Thanks for the feedback. Can you please say on which difficulty you played?

Also speed run levels, you mean level with bosses?

I was playing on normal. It was level 7 and 12.
The levels where you need to run from the jetpacked missile guy, and the lasers following you while having to navigate hallways.

Originally posted by Enuin Rose:

I was playing on normal. It was level 7 and 12.
The levels where you need to run from the jetpacked missile guy, and the lasers following you while having to navigate hallways.

Level 15 then, we will think how we can nerf this guy.

No, it was level 7.
I verified by using the level select

Originally posted by Enuin Rose:

No, it was level 7.
I verified by using the level select

I mean ION Shift has two speed run levels with boss - it is Level 7 and Level 15. Level 12 is a regular level

Originally posted by Enuin Rose:

No, it was level 7.
I verified by using the level select

We’ve just released a new patch that adjusts the difficulty of the boss fight. On Normal, there’s a slight nerf to make the challenge feel more balanced, while on Easy, we’ve implemented a significant nerf to ensure accessibility for all players.

I've played level 7 again to see the changes. It does feel like there's less pressure from the jet-pack guy.
Cleared it in about 7 minutes on Normal, and about 4 on Easy.
It does still feel quite challenging.

I'm not sure how much my knowledge of the map and of the gotcha instant deaths (like the laser below the fire extinguisher) factor in on my clear speeds.

I can still see the map being quite difficult to people who aren't used to this kind of game-play. (I wanna be the guy/boshy, Kaizo maps, etc) I do feel that the boss levels differ quite heavily from the normal game-play and I can see it as a wall for the more casual player.

I did see level 15 (haven't played it) and it seemed significantly less intense than 7 so I believe that with this tweak 7 might be good enough.

There's one moment in 7 where you lose jet-pack guy as you go up vertically while being chased by a laser. I'd recommend adding a checkpoint there if possible. Just to give your players a quick breather and a moment to collect themselves, and to not discourage them that they have to start from the start every time they die. The checkpoint could be removed on higher difficulties to add to the challenge.

Might I also recommend having the original level 7 (non nerfed) as a challenge map? (separate from the normal level progression)
I feel like this game is a stellar opportunity for challenging racing maps, and would look forward to map packs and perhaps a level editor for the community to create challenging runs.

In summary:
Level 7 seems easier but since I know the map now I can't be 100% sure, It could potentially benefit from a checkpoint on lower difficulties.
Also would love to see a separate challenge map option where you showcase harder maps or challenges to the player. A level editor for the community could be a nice addition too.

Originally posted by Enuin Rose:

I've played level 7 again to see the changes. It does feel like there's less pressure from the jet-pack guy.
Cleared it in about 7 minutes on Normal, and about 4 on Easy.
It does still feel quite challenging.

I'm not sure how much my knowledge of the map and of the gotcha instant deaths (like the laser below the fire extinguisher) factor in on my clear speeds.

I can still see the map being quite difficult to people who aren't used to this kind of game-play. (I wanna be the guy/boshy, Kaizo maps, etc) I do feel that the boss levels differ quite heavily from the normal game-play and I can see it as a wall for the more casual player.

I did see level 15 (haven't played it) and it seemed significantly less intense than 7 so I believe that with this tweak 7 might be good enough.

There's one moment in 7 where you lose jet-pack guy as you go up vertically while being chased by a laser. I'd recommend adding a checkpoint there if possible. Just to give your players a quick breather and a moment to collect themselves, and to not discourage them that they have to start from the start every time they die. The checkpoint could be removed on higher difficulties to add to the challenge.

Might I also recommend having the original level 7 (non nerfed) as a challenge map? (separate from the normal level progression)
I feel like this game is a stellar opportunity for challenging racing maps, and would look forward to map packs and perhaps a level editor for the community to create challenging runs.

In summary:
Level 7 seems easier but since I know the map now I can't be 100% sure, It could potentially benefit from a checkpoint on lower difficulties.
Also would love to see a separate challenge map option where you showcase harder maps or challenges to the player. A level editor for the community could be a nice addition too.

We’ve decided to add checkpoints to these levels, but they will only be active on Easy and Normal difficulties. This approach preserves the original design for higher difficulties while making the game more accessible on lower ones.

BTW, thank you so much for your feedback—it truly helps us make the game even better!

Looking forward to the next update.

I've played it again, feels good. Left you a recommendation. Looking forward to possible future content.

Originally posted by Enuin Rose:

I've played it again, feels good. Left you a recommendation. Looking forward to possible future content.

Thank you so much. People are asking for new levels and seems we will release at least one DLC closer to Mach.