[DJ] Geometrical Egregiousnesses #2: Amnéhilesie by Akiaki

yes ik the "top 20" was supposed to be next but i came up with this idea and wanted to try it out, I'll also probably do a positive counterpart to this and make another one (I already think I know what #2 will be lol) if this gets popular or people like it, also the title is exaggerated because I couldn't find a better synonym for atrocity lmao

Please keep in mind that this post is 100% opinionated. I may use other people's opinions to make a point sometimes, but I will never say "this person is wrong" or anything like that.

This level has become relatively famous lately, and I wanted to share my thoughts on it. Yes, you heard that right. I called this a level. Not a layout, a level. I'll explain why in a little bit, but for now, let's talk about why this level is so popular.

The quality of the level isn't where the mass acclaim is coming from. Everyone is praising this level because it's meant to be appreciated for its atmosphere or ambiance. People call this "art in the form of a layout".

Obviously, this type of praise is fine because people are praising this level for being innovative, which is basically what KrmaL is known for. So there's nothing really wrong there. But I have a different opinion on what draws the line between "layout" and "level". I don't think this level is art, or even anything innovative aside from maybe a couple of effects. Here's why:

#1: Amnéhilesie is a level, not a layout.

Let's think about why people make layouts in the first place. While there's other reasons (such as showing off a song), the main reason they exist is to be a base for decoration that comes later. But this level doesn't do that; this level tries to have good aesthetics, but if a layout tries to look good, then it's no longer a layout: it's a level.

Think about auto levels. If you were to make an auto level without gameplay, maybe you would just stick to adding what you need if you're making a level like Fireblast by Berkoo, but if you add any gameplay at all, then it would no longer be an auto level. I believe the same thing should apply if you swap the roles of the gameplay and decor. If you add decor in a gameplay-only level, then it's no longer a gameplay-only level, and vice versa.

#2: This level isn't very innovative.

Everyone likes to talk about how innovative this level is, but really, it isn't anything that special. I guess the most innovative thing about this level is the grainy "film" effect towards the end.

And I guess one or two pieces of art look cool, but overall, this level isn't really all that original. Levels that have been praised for their ambiance already exist (though they've done it better because they've had the benefit of being decorated). Levels with half and half dual gameplay already exist (e.g. Yin and Yang by Nasgubb). Black and white levels already exist (a lot). This level isn't anything special.

I guess if anything, the song choice is really cool, but I don't think a level should be seen as innovative just because of the song choice.

#3: This level isn't even that good.

There's really nothing that great about this level, especially the gameplay. This level's gameplay is frankly bizarre. It has a swarm of invisible portals and blind transitions, not to mention this level is very flashy in some places:

And in of ambiance and visuals, I suppose this level is alright with the rose art and the roman numerals. Not to mention that this level is very empty and really lacks color aside from different shades of white and red.

I just don't think this is a good level in itself.

Closure

So now that I've established why I think this is a level instead of a layout and explained my thoughts on it, the question is now: do I think this level deserves a rate? I'd say no. Even with some cool effects and the fact that I don't think this is a layout, I still don't think this level should be rated because it isn't really all the good visually, and the gameplay (the star of the show) isn't really all that good. I guess maybe I could see this level being given a star rating for its level of detail (and that it looks better than some actual rated levels, like pretty much everything in Schady's catalog tbh), but if it were to get one, I wouldn't really agree with it.

Score: I guess 0/10? It's kinda hard when you look at this level from multiple points of view. This level is probably worse than Power (which got a 0/10), so let's go with a 0/10 for now.

Next Egregiousness: Something recent and controversial.