History Awesome / VideoGameLevelsAToF

*** One Shot One Kill: an awesome sniper assassination, shooting down a helicopter as it attacks, and then rappelling down as the floor you were just in EXPLODES. A tense escape - and then you shoot down another helicopter - only for it to crash and slide onto Captain MacMillan's legs. You have to CARRY him through the rest of the level - as he demonstrates his incredible accuracy - and then, finally a frenzied last stand in a Ferris Wheel as Ultranationalists pour out to attack you.

** '''"Level 12: Altar of Pain"''' stands out for its pseudo-3D Castle on a lake. A sinister sound-track that is a remix of "Mount Erebus" in UsefulNotes/PlayStation ''Doom'' complements the dark and stormy environment the castle takes place in.

*** To top it all off, it ends with a combination "behold the power of the UsefulNotes/PlayStation2" and SugarWiki/{{Heartwarming Moment|s}} where Tidus and Yuna share their first kiss in a beautiful, peaceful spring while [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qygIKcpvCzU this]] is playing.

* Original ''VideoGame/FZero'' had Red Canyon II. While the course itself wasn't THAT awesome, it featured the best jump in the game, which required you to hit one jump plate at high speed then aim for another arrow shaped plate on the terrain to get back on the track. It was the only such jump in the game and was a real blast. Also, the level wasn't so hard, so it was a nice breather before [[LethalLavaLand Fire]] [[ThatOneLevel Field.]]
* ''F-Zero X'' has the [[RandomlyGeneratedLevels X Cup]]. The courses that are generated can range anywhere from simple short runs to courses with killer jumps that half the field won't survive to ridiculous half-pipe courses that make White Land 2 look easy. It's always entertaining to see what course the game will throw at you next.

* ''F-Zero GX'' has the Trident course, which has many very narrow roads without guardrails. In a game where falling off forces you start the whole race over (and lose a life), this could easily be ThatOneLevel, but once you get used to it, it's possible to send over half of the grid (of 30) to their demise before the race is over, for great fun and profit.

** The very first level, Hollywood Holocaust, has become one of the most recognizable levels in video game history and a staple in classic FPS level design. While its techical achivements can be hard to understand for modern gamers since [[SeinfeldIsUnfunny they've become standard fare for video games since]], The combination of never before seen realistic level design, high degree of enviormental interaction, destructable enviroments and intricately hidden secrets impressed quite a few people in 1996 and changed game design forever. The game spends no time in putting the player into action by dropping them off the roof to the streets where you'll be fighting aliens from the start. You can find an RPG right away and start gibbing aliens with it. Mirrors and lighting help you spot hidden enemies throughout the level before they have a chance to get a drop on you. If you want to, you can also go take a leak in the toilet, flick light switches on and off, drink water from a broken toilet/urinal/fire hydrant to restore health, activate the projector at the film theater or destroy parts of the level to make it look and feel just a little bit larger.

* While for some they were ThatOneLevel due to the finnicky controls, there's no denying that the two jetpack levels "Rock It" and "Pack Attack" towards the end of ''VideoGame/CrashBandicoot2CortexStrikesBack'' were an awesome change of pace to close the game with. Once you ''do'' get used to the controls, the levels turn into an absolute blast as you jet through hazard-laden space station tubes at zero-gravity, accompanied by the [[SugarWiki/AwesomeMusic epic soundtrack]] of the legendary Creator/MarkMothersbaugh.

* ''VideoGame/FireEmblemEngage'' features the Emblem trials, which are all [[NostalgiaLevel Nostalgia Levels]] from each Emblem's original games. Each level is focused on a part of the game that marked an important point in that Emblem's character development or serve as a SignatureScene in each game, with [[SugarWiki/AwesomeMusic an awesome remix of music from the past games]], and a fair few have already made this very list in their original games. This also applies to the DLC Emblems. [[VideoGame/FireEmblemTheBlazingBlade Lyn]] and [[VideoGame/FireEmblemHeroes Veronica]] are exceptions, in that their levels don't come from their games -- Lyn's is based off Chapter 20x from ''[[VideoGame/FireEmblemTheBindingBlade The Binding Blade]]'', and Veronica's is loosely based on the Aether Raids game mode from ''Heroes''. That said, they're still really fun.

** Nightmare. Finding a distorted save room while exploring some collapsed mine ruins... the cutscene leading into the fight... the [[OedipusComplex creepy subtext]] when you realize you just fought a Succubus... It was just perfect.

* One of the best cases in the entire series is "Farewell, My Turnabout", the last case of ''VisualNovel/PhoenixWrightAceAttorneyJusticeForAll''. It's almost impossible to find something that's ''not'' amazing about this case. Early on, Maya is kidnapped and Phoenix is blackmailed into getting a not guilty verdict for his client, Matt Engarde, who turns out to be the villain. The real culprit is an intimidating ManipulativeBastard and a fascinating {{Deconstruction}} since he's actually the defendant, and Phoenix ''knows'' he's the culprit for about half of the trial. The nature of this culprit leads to a major HeroicBSOD on Phoenix's part about what it really means to be a defense lawyer. Edgeworth and Phoenix have several high-tension confrontations, work out their issues, and eventually [[BashBrothers take down the culprit together,]] even though Phoenix is barely holding together from the stress. The tension is high and constant. The moral struggle is deep and compelling. There are cameos from familiar characters. The killer's reveal is awesome, and their breakdown is haunting. Franziska - who has been an utter unapologetic menace so far - and Gumshoe each get a SugarWiki/MomentOfAwesome. ''And'' on top of all of this, the case introduces an EnsembleDarkhorse IronWoobie in the shape of Adrian Andrews, ''and'' comes immediately after "Turnabout Big Top" which is mostly considered one of [[ThatOneLevel the worst cases in the series]], meaning "Farewell, My Turnabout" automatically shines brighter, ''and'' it features the first use of one of the series' [[SugarWiki/AwesomeMusic most awesome songs,]] [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSbV5SyYnwY Core 2002]], which plays to ''brilliant'' effect when Matt Engarde reveals himself. It's pretty much a masterpiece.

* There are several in in ''Banjo-Tooie''.

* ''Nuts N' Bolts'' has a couple:
** Logbox 720 is basically a giant Xbox 360, complete with discs referencing other {{Creator/Rare}} games and some parts of the area will [[BreakingTheFourthWall produce an effect on your TV]] if you hit them.

* ''VideoGame/DiddyKongRacing'': Future Fun Land is absolutely made of racing course win, with intricate space-themed courses (often with various things shooting at you) that are also visually impressive (including {{Shout Out}}s to the [[Franchise/StarWars Death Star trench]] and Disneyworld's Epcot Center) and feature SugarWiki/AwesomeMusic.

* ''VideoGame/{{Disgaea 5}}'': The first level of the post-game, which features a whopping ''one hundred Asagis'' on the biggest map in the series.

* Ventureland. You get to go through a pirate town, a jungle, a broken-down version of the ''Pirates of the Carribean'' ride, a beach with Skull Rock on it, and ultimately to the Jolly Roger to fight a mechanized version of Captain Hook, who can be defeated ''three'' different ways, the most difficult but rewarding of which has you climb the rigging of the ship all the way up to the top. And all with [[SugarWiki/AwesomeMusic epic music!]]

* ''VideoGame/{{Fable|I}}'', the arena level, to which the rest of the game pales in comparison for the sheer staggering scale of combat brought to bear.

* ''VideoGame/{{Fallout|1}}'''s [[StormingTheCastle assaults on either the Cathedral or the Military Base]] if you opt for the guns blazing method are pure awesome.

* The last mission of ''VideoGame/{{Fallout 3}}'' has the player escorting a [[HumongousMecha Giant Robot]], that fires death rays out of its visor and throws Fat-man like tactical nukes the size of friggin cars like footballs while spewing anti-communist propaganda as it blows helicopters out of the sky, to retake the Jefferson memorial. Oh, and as long as you [[KarmaMeter aren't evil]], you'll likely be escorted yourself by a super-mutant armed with a LASER MINIGUN! HOLY CRAP!

* Fortune Night is by far the most loved level in the game and it's not hard to find why. It combines cheerfulness and bling of [[VideoGame/SonicTheHedgehog Casino Night Zone]] with game's overarching {{Wutai}} theme resulting in shopping mall themed level with great visuals, music and awesome boss fight against Serpentine's Robopanther at the end.

* ''VideoGame/FireEmblemEngage'' features the Emblem trials, which are all NostalgiaLevels from each Emblem's original games. Each level is focused on a part of the game that marked an important point in that Emblem's character development or serve as a SignatureScene in each game, with [[SugarWiki/AwesomeMusic an awesome remix of music from the past games]], and a fair few have already made this very list in their original games. This also applies to the DLC Emblems. [[VideoGame/FireEmblemTheBlazingBlade Lyn]] and [[VideoGame/FireEmblemHeroes Veronica]] are exceptions, in that their levels don't come from their games -- Lyn's is based off Chapter 20x from ''[[VideoGame/FireEmblemTheBindingBlade The Binding Blade]]'', and Veronica's is loosely based on the Aether Raids game mode from ''Heroes''. That said, they're still really fun.

** The Forgotten Vale (also from ''Dawnguard'') is almost as massive as Blackreach, has some of the most beautiful visuals in the game, and even has two {{Bonus Boss}}es that are actually quite challenging and fun to fight. It also has unique side quests involving Frost Giants and Falmer books.

** The base game has Blackreach, a ''massive'' cavern (as in, it's approximately ''four square miles'' in size) that connects all the Dwemer cities in Skyrim from below. It's home to an abandoned Dwarven city, some of the most unique and breathtaking environmental design in the entire game, and even has its own BonusBoss! You'd have to spend several hours exploring the vast compound to find everything, but you'll love every bit of it and your jaw ''will'' drop the first time you see it.

* The optional stage "Forsaken Castle Cainhurst" is one of the game's most memorable levels, although it's much more enjoyable if you're leveled up enough to hold your own against the [[DemonicSpiders Bloodlickers]]. It starts with the Hunter boarding a mysterious ghostly stagecoach, and just gets more CreepyAwesome from there. Take the thrill of ''VideoGame/{{Bloodborne}}'''s signature fast-paced combat system and combine it with the inherent thrill of exploring a haunted mansion infested with ghosts, and you've got a recipe for sheer awesomeness. Highlights include fighting your way through swarms of weeping ghostly women and getting dive-bombed by gargoyles on the castle battlements; it doesn't hurt that it also features some of the best SceneryPorn in the game, with Castle Cainhurst's interior being one of the few ''Bloodborne'' levels that manages to be oddly ''beautiful'' (a nice change of pace from all the grimy cobblestone streets).

** For those who ''don't'' find it to be ThatOneLevel, "Battle Before Dawn". It is a defence-map, but you don't start out near it meaning you have to race to get there. And the target (Zephiel) actually can hold his own somewhat - but can easily get overwhelmed. It's unlike other defend-the-target maps ever faced in the series - perhaps for good reason, but also

* The hotel escape level in ''VideoGame/CallOfCthulhuDarkCornersOfTheEarth''. After a few establishing hours of realistic (no HUD, no medikits, not even any weapons at this point) gameplay, you find yourself delayed in the small town of [[TownWithADarkSecret Innsmouth]] by a broken-down bus. You investigate the town and find the locals distinctly unhelpful and somewhat sinister. With no leads panning out, you retire to a hotel room to wait for the bus to be repaired. You sleep poorly, plagued by disturbing dreams. And in the dead of the night, the townspeople come for you.
** With no way to defend yourself, you have to run away and close every door behind you, lock them, and push tables in front of them if possible. All while your pursuers are running after you, breaking doors down. If you forget to lock a door, they'll break through it faster than you can get into the next room and hack you to pieces.
** Bonus points, lots of bonus points, for those who read Literature/TheShadowOverInnsmouth before playing this game. As soon as you knew you'll be visiting Innsmouth, you just ''knew what is in store for you'' - the malfunction of the bus, the creepy conversation with Zadok Allen, your stay at Gilman's Hotel, and you were ''eagerly expecting'' the hotel escape scene. For This Troper at least, the scene worked like wonder.

* ''Modern Warfare 3'' gave us a lot of great levels, but for [[@/{{Thunderchin}} This Troper]], the highlight is at the very end: Dust to Dust. After a long, grueling fight through some of the most dire straits imaginable, stopping World War III and losing every single member of 141 in the process it's oddly satisfying to strap into that Juggernaut suit and [[CurbStompBattle completely wreck Makarov's shit once and for all]]. It's a shame Yuri had to die, but he got to shoot Makarov, giving Price the window to finish him off, so at least he died happy, and the series finally [[EarnYourHappyEnding earns its happy ending]].

** ''Shadowbringers'' has 2 standout examples. First is the final dungeon in which the player must go through a recreation of the unbroken world's apocalypse, facing off against horrors and harbingers of Armageddon as the world literally crumbles around them ending with a boss that draws heavily from Revelation imagery. The second is The Twinning, a secret chamber of the Crystal Tower which combines elements from every raid series up to that point. and ending with a boss battle against a fusion of Omega and Alexander.

** ''The Tyranny of King Washington'' DLC has the final Pyramid of George Washington, which is an Assassin's Tomb taken UpToEleven in terms of {{Bizarrchitecture}} and unusual geometries, culminating in an epic {{Magitek}} boss fight with King Washington.

** "Wicked Eyes And Wicked Hearts", the conclusion to the Orlais Civil War arc, is nothing short of '''spectacular'''. A huge change of pace from the action-adventure gameplay of most missions, this quest involves some combat but the primary focus is a political gameplay system called "Court Approval", affected by everything from eavesdropping on conversations, spreading rumors, charisma, and even your character's background, which is not only fascinating in its own right but allows the player to participate directly in Orlais' legendary DecadentCourt. You get to meet fascinating and well-developed characters who thus far have only appeared in ExpandedUniverse material, and the SceneryPorn found throughout the game is taken UpToEleven in the level design, architecture, and costuming of the level (as befitting such a decadent nation as Orlais). To top it all off, you get to listen to SugarWiki/AwesomeMusic [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hRumpq0jX4 throughout the whole mission.]] It really feels like something ripped straight from ''Literature/ASongOfIceAndFire'', arguably the biggest influence for the ''Dragon Age'' franchise.