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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.
 
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==
 
==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>
 
<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 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]]''.
  
 
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<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>
 
<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}}
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)]]''.
+
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}}
 
{{clear}}
 
 
==Underground/cave theme==
 
==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:Lavareef.png|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}}
 
{{main|:Category:Levels with an underground/cave theme|l1=Levels with an underground/cave theme}}
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 [[Labyrinth Zone]] in ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (16-bit)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]''.
+
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}}
 
{{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=:Category:Levels with a spooky/supernatural theme]][[File:Mystic Haunt Zone.png|frameless|x100px|link=:Category:Levels with a spooky/supernatural theme]]</div>
 
<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 '''[[: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 [[Dark Castle]] in ''[[Tails' Skypatrol]]''.
+
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}}
 
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<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>
 
<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}}
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 Palace Zone]] from ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 3]]''.
+
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]]''.
  
 
{{clear}}
 
{{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}}
 
==Lava/volcano theme==
 
==Lava/volcano theme==
 
<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>
 
<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>
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<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>
 
<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}}
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 [[IceCap Zone]] in ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 3]]''.
+
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}}
 
{{clear}}
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{{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}}
 
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)]]''.
 
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}}
 
{{clear}}
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<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>
 
<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}}
Levels with the '''[[:Category:Levels with a Death Egg theme|Death Egg theme]]''' are set deep in Eggman's [[Death Egg]] fortress 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]]''.
+
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]]''.
  
 
{{clear}}
 
{{clear}}
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<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>
 
<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}}
 
{{main|:Category:Levels with an outer space theme|l1=Levels with an outer space theme}}
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 encouter at the end of a game.  This theme first appeared in [[The Doomsday Zone]] in ''[[Sonic & Knuckles]]''.
+
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}}
 
{{clear}}
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{{HideCategoryListing}}
 
{{HideCategoryListing}}
[[Category:Game Information]]
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[[Category:Game information]]

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.

Tropical island theme

Ghz.pngSunset Hill.png
Sonic Retro emblem.svg 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

Aquaticruin.pngLostworld.png
Sonic Retro emblem.svg 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

SpringStadium.pngSh Bingo Highway.png
Sonic Retro emblem.svg 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

Hydrocity.pngAquaticmine.png
Sonic Retro emblem.svg 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

Meta Junglira.pngMysticruins.png
Sonic Retro emblem.svg 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

Scrap Brain SMS.pngSADX Hot Shelter.jpg
Sonic Retro emblem.svg 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

Stationsquare.pngSonic battle emerald town.png
Sonic Retro emblem.svg 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

Labyrinth.pngSatBK CryCv1.jpg
Sonic Retro emblem.svg 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

Sh Mystic Mansion.pngMystic Haunt Zone.png
Sonic Retro emblem.svg 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

Sandopolis.pngFrontier Canyon Zone.png
Sonic Retro emblem.svg 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

Ta pollymt1.pngSadv2 skycanyon.png
Sonic Retro emblem.svg 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

Volcanic Tunnel.pngChaotic Inferno Zone 1.PNG
Sonic Retro emblem.svg 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

Segasonic icyisle.pngCooledge.png
Sonic Retro emblem.svg 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

Dragonroad.pngManiaPGZ2clean.png
Sonic Retro emblem.svg 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

Skychase.pngSkychaseact2.png
Sonic Retro emblem.svg 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

Wingfortress.pngSh Egg Fleet.png
Sonic Retro emblem.svg 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

Sadv2 technobase.pngShadow mad matrix.png
Sonic Retro emblem.svg 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

Silversonic.pngSonic Advance Zone Cosmic Angel.png
Sonic Retro emblem.svg 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

DoomsdayLevel.PNGTrutharea53.png
Sonic Retro emblem.svg 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.