AMELANCHIER – An incredible atmospheric creation.

AMELANCHIER is one of the few levels I've played that feels so artistically polished while still feeling like a Geometry Dash level both in visual design and gameplay. hhxa23 has crafted a real masterful experience and although it lacks just slightly in narrative direction it makes up for in every other sense.

AMELANCHIER to me strikes a real balance of a true artistic and atmospheric viewing experience while also still looking like a Geometry Dash level. A lot of art levels tend to abandon the game’s visual language entirely and it often just ruins the experience for me which is why I'm so glad it didn't. The colour palette and execution are just - to put it blunt - flawless, every detail feels intentional and it is just brilliant.

There's definitely for me a bit of incentive to be tougher on this level particularly because it is so good and I wish it could be just that bit better.

AMELANCHIER uses a lot of effects that obscure the player's view and can sometimes obscure gameplay to a frustrating degree both as a viewer and player - while they delibretly enhance the atmosphere of the level if I'm struggling to see it, I'm struggling to see it. As much as I adore this level, I’ll likely never beat it simply because of this.

A really big missed opportunity lies in its alternative paths. This type of "non-linear" exploration in a GD level is always fun but the execution feels disappointing in execution. A lot of alternate routes are blocked by singular spikes which only exist to stop that path or invisible saws and when hunting for these paths it feels more disappointing than rewarding. With more polish, this could’ve been a groundbreaking feature. Just feels like a missed opportunity to open up the level more.

While AMELANCHIER doesn’t do a lot that is unique thematically, it perfects its chosen aesthetic and style. The initial drop which I think is the highlight artistically feels the same visually for just a bit too long (almost a minute) and that can make the experience feel a bit repetitive even if that's in reflection of the song representation and makes sense under the umbrella of the level being five minutes in length.

If you appreciate artistic, mood-driven atmospheric levels, then this is for you, the playing experience leaves a lot to be desired.