One of the most notable traits of dark-themed stages is that the area usually has an unsettling sense of gloom and the area often has dark areas. Dark-themed stages are very commonly the themes of final levels throughout the series. Dark-themed stages shouldn't be confused for haunted-themed. Dark-themed stages also tend to harbor the toughest enemies in a game usually newer, tricker enemies or stronger versions of enemies that appear earlier in the game. Dark-themed stages can also have numerous of hazards ranging from bottomless pits to spikes.