Sonic Lost World Windy Hill

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Windy Hill (ウィンディヒル, Windi Hiru^?) is the first world in the Wii U version, PC version and Nintendo 3DS version of Sonic Lost World. Located on the far-left corner on the Lost Hex, Windy Hill is the location where the events of Sonic Lost World begin, as Sonic the Hedgehog and Miles "Tails" Prower crash-land there after their recent ambush with Dr. Eggman.

In the Nintendo 3DS version, the player can find Green Material in the Zones if they complete them quickly enough.

Description[]

Windy Hill is a level consisting of many planetoids full of idyllic, grassy setting level, with lush green trees and simple plant life, a trait followed by most first levels of Sonic the Hedgehog games. Checkerboard soil and tiny lakes are present in the level. Cloud platforms are also located at Windy Hill, where the player can use the clouds to jump to proceed through the Zones. No actual wind breezes appear within any of the Zones, with the exception of Zone 4 in the Wii U version of Sonic Lost World. Giant windmills can be found and used by Sonic the Hedgehog at Zone 2 and Zone 4 of the Wii U version. Note that this description of Windy Hill only applies to Zone 1, Zone 2, and Zone 4 on the Wii U version of Sonic Lost World and Zone 1 and Zone 3 on the Nintendo 3DS version of Sonic Lost World.

Zone 3 and Zone 2 of the Wii U and Nintendo 3DS versions, respectively, change the normal theme of Windy Hill just within said zones. Instead, both Zones consist of Sonic running through underground temples, with lava being ever present. 360 degree tube-like platforms are seen during the level, as if gravity has no effect on the temples. Sonic must rely on his parkour moveset to get through vertical walls that are the only way through the Zone.

The Wisps reappear in all of the Zones at Windy Hill, but is unknown whether the Wisps live at Windy Hill or in the Lost Hex in general. The Cyan Wisp, Indigo Wisp, and the Red Wisp are native to Windy Hill, with the Red Wisp exclusive to the Nintendo 3DS version of Sonic Lost World.

Story[]

In the midst of the clouds, Sonic and Tails are chasing Dr. Eggman, along with Orbot and Cubot, in his Egg Mobile via the Tornado. Eggman drops the Capsule, and Sonic Spin Dashes on the Tornado to get the Capsule and release the animal friends in the Capsule. However, Sonic misses it and lands back on the Tornado, where he and Tails will swing back around to release the Capsule. Eggman then takes the opportunity to shoot the Tornado while the heroes are busy with the Capsule. Thus, Eggman uses his gun to shoot at a wing of the Tornado and the heroes begin to fall down until they discover the Lost Hex. Tails decides to land on the flying continent and the beginning of Windy Hill.

After Sonic releases the Animals from the Capsule in which dropped at Windy Hill, Knuckles and Amy Rose contact Sonic to check up on him, with the latter asking if Sonic and Tails have freed the animal friends. Sonic only states that he has released just the one Capsule Eggman had with him, but the blue hedgehog promises Amy to release the other Capsules located on the Lost Hex. Later, after being ordered by Zavok to defeat Sonic, Zazz encounters Sonic, but is defeated by the hedgehog. Sonic then finds Eggman along with the rest of the Deadly Six at Windy Hill. Eggman commands Zazz on defeating the hedgehog for the second time, while the scientist and the other Zeti leave Zazz and Sonic behind to brawl. Shortly after defeating Zazz the second time, Sonic checks up on Tails, who has recently finished repairing the Tornado. With the bi-plane mended, Sonic and Tails depart from Windy Hill and proceed to Desert Ruins.

Overview[]

Wii U/PC version[]

Zone 1[]

Zone 1 of Windy Hill in the Wii U version of Sonic Lost World is mostly played in the "behind-the-back" perspective gameplay that the past Sonic the Hedgehog video games have used over the years since Sonic Adventure. Full of planetoids, big and small, with a choice to go around the tubular planetoids, Zone 1 has many alternate pathways, whether the player wants to go through the Zone as quickly as possible, or if the player wants to search for the Red Star Rings scattered throughout the level. Badniks, such as Moto Bugs, Choppers, Snale Blasters, and Orbinauts, are present to make the pressure go up for the player. Sheep also appear throughout the Zone, but will cause no damage to the player unless touched. The Cyan Wisp is available to use in Zone 1, in which when using the Wisp, Sonic transforms into the Cyan Laser Color Power. A Capsule (note that it is the exact same Capsule that Eggman dropped at the beginning of Sonic Lost World) is located at the end of the Zone, specifically on a small planetoid. Releasing the animal friends inside will end the Zone.

Red Star Rings locations

1. At the start of the level, run directly forward. The player will eventually cross a spiky, rotating log and then a bridge. Immediately afterwards, there will be a tree. Get a running start and hit the tree dead-on to be launched to the first Red Star Ring.
2. After reaching the second area, use either of the two extended ramps to reached the raised portion in the back. After hitting a checkpoint, Sonic will be launched to a set of moving platforms, and pass through another checkpoint. Grab the bell, and then follow it along a series of collapsing walkways, touching it each time it stops. It will eventually situate itself atop a tree and turn into a Red Star Ring.
3. When coming to a large windmill-like structure halfway through the level, climb to the top using the supplied platforms to find the third Red Star Ring.
4. A boost on the top level of the giant windmill will launch Sonic into the sky. While passing through, a couple of small cloud platforms can be spotted on the right-hand side. Bounce from the second platform to reach the Red Star Ring.
5. When reaching the area surrounded with waterfalls, take the route covered in shadow. The final Red Star Ring will be on the right.

Time Attack Rank requirements

Rank	Time
S	01:20.00
A	01:40.00
B	02:40.00
C	04:40.00
D	08:20.00

Zone 2[]

Zone 2 of Windy Hill in the Wii U version of Sonic Lost World is a 2D-perspective Zone where the gameplay is slightly like the gameplay from the Sega Genesis Sonic the Hedgehog games. Taking the actual level design of Windy Hill and switching it to a 2D-perspective zone, this Zone takes place during a sunset, in which the farther the player goes, the darker the level gets. Badniks from Zone 1 reappear in this Zone and the Indigo Wisp, which transforms Sonic into the Indigo Asteroid Color Power, is present in this Zone. While the player is going through the Zone, several quotes from Zazz can be heard. Eventually, after a giant wall in the background covers the sunset, a Moon Mech will appear, in which turns out to have Zazz behind it. Once Zazz is shown, the Zone 2 battle begins. It takes approximately eight hits to defeat Zazz. Once Zazz is defeated, the sun goes up and Zone 2 is finished.

Red Star Rings locations

1. Jump to the center of the windmill at the beginning of the level to get the Red Star Ring.
2. There are a couple of raised platforms on the right side of the windmill near the start of the level. Ride the windmill to the top to reach the second Red Star Ring.
3. At the entrance of the cave is a power-up. Grab it, and continue through the cave until a loop appears. Press R to use the power-up, and enter the portal that appears at the center of the loop. Sonic will then teleported to an area with a Red Star Ring in it. Stand in the very center of the room and charge a jump to reach it.
4. As the player is passing through the cave, the fourth Red Star Ring will be above Sonic, sandwiched between two walls hanging over a couple of sheep.
5. When leaving the cave, the final Red Star Ring will be atop a pyramid of Rings just above the exit.

Time Attack Rank requirements

Rank	Time
S	01:15.00
A	01:35.00
B	02:35.00
C	04:35.00
D	08:20.00

Zone 3[]

Zone 3 takes place within a tubular gem mine inside ancient ruins, where the gameplay has been switched to behind-the-back perspective. Rolling, breakable boulders roll inside the tubes, in which the rocks can hurt Sonic if the player is not careful. Badniks that appear in Zone 3 include Moto Bugs and Batbrains. The Cyan Wisp reappears in this Zone. Underground pathways appear in the Zone, to where Sonic can find hidden collectibles, such as Red Star Rings, underneath. Green slime also appears in the Zone, slowing down the hedgehog through the zone. The final part of the Zone includes Sonic running through several boosters to reach the Capsule at the end of the level, in which if the player releases the animal friends in said Capsule, the Zone will be concluded.

Red Star Rings locations

1. After travelling through a tunnel wherein Sonic will be forced to outmaneuver a few rolling boulders, the player will be launched into another tunnel. Upon landing, turn back, hang from the ledge at the tunnel's entrance, drop, and double jump to reach the hidden area below. Here, there is a few blocks of crystal to be smashed. Inside one of them is the first Red Star Ring.
2. Upon making it out of the second boulder-filled tunnel, there will be a group of Batbrains, followed by the second Red Star Ring on the right as Sonic is passing under the spiky half-cylinder.
3. About two-thirds of the way through the level, the player will come to a checkpoint followed by five boosts in a row. Immediately after landing, the third Red Star Ring can be found encased in a block of crystal.
4. This one is extremely tricky. At several points throughout the level, the player will have the opportunity to collect a Cyan Laser. After hitting the checkpoint immediately preceding the third Red Star Ring, ignore the boosts and instead keep to the right. Eventually, there will be three enemies and a few Rings lining the wall behind them. Look to the right and there will be a corridor with no floor. Jump over to it and press R to initiate the power-up and launch Sonic to the platform on the far side. Continue down the hallway to find the fourth Red Star Ring encased in crystal.
5. In the final boulder tunnel is a bell. Grab it and follow it until it reveals the final Red Star Ring.

Time Attack Rank requirements

Rank	Time
S	01:55.00
A	02:10.00
B	03:10.00
C	05:10.00
D	08:50.00

Zone 4[]

Zone 4 of Windy Hill has two segments within the Zone; the first half of the Zone is devoted to a behind-the-back perspective gameplay style, where Sonic must defy gravity to move all around tubular platforms to proceed through the level. Sheep are also present in the Zone, but unlike in Zone 1 and in Zone 2 of Windy Hill on the Wii U version of Sonic Lost World, these sheep will chase Sonic and push him off of the Zone. Spike-poles are also present within the first half of the Zone. Soon, Sonic will fly off from the segment via springs. With this, the second half of the Zone begins, in which the gameplay has switched to a 2D side-scrolling perspective gameplay. Flowers will rise when Sonic is nearby, and Badniks such as Moto Bug and Choppers reappear to hurt Sonic. Sonic must go upside down at one point to continue going through the Zone, and having to use logs from waterfalls to proceed. Zazz can be heard throughout the zone, taunting at Sonic. Eventually, Sonic encounters Zazz and his Moon Mech and the hedgehog will start chasing Zazz. However, the tables turn for Sonic halfway through the chase, and Sonic will be chased by Zazz. Then, the two will begin to fight each other, as if Zazz is defeated, the zone will be finished. Approximately eight hits are needed to defeat Zazz in Zone 4, but if the player charges their Homing Attacks, it only takes two hits to defeat Zazz.

Red Star Rings locations

1. Toward the beginning of the Zone, the player needs to jump over some thorny plants. At the end of the platform is a row of six jump pads needed to launch Sonic to the next area. Don't use them. Instead, circle 180 degrees to the "ceiling" of the area, where the player will find another group of three jump pads situated above the first six. Use those to reach an animal cage. Use the next set of jump pads immediately up front and jump over a few charging sheep to find the first Red Star Ring.
2. During the side-scrolling segment, there's a hidden path beneath the three sunflowers, the entrance of which is blocked by a red sheep. The second Red Star Ring is suspended just over the exit.
3. When reaching the area with the waterfalls, the player will come to one with falling platforms in a row. Time Sonic's jumps carefully to reach the third in the sequence, where the Red Star Ring is located.
4. Midway through the level, the player should see a power-up immediately in front of a set of steps. Take the power-up and climb the steps to find a loop. Use the power-up to open a portal in the center of the loop. In the room that Sonic is teleported to, steer Sonic to the center of the room to crush the structure and unearth the Red Star Ring.
5. Just before encountering the Zone's boss, the player will pass a couple of windmills. The Red Star Ring is perched high above the first one spotted. Jump up to one of the platforms on the top-right of the windmill, and use the momentum and a well-timed jump to launch Sonic over the left side.

Time Attack Rank requirements

Rank	Time
S	03:00.00
A	03:20.00
B	04:20.00
C	06:20.00
D	10:30.00

NiGHTMARE Zone[]

Main article: NiGHTMARE Zone

Exclusive to the bonus edition of the Wii U version of Sonic Lost World, the NiGHTMARE Zone is a DLC that appears at Windy Hill. In this Zone, the player must go through a boss rush of all of the members of the Deadly Six again with assistance from NiGHTS villains. The bosses are essentially the same as the Zone 4 bosses of each world, with the exception of certain aspects being replaced with NiGHTS elements. The Zone starts out with Sonic running through Windy Hill with NiGHTS until Wiseman appears and disorientates Windy Hill into black and white colors. After that, Sonic faces Zazz, Zomom and Master Zik on NiGHTS-related villains. Sonic will return back to Windy Hill after defeating the Second Level Nightmarens. The other three Zeti will appear to challenge Sonic after the hedgehog makes his way through the stage for several seconds. Defeating all of the Zeti and Nightmaren returns the world back into color and Sonic will release the Nightopians from a NiGHTS Capture, similar to how the animal friends are released from Capsules in the regular gameplay.

Nintendo 3DS version[]

Tutorial[]

A basic tutorial given to the player on the Nintendo 3DS version of Sonic Lost World, this Zone teaches the player the basics of the parkour system and the new control scheme used only in Sonic Lost World currently. Sonic will finish the stage via releasing animal friends from a Capsule, the same Capsule Eggman drops in the beginning of Sonic Lost World. While it is the only non-boss level in the game to not contain any Red Star Rings, Sonic will still receive a rank upon completion, and he can even use Super Sonic here. It is also the only level to not contain any Wisps.

Zone 1[]

Like its Wii U counterpart, Zone 1 of Windy Hill on the Nintendo 3DS version of Sonic Lost World offers a behind-the-back perspective point-of-view level design, with a level appearance much like its Wii U counterpart, with minor exceptions, such as the lack of waterfalls. The biggest change is that a selected path is the only way to go in the Zone, unlike the Wii U version, in which the said version the player can go through multiple pathways. In this Zone, Sonic must travel through moving walls, defeat Badniks such as Moto Bug, Buzz Bomber, and large Sandworms, and even run away from a Big Nal towards the end of the Zone. The Indigo Wisp, which transforms Sonic into the Indigo Asteroid, appears in this Zone after being unlocked in Desert Ruins. A Capsule appears at the very end of the Zone, in which if the player releases the animal friends locked inside, the Zone will end.

Zone 2[]

Zone 2 of Windy Hill on the Nintendo 3DS version of Sonic Lost World is much like Zone 3 from the Wii U version of the same game; a tube-like underground temple setting, this Zone defies gravity and is literally a fairly straightforward Zone. After being unlocked in Lava Mountain Zone 1, the Red Wisp becomes available in this Zone, allowing Sonic to transform into the Red Burst Color Power. Lava pools appear throughout the Zone, giving more energy to Sonic if he is in the Red Burst form. Badniks in this Zone include Batbrains, Moto Bugs, and a capsule appears at the end, with animal buddies trapped inside. Once stepping on the capsule switch, the animal friends will be released and the level will end.

Zone 3[]

Zone 3 marks the first 2.5D perspective Zone of the 3DS version, set at sunset like Zone 2 from the Wii U/PC version. The purpose of this Zone is for the player to familiarize themselves with using Parkour in a 2.5D space, as the design is primarily an obstacle course full of Boosters, spikes and Grabbers. At certain intervals in the Zone, Zazz will show up and repeatedly toss his Moon Mech at Sonic, who must dodge the Moon Mech until the pink Zeti gets fed up and leaves.

Extra Zone[]

Windy Hill's Extra Zone is only unlocked by collecting every Red Star Ring from all three of the World's main Zones. It utilizes some of the geometry from Windy Hill Zone 1, but is built around usage of the Red Burst, as signified by the many flaming geysers placed throughout. The main obstacle to be found here comes in the form of floating water sacks, which are recycled from Sky Road Zone 3.

Boss[]

Main article: Zazz (Sonic Lost World)

Zazz is the boss of Windy Hill and the player encounters him in the end of Zone 2 and Zone 4. In the end of Zone 2, he appears to hover with the Moon Mech that can shoot stars from its mouth. If the player manages to hit the Moon Mech enough times, Zazz will fall down and try to fight against the player himself. During this phase, the player is able to damage Zazz.

In Zone 4 however, after the player runs past the latest Star Post, the player will come across with Zazz, who start running away with the huge, familiar yellow moon on his hand, that shoots stars to the sky. These stars will fall down to the ground, which the player should avoid. Zazz also tries to throw yellow objects into the player. After chasing Zazz, the second boss encounter against Zazz takes place. During the confrontation, Zazz has a more simple pattern, but tries to still throw moon-shaped objects to the player's face.

Other game appearances[]

Super Smash Bros. for Wii U[]

In Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, Windy Hill, referred to as Windy Hill Zone, makes an appearance as a playable stage and Sonic's home stage.^[2]

Windy Hill Zone retains much of its appearance from Sonic Lost World. It is a large platform with three smaller platforms above it, various Animals as spectators in the background, and the giant windmill from Zone 1 on the side. Players can stand on the windmill's platforms, but they must be careful not to stay on them for too long as they will go off-screen beyond the blast lines. Springs appear on both sides of the stage that will allow players to bounce back onto the stage, but they can rotate and instead catapult players away, past the blast line for a K.O. There is also point-like center of gravity similar to the Mario Galaxy stage. Because of the size, gimmicks and gravity effects, this stage is banned from tournaments.

Like all stages in the game, Windy Hill Zone has a Final Destination variant known as an "Ω Form" (meaning that it is flat, platform-less and gimmick-less). Both variations of the stage are available for 8-Player Smash.

Sonic Runners[]

Main article: Windy Hill (Sonic Runners)

In Sonic Runners, Windy Hill appears as the default course. The area is best suited for Speed Type characters. It looks much the same as its appearance in Sonic Lost World.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate[]

Windy Hill Zone returns as a stage in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.

In other media[]

Books and comics[]

Archie Comics[]

Windy Hill appeared in Sonic the Hedgehog Halloween ComicFest 2013 and Sonic Super Special Magazine #9 comics published by Archie Comics, which are both comic book prequels to Sonic Lost World.

Prior to the events of Sonic Lost World, Dr. Eggman, Orbot, Cubot and three Buzz Bomber Badniks had found the Lost Hex. Eggman and company then land and look around at the Lost Hex, specifically Windy Hill, up until they encounter Zavok, the leader of the Deadly Six. Zavok demands Eggman to leave the Lost Hex, as the Lost Hex is the Zeti's property. However, Eggman challenges a fight between his badniks and Zavok. Although Zavok was able to mind-control the Badniks to fire at Eggman, the scientist was able to use the Cacophonic Conch to tame Zavok. From there, Zavok was forced to serve Eggman and had rallied up the other members of the Deadly Six–Zazz, Zomom, Zeena, Master Zik and Zor to find and capture animal friends on the Lost Hex for Eggman's army of Badniks.

Trivia[]

Zone 1[]

• In the Wii U version, bouncing off of the clouds causes Sonic to give off after-images and attract nearby Rings. Neither of these effects occur in the Nintendo 3DS version when bouncing off of clouds.
• The music for Zone 1 of Windy Hill is similar to the music in Rooftop Run from Sonic Unleashed.
• In the Nintendo 3DS version, at the ends of the partially cylindrical stage are wooden mallets implying the player is only limited to the left, center, and right side of the stage, as opposed to all four sides like in the Wii U version.

Zone 3[]

• The area design on Zone 3 is similar to that from Marble Zone from the original Sonic the Hedgehog.

Zone 4[]

• Waterfalls with falling logs are seen in Zone 4, which bear a resemblance to Jungle Zone from the 8-bit version of Sonic the Hedgehog.
• In the Gamecom's demo, Zone 4 didn't feature the second boss encounter with Zazz, as the Zone ends regularly by opening the Capsule.

Miscellaneous[]

• Much of the designs in Zone 1, Zone 2, and Zone 4 are similar to Jade Gully Zone from the cancelled video game, Sonic X-treme.
• The stage has the same name as the AFL (Australian Football League) training ground Windy Hill, which was Essendon's old training ground.
• Windy Hill is very similar to Green Hill Zone from the original Sonic the Hedgehog.
• In the Nintendo 3DS version, Windy Hill is the only world to not introduce any Wisps. While each of its three main Zones does contain a Wisp, these cannot be unlocked until Desert Ruins, Lava Mountain, and Sky Road, respectively.

Music[]

Name	Artist(s)	Length	Music track
Windy Hill - Zone 1	Tomoya Ohtani	3:49
Windy Hill - Zone 2	Tomoya Ohtani	2:09
Careening Cavern	Tomoya Ohtani	3:27

Videos[]

PC[]

3DS[]

References[]