u/bassistheplace246

Zeffo might be among my favorite designed maps in a 3D metroidvania, let alone any 3D title for that matter. Dark Souls 1 has my favorite level design of all time and has spoiled me rotten since. I can name only a handful of games that have scratched that itch, and JFO is among them.

My first playthrough, I thought Zeffo was one linear romp to the first tomb, but once I got the Push ability and gained access to the Ice Caves, that all changed (the beauty of the MV genre, amirite?). What I thought was going to be a long runback to the Mantis became a rare “Undead Parish elevator” moment- but instead of that one elevator going back and forth, you now have a hub that connects the three major areas of Zeffo. Outside of the Ice Caves, almost every area on Zeffo connects to at least two others both with the shortcuts you’ve unlocked and abilities you acquire later. I was initially salty about the lack of a fast travel feature in JFO (which was later added to Survivor), but I completely understand now it was done to let the level design shine and encourage you to make your own shortcuts.

Well done, Respawn, and thank you for your contributions in making this, Vince. 🕯️

…and there’s a special place in Satan’s rectum for companies who ghost you answering them all