A Dance of Fire and Ice

A Dance of Fire and Ice

View Stats:
trapinch Jul 2, 2022 @ 12:28am
True one finger mode
A dance of fire and ice is a one button rhythm game. How far are you willing to go to prove that?

A while ago, I made a post about redoing as many official levels as possible using only one finger. Since then, my skill has improved and there have been multiple new levels added to the game, including DLC. So I'm making it my mission (again) to play this game with just one solitary finger.

Feel free to join me in this journey of rhythm and pain.

Main levels
Every level in number order, most likely the order you might play them. The majority of the early levels are simple enough for anyone to do one finger, which is how the game was designed in the first place.

World 1: Teaches you how to play the game. Most players probably start with one finger anyways, so not a big deal.

World 2: Levels up your skill. Get used to simple beat patterns.

World 3: The first real challenge for a new player, but still simple in design to not discourage playing.

World 4: Introduction to non-square beats. Slow and simple, with a good track to boot.

World 5: Swing tempo is sometimes tough to tap inner corners, but this one is slow enough to be easier.

World 6: Unlocked after the first 5 are completed. Has an irregular beat pattern for the main bit, but just follow the pattern and you'll do fine.

World 7: A bit funky on the beat due to the excess of outside squares, but still easy enough when you get the hang of it.

World 8: More swing, so tight inner corners. Still a fun track, but a step up in difficulty.

World 9: Triangles and squares everywhere. If you're still inexperienced, your finger might hurt after this one.

World 10: Another swing level. The main difficulty of this song is the higher speed compared to earlier levels, alongside the sharp corners that come with the tempo. I used to hate playing this song because of that, but the cheery tune and calm piano have grown on me.

World 11: If you're not prepared for the speed increase, this level might catch you off guard with its patterns. Long live the rat king.

World 12: The last hurdle to overcome before you finish the main levels. Tighter triangles are the main tough bit, so prepare for that.

That concludes the main levels, and your journey is finished. Except of course...

World B: A large step in the learning curve, since you unlock it after beating world 6. I saved it for here because you're gonna need that extra practice for it. High speed means fast turns. Turns that rival that of world 12's triangles, but now as square loops as well.

Okay, NOW you're done the main levels. So, what else is there?

Extra levels
Found on the island above the main area, this hosts bonus levels for you to test and hone your skill. That's probably what it's there for, right? I recommend doing a few of these before world B as well, but it's up to you.

World XF: Basically a combination of levels 2 and 6. Not too hard.

World XC: Has some quick corners and squares, but manageable.

World XH: Fast beat with heavy distractions. Careful around the diamonds, they're sharp.

World PA: Still one of my favourite tracks. Midspins are plentiful and fun.

World XR: Very tight triangles is this level's gimmick. Utilise the halfway checkpoint if need be.

World RJ: Hate to break it to you, but unless you're extremely fast with your finger, this one is impossible. The thing that makes this level impossible is the unique mechanic of having notes that need two simultaneous inputs. It is possible to hit when the input is staggered, but again, it needs to be insanely fast. Good luck.

Muse dash collab levels
Exactly as the name suggests, this pack of three has songs from Muse dash. The third song is actually a level from the workshop made official! Pretty cool!

World MN: Climbing track with many midspins flavoured as Muse dash notes. Fun and simple.

World ML: Fast pace with swing triangles combined with square corners. Difficult, but manageable with practice.

World MO: The workshop level of considerable difficulty. With only one finger, it's comparable to a crown island level.

Speaking of which...

Crown island levels
These are the toughest of the tough. The highest rank you can achieve. And ultimately, near impossible to beat with just one finger. But for the sake of clarity, I'll explain why as best I can.

World XO: If you can hit fast enough, the first ~40% isn't the worst. Right after that is the speedy squares though, not to mention the mega square. If you have fast enough finger dexterity and constitution, I firmly believe that this level can be beaten. Howver I do not, so it's not happening for me.

World XT: This one is full of speedy turns and elevator patterns, which is hard enough on its own. Combine that with a single finger challenge, and you have a recipe for hurt. I do know that on my last post someone went and beat it like this though, so I'll link that here for you. I don't have the power needed to grind for that completion though.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DuvfpuZ4n_0&t=1s

Spoilers for DLC levels
This area is about the Neo Cosmos DLC. If you do not wish to know about them, scroll past!



The DLC levels are much more different than the ones in the base game. Introducing new mechanics such as hold notes, free roam, and triple balls , this is a change of pace from everything else you've experienced so far.

World T1: Surprisingly easier than I thought it was gonna be going in. Don't underestimate it though, especially if you're still learning the mechanics.

World T2: Everyone loves irregular beat patterns, right? I certainly do. Keeps me on my toes, which is a good thing. Introduces you to midspins, just in case you didn't play level PA.

World T3: No hints here! But completely possible.

World T4: Favourite track of the DLC. Tutorial says to try using two fingers. I say not right now. Introduces triple ball mode . Beware the section of squished 3 hits.

World T5: Very difficult, not quite on par with crown island levels, though I considered it. End section is the toughest part, not to undermine the rest of the level of course. You're gonna need those checkpoints.

Slight spoilers past here for those who haven't finished the DLC yet.



Once T5 is completed, you unlock the EX/slumpage versions of the first four levels. New patterns, higher difficulty, another set I gotta test my skills on.

World T1EX: Mostly the same, midspins added in places and extended the end for new patterns. Don't underestimate familiarity within the unknown.

World T2EX: Suddenly I don't like irregular beat patterns. In all seriousness, high distractions accompanying the change in patterns can throw you off, so be wary.

World T3EX: No hints here, again! But it's gotten harder now.

World T4EX: Now with extra midspins for more flavor! As well as some tighter patterns in the later sections for more damage.



The DLC section is now over, for those who scrolled past.

Conclusion
My hand hurts :(

I didn't include speed trials because those are for people who can play fast levels without missing. I struggle at that with one finger, so no thanks. But when new levels get added, I'll come back here to update the struggle. Mark my words.

Reply with some of your attempts on the harder levels to show how cool you are or to prove me weak on the "impossible" levels. Or any level really, if you're proud of it.

Good luck and have fun everyone!
< >
Showing 1-4 of 4 comments
Honestly, I only play with 1 finger because I don't have the motor coordination to switch between two keys. So I plan to finish Neo Cosmos EX worlds, so far all the levels I've played with 1 finger for convenience, including B-X and T4-X, plus all the Speed ​​Trials needed for the achievements. What I can take from this is: don't be like me, this suffering is not worth it. Also, the ideal is to use some small key than using the space key, it's easier to keep a fast pace in my opinion... but there's something wrong with me, because it's only pressing the space key that I feel more consistent in the game
Arbitrario Jul 3, 2022 @ 5:18am 
Originally posted by Nuntius:
Honestly, I only play with 1 finger because I don't have the motor coordination to switch between two keys. So I plan to finish Neo Cosmos EX worlds, so far all the levels I've played with 1 finger for convenience, including B-X and T4-X, plus all the Speed ​​Trials needed for the achievements. What I can take from this is: don't be like me, this suffering is not worth it. Also, the ideal is to use some small key than using the space key, it's easier to keep a fast pace in my opinion... but there's something wrong with me, because it's only pressing the space key that I feel more consistent in the game
galaxy collapse mfs: ah, an unskilled being.
Arbitrario Jul 3, 2022 @ 9:39am 
it might be possible to beat rj with a specific setting
Bluffer Jul 3, 2022 @ 4:45pm 
oh yeah theres a double-tap behavior setting, you can set it to one finger
< >
Showing 1-4 of 4 comments
Per page: 1530 50

Date Posted: Jul 2, 2022 @ 12:28am
Posts: 4