Azure Lake Zone

"Race around 360 degree loops and leap into the air as you run off of ramps in this waterfront region."

- Instruction manual

Azure Lake Zone is the first Zone in Competition Mode of Sonic the Hedgehog 3.

Overview
Azure Lake Zone is an ancient ruins-themed Zone that is overgrown with plant life. Mirror reflective forest lakes with rocky mountains can be seen in the background. Azure Lake Zone also has purple colored landmass and light-colored trees. It is very similar to Aquatic Ruin Zone, and Marble Garden Zone.

Azure Lake Zone in itself is a small Zone which has two shuttle loops at the start. Behind the ramp part there is also a mud pit which functions similarly in Marble Garden Zone. By falling into the deep mud pit without jumping out of it quickly makes the playable character return to the start point. The player has to run over the light-colored tree and end up at the starting point. Items in Competition Mode are seen floating above the mud-pit.

The only obstacle is a white switch which makes a red Spring that blocks and the way between two shuttle loops and bounces the player bawards. It disappears for a few seconds after being activated. The switch itself is located on a small hill. In an opponent hits the switch it may require that the player backtracks a bit in order to proceed.

Trivia

 * Azure Lake is also the name for one of the six major fjord-like lakes at Wells Gray Provincial Park located in British Columbia, Canada. It is not clear or coincidence, if the Competition Mode Zone's has got the name from it.

Music
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