The story of Sonic's iconic Green Hill Zone

Thirty years ago, a superstar was born. A character who has brought joy, happiness and laughter to millions of people around the world.

He is known for his super speed and bright blue color, characteristics that his real-life counterpart is far from possessing. As soon as he appeared on the scene, he was loved by everyone and that has never changed since.

That's right, we're talking about Sonic the Hedgehog™.

Over the past 30 years, Sonic has appeared in video games, books, comics, TV series and recently in a live action film. And now Sonic gets his own LEGO® set.

The set is the latest LEGO Ideas project, created by Sonic superfan Viv Grannell. She felt her favorite hero would be a perfect subject for both existing and new fans.

“Sonic can mean so many different things to different people because he was able to continue to evolve over the years,” says Viv. “His brash attitude in the '90s, the adventurous daredevilry he brought into the millennium and the wisecracking interest of the past decade are all aspects of a strong, striking and downright cool character.”

In the first game from 1991, players were presented with a level that would become one of the most iconic in gaming history: Green Hill Zone.

This level served as inspiration for Viv's set.

“Everyone knows this level, so I think it's the perfect choice for Sonic's first introduction to the world of LEGO bricks!”

Sonic's own little piece of paradise

The level was originally designed by Sonic Team and is a reflection of the Californian landscape: bright colors everywhere and nice weather.

The designer wanted to create levels that look complicated but that you can still rush through. He also added the loops that later became the series' trademark.

The level was originally designed by Sonic Team and is a reflection of the Californian landscape: bright colors everywhere and nice weather.

The designer wanted to create levels that look complicated but that you can still rush through. He also added the loops that later became the series' trademark.

However, not everything is green and fun. In Green Hill Zone there are a lot of sharp spikes and if Sonic hits them, he immediately loses all his rings. There is also a small army of animals roaming around, controlled by Sonic's arch-enemy Dr. Eggman were captured in a mechanical harness.

The inspiration for the diamond-patterned ground came from computers capable of creating 3D images. It was a technique used to give 2D images a 3D aspect.

But for the most part it is a true paradise. And you may remember that at the end of the game, Sonic returns to Green Hill Zone to celebrate his victory.

Build a legendary gaming level

The LEGO set is based on the first Sonic game and consists of several modules that you can combine into your own version of the level.

There are 7 rings to collect along the way, some of which can only be reached by shooting Sonic into the air with the springy platform. There are also three TV-shaped boxes containing the Extra Life, Speed ​​Shoes and Blue Shield powerups.

The characters in this paradise set include a Sonic minifigure with an iconic '90s style and Moto Bug, Crabmeat and arch-enemy Dr. Eggman made from LEGO bricks.

Anyone who has played Sonic knows that the goal of the games is to protect the seven Chaos Emeralds. With this set you can place the Emeralds on a jewelry stand - once you have found them all.

Get those Speed ​​Shoes out of the closet!

It took eight months of numerous revisions and adjustments before the original Green Hill Zone was designed.

As time went on, the graphics also became a lot more advanced, resulting in more modern gameplay.

The game Sonic Generations (2011) was very detailed, with levels with extremely realistic effects.
Sonic Mania (2017) harkens back to classic Sonic gameplay.
Viv went through a similar process. It took about two years between making the prototypes and releasing the final set.

“I have already given the set a nice spot on my desk,” says Viv. “And for now it's still within reach, because I plan to play with it often!”

We have a feeling Viv won't be the only one.

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