Post by Gfdgsgxgzgdrc on Sept 7, 2020 20:21:01 GMT
I just completed the entirety of Stinkoman 20X6 in order for the first time — or at least I think it was the first time. (I was pretty good at the game when I was younger, but I don't remember playing it linearly all that much.) Anyway, in doing so, I came up with a not-quite-definitive ranking of my opinions on the levels, listed worst to best. So here's that if anyone cares at all. I won't be discussing the bosses so much, because there's too much to say about them, and they're very often disconnected from the rest of the level.
Here's hoping Level 10 tops the list (and I have no doubt it will)! What are your rankings for the levels? Don't forget to comment down below, and also smash that subscribey bell to help me review Stinkoman levels for a living.
- 9. Level 7 (Ice 2 Meet U) — As great as this level is, I like the rest more. There's the ice physics (what's fun about a game that's hard to control?), freezing to square (what's fun about not stopping or taking breaks?), My Benjes (what's fun about an enemy you can barely hit?), and that impossible bit with the Seeper Mos everywhere (which would be a lot more fun if it weren't for the ice physics). But if there's one thing I love about this level, it's the branching paths. The paths connect seamlessly in a way that encourages you to decide your favorite route upon repeat playthroughs, so the gameplay always suits your preferences.
- 8. Level 3 (Dumb Wall!) — Level 3.1 is fine. Your gold count never goes down, so as long as you keep punching those raindrops, you're good. 3.2, on the other hand, is unpredictably random and the level suffers for it. You're bombarded with so many items, and your bread count fluctuates so much, it feels like your victory is ultimately decided by chance. This could probably be improved if they just decreased the overall item spawning. Still a fun concept, and I like the shift in music between the two stages, and the fact that the boss turns out to be the wall all along.
- 7-5. Levels 1, 2, and 6 (Go Home!, Pick a Bone!, Stratosfear!) — I don't have any strong opinions (positive or negative) on these levels, so I'm putting 'em here in the middle, in no particular order. They's good, but there's not a lot to say about them, and nothing really sticks out to me looking back on these.
- 4. Level 5 (Oh, the Moon!) — I always like space levels, and this is no different. 1-Up's kick is less intuitive than Stinkoman's shooty punches, but it's still a fun idea, and encourages you to confront obstacles in a new way. Also, higher jumping is a pleasant change, as is his nigh-invulnerability whilst spin-kicking. Also, possibly best music in the game, plus a surprise Nebulon appearance, and the debut of the Shadowy Figure. Oh, and there are meteors called the Bendini Sisters. Need I say more?
- 3. Level -0 (Negatory!) — I'm pretty sure I voted this one on the "favorite level" poll a while back, but having just played through the entire game, this level is really just more of the same, gameplay-wise. Not that that's a bad thing. I ranked the best two levels so highly because of the unique gameplay, but this level is more about the visuals, which are insane and I love how they call back to all the previous levels. This familiarity is juxtaposed with the unpredictability of the level, riddled with invisible platforms and "glitched" versions of familiar ideas. It's just fun.
- 2. Level 9 (Turbolence) — Flying around, dodging obstacles, saving up shields, and shooting bad guys is so satisfying, challenging (but not too much), and enjoyable. I can tell a lot of work went into making the movement and the level as fun as possible. I especially love the concept of shielding; the way it's executed, how it accommodates varying skill levels, and Shield Alley is a fun idea as well. Also, it's a jungle, but you're flying a spaceship through a fleet of aquatic creatures, culminating in a boss fight with a giant robotic prawn-filled gangster, because why not?
- 1. Level 4 (Fisticuff!) — Another change of pace. Don't get me wrong, I love platforming, but it's nice to have something new to keep things fresh. This is probably my favorite almost entirely due to the unique game mechanic (helping 1-Up through the Lava Zone). It uses the same concept for the entire level, yet it doesn't feel repetitive due to the different puzzles and interesting gameplay ideas it provides. It also provides some continuity (Stinkoman using a fist from the previous boss), which is quite rare in this game.
Here's hoping Level 10 tops the list (and I have no doubt it will)! What are your rankings for the levels? Don't forget to comment down below, and also smash that subscribey bell to help me review Stinkoman levels for a living.