Rating Curve

'if pg1004 saw this level i'd bet they'd crash out' -dustd3vill (from the comments section of "Milky Ways Redux")

It's pretty crazy to think that we live in a society in which "Milky Ways Redux" by Split72 technically has a higher rating than "Indosiar" by Reunomi. The rating system has never been perfect since its conception, and leaving the decision of what gets rated or featured to one single man has inevitably led to many great levels going under the radar and remaining unrated. However, I think "Milky Ways Redux" getting featured of all things just goes to show how flawed the GD rating system truly is. The GD rating system has always been accused of running on a system of nepotism and name recognition, and "Milky Ways Redux" is one of the most egregious examples of these allegations having veracity to them.

It's an extremely bland and forgettable level. There's exactly one thing I like about it, and that's the way the rainbow blocks exit the screen in the ball part. Aside from that, it's doesn't have any redeeming qualities that allow it to stand out or remain in the memory of the player. You could argue that its blandness is meant to evoke that of a GD World level, after all, it's part of the Zen Dash project (which I understand to be a crude take on GD World). But even GD World levels have much more of a unique identity than this very unremarkable level. While they are extremely short, GD World levels can easily be remembered and distinguished from one another. I still remember the black-and-white contrast that appeared in "Machina", the mirror portal in "Striker", the purple checker-block pattern combined with the graveyard background in "Space Pirates", as well as the Challenge-esque design of "Frontlines". Other than that ball section, I doubt that there's anything I will take away from this. It doesn't really feel like a GD World level as well (which is funny considering its intent to pose as a facsimile of one).

It would be fine if this level just got a rate. In fact, if it came from a less prolific creator there's a much higher chance that it would have just received a rate. I just think that "Milky Ways Redux" being featured only acts as more damning proof and evidence that the rating system requires an overhaul.

generic nine circles level but it's pink

I'm all for levels which choose to embrace their silly side (see "Imagination Nation" by squishyj as an example), but sometimes, you just need to learn to dial it down. I've not been a fan of "boogie" since it released. It's a level which tries so desperately hard to be cute and quirky and whimsical that it's nauseatingly painful to play through. It's been described as being "BUSSIN" for girls, although the main difference here is that at least "BUSSIN" was aware of the fact that it was a cringe, brainrot level; what makes "boogie" so frustrating is how wholly sincere it is in trying to be as sickeningly cute and adorable as possible. It might be one of the most punchable GD levels ever made in how 'uwu rawr so quirky ^-^ ♥︎' it becomes, and this is coming from someone who normally loves sincerity in levels. The level genuinely buying into how cute it's trying to be — unlike "BUSSIN" which at least knows it isn't exactly the gold standard of 21st century humor — does nothing but repel me. In fact, it makes the level even more artificial. "boogie" is a level extremely reminiscent of the 'katy t3h PeNgU1n of d00m' copypasta. It's so tryhard and desperate to be quirky that it just leaves a horrible taste. The level is pretty much an annoying, overstimulating TikTok edit designed to capture the attention of 6 year olds. It's devoid of any self-awareness and I personally just despise it.

"boogie" is just so much worse than "BUSSIN". At least "BUSSIN" was ironic and somewhat aware of how stupid it was. "boogie" is a level completely convinced and deluded by its own cuteness.

"i do not care if you sing get off my screen right now" —Bii (from the comments of Tickle GD's level "The Birdy Singer")

The primary reason I remember this level is a now-deleted video from Elisione about how "The Birdy Singer" was the worst featured level in Geometry Dash. It probably isn't the worst, but that's hardly a compliment. It's certainly no "TicklishWolfy", but that doesn't mean it's any better of a level. The gameplay is pretty terrible, as is expected for a Tickle GD level, and "The Birdy Singer" as a whole just looks extremely cluttered and messy with its clashing, discordant and nauseatingly vibrant color palette. I wouldn't nearly be as harsh towards its distinct and cartoonish artstyle if Tickle just didn't feel the urge to shove his foot fetish into this level. I get it, people have the right to be whatever they want to be into, but that doesn't mean they should unnecessarily and unsolicitedly sprinkle it into every single project they make. Tickle's obsession with feet could rival Tarantino's, although the main difference is Tarantino can actually make good films (even if his 'interests' tend to leak in). I have yet to play or witness an actually good (or even just mediocre) Tickle GD level.

When the 9* remake is easier than the original 4* level, you know there be must be something terribly wrong with the original level. "P0RTAL" — an attempted remake of the game of the same name — is one out of many levels and reasons as to why map packs have ascended to such infamy within the community. To start, it's frankly a very boring and tedious level to play and sit through. There's a few annoying places to die and nothing sucks more than having to get through some of the most mind-numbing gameplay to get back to where you were. Some of the moving objects can be pretty unpredictable at times and the level's whole gimmick can't help but feel like a nuisance. The level's design is pretty bare-bones, plain and empty except for some nice (copy-and-pasted) pixel art here and there. Sure, the emptiness might help capture the atmosphere of a sterile laboratory, but it just feels lazy and rushed.

At the end of the day, "P0RTAL" is just another reason why people hate map packs so fervently.