6 Chemical Plant Zone hyperspeed (Sonic 2, 1992)
What's the high point of the Sonic series? Maybe Sonic 1, but probably Sonic 2. High point of Sonic 2? Chemical Plant Zone. High point of Chemical Plant Zone? Going so fast around the loops and slopes that the screen can't quite keep up with Sonic. It's not a clever camera trick – it literally can't scroll that fast.
Later games made the mistake of thinking the whole game had to be this speedy. It doesn't – the whole point is that it's a treat when this happens. And never has this sense of speed been surpassed.
Above: At this moment, Sonic had the world at his feet
5 Ramp (Sonic The Hedgehog 16-bit/8-bit, 1991)
Rolling down a ramp and being sent flying up into the air into a shimmering group of collectibles? Yes please. This never gets old, partly because it's used so sparingly.
Above: You can bounce on the Buzzbombers and get all the rings in one go if you're good enough. We've only done it once though. In 16 years.


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