I mentioned in my EBLTD review that Generation23 was my favorite ElectricNJ level. This is no longer the case, especially after having beaten that level and enjoyed it a ton, but Generation23 is still phenomenal considering it's one of Electric's first rated levels. It's no secret that I'm often drawn to levels with tons of bright and saturated colors, but they can get tired if not varied a lot. Thankfully, no two parts in Generation23 look the same, all with some great rainbow designs and admirably appropriate energy for the part of the already diverse song. Kosu songs always demand that extra touch of chaos, and with Eternal especially a majority of levels are too concerned with polish to meet it. Generation23 admittedly starts better than it finishes (despite me liking the second half of the song more) but with how consistently busy the decoration is it doesn't feel long enough to fall victim to a lack of cohesion. This, of course, also ignores that the contrast between parts is a good chunk of the appeal.

Unfortunately, upon playing it again I wasn't as impressed as I remember being when I first played it well over a year ago. I do normally like learny levels, but instead via the fast pacing or any sort of memory aspect a big reason why Generation23 was so hard to get through a practice run of just comes down to some weird choices. Some things could be artifacts of 2.2 physics changes, and certainly some frustration I had was the result of being on mobile when I replayed it, but I think it's relatively clear that some spots of the level are just awkward. I do plan to beat it for my 23rd insane demon though, which shouldn't be too long from now, so if I end up loving it I'll update the review. Even so, I think the way the gameplay flows (or doesn't, sometimes) is instrumental to its visual appeal, selling the chaos of the two drop parts. Still super pretty all this time later, and a fantastic level to introduce me to the creator!

builds a good foundation for what he will make in the future however i don't think his gameplay really fits for this level. The visuals are great, not the best from him but still matches with the intensity of the song. The gameplay doesn't though, it's typical ElectricNJ gp, which is not bad by any means, in fact, I like them in any other levels I played from him but it doesn't really represent the song that well, especially in the 2nd half where I expected some gp like in Nhelv and instead we get gp that is even less complex than in the 1st drop. It doesn't even play that well imo, it has some very weird chokepoints and gp design such as that one ball click at around 75 or the UFO before it. I like the gp in the non-drop sections though, especially the build-up before the 2nd drop.

But yeah, this level is good overall, could have been way better if the gp was a bit more interesting. And this level being good makes me really excited for reGENERATION. From what I've seen, the gp is way better there and the visuals are gonna be even more crazy. Can't wait for that one

good levle

This level is marred by a mismatch between what its surface aesthetic and how it actually works to play it. The level appears to be super chaotic, experimental, freeform, etc. But when you actually sit down to play it, you realize very quickly that you're on rails. Each part has exactly one intended way of doing it, and instead of getting you down that path through good design, it just puts a toggle orb and death barrier so that you're forced to do it the exact intended way. Every possible variation is controlled for; invisible teleportals are constantly realigning you so that the level doesn't break. I just fundamentally hate this way of designing levels, especially when the level is leading me to believe it's trying to be somewhat experimental. It might be that this contrast is intentional, but if so it doesn't register as such, and either way I would find it frustrating.

Nonetheless, I did enjoy this level. The gameplay, when done as intended, is fun, and the decoration is abrasive yet simultaneously very pretty. I just wish the gameplay ethos matched it.