Cloudtop Castlewalls [Contest Level 7 Entry]

[zlaker]

May I ask an actual review of this level by a Level Judge? :P

Did you updated this level or what

Nah I just want hear a Level Judge's opinions about this level :/

[glitch4]

I'm not sure how this will goes but this might be a reason oh why they're not judging.

[zlaker]

You can get a review if you want to get one.

[Fuyu]

You can get a review if you want to get one.

If the Level Judge actually feels like doing so that is.

[Marina]

Cloudtop Castlewalls


Design: 9/10

This was a really great Castle/Cloud themed level with very interesting design choices that made the level unique and enjoyable to play. I liked the usage of the cloud/fog in the foreground, altough at first it was a bit irritating because it was moving as well. You used slopes to make the clouds look natural and the castle ruin-like which I also liked. The custom graphics were appealing and fit the level very good, the only thing I didn't like though was the texture of the castle walls. Another little thing I noticed was that there were candles hanging from the ceiling but they had no flames and no wick either.

The music sounded appealing and added to the cloudy atmosphere of the level.


NPCs: 7/10

The enemies were fitting for the level, especially the bullet/banzai bills and the spinies. What bugged me though was that the variety of NPCs in this level was a bit too large. There were spinies, Rexes, Bob-ombs, Monty Moles, Koopas, Goombas, Piranhas, Bullet Bills and even Dry-Spinies. Now all of these fit into a cloud or castle level, but all of them together just look a bit weird in my opinion.

You made up for it though with some very interesting NPC gimmicks. For example the throwable flip-blocks that are often seen in your levels or the gravity-defying purple block.

Some of the ace coins were a bit too easy to find and others too hard. It was very hard to complete the mystery-warp-box challenge AND then collect the reward, and I also never managed to find all five red coins.


Gameplay: 8/10

This level was very fun to play, it had just the right length and was fun to explore. You had several gimmicks in your level which were all great, but it felt a bit inconsistant because you got a new gimmick thrown at you every two minutes, and then it was only used once or twice. The switch gimmick in the last section was used very well, altough the last section in general was a bit confusing and I felt like I was always missing something.



Over all, this is a very good level, and it's no surprise to me that it placed so high in the contest. This level gets a straight 8/10. I'll check if this level got a 9 from one of the judges, otherwise this will be moved to Pretty Good.

Edit: This level got a 9 or higher from one of the judges, so it will be moved to the Best.