Oil Ocean Zone

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Oil Ocean Zone is the seventh level of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 for the Sega Mega Drive, coming after Mystic Cave Zone and before Metropolis Zone. As with most other stages in this game, Oil Ocean consists of two standard Acts with a boss fight at the end of Act 2.

Overview
The underground passageways of Mystic Cave apparently lead out to the sea, for Sonic and Tails now find themselves scaling slimy oil refineries off the coast of Westside Island. In a manner typical of the Fat Man's environmental ethos, Eggman clearly isn't too concerned about keeping the maritime habitats of the South Island Archipelago in pristine condition. His drilling platforms have blanketed the ocean in viscous petroleum sludge; the only creatures that move are robotic ones, Octus and Aquis badniks floating amidst the steel gantries of the rigs.

The oil does, on the other hand, afford Sonic a means of survival should he fall off the level. While the hedgehog can't swim in water, the gloopy hydrocarbons mean you won't sink if you keep jumping. Often, floating fans will provide a means to get back to solid ground.

In addition, the Zone hosts strange green/yellow checkered balloon contraptions, which throw Sonic back and forth around the level like crazy. Flame-propelled gas-burn platforms also provide a means by which to gain altitude (and access secret item boxes on occasion).

The level is also known for a particular bug that causes Sonic's speed to be accelerated and jumping ability to increase, granting him greater speed and jumping ability of Super Sonic or Hyper Sonic (from Sonic 3). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQnhAjHd8z0&amp;feature=related There is also a neat trick that can be done in which if the player executes a spin dash in the oil, they can bypass under some of the platforms, although some of them will just cause Sonic to sink in the oil and die.

Boss


In this Zone's boss fight, Robotnik eschews his usual Egg-O-Matic and attacks via submarine. This oil-faring submersible deploys a variety of weapons, including a spiked harpoon and periscopic laser cannon (which scorches the decking beneath Sonic's feet, in a surprise attack which often fells the unwary or forgetful). Until the Eggman resurfaces, you just have to dodge, but once his vehicle pokes above the oil-slick waves, land as many spin attacks as you can! Oddly enough, when the machine begins to explode, the oil does not catch on fire.