By Joseph Walter
Sonic Mania is the best thing that the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise has put out in literally decades, so it's intolerable that a Sonic Mania 2 hasn't been announced yet (and it probably never will, considering how jealous it appears the abysmal Sonic Team is over Mania's success.)
Regardless of the sequel's nebulous fate, few would disagree that one of Mania's greastest (and most surprising!) qualities was how it took classic Zones and completely revitalized them in new and exciting ways.
When Mania was first announced, I was initially disappointed to learn how many old Zones would be coming back in lieu of brand new ones, but man oh man, did my tune change after seeing how radically refurbished Green Hill Zone was, and that feeling only continued as I played through each of the returning stages.
Previously mediocre or annoying Zones were suddenly thrilling and engrossing, while already beloved classic stages shimmered with newfound glory. In fact, I'd go as far as to say almost all of these old Zones felt new!
That got me to thinking: what old Zones (beloved or otherwise) should get the resurrection treatment in Sonic Mania 2, should it ever be announced?
Pulled from both the 2D and 3D games, let's get this countdown started!
15. Radical Highway (Sonic Adventure 2)
Radical Highway is certainly among that number.
Seeing the urban aesthetic in the crisp and advanced Sonic Mania style would be a beautiful sight to behold, especially if they left in the soaring jets (which, I'd assume, would take the form of sprites from Sega's Afterburner.)
And, just as a side note, I was alway fascinated by the existence of this level and what it means for Sonic's world. This insane, loop-filled, illogical death-filled course is just how highways are in Central City, I guess. And I love it.
14. Emerald Coast (Sonic Adventure)
It'd be such a wacky twist to take this, the prime "3D Sonic" example, and transform it into a stunning 2D stage in Mania's signature style... and that makes me want it even more.
Imagine the incredible Genesis-styled rendition we would get of Emerald Coast's exceptionally rocking music, or how awesome it would be to see the infamous Killer Whale chase given a retro twist with either a super-sized sprite or a primitive 3D model!
13. Ice Cap (Sonic 3)
Not only is there the supremely cool snowboarding sequence, but it's accompanied by the stellar "Smooth Criminal"... I mean "Hard Times"... I mean... Ice Cap theme.
Truth be told, neither Act of Ice Cap Zone is particularly interesting or exciting (aside from the aforementioned music and snowboarding), so I'd love to see what Mania's team would be able to conjure up if they were given free reign with the stage.
In fact, I'd say it's almost a given that the snowboarding moment would be given a major facelift and taken to even greater heights... but yeah, there's going to be some problems with the music (which, allegedly, is the reason behind why we haven't gotten a proper Sonic 3 / Sonic & Knuckles / Sonic 3 & Knuckles release in a looong time.)
12. Green Grove (Sonic 3D Blast)
I love Green Grove Zone but... yeah, it's a plain, fairly flat duo of levels that lacks any major set pieces or... really anything other than its "3D" conceit.
So why pick it? Easy: much like Ice Cap Zone, I'd love to see what Mania's stellar team would do with such an out-there (and arguably boring) level choice.
Heck, they might even incorporate the Flickies, Warp Rings, or unique 3D Blast bonus stages into the overall design!
11. Casino Night (Sonic 2)
The theming alone is so bold and unique, but imagine just how much more glitzy and glamorous its glowing architecture and signage would be when given the loving touch of the Mania team.
Its original layout is cool enough as is, but with a bit of expansion, I imagine we'd see some truly wild new developments for the whole "gigantic pinball and slot machines" gimmick.
I'd also be lying if I said I didn't want to stare at an eye-bleeding HD version of the twinkling background.
10. Metal Harbor (Sonic Adventure 2)
I can see it now: Sonic jumping and dashing from aircraft carrier to aircraft carrier, squadrons ripping through the air in the background, a raging pixelated sea waiting below to claim your soul, and a nerve-wracking countdown for an imminent missile launch (that you need to be part of), the finale of which concludes with an Ice Cap-esque snowboarding sequence.
It'd be a thing of beauty.
9. Mushroom Hill (Sonic & Knuckles)
The bouncy mushrooms, dense forest and funky beats make one heck of a memorable first impression, not to mention the awesome, seasonal transition between Acts 1 and 2 or the pseudo-3D effect of the boss battle.
Honestly, the reason I've included Mushroom Hill on this list is because I feel like people tend to forget about this iconic opening level, and its weirdness needs to be put back on display once again.
As for what the Mania 2 revamp would bring to the table, it's hard to say. Mushroom Hill is pretty perfect as is, so its tweaks would probably be minor.
Aside from more bouncy shrooms and general layout enhancements, I'm sure we'd get even more gorgeous graphical effects for the environment, like overly-animated falling leaves and rustling trees. I'd also wager that the already-impressive technical trickery of the boss battle would be turned up to the max and present a truly spectacular sequence.
The rest is good as is. And yeah, before you ask, you better believe I want them to keep in that damn pulley thing.
8. Sandopolis (Sonic 3&K)
I don't disagree with these complaints at all. In fact, these complaints are the chief reason why Sandopolis should get a Mania-caliber upgrade.
With some refinement, this Zone's gimmicks, puzzles and layouts could be streamlined into something that retains the spirit of the original concepts, while managing to be far more fun and far less fatally time-consuming.
With the hair-pulling frustrations no longer obscuring this revamped version of Sandopolis, players will finally get to appreciate the Zone's coolest elements: the Egyptian theme, bizarre ghosts, spooky atmosphere, and the light switches.
I love the light switches.
7. Tropical Coast (Lost World)
Regardless of your stance on the game, Tropical Coast Zone (specifically Act 3) would be an awesome inclusion for Sonic Mania 2. I wouldn't want this to be a fully-fledged level, however.
Instead, I'd prefer something more akin to Sky Chase Zone, or a similar kind of sequence. The rail-riding/DKC minecart gameplay would make for an excellent way to break up monotony... and it would also be 100% less boring than Sky Chase.
Of course, this nail-biting micro-stage wouldn't be complete without a remix of the original's already outstanding music, which would seal the deal and/or be the final element needed to banish Sky Chase Zone forever while solidifying 2D rail-surfing as both the best mini-game to switch up pacing, and the ultimate way to honor the legacy of the 3D games.
6. Marble Zone (sonic 1)
Foibles aside, Marble Zone has a great atmosphere (with the purple bricks, mysterious background plus the glow of the lava), and the idea of starting out on the surface of the Zone and then traveling beneath it in the same Act is awesome.
Therefore, we need to give Marble Zone the Sandopolis treatment, where a hypothetical Mania 2 would take the original concept and make into something far more fluid and fun, finally redeeming the Zone's long-sullied reputation.
5. Pyramid Cave (Sonic Adventure 2)
If this level were converted into a Zone for Sonic Mania 2, I'd imagine that it would translate quite well (such as turning those big tubular corridors into a boost sequences) but the main reason I want to see it get the Mania treatment (besides the remixed music) would be to see how the original's highly-animated background would look in 2D.
I'd love seeing super-sized sprites of those giant, swinging Egyptian boats, or highly-detailed background art of the massive statues!
... and yeah, even those weird, rotating, neon Robotnik signs.
4. Starlight Zone (Sonic 1)
But what's so good at the Starlight Zone (aside from the music) in the first place? Honestly, not much. There's genuinely nothing outstanding or particularly special about it; it just has a good atmosphere, a cool look, and untapped potential.
Seeing that potential get tapped, with Starlight Zone getting fully fleshed out and revamped, would be stellar (pun probably intended.)
They'd keep the twinkling night sky, the cozy looking buildings, and the sky-high scaffolding, but ramp up the spectacle and action in a way that only the brains behind Sonic Mania could do.
3. Aquatic Ruin Zone (Sonic 2)
I didn't have a Genesis, so I only got to experience Sonic in small bursts at my best friend's house. We'd usually only make it as far as Aquatic Ruin before I had to go back home, so I've always cherished the strange mix of wonder and disappointment that this Zone came to represent.
Of course, the Zone itself is actually pretty awesome, with its distinctly different paths, excellent music and rich atmosphere.
This weird grove and its water just seems so fresh! Even just looking at its screenshot, you can feel the innately relaxing and calming ambience that these long forgotten ruins exude!
This is another one of those cases where I'm not entirely sure what Mania 2's team would do to enhance the Zone in question. As it is, Aquatic Ruin is a perfectly enjoyable and well-designed stage that possesses the right blend of fun, speed, exploration and difficulty that only the best Sonic levels manage to balance.
I guess I just really want to see this dreamlike, childhood memory of a stage get fully realized in pixel-perfect HD.
2. Cannon's Core (sonic Adventure 2)
In Sonic Adventure 2, "Cannon's Core" is actually a multi-part level, with each segment being tackled by a specific character, and designed for their individual skillset. In order to properly adapt this concept, Sonic Mania 2 could handle things in two distinct ways:
1) Take each sequence of "Cannon's Core," update and streamline them, then stitch them together into a single, cohesive (and very long) one Act final Zone. Or...
2) In the spirit of SA2, keep "Cannon's Core" as multiple, specialized segments (likely broken down into Acts, in this case), with the reigns being handed to a different character for each section. Like SA2, each of these separate "Acts" would be designed with a character's specific strengths in mind. In other words, things would play out as follows: Sonic would tackle Act 1, a level designed to maximize speed and acrobatics. Act 2 would feature Tails, and focus on flying and swimming. Lastly, Act 3 would star Knuckles, and contain tons of gliding and digging. Plus, if the developers are feeling adventurous, they might include a surprise playable Robotnik, or maybe even specific Acts for Mighty and Ray! (If the elusive duo decide to make an appearance, that is!)
I realize this whole thing is an overwhelmingly bonkers proposition, but you know it would be beyond awesome to have a level like this in a 2D Sonic game. Best of all, not only would this be an dazzling team up, but it would be the perfect opportunity to feature the silent, simple and effective storytelling that the 2D Sonic games are known for.
Imagine how incredible it would be seeing Sonic blast through his Act, then high-fiving a waiting Knuckles, who gives a quick smirk before punching through the floor and dropping into his own sequence. Don't lie, you had a tear in your eye.
1. Emerald Hill Zone (Sonic 2)
Emerald Hill has a far more exciting layout that can only reach new levels of supremacy under the care of the Sonic Mania team. Likewise, I can only imagine what a souped up version of its surprisingly desperate music would sound like.
The Emerald Hill Zone (and its sick corkscrew) has been overlooked long enough. Its time has come.
(And no, I don't care that Sonic Mania basically incorporated elements of Emerald Hill into its Green Hill. It's just not the same.)
Let me know below!