Originally this review contained references to Arclia’s reaction stream, but I have removed them because writing them was cringe and rude. Shoutouts to Breadking.

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I guess this is what it feels like to get abducted.

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I can only think of three normal difficulty levels that were entries to the space gauntlet: Point of View, Starbladesaster (which I wrote a review for previously), and this. Out of those, Point of View is the only one I think actually should've been rated normal. For Abducted and Starbladesaster, I'm sure the rating was because of the visuals getting in the way.

This sounds like I'm going to write a negative review. However, if you would please consult the scores I've given for this level.

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First off: Decoration.

As many people have said, Abducted is very reminiscent of Next Cab Soon in its visuals. The comic book aesthetic is executed phenomenally, and in a solo level, which is pretty mind-boggling. Another thing I like about the visuals is the animations. They're extremely fluid, and in the parts where the characters change poses, the changes look seamless, almost as though they weren't programmed with move and rotate triggers (I think), but rather with a proper animation tool.

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Gameplay.

Unlike many levels of this difficulty, Abducted presents itself as a fairly difficult level. However, it holds your hand. Normally, I don't like levels that hold your hand the way Abducted does, but that's because nearly every level that does this has gameplay that's boring as heck anyway, so you really aren't missing anything by doing the bare minimum. Abducted, on the other hand, has engaging gameplay that you would actually want to play, comparable to that of a 9-star level. If you don't play the level properly, it's like you're missing something. This customizable experience is absolutely good gameplay in my eyes. It allows for new players to get a taste of harder gameplay without punishing them for it. Excellent way to start the gauntlet.

My one complaint is the circle minigame bit, which plays kinda weird. I always get a C grade. Must be a skill issue.

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Final thoughts.

Abudcted is not my favorite entry in the top 10. However, after playing it and watching it and playing it and...well you get the point, the reasons for its placement at the #1 spot become clear as day. The level is accessible. It has some semblance of a storyline. Its gameplay is engaging while also forgiving. It looks fantastic. It's a good time. Congratulations, Vegtam.