not sure if it's just me but i had always assumed mechanical showdown was a 2.1 level, but no! it's actually a very late 2.0 level, which is a testament to how well this level has aged. one of the best aged 2.0 levels, for sure. the gameplay is generally very fun and the decoration is extremely polished, with none of the pitfalls you commonly associate with levels made in this update.

however polished this level may be, though, ultimately the style it's perfected is one i don't find all too interesting. the colors are dull and uninteresting, the industrial theme was pretty common in 2.0, and the song is just okay. from what i remember, this style of black blocks with white outlines that occasionally flash different colors was a common trope at the time. there really isn't anything about this level that stands out; so while i certainly remember this level, in my head it's just one big, gray blur

I appreciate its sleekness for a 2.0 demon, although I think it could use much more creative gameplay; it feels really static and grounded, leading to the whole experience feeling a bit forced. I do like a few individual moments though, such as the first cube and the neat dual near the last third of the level.

For a very early 2.1 level, it still looks really good. The gameplay is so-and-so: the wave part in the middle is stellar, the moving objects can be unpredictable, and the duals are serviceable at best. The moving objects, when done well (such as in the wave or the first ship), are a shining example of how even moving gameplay can be done well, if you're thoughtful about it.

Generic and slightly unbalanced.