Rating Curve

Deadlocked is probably my 3rd favourite official level behind Blast Processing and Clubstep. While the other 2 excel in their simplicity, Deadlocked is a very complex level. It uses many of the 2.0 features in very unique ways while not feeling cluttered or inconsistent in quality. Deadlocked very much feels like the ultimate challenge in terms of official levels, and lives up to that hype. Compared to Clubstep and ToE 2, Deadlocked is much more wild in its gameplay and visual design, and is much more difficult in comparison. The beginning starts in an almost lifeless setting, with very static gameplay. As the beat loudens and you pass the green orbs, the level significantly changes. The gameplay suddenly becomes very fast-paced with more complex designs and movements. Deadlocked excels in progression compared to most other official levels, something which is pretty clear when playing them side-by-side. The gameplay generally gets harder as the level goes on, with short breaks after fast-moving sections of the level. One issue I have gameplay-wise is the balancing. If you have beaten Deadlocked or played it for a time you’ll understand that it’s the LEAST balanced Robtop demon, far worse than the ToE 2 ship section or Clubstep’s last third. The wave sections as well as the memory ship feel much harder than other parts of the level, and not in a good way. I do commend Robtop on creatively using new features (The bossfight, the “cannon” part at 30ish%, first and last ships) much better than how a lot of early custom levels did. Visually this is one of my favourite Robtop levels despite its inconsistency. It rapidly switches between dungeon-like, industrial and lava-filled sections for most of the level. However, I think the uniqueness makes it more memorable, and no part by itself is inconsistent in quality, only design. Easily one of my favourite 2.0 levels and just like Clubstep, this gets a 10/10.

i had a really long review but my laptop crashed so i'll make a shorter one.

well rested is one of my favourite levels of all time. i used to think it was mid but after actually playing and experiencing it for myself , well rested is easily an absolute 10/10 and top 10 level oat. the quality and CONSISTENCY is insane over its 7 minute runtime. nothing feels frustrating or unfair save for a few timings. that's all i can really say without parroting others i suppose

this level is like actual peak

the gameplay flows really well with the song and has a nice sense of progression. it’s also really easy to learn and doesn’t have many chokepoints.

the decoration is the example of perfect song representation. it literally feels like the song was made for the level, and the art style sets it apart from a lot of other levels. the decoration is also incredibly coherent across its 3 minute runtime, with no part feeling especially better or worse (because it’s all peak).

despite being a nong level the replacement song is nearly identical to the original, so you don’t miss a lot by being on mobile!

No way they made a level about my school (You can’t play on your laptop EVEN AT BREAKS!) (Nearly 4 hours of classes straight!) (5 minutes to run to the train station!)

level is pretty fun with the red/blue deco being the standout aspect

i killed it

it's murder

go crazy

FLASH ZER KER

this is one of the few levels in recent times to make me audibly laugh...idk why

the gameplay is actually so fucking innovative for the limitations. not only is it entirely 1.0 assets (except the bg and other non-gameplay assets) it’s got no pad or portal usage. probably my favourite mindcap project alongside the likes of limbo and cosmic level

AUSTRALIA FUCK YEAAAAAAH

ABSOLUTE CINEMA

(re-review)

Magistro is probably one of my favourite GC levels and one of my all time favourites. No wonder it placed 3rd in the NCS contest.

Magistro has a sorta flow-esque gameplay style, and it’s one of the most unique submissions gameplay-wise alongside Exotic Soul, Slasher and more. It can get pretty hectic at times (especially around the middle) due to weird camera control usage and unclear hitboxes but if you can learn what to do, Magistro becomes pretty rewarding to play.

The visuals are definitely the reason it placed so high. The level retains an almost “hand-drawn” art style during its runtime which sets it apart from other “realistic” art levels. The effects are also very well made such as the parallax in the drop or the dragon eye near the end.

Magistro also has very good music sync and very accessible gameplay. It’s a good first medium demon for newer players (Tier 4 on the GDDL) although admittedly it should be easy demon due to its shorter length.

What can I say it's fucking CLUBSTEP