In the early days of video games, the idea of ”finishing” a title was completely new. Most games were arcade experiences where players kept playing until they got bored. However, as the medium made the transition to home consoles, they began to incorporate more sophisticated narratives with real conclusions. A problem then arises: what happens next?
One of the best ways to extend the life of a title is to incorporate unlockable hidden content. It can be different characters, game modes or even hidden worlds with additional stages. Several titles contain fascinating secret worlds that players can discover if they stop to smell the roses.
10 Sir Dan can earn his place in the MediEvil Hall of Heroes
MediEvil place players in command of the recently resurrected Sir Daniel Fortesque. The knight was falsely hailed as a hero after falling to the first arrows of battle. When Zarok raises the dead for his unholy army, Sir Dan has a chance to redeem himself and live up to legend.
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If players manage to stop and smell the roses, they will be able to find the hidden Chalices found in each of the various stages of the game. Obtaining one allows players to travel to the Hall of Heroes, where Sir Dan can chat with his fallen comrades and receive useful items like new weapons and healing bottles.
9 Club Doom was a great showcase for PlayStation hardware 
When Doom moved to consoles like the 32X and Atari Jaguar, several compromises had to be made. Many levels were cut or removed, some enemies had to be removed, and performance and graphics suffered a slight setback.
Although it had its share of cut content, the PlayStation version made good use of the hardware with some nice features like colored lighting and audio CD. The exclusive hidden level “Club Doom” is a brilliant showcase of these effects, as Doom Guy is on a mission to blast enemies in a dimly lit rave.
8 players could have a great time in Crash Bandicoot: Warped 
Crash Bandicoot: warped it expanded on the gem system of the first two titles and added new collectibles called “relics”. Players could revisit a level they had completed to compete in time trials. Throughout the levels, there were crates that froze the clock and helped players complete a stage as quickly as possible.
Beating the record time would reward players with a relic and access to the hidden warp chamber. From there, players could take hidden paths from previous levels and obtain previously unreachable gems.
7 Sonic The Hedgehog Could Channel His Inner Super Sayian 
In each of the 2D Sonic the Hedgehog games there are different hidden stages that contain the hidden MacGuffins known as Chaos Emeralds (or Time Stones in sonic cd). How to locate these areas varies from game to game, but in most of them you need to get at least 50 rings.
Although collecting them is entirely optional, the Chaos Emeralds are the key to achieving the games’ true endings, in which Dr. Robotnik is completely defeated. Starting with the second game, collecting all of these gems also allows players to channel Sonic’s Super Form, which allows him to fly at tremendous speeds and grants him near invincibility.
6 Star Fox’s secret was awesome 
Out Of This Dimension is a strange area that only exists in the original Super Nintendo title, Star Fox. The world is shrouded in mystery, as many famous pilots never returned from their journey. Players who manage to uncover this strange world are eventually given the task of defeating a giant slot machine by getting tic-tac-toe.
Since the resulting symbols are completely random, this level can last for minutes or even hours. The reward for victory is nothing more than the game displaying the words “The End”.
5 Contra: Hard Corps immerses players in a gladiatorial arena 
Hidden in the Junkyard level of Counter: Hard Corps You will find the entrance to a strange prehistoric world full of conflict. Players who manage to discover this entrance will face various extravagant bosses in a gladiatorial arena.
One of them is even a tribute to Simon Belmont from Konami’s other franchise, Castlevania. As Star Fox, it’s a one-way ticket to the battle arena, and victory rewards players with a bizarre and absurd conclusion. Players are considered the king and queen of the land and are worshiped by various monkeys.
4 players will be able to explore the inverted castle of Castlevania: Symphony of the Night 
To fans of Castlevania: Symphony of The night will have surprised you to see Richter Belmont, the hero of Round of Blood, as lord of the eponymous castle. However, if they managed to explore the Count’s mansion enough, they could receive Maria’s Sacred Glasses.
When equipped during the fight with Richter, a sphere appears hovering above his head. Destroying it reveals that the ancient vampire slayer was actually under the control of the malevolent priest Shaft. From here, players can explore the Inverted Castle and find their way to confrontation with the one and only Dracula.
3 Donkey Kong Country 2 rewarded those who had the koin 
Diddy’s Kong Quest he sent the monkeys on a journey to rescue the captured Donkey Kong from Crocodile Island. Anyone who collects enough Eight Pieces to bribe Klubba the guard will find themselves in the fabled Lost World. Several new phases await you, as well as the real final duel with the formidable Kaptain K. Rool.
However, the giant Kremling head guarding the final showdown will only open when players have conquered all of the Lost World scenarios. To do this, they will also have to overcome all the mini-games and get all the Kremcoin.
2 Rayman Origins’ Final Enemy Was Truly Livid 
Origins of Rayman It was a real feast for the senses, enhanced by classic 2D platformer gameplay. In all phases there are small excitable creatures called electons. If you collect enough of them per level, you will unlock hidden challenges called “Hard Treasures”.
Here, players were tasked with tracking down a sentient treasure chest that ran through a difficult area. Catch a rewarded player with a Skull Tooth. Hitting Mr. Death with each of his teeth allowed players to enter the Land of the Livid Dead, where they faced the real final boss, Big Mama.
1 Star Road Changed the Way You Play Super Mario World 
Super Mario World it took the secret paths mechanic from the NES games and went even further with the concept. Savvy players who manage to spot the stages with a red dot on the map screen will know that they contain diverging paths accessible via the many hidden keys.
Once players manage to find the secret ghost house and defeat Big Boo, they will find their way to the Star Road, which contains various hidden levels and even warps in different locations on Dinosaur Island. Players who manage to progress on the Star Road will even be able to find the mysterious Special Zone.