Basically just Grebeworld but with nothing that made that level interesting, so I’m left with all the problems and none of the benefits.

for an open world level i don’t think this does a very good job at being open. it just gives you multiple distinct paths to take, not really permitting real exploration. my criticisms stop there though thankfully, because despite the fundamental flaw in the concept’s application this is such an impressively put together level and it clearly deserves its flowers!! i used to watch an all paths replay on youtube like every week after it came out, the attention to detail completely enamored me and it still does.

really big fan of all the underground sections in particular

idk just doesnt hit as well as grebeworld does. feels less consistent and less like a full world to explore imo

I'm a just copy paste the stuff that I said from my 12 Favorite Medium Demons video:

Formally was my favorite demon level overall before Well Rested took its place. The pure concept of a MetroidVania like level in GD. Multiple paths to take, outcomes so incredibly different from one another. And this was before we had the tools necessary to pull it off. This level... is incredibly unique. As I said, there are multiple paths to take, and the outcomes are so incredibly different from one another. Either you are playing a medium demon or an insane demon. The difficulty of the level varies depending on what path you are taking. I really think the gameplay excels in this level because of it. It's standard path is what makes it a Medium Demon though, and I don't blame you for going for this path first. The other paths are hard. Decoration into account, the parts are very different in terms of artstyle, but it compliments the atmosphere very well based on what area you are currently in. And... also my biases towards castle themed level. I've established them once before, I'll say it for the sake of this review, castle themed levels really suit my fancy, and this level very much solidifies it.

Now to conclude it off, CastleMania is quite the unique level. One that I really, really, REALLY like. And I think it is something that really can't be replicated again because of us now having the tools to do so.

I love how open everything feels. Not only are there many different routes you can take through the castle, but there are also multiple options for which key to unlock the doors with and even multiple ways to traverse a number of individual rooms. I also like the way you're shown glimpses of alternate paths throughout the level; it really encourages you to explore everything. The level looks awesome, too; I love just how many different settings there are. Definitely would like to see more people make levels like this.

Also, the ending credits taking up 37% of the level make it seem a lot harder than it really is. The vast majority of the difficulty comes from learning the level and figuring out how to even complete it in the first place.

castlemania my beloved 😍 Seriously though this level is so unique, it's easily one of my all-time favorite levels. I can't wait to see more levels like this in 2.2