Chains

This whole level revolves around the new element known as the chain. As you can see when you start the level, you are on the top of a ladder. There is a chain extending to the edge of the screen on either side of you. Floating in the air are some energy crystals (which should prove just how energetic they are. You don’t believe me? You try levitating). The energy crystals are obviously not within reach. Also obvious is the fact that this level does not use up the entire playfield, but is instead set in the middle of the playing area. Why? The level really didn’t need a full screen presentation. Having the player have to fall the full length of the screen every time they wanted to grab a crystal was annoying so I decided to reduce the frustration level by reducing the vertical size of the playing area. Reminding designers that they don’t have to use the full screen when designing a level was a bonus.

Using the chain is very easy. There is two ways to get hold of a chain. The first way is to fall on the chain, which can be accomplished in this by walking to the left or the right when you are on the top of the ladder. Even if you are way above a chain, you will automatically grab the chain as you fall into it. The second way is to walk into a chain when you are at the same level as the chain. Judging the level of the chain takes a bit of getting use to as the chain is considered to be level with you when the chain is just above your head.

When you are on the chain you can move left or right by using the same keys you use to walk to the left or to the right. Getting off the chain is as simple as moving to the left or the right as far as the chain goes and then trying to move past the chain. Hopefully, there will be a platform you can walk on or a rope/ladder to grab on to. If not, you will fall. Speaking of falling, this leads to one of the neat aspects of the chain. You can let go of the chain at any time. To let go of the chain, simply press the down key. When you let go of the chain, you will immediately start falling. This leads to the solution for this level.

To solve this level, you simply need to get hold of the chain and move to the left or the right until you are above one of the energy crystals. When over a crystal, let go of the chain. You will grab the crystal as you fall past it. Repeat for the other three crystals. The exit will appear at the top of the ladder. Climb the ladder to exit the level.