It's like a toned down version of nine circles. It's good on its own (but not as good), it's an iconic part of the game (but not as iconic), everyone copied it (but not as much), and the majority of copies aren't as good as the original (but more than with nine circles).

honestly, this level to me was super impressive for its time. No level prior to that point had attempted effects like this and for the first of its kind (at least to my knowledge), it was genuinely great.

Ofc, comparing to today, these effects might not hold up as much as the crazy things that can be pulled off thanks to 2.2 but at least, they have intent and serve their purpose really well and therefore I think this level still kinda holds up today as one of the most ambitious levels ever.