god damn it, i HATE the mirrored gameplay in this level even though it most likely does not have a mirror portal. But I also can't really hate it all that much, because actually it helps me improve and do better with mirrored gameplay parts, and the gameplay itself is actually good despite there being some difficulty reading the gameplay because of the aforementioned mirrored gameplay.

The level is pretty though. Really clean usages of particles, and very solid modern designs.

(Originally written March 12, 2025)

Somehow, the gameplay being entirely right to left is the least interesting part of this level. Xiron is a creator I've been following far more distantly than I should. They've been by far the most notable design creator since they released SayItBack in 2023, and for very good reason. At first blush, SayItBack looks like that kind of lightning-in-a-bottle level that a creator never manages to match, but Xiron's follow-up has been great, with plus+, RIVE, and now this.

I'd be surprised if Xiron doesn't have any kind of motion design background, because the designs in Two Steps Back are flawless. I'd be impressed by similar art being made in After Effects, so the fact that this is being done in Geometry Dash is mind-blowing--and a phone, no less! Thin line art in particular is very impressive and looks great in GD, it's incredible seeing it so well-done here, particularly with the ship part at 66%. Initially, it feels like a weak point of the level, and then the radial lines pop in and transform the space; it's honestly reminiscent of elegant Swiss watches.

One part I especially love is the short title card at 14%. Those waving lines are so mesmerizing. The typography here also calls attention to the fact that fJud also worked on this level, and while it's not stated which creator made what, it's clear to me that fJud had a hand in this. Though, overall, the two creators' styles mesh fantastically, to the point where this level really feels like a solo.

It was surprising to me to see "[#2] TWO STEPS BACK preview" uploaded on Xiron's channel even before SayItBack's release. It takes dedication to keep a level alive for that long, so Xiron's commitment to these great ideas is super admirable. I'm sure there's plenty more hidden in Xiron's vault, so I hope we'll see more of that spirit in the future.

Two Steps Back is such a fantastic level, absolutely surpassing SayItBack in my eyes. As a motion graphics artist, it kills me to see motion design slept on so hard among the Geometry Dash community, but Xiron continues crushing it. I'm hoping to see motion design's use in GD levels expand, and I think this level is going to move the needle in that direction. Two Steps Back will absolutely be a source of inspriation for other creators.

ok so I can't really fairly judge this level since I built two and a bit parts lol,,, but for xirons stuff he uses particles and pulses so well to create energy, although sometimes I think the shaders are a bit much. the designs are very intricate in some sections and simple in others, but both help to create a pretty cohesive level. I'm not very good at reviewing but cool level!!! the gameplay is pretty good but some sections are hard to read