Rating Curve

Maximalism at its finest. I wish core levels made a comeback.

"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 It might be a little outdated but that doesn't keep it from being a very powerful, genuine and earnest tribute to a game that's changed so many people's lives.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.

FEATURING: THE CREATOR'S BARELY-DISGUISED FETISH

Terrible gameplay. And some of the most terrible visuals in a Geometry Dash level to date. What else is there to say? Not to mention, the end of the level is basically terrible fetish art. An abomination that might have been better off not seeing the light of day.

Fun fact: Did you guys know this level used to be featured? No clue why. But I guess Rob found out about the ending so it was unfeatured (fortunately)

"Ferris Wheel" is a criminally underplayed level. Despite having only a measly 7.6k downloads, it's probably one of the most creative, unique and fun harder 7* levels I've played. It has a very simple gimmick: most of the orbs in the level are arranged in a circular manner and spin around, not too dissimilar from a ferris wheel. However, what it does with this gimmick is actually pretty refreshing and novel. It's rare that I play a typical harder level and get blown away by the gameplay, but "Ferris Wheel" is extremely enjoyable at what it does. It's honestly weird that not much levels out there take advantage of cyclical orb structures, because "Ferris Wheel" proves they can be very, very fun indeed if they're executed correctly. It's a very aptly named level, as not only are the orbs mini ferris wheels but the entire level itself takes on the appearance of an amusement park. I do think being designed after an amusement park is appropriate, especially as it is one of the most fun 7* levels I've ever had the pleasure of playing

But seriously, it's kinda sad how unnoticed it's gone for 2 years. How does this level only have 7.6k downloads? I don't know. All I can say is the level's only real sin is the fact that it lasts too short. I really wish it could have lasted a little longer...

I've never necessarily been the biggest fan of most experimental or avant garde GD levels, but "Cacophony" surprisingly impressed me. I think it might be my favorite level of the "HTTCCoEaA" quadrilogy. Perhaps it's because it adapts my (personal) favorite part of "How to Take Complete Control of Everything and Everyone". The way the song builds up from the first cube to the final wave in this level is simply divine. In fact, it's a level which is heavily carried by its almost ethereal atmosphere, not only due to the incredible song but the level just has a certain je ne sais quoi that makes it all the more evocative. It starts off at a regular speed, ramps up its velocity as it progresses before it finally explodes and just lets it all out in its clashing yet skilful finale. "Cacophony's" final wave shouldn't be as good as it does. In fact, if it was in any other level, it would be nothing more than a hideous and discordant mess of colors. However, somehow, "Cacophony" is able to make it work. It slowly and meticulously escalates and allows itself to build up alongside the song before ending with a complete bang.

It shouldn't be as good as it is, but it is. I personally it to be much more evocative and atmospheric than its mess of a predecessor.

"Man Man" is a level that could easily be criticised for being cheap shock value. It's the Geometry Dash equivalent of an exploitation film, a discordant and sleazy smorgasbord of sex, guts and gore that only exists to provoke and offend people's moral sensibilities. In spite of it easily succumbing to such criticisms and scrutinies, you can't deny that it's a very well-made level with a brooding and nasty atmosphere that just makes you want to have a shower for having played it. The artistry and effort is undeniable even if the final product may come off as tasteless or insensitive to some. It's very shameless with regard to its nature of being labelled as "cheap", "schlocky", "torture p*rn" or any other negative monikers one could assign it. I mean, it literally has parts which are entirely encased within rotting flesh, a woman's decapitated corpse as its endscreen, buckets of blood which could rival the 2013 Evil dead remake and literal sexual imagery placed within it. 2003devin's audacity — with regard to his level-making — isn't more apparent in any level than "Man Man". It's a tacky smoothie of controversial imagery which I kind of have to respect for its boldness.

An almost 15-second long intro is absolutely criminal no matter what level it's for, and perhaps the gameplay is a little boring for a level that's 5* difficulty, however, "GaMoRa" is thankfully saved by its striking and stunning visuals. It's a very solid space-themed level from FunnyGame/GeoGame that still holds up well to this day, and you can't deny that it looks amazing even if its gameplay is a little bare-bones and basic.

I think this is probably one of the most underrated FunnyGame levels out there. The transitions during the drop might be a bit iffy and it might be a bit too overly edgy for some people's liking, but "Persona" is a really solid addition to FunnyGame/GeoGame's level-ography (or I guess portfolio might be a more appropriate term). The effects are really impressive for a 7 year old level and I remember being amazed when it first came out. There's the blurry text within the first ball section (which might be a bit too heavy-handed, but I still really appreciate the blurring effect, especially as it kind of reminds me of a more advanced version of the blurring effect in "Reincarnation"), the incredible explosion that builds up to the drop (an effect that still holds up very well) as well as the entire drop which is basically an effect showcase in itself. I think the effect of the crescent moon shape(?) turning into dust and vanishing is really well done for its time. It's a flawed level, sure, and it's certainly uneven in quality but it's probably one of GeoGame's best.

"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.

"Amorous" is a level so excessively sweet it would probably rot your teeth if it was a food. Jayuff is probably one of the most consistent creators quality-wise, and "Amorous" is no exception to Jayuff's admirably long streak of bangers back in 2.1. Its ambience and visuals are unmatched as I would personally label it as being the Valentines level of Geometry Dash. It's got every convention of a Valentines Day card you might pick up from the store: endless amounts of hearts, ungodly amounts of pink, rainbows, bubbles, ferris wheels, rollercoasters, and an adorable teddy bear as a bossfight. Name something from a cheesy romance and it will probably be within Jayuff's "Amorous". Perhaps the sentimentality might be a bit cloying for some players, but I think it's an entirely earnest, cute level that's much better than an epic rated 5* from 2018 has the right to be. Its designs are clean, its song is whimsically energetic (hell, I've even used it in some of my levels) and it's undeniably adorable as hell.