Not quite as evocative as it was on release, but certainly is part of a huge turning point in expression and experimentation within the confines of GD, alongside levels like Cement and Cold Sweat.

still happy with this, wish the resulting dogpiling after the rate wasnt as severe tho

edit 24/3: lowered to light 7, really concerningly silly in retrospect - i think the concept is notably impersonal and a bit juvenile, even if the vibe and effect use are really good generally

Many such cases of bands and artists who write a song, becomes a hit, and said band or artist begins to loathe what they created as time goes on. Not because they think it's bad, but rather because they're reduced to a one hit wonder whose fanbase remembers them for that song and nothing else.

Well, anyone who is familiar with PAHC's catalog knows that SAVE AS is essentially his Creep. The loud majority knows this level, because it was groundbreaking, terrifying, and a massive hit when it came out. And that is for a reason: this level is a god damn masterpiece. I really hate to say this, because I'm pretty sure PAHC doesn't like this level for that reason, but very few if not no other level has managed to achieve what SAVE AS did.

Anyone who's familiar with this level knows what it's about: Alzheimer's. I'm not going to spend my time writing about what it represents and how it's represented because it's been said many, many times. But rather than that I want to talk about him, as a creator.

I'm sure many people consider this to be his peak. The honest truth, to me, is; he never peaked. PAHC is one of the most versatile, conceptual and unconventional modern creators of the current era. While this level is a prime example of that, you don't just have to limit yourself to it: Charmed Life is a beautiful 10+ minute journey; Over Again is easily one of the best and most fun ARGs in the whole game, and even his more conventional modern levels still take many interesting creative decisions and risks. He's always stayed consistent as a creator, and if he chooses to keep going and bless us with more levels in the future, he will continue to stay consistent.

Is this his best level? Maybe. It's hard for me to say it's not my favorite. But I guess my whole point is, reducing him to just "the creator of save as" isn't a good thing. But on the other hand, denying the influence and artistic reach of this level also won't help it.

It's fantastic, in so many levels. Thankfully I don't relate to it, but many people do and many people are personally attached and cried to it. And I think that makes it scarily beautiful.

Incredible level.

Go check out his other levels too.