Super Mario Bros. X Forums

...gotta catch 'em all!
This is the last one for now.

http://www.mediafire.com/download/njen9 ... Castle.zip

First note: I liked this level, though it was a pretty regular one.

Visual Appeal
This is probably one of the strongest aspects of the level. I really like the custom tileset and background, especially since they match the level name perfectly. Although, I wish some of the NPCs fit a bit better with the rest of the theme, namely the goomba and koopa. If you recolored the goomba to be gray and the koopa's shell, I think they might fit a bit better. You did that with the key springboard, and signs, so I only see fit to do the same with the koopa and goomba. Other than that, it has a great semi-monotone look to it that doesn't have many flaws.
It looks decent. 7/10

Design
The design really shines in this level, but not literally. The gimmick is somewhat tedious and usually just extends the length of every level that uses it, but it seems to work in this level. Basically, what I do is I have to find a key and have to explore a few sections to find a springboard that is the main component to reaching the key. I have to do this twice before reaching a Reznor boss. Now in these sections, I have to be really careful so I don't fall into lava, and this is one of the greatest things about a puzzle castle like this. It's a pretty good idea when slow-moving puzzle castles have obstacles like roto disc-filled paths that you have to take twice (one to go get an item, one to bring it back) because it's what a harder puzzle level should do: make the player go through paths with just enough platforms to keep them alive. Some of the sections where the corridors are layered on top of each other (namely sections 1 and 9) that connect many flat sections really give off a castle vibe, and the outside sections remind me of Tower of Biased.
Cleverly built castle style. 8/10

Gameplay
The sections without lava moved kind of slow and got pretty boring, so when the sections with lava came around, it really lightened up the excitement in the level, which doesn't happen too often with me. Although the Thwomps, roto discs, and ninjis work in the castle type of level, the koopa and goomba really don't. I'd add dry bones, bowser statues, and maybe even bullies into a level with this kind of theme because those would definitely liven up the level and give it a broader amount of crazy enemies to keep watch out for. The multiple stars give the intention that this would work as a later in-game type of castle. The Reznor boss is a nice touch, although, it's really easy to break with the pillars that the player can jump on and wait for him to stop rolling around for an opportunity to jump on him. Coupled with the fact Reznor never moved for me, the breaking of the boss as well as the stationary part makes this boss fight incredibly easy. Since the boss is so easy, the midpoint is still in a decent spot, right about in the middle of the level.
This area kinda kills the score. 6/10

Music
The music really fits in this level, and I SWEAR I've heard it before! Is it in some sort of Donkey Kong game? Well, it's a great selection for the level. The notes and progression escalate at some points in the song and fit together with some points in the level, and it helps give the player the feeling they'll die soon from either lava or a stupid mistake. The boss fight being the default SMW music, go well with Reznor, so no issues there.
Great Music Selection! 8.7/10

Not too bad, 7.5/10

Moved to Pretty Good.

Would you believe me if I told you this was planned as 1-4?

The music is Bowser's Castle from Mario&Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story.

I probably didn't redo all of the enemies, namely Koopa and Goomba, because I got carried away by the atmosphere. Or I wanted to have something which holds on to classic mario castles.

I'm aware about the reznor fight being easy. I had trouble finding a good boss for this and the pillars are there because this was going to be literally the first boss in the game.

The real-castle-vibe was my main inspiration with this; glad you liked it!