I have this feeling deep inside of me that I really shouldn't like this level, but for some reason I just do. Is it because it uses Mantarave by Creo?... well, largely yes, but I still think the level has a few nice things about it that are good in their own right.

The main draw of this level is famously the fully 3D opening cutscene that depicts the destruction of the spaceship you're (presumably) on. I do think this is a very well crafted opening, because while I am not really huge about the recent influx of levels with theatrical openings, this one does a bit more to actually set the tone of the level and goes beyond being there just for show. It shows a series of pictures hung up on the wall, each one depicting what seems to be some sort of memory. In addition the general atmosphere is pretty quiet at first, which I think sells the atmosphere of space pretty well. It is a neverending expanse of near-nothingness, where sound cannot be made or heard. Of course, that obviously isn't the case on the ship, but having that initial silence really makes you feel alone, and ultimately creates a more sad conclusion. It is the end of your journey, and no one is here with you. All that can be seen is the suffocating emptiness of space as you live through your final moments. It's a very powerful story that makes that opening cutscene and cinematic flair a bit more worth it.

That said, the level still leans a bit too hard into the cinematic design for me to really love it. The actual meat of the level feels a bit undercooked. If I recall bli actually mentioned that the second half of the level was rushed, giving favor to that opening scene, and that really stings. To have a miniature movie at the start is one thing, but for that movie to take full priority over the rest of the level just feels cheap. I don't hate the rest of the level (largely for song choice lol) but I can't help but feel that some more polish would've gone a long way. As is, the gameplay and backgrounds feel a bit too separate from each other. I actually don't even think the gameplay in this level is bad since it's not too difficult to parse and actually has some sort of creative ideas. I only wish there was some more effort invested in this part and not just the initial cutscene. Still, this level is still pretty fun with decent emotional aspects; I just lose a bit of respect due to the design philosophy, favoring the non-level part of the experience.