Category: Kaizo

“Little Jogger” by Spikeynator

4h0h20z | “Little Jogger” by Spikeynator @kknrmp | Kaizo, Precise, Teaching

I absolutely love this level. It does a great job of teaching some of the basic mechanics. I really enjoyed the challenges and the increasing difficulty, that was great. I’m not sure if I had done the ocula throw and bounce before.

There were signs and clear indicators everywhere, but still a little bit of space for that lightbulb moment as a player. Each section feels different and the use of backdrop and variety makes the levels aesthetically pleasing

I have a few recommended changes. First, I think for any level like this, there should be a checkpoint after every challenge, even the simple ones. Second, I would consider swapping out the kaizo with beginner friendly. This is a great beginner friendly kaizo level! and I know for me that I generally avoid kaizo levels because they are too hard, but thankfully the diamond indicator exists. Finally, it could be longer! I was surprised it was only 3 challenges, you could easy have 5 and it wouldn’t be too long if you had a checkpoint for each one and a forgiving difficulty curve.

This level unabashedly earns the Popdonk Recommends badge!

Bloco Incomum by Sarium

zq1bgd2 | “Bloco Incomum” by Sarium | Kaizo, Traps

I like this level quite a bit because despite the kazio tag, it’s much more of a puzzling level. Multiple times I would think I knew what I had to accomplish and then it would turn out that I was wrong. Quite inventive and thought provoking. It also does it in a way that scales a bit, so the first trick is easy to learn and thus I keep pushing through the rest of the level.

My one main recommendations would be to use a variety of terrain, and some non-rectangular layouts to provide a sense of realness and cohesiveness, to make it feel more like a real place. Perhaps also some signs or jems to provide a bit more variety. I think with that small change this level would earn the Popdonk Recommends badge for being so clever.