10 Perfect Examples Of Level Design In Video Games

One of the most complex stages from the game, Airship Fortress introduces multiple elements, balancing them perfectly as the player moves through the stage with relative speed.

There’s a nice sense of flow; the various hazards placed in perfect succession, providing ample challenge without hindering the flow of the stage, eventually culminating in a perfectly timed conclusion. It’s progressive, gradually building in intensity until the moment of conclusion.

In this respect, Airship Fortress is a standout stage, ranking among the best in the entire series. Visually, it’s the most interesting – and the music is phenomenal – but the reason it’s remembered so fondly is due solely to its design. Assembled with a specific pace in mind, pushing the player onward, challenging them without resorting to underhanded enemy placement and irregular platform placement, the missiles – though frequent – are easily avoided, keeping the player focused as they speed through the section, rather than interrupting the pacing.

Airship Fortress is one of the more memorable stages from the game – as well as many player’s favourite – for a reason beyond the catchy music and interesting visuals: the level design.