[Review #8] “Crow” by Smitty23 (Demon)
Channel: TheZinkYT
Date: 12/07/2021

Here we go with another review boys, let’s run it!

This level is very special. There’s just something about it that resonated with me when I first played through it. I absolutely love it when levels have themes, and this crow theme here is executed so well. The little details play a part in that execution for sure. For instance, watch the crows perched on the tree background during the beginning. The creator didn’t have to animate them looking around and squawking, but they went out of their way to do so and it makes all the difference. I’m also a fan of the elegant floral designs on the blocks, they add so much more to the theme and fit in with the dignified nature of the song. A flaw I find with this level is most of the time the structures don’t feel very connected, making the level look unnecessarily unprofessional. The most obvious example of this is at 85%, the huge gap gives this part a dissociative feel and is very out of place. While I find the messiness of this level to add extra charm to it, sometimes it’s just a little too much to ignore. The sudden background changes at 78% could’ve been implemented much better, at the moment they feel super out of place. Maybe adding some flashes or pulses to go along with them would help. The last gripe I have is how empty the blocks are during the buildup at 56%. Normally I think having buildup parts be less intricate is fine since they’re setting the stage for the most intense part of the level, but the foreground here just doesn’t have enough substance for me. Other than that, this level has fantastic atmosphere and a feel that is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. Love it!

As for the gameplay, it is extremely enjoyable! There’s a few weird choices that were made that cause some odd timings, such as during the dual at 39% and during the final cube. But if you can get past that this flows super well and goes very well to the music. Highly recommend this! 

Thanks for watching!
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