⚠️ WARNING ⚠️
Flashing lights

I'm sure there's plenty of expressive levels on the Geometry Dash servers, but this one's always stood out to me. Perhaps part of it was the song, or perhaps part of it was me being a closeted furry. But none of that changes the fact that this level is special. It matches the song pretty much perfectly, and the closer you look at it, the more meaningful it feels.

Probably the clearest motif is the city theme. You go past all sorts of scaffolding and stuff, and structures that vaguely resemble buildings, and it gives the level a very urban feel, as if you're walking down the sidewalk in a big city, letting your thoughts drift. It's not made clear what exactly prompted Split to make this level, but the various pieces of text saying things like "she caused this" or "some thoughts never leave" indicate that it wasn't positive. This is complemented by the mostly grayscale color scheme with red accents used throughout most of the level, as well as the sharp structures in one part. Before the climax of the level, you're dropped in a part that kinda vaguely resembles a garden, with a few sparsely-scattered bushes, perhaps indicating a moment of reprieve. Not sure exactly what the dark part represents, but I'm guessing it's some sort of emotional release. I don't really know exactly how to interpret all the specific details, hence this giant paragraph with barely any structure, but I do know one thing: my view is that art is all about storytelling, and this level tells a story. You may not know what it's about, but you can feel it.

As for the gameplay: I think it's pretty good. Split generally tends to make pretty good gameplay — pretty simple, usually, and nothing too mindblowing, but fun, and it generally matches the song.

This is still Split's best level and probably one of the only ones with a significant artistic value. Always loved it and always will.

vent art in geometry dash is hardly a new idea, especially as of recent. the inclusion of WhyMeWhyMeWhyMeWhyMe in an official gauntlet especially comes to my mind as a recent example, even if it's a rather unfortunate one. at the time of its release, though, this level was very special in its regard, even more so still with how much it stands out against split72's typical portfolio as a creator point grinder.

i don't think i could say anything about the actual execution of this level that hasn't been said - the buildup works well, the reduced color palette and other self-imposed build constraints meshing well with it, and the actual climax feels impactful and deserved. there's lots you could do better, there's lots you could do worse - but the execution isn't at all what i value here, rather it's the vulnerability of this level.

i mean, fuck, go to any split72 level's comments, and especially the unrated ones. people will hate them for all sorts of unjustified reasons - being near the top of the creator leaderboard certainly would inspire such hate. and despite all of that, despite the sheer amount of publicity every action you do has, despite how much at the worst of times it might seem that the entire community doesn't like you or your work, to release a level as vulnerable and honest as this is very powerful. it's important. i appreciate the level so much for existing above everything else

it might not have the deepest meaning, it might not be the best execution of itself, and it might not be the most emotional thing you could make, but the fact it exists at all is plenty for me to love it for what it is

Of course on my profile the vast majority of my ratings are 10s and I have many many favorite levels, but this one is truly special. Beyond inspiring to see such honesty from a creator, and for it to be channeled in such a well-done buildup and explosive climax makes for the best emotional release I've ever seen in a level. For a long time, I thought I should aim to make something like this, and while my focus isn't quite there anymore, I would love to make something this impactful on someone.