Originally posted by TorchkasReminder though that there are still right ways and wrong ways to use vanilla graphics. Plastering your screen with cement blocks will still give you a lower score than if you can properly balance your layout (look at SMW's use of symmetry and graphical motifs for example). Different judges will have different ideas about this, but things like clutter and bad aesthetic flow will cost you points. This is kind of where design and aesthetics mix in my eyes.
Agreed. Continuing on from Wind Fish's comment in SNN's fan-judging thread so it doesn't go too off-topic, there are of course, people who have different opinions on good level design, creativity, and aesthetics, however, despite what SNN said and the "VLDCX memes" going on about all design, no aesthetics, that doesn't mean you should just go plain vanilla or just use really ugly blocky aesthetics.
The point of this contest is to try to make levels that stand out, look and feel unique and creative, and plays well with its design and gimmick all executed well to be fun, amazing, and memorable, in hopes that maybe we'll win or get a good score. While several people like me are not all that fond of people going with pure vanilla SMW palettes and aesthetics and prefer people making newer, more unique-looking stuff, others may find it to be as good as newer, unique-looking aesthetics, and as long as something looks good and isn't disorienting, the aesthetics score for those who aren't bored of vanilla SMW stuff will be as rated high as newer-looking aesthetical levels, maybe higher.
Every single point counts. You'll want to try to impress as much people as possible with your stuff, and while vanilla SMW-looking stuff (be it aesthetics or level design) may not bother people as much, it may not feel too memorable or brand new to other people. So therefore, in my opinion, I feel like we should try to make our levels stand out, one way or another.
Yes, level design is important, but if you're aiming to win or get a high ranking level, you should try to be creative with your level and perhaps try to make a cool or unique looking aesthetical look to the level. In my opinion, doing pure vanilla SMW levels or just focusing all design, no aesthetics will not work.
Just so you know, I'm very active on the site anymore like I was before; I'm mainly on Discord now.