Rating Curve

If not for this level, I would question the success one could even have within GD with such directly self-referential work. But to see all these little scraps of his past work blended so well into this spellbinding syrup of ideas really makes this level feel like a dazed trip into the recesses of Flash's mind. The song perfectly compliments this atmosphere, depicting confusion verging on helpless sadness in a sorrow that comes out almost sweet.

Every part in this level is so well thought out and gorgeous, with its poor optimization making it feel as though love is brimming out from its seams. But I struggle to muster meaningful words for each part, so I must note the perfection that is the last section, an open fly in a lush landscape slowly descending into a gentle and peaceful night. It tugs on my heartstrings with the gentle affection of a child wanting attention, looking up to you with beaming eyes.

Core is such a seldom well-executed style that even just the concept of a level's core design getting denser as it continues ends up being as unique as good core itself. Absolute masterpiece of the style and for all the clickbaiting made of it, the last stretch is intensely beautiful, with each pretty little stroke of detail contributing to a glorious and dense landscape of color and design.

Of course on my profile the vast majority of my ratings are 10s and I have many many favorite levels, but this one is truly special. Beyond inspiring to see such honesty from a creator, and for it to be channeled in such a well-done buildup and explosive climax makes for the best emotional release I've ever seen in a level. For a long time, I thought I should aim to make something like this, and while my focus isn't quite there anymore, I would love to make something this impactful on someone.

An unfortunately overlooked entry to the NCS contest that holds a candle to the best. Simple yet bold design style complimented by explosive rainbow effects that create an experience that feels almost proud to be within a GD level as opposed to anywhere else. Levels don't often hit like how this one does anymore, and I hope to see more levels like this where its understood you can be bold with relatively little.

Immensely beautiful level taking full advantage of its two paths to represent natural beauty and what happens to it when deprived of care within its human cradle. So effective in such a short duration.

XXL magic that balances both cuteness and intensity to create a journey that doesn't really take you somewhere so much as it carries you through its excellent song, which given its quality, is more than satisfactory and is further proof of Serponge's excellence.

The incredible finale to the best series in the game. Its such an internet nerd thing to obscure your feelings in Japanese text, and while that seems contradictory to the honesty for which I praise this series, I think it really feels true to Zoroa and his emotions and what he wanted to do with them, which is what really counts and makes these levels powerful.

This level is so corny and its the best thing ever this meant the world to me when I was 12 and I will never ever forget the peace it gave me when I was first processing some very very dark feelings. Its so healing to be honest even if you think you'll sound stupid or corny and I wish there were more levels that hit like this. Luckily there's a third to this series.

While I do appreciate the series most for the emotional levels it reaches, this level is still so pretty and its effects are amazing. The way the red comes in at that wave changed my brain chemistry and how I imagine intensity in levels. Zyzyx songs + Zoroa deco on top