Rating Curve

"seeker of demon" was the first demon I ever beat, so I'll always hold it close to my heart, even if it is pretty ugly and discordant compared to many of its contemporaries. It's an undeniably messy level and definitely not the best, shining example of what 1.7 was really capable of. Strangely enough, it's pretty charming for what it is.

It's a highly recommendable beginner demon that isn't a secret way demon like "Ruined Planet" or "ABCD…", and it's also not "The Nightmare" or "The Lightning Road" (levels which pretty much everyone has already played and beaten). It might not be the go-to beginner demon now, especially with more accessible and palatable levels like "Shiver" existing and pushing older beginner demons out of the spotlight (in 2018, you didn't have many options for extremely easy demons). However, I still think "seeker of demon" is a good demon to 'seek' out for your first demon completion. The adrenaline that I felt when I beat it for the first time was simply incredible.

At its core, "Special Thx" is an incredibly beautiful and earnest tribute level. Even if you're not explicitly present or named within the obscenely large sea of usernames this wondrous level is dedicated to, it's hard to deny the emotional impact that level this genuine and from the heart is able to have. I have to admit this is one of the only GD levels that I would say has emotionally moved me to some extent. It's an extremely heartwarming and sentimental level that doesn't ever get too treacly in spite of the inherent cheesiness that tribute levels often seem to contain. It's a cathartic level that at times has this daunting sense of finality. It almost feels like viewing the credits after attaining a 'True Ending'. It's a grand and passionate farewell to the longest era in GD History and a hopeful glimpse forwards into the next.

In my humble opinion, I think BrainETR just has to be one of the most talented creators still working. Levels like "JAUNT" are a masterclass in gameplay. Levels like "Oahu" or "Storm Searching" are a masterclass in atmosphere. Levels like "HideOut" are a tour de force with regard to song representation (and all aforementioned categories). And levels like "Special Thx" and "Get Your Wish" just give you the feels. It's outstanding just how versatile BrainETR is.

"Good morning" is a particularly bizarre and surreal early 2.2 platformer level that closely emulates the dizzying sensation of getting up far too quickly for your own good. It's a completely nonsensical fever dream that tries far too hard to be absurd for its own good. Regardless, it's an interesting artefact for those later down the line who want to discover how baffling and bewildering some early 2.2 levels could be.

"Pusheen Party" might be one of the most adorable levels to ever be made. The animations are criminally cute. The art is simply spectacular and the song couldn't be any better! Just such a charming, sweet and heartwarming level. <3

Not every creative decision may work here (with the text being used as jump indicators for the first UFO section certainly being a little distracting), but "vVv vVv vVv vVv vVv" is an interesting level overall. It's certainly one of BrainETR's more 'experimental' releases if I were to label it, with it being made almost entirely out of pulsing objects, save for the final cube section. It being built primarily with pulsing objects definitely gives it a unique visual style, although it's still recognizably a BrainETR level from a glance. I think it's a pretty cute tribute to Michigun, even if isn't necessarily the most 'Michigun' themed, with the only explicit ties and references to Michigun being the expository endscreen and a few triple spikes. Regardless, it's an interesting level. "Fluorescent Journey" is another 'experimental' level by BrainETR which also uses pulsing objects, through I think it slightly has the edge over "vVv".

DISCLAIMER: "HOTTIE" by Elisione does NOT feature any hotties in it, contrary to its title. It does feature a pretty decent level though, so if you're into that, feel free to play it.

All jokes aside, "HOTTIE" is pretty decent. It's one of those incredibly inoffensive levels where I can't really comment on anything except for the title. It's not extraordinary or revolutionary by any means, but it's not bad either. It's just an extremely solid level that's serviceable for what it is. Nothing more. Nothing less.

The song tearfully asks 'Why Did You Leave Me?' only for the level to nonchalantly and bluntly respond 'Because You Play GD'. It's a heartbreaking and evocative tragedy that's almost as old as time itself, if time was only 6 years old, of course. Even then, it still remains as devastating as it was when it first came out. Not all wounds can be sealed by the sands of time.

Setting its comedic song + title choice aside, "Because You Play GD" is a very solid level from Elisione. Elisione definitely has an extremely distinct and recognizable style when it comes to structuring, and "Because" is no exception. It manages to be an extremely euphoric and upbeat level in spite of its song's seemingly depressing title, bursting with rainbows and life in spite of the underlying sadness within the song. Visually, it's pretty stunning and dynamic thanks to the torrent of vibrancy it supplies and I think it's a level that really holds up to this day!

generic nine circles level but it's pink

AudieoVisual's "LIMEADE" is the Geometry Dash equivalent to an earworm. Catchy. Memorable. Punchy. Infectious. And I think it's almost impossible to get that little 'Lemonade was a popular drink and it still is' voice-line out of your head. It's an exceptionally polished level where everything comes together to form an incredibly smooth and refreshing final product, much like a serving of 'limeade' under the sun. I don't think it would be incorrect to label it 'level of the summer 2024', because everything about it just screams and exudes 'summer'. From the bold and vibrant typefaces that stand out to the insanely clean designs it brings, "LIMEADE" is a level that just fizzes with fun and excitement.

"BUSSIN" may just be pure brainrot, but at least it's a level that is aware of this fact, unlike a certain "boogie" that's completely deluded by its supposed cuteness (when in actuality it's just annoying, not cute). It very much knows that it's stupid and unfunny and I think the level's own knowledge and awareness of this actually makes it funnier than if it were a full-on and unironic celebration and parade of brainrot. A heavily ironic commentary on 21st century humor and internet culture, "BUSSIN" will undoubtedly be a time capsule for the dark, dark era that was 2024.

For what is essentially a silly joke level, "BUSSIN" has much more effort than probably should have been put into it. It's pretty fun to play (even if boss-fights are always kinda bleh for me) and it's undeniably good-looking and polished (even if I am completely averse to 'skibidi fanum tax' whatever is trending these days with Gen Alpha kids). To be completely honest, I'd argue "BUSSIN" is a level that's unjustly overhated. I understand disliking the mindless brainrot behind the level, but I think it's pretty clear that "BUSSIN" is a level that actively mocks the brainrot, and less so perpetuates it. It's an ironic level in its conception (as is made evident by its use of dead memes) so I'm surprised that its irony seems to be missed on some.

Anyway, hot take here but BUSSIN >>> boogie. Sorry, but just because you have cute anime girls, doesn't make your level any less of an overstimulating TikTok. I'm kinda shocked more people prefer boogie, but then again, cute and popular anime girls have always been a sustainable marketing strategy…