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10. “Domains” by quietmason
“Domains” is built around the concept of item abuse, a term which refers to the many non-traditional uses for items that Mario holds in front of him. For instance, you might grab a key not for its “intended” purpose of unlocking a secret exit, but rather so you can hurl it at a crucial switch. It’s a concept that’s incorporated heavily into a lot of Kaizo design; there’s even a hack series popular with the tool-assisted speedrun community that’s all about obscure and glitchy uses for items.
“Domains” is much kinder than those hacks, yet still manages to be a clinic in innovative ways to use items to overcome the obstacles of a Kaizo level. “This KLDC, I wanted to explore a design style that was fairly foreign to me; I focused primarily on trying to create fresh setups revolving around the P-Switch, an item I hadn’t previously built with,” explains creator quietmason, who also released the 2021 Kaizo hack Fire and Ice. Most of the sections involve escorting a P-Switch to the end, though you’re never carrying it for very long, as you’re expected to drop, throw, and juggle it to clear out enemies and blocks that are in your way. “In making this level, I hoped to offer some interesting new ideas, as well as an opportunity for players to grapple with sometimes cryptic setups in a relatively forgiving setting.”
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