im compiling some research on maps which manipulate specific techniques to provide deeper meaning. maps that just have solid aesthetics are cool and all, but maps which are actually able to convey even the meanest emotions and concepts are always welcome to me. while storyboarding can do this exceptionally well, using actual hit objects has a unique allure that actively rewards playing through the map. this sounds like complete bull, but at its most basic it can just be specific colourhax and slider shapes for a particular instrument. in fact, most of the fun in choice gimmicks like these is that they all are incredibly easy to understand and appreciate, as it's almost impossible to have any highly complex symbolism through lines, colours, and audio alone. however, simplicity does not restrict creativity.
yeah whatever, here are some examples of what i mean. these are all very plain but they are unique. you probably have some better examples.
Monstrata's Piano Man
https://osu.ppy.sh/beatmapsets/1081449#osu/2262286
there's a big google doc which defines most of mr monstrata's intentions when mapping this, notable decisions include repetitive flows to illustrate the song's themes of depression and litany. also, it has the most iconic 5 seconds of any map ranked this year. those 5 seconds are incredibly lame, but that only makes them better.
Monstrata's Goodbye To A World
beatmapsets/561131#osu/1186518
pretty basic stuff, but the linear sliders used to differentiate the robotic vocals are pretty neat.
handsome's The Distance
beatmapsets/580375#osu/1228840
song is called the distance. map has high spacing. pretty cool.
verychill's Apex Of The Vortex
beatmapsets/1206001#osu/2511210
Insane places emphasis on circular flow, Vortex can be clearly seem as a spiral that draws closer and closer to the center as the song continues. Ties in with the song name. Pretty neat.
Heilia's Tokyo Starlight
beatmapsets/1011055#osu/2116308
This one is a stretch, but a circle only diff (starry starry night) emphasizes the stars of the night sky. Fine, I'm out of ideas.
Thanks for reading, nerd. Now feed me your knowledge. The hivemind beckons, and is calling out for examples of cool gimmicks so it can go full high school film critic on them.
tldr: post out of the box gimmicks which represent something cool
yeah whatever, here are some examples of what i mean. these are all very plain but they are unique. you probably have some better examples.
Monstrata's Piano Man
https://osu.ppy.sh/beatmapsets/1081449#osu/2262286
there's a big google doc which defines most of mr monstrata's intentions when mapping this, notable decisions include repetitive flows to illustrate the song's themes of depression and litany. also, it has the most iconic 5 seconds of any map ranked this year. those 5 seconds are incredibly lame, but that only makes them better.
Monstrata's Goodbye To A World
beatmapsets/561131#osu/1186518
pretty basic stuff, but the linear sliders used to differentiate the robotic vocals are pretty neat.
handsome's The Distance
beatmapsets/580375#osu/1228840
song is called the distance. map has high spacing. pretty cool.
verychill's Apex Of The Vortex
beatmapsets/1206001#osu/2511210
Insane places emphasis on circular flow, Vortex can be clearly seem as a spiral that draws closer and closer to the center as the song continues. Ties in with the song name. Pretty neat.
Heilia's Tokyo Starlight
beatmapsets/1011055#osu/2116308
This one is a stretch, but a circle only diff (starry starry night) emphasizes the stars of the night sky. Fine, I'm out of ideas.
Thanks for reading, nerd. Now feed me your knowledge. The hivemind beckons, and is calling out for examples of cool gimmicks so it can go full high school film critic on them.
tldr: post out of the box gimmicks which represent something cool