Terror Bay

[Spinoss]

The level is kinda short but has multiple paths to get to the end. The Yoshi is pretty hard to get, but you probably can speedrun the level with him.
Screenies:

Spoiler: show

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Edit: updated the level according to Chad's review

[bossedit8]

Original Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MEUEKsL1Sbc

[Chad]

This is a pretty awesome level. I really like how most of it is split in half between upper dry portions and lower underwater ones, both of which are fun to explore. You essentially give the player a choice between tricky platforming or precise swimming, and both are pulled off nicely. The level is quite aesthetically impressive as well, with graphics and construction that really set the atmosphere for a dangerous shipyard. I particularly like the water in the background, and the rocky sizables are nice additions to the general theme. However, the latter is a bit lost on players not using 1.3.0.1, so you might want to include it as a "custom" graphic. Also, Yoshi's section is a little bland considering the only things decorating it are a pipe, some clouds, and two pillars. The lightning is pretty cool, though; it takes a bug and turns it into a neat gimmick.

I'm impressed by the level's overall design and enemy placement, because they feel very deliberate in order to ensure an optimal gameplay experience. A lot of care was clearly put into the layout and obstacle arrangement, and the effort pays off quite well. The only design issues are a missing chunk of water right at the end (which isn't even dangerous other than the Sidestepper), and that the level also ends rather suddenly. I'm platforming up above or swimming down below, and all of a sudden, star. I think it'd work better for the flow of the level if you replaced the star's current position with a pipe, and have the pipe lead to a new minimum-sized section containing the star. Other than that, the level is impeccable. The difficulty is pretty fair and balanced all the way through the level. You even incorporate different design styles for different areas, and each style is very well suited to its location.

I don't really review levels all that much anymore outside of the contests, but this one impressed me enough that I was inspired to make an exception. Amazing job on this, and I'd definitely like to see you post more levels. I know my score has no impact on what category it's placed under since I'm not a judge, but I'm still going to personally give it a 9.5/10 because this is exactly the type of level I favor. The length is ideal, the difficulty is a little tricky but not stressful, and the general route is clear but enables exploration without being tedious. The only things stopping it from having a perfect score in my opinion are the tiny issues mentioned above.

[Spinoss]

This is a pretty awesome level. I really like how most of it is split in half between upper dry portions and lower underwater ones, both of which are fun to explore. You essentially give the player a choice between tricky platforming or precise swimming, and both are pulled off nicely. The level is quite aesthetically impressive as well, with graphics and construction that really set the atmosphere for a dangerous shipyard. I particularly like the water in the background, and the rocky sizables are nice additions to the general theme. However, the latter is a bit lost on players not using 1.3.0.1, so you might want to include it as a "custom" graphic. Also, Yoshi's section is a little bland considering the only things decorating it are a pipe, some clouds, and two pillars. The lightning is pretty cool, though; it takes a bug and turns it into a neat gimmick.

I'm impressed by the level's overall design and enemy placement, because they feel very deliberate in order to ensure an optimal gameplay experience. A lot of care was clearly put into the layout and obstacle arrangement, and the effort pays off quite well. The only design issues are a missing chunk of water right at the end (which isn't even dangerous other than the Sidestepper), and that the level also ends rather suddenly. I'm platforming up above or swimming down below, and all of a sudden, star. I think it'd work better for the flow of the level if you replaced the star's current position with a pipe, and have the pipe lead to a new minimum-sized section containing the star. Other than that, the level is impeccable. The difficulty is pretty fair and balanced all the way through the level. You even incorporate different design styles for different areas, and each style is very well suited to its location.

I don't really review levels all that much anymore outside of the contests, but this one impressed me enough that I was inspired to make an exception. Amazing job on this, and I'd definitely like to see you post more levels. I know my score has no impact on what category it's placed under since I'm not a judge, but I'm still going to personally give it a 9.5/10 because this is exactly the type of level I favor. The length is ideal, the difficulty is a little tricky but not stressful, and the general route is clear but enables exploration without being tedious. The only things stopping it from having a perfect score in my opinion are the tiny issues mentioned above.

Thank you very much for the review, it makes me really happy to know that the level was enjoyable. Also thank you for pointing out the issue with 1.3.0.1 graphics, I though everyone would be using the latest version at this point.
I'll take everything said in consideration to make my next levels. Thank you.

[Marina]

Two (or more) judges have approved the review for this level, therefore this level will be moved.

However it has been a concern of several judges that the score for this level was a bit too high, so we advise someone who is willing to do so to re-review this. I'll probably have a look at it later, but for now this level gets moved.

[glitch4]

BTW in irc i linked gluigix to that review.