Sonic and Knuckles has a number of levels, but the levels vary depending on the character played, and while some are the same, often offer different paths only available to one character. The bosses are also visibly different: Sonic fights the ordinary Eggman, but Knuckles' antagonist is the Egg Robo, a robot clone of Eggman similar to Metal Sonic. When combined with Sonic 3, the levels of Sonic and Knuckles follow immediately after the end of Sonic 3's Launch Base Zone. Unlike Sonic 3, where almost every level has water in it, there are no water levels in this game at all.
Mushroom Hill Zone[edit]
The level just starts, without any explanation. It is a forested area with lots of enormous mushrooms which can be used in various ways, ranging from a bounce to floating on them.
Act 1[edit]
- Boss
Sonic or Knuckles must do battle against a robotic logger, who chops down the trees and flings them toward the player. It is defeated by waiting for it to move down, then jumping on top of it. It won't defend itself when attacked from above.
Act 2[edit]
Knuckles pumps a fan that blows the player into act 2.
- Boss
The character stumbles across what appears to be a satellite dish transmitting data. Naturally, Sonic or Knuckles destroys it, and Eggman/Robo emerges from the ground in a machine. A chase ensues, where the player must avoid obstacles and strike the flying Boss while hitting him when he is not firing flame jets. It is best defeated by running directly under it after you pass a spike barrier, then jumping. After it is defeated, it runs into a tree. Then, the flying Battery flies by, and the player's character leaps onto it.
Flying Battery Zone[edit]
This zone takes place in Eggman's Airship, similar to Wing Fortress in Sonic 2. This is the same airship that bombed Angel Island Zone in Sonic 3. There are a number of flame jets and electromagnetic areas in this level. This level is also unique in that it is the only level in Sonic history to feature Egg Capsules throughout the level instead of just at the end, and also Egg Capsules the release other objects besides Animal Friends, like enemies or Rings.
Act 1[edit]
- Boss
The boss is an egg capsule, and when the yellow button is hit, two giant flailing arms emerge. To score a hit, the player must stand on the button, and trick the enemy into whacking itself in the head.
Act 2[edit]
- Boss
This boss has two parts. In the first, Eggman/Robo seals the player inside of an area with Laser beams, and a laser cannon fires at the ground. This is very similar to the boss of Wing Fortress in Sonic 2. This time, however, the laser cannon cannot be hit, so merely avoid it and it will destroy itself soon. The second part is a machine that hangs below a platform, and fires bursts of flame up at the player. Occasionally it swings around, and it is when this happens that hits must be made.
Sandopolis Zone[edit]
The ruins of an ancient, Egyptian-like civilization. This zone features sand that bogs down the player, and runs in streams like water. The first act takes place outside, and the second is inside of a ruined pyramid. Because of the sand, and in Act 2 the Ghosts that are inadvertently freed, this is probably one of the most annoying stages in the game.
Act 1[edit]
- Boss
This mini-boss is probably the only one that doesn't seem to have anything to do with Eggman. It is a Golem made of stone that emerges from the Pyramid. It can't be defeated by conventional means; Bashing it in the head won't destroy it. It can jump and smash the ground. The only way to defeat it is to knock it into the sand, either by entering the quicksand and constatntly jumping until it also enters the quickand, or hitting it in the head and knocking it back.
Act 2[edit]
- Boss
A statue appears from the walls. At first glance, it seems to be a part of the pyramid, but after hitting it, it is revealed the Eggman/Robo is piloting it, and the statue is merely a hologram.
To destroy it, you must look at the arms that are connected and jump on the left hand (the one closest to the screen) and not the one that appears behind it. Once you jump on that left hand, quickly try to jump on the head of the boss. A successful hit will reveal Eggman, who is now vulnerable. Quickly jump at Eggman to attack (do it quickly before the stone comes back to protect him). The robot also has a laser that will shoot every 10-15 seconds, depending on how fast you hit him.
Lava Reef Zone[edit]
This zone takes place in the Volcano located at the center of the island. The Death Egg has crashed here after its failed launch attempt at the end of Sonic 3. The first act is rocky and hot, with lots of lava. In the second act, the lava cools and crystallizes. This Zone's boss actually constitutes an entire third act in the level select.
Act 1[edit]
- Boss
This boss also has two parts, which alternate. The first is what appears to be two fans on long arms, which fire small projectiles. They only take a few hits to destroy, and one comes up on each side. The second part is a hand that smashes down. If in possession of Super or Hyper ability, this is very simple as the hand will be damaged just by its attacks. Afterwards, the lava cools.
Act 2[edit]
- Boss
This is a rather elaborate boss. After reaching lava level, there are a few platforms that are in the lava. Then, Eggman appears in a sub that can survive in the lava. he tilts the ground towards him, so that the platforms crash into the sub and are destroyed. He also fires mines into the lava. The only way for him to get hurt is for these mines to hit him. This boss is much simpler with all the Chaos Emeralds, and Lava Reef is the last level with Giant Rings in them, so if you've collected them all, it's a good idea to get enough rings to stay in super form for the whole fight. Short of that, a fire shield is also a great help here.
Hidden Palace Zone[edit]
This is the shortest level in the game, and consists of one act, almost purely a boss fight. After collecting some rings and hitting a star post, Knuckles appears and challenges Sonic to a fight. Spin dashing won't hurt him, as he blocks it with his fists. He will glide from side to side as well. The best way to hurt him is to use Sonic's double jump ability, Insta-shield, to damage him as he glides over head. Next, Knuckles hears a sound and runs into the Master Emerald Chamber. He catches Eggman in the act of stealing the Master Emerald. Knuckles jumps on. Eggman can be hit while this is going on, but he can't be defeated. He then draws out tentacles that shock Knuckles off the emerald. Eggman escapes, and Knuckles realizes he has been duped, and decides to help Sonic by sending him off to the Sky Sanctuary.
- For Knuckles, this level is merely a pass-through to the next level.
Sky Sanctuary Zone[edit]
This is where Dr. Eggman is trying to fix his Death Egg. This Zone is also one act, but varies greatly between Sonic and Knuckles. This is Knuckles' last level.
Sonic's version[edit]
- Boss
There are a number of bosses in this level. The first is very similar to the first boss of Sonic 1's Green Hill Zone. Mecha Sonic swings a wrecking ball. The second is a lot like Eggman's boss in Metropolis Zone of Sonic 2, and every time it is hit, releases a balloon in the shape of Mecha Sonic in the Eggmobile. Finally, Mecha Sonic ditches the Eggmobile and fights Sonic one on one. This boss fight is very simple, merely hit it when he stands still.
Knuckles' Version[edit]
- Boss
As soon as Knuckles emerges from the transporter, the Egg Robo grabs him. Mecha Sonic destroys the Egg Robo, and fights Knuckles, much like Sonic's final boss for this level. The best tactic to defeat this form is to spin dash at him when ever he stands still. Don't hit him from behind, however; the spines hurt. Next, Mecha Sonic, barely functioning, dashes to the right and uses the power of the Master Emerald to transform into a super form. the only opportunity to hit him is when his power fades and he must recharge. Otherwise, avoid his attacks. Once that's done, the game as Knuckles has been completed.
Death Egg Zone[edit]
After Sonic's Sky Sanctuary, he boards the Death Egg before it returns to Space. There are many areas of this level where the gravity reverses.
Act 1[edit]
- Boss
The first boss is a mechanical eye, embedded in a pillar. It's fairly easy to defeat. Afterwards, it emerges from the pillar and has two platforms that float around it. The best way to hit it is by standing on those platforms.
Act 2[edit]
- Boss
This boss also has two forms. The first is like the hand of Lava Reef Act 1. The easiest way to beat it is by spin dashing. Unlike the hand at Lava Reef, each finger must be destroyed and there are two hands. After the hands are destroyed, the giant Eggman robot attacks with a laser hidden in its chest. To access it, hit the nose, and then hit the chamber where the Master Emerald. the ground collapses as the robot walks forward, so keep ahead of it. Finally, Eggman tries to run out with the Master Emerald.
The Doomsday Zone[edit]
If the player has collected all the emeralds, then Doomsday Zone is unlocked. The Eggman Robot tries to steal the Master Emerald one last time. He takes off in a Spaceship, and Hyper Sonic follows him. This level is just one big boss fight. There are sets of rings scattered throughout to help maintain the super form, which is probably the hardest part of the fight. To hit the boss's first form, lead his tracking missiles into the exposed head. After that happens, the robot will fly out, holding the Master Emerald. To hit it, dash forward into its body. Once this is done, Sonic falls from the sky with the Master Emerald and Tails catches him on the Tornado.