Postby Chad » Tue Apr 05, 2016 7:27 pm
Official Review: Fog Gardens
This is a rather pleasant level. The design and gameplay are rather basic, but the construction feels very natural with a nice attention to detail to make this an enjoyable run. There's not a lot of variation here to speak of, mostly consisting of hills and jumps, but the level does a fine job with enemy placements and obstacle arrangements for an easy grassland. I think you could have done more with it than just tunnels of land, like taking further advantage of pipes and sizables to make the player do more complicated running and jumping without necessarily adding to the danger, but as it is the level is pretty functional and sturdy with how it performs. Sizables and pipes add a small amount to the gameplay as they are now, but are decent touches nonetheless.
The only things about the gameplay that bugged me a bit were the non-exit star placements. The pipe leading to Section 3's doesn't stand out at all as something worth exploring, and should have a little side goal attached to it or more clever form of hiding. Give it its own setup so that it looks suspicious. The Dragon Coins are fine and reasonably simple, but the first one isn't linked to the star event properly and the location of the star itself should be indicated better. Perhaps consider putting it closer to the final coin, or have something that makes its current location more obvious even if it's not there. For example, a star outline, or a more noteworthy arrangement around it that looks more devoted to it. I also feel like the baseballs are unnecessary, because I'd rather defeat enemies normally than babysit an item that serves a single tiny optional purpose, but it's also harmless and can be ignored if a player so desires.
Graphically, the level does a super nice job. The tileset's really pretty, the clouds and internal bushes really add to the ground and sky without being excessive, the bushes and sizables match the surroundings wonderfully and are given a good amount, and the birds compliment the cheerful atmosphere. Both the background and music match exactly the happy mood that this level conveys.
Overall, this is a nice level. It sets a great mood, it's not difficult at all, it provides solid design, and the effort clearly shows. It isn't the most original or engaging level and could stand to be a little more complex, but it's enjoyable for what it is, especially if an easier time is the intention.
I give this a 6/10. Pretty Good.