Rating Curve

The legacy version imo is much more better than the actual version. The actual version is honestly a mess imo. I think it tries too hard to be visually appealing to the eye. Granted there are some parts that I like in that version, but the rest is so forgettable. It saves itself from a 3 because even though the legacy version is too dark to see, it's not that big of a mess compared to the actual. And this was the version that people we're pretty excited about back in 2016 - 2017. Not what we have today.

SWI, too much of a visual mess, is hard carried by its secondary option.

See, I actually like this more than Slaughterhouse. One thing that I prefer from this over Slh is the theming. Like, if you like the idea of Slh, but hate the fact that it's hell themed, here's a second alternative that is space themed, you're venturing around a black hole, and the parts aren't as dark as Slh. The flaw that this level has is cohesion. I think individually, all the parts look good, but combined together, it's a bit of a mess. Then again, this ain't dark red hell, so I don't even care if it ain't cohesive.

The rating does not reflect the gameplay though. Even though I think it's the better version, it's still tryna reflect the feel of Slh.

Wow... someone that actually doesn't hate the level in this website. That's kinda rare. (Edit: Oh... never mind... I guess)

Anyway, yes, I consider Abducted to be a good level, and honestly one where I can understand it winning the Space Gauntlet Contest. I mean... to be fair, I was pretty shocked when the level was first teased, cause it looked crazy good, and I really like where it combines a bunch of things (comic book, alien invasion, intergalactic space party) and put them all into one. Aside from it's visuals though, I'm noticing that the gameplay is where people mainly take issue with it due to how much baby proofed this level is, and while I can understand that it doesn't really boat well as a gauntlet level, allow me to justify it.

This level being in a gauntlet makes Abducted earn the title for The Most Beginner Friendly level in the game. Ideally, if you're someone who is a lot more seasoned at the game, you're definitely not gonna like this level, but if a beginner were to be playing this level, this level would 100% be their favorite level. They'll notice that some of the levels that are in the gauntlet could potentially be out of their own reach, but then they look at this, and they'll love it because it's something that is easily accessible to them, and something they can have fun with without them having to worry about making a mistake. Obviously, as time goes on where they explore more of the game and they won't think this anymore, but as a starting point for a beginner, it'll stay as their favorite for quite the while, and I like to consider that the level's main benefit. Also... I like the idea of giving the player free will to either play the level or not. Either you can actually have fun playing the damn level, or you can choose to just sit back and enjoy all the crazy stuff that is going on. Granted, it's still rough around the edges, but it can be a fun idea if pulled off properly. Even then, the level itself is actually fun to actually play.

Overall though, I think Abducted has a lot of benefits being a level made for a gauntlet. It is beginner friendly, it gives you player freedom, and it's vibes and ideas are incredibly fun. You may not see it in the same light as I do, but if you can understand what I am (at the very least) trying to portray with this review, I think you'll definitely think this differently with this level. I like it personally, and it's one that I can understand as to why it won the Space Gauntlet Contest.

It's an interesting level that won the NCS Gauntlet contest, but I do think the other levels in the Top 5 are much more worthy of the No. 1 spot. Regardless of such, I think the level is above average. It plays pretty well tbh even if someone else tells you otherwise. It's readability is the issue here. While it plays well... I can't help but agree with the folks that say it's hard to tell what to do, especially with the UFO. Like how the hell am I supposed to know that I only needed to click the orbs... lol.

This level honestly hits a lot differently if you're using the Separate Dual Icons mod, and the player 2 Icon Set is one of your oldest sets that you remember. I did this with my secondary and my first icon set from 2.0 as I've been using the two colors since I first started, and with the mod in mind, it makes it feel like your oldest icon set is confronting with your current one.

I really like the idea the level had, and honestly, I do wish there were more of levels that pulled off this kind of gimmick.

Ideally, not a level that fits well with the gauntlets, but it's one that definitely tells a story.

I still don't get why this gets a lot of hate. It's not the best thing out there, nor is it the worse thing. It's an all around above average level for me.