Map: Gustav's son
Author: Polana
Type: Challenge/Maze
Size: Medium
Difficulty: Hard
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Here we have an unofficial sequel to an old Nifflas level, 'Gustav's Daughter'. The setup, play-style, and conclusion are very similar, but the world you explore is not! Let's have a look, shall we?
Playthrough
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We begin with a brief introduction, explaining the situation. Gustav's son, (whose name is George, btw) has locked himself in his father's cellar after having an unknown argument with his sister. Juni agrees to help look for the key in exchange for some pickled gherkins. One thing you notice fairly quickly about this opening is that it isn't lain out very well. The screen keeps shifting slightly between scenes and the introductory text is not framed well. Regardless, it's better than having no opening at all.
The game starts you off with only the run powerup, and allows you to set off from there. The first thing you notice about this level is the eclectic soundtrack, featuring music that isn't very long, but that isn't too much of an issue since you will constantly be running in-between different areas. Just like the first level, back-tracking is the name of the game as you hop around, find powerups, and then find out where you can use those powerups to find more powerups until you eventually get to the key you need to unlock Gustav's cellar.
The artwork is also very eclectic. While some areas, mainly the neighborhood where you start look rough, others are very clean. A prime example is when you travel between the main area and Sky city. As a result, I ended up liking parts of the level a lot more than others. To be honest, I think this would have worked better if this level had also carried over the World Map feature from Gustav's Daughter. At least then, these areas would be better defined and more separated by distance.
End:
After you've traveled the world and found the key, you return to Gustav's cellar and unlock the door just like in the first game. Upon doing so, you get the ending cutscene, where you save the day, and get your 'revard'.
Secrets:
There is one secret worth mentioning, though it is fairly minor and of no consequence, other than providing a small shortcut. In the underwater brick tunnels with the candles, Juni wonders exactly who keeps them lit. If you look around in there, you'll find a secret passage and find the guy responsible for lighting the candles.
Scoring
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Construction:
7/10There are no glaring errors in the level design, though I did find a few pseudo secret passages that didn't take me anywhere. Apart from the main area, I enjoyed the look and feel of the level.
Challenge:
7/10This level is difficult to navigate through, so it definitely qualifies under all of its classifications. I do thoroughly detest the part at x1004 y1003 where you had to jump past that particular roof-hanging obstacle. I hate those things so much.
Exploring:
7/10There is a fair amount to be seen here, and you'll be thorough with every area to find the items you need.
Atmosphere:
6/10While most of the tilesets are quite nice, and I adore the cloud COs, I have to only rate this as 6 because the main area you start out in is so ugly, in my opinion. I'm not sure what the level creator was going for with that, especially compared to the other areas in this level.
Story:
6/10I liked the conversation you have with Frieda, but apart from that, the story is standard.
Secret Hunting: 5/10
The secret I mentioned is really nothing special. It isn't all that well hidden, either, cause I ran into it completely by accident.
Overall Score:
6.33/10 (Solid)This is a good enough level on it's own, though it isn't anything truly spectacular. Due to it's shorter length, though, I wouldn't shy away from giving it at least one play. The good stuff in it is quite good, despite the other blemishes. Take it as you will.