why is everyone hating the level for factors outside of the level itself

It's charming I think. Perfectly fine level, just wish it could've sacrificed visuals a bit more for some gameplay.

Gameplay shouldn't be as forgiving as it was. Really feels like the level was babying the player. As for the visuals, for the most part it was pretty cool but some parts were kind of obnoxious

Absolutely mind-boggling how someone can make an entry meant for a GAUNTLET and neglect gameplay to this extent. Barely a level.

Wow... someone that actually doesn't hate the level in this website. That's kinda rare. (Edit: Oh... never mind... I guess)

Anyway, yes, I consider Abducted to be a good level, and honestly one where I can understand it winning the Space Gauntlet Contest. I mean... to be fair, I was pretty shocked when the level was first teased, cause it looked crazy good, and I really like where it combines a bunch of things (comic book, alien invasion, intergalactic space party) and put them all into one. Aside from it's visuals though, I'm noticing that the gameplay is where people mainly take issue with it due to how much baby proofed this level is, and while I can understand that it doesn't really boat well as a gauntlet level, allow me to justify it.

This level being in a gauntlet makes Abducted earn the title for The Most Beginner Friendly level in the game. Ideally, if you're someone who is a lot more seasoned at the game, you're definitely not gonna like this level, but if a beginner were to be playing this level, this level would 100% be their favorite level. They'll notice that some of the levels that are in the gauntlet could potentially be out of their own reach, but then they look at this, and they'll love it because it's something that is easily accessible to them, and something they can have fun with without them having to worry about making a mistake. Obviously, as time goes on where they explore more of the game and they won't think this anymore, but as a starting point for a beginner, it'll stay as their favorite for quite the while, and I like to consider that the level's main benefit. Also... I like the idea of giving the player free will to either play the level or not. Either you can actually have fun playing the damn level, or you can choose to just sit back and enjoy all the crazy stuff that is going on. Granted, it's still rough around the edges, but it can be a fun idea if pulled off properly. Even then, the level itself is actually fun to actually play.

Overall though, I think Abducted has a lot of benefits being a level made for a gauntlet. It is beginner friendly, it gives you player freedom, and it's vibes and ideas are incredibly fun. You may not see it in the same light as I do, but if you can understand what I am (at the very least) trying to portray with this review, I think you'll definitely think this differently with this level. I like it personally, and it's one that I can understand as to why it won the Space Gauntlet Contest.

ugliest level ever wtf