Rating Curve

I'm in full support that activism wont always look pretty, the message of the level couldnt be any more clear and in theory I think it could make for a very strong sentiment here in trying to advocate for social justice. However, I cant help but think its approach here is shallow and does very little to be resonated with, it's trans positivity without delving into any of the ongoing struggles or even signifies the trans experience at all. I wouldnt say this is necessarily a form of virtue signaling, especially knowing the creators behind it, but I really wish there was any substance I could touch on especially with how serious the level is making itself look. At least the level still has some energy to it, it's "raw" as you may say

Decent map but the pre-drop is the only part that does the song any justice

Never understood the appeal of this one. Despite some fairly interesting gameplay gimmicks thrown into the mix, the overall essence of the level lacks the kind of idiosyncratic quality I expect to see from a quid level. The designs are bland in a way that looks almost indistinguishable from para's lazier glow builds, with its only remaining character being a rehash of tropes that make an appearance in most of quids other work. Gameplay aside, no part truly stands out from one other, and the long, dragged out progression never feels like it builds up to anything greater. Still, it's a polished level all around, but that doesnt make it any less of a sleeper

Mega cornball level but the (supposed) boss has some interesting dynamic to it, loving that submissive attitude!

A bit unpolished, some of the effects simply dont work out how they were probably imagined. The art style on the other hand I'm a big fan of, some parts are a bit too cluttered for my liking but the unique texture all these ornate shapes give off make me willing to look past it. The ethereal vibes of the level combine nicely with this strange, organic way of structuring, a bit like thorns and brambles by yoreid the way the overgrowth feels like it creeps up on the player make it feel like you're exploring a world you shouldn't step into. Very promising level for sure, would love to see an idea like this expanded on even further

Probably some of knots’ best art, especially for its time it’s certainly impressive, it’s too bad that the level is really boring otherwise. A lot of the elements blend together and it can be difficult to decipher what layer anything is supposed to sit on, not only does it hinder the gameplay but it just isn’t very aesthetically pleasing to look at a bunch of individual assets that don’t mix into the environment anywhere. The amount of jump indicators and typography ruin the immersion for me even further, it’s as if they got lumped together with the rest of the designs as an afterthought rather than an aesthetic choice. The level also has nothing going on aside from its visuals, the several cutscenes and the lack of player engagement overall makes it such a dull experience despite the massive volume of content cramped into every part. Although the experience is a lot more coherent when put into contrast with knots’ other work back then, I don’t think it salvages enough for me to glance past the poor design choices, it leaves a lot to be desired from it