One of the new features of Sonic Origins is the ability to unlock the previously scrapped Hidden Palace Zone. Hidden Palace Zone was going to be a level in Sonic 2 when the title was first released 30 years ago, but it was cut from the final day. Hidden Palace Zone even appeared in promotional material, but a prototype was made of the level, but it was scrapped from the original game's release. Hidden Palace Zone remains one of Sonic 2's biggest secrets to this day.
Hidden Palace Zone was later released for the iOS version of Sonic 2, giving players a chance to explore this secret level for the first time. Hidden Palace Zone is also a playable level for Sonic Origins, though players need to unlock it. Sonic Origins is four classic games packaged together: Sonic the Hedgehog 1, Sonic 2, Sonic 3 & Knuckles, and Sonic CD. Players can explore these games in the original 4:3 aspect ratio in Classic Mode, or play in the newly remastered Anniversary Mode.
In addition to playing through the original games, Sonic Origins adds new content and new ways to play: Mirror Mode reverses the screen and can be bought through DLC or unlocked in-game, and the Museum gives completionists the chance to 100% the game. Unlike Sonic Frontiers' release later this year, Sonic Origins only brings 2D gameplay back. Hidden Palace Zone is only available in Sonic 2, one of four games in Sonic Origins. It is accessible in the same way it was for Sonic 2 on iOS, but otherwise is a new feature unavailable in the original title.
How to Unlock Hidden Palace Zone in Sonic Origins
There are two main ways to unlock Hidden Palace Zone in Sonic Origins:
- Mystic Cave Zone, Act 2. While playing Sonic 2, get to Act 2 of the Mystic Cave Zone. Stick to the lowest path. There is a deep pit underneath a collapsable bridge that looks like a death trap, but it's the secret entrance to Hidden Palace Zone. The Hidden Palace Zone functions as a shortcut to the next level, Oil Ocean Zone, and has the same boss, Sonic 2's Brass Eggman, as the normal path through Mystic Cave Zone.
- Sound Test/Level Select Screen. There is a secret level code that players can use to access the Hidden Palace Zone. At the beginning of the game, when Sonic and Tails appear on the title screen, hit the following keys: up, up, up, down, down, down, left, right, left, right. If done correctly, players will hear a bell chime and will be at the level select screen. The Hidden Palace Zone is an option from this menu.
Hidden Palace Zone is not just a secret; it's a fully fleshed-out level with different paths, a boss at the end, and music. The level looks like an underground cave, complete with water, gemstones, and rock structures. It doesn't look like any other level, and its secret history and inclusion in Sonic Origins make the game that much more special for Sonic fans.
Sonic Origins is available on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Steam, and Epic.