Labyrinth Zone

Labyrinth Zone
One of the hardest zones in Sonic the Hedgehog, Labyrinth Zone is a ruin-like maze partially submerged in water. It features many spikes and water-driven contraptions. The greatest hazard of this zone is not the enemies or the traps, but the water. Sonic, being a hedgehog, is terrible at swimming. After staying underwater for a limited amount of time (18 seconds, with warning bells after 5, 10, and 15 seconds) a countdown starts (5 breaths/about 12 seconds), at the end of which Sonic drowns. Collecting air bubbles found in certain points resets the counter and prevents Sonic from drowning. This element has found its way into many more Sonic games. Act 2 of this zone is also notorious for a maze section in which the scenery repeats itself continuously until a hidden switch is found.

At the end of Act 3, Dr. Robotnik does not attack Sonic. Instead, the hedgehog has to follow him through an ascending passage filled with poison-spitting statues and tridents that is soon after flooded with water, with no air bubbles in sight. To beat the level, Sonic must climb to the top without dying or drowning.