Design: 1.8/2.5The issues with the design are mainly caused by design things that I don't particularly like about the original level as this one is so similar. It's not ugly, but I do find it is a bit too much of a mash-up of different design styles and it looks rather odd. Also, because of it being based on a much older level, it seems a bit outdated. That being said though, the design is pleasing.
Decoration: 1.4/2In terms of quantity, there is almost no faulting the decoration. If anything, I find some sections have too much decoration, especially the first section. The one issue I do have is that the decoration hasn't been brought up to date enough, and some bits I do find a little bit on the unattractive side.
Gameplay: 2.9/4.5Your point being made about the decoration being too distracting is a major gameplay issue which I am going to pick up on a bit later on. Never sacrifice gameplay for "pretty backgrounds". The same thing happens in the final wave section where you can clearly see the background but can barely see the obstacles. Another issue I found was the spike in difficulty in the level. I find the original graudually increased the difficulty, but this just jumps straight in, and I'm not a fan of that. That being said, the rest of the gameplay can't be faulted. It's fun in areas, and non-existent in others.
Music Synching: 0.9/1When you compare this to the original level I just feel it doesn't have as many gameplay cues synced up with the music as the original. As a whole it is exceptional, but some jumps and some orbs could have been synced with the music.
Creativity: x0.8There's remaking a level, and there's pretty much making very little difference to how a level originally was and how it is now. This is the second case. It's acceptable, but it does knock down on creativity.
Bad/Good Things: x0.85Countless times have I said people should never sacrifice gameplay for some pretty stuff. The whole point of the levels and the game is the gameplay, and the decoration is there to make it look nice. I also find the auto section the beginning a serious issue. Gameplay first, beauty second.
RESULT: 4.8/10 (Needs Improvement)This is another case of gameplay over design combined with reduced creativity. This score could have been completely different if it wasn't for this being just that. The potential is so clearly there, and it's a shame this isn't fantastic.
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