What's the Best & Worst Special Stage(s) in the Sonic Series?

[The DOMinator]

New week, new topic! As questioned in the title, in your opinion, what do you consider the best and worst special stage(s) from across all of the Sonic games, and why? Not much more to it than that. Here's some that come to my mind:

• Sonic 1's Special Stage - I don't know if I would say it's bad, but it's definitely one of the banes of existence while playing through the original Sonic game. I got better at it over time, but it isn't exactly an ideal Special Stage for me.
  • Sonic 4: Episode 1 's Special Stage and Sonic Superstars' Bonus Stage - Similarly, I can't say much when it comes to its return in Sonic 4: Episode 1 and Sonic Superstars. Maybe the following games improved upon it?
• Sonic 2's Special Stage - Another one I feel conflicted over. When it comes to the Genesis original, it's fine/fun, except for the fact that the faux 3D-ness can work against you, and Tails... well, I'm sure I don't need to comment further on him. Although he's optional, as you can always opt out of playing with Tails before beginning your run, the fact that this is how the game was intended to be played (as in, with Tails) is kind of just, I don't know, frustrating? I can't think of the right word at this moment, but I'm sure you get what I mean. The Christian Whitehead remaster definitely improves upon it though, with the half pipe now being genuinely 3D, but Tails though...
  • (Saturn) Sonic 3D Blast's Special Stage - One of the many returns of/takes on the aforementioned half pipe, out of all them, this is one of the ones (out of the ones I played at least) that I feel like mentioning. Not that it technically changes much. It's in 3D. There's no Tails. It has good music (shocker for this series, I know). I don't know, I just felt like it had the right amount of challenge as you progressed, and was sort of fun.
  • Sonic 4: Episode 2's Special Stage - Another variation I feel like mentioning. Second verse is the same as the first. The inclusion of the "rubber band" (or whatever is called) that attaches between Sonic and Tails, collecting any rings that come between them, was a nice inclusion. Tails' AI seemed a bit better, I guess. The only other thing that's worth mentioning is that it's connected to a loathsome achievement that involves you collecting every single ring in the first Special Stage. Every. Single. Ring. It's a lot harder than it sounds. It was one of the final trophies/achievements that I earned on the game, due to how many attempts it took.
• Sonic 3 & Knuckles' Special Stage - Blue Spheres. It's another one that's fine/fun. It has challenge, the 3D-ness isn't a bother, Tails doesn't get in the way if you have him partnered with Sonic, etc. There's nothing wrong I can say about it. I mean, it's not something worth giving a hoot over.
  • Blue Spheres - As in the "game" that's playable once you attach Sonic 1 on top of Sonic & Knuckles (or just one singular stage if almost any other Genesis game is connected, with some exceptions). It's literally the same as the ones found in the main game(s) (Sonic 3 & Knuckles), but now there's a seemingly infinite amount of them. I do have a funny memory regarding the so called game. Once upon a time, as I, over time, was trying to complete the games included in Sonic Mega Collection Plus, I eventually decided to try and beat this particular title. After playing many stages (again over time, not just in one single play through), I eventually started to wonder how many there were. After doing some research, I found out that there's a whopping 134,217,728 (227) levels. Although only a certain number of them are unique, said number ain't much better (in terms of completion): 128,016,000. At that I decided to give up and move on. I do indeed still have my save file for it on one of my PlayStation 2 memory cards. Not that I really plan on revisiting it.
  • Sonic Mania's Bonus Stages and Sonic Origins' New Blue Spheres Game/Mode - Once again, the same styled Special Stage from 3 & Knuckles, although, the addition of new spheres with different qualities/affects is most certainly welcome.
• (Genesis) Sonic 3D Blast's Special Stage - After previously mentioning its Saturn counterpart, the Genesis version now has its due. In short, they're pretty easy. Now, I don't know if that necessarily constitutes it as bad, or even good, but for me, they're just meh. If anything, the challenge of collecting enough rings and holding on to them to enter is harder.
• Sonic Blast's Special Stage - As in the Game Gear title, not to be confused with the similarly named and (somewhat) simultaneously released 3D Blast. They're pretty simple in concept: just collect floating rings as you auto run forward, on a flat plane. What makes it problematic is the whole 3D perspective of it. You'll constantly try to line up with the ring, only to miss them, despite having run through them, or so you thought. What doesn't help is the whole process of trying to find the hidden ring entrances to them.

Honorable Mentions:

• (Master System/Game Gear) Sonic 1's Special Stage - I just find the music neat. It's upbeat, catchy, etc. Nothing much to say in regards to the stages themselves. They don't even contain the Chaos Emeralds here (which are instead spread throughout and hidden amongst the regular levels), instead acting as a means of earning extra points, lives and continues. The requirements to enter also slightly differ than its Genesis counterpart, requiring you to hold anywhere from fifty to ninety-nine rings as you pass the Bonus Panel at the of the first two acts of each stage.
• Sonic the Hedgehog (Minecraft) - Not the best or worst by any means, but one that I think deserves a shout out due to both the fact that it's less known (given that Minecraft Sonic is purchasable DLC for the base Minecraft game), and due to the fact that it shows how far the developers went in translating aspects of Sonic into Minecraft. The stage itself is unique, and not found in any actual Sonic game. It involves you skydiving though different holes, all in an effort to reach the bottom. If you hit a mine, you're simply placed back at the beginning of the Special Stage. No having to find another ring entrance. No having to worry about collecting a certain amount of rings to enter. No limited amount of times you can retry. Although this may seem to negate any and all challenge in trying to hunt down the Chaos Emeralds, the stages themselves do get harder, relying on memory, and having to just scrape by certain holes. To make up for the fact of any and all challenges to enter being done away with is the fact that, not only are they well hidden (one involves taking a leap of faith into a usually bottomless pit in Sky Sanctuary), but the appearances of the ring entrances are randomized. To be more specific, after having entered a Zone, it's randomized as to what level layout you'll get when entering, and after completing an act of said Zone. There's several unique layout per Zone, and only two in each have an Emerald in it (which constitutes the whole collecting of the first six emeralds, with the final one being collected by completing another unlockable mode). For your efforts though, you get a playable Super Sonic. I know, it may sound like a big whoop, but trust me, he's quite OP here. He's a completely different selectable character in the main hub. Unlike in Sonic Forces: Speed Battle/Mobile, you don't just start out as Sonic and collect fifty rings to achieve the form. Nor is this like Sonic Dash, where he's basically the same as any other character, having none of his usual qualities/powers/abilities. Instead, he retains his invincibility and never deforms. This makes him quite helpful in completing all of the DLC's achievements. Additionally, he negated any challenge whatsoever in Labyrinth Zone when it was added through a later update (which was already easier than one may expect as there's no underwater sections). The same statement regarding the initial release's achievements also apply here to the new achievements. 

Wow, how did I go from listing my opinions on some of the Special Stages from the games to covering a good chunk of them, and then rambling about Minecraft Sonic. Forgive me, as I got a bit carried away. So, without further a do, give me your takes on the best and worst Special Stages!

[Maple Syrup]

I LOVE Cyber Station Zone. And Music Plant. And Casino Night. 

[The DOMinator]

6 minutes ago, Maple Syrup said:

I LOVE Cyber Station Zone. And Music Plant. And Casino Night. 

Umm, @Maple Syrup, I was referring to Special Stages, not regular levels, although that is a pretty good idea for a future topic.

[Maple Syrup]

Oh, silly me! I love the Superstars ones. I hate the Sonic 1 ones.

[Cyb3rkn1ght]

Im bout to get REAL controvertial, but it's only due to skill issues, so don't be offended please

1. CD - Boy do I love these! running around, taking out UFOs, and getting timestones, all the while, planning out your moves to not run outta time. Thrilling, 9/10
2. Sonic 1: I feel like these are, okay? not the best, but not the worst. it's annoying to get launched into an unseen goal thingy, but its alright, 7/10.
3. Sonic 2: Dude, freaking TAILS MAN STOOOP- (I love the concept, but it's annoying to have 2 characters to depend on, 6/10)
4. Superstars: LOVELY!!! definitely like the idea to quite literally chase the emerald, and if your fast enough (Or have a computer that won't tweak out because of the boosters) like CD, you can have this done in no time! only gripe: in multiplayer, you switch players, making it scary for the experienced player, but the new only totally throws you off, and sells. 8/10
5. Sonic Mania: This is art. i like the sense of completion that you get, and you have control like CD, 10/10
6. Sonic 4: it's a reskin, who cares? 6/10.
7. Sonic 3: (I suck at this, but one slip up is all it takes. 4/10)

[Archeon]

I have a love/hate relationship with the special stages in Sonic Heroes. They are both super fun and exciting to venture through, and simultaneously very annoying when bombs are constantly being dropped or stepping too far just to run in the row of bombs.

[Shiny Gems]

I am pretty tolerant on all the special stages, but I may have to say Sonic Heroes would be my pick for one of the worst stages. Getting the Chaos Emeralds can be easy, too easy, and some of the special stages before the ones with the Chaos Emeralds can be quite tough to an unreasonable degree, especially those with the zipline.

By the way, do the special stages in Sonic Lost World (3DS version) count?

[Ghelatlishol]

I've got some pros and cons for quite a few, let's see:

Sonic 1:

Pros - The gravitational changes (looping around) makes this a lot more challenging and disorienting, which in my opinion is much more fun. You can't really memorize movements as much as you can in other Special Stages (like Sonic 2 & 3K.) The colors are fun (those spheres look like peppermints, yum) and I've always enjoyed having to hack at whatever those things are that surround the emerald (do they have a name?) I like the waltz-like music as well.

Cons - You can memorize the pathways (to make it easier) and sometimes I just fail for no reason (at least it feels that way.) And you can't access the special stage at any point, you have to have 50 rings and make it to the end (but you all knew that.)

Sonic 2:

Pros: - Really cool 3D effects for the time. Lots of great color schemes, really feels like you're running really quickly. The obstacles are fun and not overwhelming. The music is very energizing and has a driving force to it all its own. Easy access: get 50 rings and find a lamppost, which are plentiful.

Cons - You can memorize this, easily. And I sure did. Tails also gets in the way, especially if he gets stuck in front of you. But you can still learn to use him well. 

Sonic CD:

Pros - Awesome design, bopping music, etc. I haven't played this one much. 

Cons - I SUCK AT IT. BOO.

Sonic 3 & K:

Pros - Fantastic music! Sounds a heckuva lot like "I'll Be There For You" from F.R.I.E.N.D.S (The Rembrandts.) I like the blue sphere objective with optional rings. More options always makes things more fun, and frustrating... Really cool how they let you choose which super emeralds to go for as well. Moderately easy access, just find a big spinny ring.

Cons - You can memorize this as well to a degree, and the speed increases. That normally would be fun, but you are punished for taking too long. For some reason, this really hits me in the behind on the first stage in S&K, where those 4 blue spheres surround 1 ring (twice.) I can never remember where those are, and by that point I'm raging through.

Sonic 3D Blast (Genesis):

Pros: Easy. Not hard to find. Find the F-ed up looking Tails or Knuckles and loan em 50 McGuffens. (I used to think for some reason you had to get 100 rings once you'd already visited one of them, but that's not the case.)

Cons: Too easy. It would be more of a challenge if you could fall off the platform. I'd love that version. And the emeralds just look like weird cough drops or maybe your Grandma's hard candy.

Sonic Advance:

Pros: Interesting concept, surfboarding through a gravitational tunnel (is that what it is?) I like the movements.

Cons: Hard to find the access points sometimes, and I hate the flashing yellow lights you have to hit at the right time to get the extra rings. Most of the time they're impossibly cramped behind some obstacles.

Sonic Advance 2:

Pros: Much easier version of Sonic CD, but you won't know that if you're trying for the first time (ME.) Also, Zero makes an appearance!

Cons: Freaking IM POSS IBLE to find the special coins to get in. PLEASE. What were they thinking?

Everything else I just don't remember right now.

[JezMM]

My favourite was probably Sonic Colours DS for doing something novel with the half-pipe format.  The concept of doing 3 laps where you can only collect 1 type of collectable and collecting the others will knock them away, making the lap where you are going for those more difficult, is a really neat concept.  The only flaw is that I felt these special stages were much too easy - only the last 1 or 2 were at remotely challenging for me.

Sonic 1 I always feels gets a lot of flak but I respect it for one thing - it uses the base gameplay and does something weird with it.  Locking the true ending and possibly even additional level/boss content etc behind special stages that test your key gameplay platforming skills in a unique way makes a lot more sense to me than locking them behind an unrelated minigame.  Preferably something more physics based or perhaps based on level gimmicks would make more sense.  Speaking of:

Sonic Chaos is another one I dig.  5 mini stages that all focus on a particular gimmick from the main game.  It's pretty easy to imagine this working for a lot of games, especially those with zones which have particularly fun/memorable platforming gimmicks.

 

Sonic CD is probably my favourite of the classics, though only in the 2011 Remaster.  Granted the way it handles took some getting used to since it's very different from the original, but now that I'm used to it, having accurate scaling on the UFOs makes it so much easier to tell where they are in 3D space.  Another really unique one.

Beyond that, honourable mentions to Sonic Lost World 3DS and Mania.  Both just solid stuff, and Lost World another unique one.  Yeah it's hampered by mandatory motion controls, but they do work, you just have to be willing to accept them.  The levels are designed with the ability to quickly snap around and change direction on a dime as you can do with gyro more accurately and intuitively than with a control stick.

 

As for worst, Sonic Heroes is up there for me, no doubt.  Sonic 4's version of the Sonic 1 special stage was also a bit eh.  Sonic Advance 1 has REALLY naff depth perception which is a shame because they're visually cool, even if really they're another Sonic 2 half-pipe retread.

And while they aren't the worst, I should mention where I stand with the big two - the iconic Sonic 2 special stages I find borderline unplayable in the original game - only the increased draw distance and smoothness of the remade versions in Origins/Mobile etc make them at all enjoyable for me.  And Blue Spheres I've just never found that appealing, and the sudden movements and constant snappy turning kinda make my eyes go funny.

Edited May 14 by JezMM

[Shiny Gems]

Oh, I forgot. The best special stages.

I like Sonic Colors DS' special stages, as well as Sonic 3 and Knuckles' special stages. I found the Sonic Colors DS special stages to be fun, and likewise for the Sonic 3 and Knuckles special stages.

Sonic Mania's special stages were also one I liked, as well as Sonic CD's special stages. The special stages from Sonic 3D Blast (Sega Saturn version) were great too, and that game's special stages had even better music!

See what I mean?

[The DOMinator]

9 hours ago, Maple Syrup said:

Oh, silly me! I love the Superstars ones. I hate the Sonic 1 ones.

The levels you did mention are pretty good, even if they had nothing to do with the topic, for what it's worth. Cyber Station's a new found favorite of mind.

But back to the topic at hand, all of you just reminded me of some games' Special Stages that I completely forgot about while in school, mainly ones that I consider the best/are personal favorites of mind. I'll just refer to them as needed in my responses.

9 hours ago, Cyb3rkn1ght said:

Im bout to get REAL controvertial, but it's only due to skill issues, so don't be offended please

1. CD - Boy do I love these! running around, taking out UFOs, and getting timestones, all the while, planning out your moves to not run outta time. Thrilling, 9/10
2. Sonic 1: I feel like these are, okay? not the best, but not the worst. it's annoying to get launched into an unseen goal thingy, but its alright, 7/10.
3. Sonic 2: Dude, freaking TAILS MAN STOOOP- (I love the concept, but it's annoying to have 2 characters to depend on, 6/10)
4. Superstars: LOVELY!!! definitely like the idea to quite literally chase the emerald, and if your fast enough (Or have a computer that won't tweak out because of the boosters) like CD, you can have this done in no time! only gripe: in multiplayer, you switch players, making it scary for the experienced player, but the new only totally throws you off, and sells. 8/10
5. Sonic Mania: This is art. i like the sense of completion that you get, and you have control like CD, 10/10
6. Sonic 4: it's a reskin, who cares? 6/10.
7. Sonic 3: (I suck at this, but one slip up is all it takes. 4/10)

As per my original post, you'll find that I agree with most of your opinions. Ones that you reminded me of are CD, Mania, and Superstars, although you pretty much covered what I would've said about them anyways. Some of the best the series has to offer. On another note, I did attempt to play through a level with my little sister to try out the multiplayer of the game, which inevitably led to us entering a Special Stage. This resulted in pretty much what you summed regarding it. Especially more noticeable given that I had already beat story mode and had collected all emeralds, while this was my sister's first time playing it. We still had fun nonetheless.

8 hours ago, Archeon said:

I have a love/hate relationship with the special stages in Sonic Heroes. They are both super fun and exciting to venture through, and simultaneously very annoying when bombs are constantly being dropped or stepping too far just to run in the row of bombs.

7 hours ago, Shiny Gems said:

I am pretty tolerant on all the special stages, but I may have to say Sonic Heroes would be my pick for one of the worst stages. Getting the Chaos Emeralds can be easy, too easy, and some of the special stages before the ones with the Chaos Emeralds can be quite tough to an unreasonable degree, especially those with the zipline.

Heroes is another one I forgot to mention... and it's kind of become the bane of my existence, in regards to its Special Stages. What makes things worse is the fact that I own the PS2 version of the game, which is often cited to be the worst version of the game. Can't comment much on that regard, as don't have the other ports to compare it to (except for the PS3 version, which is just an emulated rerelease of the PS2 version), but man, I'm still stuck trying to complete the third one. No matter what strategy I apply, no matter what guides I follow, no matter how many times I replay it, I just can't seem to get the Emerald. What makes it more repetitive is having to replay the previous stage to get back to said Special Stage. As a result, I practically know BINGO Highway like the back of my hand now.

7 hours ago, Shiny Gems said:

By the way, do the special stages in Sonic Lost World (3DS version) count?

I can't see why not. In contrast with a lot of people's opinions (consider this a hot take, if you will), but I didn't find the game's Special Stages to be as bad as people make them out to be. They were actually kind of cool, if I'm being honest. Nice use of the console's motion capabilities. They're just simply not the most ideal, especially considering the 3DS is a portable console, as the last thing you want is to have to randomly get up in public and start moving in circles or whatnot, while holding the 3DS out in front of you.

2 hours ago, Ghelatlishol said:

Sonic 1:

Pros - The gravitational changes (looping around) makes this a lot more challenging and disorienting, which in my opinion is much more fun. You can't really memorize movements as much as you can in other Special Stages (like Sonic 2 & 3K.) The colors are fun (those spheres look like peppermints, yum) and I've always enjoyed having to hack at whatever those things are that surround the emerald (do they have a name?) I like the waltz-like music as well.

Cons - You can memorize the pathways (to make it easier) and sometimes I just fail for no reason (at least it feels that way.) And you can't access the special stage at any point, you have to have 50 rings and make it to the end (but you all knew that.)

Sonic 2:

Pros: - Really cool 3D effects for the time. Lots of great color schemes, really feels like you're running really quickly. The obstacles are fun and not overwhelming. The music is very energizing and has a driving force to it all its own. Easy access: get 50 rings and find a lamppost, which are plentiful.

Cons - You can memorize this, easily. And I sure did. Tails also gets in the way, especially if he gets stuck in front of you. But you can still learn to use him well. 

Pretty much all agreeable.

2 hours ago, Ghelatlishol said:

Sonic CD:

Pros - Awesome design, bopping music, etc. I haven't played this one much. 

Cons - I SUCK AT IT. BOO.

Eh, that just means you'll get better over time through lots and lots of practice, right? Although, the water the drains your time is far from the funnest thing in the world.

2 hours ago, Ghelatlishol said:

Sonic 3 & K:

Pros - Fantastic music! Sounds a heckuva lot like "I'll Be There For You" from F.R.I.E.N.D.S (The Rembrandts.) I like the blue sphere objective with optional rings. More options always makes things more fun, and frustrating... Really cool how they let you choose which super emeralds to go for as well. Moderately easy access, just find a big spinny ring.

Cons - You can memorize this as well to a degree, and the speed increases. That normally would be fun, but you are punished for taking too long. For some reason, this really hits me in the behind on the first stage in S&K, where those 4 blue spheres surround 1 ring (twice.) I can never remember where those are, and by that point I'm raging through.

Again, agreeable. I remember one time where I was having trouble because I had spent a bit of time on one of the Special Stages, and so the thing had considerably sped up over time. All the while, my Dad was watching, and kept telling me how It was all just in my mind, and that it wasn't getting any faster. Yeah right. All that did was make me more frustrated. Then again, he wouldn't really know, as he never attempted to go for the Emeralds back when he beat the games at some point in the past. He's not exactly the type of guy who goes for 100% completion. He just wants to beat the game, and then move on.

2 hours ago, Ghelatlishol said:

Find the F-ed up looking Tails or Knuckles

2 hours ago, Ghelatlishol said:

(I used to think for some reason you had to get 100 rings once you'd already visited one of them, but that's not the case.)

I can definitely relate. Resulted in bunches of rings stolen. Just gone with the wind. Why do they still collect them after beating their Special Stage anyways?

2 hours ago, Ghelatlishol said:

Sonic Advance:

Pros: Interesting concept, surfboarding through a gravitational tunnel (is that what it is?) I like the movements.

Cons: Hard to find the access points sometimes, and I hate the flashing yellow lights you have to hit at the right time to get the extra rings. Most of the time they're impossibly cramped behind some obstacles.

Can't really comment on this one much, as I haven't played much of it. I played the game through its Android port, and as of now, have only beaten the first Special Stage (and may stay that way, seeing as how my phone won't turn on :p).

2 hours ago, Ghelatlishol said:

Sonic Advance 2:

Pros: Much easier version of Sonic CD, but you won't know that if you're trying for the first time (ME.) Also, Zero makes an appearance!

Cons: Freaking IM POSS IBLE to find the special coins to get in. PLEASE. What were they thinking?

Can only barely comment on this one, as I've never played Advance 2. Although, from what I've seen and heard through YouTube/the internet in general... well, maybe I'm glad I don't have it yet. As someone whose always gunning for 100% completion in games, this sound like an utter nightmare. Doubly so, as I've seen/heard that you in order to unlock Amy and gain access to the final boss, you need to this with every character.

2 hours ago, JezMM said:

My favourite was probably Sonic Colours DS for doing something novel with the half-pipe format.  The concept of doing 3 laps where you can only collect 1 type of collectable and collecting the others will knock them away, making the lap where you are going for those more difficult, is a really neat concept.  The only flaw is that I felt these special stages were much too easy - only the last 1 or 2 were at remotely challenging for me.

Another game I forgot about. Once again, my thoughts are pretty much summed up here. One thing I would like to add though is that the preciseness you get from controlling Sonic in these using the DS' touch screen is .

2 hours ago, JezMM said:

Sonic 1 I always feels gets a lot of flak but I respect it for one thing - it uses the base gameplay and does something weird with it.  Locking the true ending and possibly even additional level/boss content etc behind special stages that test your key gameplay platforming skills in a unique way makes a lot more sense to me than locking them behind an unrelated minigame.  Preferably something more physics based or perhaps based on level gimmicks would make more sense.  Speaking of:

Hmm... that's something I never really though about. I think I just got some new found respect for the game's Special Stage. Not that I hated it to begin with though.

2 hours ago, JezMM said:

Sonic Chaos is another one I dig.  5 mini stages that all focus on a particular gimmick from the main game.  It's pretty easy to imagine this working for a lot of games, especially those with zones which have particularly fun/memorable platforming gimmicks.

This is one that briefly crossed my mind. It's nice that they essentially test your skill regarding each gimmick. If I recall, Triple Trouble had the same type of Special Stage design?

2 hours ago, JezMM said:

Sonic CD is probably my favourite of the classics, though only in the 2011 Remaster.  Granted the way it handles took some getting used to since it's very different from the original, but now that I'm used to it, having accurate scaling on the UFOs makes it so much easier to tell where they are in 3D space.  Another really unique one.

Another welcomed enhancement courtesy of the Whitehead remasters. The whole 3D design of it definitely made it cool for what it was on the Sega CD, but when trying to navigate the faux 3D space and line yourself up with the UFOs, you quite often find yourself seemingly touching them, only to find out that you landed in front of them.

2 hours ago, JezMM said:

Beyond that, honourable mentions to Sonic Lost World 3DS and Mania.  Both just solid stuff, and Lost World another unique one.  Yeah it's hampered by mandatory motion controls, but they do work, you just have to be willing to accept them.  The levels are designed with the ability to quickly snap around and change direction on a dime as you can do with gyro more accurately and intuitively than with a control stick.

Already gave my input on this in my responses to @Shiny Gems. It's kind of underrated/overhated, if you ask me. If I recall correctly, I think I even managed to complete all of them and got Super Sonic (my New 3DS XL finally began to stutter out last year after many years of use, so I have no way of checking. Probably just needs a ribbon cable change though).

2 hours ago, JezMM said:

As for worst, Sonic Heroes is up there for me, no doubt.  Sonic 4's version of the Sonic 1 special stage was also a bit eh.  Sonic Advance 1 has REALLY naff depth perception which is a shame because they're visually cool, even if really they're another Sonic 2 half-pipe retread.

1. Yeah, it's the pits, as already mentioned.

2. Also gave my input on this already. Agreeably on its meh quality.

3. That is actually one thing I can say from the one Special Stage I did try. The depth perception has a habit biting you in the arse when it comes to collecting rings. Essentially, the same issue as Sonic Blast (although less fun and more mundane).

2 hours ago, JezMM said:

And while they aren't the worst, I should mention where I stand with the big two - the iconic Sonic 2 special stages I find borderline unplayable in the original game - only the increased draw distance and smoothness of the remade versions in Origins/Mobile etc make them at all enjoyable for me.

Once again, the Whitehead remasters come to the rescue.

2 hours ago, JezMM said:

And Blue Spheres I've just never found that appealing, and the sudden movements and constant snappy turning kinda make my eyes go funny.

Understandable.

2 hours ago, Shiny Gems said:

Oh, I forgot. The best special stages.

I like Sonic Colors DS' special stages, as well as Sonic 3 and Knuckles' special stages. I found the Sonic Colors DS special stages to be fun, and likewise for the Sonic 3 and Knuckles special stages.

Sonic Mania's special stages were also one I liked, as well as Sonic CD's special stages. The special stages from Sonic 3D Blast (Sega Saturn version) were great too, and that game's special stages had even better music!

See what I mean?

This. As already mentioned, I took consider these to be top tier. And Saturn 3D Blast's soundtrack as a whole is just underrated. It's filled with some pretty good music, courtesy of Richard Jacques. When it comes to the Special Stage's music specifically, it just completely set story in the right mood; it's energetic and upbeat.

With all that said, before I take my leave, I would like to give a shout out to Sonic TIme Twisted's Special Stages. An honourable mention due to the fact that it's a fan game, and this topic is about official games' Special Stages. Although I've never played it, the idea of racing against Metal Sonic for dibs on the Emeralds in a CD/Mania like setup is just such a cool, really good idea. And I mean, the game was on Xbox at one point, so...

[StreetSonic2022]

Some of you guys haven't mentioned other special stages but I will. 

The Best: I think Blue Spheres is the most unique and the best out of all of the Special Stages, even though it was also included as a mini game for S3&K. Though with the speed increase, it can lead to mistakes. This also applies to Sonic Mania.

The in-betweens: Sonic Chaos had a bit of interesting Special Stages: grabbing rings, small and big, via rocket shoes or some platforming which you may have to get the time boxes to increase time to find the Chaos Emerald or else time over. Triple Trouble has the Purple Palace Special Stages or at one point, pilot a plane to collect rings which was brought back in Advance 3. Speaking of that, Advance 3 expanded Triple Trouble's plane piloting Special Stage. 

Sonic CD's UFO Special Stages are interesting but it's very slippery. And you have to avoid the water. 

As boring as it seems, Sonic Heroes was the easiest to get the Chaos Emeralds (and 1ups) by collecting color orbs. 

The worst:  Sonic 1, all of the spinning, even if you hit the Speed Up, makes you sick with all of the movement. Also applies to Sonic 4. Sonic 2 would've been fun if Tails doesn't get hit. Advance 2 follows CD's mechanics but that was boring. Advance 1 relies on tricks to get rings.  3D Blast and GG Blast were boring as hell because of the speed. Superstars, while has an interesting concept, can be pain in the ass to aim for the next orb or the moving Chaos Emerald, especially for the fourth one that literally have you cussing like Shadow in his game. Mania was also interesting but it's similar to CD with a mix of R due to being in 3D. 

[GeAr-DX]

Ok, let's do this.

THE BEST ONES

3rd) Sonic Rush: The tube-run it's a awesome idea of Special Stage since Sonic 2, and to me, one of the best versions it's the one in Sonic Rush. It's a good challenge, the tricks are cool, the use of the styles makes the sidestepping frenetic and the song it's a banger.

2nd) Sonic 3 & Knuckles: That special stage have a interesting mechanic, it's fun to play, it's simple and the song it's super comfy. So, I love it!

1st) Sonic 3D Blast (SEGA Saturn): Another tube-run, this one have good design, the challenge it's also good (better than Rush in my opinion) and some great screwroads. But the point that make those stages perfect it's the aesthetic, the music is super great and gets totally perfect when the part of "You're my Hero" starts, also the background makes the entire stage a sweet dream, when I play this stage in the actual days it's like I'm running in some weird vibe from when I was a kid in the 90s.

THE WORST ONES

3rd) Sonic Lost World 3D/Sonic Advance: I have a hate and love for those special stages. Good idea, awesome music and GREAT aesthetics limited by horrible controls. In Lost World 3D it's the use of the motion controls in the 3DS, in Advance it's the fact that your board just CAN'T catch those rings right. Which is a shame.

2nd) Sonic The Hedgehog: The first special stage of the series and the one redone in Sonic 4 Episode 1... and I hate it. It's slow and tedious in my opinion, even the music can't help!

1st) G-Sonic: Some of you guys must know as Sonic Blast, the special stage in this game... oh God, terrible. It's the same tube-run that most of the special stages are based, BUT, it's slow, bad ring detection and it's SUPER ugly. It's one of those things that you get surprised that someone looked at this and thought "yeah, let's put it in the game".

[castell-neath]

I really like the heroes ones but the Gens 3ds ones are a better version of them I feel. Tricky, but not game breaking.

Also liked the s4 ep 2 half pipe and the colours 3ds ones.

Very much Hated s1 / s4 ep1/ superstars

Hated Mania

Meh Blue spheres