Rating Curve

"Vanilla" is probably one of the best 2.0 levels ever released. Not only that, but I personally think it's one of the best collab levels to be released. While it is called "Vanilla", it's a level that anything but vanilla. An incredibly funky fusion between Skitten, TamaN and JerkRat's styles, it's one of the most dynamic, lively and kinetic levels I've ever played. Its gameplay is exceptionally smooth for a 2.0 level and it plays incredibly well over 8 years since its release (it's not just great gameplay for a 2.0, but it's great gameplay even to this day). It's a level that's extremely fun, not only to play, but its entire spirit and atmosphere is overflowing with a certain ecstasy that makes it diffficult to resist its charms. Its visuals and deco are as vibrant and playful as its gameplay and song are! Rainbow blocks normally look pretty hideous in almost 99% of levels they're featured in, but "Vanilla" is able to skilfully blend them in so they look highly natural and fit very well.

"Vanilla" is a very iconic level (as is made evident by spin-offs such as "Chocolate" by Censr or "Strawberry" by SirHadoken) but none of its bootlegs are able to live up to or match the insanely electric energy that "Vanilla" has. It's such a lively and joyous level that I really, really love.

Playing this level normally and then watching it in reverse is one hell of an experience.

"Deja Vu" is a level that takes 'what if you played a level in reverse?' to a whole new extreme. Sure, doing a level in reverse has been done before (for example, "Well Then" by Zobros or "stereo madness re" by RealKamijo). However, it's never been done quite to the extent or accuracy that xXLOCOXx's "Deja Vu" pulls off the reverse level gimmick. When I mean everything is in reverse, I mean literally everything. The song is reversed, all of the different animations are reversed, the sound effects are reversed, and even tiny details in the background you might not even notice unless you were paying extra close attention are reversed. xXLOCOXx has taken a lot of care into making sure every little detail you can possibly think of within "Deja Vu" has been reversed. It makes for an extra trippy playing experience as you move from start to finish (or should I say from finish to start?) but it's also really impressive just how accurately xXLOCOXx is able to mimic real Geometry Dash physics (in reverse, of course).

Viewing the level in reverse (or rather, in its real, linear order) shows just how much attention to detail has been taken. It's phenomenal how xXLOCOXx has constructed an entire level in reverse that functions completely fine when you reverse it. I know that sounds stupid to say out loud, but the amount of detail and care taken in constructing "Deja Vu" is extremely admirable. It easily could have just been a layout or basic, bare-bones level as a proof of concept but xXLOCOXx really went the whole way to gorgeously decorate it and embellish it with impressive effects and in doing so, show the true extent that time and the most minute of details can be manipulated and warped.

"Deja Vu" is a time-bending masterpiece of a level which I honestly think is xXLOCOXx's magnum opus. It's an excellent level which works excellently well both in reverse and in its 'regular' order (but I'll let you decide what the real, intended order to play/view "Deja Vu" is)

"I built a level" is a very beautiful and heartfelt love letter to Geometry Dash as a whole. It might be a little outdated but that doesn't keep it from being a very powerful, genuine and earnest tribute to a game that's changed so many people's lives. It's a level that comes straight from the heart and while my view on this level may be slightly tinted by nostalgia (especially as this game's been with me for a period of over 7 years), its emotional core is undeniable. The sincerity behind "I built a level" is one of its most deeply affecting facets. It's very rarely that a creator manages to fully spill out their heart and soul into a level they make. Even the title "I built a level" — while seemingly simple on the surface — shows just how personal and intimate of a level it truly is. It's a deftly touching and profound level that is built off the fabric of fond memories and emotions. It is seldom that a Geometry Dash level is actually able to evoke such potent emotions, but "I built a level" is captivating in its sincerity and emotional depth. It's such an amazing, beautiful tribute to a game which has been a cornerstone of my life for so long.

"Fountain" is a very beautiful and thought-provoking level with a touching and profound environmentalist message. It's surprisingly impactful for what it is, and it greatly helps that isn't plagued by being too overly didactic or obvious for its own good.

"Imagination Nation" is a level that wholly lives up to its title. Enjoyable, dynamic, original, and bursting with charm, it's a level that I personally think might be one of the best insane 9* levels on the server, if not the best (and I know how terrible of a reputation 9* levels get, but this one is a masterpiece). Its gameplay is irresistibly smooth and satisfying, and for a 3 minute level, it's consistently engaging and fun to play! Its visuals might seem a little simple for some people today, but they're effective, energetic and have aged very well (I still think it's crazy this level is iver 5 years old as I remember playing it when it came out). It's a level that oozes with color and whimsy and I personally love how it entirely embraces its silly quirks and idiosyncrasies. Both the gameplay and visuals flawlessly match the energy and atmosphere of the level's song (Fox-trot Fletcher, which is actually a banger). The way the level is able to smoothly switch between different landscapes and backgrounds while still feeling like a single cohesive and consistent product is really admirable. Each part doesn't feel tacked on to the next and it's surprising just how well everything fits together

"Imagination Nation" couldn't be a more apt description, especially as there's not really any other level out there which is able to match "Imagination Nation" in its style and flair.

If you haven't played "Experiment" yet, you're missing out on a lot. Just make sure you go into it 100% blind. You won't regret it.

What a behemoth. Innovative, incredible, and simply one of the best experiences I've ever had playing a Geometry Dash level.

Watching a playthrough on YouTube doesn't do "Experiment" any justice. Its premise and concept is impressive, and while a level like AudieoVisual's "IN FI NI TY" may have been one of the first to dive into the whole "breaking the cycle" gimmick, "Experiment" manages to push this to its limits and surpasses boundaries with how it's structured and formatted. I don't think I'll forget the moment when I first played this just after it came out — completely blind — only to be wholly surprised when I "broke" the first cycle. It's an amazing level which excellently communicates its ideas; it never explicitly holds your hand or instructs you on what to do, instead leaving you to "experiment" and come up with interesting ways to leave each stage and move onto the next.

Going into it blind is honestly one of the best things you can do. Sure, that one ship section might be a little annoying on a first playthrough (I remember getting stuck there for a few minutes when I first reached it). However, the level does sneakily provide you a hint in the part preceding it. "Experiment" is probably one of the most original levels to come out in a long while. I don't remember the last time I had this much fun playing a level. Solving each stage's puzzle is really exciting and the way you complete the level is perfect.

Exceptional level and possibly BrainETR's best work to date. It's hard to make an over 3 minute level that's extremely replayable and enjoyable at the same time, but "HideOut" is able to accomplish just that! As an entry for the Space Gauntlet, I think it's a really unique and original take on the theme of "space". The stark contrast between the apocalyptic scenery and its upbeat song make it highly memorable. Its vibrant, colorful, stylised visuals really help it stand out against some of the other entries and the song representation is absolutely on point. While this may seem like a really simple thing to praise, I absolutely love the fact that "HideOut" actually tells a cohesive narrative through its visuals; its aesthetics aren't just there to sit and look pretty but actually aptly complement the story that both the level and song are trying to tell.

I'll always admire BrainETR for being a creator who doesn't sacrifice gameplay for the sake of more stylish visuals. Whenever I see a level is made by BrainETR, I know I'm going to be in for a pleasant surprise. While it may be unfortunate that "HideOut" was barred from the top 20 in the contest, that doesn't prevent it from being a personal favorite in my eyes.