really quite pretty. feels like an unintentional end credits level

update: 3 months later this has grown on me to be one of my fave levels from last year. impeccable progression and vibe. feels so bittersweet and melancholic especially with the replacement song. love this to bits

This will be a mini-review. This level currently sits at a heartbreaking 100 downloads, and I want to write about this level to spread some word about it.

Lasaga has been a creator that has been on my radar for a few years now. He was a very prolific and talented creator on the 1.9 GDPS and Burning Blue is his send-off level. I had always enjoyed playing his levels and how they were designed, as well as how he incorporated vaporwave and synthwave aesthetics into his creations. So when I found out he had made a 7 minute long 1.9 level with a synthwave song and design, I was pumped.

Burning Blue really does not disappoint! It is predominantly blue and orange with other neon colors mixed in at times, which combined with the song, gives the level a calming, sunset beach feel that is constant throughout even as the level tries out all sorts of block designs and air decorations. The level does not feel 7 minutes long, as I just get lost in the level's atmosphere while playing. It mostly sits below demon difficulty throughout and doesn't demand very intense concentration to enjoy. There are some parts where focusing is recommended, like the gray part at 68% where it can be difficult to see what the orbs are the quick asymmetrical dual bursts at 77%. The level is paced really well, changing speeds just enough to feel steady and match with the song without becoming stale. Burning Blue spends almost all of its time moving between half speed, normal speed, and 2x speed, so when the first and only 3x speed part at 89-94% with the highest point in the song then returning back to half speed for the rest of the level as the song wraps up, it makes for a truly satisfying and memorable ending.

Despite currently not being rated, I would still recommend giving this level a shot! For the most part, the level is well-balanced and sightreadable. I would personally place its difficulty at being an entry-level easy demon. It's just a really pleasant experience all around and it's a real shame this level didn't get the attention it deserved.