Since the start of this decade, we have started to see many more levels that pursued to have story-telling, progression, meaning, and especially song-representation into their levels. While some are actually standing out and shined in the spotlight, there are many whichever failed for the lack of understanding what makes Geometry Dash levels great. Even those levels in the spotlight, even if I really liked them, are at least frankly flawed in an important aspect.

"Adrift" outplays almost all of those levels, it does not try to do much, it only follows the way its music progresses, it just has the right song choice that fits the visual of this level while also not feels boring when you actually focus on the level itself rather than the song. This level is an undying proof that simplicity in Geometry Dash levels is what makes Geometry Dash a great game.

i remember this being added in the very last batch of map packs that happened in 2.0 and i knew it by then (i believe, it's been many years.) first time i ever got that feeling of 'oh this is a great pick to be canonized like this', something that only happened a little more in the first wave of gauntlets coz those were rouuuugh, and happens a lot more now in the non-contest gauntlets. really is a perfect pick, a genuine minor challenge to someone just starting out (i know coz i was there once)

obviously tho a large part of it is how atmospheric it is for just being a design level. a pretty simple design level even! the way it uses air deco i don't think has aged the best but i don't really have any complaints other than that. even the subtle 2.0 additions updated into the last third only serve to amplify the feeling, which is pretty damn rare of a feat. i think i ultimately prefer the sequel Dark Sea cuz it cranks the atmosphere and creativity up even higher, but they definitely both hold a very special place in my heart

This song is really special to me and the level does a pretty good job matching the vibe, overall for a level with no movement its sweet i like it