is a relatively new one. It takes place in any level with cars, buildings, and roads! Expect here to run down (or along!) buildings, along roads twisting in any direction, and maybe even dodge some cars!
Underground/cave theme
Main page: 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.
Spooky/supernatural theme
Main page: Levels with a spooky/supernatural theme |
The Spooky Supernatural cliché is not an especially common Sonic cliché, but easily recognised when employed. From haunted castles to misty graveyards; darkness, bones, and 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 ghosts might get you!
Desert/western theme
Main page: 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. First appeared: Sandopolis Zone, Sonic & Knuckles
Lava/volcano theme
Main page: 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.
Winter theme
Main page: Levels with a winter theme |
Snow zones are often characterized by slippery ice, snowy slopes, penguin badniks, and freezing traps.
Sky theme
Main page: Levels with a sky theme |
The Sky cliche is a rare one, but it's a very unique one.
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!
Flying fortress theme
Main page: 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.
Death Egg theme
Main page: 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.
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 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).
Outer space theme
Main page: 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!
Subcategories
This category has the following 20 subcategories, out of 20 total.
L
- Levels with a carnival/casino theme
- Levels with a cyberspace theme
- Levels with a Death Egg theme
- Levels with a desert/western theme
- Levels with a flying fortress theme
- Levels with a jungle theme
- Levels with a lava/volcano theme
- Levels with a mountain/canyon theme
- Levels with a sky theme
- Levels with a spooky/supernatural theme
- Levels with a tropical island theme
- Levels with a winter theme
- Levels with an ancient ruins theme
- Levels with an East Asian theme
- Levels with an industrial theme
- Levels with an ocean theme
- Levels with an outer space theme
- Levels with an underground/cave theme
- Levels with an underwater theme
- Levels with an urban theme