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{{Otheruses4}}
'''Bonus Stages''' are extra, optional mini-games that the player can enter through [[Star Posts]] in [[Sonic the Hedgehog 3|''Sonic 3'']], [[Sonic & Knuckles|''Sonic & Knuckles'']] and the complete [[Sonic 3 & Knuckles|''Sonic 3 & Knuckles'']] games. They are not to be confused with [[Special Stage]]s, as the objective of Special Stages is to collect Emeralds (and possibly extra lives as well), while Bonus Stages are used to obtain lives, shields and rings.
 
  +
[[File:Bonus Stage title card.png|thumb|225px|The title card for the Bonus Stage in ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 3]]''.]]
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The {{Nihongo|'''Bonus Stages'''<ref>''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 3]]'' ([[Sega Mega Drive|Sega Genesis]]) United States instruction booklet, pg. 14.</ref>|ボーナスステージ<ref>''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 3]]'' ([[Sega Mega Drive]]) Japanese instruction booklet, pg. 24.</ref>|Bōnasu Sutēji}}, also known as '''Mini Games''', are extra, optional minigames in the [[Sonic the Hedgehog series|''Sonic the Hedgehog'' series]], in which the player usually enters a different type of Stage with a different gameplay style. Bonus Stages are usually meant as a place where the player can collect [[Ring]]s, [[point]]s, [[1-Up|extra lives]] or other items when passing through a [[Zone]]. Each game features a different way of entering a Bonus Stage, such as such being transported to one after collecting a certain amount of Rings, finding hidden [[Giant Ring]]s or simply passing through the regular Zone. Bonus Stages and their gameplay styles vary between each game, as they feature many different gimmicks such as [[gumball]]s, [[slot machine]]s and other types of minigames.
   
  +
Bonus Stages are not to be confused with [[Special Stage]]s, as the objective of the Special Stages is for the player to collect something in order to obtain a [[Chaos Emerald]]. Regardless, some of the Special Stages have retained the same role as Bonus Stages in several games.
==Sonic the Hedgehog 3==
 
In ''Sonic 3'', the only type of Bonus Stage available is the Gumball Machine stage, accessed by touching a Star Post with at least 50 rings in hand and jumping through the ring of stars that appear above the Star Post. This, as the name suggests, is a large gumball machine like those seen in real-life amusement parks, and is accompanied by fitting music. There are red springs at the bottom that propel the player upwards to begin with, but they fall away after the first use. There are yellow spring pads on the walls, like the ones in [[Metropolis Zone]] of ''Sonic 2'', only these ones disappear after the first use as well. Every time Sonic or Tails passes over the handle on the front of the machine, a gumball drops out. The player can choose to drop down and collect them or ignore them and carry on using the spring pads to pass over the handle to turn it. Below is a list of collectible gumballs:
 
{| class="wikitable" style="width: 200px; "
 
|+Obtainable gumball colours and their effects
 
|'''Colour'''
 
|'''Effect'''
 
|-
 
|Blue
 
|Water Shield
 
|-
 
|Orange
 
|Fire Shield
 
|-
 
|Gold
 
|Lightning Shield
 
|-
 
|Pink
 
|Extra Life
 
|-
 
|Gray
 
|Gives 10 rings
 
|-
 
|Black
 
|The player bounces off these
 
|-
 
|Clear
 
|Nothing
 
|-
 
|Green
 
|Regenerates the springs at the bottom of the stage
 
|}
 
Gumballs have appropriate symbols on them as well. The shield gumballs have a letter B for barrier on them. Pink gumballs are marked with a "1up" symbol and grey gumballs have a ring on the front. Green ones have the letters "REP" on the front, standing for "repeat". After exiting the stage the player will be taken back to the Star Post where the player entered the Bonus Stage. The zone is not reset as it is in ''Sonic 2''.
 
   
==Sonic & Knuckles==
+
==Game appearances==
  +
===''Sonic Spinball''===
The Gumball Machine stage is replaced with two other kinds of Bonus Stage:
 
  +
{{main|Bonus Stage (Sonic Spinball)}}
====Slot Machine (20 rings in hand)====
 
  +
[[File:Trapped-Alive.png|thumb|170px|The first Bonus Stage, "Trapped Alive".]]
This combines the slot machines in [[Casino Night Zone]] of ''Sonic 2'' and the rotating maze that was the basis for the Special Stages in ''Sonic 1''. This may only require 20 rings to enter, but the player cannot obtain shields in this stage, only rings, lives and continues (continues are worth three lives each but reset the player's score to zero when used). Lives are obtained by having 100 or 200 rings. There is a large slot machine in the middle which awards or deducts rings according to what symbols appear:
 
  +
In ''[[Sonic Spinball]]'', there are four different Bonus Stages, all of which take place inside a regular pinball cabinet. In this game, the player can play three Bonus Stages after passing through the regular levels, as the fourth level only becomes playable if the player has collected all the [[Ring]]s from the three previous levels. When playing the Bonus Stages, [[Sonic the Hedgehog|Sonic]] himself can be seen playing the pinball table in the reflection of the windows in the background.
   
  +
Each Bonus Stage has its own requirements for gathering more [[point]]s to the total score. When playing, the player has three pinball balls to use during the Bonus Stage. Completing them will reward the player with "Rising Jackpot".
3x Bar: 8 Rings
 
   
  +
===''Sonic Spinball'' (8-bit)===
3x Ring: 10 Rings
 
  +
{{main|Bonus Stage (Sonic Spinball) (8-bit)}}
  +
In [[Sonic Spinball (8-bit)|''Sonic Spinball'' (8-bit)]], there are three different Bonus Stages that the player can enter in the same way as in the 16-bit counterpart game. Here, however, Sonic appears in the pinball sections and is able to find treasure boxes with points, [[Ring]]s, [[1-Up|extra lives]] and [[Continue]]s.
   
 
===''Sonic 3 & Knuckles''===
3x Knuckles: 20 Rings
 
  +
{{main|Bonus Stage (Sonic 3 & Knuckles)}}
  +
[[File:Gumball-Machine.png|thumb|Gumball Machine type of Bonus Stage.]]
  +
''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 3]]'', ''[[Sonic & Knuckles]]'' and the [[Lock-on technology|lock-on]] game ''[[Sonic 3 & Knuckles]]'' have three different Bonus Stages, which the player can enter via a [[Star Post]] when they have a certain number of Rings in their possession. While ''Sonic the Hedgehog 3'' only features one type of Bonus Stage and ''Sonic & Knuckles'' features two, the locked-on version of the game, ''Sonic 3 & Knuckles'' features all three Bonus Stages. Each Bonus Stage's gameplay and purpose are different. Sometimes, if this stage is accessed by a glitch, rather than saying "Bonus stage", the title card will say "Doilus Stage" instead.
   
  +
===''Sonic Labyrinth''===
3x Tails: 25 Rings
 
  +
{{main|Bonus Stage (Sonic Labyrinth)}}
  +
In ''[[Sonic Labyrinth]]'', a hidden Bonus Stage can be entered by finding the closed door with "BONUS" marked on it in [[Labyrinth of the Sea]]. The player has to enter a [[cannon]] to be launched into the direction where the door is located. After entering the Bonus Stage, the player can collect a huge amount of [[Ring]]s within 30 seconds, where each Ring adds 25 Rings to the score. After clearing the Bonus Stage, the player obtains the sixth [[Chaos Emerald]] and can clear the game with the good ending.
   
  +
===''Knuckles' Chaotix''===
3x Sonic: 50 Rings
 
  +
{{main|Bonus Stage (Knuckles' Chaotix)}}
  +
[[File:Endless Void Bonus Stage.png|thumb|Knuckles in a Bonus Stage.]]
  +
In ''[[Knuckles' Chaotix]]'', there are hidden [[Giant Ring]]s set around in each [[Stage]] which can transport the player into the Bonus Stage if they have 20 [[Ring]]s. Here, the player gets transported into a different dimension that serves as the Bonus Stage, in which Combi partner does not appear. In these Bonus Stages, the player falls down an endless void where numerous power-up boxes float around. By touching certain power-up boxes, the player can collect Rings and points. If they run out of Rings or hit an [[Goal (obstacle)|Exit]] box, however, the player is sent out of the Bonus Stage.
   
  +
===''Sonic Advance 3''===
3x Jackpot: 100 Rings
 
  +
{{main|Mini-Games (Sonic Advance 3)}}
  +
In ''[[Sonic Advance 3]]'', there are two types of minigames available, which the player can participate in by finding [[Transporter]]s within each [[Zone Map]]. In the first minigame, the player has to press one of the five switches that lights up on a large [[capsule]] as quickly as possible to earn as many points as possible, and in the second minigame, the player has to destroy all enemies within the area. Depending on how long it takes them to complete these minigames, the player is rewarded with a certain number of [[1-Up|extra lives]].
   
  +
===''Sonic Runners Adventure''===
3x Robotnik: -100 Rings
 
  +
{{main|Bonus level}}
  +
[[File:Srabonusstage.jpg|thumb|Espio in a Bonus level.]]
  +
In ''[[Sonic Runners Adventure]]'', Bonus levels are extra levels where the player can obtain additional [[Ring]]s. These levels can be entered by collecting a [[Bonus item]] and then finishing the level in which it was found. In each Bonus level, the playable character flies through an obstacle-free space for a short time, during which they can pick up Rings from various clusters.
   
  +
===''Sonic Mania''===
(Sometimes two rings are awarded for certain combinations)
 
  +
{{main|Bonus Stage (Sonic Mania)|Pinball Stage}}
  +
[[File:SMSpSt8.png|thumb|Sonic in a Bonus Stage.]]
  +
The Bonus Stages return in ''[[Sonic Mania]]'', where they can be accessed in the same way as in ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 3]]''. They are functionally identical to the [[Special Stage (Sonic 3 & Knuckles)|Special Stages]] from ''Sonic the Hedgehog 3'', ''[[Sonic & Knuckles]]'' and ''[[Sonic 3 & Knuckles]]'', requiring the player traverse a small spherical planet, collecting blue [[sphere]]s and Rings while avoiding red spheres. Unlike previous Bonus Stages, the award for successfully completing of a Bonus Stage in ''Sonic Mania'' is a medallion (silver for completion and gold for a [[Perfect Bonus|"Perfect"]] completion).
   
  +
In the Encore Mode DLC of ''[[Sonic Mania Plus]]'', the Bonus Stages resemble pinball machines. In these stages, the player can choose prizes from a machine resembling the [[Combi Catcher]] from ''[[Knuckles' Chaotix]]''. Acquiring items such as the [[Flame Shield]] grants the player the ability to use the item during their playthrough. The same is true when acquiring other characters for the player's party. Collecting an [[Doctor Eggman (Classic)|Eggman]]-shaped bomb does not grant the player anything.
Having 100 rings or less and getting 3x Robotnik does not result in losing a life and will simply leave the player with no rings. There are also four groups of six rings around the slot machine that sometimes award continues when collected.
 
   
  +
===''Sonic Superstars''===
Most of the elements in ''Sonic 1'''s Special Stages reappear here, with goal signs ending the stage if touched and bumpers scattered throughout. The main difference here is in the outer walls of the stage. They start off as blue blocks, but when touched once, they turn yellow, then pink. Touching a block a third time will turn it into a goal sign and the stage will end if it is touched. The player will be thrown onto a wall of these after leaving the slot machine so minimising the time spent in contact with them is the key to getting the most out of this Bonus Stage.
 
  +
{{main|Bonus Stage (Sonic Superstars)|}}
  +
{{Stub}}
  +
{{Expansion}}
   
  +
==Trivia==
====Magnetic Orbs Stage (50 rings in hand)====
 
  +
*''[[Sonic Spinball]]'' and [[Sonic Spinball (8-bit)|its 8-bit version]], along with ''[[Sonic Labyrinth]]'' and ''[[Sonic Runners Adventure|Rush Adventure]]'' are the only ''Sonic'' games that have Bonus Stages but not Special Stages.
This stage is similar to the Gumball Stage of ''Sonic 3''. The stage is a long vertical course with large spheres that the player can launch his/her character off of to ascend the stage. Rings can be collected along the way as well as gumballs, which rise up from small, bright spheres after being touched. These are the same as in the Gumball Stage, but with three differences: Firstly, there are no green "Repeat" gumballs. Secondly, ring gumballs can award just 5 rings at the bottom of the stage but are worth 80 rings at the very top. Black gumballs disappear after bouncing off of them once.
 
  +
*Certain [[Special Stage]]s in the [[Sonic the Hedgehog series|''Sonic the Hedgehog'' series]] do not focus on finding Chaos Emeralds, but rather on collecting points, Rings, extra lives and Continues like in Bonus Stage. Some examples include the 8-bit version of ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (8-bit)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' and ''[[Sonic Blast]]'' (if the player enters the Special Stage in the first Act of the [[Zone]]) and ''[[Sonic Heroes]]'' (if the player decides to enter the Bonus Challenge).
   
  +
==References==
The player is given a head start over a horizontal force field across the stage. After a few seconds this begins to rise, and if it catches the player up, the stage ends. The stage also ends if the player reaches the top of the stage.
 
  +
{{Reflist}}
 
  +
{{Bonus Stage Navbox}}
==Sonic 3 & Knuckles==
 
 
[[Category:Bonus Stages|*]]
All three of the above kinds of Bonus Stage were used in the complete game. The player could tell what kind of stage a Star Post will lead to before entering the stage by looking at the color of the stars above the Star Post. The Slot Machine has blue and gold stars, the Gumball Stage has white stars and the Magnetic Orbs stage has white and red stars.
 
[[Category:Sonic the Hedgehog 3]]
+
[[Category:Dimensions]]
[[Category:Sonic & Knuckles]]
 
[[Category:Game stages]]
 

Latest revision as of 01:57, 21 January 2024

Bonus Stage title card

The title card for the Bonus Stage in Sonic the Hedgehog 3.

The Bonus Stages[1] (ボーナスステージ[2] Bōnasu Sutēji?), also known as Mini Games, are extra, optional minigames in the Sonic the Hedgehog series, in which the player usually enters a different type of Stage with a different gameplay style. Bonus Stages are usually meant as a place where the player can collect Rings, points, extra lives or other items when passing through a Zone. Each game features a different way of entering a Bonus Stage, such as such being transported to one after collecting a certain amount of Rings, finding hidden Giant Rings or simply passing through the regular Zone. Bonus Stages and their gameplay styles vary between each game, as they feature many different gimmicks such as gumballs, slot machines and other types of minigames.

Bonus Stages are not to be confused with Special Stages, as the objective of the Special Stages is for the player to collect something in order to obtain a Chaos Emerald. Regardless, some of the Special Stages have retained the same role as Bonus Stages in several games.

Game appearances

Sonic Spinball

Trapped-Alive

The first Bonus Stage, "Trapped Alive".

In Sonic Spinball, there are four different Bonus Stages, all of which take place inside a regular pinball cabinet. In this game, the player can play three Bonus Stages after passing through the regular levels, as the fourth level only becomes playable if the player has collected all the Rings from the three previous levels. When playing the Bonus Stages, Sonic himself can be seen playing the pinball table in the reflection of the windows in the background.

Each Bonus Stage has its own requirements for gathering more points to the total score. When playing, the player has three pinball balls to use during the Bonus Stage. Completing them will reward the player with "Rising Jackpot".

Sonic Spinball (8-bit)

In Sonic Spinball (8-bit), there are three different Bonus Stages that the player can enter in the same way as in the 16-bit counterpart game. Here, however, Sonic appears in the pinball sections and is able to find treasure boxes with points, Rings, extra lives and Continues.

Sonic 3 & Knuckles

Gumball-Machine

Gumball Machine type of Bonus Stage.

Sonic the Hedgehog 3, Sonic & Knuckles and the lock-on game Sonic 3 & Knuckles have three different Bonus Stages, which the player can enter via a Star Post when they have a certain number of Rings in their possession. While Sonic the Hedgehog 3 only features one type of Bonus Stage and Sonic & Knuckles features two, the locked-on version of the game, Sonic 3 & Knuckles features all three Bonus Stages. Each Bonus Stage's gameplay and purpose are different. Sometimes, if this stage is accessed by a glitch, rather than saying "Bonus stage", the title card will say "Doilus Stage" instead.

Sonic Labyrinth

In Sonic Labyrinth, a hidden Bonus Stage can be entered by finding the closed door with "BONUS" marked on it in Labyrinth of the Sea. The player has to enter a cannon to be launched into the direction where the door is located. After entering the Bonus Stage, the player can collect a huge amount of Rings within 30 seconds, where each Ring adds 25 Rings to the score. After clearing the Bonus Stage, the player obtains the sixth Chaos Emerald and can clear the game with the good ending.

Knuckles' Chaotix

Endless Void Bonus Stage

Knuckles in a Bonus Stage.

In Knuckles' Chaotix, there are hidden Giant Rings set around in each Stage which can transport the player into the Bonus Stage if they have 20 Rings. Here, the player gets transported into a different dimension that serves as the Bonus Stage, in which Combi partner does not appear. In these Bonus Stages, the player falls down an endless void where numerous power-up boxes float around. By touching certain power-up boxes, the player can collect Rings and points. If they run out of Rings or hit an Exit box, however, the player is sent out of the Bonus Stage.

Sonic Advance 3

In Sonic Advance 3, there are two types of minigames available, which the player can participate in by finding Transporters within each Zone Map. In the first minigame, the player has to press one of the five switches that lights up on a large capsule as quickly as possible to earn as many points as possible, and in the second minigame, the player has to destroy all enemies within the area. Depending on how long it takes them to complete these minigames, the player is rewarded with a certain number of extra lives.

Sonic Runners Adventure

Main article: Bonus level
Srabonusstage

Espio in a Bonus level.

In Sonic Runners Adventure, Bonus levels are extra levels where the player can obtain additional Rings. These levels can be entered by collecting a Bonus item and then finishing the level in which it was found. In each Bonus level, the playable character flies through an obstacle-free space for a short time, during which they can pick up Rings from various clusters.

Sonic Mania

SMSpSt8

Sonic in a Bonus Stage.

The Bonus Stages return in Sonic Mania, where they can be accessed in the same way as in Sonic the Hedgehog 3. They are functionally identical to the Special Stages from Sonic the Hedgehog 3, Sonic & Knuckles and Sonic 3 & Knuckles, requiring the player traverse a small spherical planet, collecting blue spheres and Rings while avoiding red spheres. Unlike previous Bonus Stages, the award for successfully completing of a Bonus Stage in Sonic Mania is a medallion (silver for completion and gold for a "Perfect" completion).

In the Encore Mode DLC of Sonic Mania Plus, the Bonus Stages resemble pinball machines. In these stages, the player can choose prizes from a machine resembling the Combi Catcher from Knuckles' Chaotix. Acquiring items such as the Flame Shield grants the player the ability to use the item during their playthrough. The same is true when acquiring other characters for the player's party. Collecting an Eggman-shaped bomb does not grant the player anything.

Sonic Superstars

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Trivia

References

  1. Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (Sega Genesis) United States instruction booklet, pg. 14.
  2. Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (Sega Mega Drive) Japanese instruction booklet, pg. 24.