ExtraOff the bat, I was surprised to see CS5 used here, since I normally see it on 5*+, that and usually you have to be far more careful with rhythm and spacing choices, so it's not ideal for a "1st rank" mapset difficulty. I can also say that it makes inconsistencies with visual spacing a lot clearer, which is something I picked up quite a bit with slider bodies and hit objects nearby them. remember that the patterns decide the star rating, not the other way around
HP4 is pretty damn low for something marketed as an Extra, and is really forgiving compared to other maps at this SR (HP5/6 is most common here, with Some lenience both ways). the leniency is really needed. there are quite a few tricky patterns in this map, after many testplays I'm certain HP4 is the best HP for this
Following on from this, I'd expect to maybe see a different AR/OD combination for this mapping style and the other difficulty settings. they're fine
I'm going to go out there and guess that the gimmick of this map is the readability/aim elements, since those are the two things that stuck out to me.
I'll only say this once, so that I don't have to repeat myself a dozen times in this mod: consider the distance between a slider body and another visual component, be it another slider body or hit object. This kinda visual inconsistency is something you wanna avoid on a small circle size, especially when comparing the examples 00:14:976 (1,2,3) - and 00:12:976 (1,2,3) . i like it how it is
Also in cases like 00:12:976 (1,2,3) - You wanna try and make it as obvious as possible that 00:13:476 (3) - has a different SV to 00:12:976 (1,2) . This isn't done with the use of a red anchor slider, since most users associate them with high intensity, fast movement, which contrasts the intended purpose of the slider. Additionally, using a new combo (and specific combo colour) can help distinguish between the different SVs, which is important with smaller CS' because of the smaller follow circle and thus less lenience. but there are no SV changes here.
00:15:976 (5) - Not a huge fan of the location of this note, being overlapped with 00:15:476 (3) . I assume this is supposed to mirror 3's slider head position on the other end of the slider, but I don't think it works particularly well with CS5 :/ oh it wasn't suppose to mirror it, it's just a nice overlap,
and the movement matches the music to me
00:17:726 (3,4) - I can tell this is done intentionally, but I don't quite understand why? Please explain it to me so I know why people do it in the future. i think i've explained it quite a few times now in previous mods. but once more won't hurt. The first note is quiet, but the next two are strong drum beats. I emphasise the drum beats by spacing those notes and not the first quiet note.
00:19:976 (1) - Pretty good use of New combo and Slider shape for change in SV. I'd possibly lower the SV slightly since it seems a little too fast for the music it is mapped to. it's fine how it is imo
00:23:851 (3) - Half in the Slider body whilst in other cases like 00:21:726 (3,4) they barely overlap. the spacing and movement is good though, so prefer to keep it how it is, changing it for the sake of aesthetics might be damaging to gameplay
00:25:476 (2,3,4,5) - This looks disgusting with all the overlaps and tiny visual spacing. I understand that there's a change in the music and the vocals are slower, but it just doesn't work. I prefer how you do it with 00:41:851 (4,5,6) . it plays fine. and visuals are just preference, and i like it
I was willing to ignore some of the other patterns, but 00:52:476 (1,2,3,4) - is just horrible. there's plenty of space that can be used or other patterns/alternatives, rather than using this hard to read, ugly pattern. back and forths are much much easier to play than actually spacing out the note into a pattern.
01:49:976 (1,2,3) - Try and avoid wide angles like these where possible, since even with the 1/2 gaps, it's still a pain to play. nope
01:53:226 (2,3,4) - Looks aesthetically unappealing. i like it
01:53:976 (5,6,7,8) - Pattern doesn't look nice, nor does it play well with CS5. You have plenty of space to map to, use it! it plays fine,
and is similar to many other patterns in the map
01:57:976 (1,2,3,4,5,6) - What on Earth is this pattern? It's not visually appealing (the latter half), and isn't intuitive to read :/ im glad it has my desired effect. looks nice to me also
02:00:476 (1,2,3,4,1) - Pretty weird pattern to have for a 1/4 gap set of notes. thanks
02:24:476 (4) - Should really be a Bezier slider for consistency, and moreso since there's no change in SV, or in intensity. previous mod told me to do this, and i agree with it since there are the "come on!" vocals on this slider
02:25:476 (2,3,4,5) - Not a particularly easy to read pattern. intentional
02:50:851 (1,1) - Goddamnit hahahahaha.
Good luck getting this mapset ranked!